CITY OF CENTAL FALLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2000
AT 7:00 P.M.
A Meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 8:25 p.m.
Councilman Leger
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Robichaud
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Noury
Quorum present.
Council President Noury presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 10, 2000
Councilwoman Canavan stated that the minutes # 3 last sentence should read " Councilwoman Canavan stated that the Council President conducts the meeting ad she sees no problem with that but that the Mayor's comments are in the beginning of the meeting but she hoped that "anytime the Mayor wished to speak regarding the subject on hand he would be allowed the courtesy to be heard." As provided in the Charter section 2-204.
Motion to amend as corrected was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to accept and place on file as amended was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Council President Noury explained the rules and stated that each person would be allowed to Address the Council for a three-minute time limit in order to keep an even flow to the meeting.
Mr. Lussier of Rand Street passed out papers to the members of the Council regarding an Ordinance related to a Renters Certificate/Landlord Tenant Act.
Robert Weber of Hunt Street commented on the privatization of trash collection, he stated that going this route would be a mistake, since the men doing the trash also plow, take care of the ballfields and take care of other public works projects. He stated that this would cost more in the long run. He stated that Warwick returned to hiring its own crews instead of a private company. He asked the Council to have a public hearing on this issue.
Clifton St. Residents-New Business Licensing concerns
Elizabeth Birch and Len Ryzkiewicz both of Clifton Street explained their request to be heard about this issue. They asked if the Council checked on where people who have applied for a license had previously done business, have they checked with the community where they previously did business, why are they relocating their business to Central Falls etc. They also commented on keeping the business to the hours granted by the Council.
Councilman Leger commented on this issue.
Councilwoman Canavan commented.
Council President Noury stated that he would appoint a license committee to establish some regulations regarding this issue and related matters.
Memo to Mayor re: Status of Champlin Foundation Grant
Mayor Matthews commented on when the Mayor should speak and asked respectfully that he be allowed to speak when issues arise during the course of a meeting that would and could be addressed immediately in a short response. He stated that he has no intention to debate any Council Member but that if he could shed some light on an issue or that he may have information that would be helpful in making a decision. He also commented that he noted that there is listed at the end of the meeting the issue of Public Safety and stated that he has no idea what direction the discussion would take and he's the Public Safety Director, how can he address the issue now when he has no idea about the subject and will not be allowed to answer the comments at that time. He stated that this is rather absurd. He also commented on the letter relative to the removal of the Assistant Solicitor from the Mayor's Appointments.
Mayor Matthews updated the Council on the Champlin Foundation grant and stated that he received a letter from Champlin relating that they were informed that there was a need for a new playing field and that the foundation was holding the grant in abeyance until there was a plan to develop additional space and new playing field.
Council President Noury questioned the Mayor.
Council President Noury appointed Councilman Leger to the Recreation Board.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the Mayor and stated that under new business he would request that there be a meeting relative to Public Safety issues. He commented on such things as privatization, Fire Department overtime, and equipment and recycling.
Mayor Matthews responded on availability.
Councilman Lazieh remarked.
Council President Noury ruled Councilman Lazieh out of order and stated that the April meeting has been changed from April 10th to April 17th.
Councilman Lazieh asked the Mayor if there are any actions in the next 30 days relative to any Contracts.
Discussion continued between the members of the Council and the Mayor.
Leonard J. Nadeau, Camera Operator to Mr. John Martin, Cox Communications
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC-City Clerk to Ward 5 Residents, San Francisco Auto Repair & Island Express Lines, Inc. Re: Clifton Street Residents Concerns.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC-City Clerk to Department Heads re: Request made by Councilman Lazieh.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC-City Clerk to Mary M Beck, CMC/AAE Town of Narragansett Signed petition by Council members in support of stricter laws on drinking & driving.
Volunteer Services for Animals: re: Annual Animal Activity 1999.
Town of Portsmouth re: Resolution in opposition to a gambling casino in West Warwick.
Kay Coalition against Casino Gambling in Rhode Island.
RI Department of Environmental Management-Re: Ombudsman Policy Narragansett Bay Commission Report 1999
Peter Granieri, Public Works Director: re: Petition & Consent for conduit on Broad St.
James Briden, City Solicitor: re: Memo Meeting with Mr. James Marusak for March Claims Committee: Regarding Thomas Lazieh Claim
Peter Granieri, Public Works Director: re: Permit to occupy sidewalk & roadway to install Below ground Williams Fiber Optic/Williams Communications.
DEM: Re: Cleanup Earth Day
DEM: Re: Wetlands Permit Application High & Broad St.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
A) Revenue & Expense Report unaudited 12/31/99
B) Code Enforcement Reports December 1999
C) Police Report
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan.
Councilman Lazieh commented on the Revenue and Expense report and stated that he expected to sit down with Councilman Leger to set a date for a meeting.
City Clerk- Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Solicitor- James A. Briden, Esq.
Assistant City Solicitor- Matthews T. Oliverio, Esq.
Director of Public Works-Peter Granieri
Council President Noury stated that he had a questioned relative to placing Department Heads on the agenda.
James Briden, City Solicitor explained that the Charter provides for the appointment of Department Heads. He stated that they serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. He related that there was an amendment to the Charter, which calls for the appointments to be placed before the Council biannually.
Council President Noury asked that the Solicitor provide a response in writing and to answer why only certain appointments are being placed before them.
Motion to table was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So voted.
Bell Atlantic re: Place 90' conduit from existing MH 17 1/2 to pole #33 on Cowden St. for Veterans School- (cable line for Computers)
Bell Atlantic re: 9' conduit p#46-1 to curb line on Broad St. for Feinstein School- (Cable line for Computers)
Council Members stated that there was a letter from the Public Works Director approving the Feinstein School on Broad St. but not on the Veterans School on Cowden St.
Motion to approve the Broad Street request was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to table the Cowden Street petition was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
See List-2000
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
Luis Auto Repair
Blackstone St.
Councilman Leger questioned the applicant extensively. He asked the applicant about operating his business while awaiting Council approval. The applicant explained that he is operating under the License owned by M & M Auto Repair.
Councilman Leger asked the applicant why he was not at the January meeting.
The applicant explained that he was unable to attend that meeting.
Councilman Leger stated that he had several concerns and would like to table this until he has the opportunity to talk with people in the neighborhood.
Councilman Lazieh commented.
Discussion ensued.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Lazieh.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilwoman Canavan | no |
| Councilman Robichaud | no |
| Councilman Lazieh | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
Motion to table carried 3 yes 2 no 0 absent.
Menegildo R. Medina
D/b/a Antilla's Market
156 Washington St.
Applicant was not present.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
Requesting the Annual Financial Audit Report for fiscal year 1998/1999 (Introduced by Councilman Thomas Lazieh).
Council President Noury commented on the audit.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that she has researched this Resolution and spoke with the Finance Director who explained that everything is in the hands of the City's Auditor. She also commented on the request for an extension made to the Auditor General who approved the extension to February 29th. She stated that this is within the law.
Councilman Robichaud asked what date the audit is due by.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that December 31st is the due date but that it is not uncommon For many communities to go beyond the due date and that there are approximately 1/2 of the Cities & Towns who's audits are not submitted.
Motion to amend to "before March 13, 2000 was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Noury who turned the Chair to President Pro-Temp in order to second the motion.
Councilman Noury questioned Councilwoman Canavan about the extension. He stated that He believes that it takes a City Council Resolution to ask for an extension at the very least a vote of the Council. He also said that if the audit is not complete by the due date it becomes a management problem.
Councilman Lazieh commented on this issue and referred to the City Charter section 2-310 Which states that the City Council is responsible to make sure the audit is complete.
Roll Call on the motion to amend:
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilwoman Canavan | no |
| Councilman Robichaud | yes |
| Councilman Lazieh | yes |
| Councilman Noury | no |
Motion carried 3 yes 2 no 0 absent.
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilwoman Canavan | no |
| Councilman Robichaud | yes |
| Councilman Lazieh | yes |
| Councilman Noury | no |
Motion carried 3 yes 2 no 0 absent.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late Nancy J. Maurice at the introduction of Councilman Thomas Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late Roland V. Geoffroy at the introduction of Councilman Thomas Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Robichaud and Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late Jane H. Legenza at the introduction of Councilman Thomas Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late George J. Letourneau at the introduction of Councilman Thomas Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late Michael L. Koussa, Sr. at the introduction of Councilman Thomas Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late John "Jack" Durand at the introduction of Councilman Thomas Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger and Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late Eugene Bricault. At the Introduction of Councilman Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution of the City Council Extending its Sincerest Condolences to the Family of the Late Beatrice A. Sadie. At the Introduction of Councilman Lazieh.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution in Support of Full Day Kindergarten in the City of Central Falls September 2000. At the Introduction of Councilman Lazieh.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that this should be a Resolution complimenting the School Department on their efforts to make a full day kindergarten.
Councilman Lazieh explained that the Resolution was drawn up prior to the news that indicated that full day kindergarten would be a reality.
Councilman Leger stated that he supports full day kindergarten.
Councilman Robichaud stated that he would support and amendment.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Resolution in Support of Open Government and Open Records. At the Introduction of Councilman Lazieh.
Councilman Leger questioned and asked Councilman Lazieh to explain.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he authored this Resolution in order to allow any Council member to receive records from City agencies when requested.
Councilman Robichaud stated that this is already provided for in the access to public records act.
Councilwoman Canavan asked for a point of order. She stated that these records that Councilman Lazieh is requesting is not the business of the Council but that this is a personal resolution in order to accomplish his previous requests.
Councilman Robichaud asked if he received most of these documents.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he has asked and as a Councilman he should be to receive the records in order to be informed and that he is not doing is with any personal intent.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance requiring the Mayor, at the request of a City Council Member, to periodically report to the City Council the status of any and all unresolved labor
contract negotiations, arbitration, labor disputes, suits, or any other pending or active litigation issues involving or impacting the City. At the Introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance requiring all Department Heads, Division Directors and all other administrative officers of the City to promptly provide within seven (7) working days, any and all documents, data, studies, tapes, discs, reports, memos, correspondence or any other research information or materials in the possession of their office or staff or within their knowledge to any City Council member requesting said information or documents. At the Introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance requiring the City Clerk to maintain an official electronic tape recorded copy and a video copy of all City Council and Liquor Board public meetings for public review. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance requiring that all municipal employment contracts entered into by the Mayor for any and all unclassified municipal employees be approved by the City Council prior to engagement of Office, and that no employment contract will exceed the term of Office of the Mayor executing said contract. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance Requiring the Mayor to submit to the City Council, for confirmation, the appointment of all Department Heads and Division Directors within thirty days of inauguration day. New Appointees shall not serve until confirmed by the City Council and all other appointments of individuals to serve in the same position or office must be confirmed by the City Council within sixty (60) days of inauguration or must vacate office. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance establishing a policy of rules & regulations, benefits and any and all other personnel related issues for those municipal employees who are in the unclassified service of municipal government. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance requiring the Mayor to submit to the City Council a balanced municipal budget proposal every year and for the City Council to adopt a balanced municipal budget before July 1 of each year. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance establishing an Investment Commission in the City of Central Falls to manage & establish policies and strategies on the investing of all unencumbered (surplus) funds in all City accounts. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 Article III, Section 2-69 (b) entitled "Assistant City Solicitor." At the introduction of Councilman Noury. So Introduced.
An Ordinance requiring all unanticipated or unbudgeted revenues received by the City in its fiscal year must be reported to the City Council and used solely for debt, bond or note reduction or must be credited to the unencumbered fund account balance. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh. So Introduced.
An Ordinance requiring all funds not spent by June 30th, in the fiscal year appropriated from the municipal budget must be returned to the general fund unless reappropriated by the City Council. At the introduction of Councilman Lazieh, So Introduced.
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 entitled "Animals." As amended Councilman Robichaud explained the amendments.
Council President Noury opened the meeting for public comments.
Doug Pendergrass commented and stated that to regulate this would be difficult and suggested that a private course on the care of these types of animals be required in order to license them.
Motion to amend was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Leger.
All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by
Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Council President Noury recessed the Meeting to Monday February 28, 2000 at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting recessed at 11:30 pm.
City Council Appointments-As provided for in RIGL 42-46-4 "Personnel Related Issues."
Discussion
A. Relative to Central Falls School Department-Education
B. Public Safety
Interpreters for the Hearing-Impaired Available upon 72 hour Notice made at the Office of the City Clerk.
This Notice Posted in the City Hall and Library on: February 10, 2000.