City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
2nd Floor, City Hall
580 Broad Street
Central Falls, Rhode Island
Web Address: www.centralfallsri.us
TDD/TTY 401-727-7450
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 At 5:30 P.M
A meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date at 5:30 p.m.
Councilor Patino, Councilor Gil, Councilor Aubin and Council President Benson were present. Quorum present.
Council President Benson opened the meeting with the Pledge of a Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Boston, Mass.
Retail Development of 839 Broad St.
Mr. Lewinstein stated that he has been a real estate developer and investor since 1968. He spoke of the Whalen Square development in Providence and his involvement in the development. He stated that some investors are interested in the 839 Broad Street Property what was formerly the McDonalds property. He said the site was limited as to what could be developed on the property since McDonalds will not sell the property for any use that would relate to the restaurant business which devalues the property.
He commented on the fact that there is arsenic on the property and they are working with DEM on that issue. He said that this also increases the cost of development on the property. He commented on national statistics and the cost of new construction. He asked the Council to consider a freeze on tax increases to the property to $30,000 with a 5% increase after 5 years .
Councilor Patino asked why McDonald doesn’t take care of the DEM problems prior to the sale of the property. He commented on how difficult it would be to support a tax freeze since there are many small businesses in the City that would like to have similar tax breaks.
Councilor asked how many jobs would this business bring into the City.
The City Assessor commented on the reductions in the tax rate presently and that he would need more information before he would comment on the impact this request would make.
Councilor Aubin commented.
It was agreed that the Developer would return to the City Council perhaps on June 11th with more details on this request.
Abatements & Additions
Wayne D. Brown, City Assessor
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Aubin. All Agreed. So Voted.
a) Resolution related to the Sale of 778 Broad St. at the request of the petitioner Sergio Chacon (Councilor De La Hoz)
Motion to table was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Aubin. All Agreed. So Voted.
b) Resolution in Support of House Bill 6258 pertaining to the Central Falls Detention Center. (Council President Benson)
Motion to table was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Gil. All Agreed. So Voted.
Introductions
a) The Annual Operating Budget. (FY 2007/08)
b) The Annual Capital Budget.
c) The Annual Capital Program.
d) An Ordinance pertaining to salaries for Police Officers and Firefighters.(FY 20007/08)
e) An Ordinance Amending Wage Schedule Generally. (FY 2007/08.
f) An Ordinance pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads and Others in Unclassified Service. (FY 2007/08).
g) An Ordinance Establishing the Maximum Number of Employees in the City Departments
h) Ordinance Adopting a Definitive Funding Plan for City Pensions.
i) An Ordinance Transferring Certain Funds in the FY 2006-07 Budget
j) An Ordinance amending the Homestead Exemption
k) An Ordinance amending the Elderly Exemption
l) An Ordinance amending the Veterans Exemption
So Introduced.
First Passage
An Ordinance Amending Section 32-32 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Collection of Refuse at Commercial Establishments. (Introduced by Council President Benson)”
Motion to table was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Aubin. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance Amending Section 32-31 of the revised Ordinances entitled
“Household Refuse Collection.” ( Introduced by Councilman Benson.)
Motion to table was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Aubin. All Agreed. So Voted.
Public Hearing/Final Passage
An Ordinance authorizing the CFFD to require in-building radio amplification to achieve effective Fire Department radio communications throughout protected premises. (Council President Benson)
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Aubin and Councilor Gil. All Agreed. So Voted.
An Ordinance requiring that entrances to establishments holding a Liquor License be closed at all times. (Introduced by Councilman Aubin)
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Patino and seconded by Councilor Aubin and Councilor Gil. All Agreed. So Voted.
none
none
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Aubin and seconded by Councilor Patino. All Agreed. So Voted. Time 6:15 p.m.
Elizabeth A. Crowley, MMC
City Clerk