CITY OF CENTAL FALLS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2000
Immediately following recessed meeting of 2/14/00
Agenda
A special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Councilman Leger
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Robichaud
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Noury
Quorum present.
Council President Noury presided.
a) Mayor Richard C. Sardella of Newport-re: Invitation to join in the Newport Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
b) Town of East Greenwich- re: Resolution in opposition to casino in West Warwick.
c) Town of South Kingstown- re: Resolution Authorizing Municipal Governments to regulate outdoor shooting ranges.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
a) 1999 Annual Police Report
b) Revenue & Expense Report unaudited 1/31/00
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
Maureen Chevrette, Superintendent of Central Falls School Department Education Update and School comment.
Council President Noury introduced the Superintendent of School, Dr. Maureen Chevrette who was present to give the City Council a quick overlay of the School system as well as the planning relative to All Day Kindergarten in Central Falls. Also present were members of the School Advisory Board as well as a member of the State Administrator's Office.
Council President Noury also noted the presence of former Councilman Robert Weber, a member Of the School Advisory Board and State Board of Regents Member Robert Canavan.
Council President Noury also announced the presence of State Representative Joseph Faria.
Dr. Chevrette briefed the Council on the Lease Purchase by the School Department of the former Holy Trinity School. She commented on ways that the Department would obtain the building without impacting the City's Budget. She stated that the department is doing and finding every means possible to affect the lease as well as the renovations necessary to make this a reality. She stated that the largest cost for the all day kindergarten is the cost of personnel and that the department is looking at all the resources presently in place.
Dr. Chevrette gave a brief overview of the Central Falls School District. She related that in addition to the early learning center there are 4 elementary schools grads 1-5 the middle school grades 6-7-8 and the High School grades 9-12. She commented on the school population and the difficulties associated with the constant change in numbers, not only with housing the students, but also with tracking educational levels as well. She related that 27% of the population is learning English proficiency and 24% have special educational needs. Presently there are 9% black, 31% white. 69% Hispanic, this results in 99% of the school population In need of the breakfast program which none pay for because of the high levels. Every school engages in the Free Lunch and free breakfast program.
Dr. Chevrette gave a brief overlay of the Administrative Plan and related that most of the recommendations of this plan have been accomplished. She stated that the Board of Regents supports the School's efforts in the area of education.
She related the children's test scores and what they mean to the Community. She also commented and explained how the test scores relate to the City. She stressed that the constant mobility of the students greatly affects the test score results. She related in what areas the test scores were in serious need of increasing the ability of the child, while at the same time showed how dramatically the mobility affected the ability of the child. She commented on the students' problem solving skills and their abilities. She commented on the continuing education needed for all teachers and the teacher policy, which police this area. She stated that it would take about 10-12 years to meet the standards.
Councilman Lazieh stated that these are very important issues and that they raise concerns about what direction the school department would take to remedy the problem. He also stated that he is in favor of all day kindergarten.
Discussion took place on the enrollment issue of the schools, the testing levels and all the related materials.
Councilman Lazieh commented on the $12 million school bond and asked about the Construction and renovation as to whether it was complete.
Dr. Chevrette stated that the financial responsibility relative to the school buildings was on the City's side and that the Advisory Committee from the Department of Education is the school's responsibility. She complimented the custodial staff at the department and related that the buildings are clean and spotless, even buildings that are over 100 years old. She stated that the effort is to keep the new things in good shape.
Council President Noury commented on the full day kindergarten and asked the target date on The implementation of this project.
Dr. Chevrette stated that the last phase of negotiation is in the Attorney's hand. She related that the state is very committee to Central Falls and is very concerned about providing all day kindergarten Councilwoman Canavan commended the School administration of the use of diligence and Persistence for all day kindergarten.
Council President Noury thanked Dr. Chevrette for her presentation and update to the City Council.
a) Nereida Esquilin personal injuries sustain in a fall on or about December 11, 1998 due to accumulation of ice & snow on sidewalk situated on property owned by the City of Central Falls at 9 Chestnut St. ($100,000.00)
b) Maria Gomes for injury sustain in auto collision with public works vehicle on or about January 26, 2000.
Motion to refer to the Claims committee collectively was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
a) Resolution requesting the Mayor not to enter into any private Company Contract Agreement concerning refuse/recyclable collection.
Motion to amend to "by the March 13th City Council Meeting" was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Council President Noury opened the meeting to a Public Hearing-no comments.
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
Councilman Lazieh requested that the Public Works Director be invited to attend the meeting.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted.
__________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk
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 24, 2000.