April 12, 1994 - Regular City Council Meeting

CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1994

AT 7:30 P.M.

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CENTRAL FALLS CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON THE ABOVE DATE IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 7:50 P.M.

ROLL CALL

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS

COUNCILMAN GOES

COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU

COUNCILMAN CANAVAN

QUORUM PRESENT.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERT CANAVAN PRESIDED.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN LED THE ASSEMBLY IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

MINUTES

SPECIAL MEETING FEB. 28, 1994; SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 1, 1994;

SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 7, 1994; SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 8, 1994;

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 15, 1994; SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 21, 1994;

EXECUTIVE SESSION FEBRUARY 16, 1994; SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 28, 1994;

SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 6, 1994; EXECUTIVE SESSION APRIL 6, 1994.

MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CANAVAN.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

JOSEPHINE BLANCHETTE OF 64 PARKER ST.

VOICED HER OBJECTIONS TO THE GRANTING OF A LICENSE FOR A GARAGE ON LONSDALE AVE. SHE COMMENTED THAT SHE WANTS TO KNOW WHAT THE BUSINESS WILL ENTAIL. SHE STATED THAT SHE IS OPPOSED TO BODY WORK AT THAT LOCATION AND IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HOURS OF OPERATION.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU RESPONDED.

CITY OFFICER'S REPORTS

BUILDING PERMITS; ELECTRICAL PERMITS; PLUMBING PERMITS; MINIMUM HOUSING; POLICE REPORT; MUNICIPAL COURT REPORT.

ANNUAL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT 1993.

MOTION TO ACCEPT COLLECTIVELY & PLACE ON FILE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN  PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

CORRESPONDENCES

DANIEL J. ISSA CITY CLERK TO MAYOR LAZIEH RE: LEGAL COUNSEL FOR APRIL LIQUOR BOARD MEETING.

DANIEL J. ISSA CITY CLERK TO MAYOR LAZIEH RE: MEETING WITH COUNCIL ON ESTABLISHMENT OF AUXILIARY POLICE, REVALUATION, VIDEO TAPING MEETINGS AND THE BROAD ST. MUNICIPAL LOT.

DANIEL J. ISSA, CITY CLERK RE: CONGRATULATIONS TO REAPPOINTED POSITIONS.

RENE COUTU, FIRE CHIEF RE: FIRE PREVENTION ORDINANCE.

MAYOR LAZIEH RE: VETO MESSAGE ON ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE STATUS OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE.

MAYOR LAZIEH RE: VETO MESSAGE ON AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES ENTITLED "FIRE PREVENTION" ARTICLE II SECTION 10-21 REQUIRING CERTAIN FACILITIES TO POST FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR THE CITY'S FORESEEABLE DISASTER RESPONSE EXPENSES.

CHIEF COUTU ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL REGARDING HIS CORRESPONDENCE. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WITHDRAW HIS LETTER AND HE APOLOGIES FOR TONE OF LETTER.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN ASKED THAT THE CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF BE WITHDRAWN.

MOTION TO ACCEPT COLLECTIVELY AND PLACE ON FILE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU DISCUSSED THE MAYOR'S VETO AND ASKED THAT THE COUNCIL TAKE ACTION REGARDING THIS POLICE DEPARTMENT ORDINANCE. SHE EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS TO PROTECT THE POSITION UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A CONTRACT IS IN PLACE FOR THIS POSITION.

MOTION TO OVERRIDE THE MAYOR'S VETO WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS ASKED THAT THE VETO MESSAGE REGARDING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BOND BE READ. SO READ.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS ASKED IF GEORGE MUKSIAN BASED HIS OPINION ON CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.

GEORGE MUKSIAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS POINTED AT ONE ENTITY AND AS A RESULT EQUAL PROTECTION PROBLEMS WILL ARISE.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS STATED THAT THIS IS NOT AIMED AT ONE PARTICULAR PLACE BUT ON ANY FACILITY IN THE CITY THAT HOUSES CONVICTED CRIMINALS.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU RELATED TO GEORGE MUKSIAN THAT THE COUNCIL HAS OVERRIDDEN THE VETO RELATIVE TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS EXPLAINED THE INTENT OF HIS ORDINANCE. HE STATED THAT THIS IS AIMED AT ANY PERSON WHO IS HURT, PROPERTY DAMAGED, AND FOR ANY LOSSES BECAUSE OF THIS FACILITY. THIS ORDINANCE IS MEANT TO AT LEAST

PROTECT THEM FINANCIALLY. HE STATED THAT IF THE FACILITY RETURNS TO ITS ORIGINAL INTENT, THEN RISK IS DIMINISHED AND THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR THE ORDINANCE. HE COMMENTED ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE AND STATED THAT IS WAS CLEAR THAT MAYOR'S CONCERNS ARE FOR THIS FACILITY, NOT THE CITY'S RESIDENTS OR WORKERS.

MOTION BY COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS TO OVERRIDE THE MAYOR'S VETO.

SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN STATED THAT HE AGREED WITH COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS STATEMENTS.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

LETTER FROM PATRICIA SALISBURY, CHAIR CENTRAL FALLS DETENTION FACILITY BOARD RE: BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN COMMENTED ON THIS LETTER AND STATED THAT 3 MEMBERS ARE A QUORUM. HE IS AWARE THAT 5 MEMBERS ARE NEEDED.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS COMMENTED ON RESIGNATION OF BOARD MEMBERS. HE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL IS NOT HOLDING THIS UP.

MAYOR'S BOARD APPOINTMENTS

DETENTION FACILITY BOARD

JEREMIAH O'CONNOR                               CALVIN R. DRAYTON

124 BUTLER AVE.                                         61 FOUNDRY ST.

TERM TO EXPIRE 8/98                                 TERM TO EXPIRE 8/94

CALVIN R. DRAYTON ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL AND SPOKE OF HIS INTEREST TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD. HE RELATED HIS QUALIFICATIONS. HE STATED THAT HE HAS SEVERAL IDEAS REGARDING THE FACILITY. HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL PUBLIC KNOW OF HIS INTEREST.

MOTION TO APPROVE COLLECTIVELY WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GOES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE COMMENTED ON LETTER FROM PATRICIA SALISBURY.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU EXPLAINED THE RESIGNATION OF MR. LAVOIE.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS COMMENTED ON THE APPOINTMENTS AS RELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION. HE RELATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED NO COOPERATION FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS WHO ARE PRESENTLY SERVING ON THIS BOARD. HE SUGGESTED THAT THE COUNCIL ASK THE NOMINEES THEIR POSITION ON THE DETENTION CENTER'S INMATE POPULATIONS. HE STATED THAT THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE COUNCIL TO ACT.

COUNCILMAN GOES STATED THAT MR. O'CONNOR IS HERE FOR THE SECOND TIME.

DISCUSSION ENSUED.

COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE ASKED IF THE TERM FOR MR. O'CONNER IS BEING CHANGED.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS STATED THAT THE MAYOR SHOULD MAKE THE CHANGE AS THESE ARE HIS APPOINTMENTS NOT THE COUNCIL'S.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU STATED THAT SHE HAS SOME PROBLEMS WITH DATES OF APPOINTMENTS.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU STATED THAT THIS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF RECEIVING MATERIALS JUST BEFORE A MEETING. SHE STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE QUESTIONED THESE APPOINTMENT DATES BEFORE NOW.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS READ FROM ENABLING ACT REGARDING DIRECTORS OF THE DETENTION CORP. BOARD.

MOTION CARRIED 3 YES 2 NO 0 ABSENT.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN RECESSED THE MEETING AT 8:37 P.M. IN ORDER TO HOLD LIQUOR BOARD MEETING.

MEETING RECONVENED AT 8:55 P.M.

PETITION

NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE RE: EXCAVATION TO PLACE 212' CONDUIT ON BROAD ST. NEAR BLACKSTONE ST.

NEW ENGLAND TELEPHONE RE: EXCAVATION TO PLACE 17' CONDUIT ON BROAD ST. NEAR FOUNDRY ST.

MOTION TO APPROVE COLLECTIVELY WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS ASKED THAT A LETTER BE SENT REGARDING DOUBLE POLES. HE STATED THAT THE LETTER TO BE SENT SHOULD RELATE THAT THE COUNCIL WILL NOT CONSIDER ANY FUTURE POLE LOCATIONS OR EXCAVATIONS UNTIL THIS MATTER IS TAKEN CARE OF. HE STATED THAT THIS LETTER SHOULD BE SENT TO BVE & N.E. TELEPHONE.

PETITION TO ADDRESS COUNCIL

WILLIAM SIEMERS & KENNETH CASTLE REALTY ENDEAVORS FOR AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY HOUSING/CENTRAL FALLS

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO APPRISE THE CITY COUNCIL OF COOPERATIVE EFFORTS TO REHABILITATE ABANDONED HOUSING.

WILLIAM SIEMERS EXPLAINED THE ORGANIZATION AND TASK FORCE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING. HE STATED THAT REACH IS OWNER OF 25 UNITS AND IS WORKING ON ADDITIONAL 29 UNITS. HE DESCRIBED INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VERSUS CITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. HE RELATED THAT HIS ORGANIZATION IS TRYING IN MANY WAYS TO IMPROVE THE

CITY'S NEIGHBORHOODS.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN QUESTIONED MR. SIEMERS REGARDING A CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU ASKED WHAT KIND OF COOPERATION EXISTED BETWEEN THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND REACH.

KENNETH CASTLE, CHAIRMAN OF THE REDEVELOPMENT BOARD RESPONDED TO THE COUNCIL'S QUESTIONS. HE COMMENTED ON BUILDINGS LOCATED ON GARFIELD & SUMMER STREETS AND RELATED THE EVENTS OF A SEPT. 1993 MEETING.

PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE MR. SIEMERS, MS. REFINO, MR. JENKINS, OF NEW ENGLAND SAFE DEPOSIT, J. LEFRANCOIS, AND MAYOR LAZIEH. ALL WERE TOGETHER TO DECIDE HOW THE CITY WOULD REHABILITATE THESE BUILDINGS.

MR. CASTLE STATED THAT THE CITY WAS TO ASSIGN REACH THE GRANT, HE RELATED THAT THIS WAS EXPLAINED TO THE MAYOR AT THE TIME; THE MAYOR STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REVIEW THE PROJECT. THE EXPLANATION WAS REPEATED TO JOHN LEFRANCOIS, WHO GAVE A VAGUE REFERENCE TO THE ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN FOR REHABILITATION.

MR. CASTLE EXPLAINED THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES FROM REDEVELOPMENT TO REACH.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN COMMENTED ON RECEIVING THE CORRESPONDENCES AND BEING INFORMED ON THIS SUBJECT.

LICENSES

CLASS A LICENSE TRANSFER OF LOCATION & CHANGE OF BUSINESS NAME

GLORIA SMERDJIAN D/B/A "PIQUETEADERO AQUI ME QUEDO" CAFETERIA

MOVED LOCATION FROM 661 DEXTER ST. TO 640 DEXTER ST.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU & COUNCILMAN GOES.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

LAUNDRY/SUNDAY SALES

MARIA P. FELIX

D/B/A MAYTAG HOMESTYLE LAUNDRY MAT

1322 BROAD ST., CENTRAL FALLS, R.I.

MOTION TABLE TO NEXT MEETING WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE CHANGE OF BUSINESS NAME

EILEEN MCCANN NUNES AT 773 LONSDALE AVE.

CHANGE NAME FROM SHEAR ENERGY HAIR SALON TO TANGLES HAIR SALON.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

SECOND HAND/USED CAR LICENSES (NEW)

USED CAR

JOSE A. FONSECA D/B/A FONSECA'S AUTO REPAIR & SALES

AT 679 LONSDALE AVE. C.F.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU QUESTIONED AUTO BODY WORK AT THIS LOCATION. SHE REQUESTED THAT HOURS BE CHANGED TO 8:00 AM - 8:00PM. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD APPROVE THE LICENSE FOR THE SALE OF USED CARS AND GENERAL AUTO REPAIRS ONLY WITH NO AUTO BODY WORK AND NO SPRAY PAINTING.

COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE ASKED IF THERE WOULD BE PROPER DISPOSAL OF OIL AND TIRES.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU WITH THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS, PROPER DISPOSAL OF TIRES, OIL ETC. NO SPRAY PAINTING, NO AUTO BODY, HOURS OF BUSINESS TO BE 8AM-8PM.

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

JOSE PEREZ D/G/A GARCIA AUTO SALES

AT 595 LONSDALE AVE. C.F.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU QUESTIONED THE APPLICANTS. SHE COMMENTED ON ZONING LAPSE.

APPLICANT EXPLAINED AUTO BODY REPAIRS.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN COMMENTED.

APPLICANT COMMENTED.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS QUESTIONED CONTENTS OF BUILDING.

HE STATED THAT IT IS NOT A QUESTION AS TO A YEAR GOING BY WITHOUT USE, RATHER THAT THE USE IS ABANDONED.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU QUESTIONED HOURS.

MR. PEREZ RESPONDED THAT HIS HOURS WOULD BE 8AM-8PM FOR THE SALE OF CARS AND 8AM-5PM FOR AUTO REPAIRS.

MOTION TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO ZONING BOARD APPROVAL FOR AUTO BODY WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES & COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

SECOND HAND ARTICLES

ANDREW SILVA & JEANNE DREW

D/B/A DREW'S REUSABLE & PAWNBROKING

AT 751 BROAD ST. C.F.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GOES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

BINGO LICENSE (NEW)

EAST GREENWICH ACADEMY FOUNDATION

AT CONRAD'S BANQUET HALL

1114 BROAD ST., CENTRAL FALLS TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

6:30PM-10PM

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GOES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

POPPY DRIVE

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY POST 79 POPPY DRIVE MAY 5 & 6 1994.

EUGENE T. LEFEBVRE POST 1271 POPPY DRIVE MAY 19 & 20 1994.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GOES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO O ABSENT

FESTIVAL & PARADE

GRUPO AMIGOS DA TERCEIRA

FESTIVAL ON MAY 27, 28, 29, 1994

5PM TO MIDNIGHT AT THE BUG CLUB-56 BROOK ST. C.F.

GRUPO AMIGOS DA TERCEIRA

DAY OF PORTUGAL COMMITTEE

FESTIVAL JUNE 4TH FOLLOWED BY PARADE SUNDAY JUNE 5, 1994 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 10:00 P.M.

MOTION TO APPROVE COLLECTIVELY WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

ORDINANCES (INTRODUCTION) AT THE REQUEST OF THE MAYOR

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A JUVENILE HEARING BOARD

SO INTRODUCED

RESOLUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

RESOLUTION-COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.

SO INTRODUCED.

RESOLUTION-IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION INCREASING THE ELDERLY AND VETERANS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS NOT TO EXCEED $5,000.00.

INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION ENSUED.

WITHDRAWN BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR REASON THAT THE RESOLUTION IS NOT IN WRITTEN FORM BEFORE THE COUNCIL.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. TO APPLY TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR DESIGNATION AS AN ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY IN COOPERATION WITH THE CITIES OF WOONSOCKET AND PAWTUCKET, R.I. AS PROVIDED FOR BY TITLE XIII OF THE FEDERAL OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1993.

SO INTRODUCED.

FINAL PASSAGE/PUBLIC HEARING

RESOLUTION-IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGGINSON AVENUE RECREATION COMPLEX WALKING/JOGGING TRACK.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN.

JOHN MCALMONT COMMENTED ON RESOLUTION.

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES.

COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE QUESTIONED MR. MCALMONT.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

RESOLUTION-IMPROVEMENTS TO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS ASKED WHAT A RECOVERY PROGRAM FUND IS ABOUT.

MR. MCALMONT EXPLAINED AND STATED THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRES 30% OF TOTAL PROGRAM TO BE LOCALLY FUNDED. MR. MCALMONT EXPLAINED THAT THIS WOULD COME FROM EITHER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OR RHODE ISLAND STATE FUNDS.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. CLOSED.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO O ABSENT.

RESOLUTION STOPPING CRIME AND VIOLENCE IN OUR CITIES AND TOWNS.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. CLOSED.

MOTION:TO AMEND ELIMINATING SENTENCE "CREATIONS"....WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 94-S-3152 ENTITLED PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR OWNER OCCUPIED RESIDENCES.

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. NO COMMENTS. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.

COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS RELATED THAT HE HAD SEVERAL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO TAX EXEMPTIONS. HE COMMENTED THAT A STUDY SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE APPROVAL, SO THAT SUCH QUESTIONS AS: WHAT THE COST OF THIS EXEMPTION WOULD BE TO THE TAXPAYER? WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT? IS THE COUNCIL IN FAVOR OF A TAX INCREASE? AND, IS THE COUNCIL IN FAVOR OF SHIFTING THAT TAX TO SOMEONE ELSE? HE RECOMMENDED THAT THE COUNCIL NOT RUSH INTO A DECISION BUT RATHER THAT THE COUNCIL DO IT RIGHT. HE STATED THAT THESE QUESTIONS ARE REASONABLE TO ASK, AND ANSWERED. HE COMMENTED THAT THE INTENT IS TO GET OWNER OCCUPIED PROPERTY AND SUGGESTED THAT REDUCING THE TAX RATE CAN ALSO BE AN INCENTIVE TO PRODUCE THE SAME RESULT. HE SAID THE COUNCIL SHOULD GIVE EVERYONE A TAX DEDUCTION BY REDUCING THE TAX RATE. HE COMMENTED THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THAT OWNER OCCUPANCY WILL BE EFFECTIVE.

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU QUESTIONED COUNCILMAN MATTHEWS.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN COMMENTED ON THE RESOLUTION AND URGED THE COUNCIL TO PASS THE RESOLUTION.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN GOES AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN CANAVAN.

MOTION CARRIED 4 YES 1 NO 0 ABSENT.

COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN ASKED FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO CONTINUE BEYOND CURFEW.

SO APPROVED.

RESOLUTION THANKING THE CENTRAL FALLS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE HOLY TRINITY CYO MIDGET BASKETBALL TEAM.

MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOES & COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO O ABSENT.

SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS

COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU REPORTED ON STATUS OF ATTORNEYS FOR COUNCIL INVESTIGATION.

OLD BUSINESS

COUNCILMATIC APPOINTMENT-PLUMBING INSPECTOR

MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF EVERETT BROWN FOR PLUMBING INSPECTOR. COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE SECONDED THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU TO REQUEST FROM THE FINANCE DIRECTOR A BUDGET THAT REFLECTS THE PROPOSED EXEMPTIONS AND A BUDGET THAT HAS NOT EXEMPTIONS WITH THE LOWEST POSSIBLE TAX RATE.

MOTION SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.

ADJOURN

MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN PAQUETTE AND SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN MOREAU.

MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO O ABSENT.

TIME: 11:25 P.M.

_______________________________________

ELIZABETH A. CROWLEY, DEPUTY CITY CLERK