City Hall Council Chambers
2nd Floor, City Hall
580 Broad Street
Central Falls, Rhode Island
June 26, 2008
Web Address: www.centralfallsri.us
TDD/TTY 401-727-7450
Thursday, At 5:30pm
A meeting of the Central Falls City Council was held on the above date, in the Council Chambers at 5:35 pm Councilor Benson Presided.
- none were made at this time.
Richard Aubin-Present
Eunice Delahoz-Present
Patrick Szlastha-Present
Elizabeth A. Crowley-Present
William Benson-Present
Quorum present.
Motion to convene into executive session made by Councilor Aubin,seconded by Councilor Delahoz and Councilor Szlastha. All agreed. So Voted.
After returning from executive session, Councilor Crowley made a motion to seal the minutes of executive session, seconded by Councilor Szlastha, all agreed. So voted.
Councilor Crowley stated she was on the phone all day with members of the Fire Department hearing what they had to say about the 4 layoffs. Chief Rene Coutu stated that the Fire Department answer 4,600 calls a year. Robert Bradley of 555 Hunt St., President of the Firefighter’s union. He stated that they were willing to make cuts he did not feel they were being fairly represented.
John Kuzmiski Finance Director stated that negotiations with the Fire Department broke off, and the decision would go to arbitration. Ms. Kuzmiski stated it costs about $80,000.per firefighter which includes benefits etc. Gene Noury of the Personnel department was present and spoke about the effects of the Curfew ordinance effects on the Police department.
Chief Rene Coutu was present and spoke of 9 men minimum on different shifts. Christopher Major of Chauteau Anne was present and spoke in behalf of the Fire Fighters. Councilor Szlastha asked Gene Noury why were 3 police not being replaced and 4 fire fighters being laid off. Mr. Noury stated using the minimum manning and 39 officers and 1 Colonel.
Mayor Moreau was present and talked about the problems all over the country with banks etc. Our state has stopped giving $300,000 in the middle of a fiscal cycle. The city’s budget was planned with the funds that were promised.
Councilor Benson recused himself because his daughter works for the police department, and Councilor Crowley recused herself because her son in law works for the Library.
Councilor Delahoz who served as Finance Chair assumed the Presidents position, and Councilor Crowley and Benson left the room.
Public hearing opened and closed.
Motion to amend the ordinance (see list) made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlastha chair votes yes. Motion carries 3-0
a) The Annual Operating Budget. (FY 2008/09)
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
c) The Annual Capital Program.
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
d) An Ordinance pertaining to salaries for Police Officers and Firefighters. (FY 2008/09)
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
e) An Ordinance Amending Wage Schedule Generally. (FY 08-09)
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
f) An Ordinance pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads and Others in Unclassified Service. (FY 2008/09).
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
g) An Ordinance Establishing the Maximum Number of Employees in the City Departments.
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta, chair votes yes. Approved 3-0.
a). Amending Section 36-55 of the Revised Ordinances entitled “Homestead Exemption”
Motion to approve was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Crowley, All Agreed. So voted.
-none
-none
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Aubin, seconded by Councilor Szlashta. All agreed. Time 8:05 pm
Sincerely.
Marie A. Twohey
City Clerk