January 13, 1992 - Regular City Council Meeting

CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1992 AT 7:00 P.M.

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 7:15 P.M.

ROLL CALL PRESENT:

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS

COUNCILMAN FERRI

COUNCILMAN CANAVAN

COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU

Council President Robert Canavan presided.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to recess to Executive Session was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilman Matthews. All Agreed. So Voted.

Council President Canavan reconvened the Regular Meeting at 7:15 P.M.

MINUTES:

Jan. 6, 1992

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CITY OFFICERS' REPORTS

Police Report, Municipal Court Report, Animal Control Officer Report Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

ORDINANCE (FIRST PASSAGE)

Zoning Ordinance Motion to hold until after Resolution on Comprehensive Plan was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted.

RESOLUTION

Resolution Requesting An Audit of the City of Central Falls Read by City Clerk Issa.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

RESOLUTION/PUBLIC HEARING

Resolution adopting Central Falls Comprehensive Community Plan Read by City Clerk Issa.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Council President Canavan set the ground rules to be followed for the public hearing and opened the meeting to a public hearing at 7:20 P.M.

William Siemers, Planning Department Director spoke on the need for the plan and the reason for the delay.

John McAlmont, Principal Planner explained the Comprehensive Plan in detail.

Lorraine Savard of 75 Emmett St. spoke on goal #10 in the handbook. She claimed that there was a lack of public input regarding the plan.

William Siemers responded and stated that there were several meetings in which public recommendations were sought and no objections were registered at that time.

Councilman Paquette asked how many meetings were held for this purpose.

William Siemers responded that 11 meetings were advertised and some posted. Councilman Paquette asked about how many persons attended these meetings.

William Siemers responded that there were approximately six people at each meeting.

John McAlmont commented.

Lorraine Savard commented.

Council President Canavan asked if the guidelines have been met.

William Siemers responded yes.

John McAlmont stated that amendments could be made later if necessary.

Councilman Paquette stated that the plan would be reviewed by the State.

William Siemers commented that this is a six month process.

Maurice Dauray asked how long the plan was worked on.

William Siemers commented.

John McAlmont added that a portion of the study was done by U.R.I.

Council President Canavan commented.

Mr. Dauray commented.

Jesse Miller of Pawtucket commented.

Lorraine Savard questioned payment by the State for this plan.

William Siemers responded.

Josephine McLaughlin of 23 Madison Ave. questioned Pierce Park cost.

William Siemers responded $220,000.00.

Mr. Dauray asked how the trash from Pierce Park was handled.

Council President Canavan commented that the questions should be on the Comprehensive Plan.

Marion Dwight, Esq. from the firm of Robinson & Cole representing the Town of Lincoln, addressed the Council and spoke against the incinerator. He also asked that a copy of the Resolution passed by the Council be sent to him.

City Clerk Issa asked that a copy of the correspondence sent to the Council from this firm be forwarded to the Clerk's Office for the record.

Attorney Dwight introduced other member of his staff and their role with the firm. He also commented on the role of the Council relative to this matter.

Councilman Matthews asked the Chair to expedite the comments of Mr. Dwight.

Matthew Tanger addressed the Council on the Comprehensive Plan.

Councilman Matthews questioned Mr. Siemers on the incinerator.

William Siemers commented that the Solid Waste Management was responsible for studying the plan.

Councilman Matthews further commented on community reference.

William Siemers responded.

John McAlmont commented.

Council President Canavan questioned William Siemers on the checks and balances relative to the matter.

Kenneth Baldwin of Robinson & Cole spoke on the inconsistencies in the plan.

Albert Laroche of Central St. commented.

Norman Dejulio of Cottage St. commented on the site of the incinerator.

Council President Canavan commented on the history relative to the selection and need at the time of the project. He also stated that the Comprehensive Plan is not recommending the incinerator.

Mr. Dejulio questioned the need for the Attorney's from Lincoln commenting on the Comprehensive Plan and clouding the issues.

Chester Arcisz of Central St. commented on the incinerator and the site at the former of the Health Tex facility.

Albert Laroche commented that the City never picked the site.

Lorraine Savard commented on Holderness and stated that they owned the property at the Higginson Ave. site.

Mr. Dejulio commented that the point is that the City Council did not vote to place the project there.

Lorraine Savard commented that she is concerned about the incinerator and she is a resident of Central Falls.

Council President Canavan asked Mayor Lazieh for his comments on the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Lazieh commented that he supported the plan in its present form and recommended that the City Council pass the plan. He also commented that it could be amended further at a later date.

Ricard Patino of Darling St. proposed that the Hispanic Community be given more information on the project.

Council President Canavan responded.

Public Hearing closed at 8:30 P.M.

Councilman Ferri commented on the plan and the incinerator he stated that he voted against incinerator. He further stated that he wanted to strike the language referencing the referendum and incinerator on page 237 of the plan. He stated that this was a motion.

Motion seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Motion was restated by Councilman Ferri.

Discussion:

Councilman Matthews commented on the responsibility relative to mentioning the incinerator in the plan. He further commented that the referendum has taken place and belongs somewhere in the plan.

Council President Canavan asked if perhaps the Council would like more time to review and rewrite this part of the plan.

Councilman Matthews commented.

William Siemers stated to the Council that this plan has been through 5 public hearings on the incinerator and couldn't the Council pass the plan and in 2 weeks pass an amendment. He stated that he would meet with the Council for this.

Councilman Matthews questioned Mr. Siemers further.

William Siemers responded that any changes must be done through the Planning Commission.

Council President Canavan commented.

Motion and second were withdrawn.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Council President Canavan thanked Elizabeth Crowley, Deputy City Clerk for the great job she did on the City Charter and Revised Ordinances for the Council.

CLASS A (RESTAURANT) LICENSE NEW

Odalis Garcia d/b/a Los Marineros at 716 Dexter St. C.F.

Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. M-SAT. SUN. 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CLASS C LICENSE NEW

Yvelissa Garcia d/b/a Castillo Market at 528 Dexter St. C.F.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CLASS C-1 LICENSE NEW

Guido G. Zonfrillo d/b/a George's Market & Deli at 473 Hunt St. C.F.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE LICENSE RENEWALS

Botanica Olofi at 735 Dexter St. C.F.

Violeta Garcia d/b/a Violeta Fashions at 684 Dexter St. C.F.

Alba Guzman d/b/a Colombia Hair Styling Salon at 751 Broad St.

Rafael Morrobel d/b/a Jackeline Fashion Boutique at 749 Broad St.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE LICENSES NEW

Bernard F. Ociundare d/b/a Shefinat Assoc. Inc. at 389 Hunt St.

C.F. Professional Service Business ie: Income Tax preparation.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Adriana Perez & Olinda Mendez d/b/a Perez & Mendez Helping Agency

at 771 Dexter St. C.F. (Office for interpretation & correspondence.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Paul J. Roque d/b/a Paul's Auto Care at 957 Broad St. C.F.

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

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Roque was present later in the meeting and the Council reconsidered this request. Motion to approve was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Leonard Earnheart d/b/a Frame Gild of Rhode Island at 1359 Broad St.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Alberto Guzman d/b/a Dinero Express Inc. at 602 Dexter St. C.F. Motion to approve was made by councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

LAUNDRY LICENSE/SUNDAY SALES LICENSE NEW

Floriano S. Ferreira at 1322 Broad St. C.F. Questions pertaining to location and housing were asked and answered by applicant and Housing Director Charles Pytel.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CHANGE OF BUSINESS HOURS

(Restaurant)

Jose L. Morales d/b/a Pueblito Viejo Restaurant Inc.

at 1256 Broad St. C.F. change hours from 7:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.

to 1:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

PEDDLER LICENSE

Diego Rivera d/b/a DRF Fashions

Door to door sales & delivery.

Motion: To approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau. No second motion dies.

Councilman Ferri, Councilman Canavan and Councilwoman Moreau all questioned applicant. No other motions were made on this request. Council President Canavan advised applicant to reapply.

CONSTABLE LICENSE RENEWALS

See List

Motion to approve collectively the renewals and the new licenses was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Ferri.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

PRIVATE DETECTIVE LICENSE RENEWALS

Joseph F. Torres - 746 Broad St. C.F.

Julio F. Medeiros, Jr. - 206 Washington St. C.F.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

DANCE LICENSE

St. Joseph Parish, High St. C.F. (1992)

Dance License for Parish Hall for Parish Events.

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

ROLL CALL:

Colombian American Association at 55 Sheridan St.

Traditional Madigras Festival to be held on Jan. 18 & 25, 1992.

The request is also to extend the hours.

Motion to approve to 1:00 a.m. was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Paquette.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Holy Trinity Parish at 55 Sheridan St. Dance on Feb. 1 & 8, 1992.

This request was also made for Colombian American Association. Motion to approve was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilman Ferri.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

PETITION TO FILM COUNCIL MEETINGS

Richard Muggle requests permission to film City Council Meetings for Cable TV beginning in Feb. or March.

Mr. Muggle addressed the Council and related to them how this would work.

Councilman Ferri commented.

Councilman Matthews commented.

Council President Canavan commented.

Discussion ensued.

Motion to approve for a period of six months was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

RAFFLE

Garfield Social Club at 11 Hunt St. C.F. weekly raffle Jan. through April 1992.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

FUNDRAISER

"Have A Heart" friends of Sara England

Fundraiser dance/raffle at Madeira Club on Feb. 8, 1992.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CLAIMS

Lori LaRose by her Attorney Mark P. Welch, Esq. for injuries sustained in auto accident on Nov. 27, 1991

Donald H. Parker & Wendy Marshall by their Attorney Frank M. Mattera, Esq. or injuries sustained in auto accident on Nov. 27, 1991.

Oscar Flores by his Attorney Martin D. Harris for injuries sustained while playing soccer for Central Falls High School on Oct. 2, 1991.

Norman Hillsman for damage to motor vehicle by highway vehicle on Dec. 30, 1991.

Mary L. Baptista by her insurance carrier for damage to motor vehicle by Highway vehicle on Oct. 24, 1991.

Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Ferri.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CORRESPONDENCES

Robert A. Ferri; re: Resignation from Recreation Board.

Mayor Thomas Lazieh; re: Appointment of Department Heads. (deferred from meeting 1/6/92)

Mayor Thomas Lazieh; re: Zoning Board Appointments

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

DEPARTMENT HEAD APPOINTMENTS:

John Rodrigues, Public Works Director

Robert W. Moreau Sr., Tax Assessor

George M. Muksian, Esq., City Solicitor

James A. Briden, Esq. Assistant City Solicitor

Thomas J. Shannahan, Library Director

Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk

Virginia L. Faria, Personnel Director Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilman Ferri.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 2 abstentions on personnel director. Councilman Matthews and Council President Canavan clarified their votes and stated that they abstained from voting on the Personal Director. Council President Canavan stated that he was not abstaining on the person but rather on the procedure.

ORDINANCE FIRST PASSAGE

Zoning Ordinance

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

PIGEON LICENSE RENEWAL

Rene Pilon Shawmut Ave.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

ZONING BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Thomas L. Jassak

8 Foundry St.

Term to expire Jan. 1994

AUXILIARY MEMBERS TERM TO EXPIRE JAN. 1993

George Charpentier                              Margarita Ortiz

38 Butler Ave.                                      241 Washington St.

Council President Canavan questioned City Solicitor Muksian on appointment authority of Zoning Board.

City Solicitor Muksian stated that the Council should act on appointment.

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

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

PROBATE JUDGE

CITY SERGEANT

SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES

PLUMBING INSPECTOR

ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

TREE WARDEN

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Council President Canavan announced that the City Council decided to make job specifications and interview for these positions. He also stated that they would be advertised in the Times & Journal.

Councilman Matthews and Councilman Ferri will be the Committee responsible for these appointments.

Councilman Matthews stated that he wanted to open this positions to as many people as possible.

Councilman Ferri stated that the job specifications would come directly from the Charter.

Charles Pytel asked if he could be involved with the Electrical and Plumbing Inspectors as he works directly with them.

CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

FINANCE COMMITTEE

CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

PENSIONS & RETIREMENT COMMITTEE

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

CLAIMS COMMITTEE

Councilman Paquette commented that Council Committee and the role of the Council would be discussed at Workshops to be held on Monday's at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.

Council President Canavan stated that these meetings would be open to the public and a notice would be posted. The workshop on Council Sub Committees would be on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1992 at 7:00 P.M.

Councilman Ferri introduced An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 Section 3-4 entitled Licenses "Maximum Number".

Motion was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Ferri that the City Clerk be instructed to send letters to William Benson, Animal Control Officer and his Attorney, the Finance Director and the City Solicitor to attend the Feb. 10, 1992 Executive Session at 6:00 P.M.

ROLL CALL:

Motion carries 5 yes 0 no 0 absent 0 abstentions.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:15 P.M.

DANIEL J. ISSA, CITY CLERK