CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, June 21, 1999
At 7:30 p.m.
A Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:38 p.m.
Councilman Noury
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Weber
Councilwoman Moreau
Councilman Canavan
Quorum Present.
Council President Robert Canavan presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
None
See List
The City Clerk asked that the list be corrected by eliminating Holiday Auto Sales Annex. She explained that the Annex no longer exists but is now part of B & L Auto Sales.
Councilman Ferri questioned the tax status of the license holders.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
See List
Councilwoman Moreau asked that the City Clerk send a letter to each of the ice cream vendors and state to them that the continuous loud music while they are stopped will not be tolerated nor will the confrontation between the vendor and their customers.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Council President Canavan asked about the peddler who was involved in the Car Show incident and what was to be done about it.
Mayor Matthews asked that the Council not renew this license.
Motion and second were withdrawn.
Motion to approve collectively with the exception of Manny's Ice Cream- owned and operated by Emmanuel Zaharaky was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Motion to summons Manny's Ice Cream to the July 12, 1999 meeting and to table his renewal application was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Without objection Councilman Noury asked for the Appointment of Bruce Gagnon to the Purchasing Board.
Without objection.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Ferri.
Councilman Noury spoke on behalf of the Appointment of Bruce Gagnon to the Purchasing Board.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Resolution Congratulating Mr. & Mrs. Edward Breault on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Introduction of Councilwoman Sandra Moreau.
Resolution read by the City Clerk.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Moreau and seconded by Councilman Weber. All Agreed. So Voted.
1. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance (General Fund)
2. The Annual Capital Budget
3. The Annual Capital Program
4. Salaries for Police Officers & Firefighters
5. Amending Wage Schedule Generally
6. Pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads & Others in unclassified service
7. Establishing the Classes of Positions, the Maximum Number of Employees and the number of employees in certain classes in the City Department, as amended.
8. Transferring certain funds in the FY 1998/99 budget-generally
9. An ordinance as it relates to previous years carry over of the Capital Programs
Public Hearing opened by Council President Canavan.
No Comments. Public Hearing Closed.
Councilman Weber commented that at the Purchasing Board Meeting of the other day the Mayor commented that political ugliness was raising its head, he stated that this is not happening. The Council is trying to deal fairly across the board with the budget because the Council is trying to insure that the surplus stays healthy for years to come.
Council President Canavan concurred that no politics were intended at that meeting and that the Finance Committee is honestly trying to work hard at keeping the City's Surplus Healthy.
Council President Canavan then proceeded to ask the Finance Committee for its recommendation relative to the Budget.
Councilman Weber, Chairman of the Finance Committee began to read the recommendation to the Council relative to their recommendations for changes in the budget as follows:
In the City Council Budget return the Salary of the Camera Operator to $5,150.00 and General R & M to $6,000. The City Council's Expense account should be returned to $3,000.
In the Office of the City Clerk return the clerical position $24,999 and decrease Charter Review $1,000.
In the Personnel Office reduce Other Professional Services $3,000.
In the Legal Office reduce Expenses $1,500.
In the Tax Assessor's Office reduce Education & Training $1,000.
In the City Property Account reduce Contract, R & M $23,000, reduce Workers Compensation $20,000 for a total reduction of $43,000.
In the Police Department Overtime reduce $25,000 add $10,712. To the salary of the Parking violations Officer for a total reduction of $14,288.
In the Fire Department reduce salary account $50,000.
In the Minimum Housing Department increase the Salary account $28,143.00 by returning the Inspector's position and the longevity account to $ 1,322. For a total increase of $29,465.
Council President Canavan commented on the reduction of this position by the Mayor and said he thought that this was not a wise decision given the many housing problems in the City.
Councilman Weber continued with the Highway Department Budget by recommending a return of the Janitor's salary in the amount of $29,490 and reducing the vehicle fuels by $8,000 for a total increase in that department of $21,490.
The Recreation Department Salary Account to be increased by $17,600.
In the area of Municipal Debt the recommendation is to reduce the Revolving Loan account by $16,000.
In Legal Contingencies reduce by $65,000 and General Contingencies by $25,000 for a total reduction of $90,000.
In the Employee Benefits Account reduce unemployment compensation by $50,000.
Councilman Weber stated that the total increases to the Budget is $122,416. The total decrease is $288,500 and a return to the Fund Balance would be $166,084. He stated that the Finance Committee has worked hard and gave a lot of thought to these recommended changes to the budget. He said it needs to be said that because we have the surplus we would be using $140,000 this is a tax increase because if we didn't have the surplus taxes would have to be raised.
Council President Canavan asked about increases to the Police Department.
Council President Canavan asked about Police Retirements.
The Mayor responded stated that the contract with the Police Department stated we have to have 35 Officers plus the Chief. There are 39 Police Officers, if two retire this would bring to 37. The Mayor stated that the intention is not to go over 38.
Council President Canavan asked if the Council has any questions. The Council asked for a motion to accept recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Motion to accept recommendations of the Finance Committee and seconded by Councilman Noury.
Councilman Ferri stated that the Council just received these recommendations and that it would be unfair to act on these until the body has a chance to review them.
Councilman Weber stated that he asked the members of the Council to call him on the budget.
Councilman Noury stated that there are serious issues discussed by the Finance Committee and that he would like to take a moment to discuss the issues. He spoke on the issues of the Recreation Department, he said that the City needs to try and keep the parks open that there are many 2-working parents and the playgrounds need to be open from 9:30am-3: 30p.m. He commented on the Animal Control Officer, he stated that the surrounding Communities have 2 full time officers, and this City needs to have a full time Animal Control Officer no matter how its funded and the Committee feels strongly about this position.
At this point a caller stated that they agreed with the need of a full time Animal Control Officer is needed. The Council President identified the caller as Doug Pendergrass.
Councilman Noury stated that the Finance Committee stated that the positions of a field inspector, a clerical position and a janitorial position are all jobs needed. He said the Mayor might be avoiding his managerial responsibilities. He also commented on the Administration and the Labor relations of the City's employees.
Council President Canavan commented on the positions of the Clerk in the City Hall and on the position of the Janitor. He said he didn't realize that the City was overmanned in any position.
Councilman Noury stated that the Administration is causing serious labor unrest. He said if the employee is a problem then that should be taken care of by management. He also spoke of the union bumping process and the inability of these people to utilize this process.
Councilman Ferri commented on the Animal Control Officer the issues of being on the street and stated that every Police Officer can technically be an Animal Control Officer.
Councilman Weber spoke on the issue of the Animal Control Officer.
Roll Call on the motion to accept recommendations of the Finance Committee.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Mayor Matthews stated that he would like to question and respond to some of these recommendations.
$2650 what is this represent?
Councilman Weber stated that this is a return to the original salary of the Camera Operator.
$5,500?
Councilman Weber stated that this is the approximate amount it would take to convert the camera to digital, as Cox will require.
The Mayor stated that this would not take place this year.
Councilman Weber stated that this is where the Committee and the Mayor disagree.
The Mayor asked the Camera Operator if he thought this change would take place this year.
Len Nadeau stated that not this year but early next year.
Mayor Matthews commented on Legal Expense Account and Tax Assessor's Account.
The Mayor stated that he can agree to the City Council Account Changes, the Charter Review Change and with a five-minute recess he can have an answer to Legal Expense and Tax Assessor Account.
Councilman Noury asked if the Mayor disagreed with the rest of the recommendations.
Mayor Matthews responded yes.
Motion to recess was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilwoman Moreau. All agreed. So Voted. Time 8:32 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:43 p.m.
Councilman Weber questioned Mr. Nadeau on the proposed changes to digital. He asked if the change would take place in this next fiscal year or next calendar year.
Mr. Nadeau stated that it could be as soon as January 1, 2000 or as late as July 1, 2000. He couldn't be sure.
Mayor Matthews responded to the cut recommendations in the Tax Assessor's Office by explaining that this $1,000 pay for the Consultant the Assessor uses for Tax Assessments and it will be vital for this input due to the changes that will take place this next year with valuation and the phase out.
With regard to the Legal Department cut in expenses this can be agreed to. He stated however, that this does not make a balanced budget. He explained further.
Councilman Weber stated that he could not tell how strongly the Committee feels about the positions that are being cut. He stated that the Taxpayer deserves the quality of service that these positions provide. He stated strongly that these positions need to stay. He said that the Council can fund the positions, and granted that Administration doesn't have to follow the advice of the Council but that the City Council has a responsibility to the taxpayer.
Councilman Noury questioned the figures regarding the differences between the recommended add on and deletions of the budget.
The Mayor explained.
Council President Canavan opened the meeting to a Public Hearing.
Senator Issa commended the Council on their actions relative to the budget. He stated that he was surprised that there is a $700,000 deficit in the budget. He spoke of the real dangers involved in deficit spending, the City's Bond rating, and how it's affected by the deficit. He commented that a no pay increase allocation in the budget could result in a greater deficit. He stated that the summer program should be kept in tact, rather than throwing kids on the street. The City doesn't need to cut hours in the playgrounds. He spoke of the continuing problem of overtime in the Police and Fire Departments. He also commented on State funding.
Public Hearing closed.
Councilman Weber questioned the Mayor on a statement in his budget address relative to State revenues and other financial information such as assessed values for Real Estate, Motor Vehicles and Tangible Personal Property.
Council President Canavan stated that since the recommendations were only received this evening, and although the Mayor has responded to them, that perhaps the Council would like to recess for the evening and come back the next day for further consideration.
Councilman Ferri stated that although he has only received these recommendations this evening, he is prepared to continue this evening or to come back if necessary.
Council President Canavan asked if anyone had any comments about returning the next evening at 8:30 p.m.
Matthew Oliverio the Assistant City Solicitor responded that he would have a conflict and that the Solicitor is away on vacation, so if the Council, wishes to have an opinion of what they can do relative to the Budget he would be happy to answer any questions they have relative to the Budget procedure as it relates to the Charter.
Council President Canavan asked the Assistant Solicitor to review the Charter provisions as they relate to the City Council's actions and the Budget.
Mr. Oliverio first stated that the Council has to be view ed. as the Legislative Branch of the City and that the Mayor is the Executive Branch each with the own exclusive duties as they relate to the Charter. He said that section 2-301.5 clearly states that the annual operating budget may be amended after its passage but only in the last three months of the fiscal year and only upon the recommendation of the Mayor unless the Council shall amend by a vote of not less than four members of the Council and that the aggregate of the appropriations made by it may not be increased. He stated that the Council has no authority to implement the recommendations it has made tonight without the recommendation of the Mayor. What is the remedy? You can pass or reject the budget. What is the result? Then the City operates on the previous year's budget until such time as a budget is passed.
Councilman Weber responded that the Council is elected to do a job and it answerable to the taxpayers of the City and that many have said they don't want to see the surplus hit. He stated that many hours have been spent to cut the hit to the surplus in half.
Councilman Noury stated that he would not vote on a budget that he is not comfortable with and that spending has got to be controlled. He cannot vote on a $500,000 hit to the surplus.
Councilman Ferri stated that in listening to Legal the budget could be passed this evening and the Council could amend in the last three months. He said that in fairness to the Taxpayer the City needs to get the Tax Bills out and the bottom line is that there is no increase in taxes.
Council Members continued to discuss the issues relative to this process.
Council President Canavan suggested that the Council recess to 8:30 p.m. on 6/22/99 to allow the Council some time to go by before they come to a decision on the issue.
Motion to recess to the next evening at 8:30 p.m. was made by Councilman Weber and seconded by Councilman Noury.
Mayor Matthews asked to comment. He stated that the Council should be made aware of the fact that the Finance Director cannot be at tomorrow's meeting due to a prior commitment. But he stated that he would be available.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Ferri | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilwoman Moreau | yes |
| Councilman Canavan | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent. Time 9:08 p.m.
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Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk