City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
FRIDAY, JULY 6, 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 7:15pm.
| Councilman Lazieh - | present |
| Councilman Robichaud- | present |
| Councilwoman Canavan- | present |
| Councilman Leger-- | present |
| Councilman Noury- | present |
| Quorum | present |
Council President Noury presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pursuant to open meetings RIGL- 42-46-5(a) 2 Pending Litigation
This was held to the end of the meeting.
Councilman Noury asked Matthew Oliverio, of the Legal Department his opinion on which he researched.
Atty. Oliverio stated that the first item that he researched was the fixing of the salaries.
The Mayor recommends what the salaries of what the salaries should be. A specific Charter provision enables and authorizes the Council to fix salaries, which gives the Council discretion.
The council can make adjustments, but is must be on good faith, and should not be politically motivated.
More discussion took place referring other circumstances for discretion.
Councilman Noury questioned Matthew Oliveiro some more on salaries. You must set the salaries so other people would be attracted to the position.
Councilman Leger asked Matt if he spoke to Jim Briden, of the law department about this opinion. Matthew replied that they had done some of the work together.
Councilman Leger stated that this was the complete opposite of what James Briden had told them. Matt replied that the Mayor proposes the salaries and the Council fixes the salaries as stated in the Charter.
Matthew Oliveiro commented that the other item that he was asked to research was the transfer of funds to other departments.
He feels that appropriations may be transferred within the same department, at that discretion of the Mayor, but should he transfer from one department to the next, he needs the approval of the Council.
Councilman Lazieh agrees with the interpretation of Matt Oliverio.
Councilman Lazieh also questioned Mayor Matthews on what budget was the Fireman's award was taken from and has it been paid.
Mayor Matthew's responded that there was a payment made July 5, 2001 consistent with 2-138 with the Ordinances there will be another in two weeks.
Councilman Noury stated it was agreed between the Mayor and the Council to put the Fireman's Arbitration Award in this operating budget that we are working on now.
Councilman Noury did not agree with Mayor Matthew by applying the Ordinance 2-138 except for year 98-99.
Councilman Noury asked Mayor Matthews how many years were outstanding with the ASFME union. Councilman Noury also asked if it was correct to assume that there weren't any pay raises in this current budget for them. The Mayor responded it was correct.
Councilman Noury stated that if they wanted to get everything current they would need to discuss three years of the contract.
Councilman Leger asked about longevity pay for the union employees.
Overtime account for the Highway was discussed.
The Mayor stated the tipping fee at the dump would not be going up.
Councilman Lazieh asked Mayor Matthews, what areas they're were overspending in relation to water lines. Mayor Matthews replied that there were more water breaks than expected.
Councilman Lazieh asked if this account was also being used to have PWSB come in and make repairs. The Mayor responded that it might be.
Councilman Lazieh asked about privatization of the rubbish, have there been a savings.
Mayor Matthews mentioned that there was a saving consistent.
Councilman Lazieh asked about the increase in the budget.
Councilman Lazieh asked about monitoring system over the garbage.
Councilman Noury referred to an article that appeared in the newspaper regarding the Fireman's contract and then discussed taking the money out of the surplus funds, and to separate it out of the Budget.
Mayor Matthews thought that idea would be dangerous. He felt this budget was very fair to the taxpayers. It would bring the surplus down below a safe level for a surplus account.
Councilman Noury informed Mayor Matthews that the criticisms about using the surplus money came because they did not agree with the Mayor about constantly using outside lawyers.
Councilman Noury stated they move on to Library budget.
Councilman Leger asked about the salary account would that mean a new position.
Mayor Matthews said he would have to check into it for them.
Councilman Noury stated they would move on to the Recreation Department.
Councilman Leger questioned the Mayor on this account.
Councilman Leger asked if all the Department salaries would be addressed at one time.
Councilman Noury stated he would like to have them all come up at one time.
Councilman Noury stated the Council would like to have a 5 minute recess.
Recessed at 8:15pm
The City Council re-convened this meeting at 8:30 pm.
The Account of celebrations was discussed.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the Mayor on the duties of the Planning Director.
Councilman Noury asked about general contingency account.
Mayor Matthews explained items and repairs that need to be made to municipal buildings.
Mayor Matthews apprised the Council of urgent repairs needed in the Schools, Library, City Hall roofs and other repairs.
Councilman Lazieh questioned Mayor Matthews on contingencies.
Councilman Lazieh stated he was concerned with the monies used from this account.
Councilman Lazieh stated that over $200,000.00 has been spent on legal fees.
Councilman Lazieh presented a summary that he made of this account.
Matthew Oliveiro explained why these attorneys have been retained for their specialty.
Councilman Leger questioned the use of this account for attorney fees.
Discussion took place about the Pawtucket Water Supply Board claim before the PUC.
Councilman Leger asked Matt Oliverio about the handling of this case.
Councilman Leger questioned the Mayor on the Recreation Account.
A motion was made by Councilman Leger to have a 10 minuete recess and seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All agreed.
Recessed at 10:10pm
At 10:25pm the Council re-convened the meeting.
Councilman Robichaud left the meeting at 10:00pm.
Pursuant to open meetings RIGL- 42-46-5(a) 2 Pending Litigation
A motion was made by Councilwoman Canavan to convene to Executive Session, and seconded by Councilman Lazieh all four remaining members agreed.
11:00pm Council meeting was re-convened.
Councilman Leger asked that the minutes of the executive session be sealed, seconded by Councilwoman Canavan. All four agreed.
Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Leger, seconded by Councilman Lazieh.
4 voted yes.
11:00pm Council was adjourned.
Sincerely submitted,
Marie Twohey
Deputy City Clerk
Interpreters for the Hearing-Impaired Available upon 72 hour request made at the Office of the City Clerk.
This Notice Posted in the City Hall and Library on: