May 17, 2004 - City Council Meeting
City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Web Address: www.centralfallsri.us
MONDAY
May 17, 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 6:45 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Councilman Silva
Councilman Leger
Councilman Patino
Councilman Benson
Councilman Weber
Quorum present.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Robert F. Weber, Jr. presided and led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Minutes
March 8, 2004; March 15, 2004; April 12, 2004
Motion to approve collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino. All Agreed. So Voted.
4. Correspondences
1. Petition of Seniors at YMCA Community Center-regarding the future of the Happy Seniors at the Community Center Facility.
2. Town of Barrington Resolution in support of the statewide 2004 open space & recreation bond Initiative.
3. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center-2003 Annual Report.
4. Arlene Marie Crimmins, President NEACTC and Town Clerk of Foxborough, Ma. Regarding appointment of Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC-Second Vice President, New England Assoc. City & Town Clerks.
5. Resolution Town of Newport regarding legislation concerning casino gambling.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Patino. All Agreed. So Voted.
5. City Officers Reports
1. Fire Department Report
2. Municipal Court Report
3. Recreation Department Report
4. City Clerk Report (April)
5. Police Department Report
6. Fire Department Annual Report 2003
7. City Clerk/Purchasing Department Annual Report 2003/2004
Council President Weber commented on the Fire Department Annual report which he noted was up 4192 calls. He stated that this is significant and that this is one of the busiest Departments in the State.
He also commented on the Clerk's report. He stated that he is amazed at the amount of work that comes from the Department he also commented on the significant increase in the recording of 4,000
Deeds, mortgages etc.
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Benson. All agreed. So Voted.
6. Abatements
(see list)
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | abstain |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 abstention 0 absent.
7. Mayor's Comments
The Mayor stated that he had no specific comments at this time but deferred his time to the Tax Assessor Wendell Wilkie.
Mr. Wilkie related the valuations figures to the Council and gave a brief overview of how the valuations affected each classification of property. He stated that the most significant increase in valuation was in the multi-family residential properties. He stated that these properties saw about a 105% increase in value. He related that overall there was about a 68% in property value in the City.
He told the Council that as required by law there would be a statistical update done three years from now.
8. Mayor's appointments
Housing Authority
Re-Appointment
Ed Collins
139 Jenks Ave.
Term to expire April 2009
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.
Board of Canvassers
Alfred N. Gregoire (replacing unexpired term of Robert Wonders)
46 Liberty St.
Term to expire March 2007
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva 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.
Library Trustee
Eunice Delahoz (replacing the unexpired term of Meridith O'Malley
66 Pacific St.
Term to expire Jan. 2006
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 |
Peggy Olobri
229 Fuller Ave.
Term to expire Jan. 2007
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 |
Juvenile Hearing Board
Council Liaison
Councilman Agostinho Silva
Pauline Leclerc
184 Hunt St.
Term to expire Apr. 2005
Olga Xavier
137 Cross St.
Term to expire: Apr. 2007
Filomena Silva
83 Ledge St.
Term to expire: Apr. 2008
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Benson 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.
Lisa Jacob
5 Pacific St.
Term to expire: Apr. 2006
Motion to table was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
All Agreed. So Voted.
Recreation Board
Jay Bombardier
39 Darling St.
Term to expire: Jan. 2007
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Silva. All Agreed.
So Voted.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Zoning Board
Scott Olobri
229 Fuller Ave.
Term to expire Jan. 2009
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson 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.
9. Licenses
Petition for Extended Hours
Cumberland Farms Inc.
d/b/a Cumberland Farms
478 Broad St.
24 hours
Michael Martone, Regional Manager for Cumberland Farms was present.
Councilman Leger question Mr. Martone extensively about the additional hours. He asked the applicant if he had canvassed the neighbors for their input. He also asked if the Police had any concerns.
Councilman Patino questioned the security issues and asked if there would be security on the premises.
Councilman Benson questioned the applicant.
Council President Weber opened the meeting to a public hearing.
Richard Desrosier of 155 Central Street stated his concerns about the noise which is already in the area and the concern he has when the bars close and patrons fueling up their cars and motorcycles
Being added to the other noises in the neighborhood.
Dolores Latraverse of 166 Central St. commented on trucks delivering at 2:00 am at Wendys. She stated that she doesn't see the need and that there is enough daytime traffic and noise without adding any at night.
Acting Chief Joseph Moran stated that the CFPD is against any 24 hour operations. He stated that there are places that are open 20 hours on the Pawtucket line and this gives the City many additional calls to the area.
Patrick Wood of 159 Central Street stated that he is concerned about noise. He stated that there is a PA system there and that it's bad enough that the trucks already deliver early in the am. He stated that this just means more sound, more noise, creates a security issue, boom boxes, radios, cranking of the gas there just is more problems with this of operation. He added that there is already enough gas stations open along Rt. 95 to suffice.
Hearing no more comments the public hearing was closed by the Council President.
Motion to deny was made by Councilman Silva and seconded by Councilman Leger.
Councilman Silva stated that he has talked with the residents and that there was not one for adding additional hours. He also stated that the Police Department is already overburdened.
Councilman Leger stated that his concerns are that if you do it for one business you do if for all and then you have the cumulative effect from it.
Councilman Patino stated that he is definitely concerned about deliveries and asked Mr. Martone to request deliveries to be made at a different time.
Council President Weber stated that there is a quality of life issue here and that it's tough enough at certain times of day to keep the noise down but that the residents have a right to expect that there would be some quiet times for them and that the Council must respect the views of the residents in the neighborhood.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
Motion to deny carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Class C Variety Store (new)
Henrique Mendes
d/b/a O.T. Market
52 Cross St.
Councilman Silva questioned parking.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Silva 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.
Personal Service License (new)
Jorge Guerro
d/b/a Best Cleaning Services
525 Broad St.
Councilman Benson asked what kind of cleaning this business entailed Mr. Guerro stated that it is housekeeping for individual homes.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Patino and 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.
Jairo Echeverry
d/b/a True Stylez Barbershop
726 Dexter St.
Tabled from May 10, 2004
Council President Weber gave the Council an overview of a meeting that took place with the applicant. He related that there were several conditions that needed to be met before the granting of this license. The applicant has agreed to:
1. request and submit a background check on employees.
2. submit to the clerk a copy of mangers (barber) license.
3. manager/licensed barber must be on the premises at all times.
4. only one apprentice per licensed barber.
The Council President stated that he would be satisfied with these conditions and the applicant stated that he is also satisfied with these and welcomes the Council's guidance.
Councilman Benson stated his concerns relative to Fire Safety Issues and asked would this be verified via the CO with Code Enforcement and the Fire Department.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva subject to the conditions specified.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Second Hand License (renewals)
See List
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson and Patino.
| 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 (renewals)
See List
Motion to approve collectively was made by Councilman Silva and seconded by Councilman Silva and Benson.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 5 yes 0 no 0 absent.
Parade Permit
Colombian American Cultural Society Inc.
Annual Parade
July 25, 2004
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Silva and seconded by Councilman Leger, Councilman Benson 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.
Meeting recessed at 8:30 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:48 p.m.
Hearing
Edmund Shabo & Milard Shabo
d/b/a Waterfalls Car Wash Inc.
1325 Broad St.
Council President Weber asked for a table on this matter.
Motion to table to June 14th meeting was made by Councilman Silva and seconded by Councilman Patino for the purpose of discussion.
Councilman Patino asked what the Finance Director's thoughts on this license.
Mr. Kuzmiski stated that he would defer to the Council's pleasure.
Council President Weber commented.
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Patino | abstain |
| Councilman Benson | abstain |
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 3 yes 0 no 2 abstentions.
10. Public Comments
none
11. Resolutions
1. Resolution Approving the Sale of City Owned Land Assessor's Plat 6 Lot 148-145 Garfield St.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Silva | yes |
| Councilman Patino | abstains since his wife works for Children's Friends and Services |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carries 4 yes 0 no 1 abstention.
2. Resolution Authorizing a Lease Purchase Agreement for the Purpose of Financing the Acquisition of Public Works Vehicles and Equipment.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Silva.
Councilman Benson questioned the purchases.
Councilman Patino asked when it was decided that the City would resume trash collections in house without any discussion.
Councilman Leger commented.
Council President Weber asked that this be tabled until Thursday's meeting.
Councilman Leger withdrew his motion to approve.
Motion to table 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.
Unanimous Consent: Resolution extending the Condolences of the City Council to the family of the Late Theresa Gillan. Unanimously approved.
12. Ordinances
A.) Introduction
1. The Annual Operating Budget Ordinance 2004/2005
2. An Ordinance Establishing the Maximum Number of Employees in City Departments 2004/2005
3. An Ordinance pertaining to the Salaries of Police Officers and Firefighters.
4. An Ordinance Amending Wage Schedule Generally
5. An Ordinance pertaining to salaries of Department Heads & others in unclassified service.
6. The Annual Capital Budget Ordinance
7. The Capital Program Ordinance
So Introduced.
B.) Public Hearing/Final Passage
1. An Ordinance entitled Police Protection Services. (Introduced at the request of Councilman Leger)
Public Hearing opened. No comments. Public Hearing Closed.
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.
13. Unfinished Business
Councilman Patino questioned the Library investigation.
Attorney Gagnon responded that there were technical problems and that there a final report will be prepared.
Councilman Patino asked what cost to the taxpayers relative to the transition team.
Mayor responded no one cent and in fact that they have saved the City thousands in law suits. He stated that there have been very capable people on the team, businessmen, property owners, CPAs Attorneys etc and they cost nothing.
Council President Weber asked what the time table would be in hiring a new Chief and that he would be willing to serve on any committee to assist in this appointment.
14. New Business
None
15. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Silva. All Agreed.
So Voted. Time 9:20 p.m.
________________________________
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk