June 3, 1992 - Special City Council Meeting

CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1992 AT 8:00 P.M.

CENTRAL FALLS JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

A Special Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the Central Falls High School Auditorium at 8:15 P.M.

ROLL CALL PRESENT:

Councilman Matthews

Councilman Ferri

Councilman Canavan

Councilman Paquette

Councilwoman Moreau

Quorum present.

City Council President Robert Canavan presided.

PUBLIC HEARING

Budget Ordinance

Council President Canavan opened the meeting to a public hearing at 8:16 p.m.

Mayor Lazieh commented on the budget. He stated that the budget is 13,561,866.00 with no tax increase. He explained the differences in the new budget from last year budget. He also commented that this year's budget has provisions for major purchases, which until this budget, the City has been unable to do. He stated that the City's debt would be reduced by $1.7 million in this year's budget. He complimented the Council for their work on the budget and the Central Falls Review Commission on their input relative to the budget. He related that the City has been able to do this with no increases in the tax rate as a result of the State takeover of the Schools. He added that the City is in better financial condition than it has been in the pass several years.

Maurice Brousseau of 70 Pacific St. questioned the revenue portion of the Budget.

Edna Poulin, Finance Director explained.

Mr. Brousseau questioned the 4.5% raises for Department Heads, except the Planning Director and Community Development Director, he stated that their raises reflected a 8.7% increase. He asked if this was correct.

Edna Poulin responded.

Mr. Brousseau questioned the Police and Fire Department contract and additional personnel.

Edna Poulin explained the that raises and longevity were the reasons for the difference not additional personnel.

Mr. Brousseau asked how many additional positions were budgeted.

Edna Poulin responded 1 in the Finance Office 1 Child's librarian for the Library. She explained that the additional in the library is required or the Library would be cut from State grants.

Mr. Brousseau asked if an additional clerk was to be hired in the Minimum housing Department.

Edna Poulin responded perhaps a part time clerk.

Mr. Brousseau questioned celebration accounts.

Edna Poulin commented.

Mr. Brousseau questioned the Fringe Benefits relative to the pension system and asked about John Hancock and State Plans.

Edna Poulin explained that the Fire and Police Departments were in the John Hancock system.

Mr. Brousseau questioned the Mayor's expense account and asked if there was a need for $2,000.00 in the celebration account.

Edna Poulin stated that the celebration account is vouchered.

Mr. A. Robichaud of 27 Cleveland St. questioned the City contribution to the School Department.

Edna Poulin responded that last year it was $1.9 million dollars.

Mr. Robichaud asked where this money would go this year.

Edna Poulin responded that $1,032,000.00 would be used to reduce the deficit.

Edward F. McLauglin of Lonsdale Ave. commented on his recent visit to the Finance Office.

Mr. Bertrand Dery of Shawmut Ave. stated that his questions were answered.

Mr. Chester Arcisz of High St. commented that the 4.5% increase for Department Heads should be used to hire an additional Patrolman for the Police Department.

Susan Gazaille of Butler Ave. stated that her questions have been answered.

Lorraine Savard of Emmett St. asked where the $1.9 million dollars went.

Edna Poulin gave the following figures which comprise the $1.9 million.

$15,000 Electricity

$23,000 Books & Tuition (Police)

$15,000 ID Bureau

$17,842 Solid Waste

$302,784 Debt reduction

$50,000 Contingencies

$6,099 Union Contracts

$112,979 Medical coverage

$18,000 Police

$69,322 Fire

$333,939 Major purchases

$10,000 Rev. drop.

$50,000

$10,000 Municipal

Council President Canavan stated that the Review Commission asked the same questions.

Lorraine Savard asked that the Solid Waste account be explained.

Edna Poulin responded that Solid Waste Cost is $36.00 a ton. She stated that there would be an increase in tipping fees.

Lorraine Savard asked what the debt to Solid Waste is presently.

Edna Poulin stated that the final payment which is due July 15 would be $215,000.00

Lorraine Savard further commented.

Edna Poulin responded.

Louis Azar of Washington Street asked that the $233,000.00 in major purchases be explained.

Edna Poulin related the items that need to be purchased such as an exhaust system for fire dept., heat and vent. systems, computers, renovations to the 3rd floor of City Hall and Police and Fire exterior work on the building.

Mr. Azar asked about $22,000.00 for police vehicles.

Edna Poulin explained the review commission's role in the planning of major purchases.

Albert Laroche of Central St. complimented the City on the budget. He questioned the proposed revaluation that the City must do on real estate and stated that this is the wrong time to do a revaluation because of the decrease in property values and the recession. He stated that the City should wait a year or two.

Mayor Lazieh commented on revaluation.

Ricardo Patino of Darling St. questioned the Planning Department raises and the Personnel Director's raise after four months in office.

Mr. Patino stated that the Hispanic community wants a spanish speaking clerk in the Police Department.

Mayor Lazieh commented that he will ask the Council to amend the budget tonight to allow for the hiring of a bilingual person in the Police Department.

Mr. McLoughlin commented on a spelling error in the budget and stated that the budget should be void because of this error.

Lorraine Savard commented on revaluation.

Edna Poulin responded.

Lorraine Savard asked about fire department physicals.

Edna Poulin responded.

Richard Muggles asked where the increases in the budget was coming from if there is no raise in the taxes.

Edna Poulin explained the difference.

Mr. Robichaud asked about school funds.

Edna Poulin responded.

Public Hearing closed at 9:05 p.m.

Mayor Lazieh requested that the City Council amend the Ordinance pertaining to the Salaries of Department Heads and Others in unclassified service to reflect a 3.5% increase in the salaries of the following positions:

City Clerk

City Solicitor

Registrar

Tax Assessor

Finance Director

Director of Welfare

Director of Public Works

Minimum Housing Director

Personnel Director

Planning Director

Principle Planner

Rehab Officer

Librarian

Field Inspectors

Municipal Court Secretary

Mayor Lazieh also asked the City Council to amend the Minimum/Maximum Ordinance as follows:

Section 3: Add 1 Legal Secretary part time unclassified.

Section 16: Amend from 1 diesel mechanic to 2 diesel mechanics.

Section 15: Amend 2 Police Matrons to 2 Police Matrons/Interpreters Part time.

Correct spelling of Municipal Court in budget.

Councilman Matthews asked the Mayor if the Administrative Secretary will receive a 3.5% increase or was he keeping the Salary as presented.

Mayor Lazieh stated that the salary would stay as presented.

Councilman Matthews questioned the part time janitor salary.

Mayor Lazieh responded that the hourly rate would remain the same $5.57 per hour.

Councilman Matthews asked the City Solicitor was included in the salary request.

Mayor Lazieh responded yes.

Motion was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to accept the amendments as presented by Mayor Lazieh.

Councilman Matthews questioned amendment on part time legal clerk.

Council President Canavan commented that the position could be funded or not funded at the direction of the Council.

Councilman Matthews stated that he was not sure that there should be a legal secretary and that the position should probably be taken out of the Ordinance.

Council President Canavan stated that if the Council did not fund it the position could not be filled.

Councilman Matthews asked if the Council was aware that the Mayor's Secretary would receive more than a 3.5 % increase in salary.

Councilwoman Moreau asked what the amount of the saving would be after the cuts have been made.

Edna Poulin responded $3,450.00 would be saved by the 3.5% salary increase instead of 4.5% increase.

Councilman Ferri asked for a clarification of the positions involved.

Edna Poulin repeated the positions involved.

Roll Call on motion:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

ORDINANCES FINAL PASSAGE

1. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance

Council President Canavan commented on the Budget.

Councilman Matthews asked questions on the Budget.

No motion was made the Council proceeded to act on the remaining Ordinances.

2. The Capital Program Ordinance.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

3. The Annual Capital Budget Ordinance.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

4. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 Article VII section 2-67 Wage Schedule Generally of the revised ordinances as amended.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

5. An ordinance Pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads and others in unclassified Service.

Councilman Matthews stated that he had a problem with the Mayor's Secretary receiving more that a 3.5% increase in salary.

Council President Canavan commented.

Mayor Lazieh commented that his secretary is making less than a Clerk III and receives no tenure or longevity and he further stated that this is less than an entry level union position.

Councilman Matthews commented.

Mayor Lazieh stated that his secretary has diverse duties including the typing for the legal department.

Councilman Matthews commented on legal secretary.

Mayor Lazieh commented.

Council President Canavan stated that this matter should be discussed when the City Solicitor arrives.

Mayor Lazieh commented.

City Solicitor George Muksian entered.

Council President Canavan asked the City Solicitor questions pertaining to a legal secretary.

George Muksian responded.

Councilwoman Moreau asked the City Solicitor if he would leave his private practice for $42,000.00 per year with no legal secretary.

George Muksian stated that the present set-up relative to his Office is very cost efficient, however there are drawbacks. He spoke of the cost of the use of other Attorney's cost when the City, in the past had to farm out some of its work. He stated that presently the City has done well against claims, compensation cases, DEM suit, school aid, and arbitrations. He commented that this has involved a lot of hours. He stated that the major problem is he has no support staff whatsoever to handle the typing and correspondences. He commented that these services were currently being accomplished by the personnel Director, the Mayor's Secretary and other departments staff. He stated that Central Falls is the only City with one Attorney. He stated that W. Warwick has 3 Attorneys one or two in special areas and that they are paid $24,000 to $27,000 per year. He commented that this job cannot be done on 19 hours per week and that he would consider full time responsibilities and salary and proposals.

Council President Canavan stated that a meeting with the City Solicitor, Mayor, Finance Director and Council should meet to discuss this matter.

Mayor Lazieh commented that Edna Poulin and George Muksian stand out as better appointments and asked that the budget be passed.

Council President Canavan commented on the legal secretary's position and stated that if it is not filled could the salary go to the City Solicitor. He asked the City Solicitor on this procedure.

George Muksian responded.

Council President Canavan stated that the Council could designate but not expend in the budget.

Mayor Lazieh commented.

Councilman Matthews asked the City Solicitor if he could function without a legal secretary and he has for the past three years.

Councilman Ferri asked what figure represents the legal department.

Edna Poulin responded $38,892.

Councilman Ferri commented.

Council President Canavan commented.

Councilwoman Moreau commented on the reduction of 1% from other department head raises and that the work equally as hard as the position in question. She stated that it would not be fair to allocate the difference to the City Solicitor.

Mayor Lazieh stated that the department Heads deserve the full raise and that they have had extra duty and more work. He stated that the Council could amend the allocation but asked that they not hold up the entire budget.

Edna Poulin made her recommendations relative to City Solicitor's Salary.

Mayor Lazieh suggested an Amendment.

Council President Canavan stated that the Council has not decided how it wishes to handle the City Solicitor's position and stated that the Council may wish to form a sub committee.

Motion was made by Councilman Paquette to have Ordinance pertaining to salaries of Department Heads rewritten to reflect a 3.5% increase.

Discussion ensued.

Motion seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Discussion.

Roll Call on Motion:

Motion carried 3 yes 2 no 0 absent.

Councilman Ferri asked the City Council Members to reduce their increase to reflect a 3.5% increase. He stated that this would be approximately $35.00.

Motion to reduce Council salary made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion dies 3 no 2 yes 0 absent.

Mayor Lazieh commented on Budget.

1. Annual Operating Budget Ordinance.

Motion was made by Councilman Matthews and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to delay Annual Operating Budget.

Discussion.

Motion and second withdrawn.

Council President Canavan recessed the meeting for 5 minutes.

Meeting reconvened at 10:30 p.m.

Motion was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau to recess to Executive Session for personnel related matters.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 4 yes 1 no 0 absent.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Council Members only in discussion on negotiations and job performance.

Council reconvened at 11:15 P.M.

Mayor Lazieh asked the City Council to act on the pay raises at this meeting he stated that the Department Heads are not being treated fairly and that the unions are receiving 6% raises.

5. An Ordinance Pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads and Other in Unclassified Service as amended to reflect 3.5% salary increase.

Motion was made by Councilman Ferri and seconded by Councilman Matthews to amend to 3.5% the increase for the Administrative Secretary.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 4 yes 1 no 0 absent.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

1. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

6. An Ordinance Amend Section 2-68 Salaries of Firemen & Policemen as amended.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

7. An Ordinance Establishing the Classes of Positions, Number of Employees in Certain Classes in City Departments.

Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Matthews and Seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

RESOLUTION

Resolution Extending the Payment of Taxes Without Penalty.

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

Roll Call:

Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Paquette and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All Agreed. So Voted. Time: 11:30 P.M.

Daniel J. Issa, City Clerk