City of Central Falls
City Council Workshop
City Hall Council Chambers
Saturday, July 7, 2001
A workshop of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:35 p.m.
All members of the Council were present and Council President Gene Noury presided.
Council President Noury opened discussion on page 11 of the City Budget.
Councilman Lazieh asked what the recommended contribution for the Police and Fire Department.
Mayor Matthews stated that under the retirement plan to the John Hancock Fund the City pays into the plan yearly. He stated that in the first years of the plan many years ago people were placed into the plan and immediately the plan was under-funded. He explained that the City has been playing catch up ever since paying into the plan as best as the City can. He stated that in some years the City made no contributions into the plan. He commented on the 1% plan for firefighters and police officers which is paid directly from the budget to the people receiving the pension.
Councilman Lazieh read the following from the 2000 audit report. " As of January 1, 1998, total assets in the amount of $890,725 have been previously set by the City, As a potential funding source to address the City's accrued liability with respect to the 1% pension plan. The City Solicitor has been requested to review the legal documents associated with the creation of the City's 1% pension plans and determine whether or not these assets are pension plan assets held in trust or simply City assets and thereby less restricted as to their use. Councilman Lazieh asked the Solicitor if this has been determined.
Solicitor Briden stated that he believes that he researched this for the former Finance Director several years ago and he would have to review his notes.
Councilman Lazieh asked the Solicitor to report back once he reviewed his notes.
Discussion continued regarding retirement and potential retirements.
Councilman Leger questioned major purchases $ 23,803 under land acquisition.
Mayor Matthews responded that that account hasn't been funded for several years.
Councilwoman Canavan asked about the property on Rand Street and asked if the purchase of the property by the City came from CDBG funds.
Mayor Matthews responded yes.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that this did not come from major purchases.
Mayor Matthews responded correct.
Councilwoman Canavan asked where it states building schools for $100,000 is that for school building repairs.
Mayor Matthews responded yes and commented on the reimbursement.
Councilman Lazieh requested that Mr. Collins and Mrs. Chevrette be invited to come and give a report on the school department.
Councilwoman Canavan asked if the $100,000 would take care of the repairs to the roof at Calcutt School and the High School.
Mayor Matthews responded no that it would be coupled with the reimbursements from the repairs that have already taken place.
Council President Noury recessed the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:20 p.m.
Councilman Lazieh commented on one other account Financial Use which is part of the official budget and is not in the proposed budget.
Motion to adjourn the workshop was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 7:21 p.m.
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Marie Twohey, Deputy City Clerk