CITY OF CENTAL FALLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 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 7:03 p.m.
Councilman Leger
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Robichaud
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Noury
Quorum present.
Council President Gene R. Noury presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
None
The Mayor's Proposed Budget Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2000 and ending June 30, 2001.
Council President Noury opened the meeting to a Public Hearing. No person from the Public commented. Public Hearing closed.
A. Concerned Resident of Central Falls: Re: Concerns regarding the actions of the City Council.
(Received by Councilman Robichaud and placed on Agenda per Councilman Robichaud.)
B. Town of North Smithfield: Re: Resolution in Support of the National Campaign to fully fund IDEA
(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.)
C. Memo from Deputy City Clerk Marie Twohey to Code Enforcement Director, Donald Houle:
Re: Property located on the corner of Lonsdale Avenue and Kendall Street damaged as a result of a fire.
Motion was made by Councilman Lazieh to accept collectively and place on file. Motion seconded by Councilman Robichaud.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that item A should not be accepted since the author of the Correspondant did not identify themselves. She stated that the Council as a body should not accept any anonymous letters as this could make the City Council a repository for a Tele-Times type of commentary.
Councilman Lazieh stated that it was he intention only to accept and place on file as is done with all correspondences but if the council felt that strongly about the correspondence he would withdraw his motion.
Councilman Robichaud stated he feels that this letter should be publicly read, since it is about the Council.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that she is not opposed to the content of the letter but rather that it is not signed. The people should identify themselves when addressing the body.
Council President Noury accepted Councilman Lazieh's withdrawal of the motion.
Council President Noury stated that Newspapers themselves require that a letter to the Editor be signed before publishing.
Councilman Lazieh motioned to accept collectively and place on file items B & C.
Councilman Robichaud asked for a Legal Opinion.
City Solicitor Briden stated that the City Council should be consistent in their policy regarding this type of subject and if one correspondence is rejected because of a lack of signature of identification then all such correspondences should be treated in the same manner.
Councilman Leger commented that he agreed with Councilwoman Canavan and that a person should identify himself/herself when addressing a public body no matter in what form. He also stated that it is not the content of the letter that he objects to but that the letter is not signed.
Councilman Robichaud stated that he hopes the person who wrote the letter will come forward. He also stated that the letter was handed to the City Sergeant at the last meeting and handed to him by the City Sergeant.
Council President Noury asked for a vote on the motion. Councilman Robichaud went on record as voting no. Motion to accept Items B and C collectively and place on file carried 4-1 with Councilman Robichaud voting no.
Councilman Robichaud questioned this action. Council President Noury commented on Roberts Rules and explained how a motion could be amended.
Motion to set as policy and as a formal rule of the City Council was made by Councilwoman Canavan that no correspondences will be accepted read or placed on the agenda without proper identification and signature of the author. Motion seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
A. Police Report (May)
B. Code Enforcement (May)
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted.
Aurilio Vale
d/b/a T's Tae-Kwon-Do
1324 Broad St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan and Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
The City Clerk informed the Council that only applications received by the Office were placed on the list.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted.
C. Second Hand License Renewals (See List)
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
1. Xelapan Bakery from 863 Broad St. to 904 Lonsdale Ave., Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilman Robichaud. All Agreed. So Voted.
2. William's Financial Service Inc. from 747 Broad St., to 661 Dexter St., Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Robichaud.
Council President Noury congratulated Mr. Sanchez on the new building and wished him good luck. All Agreed. So Voted.
Club Sport Uniao Madeirense -46 Maderia Avenue Annual Feast August 11, 12, & 13, 2000
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Robichaud.
Council President Noury asked the applicants about a Raindate as done in previous years.
Motion amended by Councilman Leger to include August 14th as a Raindate. Motion carried. All Agreed. So Voted.
Annual Parade & Use of Higginson Field July 22, 2000
Clerk noted for the Council that the application is two parts one for the parade on July 22, 2000 and for the Festival on July 23rd. Council President Noury noted the request.
Motion to approve the parade and festival as stated on the application was made by Councilman Robichaud and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
Mr. Artin Bedrosian
d/b/a K. B. Motors Inc.
257 Hunt St.
Mr. Bedrosian was present to answer questions relative to the summons and stated for the record that never has any of his employees ever parked in the handicapped parking area across from his business. He also commented on the delivery of vehicles to his place of business and commented that trucks delivering to area businesses on Broad and Dexter Street always make traffic delays that this is something that cannot be helped in such a small community as Central Falls.
Councilman Leger stated that he receives phone call at least a couple times a day stating that 99% of the problem in the area is this business and commented on documentation relative to calls to the police and parking in the handicapped area.
Mr. Bedrosian stated that if customers are parking in the spot then they should receive a ticket or whatever other measures the City should take relative to the issue but that he cannot control this and that he has on a regular basis attempted to make sure that no one from his business uses the handicapped parking. He said that he doesn't choose to have trucks drop cars off but that is his business and he cannot turn business away. He also stated that he cannot control where people park. He admits that the truck do pull onto the opposite side of the handicapped space near the shop. He also reported that he has been in this business at this location for almost eight years.
Council Members discussed the handicapped parking spots and possible solutions were discussed In detail.
Council President Noury suggested that the handicapped sign that is no longer in use should be removed.
Councilman Leger stated that this has been discussed with the Police Chief and the Public Works Director.
Solicitor Briden commented on the Zoning Minutes relative to the number of parking spaces allowed for this business under the old zoning ordinance.
Mr. Bedrosian stated that he can't keep patrolling the neighborhood and that he is working on finding another location to store some of his vehicles.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he has worked with Mr. Bedrosian in the past and commented on his co-operation and that his business is grandfathered under the old zoning ordinance. He suggested that the Council defer action for a month to allow Mr. Bedrosian time to correct any problems.
Mr. Briden suggested that Councilman Leger, Donald Houle and Mr. Bedrosian meet to find solutions to the problem.
Councilman Leger stated that it is not his intention to revoke or suspend Mr. Bedrosian's License but just to state his concerns and come to and understanding regarding them.
Council President Noury stated that he is concerned on the reports stated that there was no response to some of the complaints made to the Police Department.
Councilman Leger responded that he spoke to the Chief about this very issue and he would investigate the matter.
The Council agreed to review this again at the August 7th City Council meeting.
Councilwoman Canavan suggested that Council Leger look into the handicapped parking sign and the need for it at that location.
A. Resolution Extending the Condolences of the City Council to the Family of the Barbara E. Robertson, Town Clerk of Glocester, R.I.
(At the Request of Council President Gene R. Noury)
B. Resolution Extending the Condolences of the City Council to the Family of the late Leo M. Bachand. (At the Request of Councilwoman Rose Marie Canavan)
C. Resolution in Support of the Placement of a Referenda Question on the Local Ballot for the next General Election on November 7, 2000.
D. Resolution of Congratulations & Best Wishes to the Vaudreuil Family for their 40 years of doing business in the City of Central Falls.
(At the Request of Council President Gene Noury)
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Lazieh.
Councilwoman Canavan commented on Item C the Resolution in support of the placement of a referenda question on the local ballot for the next General Election on November 7, 2000.
City Solicitor James Briden stated that they needed to make sure that the attachment to the Resolution was concise and to the point to keep it consistent with the Charter.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that the Resolution, since it does not deal with any financial issues or is in conflict with State Law needs no General Assembly approval.
On the Motion to approve collectively, All items except item C was approve by all the members.
Councilman Robichaud voted no on Item C- Resolution in support of the placement of a referenda Questions on the local ballot for the next General Election on November 7, 2000.
An Ordinance Amending the Annual Operating Budget General Fund For the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 1999 and Ending June 30, 2000
(Per the request of the Mayor)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Robichaud.
Council President Noury asked three times for a second.
No second. Motion dies.
Councilwoman Canavan informed the Council that she sent a letter on June 7th to the Attorney General regarding not receiving information requested from the Finance Department In violation of the open meetings law.
Councilman Leger asked that the Council President, at the Budget Workshop, question The Administration as to whether the administrative costs have been cut from the Public Works Department since the privatization of trash and has the salary of the Director been Cut as was commented to at that meeting by the Director of Public Works/
Council President Noury stated that at the Budget Workshop Salaries of the unclassified Personnel would be discussed.
Councilman Leger stated that he would be out of town for the remainder of the week and Just wanted the Council President to note his concerns relative to this matter.
Council President Noury apologized to the Councilman for the scheduling difficulties, but Stated that the Council will wait for his return before any vote is taken on the budget. He then Informed the Council that First Passage of the Budget would be scheduled for Monday, June 19th.
Councilman Lazieh stated that at the Finance Committee meeting the Chairman of the Committee asked for certain information from the Finance Director, which still has not been received. Councilman Lazieh also inquired about the use of Cable Channel 17, the public access channel, and stated that the Budget, Council Agenda and Ordinances should be on the screen and Editorializing should not be allowed. He also stated that City Council Meetings should be Rebroadcast at different intervals. Councilman Lazieh also commented on an Ordinance on the books, which prohibits private trash pick-up before 7AM and that the City's Private carrier has been picking up trash around 6:30 a.m. He requested that a memo be sent to the Public Works Director asking him to inform NEED of this Ordinance.
Council President Noury asked Councilman Leger what information was he looking for from the Finance Director?
Councilman Leger stated that he didn't have his notes with him from that meeting.
Council President Noury asked the City Solicitor who has authority over the Public Access Channel. He stated that in his opinion the information on the channel is one sided and bias And this is not the first time the question has been raised. He requested the Solicitor to find out Who has jurisdiction?
Councilman Robichaud stated that the Mayor said that anytime a Council member wanted to Place information on the machine and was available to do so would be allowed to do so.
Councilman Leger agreed that the information should be informational but he stated that The Mayor's comments on this issue was that if the Council had information to be placed on The cable and was informational to bring it to the Mayor's Office for placement on the cable Channel.
Councilman Leger questioned the appointment of the Recreation Director and asked what Procedure was followed and has Mr. Heroux resigned.
Council President Noury stated that there are funds in the Recreation Budget that would pay for Both Mr. Tager and Mr. Heroux and that it was his understanding that Mr. Heroux would remain to train and assist Mr. Tager throughout the summer.
Councilman Leger asked if this meant the Department has two Department Heads? He also stated that he had no problem with the placement of Mr. Tager on the Recreation Department and that there are many things that are getting done as a result of this appointment.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the procedure of the appointment of Mr. Tager and commented on the 25-30 years that Mr. Heroux has worked in that Department.
Councilman Leger stated that he is simply questioning the process that took place in hiring Mr. Tager.
Councilman Lazieh commented on the last major project that took place at Macomber Field in 1995 with the drainage. He asked about the upgrading of seating in both the Babe Ruth and Softball seating areas.
Council President Noury stated that there are funds in the Capital Programs for these projects.
Councilman Leger requested that Mr. Tager, for the August 7th Council Meeting update them on the $150,000 Champlin Foundation grant.
Councilman Lazieh asked if all the Department Heads would be available for the budget workshop on Wednesday.
Council President Noury that he hasn't asked them and that it is his intention to conclude the information gathering regarding the budget this week and to finish this by Thursday.
Councilman Lazieh requested that the Police & Fire Chief along with the Public Works Director, Finance Director and Legal Department are available for this meeting.
Council President Noury questioned the need for the Finance Director and Legal Department.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he has questions on the overall budget and that of legal contingencies.
Council President Noury stated that the Finance Director and Mayor would be present and that the Finance Director has a breakdown of each item and what it is used for right on his laptop.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that she personally did not want to have all of the Department Heads at once and that some should come on Wednesday and others on Thursday.
Councilman Lazieh commented on the Personnel Committee and asked that the Personnel Specialist be available on Wednesday or Thursday.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he noticed that a lot of work is being done on the modular home on Lonsdale Ave. and asked that a breakdown of all expenses incurred on the modular home be provided by the Planning Department or Finance Director.
Council President Noury noted Councilman Lazieh's request and stated that he wanted the attention of the Council for the next two weeks to be focused on the proposed budget.
Councilman Lazieh stated that the Council is still discussing the audit and must address the shortfall in the current budget. He motioned that the Administration submit by Wednesday an Ordinance addressing this shortfall or some revisions to the operating budget to address this deficit.
Council President Noury related to Council Lazieh that the Mayor has addressed how he was to do this and this has been answered by this Council. What further discussion, avenues or measure can be taken. Discussion continued between Councilman Lazieh and Council President Noury. Councilman Lazieh withdrew motion.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that the Mayor made his point and the City Council made theirs.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Robichaud.
All Agreed. So Voted. Time 8:26 p.m.
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: Thursday June 8, 2000