CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
BUDGET WORKSHOP
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1992
A Budget Workshop with the Mayor, Finance Director and City Council was held on the above date in the Mayor's Conference Room at 7:45 P.M.
Present:
Councilman Matthews
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Canavan
Councilman Paquette
Councilwoman Moreau
Motion to adjourn to Executive session under open meeting laws exemption #2 "collective bargaining or litigation," was made by Councilman Paquette.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 7:50 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 9:16 P.M.
James Baron of the Pawtucket Times was present.
Council President Canavan questioned Mr. Baron on their telephone conversation regarding the City's electric bills and asked how he had received this information.
Mr. Baron stated that the Electric Company called and that he was given copies of the bills by the Electric Company.
Council President Canavan asked Mr. Baron if he had possession of copies of the budget draft with written notes on the back of them.
Mr. Baron replied yes he was supplied reviewed documents with W.R. Demeule's stamp and "gadfly" on it. He further stated that he had most of the sheets.
Council President Canavan stated that someone came into the City Hall Building and stole those papers. He requested that Mayor Lazieh review security of City Hall and pursue this matter. He stated that this is an extremely delicate situation because medical records, personnel records and confidential records could be missing. He stated that the Council is furious and asked what other information has been let out.
Councilman Matthews stated that he has asked the Mayor to investigate this matter and that he is outraged that property is being sold, copies and distributed.
Councilman Paquette commented that these papers were drafts of the budget for the purpose of a workshop and stated that these are now on the street, personal letters on personal stationary also are among these papers. He stated that he didn't know how they got out.
Council President Canavan stated that only 3 Council Members received this package, Councilman Matthews and himself did not receive them. He stated that this is unethical, private notes personal information were taken off of desks. He commented that this should be investigated.
Councilman Ferri stated that he had nothing further to add and agreed that an investigation should take place.
Council President Canavan asked what other information has gotten out whether through employees or other means and he stated that this is wrong.
Councilman Paquette stated that internal communications are necessary and that to use them for other means is not right.
Edna Poulin, Finance Director commented that these memo's were stolen from her desk and that no copies were made and that these were originals.
Mayor Lazieh commented that he doesn't take lightly the recommendation of the Council to investigate this matter. He commented that there have been handbags and money stolen from City Hall and stated that this cannot continue. He stated that he would take action. He stated that the Chief of Police has been contacted and is on his way. He stated that this was only discovered this evening by the Finance Director and himself. He stated that the Finance Director related to him that personal documents were taken from her desk. He asked what else is being taken and by whom. He stated that he will pursue the matter.
Mr. Baron asked if there was any indication that other things were missing.
Edna Poulin and Mayor Lazieh stated that they would take an inventory tomorrow.
Council President Canavan stated that they didn't know if anything else was taken.
Chief Sasso commented that an investigation would take place and that he would talk to the Chief of Detectives.
Council President Canavan asked Chief Sasso if the people in possession of the papers could be questioned.
Chief Sasso responded yes.
Mayor Lazieh commented that the budget workshops are to prepare drafts and information for the Council to finalize budget.
Councilman Matthews asked who delivered these papers to the 3 members of the Council who received them.
Chief Sasso asked that Mr. Baron leave so that the investigation of this matter could begin.
The workshop on the budget was recessed until Monday, May 4, 1992 at 7:00 P.M.
Police arrived and investigation began 9:30 P.M.
Meeting ended at 10:45 P.M.
Daniel J. Issa, city clerk