City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 6, 2001
At 6:30 p.m.
A Special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:41 p.m.
Councilman Lazieh
Councilwoman Canavan
Councilman Leger
Councilman Noury
Quorum present.
Council President Gene R. Noury presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Matthews asked to table #7 or sent it to committee for review so that the Council has the opportunity to determine the effect this ordinance will have on the budget. He also stated that it would be premature to take any action before the Council asks the Legal Department if this ordinance would need general assembly action.
The Mayor related that the ordinance dealing with Surplus Funds is redundant and he believes that the Council had already passed this ordinance last year. The Mayor stated that this particular line item, flies in the face of Charter which states, that revenues shall be set by the Administration. He stated that the Council ultimately has the authority to pass or deny the budget and he asked the Council to discuss and seek legal advice prior to any action relative to these ordinances.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he asked for a resolution regarding exemptions be place on Friday's Agenda and he noticed that it is not.
The City Clerk explained that she had not received the resolution that Councilman Lazieh is in reference to.
Council President Noury stated that he would place it on Monday's Meeting.
1. An Ordinance Amending Section 1 of the Homestead Exemption. (Introduced by Mayor Matthews)
2. An Ordinance pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads & Others in unclassified service.
3. An Ordinance pertaining to Salaries of Police Officers and Firefighters.
4. An Ordinance Amending Wage Schedule Generally.
5. An Ordinance Establishing the Maximum Number of Employees in the City Departments FY 2001-2002.
6. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance.
Councilwoman Canavan motioned to table items 1 through 6 indefinitely.
Councilman Lazieh seconded for discussion.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that these are all budget issues. She stated that there is not enough information to give passage to any of these ordinances.
Councilman Lazieh stated that he agrees with Councilwoman Canavan.
Councilman Leger asked why the motion is to table indefinitely.
Council President Noury stated that this would allow the ordinance to come back at the call of the Council rather than at the next meeting as would generally be the practice.
Councilwoman Canavan stated that she is making this motion so that it isn't continuously placed on the agenda.
Councilman Leger stated that he would rather just table the ordinances so that even if they are placed on an agenda the Council, if it is ready to act on any one ordinances, could do so at any particular meeting since it will already be on the agenda.
Councilwoman Canavan withdraws motion.
Motion to table items 1-6 until Monday's meeting. Seconded by Councilman Leger.
Council President Noury stated that he was somewhat disappointed for the Mayor to put this on for first passage until the Council with the Administration and Department Heads could have some discussion on the budget.
The City Clerk corrected the Council President and related that it was he that requested all the items that were introduced to be place on the agenda and she stated that the Mayor did not make this request.
Council President Noury apologized for his remarks and stated that he did request that this be placed on the agenda.
On motion to table all agreed. So Voted.
7. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 36, Taxation, Article III, "Property Tax Exemption." (Introduced by Councilman Lazieh)
Councilwoman Canavan gave her views as to why this ordinance should not be passed. She stated that the financial affairs of the city are uncertain and it cannot be determined at this time if the City can afford these exemptions.
Councilman Lazieh responded to Councilwoman Canavan's concerns and stated his reasons for supporting this ordinance.
Discussion continued.
Motion to table to table until Monday was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Lazieh for discussion.
| Councilman Lazieh | yes |
| Councilwoman Canavan | no |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 1 no 1 absent.
8. An Ordinance requiring City Council approval on the appropriation of Surplus Funds as revenue in an operating budget. (Introduced by Councilman Lazieh)
Councilman Leger questioned the purpose of the ordinance
Councilman Lazieh stated that he believes that this ordinance would require Council approval in order to use surplus funds.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Canavan and seconded by Councilman Lazieh. All Agreed. So Voted.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Lazieh.
All Agreed. So Voted. Time 8:05 p.m.
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Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk