April 13, 1992 - City Council Meeting & Workshop

CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1992

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 7:00 P.M.

A Workshop of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers on the above date at 5:30 P.M.

WORKSHOP AT 5:30 P.M.

Charles Pytel, Director of Minimum Housing Department explained the duties of his department. He commented on prosecuting housing violations and explained that the Assistant City Solicitor, James Briden has assisted with these prosecutions before Municipal Court.

Council President Canavan questioned the number of cases before the Municipal Court relative to Housing.

Charles Pytel related that 7 or 8 cases have been before the Municipal Court. He related that the Court is behind schedule because the Clerk has been out due to illness. He also related that there was currently $3,000.00 in fines assessed by the Court.

Councilwoman Moreau commented on the Municipal Court relative to the absence of the Clerk.

The Council discussed the boarding of houses vacant in the City.

The Council questioned staff requirements in the Department.

Comments relative to the Zoning and Planning Departments proposed changes was also discussed.

Workshop closed at 7:08 P.M.

A Regular Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:15 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present:

Councilman Matthews

Councilman Ferri

Councilman Canavan

Councilman Paquette

Councilwoman Moreau

Quorum Present.

Council President Robert Canavan presided.

EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:45 P.M.

Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk

No Executive was held.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Council President Canavan led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES

Workshop March 5, 1992; Regular Meeting March 9, and March 16, 1992; Workshop March 23, 1992; Special Meeting April 1, 1992.

Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

PARADE

Channel One, Crimestoppers & Project Hope Saturday, June 6, 1992 at 12:00 Noon.

Parade Route begin at Macomber Stadium up Blackstone Street to Broad, right on Fales St. left on Fletcher Street to rear entrance of Jenks Park this will be the opening to the Park Fair.

Leo Leclerc addressed the Council and explained the purpose of the Parade and Park Fair. He commented on the need to change the image of the City and to teach the City's History. He spoke on the Adopt a Book campaign relative to Children of the City taking pride in the City and helping to preserve the earliest History Books of the City.

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

Councilman Ferri questioned the parade route and asked if the Police would be on hand to supervise.

Mr. Leclerc responded that this is with the approval of the Police Department.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT

Fiscal Year 1991/1992 Audit Report presented by Edna S. Poulin, Finance Director and Parmalee, Bacon & Edge, CPA, Auditors.

Edna Poulin presented the Annual Audit Report and explained the various aspects of the 1991 Budget. She explained the $300,000.00 budgeted surplus to address the cumulative deficit and explained other areas that the City's Surplus came from.

Councilman Paquette asked what the actual 1991 overall deficit was.

Edna Poulin stated that the total overall deficit was $170,108.00.

Council President Canavan questioned the $300,000 budgeted surplus.

John Parmelee explained the budgeted figures and further commented on the audit report. He also commended the City on its fiscal management in this current economy and stated that if the same prudent fiscal management was maintained the City would be able to wipe out the deficit within four years.

Motion to accept the Audit report was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Matthews.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

Furman Davenport of 47 Cowden St. C.F. addressed the City Council relative to tax relief. He related that he is 100% disabled and aged 62. He related that he needs tax relief and should receive the same exemption that persons age 65 received who are not disabled. He spoke on the hardships he is facing and asked the Council to consider his request. He stated that he was burglarized and waited one hour for the police to arrive.

Council President Canavan asked if he spoke to Tax Assessor.

Mr. Davenport responded that he did. He also commented that he is a veteran but lost his discharge papers and has never received a veterans exemption.

Councilwoman Moreau questioned Mr. Davenport.

Councilman Paquette commented on an Ordinance relative to 100% Disabled persons aged 62.

Councilman Matthews asked Mr. Davenport if he was in any tax lien situations.

Mr. Davenport stated that not at the present time.

Council President Canavan instructed the City Clerk to notify Mr. Davenport if an Ordinance is introduced regarding this matter.

CITY OFFICER'S REPORT

Police Report March 1992

Councilman Paquette commented on other reports such as the Animal Control Officers Report, the Finance Department Report etc.

Councilwoman Moreau also commented on the Minimum Housing, Electrical and Plumbing and Municipal Court Reports.

Edna Poulin was asked to update the finances of the City. She commented on the financial statements.

Edna Poulin explained the use of the computer in the Finance Office and stated that future reports will be addressed in bottom line figures.

Edna Poulin addressed the delinquent taxes stating that a tax sale was held and that payments were made or arrangements were made relative to real estate taxes.

She also reported on delinquent auto taxes. She commented on the possibility of a tax sale in June.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

ORDINANCES (INTRODUCTION)

An Ordinance Amending Article I, Section 14-1 Schedule of Licenses & Permits "Plumbing Permit Fees."

Introduced by Council President Canavan.

ORDINANCE (FIRST PASSAGE)

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 Section 3-4 entitled "Alcoholic Beverages Maximum Number" Councilman Ferri stated that the Class BV should be 27 not 29.

City Clerk responded.

Motion to amend to 27 was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Paquette.

City Clerk read Ordinance.

Roll Call:

Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

ORDINANCE (FIRST PASSAGE)

An Ordinance Amending Section 14.1 "Schedule of Licenses & Permits." (Victualling Licenses)

Read by City Clerk Issa.

Councilman Paquette moved to defer.

Councilman Matthews commented.

Councilwoman Moreau seconded motion.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 4 yes 1 no 0 absent.

ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING

An Ordinance Amending Section 16-3-4 Authorization of Emergency Vehicles.

Read by City Clerk Issa.

Public hearing opened at 8:10 P.M.

Wilfred R. Demeule asked if this included Mayor's vehicle.

Council President Canavan responded.

Mr. Demeule asked if the Mayor's car can park on the sidewalk.

Public Hearing closed at 8:14 P.M.

Councilman Matthews asked if the Public Works comes under Department of Public Safety.

Council President Canavan commented asked that this be deferred until City Solicitor arrives.

Councilman Matthews asked that the Ordinance on Licenses and permits be brought back on the table since the Mayor was here.

Mayor Lazieh stated he did not introduce this Ordinance.

Council questioned Mayor on Emergency Ordinance. He stated that Public Works Vehicles do not come under Public Safety.

Councilman Ferri questioned the mayor on Emergency Vehicle Ordinance.

Mayor Lazieh explained that the current Ordinance was defective.

Councilwoman Moreau questioned Mayor Lazieh.

Mayor Lazieh responded.

Discussion ensued on what vehicles are covered by the Ordinance.

Councilman Matthews read from State Law.

Councilman Ferri suggested that the City Solicitor incorporate the State Law into this Ordinance.

Council President Canavan suggested that the words "in accordance with State Law" be included.

ORDINANCE FINAL PASSAGE.

An Ordinance Amending Section 16-3-4 Authorization of Emergency Vehicles.

RESOLUTION

Resolution In Support of the Rhode Island League of Cities & Towns Legislative Package before the 1992 General Assembly. (tabled 3/16/92)

Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Matthews. Seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to submit the 1992 Community Development Block Grant Application.

Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Ferri.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

PETITION TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL

Karen Perron of 18 Cowden St., Central Falls Mrs. Perron addressed the Council regarding a rat problem in the area of 17 Cowden St., the property owned by Mr. Fred Ramos. She stated that this problem has existed since 1974. She read from a prepared statement related that 19 bags of poison were put in the area to address the problem. She cited 23-19-4 in a violation to Mr. Ramos. She showed anonymous pictures to Council.

Councilwoman Moreau questioned Mr. Pytel on the progress related to this matter.

Mr. Pytel commented on the progress made to date relative to the matter, he stated that car have been removed, the dumpster cleaned etc.

Karen Perron stated that something had to be done.

Mr. Fred Ramos commented that he has lived at this address all his life and stated that this person has a vendetta against him.

Councilman Matthews asked if Mr. Ramos has done anything about his property.

Mr. Ramos stated that he has had problems being ill and that he has all that he can handle at the moment.

Councilman Matthews questioned Mr. Ramos further.

Mr. Ramos outlined his actions to clean up the problem.

Mr. Robert Perron commented that he has no vendetta against Mr. Ramos, he then stated that he complied with the law and wanted Mr. Ramos to do the same.

Councilman Matthews commented that he was told that Mr. Ramos would clean up his yard.

Council President Canavan assured Mrs. Perron that the Minimum Housing Department will address the problem.

Councilman Matthews questioned Mayor Lazieh on the status of Mr. Ramos' property.

Mayor Lazieh related that Mr. Ramos was called into his Office and that the complaints on his property was discussed. Mayor Lazieh stated that both he and Charles Pytel inspected the property and Mr. Ramos was told the clean the property.

Councilman Matthews questioned Mr. Ramos further.

Mr. Ramos replied.

Council President Canavan asked the Perrons if they were satisfied that something would be done.

Mr. Demeule was told by Council President Canavan the he was out of order.

Discussion continued on the Perron matter.

Charles Pytel will coordinate efforts with Griggs & Brown relative to the rats in the area.

HEARING

Odalis Garcia d/b/a Los Marineros Restaurant

716 Dexter St., C.F. (tabled 4/1/92)

Councilman Paquette asked that the letter from Attorney Laliberte be read. So read by City Clerk Issa.

Correspondence from Attorney Laliberte requests a continuance of this hearing.

Mr. Wilfred Demeule again disrupted the meeting and Council President Canavan asked that he be removed from the meeting.

George Muksian, City Solicitor advised the Council on matters related to this hearing.

Councilwoman Moreau asked the City Solicitor on the length of time allowed for a suspension for this type of violation.

George Muksian, City Solicitor replied.

Council discussion ensued.

George Muksian responded and explained State Law and in his personal opinion stated that the 5 day suspension that is adequate.

Council President Canavan stated that if there are any legal matters before the Council, the Council will delay, defer, or table these matters until the City Solicitor is present to answer questions before any action would be taken.

The Council accepted the Correspondence of Attorney Laliberte and deferred action on the hearing.

ORDINANCE

An ordinance Amending Section 16-3-4 "Authorization of Emergency Vehicles.

The Council questioned the City Solicitor on the Ordinance.

Councilman Ferri asked if Section 31-12-8 and 31-12-9 should be added to the amendment.

George Muksian responded no because the state law could change.

Motion to amend the Ordinance as follows was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Ferri.

Amend to Read: Vehicles registered in Title to the City of Central Falls and operated by employees of the Police Department and Fire Department during the course of their Official Duties and in accordance with law,..............

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Public Hearing opened at 9:30 p.m.

Richard Muggle commented.

Public Hearing closed at 9:35 P.M.

Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Paquette and Councilman Ferri.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

CLASS A LICENSES (NEW)

Joe Taveira Enterprises

d/b/a Criss Cross Deli

48 Cross St. C.F.

Hours: 6a.m. to 6p.m. Mon.-Sat.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

BBT Inc.

d/b/a Minuteman Pizza

498 Broad St. C.F.

Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11a.m.-Midnight

Friday & Saturday 11a.m.-1a.m.

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

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

CLASS C LICENSE (NEW)

Alejandro Gonzalez & Virginia Matos

d/b/a Coqui Mini Mart

426 High St., C.F.

Variety Store 7A.M. to 10:00 P.M. 7 days

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE LICENSES (new)

Jose Luis Luna d/b/a Jose Fashion

684 Dexter St. C.F.

Sale of new clothing

Motion to approve was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by councilwoman Moreau and Councilman Paquette.

Hours Monday thru Saturday 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday 12:00 noon to 6:00 P.M.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Len Nadeau d/b/a Lenado Enterprises

15 Arrow St. C.F.

Electronics & Supplies

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

R.J. & Joseph L'Heureux

d/b/a American Academic Services

P.O. Box 197 C.F.

Service for Financial Aid to Students.

Councilman Matthews questioned applicants.

Councilman Ferri asked how this business works.

Motion to approve was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Paquette.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Martin Forero d/b/a Flash Service Inc.

701 Broad St. C.F.

Motion to table was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Paquette.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

POPPY DRIVE

Lefebvre Post Hunt St.

Poppy Drive May 14, 15, 16, 1992.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

DANCE FUNDRAISER

Garfield Social Club to hold an outdoor dance on June 6, 1992 from 2p.m.-8p.m. for Sara England Fund.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

PENNY SOCIAL

Syrian Ladies Catholic Society

St. Basil's Church 455 Broad St.

Apr. 26, 1992.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

RAFFLE

Blackstone Falls Assoc. High St.

50/50 Raffle beginning May 1992.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

CLASS C-1 LICENSE

Timothy & Judith Barlow

Dexter Street Convenience & Deli

525 Dexter St.

Hours 7-9 7 days per week

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Maria Helena Taveira

d/b/a Fatima's Beauty Salon

1236 Broad St. C.F.

9-7 tues.-fri. Sat. 8-5

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

TRANSFER OF BUSINESS LOCATION

George Mitsoulis d/b/a Flash Electronics

1234 Broad St. C.F.

Motion to table was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

City Clerk was instructed to ask applicant to attend the next meeting of the Council.

The Council questioned Charles Pytel about CO's and operation of business without them.

Charles Pytel responded.

David Cormier business to business wholesaler.

Motion to table was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Paquette.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Councilman Ferri asked the City Clerk to supply a copy of anything that comes in late and is not on the agenda. He also requested that anyone applying for a license should be here.

City Clerk Issa stated that when the City Clerk's Office agreed to get the agenda out earlier the Office would accept license requests for the convenience of the applicant.

The City Clerk recommended that if the applicant was not in the Office when the agenda is ready for delivery he would not have heard for that meeting.

Charles Pytel commented.

Councilman Ferri stated that he didn't have a problem with receiving the application the same day he just wanted a copy of the application.

Councilwoman Moreau commented on a time limit of a week on applications.

Motion was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Matthews that a copy of the application be given to the Council and that the City Clerk instruct the applicant that they must appear before the Council.

Roll Call

Motion carried 3 yes 2 no 0 absent.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Moreau that all applications for licenses be received at least a week prior to the Council meetings. Second made by Councilman Paquette.

Discussion ensued.

Councilwoman Moreau withdraws motion.

Councilman Paquette withdraws second.

Motion was made by Councilwoman Moreau that all license petitions be filed no later that 2 days before the preparation of the agenda for consideration by the Council and that copies of the license application be sent to the Council.

Motion carried 3 yes 2 no 0 absent.

CORRESPONDENCES

Volunteer Services for Animals report 1991.

Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk Notice to Class A Restaurant owners.

Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 4 yes 1 no 0 absent.

Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk letter to Edna Poulin re: Request from Council on status of Audit, 1992/93 Budget and 1990/1991 Real Estate & Tangible Property Taxes still outstanding.

Rev. Leon Maynard, Notre Dame Parish

Town of Lincoln March Animal Control Report.

Town of Middletown, Resolution In support of Legislation related to Land Development.

Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau and Councilman Paquette.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM MAYOR

Appointments

Councilman Ferri questioned 4 year terms.

Councilwoman Moreau responded that it was at the Mayor's discretion regarding the number of years for a term.

No motion to remove from table was made.

Councilman Ferri stated that Mayor should be made aware of why the Council has placed matter on the table.

The Council with no objection left matter on the table.

REPORTS OF COUNCIL SUB COMMITTEES

Councilman Matthews gave a brief report on status of budget.

Commented on revaluation.

Council President asked if heavy trash pick up was included in budget.

Councilman Matthews responded.

Councilman Ferri asked about additional staffing.

Councilman Matthews responded no.

Discussion ensued regarding budget and staffing.

OLD BUSINESS

Set tentative date Zoning Ordinance Left open at the call of the Chair.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business for discussion.

ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Matthews. All Agreed. So voted. Time 11:00 P.M.

Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk