City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Friday, April 27, 2001
At 4:30 p.m.
A special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 4:31 p.m.
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Noury
Quorum present.
Council President Gene R. Noury presided.
1.) An Ordinance Amending the Annual Operating Budget Fiscal Year July 1, 2000 ending June 30, 2001. (Introduced at the request of the Mayor)
Council President Noury turned the Chair to President Pro Tempore Canavan.
Motion was made by Councilman Noury to postpone definitely. Motion seconded by Councilman Lazieh.
Councilman Noury stated that he is making this motion to keep this issue from being placed on the Agenda until such time the City Council can speak with the
Mayor and the Acing Finance Director and until the Council is provided with an economic break down of this request including the salaries, overtime, holiday pay, clothing allowance and any other expenses relative to the issue and until the City Council receives the most recent up to date monthly financial statement showing the line items as in the budget worksheet. He stated that the Mayor has not appeared before the Council to let the Council know of the expenses involved in this Ordinance which is vague and until the Mayor discusses the City's finances so that the Council has a better understanding before it make any decisions relative to spending from the surplus.
Mayor Matthews stated that he is present to answer any questions.
Councilman Noury stated that would schedule the Mayor at a future time. He also stated that the Mayor's proposal is faulty and that the Council won't be rushed. He said that the Council hasn't seen the breakdown of the cost involved and that the administration cannot continue to be vague. He stated that the Council has never seen the internal audit and that the Council has to know why before making a decision.
Councilman Lazieh stated that the City Council President gave the reason for this in detail and he would not elaborate further. He stated that the Mayor is present and that there is no reason that the Council cannot question him at this time. He spoke of the economic and fiduciary responsibility that the Mayor has as well as the City Council before any actions can be taken. He stated that the Council must know what is the status of the budget, what is the cash balance and what remains in the surplus.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that the Council is here to act on the emergency of placing an acting judge for the Municipal Court and that this issue is too important not to have all the members of the Council present to discuss and review. She stated that this issue needs a meeting by itself so that all the detail can be discussed and addressed. She said she just wanted a breakdown of what makes up this amount.
Council President Noury also commented on the accounts and which account this should be placed in he referred to the 51000 account and the 52000 in the Fire Department Budget.
On the motion to postpone definitely:
| Councilman Lazieh | yes |
| Councilwoman Canavan | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Councilwoman Canavan returned the Chair to City Council President Noury.
2.) An Ordinance Amending the 2000/2001 Annual Operating Budget. (Introduced by Council President Noury)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All Agreed. So Voted.
1.) An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14 of the Revised Ordinances entitled "Court" as amended.
Council President Noury opened the Public Hearing.
No Comments.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Lazieh and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan.
| Councilwoman Canavan | yes |
| Councilman Lazieh | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 0 no 2 absent.
Councilwoman Canavan pointed out that the City Council should deal with the issue of appointing an Attorney to step in if the Probate Judge cannot act. She stated that the Attorney Pratt has offered his services at no fee.
The Council authorized Attorney Ernest Pratt to & assist the Probate Judge in the event the Probate Judge cannot act on a Municipal Court issue or is unable to perform the duties at no compensation. All Agreed. So Voted.
Councilman Lazieh stated that the Council should send the Municipal Court Judge their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 5:08 p.m.
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Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk
Councilman Lazieh amended the minutes by pointing out that the Council did not actually vote on Councilwoman Canavan's comments regarding Attorney Pratt. Minutes were accepted as amended.