March 25, 2002 - Special City Council Meeting

b) Town of Johnston-re: Resolution relating to Health & Safety

c) Town of East Greenwich-re: Resolution banning MTBE as a gasoline additive.

d) Town of North Kingstown re:

1. Resolution opposing Senate Bill S-2665 related to Agricultural Functions of the DEM.

2. Resolution supporting House Bill 2349 establishing a National Housing Trust Fund

e) Town of Portsmouth re: Resolution opposing House bills H6831 & 6684 related to Health and Safety Programs for the Fire Department.

Council President Weber asked the Clerk to send a letter to the Chief to review the Town Of Portsmouth’s Resolution.

f) Letter to Mr. Aurelio Figueiredo requesting him to appear at the Council Meeting on March 25, 2002.

Motion to accept the correspondences collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Noury.  All Agreed. So Voted.

Without Objection Council President Weber asked Senator Issa to make his presentations.

Senator Issa explained that the City Clerk had approached him last year to seek a legislative grant for the book preservation program. He explained that when he was City Clerk he worked with Betty and together they began this quest to preserve the early Smithfield records. He stated that he is now presenting the City Clerk a check for $2,000 to be help with book preservation.

City Clerk Crowley thanked Senator Issa for his help and stated that a placard would be placed inside the next book to be repaired in honor of this Senate grant.

Senator Issa also explained the eyeglass program grant the he has had success with obtaining for children who’s parents have no eyeglass coverage for their child.

Councilman Noury asked how the program works.

Council President Weber thanked Senator Issa for his presentations.

Councilman Leger questioned the Ordinance and whether there is a need for the Ordinance. He also commented on the veto power of the Mayor regarding the Ordinance.

Matthew Oliverio commented on the General Assembly and Legislation regarding this issue. He stated that this is why the issue needs to get into the Charter.

Councilman Noury asked Matthew Oliverio to draft and Ordinance.

Matthew Oliverio stated that there is no need for General Assembly approval based on a 1993 Court case. He stated that the question is what is the authority of the Canvassing Authority and Council redistricting. He said that the Charter is silent on the issue. He then stated then what is the mechanism and can the issue be taken care of by Resolution or by Ordinance.

Council President Weber stated that regardless of what takes place this evening he wants to be sure that the people who voted for the Council member in their respective wards will continue to be represented by that Council person until the next Council election.

Councilman Patino stated that he believed that the lines should become effective immediately because what would happen if a Council person resigns before his term expires.

Councilman Issa commented on the Ward lines and representation.

Councilman Noury that then numbers allowed is approximately 5% in each ward.

Councilman Noury stated that for the record the committee is recommending proposal #1.

Council President Weber opened the meeting to a public hearing.

Joseph Faria of 112 Clay Street stated that he is for proposal #1 he stated that he is concerned that Ward 3 going into Ward 1. He stated that anytime you have redistricting that it doesn’t go into affect until the next Council election. He stated that he opposes Clay Street being put into Ward I proposal #4.

Mr. Daniel Cooney of 111 Clays Street spoke in opposition of proposal #4. He stated that this proposal would make incumbents run against each other for Ward Committees.

Mr. Albert Laroche of member of the Board of Canvassers stated that there seems to be friction on the issue and that he recommends that the City move forward and that the Council should resolve this matter quickly.

The being no other comments the public hearing was closed.

Motion was made by Councilman Noury that the City Council move ahead with proposal #1 and that the Resolution be placed on the April 8, City Council Meeting. Motion seconded by Councilman Leger.

Motion carried 4 yes 1 no 0 absent.

Councilman Leger requested that a resolution be drawn up in support.