City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
On MONDAY, March 4, 2002
at 6:45 p.m.
A meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers at 6:52 p.m.
Councilman Issa
Councilman Patino
Councilman Leger
Councilman Noury
Councilman Weber
Quorum present.
Council President Robert F. Weber, Jr. presided and introduced the Arrow of Light recipients who would lead the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
To be led by Arrow of Light recipients Jaymes Aubin and Andrew Lange.
Certificates of Congratulations to Jaymes Aubin & Andrew Lange.
The Certificates were presented by the Council President and unanimously approved by the City Council.
In attendance to introduce themselves to the new members of the City Council.
John McGetrick, City Sergeant
Leonard Nadeau, Camera Operator
Robert Zuba, Electrical Inspector
Arissina Paquette, License Inspector
Bruce D. Sawyer, Esq.-Probate Judge
Raymond P. Cooney, Esq.-Municipal Court Judge
Council President Weber introduced the appointees.
Mr. John MeGetrick stated that he has been the City Sergeant for about 4 years.
Councilman Noury commended him for his outstanding performance.
Robert Zuba, Electrical Inspector stated that he has held that position for the past 26 years.
Bruce Sawyer, Probate Judge was first appointed to this position six years ago.
Councilman Noury publicly thanked Judge Sawyer for his service without compensation for servicing on the Fiscal Affairs Committee established by the last City Council.
Len Nadeau stated that he has been the Camera Operator for several years and he stated that he has been of long time resident of Central Falls.
Mrs. Paquette said that she was named license inspector for about 5 years. She explained her duties.
Judge Raymond Cooney stated that he has been the Municipal Court Judge for several years and that he also served the City as City Solicitor as well as serving on the Community Center Board. He stated that he is a lifelong resident of Central Falls and lives on Darling Street.
Regular Meeting February 11, 2002
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury and Councilman Issa. All Agreed. So Voted.
Joseph Bolton, Finance Director
Council President Weber welcomed Mr. Bolton.
Mr. Bolton gave a brief overview of the City’s finances and stated that the budget is very tight. He commented on the next budget cycle and stated that his intentions are to seek the budget requests from the Department Heads. He also commented on Bank Statements, Special funds and computer and software updates for City Hall and of the Munis system that is presently in place. He also commented on fixed assets.
Councilman Noury commented on the Finance Department and welcomed Mr. Bolton.
Anthony Tager, Recreation Director
Mr. Tager gave a verbal overview of the activities of the Recreation Department. He also commented on the Garfield Street Playground Project, the Macomber Field Bleachers and the Adult and Youth Programs.
Councilman Patino asked about the Soccer Field at Higginson Avenue.
Council President Weber stated that he was pleased with the Tallow Field progress.
Report from Gertrude Chartier and Committee formed for this purpose.
Mayor Matthews suggested an alternative to the present plan for the ward lines. He commented on Washington Street being in 4 different districts.
Councilman Noury stated that the committee was asked to take the time to review and to make recommendations for the ward lines. He said the committee has done so and that the plan is before the Council.
Mayor Matthews stated that he is not saying that this plan is not good but that the public should have and opportunity to comment before this is passed.
Matthew Oliverio commented on redistricting and the ward lines. He commented on the City Charter and the Rhode Island General Laws. He stated that he believes that the Canvassing Authority is charged with this duty. He commented on a Rhode Island Supreme Court decision and he said that this matter is reserved to City and Towns to make this determination. He commented on the Resolution.
The Council referred this back to committee after a lengthy discussion and that this would be back before the Council on March 25th at which time there will be a public hearing on the issue.
A. Memo to James Briden-Request to attend March 4, 2002 meeting.
B. Town of North Kingstown-Resolution endorsing establishing the USS Saratoga Museum at Quonset Point.
C. Memo to Finance Director Joseph Bolton to attend March 4, 2002 meeting.
D. Memo to Recreation Director Anthony Tager to attend March 4, 2002 meeting.
E. Memo to attend March meeting to meet the newly elected Council Members:
John McGetrick, City Sergeant
Leonard Nadeau, Camera Operator
Robert Zuba, Electrical Inspector
Arissina Paquette, License Inspector
Bruce D. Sawyer, Esq.-Probate Judge
Raymond P. Cooney, Esq.-Municipal Court Judge
F. Memo to Department Heads regarding Monthly Reports.
G. City of Newport re: Invitation to participate in St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 16, 2002.
H. City of Newport re: Resolution in support of RI Senate Bill S 2129 Hotel Tax.
I. Memo from Police Chief regarding business operating without a license at 96 Blackstone St.
J. Southern R.I. Conservation District re: 2000-2001 Annual Report.
K. John M. Gancarski, Tax Assessor re: Abatements.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
A. Code Enforcement report-February
B. Police Department Annual Report ending 12/31/01
C. Legal Department report- January & February
D. Personnel Consultant report- January & February
E. City Clerk/Purchasing/Probate report- January & February and Annual Report ending 12/31/2001
F. Fire Department Report ending January 31, 2002
G. Planning Department Report February 4-March 4 2002
H. Tax Assessor’s Report –January & February 2002
I. Registrar’s Report-Board of Canvassers-February 2002
J. Finance Report ending January 31, 2002
K. Public Works Report – January & February 2002
L. Channel One Report- January & February 2002
M. Recreation Department-January/February 2002
O. Library-January 2002
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.
Council Members thanked the Department Heads for their reports and commended them on the time and detail given to each report. They stated that these reports give them a better view of how the departments work.
All Agreed. So Voted.
None
1. Central Falls (FOP) & WPMZ Radio
Second Annual Multicultural Festival & Raffle
Higginson Avenue Sports Complex
Sunday, July 14, 2002 10am-7pm.
Sgt. Rene Ogni of the Central Falls Police Department was present to answer any questions of the Council. He explained the contributions made by the FOP to different youth activities sponsored by the FOP.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Issa | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
2. Envi-Mex & Latino Cultural House
Fundraiser for kidney transplant
Higginson Avenue Sports Complex
Sunday May 26, 2002 Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Councilman Noury asked how many people were expected to attend this function.
Applicant responded about 2500.
Motion to approve, subject to the approval of the Police Chief, was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Patino.
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Issa | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Rand Place Association
250 Rand St.
Central Falls, R.I.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Issa | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Julio C. Sanchez
D/b/a The Divino Restaurant
508 Dexter St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
| Councilman Issa | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Arleides Tangarife
D/b/a Chino’s Auto Repair
96 Blackstone St.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Issa | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
P.J. Newman & Sons
D/b/a King Auto Parts
935 High St.
Council President Weber: “Are you aware of the tax situation?” (Directed to Mr. Newman).
Mr. Newman: “yes.”
Council President Weber: “ I have a letter stating that there are taxes due in the name of King’s Auto Parts in the amount of $32,210. I also have a list on King’s for the past year. Have they been paid?”
Mr. Newman: “yes, I’ve paid them to the landlord.
Council President Weber: Matt can you help the Council out on this issue?”
Matt Oliverio: “ I’d need a little more of the facts.” “He’s the business owner, he leases the property from the owner of the property. And the property owner is charged with the payment of these taxes? What is the deficiency on that?
Council President Weber: “I show a grand total on the real estate of $56,562 due on that piece of property since 1994. Now if the licensee is telling us he’s paying the owner the fee for the taxes?”
Matt Oliverio: “I think Jim Briden has handled this case.”
Council President Weber: “Mayor, can you shed some light on the situation?”
Mayor Matthews: “All I can do is comment quickly on what Matt is telling you, and that is, James has been working with Elizabeth Crowley and meeting with the owner on trying to come to a resolve on this case and any questions on this particular case James could certainly inform Matthew. But, again, James Briden has been dealing with all of the Real Estate & business issues of the City. Matthew deals more with things like litigation.
Councilman Noury: “Mr. President, I think the figures that you have been stating should be $9,058 for the Real estate and tangibles of $32,000.
Council President Weber: “What does the total say?”
Councilman Noury clarified the taxes.
Council President Weber: “There is $32,410.76 in Tangibles and $9,058.99 in Real Estate due on that piece of property. Now, for 2001 you’re saying that you actually paid?”
Mr. Newman: “Yes, I’ve paid since May 4th.
Council President Weber: “You’ve been paying since May 4th?”
Mr. Newman: “Yes, I’ve been paying him since May 4th.”
Councilman Issa: “Can we legally hold up the license because he’s a new owner for the taxes of the previous owner?”
Council President Weber: “ Correct me if I’m wrong, but the tangibles belong to the license holder?”
Matt Oliverio: “Again, I’d have to confer with Jim, but I don’t think you can hold up his license if the property owner is responsible for the taxes. I think the City’s remedy is to give him notice of a delinquency and then to conduct a tax sale, but again, that’s an oversimplification of the issue. I’d rather defer to Jim, I’d be happy to speak with him about that and give you a more informed recommendation.”
Councilman Leger: “ Matt, I originally thought that this was a transfer but this is a new license.”
Mr. Newman: “Yes this is a new license. When I took over the business the former owner was suppose to tell me about any licensing that was suppose to be transferred but he didn’t. This wrecker’s license is in my name that was already transferred in May.
Matt Oliverio: “By the Council?”
Mr. Newman: “No, by the State. I didn’t know about this license. Mr. Fink never told me about it. I dug it out of one of the walls when we were doing the office over and I came in to see Mrs. Crowley and I wanted to know what to do and we took the proper steps.”
Council President Weber:” Mayor you can assure me that this issue is being looked at?”
Mayor Matthews: “I can, but I think we should get a letter from Mr. Briden as to exactly where it is.”
Council President Weber: “I understand.”
Councilman Leger: “Betty is this license a new license?”
Council President Weber:” The previous license has expired.”
Elizabeth Crowley, “yes, the license had been expired a long time.”
Councilman Leger: “This is not a transfer and you can’t hold the new person responsible.”
Council President Weber: “I’m leaning towards moving forward and I think that Mr. Newman has been made aware that there is a problem here.”
Mr. Newman: “Oh, I know!”
Council President Weber: “At least what you paid him, you have to make sure that it gets to the City.”
Mr. Newman: “right, right.”
Council President Weber: “Because, once November, when you come for your renewal, we’re aware of this.”
Elizabeth Crowley: “Mr. President, his license will be up for renewal in June.”
Council President Weber: “Well, that’s not far away.”
Mr. Newman: “That’s right around the corner. I noticed that there was a problem and I came directly to town hall.”
Council President Weber: “I commend you for that.”
Mr. Newman: “ and then we looked into it further and I was awed at how much was back due on the taxes.
I have cancelled checks that I have paid it to him.”
Councilman Leger: “You might want to sent it directly to the City in the future.”
Mr. Newman: “ That’s why I’ve held back and we’ll make them directly to the City.”
Councilman Leger: “Move to approve.”
Councilman Issa: “Second.”
Council President Weber: “I can only say, Mr. Newman, that in the future this can become an albatross around
your neck. I would hope that at the very least for your portion, what your responsible for, from the time you started operating this business back last May that you make good with Mr. Fink and the City to insure that your portion is paid up. Obviously this is before the Council and we will be looking at this closely, as well as all businesses. So it would behoove you to take a hard look at this real quick.”
Mr. Newman: “I’ve already taken action on this.”
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Issa | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Noury | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
None
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Law 42-46-5(1) pertaining to discussion of job performance, character, or physical or mental health with respect to the re-appointment of the City Solicitor.
Withdrawn
Mayor Matthews related to the Council that the City Solicitor James Briden resigned today (3/4/02)
The Mayor expressed that he was grateful to Mr. Briden and the service he provided to the City.
Mayor Matthews stated that Mr. Briden’s connections to the City go back to the Civil War and that he perhaps has the deepest roots in the City as anyone presently serving. He stated that Mr. Briden has served the City for twelve years and he spoke of how valuable his service has been to the City. He cited many instances where Mr. Briden’s advice and directions has saved the City valuable resources and time.
James A. Briden, Esq.-City Solicitor (tabled January & February meetings)
Withdrawn
An Ordinance establishing Chapter 36 Article IV entitled: “Real Estate Non-utilization Tax”
So Introduced.
Finance Committee
Public Safety Committee
Ordinance Committee
No reports were given at this time.
None
Council members remarked on the State Department of Prison’s plans to house a facility in the former Notre Dame Rectory for persons about to be released from prison and are placed in the facility in order to mainstream the person into life outside of the facility. They stated there is no need to bring any more problems in the City and that the City currently provides more that its share of these types of units.
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Noury and seconded by Councilman Issa.
All Agreed. So Voted. Time 9:05 p.m.
_____________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk