CITY OF CENTAL FALLS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
WEDNESDAY, March 15, 2000
A Special City Council meeting was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00pm.
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Robichaud
Councilman Noury
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Leger
Quorum present
Council President Noury presided in leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
John Kuzmiski and Councilman Noury discussed man-hours. Mr. Kuzmiski said that he wasn't there to debate the numbers.
Councilman Lazieh asked some questions on salaries.
Mr. Kuzmiski said that some questions don't justify an answer.
Councilman Lazieh spoke more to Mr. Kuzmiski regarding total man-hours.
Mr. Kuzmiski explained the document given out at the Mayor's press conference.
Councilman Lazieh asked questions on longevity. Would those laid off be in the average?
Mr. Kuzmiski said that they would be.
Councilman Lazieh said that only four would receive longevity.
Mr. Kuzmiski talked of transfer fees and vehicle maintenance.
Councilman Lazieh asked if these figures were estimates.
Mr. Kuzmiski said that they were.
Councilman Lazieh asked questions referring to diesel fuel.
Mr. Kuzmiski spoke on projections.
Councilman Lazieh asked if these figures are conservative.
Mr. Kuzmiski said that they have attempted reasonable numbers. He also spoke of tools and equipment.
Councilman Leger asked questions due to tool allowance.
Mr. Kuzmiski spoke of heat and electric.
Councilman Leger questioned Mr. Kuzmiski on the Heat and Electric account.
Conversation continued between Councilman Leger and Mr. Kuzmiski relative to the costs and the layoffs.
Mr. Kuzmiski and Councilman Lazieh conversed about the costs of the recycle truck and where the funds for that came from.
Councilman Noury spoke of the title of the report "Annual Cost of Rubbish", and on privatization.
Councilman Leger spoke of the purchase of $280,000 in Capitol Program.
Mr. Kuzmiski spoke of administrative functions.
Councilwoman Canavan spoke of unemployment benefits.
Councilman Lazieh requested copies of his papers.
Ted Sheenen from the Warwick Highway Division spoke of the opportunity base.
Councilman Lazieh and Mr. Sheenen continued to speak about the comparative costs of current services to those privatized.
Robert Weber said that he had many concerns and that he did not feel that the figures presented in the Mayor's press conference were correct.
Councilman Lazieh questioned Mr. Weber.
Joe Peckham of Council 84 spoke on figures. He asked for the RI Expenditure Council or the Central Falls Review Commission to do a private study.
Councilman Noury questioned Mr. Peckham on other communities and on liability.
Mr. Peckham responded.
Councilman Lazieh and Mr. Peckham conversed about a refinement of the figures. Mr. Peckham suggested that a college get involved.
Councilman Lazieh asked about the men that would be offered jobs in the company.
Mr. Peckham spoke of the contract.
Councilwoman Canavan asked what would happen if the mayor signed the contract; would their hand be tied?
Mr. Peckham responded.
Mr. Rick Neveira complimented the council. He said that 6 or 7 guys could not maintain the city.
Councilman Noury stated that there is not enough help.
John Kelly was appalled at the Mayor's proposal and explained a regular workweek.
David Viera, a utility man and mechanics helper as of July 23, 1999 said that the life expectancy on a trash truck is 15 years.
Councilman Lazieh asked about the 1982 rubbish vehicle in the yard.
Councilman Noury felt that the true case was presented. He spoke of the balance reports presented by the city of Warwick. He will contact a member of the Review Commission because he says that the mayor has proven it is cheaper to keep it in house.
Councilman Robichaud said that it seems that the prices are inflated, there is no way to stop it. He asked the Mayor to put in the contract to offer a job for them.
Councilwoman Canavan said that they can do something, they will follow this up.
Councilman Lazieh said that this was not in the best interest of the City. He said that they should subpoena the Mayor, Legal, and Mr. Granieri to answer questions. This plan will not work.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20pm.
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Marie A. Twohey
Deputy City Clerk