City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, October 25, 2000
At 7:00 P.M.
A Special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:10 p.m.
Councilman Leger
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Noury
Quorum present.
Council President Noury presided and led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council President Noury recessed the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Committee of Fiscal Affairs
Meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.
Council President Noury commented on this committee and on the role of the City Clerk relative the meetings of the Committee of Fiscal Affairs and the advice of the Solicitor's to all employees. He stated that he believes the Council is on solid ground and that the clerk should take her lead from the Council. He stated that this opinion should be left to a higher authority and that this doesn't relieve the clerk of her chartered duties. He commented on the Memo from the City Solicitor. He questioned whether the Solicitor is able to advise Union Employees about participating in this investigation.
Council President Noury stated that it is unfortunate that these people are being placed in this position and that this process has been very open to the public.
Councilwoman Canavan commented on the memo from the City Clerk and stated that the City Council was forced to call a Special City Council Meeting in order to post a meeting that is required by State Law.
Motion was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Leger to send a letter to the Office of the Attorney General regarding the violation of the open meetings law and the participation of the City Clerk in City Council meetings. All Agreed. So Voted. 1 absent.
Councilman Lazieh agreed with Councilwoman Canavan and commented on the City Charter, Open Meetings and Open Records Laws.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that the City Solicitor was present at the September 11, 2000 meeting and never advised the Council on this issue during that meeting. She also stated that the Law Department is not following the dictates of the Charter and she spoke of filing a complaint with the Rhode Island Bar. She stated that the Solicitor is advising the Mayor and waiting until after the facts to advise the Council.
Motion was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Leger to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Bar regarding the Solicitors. All Agreed. So Voted. 1 absent.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 8:25 p.m.
________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk