City of Central Falls
Special City Council Meeting & Budget Workshop
City Hall Council Chambers
Web Address: www.centralfallsri.us
Tuesday, June 1, 2004
Budget Workshop-5:00 p.m.
Council Immediately Following
1. Workshop Session Discussion
Library
Police
Other Budget Items
A Budget Workshop was held on the above date in the City Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m.
Councilman Leger chaired the meeting.
Mayor Moreau introduced Julia Iacono as the new Librarian.
Council President Weber welcomed the new Librarian.
Ms. Iacono briefly explained her credentials with respect to her new position as well as the programs she has been involved with in the field of grants writing and
youth activity.
She also stated that she holds a Master in Library Sciences as well as a Master in Urban Planning and Development.
John Kuzmiski explained the Budget for the Library on behalf of the new Director. He explained that the Budget was actually created by the previous Librarian. He commented on the salaries for the Library and commented on the salary for the computer technician. He also commented on changes in personnel and part time employees.
Councilman Patino questioned the salary of the IT person. He stated that the City should create an IT Department rather than individual IT persons for all departments.
Mr. Kuzmiski went on to explain the budget in detail.
Several questions regarding heating fuel and whether the amount proposed covered the Library and the Museum. Mr. Kuzmiski explained that the Library Building is covered in the heating cost but not the Museum. Ms. Iacono asked if there could be funding for the Museum since the building is owned by the City. She stated that it is her belief that the building had a water-break this past winter due too little or no heat in the building. Discussion continued on the Museum and Library buildings.
Elizabeth Crowley, City Clerk explained the City Clerk and City Property Budgets. She related the increases in expenses regarding heating and electric. She also commented on the recording fees and the increase in the revenues to the City Clerk's Department.
John Kuzmiski along with Acting Chief Moran gave an overview of the Police Department Budget.
Salaries and the number of Officers in the Department were discussed at length. Councilman Benson commented on the Parking Violation Officer and the Animal Control Officer. He stated that this is one position and that it is a new union position. Other question pertaining to personnel were discussed. It was explained that the Dispatchers are all now in the Union and that it is the intention of the City to increase the benefits and pays so as to keep these employees working for the City. Acting Chief Moran explained that in the past the City would train people for the dispatching positions only to loose them to other higher paying better benefit communities.
Councilman Patino questioned the amount spent on overtime in the Department.
Mr. Kuzmiski answered that it was approximately $350,000.
He stated that some of this is related to special investigations.
Workshop recessed at 6:25 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 6:40 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Councilman Leger
Councilman Patino
Councilman Benson
Councilman Weber
Quorum present.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Robert F. Weber, Jr. presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Mayor’s Comments
None
5. Public Comments
None
6. Ordinances
Introduction
An Ordinance Regulating Fences
So Introduced.
Public Hearing /Final Passage
1. An Ordinance entitled Police Protection Services.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
2. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 Article 1 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Central Falls regarding dogs and other Animals.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Leger.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
7. Resolution
Regarding A Lease Purchase Agreement for the Purpose of Procuring Computer Software.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
Councilman Leger
Councilman Patino
Councilman Benson
Councilman Weber
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
8. Unfinished Business
None
9. New Business
None
10. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson.
All Agreed. So Voted. Time 7:20 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk