May 9, 2005 - City Council Meeting
City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Web Address: www.centralfallsri.us
MONDAY
May 9, 2005
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 Leger
Councilman Patino
Councilman Benson
Councilman Weber
Quorum present.
Councilman Silva was not present his daughter was being confirmed today.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Weber presided and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Public Hearing
2005 Jag Grant
Presented by Major John Desmarais & Sgt. Bruce Ogni, CFPD
Council President Weber congratulated Major Desmarais on his promotion and asked him to proceed with his presentation.
Major Desmarais explained that this is a Justice Assistance Grant issued by the Federal Government in the amount of $38,242. He stated that this is to purchase and upgrade laptop computers for the police cruisers and that the project will not cost the City taxpayers any taxpayer dollars. He also stated that this will keep the patrol officer on the street. He said this will allow for silent dispatch without anyone knowing how the police will respond to a certain situation. He also stated that the computers will be done in real time.
Council members questioned the Major.
Motion was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Leger to approve a Resolution in Support of this Grant. All Agreed. So Voted. Council President Weber thanked the Major for his presentation.
4. Minutes
February 28, 2005; March 14, 2005
Motion to accept and place on file was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
5. Correspondences
A) Town of Portsmouth: Resolution Requesting the General Assembly to increase the amount of Real Estate Conveyance Tax Received by Rhode Island Municipalities.
Resolution in Support of Pension Reform.
B) Town of Jamestown: Resolution requesting the General Assembly to increase the amount of Real Estate Conveyance Tax.
C) Town of Foster: Resolution relative to access and affordability of Health Care.
D) City of East Providence: Resolution regarding pension reform.
E) Town of Cumberland: Resolution in support of increase to the Real Estate Conveyance Tax.
F) George E. Babcock, Esq. to John Gannon, Esq.: re: Zoning Complaint.
G) Cub Scout Pack 2 - Annual Blue & Gold Banquet May 7, 2005.
H) Animal Control Officer re: Information regarding dog owner responsibilities.
I) Recreation Department Summer Concert Series.
J) Rhode Island Foundation Joseph O'Neill Grant for plat folio repair.
K) Blackstone Valley Tourism Collaborative re: Blackstone Valley "Footsteps in History" Preserve America Weekend October 8, 9,& 10th 2005.
L) Board of Pensions & Retirement: re: Retirement Chief Martin Conroy.
M) Colonel Moran regarding an Ordinance related to "State of Emergency" declared by the Governor.
N. Rhode Island Housing re: Home Program Funding
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Leger. All Agreed. So Voted.
6. City Officers Reports
A) Expenditures Report ending April 30, 2005
B) City Clerk report ending April 30, 2005
C) Recreation Department April 2005
D) Fire Department Report April 2005
Motion to accept collectively and place on file was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino. All Agreed. So Voted.
7. Claims
A) Stephen Clark for damages to vehicle struck by City Rescue on February 4, 2005.
B) Francisco Isep by Insurance Agent for damages to vehicle struck by City Recycling truck on March 8, 2005.
C) Carol Lamontagne for damages caused by sewerage backup at property located at 14 Courtland St. approximate claim $14,000 +.
D) Maria Szulz by Attorney Jabour for injuries sustain in fall on sidewalk located at 965 High St.
Motion to refer to Claims Committee collectively was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson. All Agreed. So Voted.
8. Mayor's Appointment
Central Falls Housing Authority
Robert G. Salisbury
152 Cross St.
Term to expire April 2010
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino and Benson.
| Councilman Leger | yes |
| Councilman Patino | yes |
| Councilman Benson | yes |
| Councilman Weber | yes |
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
9. Mayor's Comments
Mayor Moreau reviewed the projects happening in Central Falls.
He stated that the Detention Facility expansion, a $35 million project, will break ground shortly.
He stated that the Higginson Avenue phase one of the project is well under way and it is projected to be ready for fall. He stated that the Champlin Foundation representatives will be inspecting the fields and the City will apply for additional funding from the Foundation.
Mayor Moreau spoke of the Fortune Metals Company coming to Central Falls and said that this is a two million dollar project that will give first priority hiring to Central Falls residents.
The Mayor also commented on the 3 million dollars condo project at 404 Roosevelt Ave.
He stated to the Council that the River Front Commons project drawing should be ready by the next regular meeting of the City Council. The Mayor spoke of the phase I plans for the Community Center and stated that he is amazed at how successful the takeover has been for the City. He also commented on the DPW project as well as the Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Projects are progressing. He told the City Council that the City is in the process of hiring a Project Manager to assist the City in handling the various projects related to the Bond Issue. He stated that his Administration is a most aggressive
Administration with dedicated hard working Department Heads who have Central Falls at heart and want the best for Central Falls.
10. Abatements
Wayne D. Brown, City Assessor
See List
Motion to approve collectively 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.
11. Retirement
Battalion Chief Martin Conroy, CFFD
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Patino.
Councilman Leger
Councilman Patino
Councilman Benson
Councilman Weber
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
12. Licenses
Retail Sales License (new)
Claire T.Issa
d/b/a Country Gift Shop
1136 Lonsdale Ave.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
Personal Service License (new)
Nieves Berroa
d/b/a Lucy's Hair Salon/Barber Shop
868 Dexter St.
Motion to table was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Leger and Councilman Benson. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
Constable License (tabled 4/11/05)
Maria E. Ortiz
RI Emergency Security Agency
Motion to table was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
13. Permits
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Central Falls Riverfront Commons (Landing)
Rivers Day June 18, 2005 8:00am-5:00pm
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Patino. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
14. Festival
La Cabana Club
At Storage America Roosevelt Avenue
For Colombian Independence Day Festival
July 16, 2005 Noon to 8:00 pm
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
15. Use of Jenks Park
A) The Puerto Rican Institute o of Arts & Advocacy Inc.
Annual Festival
July 9, 2005 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Benson and Councilman Patino. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
B) Central Falls High School
Graduation June 15, 2005 6:00 p.m.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Leger.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
16. Public Comments
None
17. Resolutions
a) Resolution extending the Condolences of the Central Falls City Council to the Family of the Late Frank Gillan. (Council President Weber)
b) Resolution extending the Condolences of the Central Falls City Council to the Family of the Late Patricia C. Goudreau. (Councilman Leger)
c) Resolution extending the Condolences of the Central Falls City Council to the Family of the Late Russell Brousseau. (Councilman Leger)
d) Resolution extending the Condolences of the Central Falls City Council to the Family of the Late Raymond Courtois. (Councilman Patino)
Motion to approve collectively items a-d was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Leger. Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
e) Resolution of the City Council authorizing Mayor Charles D. Moreau to file for the Rhode Island Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and the Small Cities entitlement Program Applications for Fiscal Year 2005. (Council President Weber)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Patino and seconded by Councilman Leger.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 0 absent.
18. Ordinances
Introduction
a) An Ordinance Establishing a Program for Training and Certification of School Crossing Guards Chapter 38 Article V Section 38-321. (Introduced by Councilman Benson) So Introduced.
b) An Ordinance to abandon a portion of Bristol Street. (Introduced by Councilman Benson) So Introduced.
First Passage
a) An Ordinance establishing Article III Division 1 of Chapter 18 of the revised Ordinances entitled "Public Nuisances and nuisance inspection fee." Introduced by Councilman Benson
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Leger and seconded by Councilman Patino.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
b) An Ordinances related to Chapter 2 of the revised Ordinances entitled Administration Article II City Council Section 2-32-Real Property Transactions. (Introduced by President Weber)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Leger.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
c) An Ordinance amending Chapter 4 Section 4 entitled Maximum number of licenses fixed. (Introduced by Councilman Patino)
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Benson and seconded by Councilman Patino.
Motion carried 4 yes 0 no 1 absent.
19. Unfinished Business
none
20. New Business
Councilman Members commented on the Budget Workshop schedule.
Councilman Patino commended the Municipal Court and Judge.
21. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Benson. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 7:54 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, CMC
City Clerk