City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
Monday, February 22, 1999
City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
A special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:10 p.m.
Councilman Noury
Councilman Weber
Councilman Canavan
Quorum present.
Council President Robert Canavan presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Litigation: as allowed under Rhode Island General Laws 42-26-12
Bessette etals vs. City of Central Falls.
Motion to recess to Executive Session was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury.
Councilman Noury yes
Councilman Weber yes
Councilman Canavan yes
Motion carried: 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Time 7:13 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:50 p.m.
Motion to seal minutes of Executive Session was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury.
Councilman Noury yes
Councilman Weber yes
Councilman Canavan yes
Motion carried: 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Motion was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury to approve the Settlement Agreement between the City of Central Falls and Bessette etals as recommended by Mark DiSesto, Esq. from Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Corp. representing the City of Central Falls.
Councilman Noury yes
Councilman Weber yes
Councilman Canavan yes
Motion carried: 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Motion to allow Attorney DiSesto to execute a Dismissal Stipulation was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury.
Councilman Noury yes
Councilman Weber yes
Councilman Canavan yes
Motion carried: 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Councilman Noury stated that this is something the City should do and it is a fair and reasonable and responsible settlement.
Councilman Weber stated that it was time to settle this matter and it was done in a fair and reasonable manner and it is something that these retired Officers, who served the City well is entitled to and the payments from the City to them is fair with a payment schedule over 3 years. He stated that Mark DiSesto and Matthew Oliverio are to be commended for their efforts.
Council President Canavan echoed the comments of both Councilmen and stated that each attorney strongly urged settlement of this claim. He commended both for their diligence and stated that this is why the City Charter needs to be updated. The Charter as it relates now only allows the Administration to negotiate Contracts with the Unions and in this case that negotiation caused this suit. The only recourse the Council has was to right the wrong created by past negotiations in which the
Council had no input. He further stated that the Council was silent on this issue because it had to be and it had weight what was fiscally responsible for the City and what is right for the retirees.
Councilman Noury stated that this is not a new expense just a delayed payment.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury. All Agreed. So Voted. Time: 8:15 p.m.
______________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
Deputy City Clerk