June 10, 1991 - Special City Council Meeting

CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1991

CENTRAL FALLS JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

AT 8:00 P.M.

A Special Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the Central Falls Jr./Sr. High School at 8:15 p.m.

Roll Call present:

Councilman Brousseau

Councilman Charbonneau

Councilman Laroche

Councilwoman Moreau

Councilman Vaudreuil

Quorum present.

City Council President Albert O. Laroche presided.

SECOND HAND ARTICLE LICENSE TRANSFER

Victor Guerrero & Robert A. Khlil

d/b/a Dexter Appliances

534 Dexter St. C.F.

from

Robert A. Biron

d/b/a Chips Antiques

904 Lonsdale Ave. C.F.

Council President Laroche asked the nature of this business and where it was located.

Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Khlil responded.

Motion to approve was made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

ORDINANCE (PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL PASSAGE)

Council President Laroche asked Edna Poulin for her comments regarding revisions to the Budget.

Edna Poulin stated that at the last meeting she told the City Council that part of the tax rate increase, $2.71, comprised of 83 cents for Municipal Salaries and $1.88 for Municipal debt. She related to the Council the need for passing a budget and how this is related to potential problems with bonding. She stated that at the last meeting the tax rate increase was cut to $2.78. Department Head salaries, cuts in Demolition Account, telephone account, Misc. City Property Account were some accounts she discussed. She spoke of Blue Cross for 6 part time employees which represents $25,000 which would reduce the tax rate by 14 cents. Other areas mentioned were deferred hiring which equaled to 4.4 cents and reduction from 800,000 to 725,000 in the deficit reduction account for 40 cents on the tax rate. She stated that the tax rate increase after these cuts would amount to $2.16 for a new tax rate of $56.91. She also stated that 17 cents of the tax rate would still have to be raised just to provide the same services as last year without meeting any additional costs. She related to the Council that bond counsel, the banking industry and the state were all consulted this morning regarding this budget. She stated that this was a responsible budget and although tight it is one that meets the needs of the City and one that the City could live with. She stated that the City must reduce the deficit and provide services.

Council President Laroche questioned the part time employees receiving blue cross benefits.

Edna Poulin responded that there were six individuals who received this benefit.

Council President Laroche asked why the increase of $80,000 in personal services.

Edna Poulin explained that arbitrations, workman's compensation and the potential for additional increases in unemployment compensation, which the City pays dollar for dollar. She stated that unemployment compensation could represent $45 to $50 thousand dollars. She stated that this was not budgeted during the last election by the previous Administration and if another Administration takes Office in January 1992, there could be 6 Department Heads not rehired by the next Administration. She explained that there are pending cases with former employees that present a liability. Edna Poulin stated that she was advised to include all this in the budget.

Councilman Brousseau asked questions about Blue Cross.

Edna Poulin responded and stated that blue cross could increase if the State takes over blue cross for the School Department and the City is downsized from a large group to a smaller group.

Councilman Charbonneau questioned revenues.

Edna Poulin responded that next year $2.5 million will be realized by the School takeover.

Council President Laroche questioned the $37,000 lost on the market study.

Councilman Charbonneau asked how much in outstanding city bills was due.

Edna Poulin stated that there is approximately $2.8 million due.

City Council President Albert Laroche opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:45 p.m.

Edna Poulin explained account which also includes dog officer and boarding of animals.

Mr. Arcisz questioned City Property. Is Stern building on Broad St. included.

Edna Poulin explained that the Redevelopment Agency owns that building and pays taxes for it.

Mr. Arcisz asked if trailers are being taxed.

Councilman Charbonneau explained trailers on High St.

Edward McLaughlin asked about business run from City Hall and asked about American Spinning Mills.

Edna Poulin explained that bank took over that property and that they would pay 18% interest on those taxes.

Mr. McLaughlin asked why the bank is not paying those taxes and stated that $160,000. is a lot of money.

Councilman Charbonneau asked if the $600,000 due the Redevelopment Agency was lost when Spintex was taken over by bank.

Edna Poulin responded that it was and when the Detention Facility takes over the City will receive the back taxes.

Councilman Charbonneau stated that he didn't know until now that the taxes on the property haven't been paid. He asked why the City is giving concessions to Worcester Bank when the taxpayers don't get one.

Edna Poulin responded that the City does make concessions to individuals having difficulty paying taxes.

Councilman Charbonneau asked if there would be a tax sale this summer and would American Spinning be on for this sale.

Edna Poulin responded that if the deal did not materialize the property would be put on tax sale.

Council President Laroche commented on American Spinning and tax sale.

Daniel Cooney thanked City Council for including new truck for Fire Department.

Robert Canavan commented on the communication between the City Administration and City Council and stated that trust is missing between the two. He stated that no one else knew about the detention facility and the taxes for that building being unpaid and that didn't seem fair. He state that the Council has another option by passing a budget now and applying for grants.

Councilman Brousseau commented.

Edna Poulin commented on tans and rating.

Mr. Pytka from Henry St. commented on quality of life in City and stated that more revenues could be made if more enforcement was done.

Mayor Lazieh responded that Police Chief is cracking down on Dexter and Broad Streets and that drug offenders etc. are being addressed but that these things cannot be done overnight.

Mr. Demeule asked questions on incinerator and water rebate figures.

Edna Poulin responded.

Council President Laroche questioned $210,000 in uncollectables and asked if 164,000 is part of this.

Edna Poulin stated that she could respond for this year.

Council President Laroche asked what this year's figure was.

Edna Poulin responded $50,000.

Public Hearing closed at 9:59 P.M.

1. THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE

Councilman Brousseau Made the following motions to amend:

Account # 001-4030 Salaries (Mayor's Office)

1991/92 Grant $53,299.00 net increase $1,670.00.

Motion to amend made by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion Carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account #013-4030 Expense Account (Mayor's Office)

1991/92 Grant $1,500.00 net decrease ($3,500.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 4030 Mayor's Office Totals

1991/92 Grant $54,700.00 net decrease ($2,830.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 001-4070 City Clerk Office Salaries

1991/92 Grant $92,414.00 net increase $4,470.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 013-4070 City Clerk Office Car Allowance

1991/92 Grant -0- net decrease ($500.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 4070 Personnel Expenses City Clerk's Office

1991/92 Grant $1,000.00 net decrease ($800.00).

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilman Charbonneau and Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account #4070 Total City Clerk Office

1991/92 Grant $107,314.00 net increase $3,170.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

 Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 001-4090 Salaries Legal Department

1991/92 Grant $29,587.00 net increase $6,520.00.

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account #013-4090 Legal Department Car Allowance

1991/92 -0- net decrease ($800.00).

Motion to amend made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account total 4090 Legal Department.

1991/92 Grant $31,887.00 net increase $5,720.00

Motion to amend made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account #210-4130 Computer Cost Tax Assessor Office

1991/92 Grant $17,000.00 net decrease ($2,000.00).

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 4130 Total Tax Assessor Office

1991/92 Grant $63,360.00 net increase $516.00.

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 001-4150 Finance Department Salaries

1991/92 Grant $111,181.00 net increase $7,565.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account # 013-4150 Car Allowance Finance Department

1991/92 Grant -0- net decrease ($600.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account #4150 Total Finance Department

1991/92 Grant $152,481.00 net increase $11,165.00.

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 001-4170 Salaries Board of Canvassers

1991/92 Grant $29,166.00 net increase 835.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account #4170 Total Board of Canvassers

1991/92 Grant $44,566.00 net increase $3,585.00.

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

New Account 013-4210 Create Car Allowance account City Property

1991/92 Grant $1,000.00 net increase $1,000.00

Motion made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Councilman Brousseau explained that this account is to be used by Department Heads instead of individual account at a rate of 25 cents per mile.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 010-4210 Miscellaneous City Property

1991/92 Grant $12,000.00 net decrease ($8,000.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 075-4210 Insurance City Property

1991/92 Grant $120,000.00 for net decrease ($15,000.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 4210 Total City Property

1991/92 Grant $337, 858.00 net decrease ($12,950.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 4570 Fire Department Add lease purchase new fire truck.

1991/92 Grant $42,000.00 net increase $42,000.00.

Motion by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 4570 Fire Department Total

1991/92 Grant $1,390,230.00 net increase $120,392.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilman Charbonneau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 001-4620 Municipal Court Salaries

1991/92 Grant $22,000.00 net increase $1,093.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 4620 Total Municipal Court

1991/92 Grant $22,500.00 net increase $1,093.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 013-5500 Car Allowance Minimum Housing

1991/92 Grant -0- net decrease ($400.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 ye 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 5500 Minimum Housing Total

1991/92 Grant $106,162.00 net increase $5,677.00.

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Councilman Charbonneau asked if a raise for the Department Head was included in this total.

Councilman Brousseau stated that this is already included in total effective Jan.1, 1992.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 5700 Solid Waste Disposal.

1991/92 Grant -0- net decrease ($153,158.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Councilman Charbonneau questioned the need to eliminate this from the budget and asked what would happen if Solid Waste asked to be paid where would the City get the money.

Councilman Brousseau responded that the City would use creative ways to fund if necessary.

Councilman Charbonneau stated that he would go along with this but he has reservations about deleting this from the budget.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 5750 Highway Account.

Councilman Brousseau stated that he made no changes in this Department, however, reflected in the Salaries Account is a raise effective Jan. 1, 1992 for the Director and motioned to affirm this. Motion seconded Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 001-6100 Salaries Library

1991/92 Grant $52,947.00 net decrease ($28,083.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 040-6100 Auto Library

1991/92 Grant -0- net decrease ($400.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 6100 Total Library

1991/92 Grant $86,122.00 net decrease ($27,708.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 084-6300 Municipal Indebtness Contingencies

1991/92 Grant $20,000.00 net decrease ($80,000.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilman Charbonneau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 6300 Total Municipal Indebtness

1991/92 Grant $3,138,025.00 net increase $1,075,311.00

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 056-6400 Personal Services Fringe Benefits

1991/92 Grant $25,000.00 net decrease (116,320.00)

Motion to amend Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Councilman Charbonneau asked what personal services related to.

Councilman Brousseau responded.

Edna Poulin stated that this was for compensation cases, salary and blue cross and unemployment compensation.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Account 6400 Fringe Benefit Total

1991/92 Grant $1,344,803.00 net decrease ($126,985.00)

Motion to amend Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Councilman Brousseau commented.

Grand Total 1991/1992 Budget

Grant $13,105,671.00 net decrease ($7,810,838.00)

Motion to amend by Councilman Brousseau seconded by Councilman Charbonneau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Motion was made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau that the tax rate be set at $55.50 or 75% increase.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

Motion to approve the Annual Operating Budget Ordinance as amended was made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

2. THE CAPITAL PROGRAM ORDINANCE

3. THE ANNUAL CAPITAL BUDGET ORDINANCE

4. AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ARTICLE VII, SECTION 2-67 "WAGE SCHEDULE GENERALLY" OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES, AS AMENDED.

5. PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OTHERS IN UNCLASSIFIED SERVICES.

Motion to approve as amended to reflect increases beginning Jan. 1, 1991 and a Salary for Mayor of $36,968 to begin Jan. 1, 1991 was made by Councilman Brousseau and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. Discussion on Salaries of Department Heads ensued.

Roll Call:

Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 abstention 0 absent.

6. AMENDING SECTION 2-68 "SALARIES FOR FIREMEN AND POLICEMEN, AS AMENDED.

7. ESTABLISHING THE CLASSES OF POSITIONS, THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN CERTAIN CLASSES IN CITY DEPARTMENTS.