City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
June 22, 1999
The City Council reconvened its 6/21/99 meeting on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 8:30 p.m.
Councilman Noury
Councilman Ferri
Councilman Weber
Councilwoman Moreau
Councilman Canavan
Quorum present.
Council President Robert Canavan presided.
Council President Canavan informed the Council that both EMTs that were on trial were found innocent on all counts. Council President Canavan then asked the Mayor if there were any changes or comments from where the Council left off the previous evening.
Mayor Matthews stated that he made an effort at some sort of dialog between the Council and Mayor. He stated that he spoke with Councilwoman Moreau for several hours and attempted to speak with Councilman Ferri. He stated that he would like to attempt to explain some of the line items in the budget and the things that will take place if there is no passage of the Budget.
Councilman Noury stated the Council is aware of what will happen if the budget is not passed.
Councilman Weber commented that he was available to call and that the Mayor chose to call him at home rather than at his Office. He asked the Mayor why he did that when he knows that he works.
The Mayor asked the Council President if he could continue without interruption, he would attempt to explain some of the line items.
Councilman Noury asked the Council President about interruptions if there are questions to the Mayor's statements.
Council President Canavan told the Council that he would allow the Mayor to speak on the issue and if they have questions to jot them down and ask them after the Mayor is finished with his comments.
Mayor Matthews stated that he is not interested in rebuttal or debate and that he would not participate if that were the case.
The Mayor continued and began a detailed commentary with regard to the Council's recommendations.
In the City Council's budget he would reinstate as agreed the Salary of the Camera Operator. The camera equipment the Mayor feels that $500.00 is enough but if it is not enough then the Contingency Account could be used for any difference if necessary.
The Mayor continued with the Personnel Department and stated that the reduction of $3,000 would be difficult because is pays for Federal Drug & Alcohol Testing for the CDL, Management training, in house training to improve employee relations, public entry exams, advertising for personnel, testing for Police Psychological Exams. He stated that the City is trying to obtain a half-million account and to deposit only $5,000 defeats the purpose. He spoke about stop-loss insurance and other coverage.
In the Police Department reducing overtime by $25,000 as commented by the member of the Council, why reduce when Department Heads say they need more. He stated that the overtime account is tight. He also stated that if the Council wants a full time ACO then that is what needs to be discussed, he also said that he wished the Council had stated their position earlier.
In the Fire Department Salaries account the $50,000 forecast not being spent represents the 36th person. He stated that there is every intention of filling the slot and that it can't be eliminated by contract.
In the Minimum Housing Department the Department conducted 600 inspections by two inspectors amounts to less than 1 per day. He stated that the Animal Control Officer responds to more than 1,000 calls, two inspectors doing around 600 inspections is not necessary and that the City's position is to eliminate one position. He stated that it is up to the individual to use their right to bump.
The Mayor then focused on the Recreation Department, he stated that it is nice to have the Parks opened but the fact of the matter is the children just don't stay in the Playgrounds. Garfield Street is a breakfast and lunch program which is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then there is no one in the area after 2:00 p.m. Crossman and Illinois Street is opened from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Illinois Street is not used and the worker would leave early regularly. Jenks Park and Sacred Heart Avenue are the most used and are opened from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. He said most of the Children are out by 2:30 p.m.
In the Municipal Debt the reason the City cannot lower the amount $16,000 is the agreement made of Sept. 5, 1998 by and between two separate funds which was established by local ordinance EEL and the General Fund and that you can't use this to balance the General Fund. He asked the Council not to reduce Contingencies. He spoke of the Lazieh suit etc. He then stated that to fund the positions that are being eliminated then the City has only two options
1. Raise Taxes
2. Tap the Reserve Account.
Councilman Weber stated he wished to clarify why he didn't speak with the Mayor during the day. He reminded the Council of what the Mayor stated last evening. That his Position of the changes was final.
Councilman Weber commented on the clerical position in the City Clerk's Office. He stated to the Mayor that two months ago the Clerk's position was needed and now 2 months later the clerk is not needed he asked how can this be?
The Mayor stated that previously there was a City Clerk, a Deputy Clerk, a clerk and part time help. He spoke of placing Pauline Khabbaz in the position of City Clerk since there was a vacancy, he reminded the Council that he was placing her there but since he took office has always wanted Betty Crowley in that position, but that due to other circumstances, Betty chose not to take the position at that time. He said that he had several options for Pauline, but that the individual who was hired for the Mayor's Office left to take another position and Pauline was returned to the Mayor's Office. He stated that with a full time City Clerk there was no need to place two full time clerks in the Office.
Councilman Weber stated that he has had many the opportunity to observe the Office of the City Clerk, and found it always to be a busy Office and that is with a full time City Clerk, Assistant clerk and floater along with student help. He stated that each is allow sick time, vacation time etc. and the phone rings constantly.
Discussion ensued relative to the clerical position.
Councilman Noury asked the Mayor why did he hire a full time replacement in the Mayor's Office for someone on Maternity Leave.
Council President Canavan stated that he thought it would be a mistake to eliminate a position in the Clerk's Office and that when people come to City Hall they don't want to wait to be served. He said there is not enough help in City Hall.
Councilwoman Moreau questioned the elimination of a clerical position in City Hall.
Mayor Matthews explained the issue of Union positions and Non-Union positions.
Councilman Noury commented on the City Property account and the limit on stopgap insurance.
Mayor Matthews stated that hasn't been determined yet.
Councilman Noury stated that there is definitely a need for the insurance.
Councilman Weber questioned contract R & M and the Janitorial Services Bids over the amount in budget.
Mayor Matthews explained that the contract includes services that are not provided. They include washing windows, floors, and carpets. The approximate cost currently is $39,000 that the present employee is costing the City. This will cost the City less and get more for your money.
Councilman Weber rebutted and stated in the end that it would cost more.
Council President Canavan stated that he doesn't understand the answer. There is an individual whose work is not satisfactory why hasn't anything been done?
The Mayor explained it's too fold too much for one person. Maybe there's not enough people and maybe not managed enough. We can get more done with less money.
Councilman Noury questioned the full time ACO.
Mayor Matthews said he is not proposing to fund it in this budget.
Councilman Noury asked if the Chief recommends a full time ACO.
Mayor Matthews responded that there is no question that there is a need for a full time ACO and that the parking monitor's position pays for itself. The Mayor stated are we talking about two positions or one position.
Councilman Noury responded that with summer here the is a need for a full time ACO.
Mayor Matthews responded that the taxpayer doesn't want to pay an increase in taxes.
Councilwoman Moreau commented on privatization of ACO that was tried by this City before and it doesn't work. The City takes a back seat to the other community.
Councilman Ferri suggested that the ACO allocation be made solely for the ACO and not 1/2 ACO and 1/2 parking monitor.
Councilman Weber commented on the Parking Violation Monitor and the ACO being one position.
Discussion continued on the Animal Control Officer's Position and the Parking Violations Officer.
Councilman Weber addressed the issue of Minimum Housing and stated that there are 248 workdays per year. To say that there are not 1 inspection per day. Discussion took place on the number of calls.
Mayor Matthews stated that it is very frustrating on management issues. Stated that people have been reprimanded, fired, and he explained all the issues relative to
this issue.
Councilman Weber stated that there could be four weeks per year without an inspector.
Mayor Matthews stated that this is a management issue and he feels that the City can do without this position. If this wrong the City will know it.
Councilman Noury questioned inspection.
Discussion continued on Housing Issues.
Councilman Noury commented on the individuals and bumping rights.
The Council discussed the issues on fuels and the Janitor's position.
Mayor Matthews responded that it has been a straight answer and if the Council disagrees with it that fine but the City is not trying to mislead the Council.
The Council focused its attention on the are of Recreation.
Councilman Weber stated that he has given up on Recreation, he has asked for repairs, programs to be made stronger, that the parks remain open and nothing has been done.
Councilman Noury questioned the Mayor on the additional cost proposal for Recreation.
Mayor Matthews explained the cost $6,827.00 to have someone available during the winter months to help with Winter Recreational activities.
Councilman Ferri questioned the playgrounds offering lunch programs.
Council President Canavan commented on Recreation. The problem, are there programs for the children?
Mayor Matthews stated they are offered. Swimming, Movies etc.
The kids do not participate in any programs, like whiffle ball, checkers, one park challenging another, and its another generation.
Council President Canavan stated that if the children have changed so much then maybe the programs should change. The City needs to find the programs not close the parks earlier. Need to address the problem. Find the programs.
Councilman Noury commented that the Finance Committee would address the issue of the Municipal Debt.
Councilman Weber stated that he will speak with the Legal Department.
Councilman Noury stated that there was something in personnel not addressed. The other issue is the City could cut down of the Personnel Director's Services.
Council Members discussed Legal Contingencies.
Council President Canavan commented on the 1993 Police Car hitting trailers.
Councilman Weber stated that the City couldn't afford every lawsuit and the Council will not give a blank check. Keep fighting, heading for more arbitration.
Mayor Matthews responded that the most expensive lawsuit has been in favor of the City. The City was sued and the Mayor related that he would defend the City.
The City was sued for $5million and the City will defend itself.
Discussion continued discussion on the Legal Contingencies Account.
Councilman Noury commented on the number of employees and asked if this will cover the cost of unemployment.
Councilman Noury commented further on stopgap insurance and, if needed ,then the money is in the fund balance.
Council President Canavan opened the meeting to a Public Hearing.
Douglas Pendergrass stated that he agrees 100% on the expense of the Animal Control Officer and the problem with privatization is that contract comes up annually and increases are inevitable.
Ronald Doucet, a minimum-housing inspector, stated publicly that he intends to exercise his legal right to bump. He stated that he has been working 9 1/2 years for the City will not stand and beg for his job. When attacked will attack and will not have his integrity questioned he place 340 written reports on individual homes that have been written up by the inspectors for the past 2.5 months. If the council wishes a better job then the worker must be given better tools.
Council President Canavan stated he didn't believe anyone on the Council is questioning Mr. Doucet's integrity or work ability.
Public Hearing closed. Meeting Recessed at 10:30 p.m. reconvened at 10:38 p.m.
Council President Canavan asked what the pleasure of the Council.
Motion to recess to 8:30 p.m. on the next evening. Second Councilwoman Moreau.
Councilman Weber stated that he will be working tomorrow.
The Mayor stated his schedule.
All Agreed to recess. Time 10:40 p.m.
__________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk