CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1992
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A Regular Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 5:30 P.M.
Councilman Matthews
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Canavan
Councilman Paquette
Councilwoman Moreau
Quorum present.
Council President Robert J. Canavan presided.
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded 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 0 abstentions.
Time: 5:46 P.M.
Meeting reconvened at 7:30 P.M.
Council President Canavan started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Regular Meeting Jan. 13, 1992
Workshops Jan. 21, & Jan. 27 1992
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Councilman Paquette asked that the minutes for the Workshop of Jan. 21, 1992 be corrected to read Councilman Louis Paquette.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion to approve as amended carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.
Motion to seal the minutes of the Executive Session was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions 0 absent.
Council President Canavan explained that the City Council would listen to comments from the public on agenda items only and asked if there were any comments at this time.
Lorraine Savard asked how comments were to be made when most people were not aware of what is on the agenda.
Council President Canavan stated that the agenda is posted on each side of the Council Chamber's doors and on the bulletin board on the main floor.
Josephine McLaughlin commented that the agenda should be read out loud.
Brian Freeman of Robinson & Cole commented.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 Section 3-4 entitled Alcoholic Beverage Licenses "Maximum Number.
Ordinance read by City Clerk Issa.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
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 0 abstentions.
City Clerk Issa read proposed amendments to plan.
Council President Canavan opened the meeting to a Public Hearing on revisions to the plan at 7:50 P.M
Maurice Duray a Lincoln Resident questioned if the changes were made to all industrial areas in Central Falls.
William Siemers replied that the changes occur along the Higinson Ave. site.
Lorraine Savard of 76 Emmett St. asked why this area is classified heavy industrial. She further commented that she did not like this at all.
Councilman Paquette commented.
Councilman Canavan commented.
Mrs. Savard commented that this was unacceptable.
William Siemers commented that the City has a shrinking commercial area on Dexter St. He also commented on the open space area and the limited resources of the City. He further commented on the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor along the riverfront and that the efforts would be concentrated along this area with regards to open space.
Ricard Patino commented on the Higginson Ave. Park and commented that it was widely used by the Hispanic Community and it could be destroyed by the Waste to Energy facility.
Maurice Durary questioned the wetlands area.
Councilman Canavan responded.
Brian Freeman of Robinson Cole representing the Town of Lincoln stated that the site is currently zoned M-1 and asked why change to M-2. He commented on land in the Town of Lincoln adjourning the Higginson Ave. area zoned as general manufacturing in Lincoln. He spoke on the present recreational facility in the area and the market. He pointed out potential hazardous impact of the facility and the problems related transportation and feeder roads to the facility.
Public hearing closed at 8:08 P.M Motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan as amended was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Councilman Ferri commented that he asked that the plan be re-worded because he is concerned about the incinerator. He stated that there would be many road blocks ahead for the facility. He asked that Bill Siemers comment.
William Siemers commented that before anything relative to the incinerator is done there would be extensive state permitting process and most likely the Army Corp. of Engineers would also be asked to assess the area before this facility would be considered for this site. He also stated that this then be brought before the zoning board for a special use permit and variance. He stated that he believed this process would take many years.
Council President Canavan commented that this if a very sensitive issue and that it affects the people of Central Falls, Lincoln and Pawtucket. He stated that he was strongly in favor of the facility when the proposal was first introduced for the financial benefit to the City. He commented that 5 years from now who knows what the financial situation of the City would be. He asked if there was a possibility of something else being built at this location, he thought not, will roads and traffic be a problem, he stated that there were many variables before this project came to fruition and that he lived not 3/4 of a mile away from the proposed site and that his daughter and granddaughter lived in the Town of Lincoln. He would not vote for something that might endanger anyone in the Community. He also commented on the permitting process and that there was a vote by the people of the City that passed and that the permitting process should continue. If the facility was not in the best interest of the City the Council would vote not at some later date. He stated that the Council should move forward.
Councilwoman Moreau commented that she has a strong opposition to the incinerator which she has had since the idea has first been brought before the Council. She stated that to approve this would open the door for this issue to be out of the control of the Council. She stated that her decision regarding this matter was a responsible one and that the issue was not properly presented to the people.
Councilman Matthews commented that the Comprehensive Plan is the issue here and not the incinerator. He stated that he is not voting on the incinerator but on a Comprehensive Plan.
Councilwoman Moreau commented.
No other comments were made and Council President Canavan asked for a vote on the motion.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | no |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.
Council President Canavan asked that a Sub Committee be formed to review and gather information for and against the proposed facility and on the permitting needed. Councilwoman Moreau and Councilman Paquette stated that they would serve on this Committee.
Zoning Ordinance
William Siemers asked that the City Council hear the consultants to present the Zoning Ordinance. He also outlined the State zoning act proposal and that the present ordinance proposal took one year to prepare and is in compliance with State law and with the Comprehensive Plan.
Sam Shamoon, Planning Consultant, outlined the proposed Zoning Ordinance he stated that the Ordinance, if approved, would make the City of Central Falls the first City in the State to comply with the State enabling act.
Andrew Tietz explained the history of the act and stated that this is the first state zoning act passed in 70 years.
Councilman Matthews questioned 210.1 residential vs. non-residential.
Andrew Tietz responded.
Councilman Matthews questioned use code on page 14.
Mr. Tietz and Mr. Siemers responded.
Councilman Matthews questioned several sections of the proposed Ordinance.
Council President Canavan commented.
Councilwoman Moreau commented.
Councilman Ferri commented.
Councilman Matthews questioned page 22 related to bakeries.
Mr. Shamoon responded.
Councilman Matthews asked Charles Pytel to comment on page 23.
Charles Pytel responded.
Councilman Ferri questioned #66 related to power plant.
Councilman Matthews questioned page 24 #77.2.
Councilman Ferri questioned #84.
Councilman Matthews questioned page 31 section 503.6,504.2 etc.
Councilman Matthews questioned 505 outdoor displays, yard sales he stated that people should be allowed yard sales. He also questioned 506.2 related to flagpoles.
Council President Canavan opened the meeting to a public hearing at 9:25 P.M.
Len Nadeau of Central Falls questioned 70' tower in his back yard and how this would affect him, since he's been a ham radio operator for over thirty years.
Mr. Tietz that he would be able to keep the tower, since it is a pre-existing non-conforming use.
Discussion centered around FCC rules.
Mr. Patino of Darling Street questioned the zoning map and asked why the parks were not specifically pointed out.
Marie Twohey of Central Falls a clerk in the Minimum Housing Department questioned page 63 relative to the Zoning Board. She stated that this may cause problems and that the union may file and unfair labor practice if 907.1 is passed.
William Siemers explained the reasons for this change. He stated that this was to make the administration of the change more efficient. He also commented that the Minimum Housing was the Zone enforcing Officer and the Building enforcing Officer.
Maurice Dauray of Lincoln questioned his lot on Walnut St. and commented on salt near the river at the Public Works Garage.
Daniel Issa of Bellevue Ave. spoke in favor of the new ordinance and asked for it several years ago when he was a member of the City Council.
Robert Wonders, Chairman of the Planning Commission, explained some changes made to the Ordinance by the Planning Commission.
Lorraine Savard of Emmett St. spoke against making Higginson Ave. an M2 Zone and stronly urged that it remained as M1
Brian Freeman of Robinson and Cole commented on the proposed Ordinance.
Mr. Shamoon responded to Mr. Freeman.
Councilman Canavan asked what the Town of Lincoln considered the Collyer Wire Plant.
Patricia Salisbury of 16 River St. representing Historic Central Falls spoke in favor of Historic District Zoning and the value to the City if this zone was created. She stated that this would create a better image for the City and make it available for Historic Tours which would bring people from outside the Community to Central Falls. This would enhance business in the City.
Pamela Kennedy of the State Historical Commission stated that one third of the State's City's and Towns have established historical district. She explained the services offered to historic districts.
Robert Billington, President of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and member of the Blackstone Valley Heritage Trail spoke on Historic District Zoning and its benefits to the Community.
Councilman Matthews questioned Mr. Billington.
Mr. Billington responded.
Councilman Canavan asked about vinyl siding.
Mr. Siemers responded.
Councilman Matthews clarified some of his comments.
Public hearing closed at 10:30 P.M.
Council President Canavan asked for unanimous consent to consider Planning Board Appointment. Consent granted unanimously.
Motion to approve appointment of Norman DeGilio to the Planning Board was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau and Councilman Matthews.
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 0 abstentions.
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Paquette to review Council Appointment applicants. All Agreed. So Voted.
MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 10:45 P.M. TO WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 1992 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 7:00 P.M.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk
RECONVENE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1992 AT 7:00 P.M.
The Regular Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was reconvened on the above date at 7:00 P.M.
Councilman Matthews
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Canavan
Councilman Paquette
Councilwoman Moreau
Quorum Present.
Council President Robert J. Canavan presided.
Resolution commending the Attorney General's Drug Strike Force.
Resolution commending the Bristol Police Department Drug Strike Force.
Resolution commending the Providence Police Department Drug Strike Force.
Resolution commending the North Providence Police Department Drug Strike Force.
Resolution commending the Central Falls Police Department Drug Strike Force.
Motion was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau that the T.V. Cameras be turned off for this presentation due to the nature of this task force. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
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 0 abstentions.
Councilwoman Moreau welcomed the guests read and presented the Resolutions to each of the Departments. She thanked the Departments on behalf of the City Council for all the hard work involved to make the Streets of Central Falls a little safer.
City Council President changed the order of the Agenda by unanimous consent to continue hearings on the Zoning Ordinance.
Councilman Matthews questioned Mr. Tietz on home occupations etc.
Mr. Teitz responded.
Councilman Matthews questioned political signs, trees in yards etc.
Mr. Shamoon answered.
Questions were raised regarding moveable signs.
Council President Canavan commented on signs.
Councilman Matthews commented on signs.
Councilwoman Moreau commented on signs.
William Siemers responded.
Councilman Matthews asked questions related to parking.
Mr. Shjamoon responded.
Luc LaBrosse a Central Falls Attorney and a resident asked questions for his clients Maurice Dauray and Jesse Miller regarding property on Blackstone and Walnut St. which is presently zoned M2 and stated that he objects to changing to a R zone. He then called two witness James Walker a proposed buyer of one of the properties who stated that he will not be interested in buying the property if it doesn't remain a M2 zone. Mr. Rick Derosier also a prospective buyer stated that he will not be interested in property if not zoned M2.
Mr. LaBrosse commented that the Ordinance in its present form appears to be anti-business.
Mr. Siemers responded.
Daniel Issa commented as a resident in the area regarding the same 2 lots.
Councilman Matthews commented and asked questions of Maurice Dauray.
Mr. Dauray responded to questions regarding his property.
Mr. Patino of 7 Darling St. asked that these meetings be advertised in Shoreline for the Hispanic Community.
Council President Canavan closed the Public Meeting at 8:25 P.M.
Motion was made by Councilman Ferri that a sub-committee be formed to study the Zoning Ordinance.
Council President Canavan commented that there was a need for the full Council to work on this Ordinance.
William Siemers stated that if this goes on too long there were potential problems relative to property sales and the like.
Councilman Ferri motioned to table Zoning Ordinance for further study. No second. Motion dies.
Council President Canavan asked for volunteers to form a sub committee. Councilman Ferri and Councilman Matthews responded.
Discussion ensued.
Councilwoman Moreau stated that she preferred the full Council to work on this Ordinance.
Councilman Paquette stated that he also preferred the full Council.
Councilman Ferri commented.
The Council decided that it will continue work on the Zoning Ordinance as a full body.
Police Report, Municipal Court Report
Animal Control Officer Report
Annual Police Department Report (1991)
Annual Fire Department Report (1991)
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Matthews.
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 0 abstentions.
Mr. Furman P. Davenport
47 Cowden St., Central Falls
Requesting to be heard regarding Tax Relief for persons 100% disabled.
No comments made on this request, Mr. Furman Davenport was not present at this meeting.
Adriana Perez & Olinda Mendez
771 Dexter St.
Interpretation & Correspondence Service.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded 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 0 abstentions.
Roberto Garcia
d/b/a Garcia Beauty Salon
909 Broad St.
Beauty Shop
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
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 0 abstentions.
Krikor Bedrosian
d/b/a K & B Motors, Inc.
257 Hunt St. C.F.
Sale of Autos & Auto Repair
Monday - Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Transferred from Joe Ferrera
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
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 0 abstentions.
Jose L. Morales
d/b/a Publito Viejo Restaurant Inc.
1256 Broad St.
Extend Hours from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
to: 1:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
deferred 1/13/92
Charles Moreau
d/b/a Magee's Restaurant
777 Dexter St.
Extend Hours on Fridays 12:00 Midnight
to Sat. Noon.
Central Falls Donuts Inc.
d/b/a Dunkin Donuts
542 Broad St.
Twenty Four Hours seven day a week.
City Clerk Daniel Issa commented on these applications and explained the State Statute and City Ordinance on closing hours of Class A Licenses.
City Solicitor Muksian commented.
Council President Canavan commented.
Councilman Matthews commented that business should not be open between 2:00 a.m. -6:00 a.m.
City Solicitor Muksian recommended that the Council follow the procedure and stipulated in State Law.
Councilman Ferri commented.
Council President Canavan commented.
Council instructed the City Clerk to follow the state statute and advertise for the next meeting.
Council President Canavan commented on the Comprehensive Plan and asked the Council to take action.
Motion was made by Councilman Matthews to amend the plan. Seconded by Councilman Ferri. City Clerk Issa read amendment.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | no |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Paquette.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | no |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 4 yes 1 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.
Central Falls Little League
at Lefebvre Post 416 Hunt St.
Feb. 21, 1992 from 7:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
Knights of Columbus
at 20 Claremont St.
Apr. 4, 1992 from 7:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions 0 absent.
E.T. Lefebvre Aux. 1271 VFW at 416 Hunt St
Mar. 1, 1992 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Paquette and Councilman Ferri.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 abstentions 0 absent.
Town of Richmond; re: Resolution on State Aid to Education Formula.
City of Newport; re: Resolution in opposition of fund cuts to R.I. Municipal Police Academy.
Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk; re: Letters to Edna Poulin & William Benson on Executive Session.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded 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 0 abstentions.
Wilfred J. Vaudreuil Thomas E. Cawley, Jr.
690 Lonsdale Ave. 18 Binford St.
Term to expire Jan. 1995 Term to expire Jan. 1995
Joseph F. Krakowski Francis X. Brochu
187 Hunt St. 526 Hunt St.
Term to expire Jan. 1995 Term to expire Jan. 1995
Councilman Robert A. Ferri
9 Samoset Ave.
Term to expire Jan. 1994
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes, abstaining on his own appointment. |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
There were no sub committee reports.
Probate Judge Louis E. Azar, Esq.
City Sergeant Raymond Paine
Sealer of Weights & Measures Antonio Goes
Plumbing Inspector Everett C. Brown
Electrical Inspector Robert Zuba
Animal Control Officer Zachary Scott Lapan, Sr.
Milk Inspector Waldemore Jamro
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Roll Call:
| Councilman Matthews | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Paquette | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes, abstaining on appointment of Animal Control Officer. |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
No new business
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Ferri. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 9:23 P.M.
DANIEL J. ISSA, CITY CLERK