June 24, 2002 - Special City Council Meeting
City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
MONDAY, June 24, 2002
6:45 p.m.
A special meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:50 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Councilman Patino
Councilman Leger
Councilman Noury
Councilman Weber
Quorum Present.
Council President Weber noted for the record that Councilman Issa is absent due to the birth of his new baby girl. The entire Council sent their best wishes to the Issa family.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Robert F. Weber, Jr. presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Permit
1. Hope for R.I.
Use of Jenks Park - August 3, 2002 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Rev. Eliseo Nogueras
"Rock the City" (designed to provide food and clothing for the needy and to provide activities for Children)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Leger.
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
4. Resolution
1. Resolution adopting and approving the Tax Assessor's determination of the percentage of tax levy to be apportioned to each class of property and the tax rate in accordance with Rhode Island General Law 44-5-20.04.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Leger.
All Agreed. So Voted.
5. Public Hearing 2002/2003 Budget
Council President Weber opened the meeting to a public hearing. No comments. Public hearing closed.
6. Ordinance (Introduction)
An Ordinance amending City fees/fines (generally)
So introduced.
7. Ordinances (Final Passage)
1. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance 2002/2003.
Motion to amend as read (see document) was made by Councilman Leger for the purpose of a second
Council President Weber stepped down from the Chair and seconded the motion.
Councilman Patino commented on the Salaries. He commented that this is a very tight budget.
Councilman Noury stated his concerns regarding salaries and that there are different responsibilities and experience relative to these positions. He stated that there should be a fair salary and that in the future salaries should be a straight % across the board.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
Motion to amend carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
Councilman Leger commented on the shortfalls in revenues from the state and the sensitive issues of a tax increase.
Councilman Patino commented stated that the Council needs to address the Capital Program issues for the future and that this process should begin immediately.
Council President Weber stated that he appreciated all the work that has gone into the budget process and that this was a give and take on all sides.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
2. An Ordinance Establishing the Maximum Number of Employees in City Departments 2002/2003
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Leger.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
3. An Ordinance pertaining to the Salaries of Police Officers and Firefighters.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
4. An Ordinance Amending Wage Schedule Generally.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Leger.
| Councilman Patino | no |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 1 no 1 absent.
5. An Ordinance pertaining to salaries of Department Heads & others in unclassified service.
Motion to amend as read was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino for the purpose of discussion.
Councilman Patino stated that he didn't like the differences created in the Department Heads salaries. He stated that those salaries should be the same and that all perform special duties. He commented on the salaries of others in the area.
| Councilman Noury | no |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | no |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion dies 2 yes 2 no 1 absent.
Councilman Noury commented on the salaries and disagreed with the Solicitor that since the budget has been passed the ordinance had to be passed.
Councilman Leger commented,
Mr. Oliverio stated that since the budget was passed the salaries have already been approved in the budget.
Council President Weber stated that he disagreed with that assessment.
Discussion ensued.
Councilman Leger asked if they could rescind the approval on the budget.
Discussion continued.
Councilman Noury stated that this is an opportune time for the Council to make adjustments to the Salaries.
Council President Weber commented on the budget and the supporting expenses. He stated that the revenues meet the expenses at this point.
Meeting recessed at 7:35 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:50 p.m.
Motion to reconsider the vote on the Salaries of Department Heads was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Leger.
Councilman Noury asked for a point of order. He stated that only the prevailing side could call for a reconsideration.
Council President Weber stated that the motion failed and the motion to reconsider is in order.
Councilman Leger commented.
Discussion ensued.
On the motion to reconsider.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | no |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 1 no 1 absent.
Motion to amend the Salaries of Department Heads as read was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
Councilman Patino stated that the only reason he has changed his mind is that he was elected to make sure of the well being of the City and that he will take up this issue in the future.
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | no |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 1 no 1 absent.
Councilman Noury stated that this was an opportunity to work on this ordinance and that he would not back track or back peddle on the issue nor will he flip flop on his decisions.
Mr. Paquette asked if the Council would re-open a public hearing.
Council President Weber with unanimous consent re-opened the public hearing.
Mr. Paquette of Sumner Ave. commented on the salaries being reflected in the budget and questioned the tax increase.
Mayor Matthews commented on the budget process and commended the Council on an excellent job and stated that this is an example of what can be accomplished when everyone works together even if there were some give and takes.
Motion to approve the Salaries of Department Heads as amended was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | no |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 1 no 1 absent.
8. Unfinished Business
none
9. New Business
none
10. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino. All Agreed.
So Voted. Time 8:08 p.m.
__________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk