CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1991
CENTRAL FALLS JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL
A Special Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the Central Falls High School at 7:42 P.M.
Councilman Brousseau
Councilman Charbonneau
Councilman Laroche
Councilwoman Moreau
Quorum present.
City Council President Albert O. Laroche presided.
City Clerk Daniel Issa read a letter from Councilman Vaudreuil which stated that he was unable to attend this meeting but was sending his views on the proposed detention facility corporation. In his letter he states that he is supportive of the project and endorses the Resolutions before the Council this evening.
Council President Laroche read from Council Rules on adequate notice to the City Council relative to meetings and that the rules state that 24 hours was needed for this purpose. He then stated that the materials for this evening was received by the City Council at 6:30 P.M. this evening and declared that inadequate notice for this meeting. He asked for unanimous consent to proceed with this meeting.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Brousseau | yes |
| Councilman Charbonneau | no |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | absent |
2 yes 2 no 1 absent.
Councilman Brousseau asked that the City Council listen to guests and then meet tomorrow to make a decision on Resolutions.
Discussion ensued on listening to presentation.
Motion was made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to listen to guest. Discussion on motion ensued.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Brousseau | yes |
| Councilman Charbonneau | no |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | absent |
Motion carries 3 yes 1 no 1 absent.
Councilman Charbonneau left meeting at 7:58 P.M. and stated he went home to read material.
Mayor Lazieh commented on background of project and introduced William Brody, Attorney for the project. He also introduced Anthony Ventutulo and Marshall Wyatt.
Mr. Brody explained IGA's and various aspects of the project. He stated that this is the first time such a facility will be built for exclusive use by the Marshall's and to their specifications.
Marshall Donald Wyatt commented and thanked the Mayor, City Council and people of Central Falls for taking this important step. He then explained that this project would benefit the City in numerous way with 75-100 new jobs, local purchases, construction jobs and twenty-five to thirty years of use to this now idle land. He explained the need for the facility asked the Council to pass this project.
Council President Laroche asked Mr. Wyatt questions on dates. Marshall Wyatt responded.
Councilwoman Moreau asked questions.
Marshall Wyatt stated that 90% holding and 10% possible for six months.
William Brody commented on contract and need for Council approval of Resolutions.
Councilman Brousseau asked about the breakdown of income to city from project.
Mr. Brody explained the direct and indirect costs.
Discussion ensued.
Plan reviewed and discussed.
Mr. Brody further discussed plans.
Council President Laroche asked questions.
Mr. Brody explained contracts and contractors. N.R. Cox & Assoc. Broun & Roat Building Co., Fla. Financial aspect by Dillon Reed and Canada National bank of Commerce. Durant Flickinger of Colorado. Mr. Brody stated that there would be no liability on behalf of the City and no exposure to taxpayers.
Council President Laroche asked if the City would have any liability if a prisoner were mistreated in the facility.
Mr. Brody responded no because the City is not in the Chain.
Mike Doyle responded that the City isn't liable because the City is not contracting the Corporation is and any legal recourse is against the corporation.
City Solicitor George Muksian was asked about exposure of the Board Members & City.
City Solicitor George Muksian responded that liability is limited but that it is possible they could be involved just as a school committee could.
Mike Doyle stated that sufficient insurance coverage would be provided.
Mr. Brody informed the Council that there are state statutes regarding non-profit corporation board members.
Councilwoman Moreau asked questions regarding the contract.
Mr. Brody responded.
City Solicitor Muksian commented.
Mayor Lazieh spoke in support of the project and time schedule.
Council President Laroche stated that he wouldn't be satisfied in one evening. He stated that he had questions regarding a Wall Street Journal article. He further stated that he thought this was a different situation but he wanted to make sure.
Mike Doyle stated that a great deal of public scrutiny has been given to this project and that he appreciated the work that has been done relative to this project.
City Council President Laroche opened the meeting to the public at 8:45 P.M.
Wilfred Demeule asked to see the blueprints for the project and asked if this was the same parcel of land.
Mr. Brody responded.
Mr. Demeule asked if there was any further acquisition of land planned.
Mr. Brody answered no.
Mr. Demeule asked where the recreation area would be.
Mr. Ventutulo showed him on the blueprint. The alarm system, security and patrols were all explained. No canine dogs.
Mr. Demeule asked if ball park will be faced by the facility.
Mr. Brody responded.
Mr. Ventutulo stated that the facility personnel would help to maintain the ballfield.
Kathy Fonseca of Cottage Street asked about the jobs that would be available, where to apply for them and what type of special training would be needed.
Mr. Ventutulo stated that correctional officers would need formalized training in a six to eight program, that Central Falls residents would be given preference in hiring. He also stated that medical staff, maintenance workers, librarians, food service workers, clerical staff, computer operators, data processors, administrative staff would also be required. He stated that local people would be wanted and that the operator will screen and hire.
Chester Arcisz questioned the availability of parking for this facility.
Mr. Brody replied and stated that there is 75 ft. available for parking and that there were three shifts so that parking would not be a problem.
Omer Zacharie of Lincoln ave. commented in favor of the facility and stated that the City needed the money.
Robert Canavan in favor of the facility and asked who was carrying the bonds for the project.
Mr. Brody explained the bond process and stated that the corporation would be responsible for the bonds.
Chief Sasso was asked to comment of the facility. He commented that the facility would be as secure as any with the latest technology. He also stated that is would be more secure than the ACI. He stated that he has been briefed and all his concerns related to the ballfield and the area have been satisfied. Chief Sasso also stated that the facility would be a benefit to his Department and that training would be available to them. He also stated that he may loose some personnel to the facility.
Fire Chief Coutu was asked to comment but he left the meeting.
Mr. Demeule questioned Chief Sasso.
Elizabeth Crowley questioned Chief Sasso.
Norman Bergeron stated that he was not in opposition to facility but asked if the $84 per day is a fixed rate.
Mr. Brody responded that this would be a negotiated amount every year.
Lorraine Savard questioned the income to the City.
Mr. Brody replied.
Donald Wyatt commented that there would be no shortage of inmates.
Ray Turgeon questioned income to City.
Mr. Brody and Mr. Doyle responded.
Josephine McLaughlin questioned the back taxes on the property.
Mayor Lazieh responded that all back taxes would be paid by Thursday of this week and there would be no loss of revenue to the City.
Mr. Arcisz stated that the City did need the money and that he was second to ok the jail. He further stated that the City need the money he asked for a sketch of the facility.
Mayor Lazieh responded that he would have sketches available for the next meeting.
The public hearing was closed at 9:32 a.m.
Council President Laroche commented.
City Solicitor Muksian commented.
Councilman Brousseau questioned Mayor on sketches and breakdown.
Mayor Lazieh responded.
Council President Laroche stated that he would entertain a motion to recess meeting to 8:00 P.M. July 31, 1991 at High School.
Motion was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Brousseau to recess to 8:00 P.M. July 31, 1991 at High School.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Brousseau | yes |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
Motion carries 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Meeting recessed at 9:27 P.M.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk
CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CONVENED FROM JULY 30, 1991 TO JULY 31, 1991
CENTRAL FALLS JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL
A Special Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date at the Central Falls High School at 8:14 P.M.
Councilman Brousseau
Councilman Charbonneau
Councilman Laroche
Councilwoman Moreau
Councilman Vaudreuil
Quorum present.
Council President Albert O. Laroche presided.
Route of parade read by Councilwoman Moreau. Unanimous consent granted.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Brousseau | yes |
| Councilman Charbonneau | yes |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Councilman Brousseau asked questioned of Mr. Brody who responded.
Discussion ensued.
Mr. Brody commented that all local & state purchasing procedures do apply according to statute.
Councilman Charbonneau questioned Mr. Brody.
Mr. Brody responded.
Councilman Charbonneau questioned Mayor Lazieh who responded on the $322,000 in revenue from project.
Mayor Lazieh stated that hiring preference was requested for Central Falls residents and purchasing local where possible. Mayor Lazieh expanded on peripheral benefits to community.
Mr. Brody responded to questions from Councilman Charbonneau about revenue to City from project.
Councilman Charbonneau questioned inmates status.
Mr. Brody responded that four to six month sentences could be served at the facility.
Council President Laroche spoke on revenue.
Councilman Brousseau spoke regarding number of inmates.
Mr. Brody responded.
Marshall Wyatt responded.
Council President Laroche commented and questioned.
Mr. Brody responded.
Council President asked questions regarding the corporation.
Mr. Brody responded on the cost of bond, user fees, and operation fees.
Council President Laroche questioned fees, bonds, surveys, travel.
Mr. Brody responded.
Councilman Laroche read from "Corrections Compendium."
Mr. Brody explained.
Councilman Charbonneau read from article from Wall Street Journal.
Mr. Brody responded that this is not the same and no liability exposure to the City here.
Marshall Wyatt spoke.
Councilman Charbonneau commented on unsuitability of site. He stated that the site was undesirable for federal penitentiary. He also stated that families might come on Sundays and watch prisoners on tracks.
Marshall Wyatt explained that this is not a penitentiary it is a detention facility. He further explained that the site is in a favorable place because it is right of route 95 and sits between Boston and Providence. He further commented that the amount of land is not important and that it is appropriate.
Mr. Brody commented.
Public Hearing opened at 9:16 P.M.
Pierre Beaucage of Blackstone Street asked questions related to maintenance workers, the height of the building, medical location, number of jobs, possibilities of escape and the number of inmates.
Robert Moreau of Phil's Restaurant on Dexter St. stated that he has been in business for six years and that this project would help the tax base. He also stated that there were worse things to see than the Detention Center.
Robert Canavan stated that he questions has already been answered.
Rita Pena stated that her questions were already answered.
Chester Arcisz asked the name of the operator. He also stated that he stood to make more money than other businesses. He also questioned the water and sewer services.
Mrs. Arcisz stated that she is against this project. She stated parking and traffic as potential problems.
Mr. Demeule read from sheet regarding Smithfield and from a letter from Mr. Machley and J. DeAngelis regarding Smithfield.
Lorraine Savard questioned the enabling legislation and asked if this was a PBA.
Mr. Brody responded no and explained particulars.
Councilman Brousseau responded to question.
Kathy Fonseca of Cottage St. stated that no one wanted a Detention Center but stated that we should look at what is walking the streets. She also commented that kids have always gone down to the railroad tracks with or without the facility.
Tony Garcia of Lemyre's Auto stated that the City has closed businesses and some near closing. He stated that he is in favor of this facility.
Richard Emery of Emery Catering stated that he is in favor of the facility and that the City needs the revenue it would produce. He further commented that people should come first, regardless of politics.
Mr. Edward McLaughlin of Lonsdale Ave. commented and stated that the Council was all insane if they voted in favor of this facility.
Len Rysykiewicz of Clifton St. asked for comparative figures.
Marshall Wyatt responded.
Dominic Micharoni of the Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of this project. He stated that traffic and safety would not be an issue. He also stated that he lives across from the ACI in Cranston and has had no problem with safety.
The meeting recesses for 5 minutes at 10:04 P.M.
Convened at 10:18 P.M.
Council President Laroche stated that he has numerous questions about the water supply, sewer system, traffic and that if he voted on the issue at this time he would be voting from his heart rather than on the issue.
Mayor Lazieh stated that the cost for any water would be incurred by the corporation and must be paid for by the contractor.
Mr. Brody stated that the sewer and water issue has been examined and that there is a contingency budget for these. He also stated that a budget does not exit at this time because its a little premature at this time.
Robert Canavan stated that there is adequate water and sewer at this site because a study was done when looking for a new school site.
Councilman Brousseau commented that parking should be adequate with 131 spaces, he also commented that the water and sewer was looked into for the new school. He also commented on the enabling legislation and stated that the Council worked to make sure that the City was insulated from liability. He commented that no construction could go forward without Council consent.
Council President Laroche stated that he wanted to wait until Monday before he puts this to a vote, that there is too much here.
Councilman Brousseau commented.
Motion to table until Monday, August 5, 1991 was made by Councilman Charbonneau and seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Brousseau | yes |
| Councilman Charbonneau | yes |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Motion to recess was made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Brousseau | yes |
| Councilman Charbonneau | yes |
| Councilman Laroche | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Vaudreuil | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent. Time 10:31 P.M.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk