City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, July 3, 2001
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 7:02 pm.
This meeting was called by Mayor Matthews.
Councilman Leger
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Robichaud
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Noury
All present
Council President Noury presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bruce Gagnon, a resident of Central Falls, commented on purchasing procedures regarding the Public works employees and the fire apparatus truck. He also made recommendations on bid specs for the future.
Bruce Gagnon made recommendations on combining the departments of public safety.
Resolution adopting and approving the Tax Assessor's determination of the percentage of the tax levy to be apportioned to each class of property and tax rates in accordance with Rhode Island General Law 44-5-20.04.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that because of the proceedings that occurred that morning the tax rate that was presented may be changing. She asked the James Briden, Esq of the law department if this was correct.
James Briden stated that the Judge directed the Council and the Mayor to find what operating cost for next year would be to finalize the Budget , to set the tax rate.
Councilman Noury stated that once the Budget is determined, then set a Tax rate, don't set the rate until the budget is determined.
Mrs. Canavan asked if they should satisfy the budget and then set the rate.
Motion to table the resolution made by Councilwoman Canavan, seconded by Mr. Leger.
Councilman Lazieh asked if there were any other information to be present by the administration before action would be taken.
Mr. Noury noted what had happen in Court that morning.
All in favor of tabling the resolution signify by saying ay,
5-0 motion carries.
Discussion took place about page 11 of the Budget should say proposed, not adopted, the mayor stated is a type O.
Councilman Lazieh and Councilman Noury discussed what the increase would be like, the difference would be $ 175,928.00
Mayor Matthews suggested a method to review the budget, if it would be acceptable to the Council.
Councilwoman Canavan explained that she was still waiting financial information, and once the information is reviewed there may be some backtracking.
Councilman Noury stated they should proceed.
Mayor Matthews stated he will try to comply with their request, but some of the information will not be available from the Finance Office because the last month will not print until the month is closed.
Councilwoman Canavan asked for a forecast of the remainder of the Budget.
Mayor Matthews responded he has already spoke about a forecast for the forth quarter. He also stated that the Deputy Finance Director will be present on Thursday.
Councilman Noury asked questions about the quarterly report. If the revenue side is not closed out but the expenditure side is, if the expenditure side is, produce the report.
Mayor said he may only have March 31 to go on.
The Police Budget was discussed along with arbitration.
The Fire Department was discussed, the cost of the past three years are included.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the Mayor on the settlements with the Police and Fire Departments.
Discussion took place about where the settlements should be taken out of previous year budget or this years budget.
Councilwoman Canavan feels the added cost should be a line item to go through the budget process to be authorized.
Mayor Matthews said he was opened to suggestions.
Municipal debt and what is included in that account.
Mayor stated the next most significant line item is employee benefits- health benefits.
Councilman Noury asked about a significant reduction in pensions of $200,000.00 if it could be explained.
Mayor Matthews stated that its pension under John Hancock.
Councilman Noury asked why such a deduction.
The Mayor explained.
Councilman Noury asked if the pension plan is serious under funded.
Mayor Matthews agreed and explained.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the Mayor about the 1% 's in the pension system.
Councilwoman Canavan questioned the Mayor about PWSB and an article that appeared in the Journal, regarding the installment payment. According to the paper they owe the money but cannot afford the $450,000.00 all at once.
Mayor Matthews concurred. We may not get the revenue expected, but there is a judgement against them.
Mayor Matthew stated the difference must be made up in a form of a levy. There is a court judgement is in Central Falls favor.
Discussion took place between the City Council and the Mayor concerning the hydrant account.
Councilman Noury asked if the same procedure that took place with the sale of the garbage truck will take place with the hydrant account where Pawtucket Water will just deduct what we owe from what they owe us from our account.
Mayor Matthews agreed it could be a possibility.
Councilman Leger asked about police and fire contracts if they were up to date.
Councilman Leger also asked questions on the Public Works Department, and questioned the increase.
Councilman Leger discussed the savings in this account that was previously forecasted.
Councilman Lazieh did not agree with the Mayor on how to address the review of the budget. He requested more information requested.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he has not seen municipal contracts.
Councilman Noury asked to schedule an executive session on outstanding claims.
Councilman Noury and Councilman Lazieh discussed finding some middle ground between the Mayor and the City Council.
Councilwoman Canavan discussed what was requested by the Judge and the morning's Court proceedings.
Major purchases account was discussed.
Councilman Lazieh asked for a list of streets that would be included in the infrastrure plans.
Mayor Matthews stated he could not give names of streets to be the absolute. He also said some handicap access areas must be addressed.
Councilman Noury asked to meet again on Friday, July 6th to7-10pm.
Also, he is looking for an expense report and to have Tax Assessor present on one of the meetings.
The Council is also looking for a comparison report.
Councilman Lazieh asked if they could get as current as possible, and he is looking for June 30 report.
Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Leger, seconded by Councilwoman Canavan.
All agreed. so voted.
Motion carries--ajourned. 8:10pm
Sincerely,
___________________________
Marie Twohey, Deputy