City of Central Falls
City Council Workshop
City Hall Council Chambers
Monday, June 4, 2001
Following the City Council Meeting
A Workshop of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:35 p.m.
Councilman Lazieh
Councilman Robichaud
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Noury
A.) Discussion Fy-2000/2001 Budget
B.) Discussion Fy-2001/2002 Budget
Council President Noury stated that the Mayor presented a revised budget dated May 31st he said that the Council members should turn to the Police Department Budget on both budgets May 15th and May 31st and to note the changes.
Chief DeNaro was present to answer any budget questions for the Police Department.
Council President Noury asked the Chief if the increase in salaries denotes any increases in manpower.
The Chief responded that it was budgeted for 38 last year and 38 this year so no there are no increase in manpower.
Council President Noury asked if there was a contract settlement.
Chief DeNaro responded that he thought it was in arbitration and that he believes they are close to a settlement.
Council President Noury explained why he asked.
Chief DeNaro responded that he believed that would be a 3% increase plus retro-activity.
Councilman Lazieh stated to the Chief that he requested a few weeks ago the departmental breakdown and asked if what the Council received is this request.
Chief DeNaro responded no that this is what was agreed upon after speaking with the Mayor.
Councilman Lazieh asked if the Chief has his departmental request.
Chief DeNaro responded that he was instructed not to bring it.
Councilman Lazieh asked who instructed him.
Chief DeNaro responded the Mayor.
Councilman Lazieh commented on public document.
Chief DeNaro responded that he was told that it was at Finance.
Councilman Lazieh asked the Clerk if she received any budget requests.
The Clerk responded that she has not received any.
Chief DeNaro stated that in all fairness the majority of what was requested is reflected in the proposed budget.
Councilman Lazieh commented that the increase $195,526 over the previous year.
Chief DeNaro commented on the over-expenditures in the current budget and stated that this was due to sending additional officers to the academy and the disability retirements. He also commented on the gasoline account.
The Chief also commented on the repairs to vehicles and the cost involved.
Councilman Lazieh asked where the repairs are taking place.
The Chief responded that the Department is using several city businesses to repair the vehicles depending on the type of repair.
Council President Noury asked why the salary difference of $209,000.
The Chief explained the time involved that took about 7 months to place the new officers through the academy.
Discussion took place regarding salary, workers compensation, overtime etc.
Chief DeNaro commented on grants and the drug forfeiture account and matching funds.
Questions related to special investigations such as drug and prostitution investigations for overtime took place.
Chief DeNaro explained the fingerprint account and the college reimbursement account.
Councilman Lazieh asked about other professional services.
Chief DeNaro explained that this is for software and technical repair to the computers. He spoke of the software for the Municipal Court. He stated that most of the over-drawn accounts are from costs that could not be anticipated.
Councilman Lazieh asked that the Clerk find out how much will be reimbursed from the other departments for fuel in the Police Department.
Council President Noury questioned the potential contract settlement.
The Chief explained.
Council President Noury responded that in reference to Ms. McGovern he stated that he had a discussion with her the other night she stated that her only role was data entry.
Discussion continued in detail regarding the Police Department's contract and arbitrator's decision.
Council President Noury asked if there are any capital projects for the Police Department.
The Chief responded that he believes that 2 cars have been requested and are reflected in the budget.
Councilman Lazieh questioned the boarding fees. He asked why there would be a $4800.00 surplus.
The Chief responded that they City as well as many other communities are having problems placing animals. He explained in detail.
Council President Noury asked if the salaries include the civilians in the department.
Councilman Lazieh asked about Chief DeNaro's contract.
The Chief responded that he has until to December to let the Mayor know if he would be renewing his contract. Discussion continued on the Salary of the Chief.
Councilwoman Canavan spoke in detail on the worksheet presented to the Council and the need to have
a 5-column worksheet like what was presented in the past. She stated that it would make comparisons from last year to this year easier to follow and understand.
Motion was made by Councilwoman Canavan to ask for the more detailed worksheet.
Seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
Council President Noury asked Mr. Briden to clarify if the budget that was received by the clerk on the 15th of May and what was presented this evening.
Mr. Briden asked if the budget was introduced this evening.
Discussion took place regarding what was introduced.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that it should have said revised.
Mr. Briden stated that what was introduced is what the Mayor presented.
Mr. Briden advised the Council to go with the budget that was introduced by the Council at the meeting this evening. He stated that it has been introduced in the same manner as has occurred in past years.
Council President Noury stated that what is not clear is what was introduced at the meeting.
The Clerk read the Mayor's budget message and gave a brief overview of the changes in the May 31st version of the proposed budget.
Mr. Briden recommended that the Council accept the budget presented on Friday which would more accurately reflect the most current fiscal affairs of the City.
Discussion continued regarding the proposed budget and introduction.
Mayor Matthews joined the meeting.
Council President Noury asked the Mayor to provide a 5-column worksheet.
The Mayor responded that he would provide the information regarding the unaudited financial reports for April and possibly for May as soon as possible. He explained all the reporting requirements for federal grants and state reports. He stated that as much as the council might think this is an easy request it is not. He also stated that he would not create any additional documents that may cause confusion or to make the process any more arduous. He stated that since it has been the policy of the Council to only allow the Mayor to comment if he is on the agenda, since he was not on the agenda he did not expect to speak at this meeting. He spoke of the May 15th submission of the budget as required by the Charter and the subsequent submission of a more accurate budget. He stated that he indicated in his budget message to more accurately define the revenues and expenditures of the fiscal needs of the City for the upcoming 2001/2002 budget there would be other changes to come. He commented on the appeals in the revaluation of property and the amount set aside in the assessment to determine the levy.
He spoke of the May 31st revision to the budget that he submitted which adjusted in revenues $100,000 in the Special Revenue account and the new levy that created new revenues. He also related that on the expenditure side the changes are in the Registrar's proposed salary adjusted by $1,000 also an additional $50,000 added to the $50,000 already proposed for capital improvements to the school Department. He stated that there are significant infrastructure issues that need to be dealt with over the next few years. He said that currently the city is dealing with the roof at the Central Falls High School which has been dealt with in phases and recently with the tremendous amount of rainfall that has occurred in the past few weeks there is presently a tremendous problem at the Captain Hunt school with the roof there causing a great dealing of leaking. He reported that the plastic membrane has cracked significantly on the building and the problem absolutely must be addressed immediately and he stated all of this has occurred subsequent to the submission of the proposed budget on May 15th.He stated that the document that the Council has before them is the document that was place on the agenda at his request but how the council deals with the document is ultimately the Council's prerogative but he would suggest respectively that it serves no purpose not to deal with the most current figures in the latest document that the council has before them. He said that it is clear that almost every one in the community does not believe that the council will pass this budget as it is proposed. He stated that he believes that everyone believes that the Council will do something to the document and he asked what is the difference with dealing with the second document. He repeated that this is the most current and accurate figures available and he would expect that the Council would want the most accurate figures.
Council President Noury asked the Mayor then what would stop the Mayor from introducing another document.
The Mayor responded that the Council would once the budget was formally introduced.
The Council discussed and questioned in detail the revenues of the City with the Mayor.
Discussion took place regarding the Sale of Surplus property and placing in the revenue column an amount that would reflect the potential sale of any surplus sale.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Canavan and unanimously seconded. All Agreed. So Voted.
Time: 9:00 p.m.
_______________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk