April 12, 2004 - City Council Meeting
City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Web Address: www.centralfallsri.us
MONDAY
April 12, 2004 @ 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 6:50 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Councilman Silva
Councilman Leger
Councilman Patino
Councilman Benson
Councilman Weber
Quorum Present
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Weber presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Presentations
1. Presentation of Certificates-Calcutt Middle School-2004 State Chess Champions.
Introduced by Councilman Benson & Councilman Silva
Mayor Moreau and Council President Weber presented the Certificates to the students.
Mayor Moreau commented on how each of these students sends a message of pride to the Community of Central Falls.
2. Presentation Elizabeth Ann Seton Academy Boys Midget A School Division Champions.
Introduced by Councilman Leger at the request of Mayor Moreau.
Councilman Leger commented on these Division Champions.
3. Presentation/Public Hearing/Discussion
R.I. Department of Environmental Management- Blackstone River Bikeway
Mr. Bob Sutton, Chief of Planning and Development for the Department of Environmental
Management commented on the placing of a portion of the Bikepath in Central Falls.
He emphasized that this was only the 10% plan and that the Community and the Department would Engineer the final design of the project. He stated that DEM will be completely responsible for the bikepath. He gave a brief overview of where the path has been started and the success of the path in each of the Blackstone Valley Communities.
Bill Desanto and Scott Devillo, project designers were present to give the proposed location of the Bikepath. After the presentation, Council President Weber opened the meeting for public comments.
Tom Semenick of 28 Crown Street questioned the location of the DPW and how the path would affect his property.
Merrick Cook explained the plans for the DPW property and its relocation to the former Dytex Building.
Councilman Leger commented on the parking issues for the Bikepath.
Claude Bergeron of 64 Jenks Avenue asked where the Bikepath comes into the City.
Patricia Salisbury of River Street commented on how the path would affect her property and stated that it would go right through here gazebo. She commented extensively on flooding in the area and asked how this problem would affect the Bikepath.
Sanford Fink owner of the property where Kings Junk Yard lies stated that before any further discussions and negotiations relative to the Bikepath or the Detention Facility Expansion can be made they need to take with him. He asked when was this going to happen.
Mr. Sulton stated that the Bikepath is expected to get underway in 2005 and that DEM would begin contacting area residents 30 days.
Mark Jewell of the Park Service stated that he supports the 10% design and that this will be a great asset to the community. He stated that the Bikepath is expected to be 48 miles long which become a greater part of the east coast greenways project stretching over 2600 miles.
Ken Gibbons of 43 Crown Street stated that he is the 5th generation to live in his home and that it is very difficult to put a price tag on a way of life he asked what process takes place regarding this property.
Walter Semenik of 28-30 Crown State commented on New Haven Avenue and a walking bridge.
Carol Cooney of 46 Courtland St. commented on how this affected her property.
Milard Shabo of 1325 Broad St. commented in favor of the Bikepath and asked how the project is funded.
Stanley Pietraszka of 20 Tiffany Street commented on the project and asked what were the original plans for the Bikepath.
Councilman Leger questioned the impact of the path on the properties abutting the Bikepath and the quality of life in the neighborhood.
Council President Weber stated that there would be other opportunities for discussion relative to this issue. He also commented on how this affects all the people of Central Falls.
Meeting recessed at 8:35 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:47 p.m.
4. Steve Bochicchio, Manuel Mosa & Lisa Gallant-J.U.M.P. Action Plan from October to December.
Steve gave a brief overview of the mentoring program and its benefits to the youth of the community. He stated that anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact him at the Channel One office.
5. Thomas Shannahan, Librarian-Update & Presentation.
Thomas Shannahan commented on the final touches to the Library Building Restoration Project.
He gave a brief overview of the progress and repairs made to the building. He also announced
That this would be the last project of this kind for the Library building and Museum since he will be stepping down April 30th.
4. Correspondences
1. State Planning Council: Public Hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the Rivers Policy and Classification Plan April 21, 2004.
2. Memo Wendell Wilkie re: Revaluation Hearings
3. WWII Memorial Commission of Rhode Island Re: Donation for Memorial.
4. American Kennel Club re: Ordinance regarding Pit Bulls etc.
5. City of Pawtucket: Resolution regarding Liquor license fees for Class D (veterans posts)
6. Armenian Genocide April 24, 2004- 89th Anniversary.
7. Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC to Lola Araujo-Revocation of License.
8. Town of Middletown Resolution regarding $60million open space & recreation bond and its placement on the November 2003 General Election Ballot.
9. Town of Westerly Resolution concerning revenue sharing and alternate methods of revenue enhancement regarding the Town of Westerly and State of Rhode Island.
10. Town of North Kingstown Resolution concerning property taxes.
11. Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC to Tat Sum Kong-Suspension of License.
12. Raymond P. Cooney, Esq. City Solicitor regarding China House Restaurant-Restraining Order allowing China House to remain open pending a hearing on April 7, 2004.
13. Summons to Appear Waterfalls Car Wash Inc.
14. Rhode Island Foundation-Joseph O'Neill Ott Fund-$400.00 grant to restore Deed Books Volumes 8 & 11.
15. Statewide Planning Program
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva and Councilman Benson. All Agreed. So Voted.
5. City Officers Reports
1. Municipal Court Report
2. Police Report
3. ACO Report 2003
4. Revenue & Expense Report (February)
5. City Clerk Report
6. Recreation Department (March)
7. Police Department year end report 2003
8. Code Enforcement Report
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson. All Agreed. So Voted.
6. Mayor's Comments
None
7. Mayor's Appointment
Library Trustee
John Burns
85 Hawes St.
Term to expire Jan. 2007
Mayor Moreau presented the appointee and asked that the Council support this appointment.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
8. Abatements
(see list)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
9. Licenses
Class A Restaurant (new)
Pedro & Dolores M. Acevedo
d/b/a El Salvadoreno
773-791 Lonsdale Ave.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Leger.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Dimitroula Brown
d/b/a Toula's Kitchen
416 Hunt St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Class C Variety Store (new)
Melvin Salgado
d/b/a Salgados Market Amended to Carolina Market
473 Hunt St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
General Service License (new) Tabled 3/8/04
Michael Badger
d/b/a Office Perfect Service Inc.
476 High St.
Motion to table permanently was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson. All Agreed. So Voted.
Transfer of Location
Xtreme Computers & Wireless, LLC
d/b/a Extreme Computers
914 Lonsdale Ave.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Peddler License (transfer)
Rocco B. Africo
d/b/a Mr. Goody's Frozen Lemonade
(from Dominick Africo d/b/a Dominick's Frozen Lemonade)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Personal Services License (new)
Jairo A. Echeverry
d/b/a True-Stylez Barbershop
726 Dexter St.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Silva and seconded by Councilman Benson.
All Agreed. So Voted.
Retail Sales License (new)
Maria E. Giraldo
d/b/a Latin Clothing
428 Dexter St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Repair Services (new)
Carlos A. Munguia
d/b/a Ali
428 Dexter Street
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson and Silva.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Change of Business Location
Mario & Norma Castillo
d/b/a California Cleaning Service
from 901 Broad St. to 881 Broad St.
Mario & Norma Castillo
d/b/a EZ Computers & Electronics
from 901 Broad St. to 881 Broad St.
Adalberto J. Garcia
d/b/a Garcia Insurance Agency
from 901 Broad St. to 881 Broad St.
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Silva and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
10. Public Comments
None
11. Permits
Use of Jenks Park
Channel One
April 24th -Earth Day/Spring in the Park Celebration
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Progresso Latino Inc.
Health Fair-June 12, 2004 (subject to filing Insurance documents)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Feast (annual celebration)
Club Sport Uniao Madeirense
Annual Madeira Feast
August 6, 7th & 8th
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino and Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
12. Hearing
Edmund Shabo & Milard Shabo
d/b/a Waterfalls Carwash Inc.
1325 Broad St.
Continued.
13. Resolutions
A) Resolution Extending the Condolences of the Central Falls City Council to the Family of the Late Blanche Greenless.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
All Agreed. So Voted.
B) Resolution Authorizing Mayor Charles D. Moreau to file Rhode Island Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and The Small Cities Entitlement Program Applications for Fiscal Year 2004.
Merrick Cook, Director of Planning gave the breakdown in funds and what would be designated for each project or applicant requesting the funds.
Councilman Leger commented.
Mayor Moreau responded to Councilman Leger's concerns related to the Community Center.
The Mayor gave an overview of the funds allocated and spent and the center and the deplorable conditions of the center.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Patino.
All Agreed. So Voted.
C) Resolution Requesting the General Assembly to pass Legislation to increase the City of Central Falls Property Tax Exemption for Owner Occupied Residences "The Homestead Exemption."
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
All Agreed. So Voted.
D) Resolution Memorializing the members of the General Assembly from Central Falls to introduce and urge passage of Legislation authorizing Bonds of the City and to authorize a referendum to be held thereon.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
All Agreed. So Voted.
14. Ordinances
First Passage
A.) An Ordinance entitled "Police Protection Services."
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
B.) An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 Article 1 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Central Falls regarding dogs and other animals.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Public Hearing/Final Passage
A) An Ordinance Amending Article II Chapter 18 entitled "Noise."
Public Hearing Opened. No Comments. Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva and Councilman Patino.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
15. Executive Session
Pursuant to RIGL 42-46-5(2) - Litigation-City of Central Falls vs. China House Restaurant.
Did no meet in Executive Session this item continued to the next regular meeting of the Council.
16. Unfinished Business
Members of the Council discussed the upcoming budget process and how it would relate to schedules of each member as well as the use of the Chambers.
Council President Weber stated that from July 1 to end of August the Chambers would undergo renovations.
17. New Business
None
18. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Silva. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 10:00 p.m.
___________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk