CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 1997
AT 7:00 P.M.
A MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON THE ABOVE DATE IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 7: 10 P.M.
COUNCILMAN NOURY
COUNCILMAN FERRI
COUNCILMAN CANAVAN
COUNCILMAN WEBER
COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN
QUORUM PRESENT.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT ROBERT J. CANAVAN PRESIDED AND LED THE ASSEMBLY IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS CONGRATULATING THE LADY WARRIORS SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM, 1997 STATE CHAMPIONS.
PRESENTED AT THE INTRODUCTION OF COUNCILMAN WEBER.
TOWN OF BURRILLVILLE: RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO AN ACT RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' BILL OF RIGHTS.
EASTERN UTILITIES TO COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN RE: HEARING OF EASTERN EDISON COMPANY FOR REVIEW OF ITS ELECTRIC INDUSTRY RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL.
JOHN P. KUZMISKI TO COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANAVAN RE: NOTICE TO AUDITOR GENERAL OF AWARD OF AUDIT TO L.H. FOX & ASSOCIATES FOR A ONE YEAR AUDIT.
CHIEF MOFFATT RE: FESTIVAL RECOMMENDATION 2 POLICE OFFICERS EACH NIGHT.
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN FERRI.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
MUNICIPAL COURT; CODE ENFORCEMENT.
MOTION TO ACCEPT COLLECTIVELY AND PLACE ON FILE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN FERRI AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
GEORGE DALOMBA, FORMER ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER, STATED THAT HE WANTED TO PUBLICLY COMMENT ON AN ARTICLE WRITTEN IN THE TIMES RELATIVE TO HIS POSITION AS ACO AND HE POLLED THE COUNCIL ON HIS JOB PERFORMANCE. ALL STATED THAT THEY HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES.
COUNCILMAN WEBER COMMENTED ON THE DONATION MADE BY MRS. ST.AMAND OF THE 4 D'S FOR THE IMAGING DEVICE.
ARELIS MEZA D/B/A ARCILIS PARTY CREATIONS
716 DEXTER ST.
BAKERY
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
HECTOR R. SOLIS
763 HIGH ST.
MECHANIC SHOP
MOTION TO TABLE UNTIL ZONING BOARD MEETING WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN NOURY AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
GRUPO AMIGOS DA TERCEIRA INC.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL SEPT. 4-7 1997
BROOK STREET, C.F.
COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN COMMENTED ON THE MUSIC AND ASKED THAT THE GROUP KEEP THE MUSIC AS LOW AS POSSIBLE.
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN FERRI AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
NONE
AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING CERTAIN FUNDS IN THE 1996/1997 BUDGET RELATING TO SALARIES.
AN ORDINANCE TRANSFERRING CERTAIN FUNDS IN THE 1996/1997 BUDGET GENERALLY.
SO INTRODUCED.
AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO DOMESTIC ANIMAL WASTE AND ITS REMOVAL SECTION 8-12.
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN FERRI AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN NOURY.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED.
THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET ORDINANCE
Councilman Noury stated that he has some questions, some clarifications and some amendments.
Councilman Weber spoke as chairman of the finance committee.
Discussion among council members continued.
Council President Canavan commented on the questions posed by Councilman Noury.
public hearing opened.
Josephine Mclaughlin asked that the transfers be read.
Sen. Issa asked about workers comp. cost of $50,000 and what was the previous costs.
J. Kuzmiski replied and explained the cost of workers comp.
Peter Demeule questioned the 75,000 in grant for purchase of building CDGB where did this go.
Mayor Matthews explained. He asked if this could be reprogrammed. Loose it or reprogram, not sure if it has been approved as of this meeting.
Mr. Demeule stated that Mr. Grafton said it has been approved.
Mr. Demeule was a call in response.
Ricardo Patino 7 Darling st. questioned the funding for community relations.
Answer is no.
What is the purpose of placing the funds there when it has not been filled.
Spoke of hispanic community and serving the city.
Leo Bonilla 45 Fales st. questioned the position of community relations, what is the purpose of this position when nothing is going on, think this
is a joke.
Council President Canavan stated that the council does not hire and cannot hire.
Stanley Pietraszka-Tiffany st. agreed that the city is not planning the future. Not in favor of making more parks out of industrial land.
LETS get onto the budget. Commented on legal expenditure $61,000.00.
who makes the proposals.
The Finance Director responded to Mr. Pietraszka's questions.
Mr. Pietraszka questioned in length.
Rep. Farrell 3,753.00 no purpose in the budget . This should be stricken, when public welfare is in PAWTUCKET...should be removed and stricken from the budget. He is upset that Mr. Noury has not been afforded time to ask questions.
Sen. Issa commented on salaries in personnel .
Phone call from former Mayor Lazieh stated that he did hire a Hispanic community liaison person. Who was fired by the incoming mayor.
John Kuzmiski responded to Sen. Issa's questions.
Sen Issa stated that the council should consider the purchase of a police car each. This is a long term program. He stated that this is the second year that the City has dipped into the surplus. He wanted to remind the Council that this is not a bottomless account.
J. McLaughlin questioned recycling.
Mayor Matthews responded.
Public hearing closed. 8:45 p.m.
Councilman Noury commented. He questioned revenue 46880 fund balance.
John Kuzmiski stated that no money has been taken from the surplus. City has revenues in excess of expenditures. He explained in detail.
Mayor Matthews stated that there have been a couple of misrepresentations with regards to the surplus. He stated that money from the surplus has not been used, no one is using surplus funds.
Councilman Noury asked if the city is contributing any money to dare.
Mayor does not believe city is contributing any money to dare.
Councilman Noury questioned encumbrances.
The finance director explained that this is an accounting procedure.
Meeting recessed at 8:50 P.M. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.
Councilman Noury questioned overtime account in the police department.
The finance director and chief responded.
Councilman Noury questioned legal contingencies and asked if there are any outstanding bills with regards to Women's Development Corp.
Mayor Matthews responded that there are none.
Discussion continued between the finance director and Councilman Noury.
Councilman Noury questioned major purchases buildings...$71,000 expenditure
$125,000 for school-separate account. special revenue fund.provides for reimbursement from the state..Improvements other than buildings.
Councilman Noury commented on revenues regarding rescue runs.
$15,000+ increase in mayor's salary reduce mayor's expense account to 3,000.
city clerk-overtime in that account.
personnel-concern procurement of personnel contract not going out to bid.
circumventing state pension laws.
commented on reserve account. approval of council.
solicitor appointed by mayor 43,000 PARTTIME answer to council.
allocate some funds for dare.
reducing welfare/public health salary. place in finance director's salary.
major purchases land section-cost of modular homes..does not have final cost for these.
Councilman Ferri commented on dare program..$500.00 from council's account.
basketball league--
Councilman Weber- commented.
Council President Canavan commented on the housing program.
community relations take it out or fill it.
place welfare director's salary in finance director's salary.
city clerk's overtime should be placed in overtime.
commented on school department's 15,000 for trash pickup.
Councilman Weber commented should not be charging for trash pickup for school dept.
Councilman Aunchman commented on overtime in fire and police department should be addressed.
Council President Canavan will introduce an amendment to $1,000,000.00
asked city solicitor for opinion on personnel director's contract.
40300 59110 5,000 t0 3,000 expense account motion to amend was made by Councilman Noury and second by Councilman Canavan (who relinquished chair)
Councilman Noury commented further.
Councilman Weber think should give to soccer league many youth leagues.
money in recreation budget.
Councilman Ferri don't see why mayor's expense account should be equal to council-don't see rational.
Councilman Aunchman commented.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | NO |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | NO |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | NO |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | NO |
MOTION DIES 1 YES 4 NO 0 ABSENT.
MOTION TO AMEND AS READ WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN FERRI.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
Motion was made by Councilman Noury overtime reflect what actually is paid out. Motion seconded by Councilman Weber. The finance director explained.
Motion and second withdrawn.
Motion strike salary from public welfare and this sum in salary of finance director was made by Councilman weber and seconded by Councilman Aunchman.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
recess at 10:05 p.m.
reconvened 10:10 p.m.
Public hearing opened. No comments. Public hearing closed.
MOTION TO APPROVE annual operating budget AS AMENDED was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Councilman Noury stated he wanted his concerns noted especially those in major purchases.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. NO COMMENTS. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
THE ANNUAL CAPITAL BUDGET ORDINANCE
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
Public Hearing opened. No comments. Public Hearing closed.
THE ANNUAL CAPITAL PROGRAM ORDINANCE
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO THE SALARIES OF FIREFIGHTERS & POLICE OFFICERS.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. NO COMMENTS. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WEBER.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WAGE SCHEDULE GENERALLY
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. NO COMMENTS. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
MOTION TO APPROVE WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN.
AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO SALARIES OF DEPARTMENT HEADS & OTHERS IN UNCLASSIFIED SERVICE
MOTION TO AMEND FINANCE DIRECTOR'S SALARY AND WELFARE DIRECTOR'S SALARY WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN FERRI.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. NO COMMENTS. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN WEBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN FERRI.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CLASSES OF POSITION THE MAXIMUM NUMBER IN CERTAIN CLASSES IN CITY DEPARTMENTS,as amended.
MOTION TO AMEND WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WEBER.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
MOTION TO APPROVE AS AMENDED WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN WEBER.
| COUNCILMAN NOURY | YES |
| COUNCILMAN FERRI | YES |
| COUNCILMAN CANAVAN | YES |
| COUNCILMAN WEBER | YES |
| COUNCILMAN AUNCHMAN | YES |
MOTION CARRIED 5 YES 0 NO 0 ABSENT.
Mayor Matthews thanked the Council for their efforts on the budget. He stated that less was spent this year than last year. He stated that there were some things he would like to comment on, first he stated that the City of Central Falls is an equal employment city and persons are hired based on knowledge, and merit. He stated that his Administration has a variety of nationalities. He said the first hispanic department head in the state of Rhode Island has been hired by this Administration.The first time home buyers program has been taken advantage of by many non-English speaking individuals.He stated that many of the dispatchers are multiethnic.
The Mayor commented on the unfunded pension liability numbers were hidden for some years. The City is dealing in a good faith effort, especially in this year, to address this problem. Business and jobs issues are national, statewide and local and are very difficult to address. New businesses to develop in the City is difficult because of lack of open space. He spoke of the Department Heads and their abilities, the cost of the modular houses and the debates that will arise from them, an issue that he looks forward to and will gladly detail the final cost of each house.
Councilman Noury stated that the personnel director is not a department head but a consultant. He commented on the houses and on legal expenses.
Matthews oliverio warned Councilman Noury on comments with regards to the personnel director. Commented on legal opinions of city solicitor's.
High school graduation June 13, 1997 in Jenks Park.
Executive session-related to personnel June 27th at 5:00 p.m.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Aunchman. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:45 p.m.
__________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, cmc
Acting City Clerk
INTERPRETERS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED AVAILABLE UPON 72 HOUR NOTICE MADE AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK