1.       Roll Call

Roll call was conducted by City Clerk, Sonia Grace. Present were Councilors Robert Ferri, Hugo Figueroa, Stephanie Gonzalez, Tammi Johnson, Shelby Maldonado, Ann Racquier, and Tia Ristaino-Siegel.

With unanimous agreement of the Council, agenda item #8 was moved to agenda item #13; agenda item #9 moved to agenda item #8; agenda item #10 was moved to agenda item 11; agenda item #11 was moved to agenda item9; agenda item #12 was moved to agenda item 10; agenda item #13 was moved to agenda item 12.

2.      Public Comment

-         Joshua Giraldo, Director of Parks & Recreation –Invitation to City Council to participate in 4^th annual Earth day, Saturday April 19, 2014.

-         Mayor’s Youth Council: Julian Soares, Angel Mendez, Jolon Rubio and Sebastian Zuleta: Youth Council will propose ideas based on conversation with peers. Examples include use of 115 Illinois St. for  adult English class, adult GED, community service opportunities for high school students; childcare for students who are parents, weight room for students; art and music studio; better park conditions

-         Maria Cristina Betancur 150 Cross St.—Spoke on healthy housing issues; encouraged the City Council to get involved and include Central Falls to legislation for safe housing.

-         Representative Jim McLaughlin- Update on new leadership at the State House. Suggested that the Council submit resolutions in support of legislative grants. Offered to keep Council abreast of developments regarding legislation pertaining to retiree benefits. Supportive of the Gender Equity ordinance up for consideration.

-         Albert Romanowicz, 503 Central St.: Not trying to trivialize the problem, just questioning the need. Passage of ordinance would put city and businesses in adversarial position. City should work with women’s groups to give information of state and federal offices.

-         Dan Klotz, 111 Tremont St: Coutu Memorial Park; permanent place to honor Coutu family. 5k race will continue to be a fundraiser. Thanked elected leaders who are working to make this park become a reality.

-         Michael Andrews, CFFD. Member of the Fire fighters union are strong supporters of the passing the  pension protection ordinance. It will ensure that the  pension system is fully funded in 20 years.

-         Christopher Reed, CFPD FOP, fully support legislation. Good long-term benefits to the force and to the city.

-         Thomas Lazieh: Recognized Colonel James Mendonca who finished the FBI academy. Congratulate and support all clean-up programs, glad to see it continue.

3.      Consideration of Petition for License

a.      Motion to approve the application of Mario Monterroso was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

b.      Motion to approve the application of Celia Lopez was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion passed 7-0.

c.       Motion to approve the application of Sandra Cano was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

d.      Motion to approve the application of Edward Stepper was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion passed 7-0.

e.      Motion to approve the application of Luz Del Carmen Merejildo was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion passed 7-0.

f.        Motion to approve the application of Lynette Valius was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

4.      Consideration of petition for event permit:

6.      Presentation: The Central Falls/Rhode Island College Innovation Lab

Speakers included Mayor James Diossa, Dr. Frances Gallo, superintendent of the Central Falls School District, Colonel James Mendonca Chief Bob Bradley and Anna Cano-Morales, Chairwoman of the Central Falls School Board of Trustees.

Colonel Mendonca explained that over the years, 115 Illinois has become a nuisance property: drug activity, parties.

Chief Bradley described the house in deplorable condition, including a recent incident of carbon monoxide poising. Believes partnership will allow the house to be brought back to what it used to be and. It will comply with new fire code standards.

Mayor Diossa spoke on potential funding from a private donor who will commit $100, 000  in addition to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation who will conduct an analysis of the structure.

Mayor Diossa expressed his belief that this purchase, and the creation of the Central Falls/Rhode Island College Innovation Lab will expound on RIC partnership and make more vibrant.

Dr. Gallo described how the building will used. She explained the vision of converting the first floor into a community space, with the upper floors being available to graduate students who would work at the schools, providing support and tutoring.

In response to questions from Councilwoman Johnson, Dr. Gallo explained that the CF School District has been a partner of the Gates Foundation, through the Charter Compact, for five years and believes it will continue to receive its support.

Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel said she was excited for the partnership but concerned about the loss of $5000 currently collected in property taxes. Ms. Cano-Morales explained that this contribution will be well received because the schools are 100% of funded by the State of Rhode Island and this contribution is a step in the right direction.

Councilman Figueroa expressed his support for this project.

13.   Petition to City Council from Mr. Thomas Lazieh for permission to address the Council regarding city finances (budget and audit), economic development, personnel and hiring, abandoned properties and property sales.

Mr. Lazieh addressed the Council and expressed his interest  in offering suggestions. He asked questions pertaining to changes in parking zones, status of tax collection by the City. He also spoke about the need for job creation and expressed his concern about the need to pave Dexter Street.

14.   Consideration of meeting minutes

15.   Receipt of department reports

16.   Citation congratulating Isaiah Waring, Michael Ajuhan and Brett Feld, scholars  at the Blackstone Valley Prep school, for their drawing of the Central Falls City Hall (Johnson)

Councilwoman Johnson spoke on the matte and explained that the work was displayed and sold at a fundraiser called For Art Sake to benefit the school. Councilwoman Johnson will present the citations at an all-school assembly where the students can be recognized in front of their peers.

19.   Good & Welfare from City Councilors- updates, announcements, reports from councilors in regards to community liaisons and events.

Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: update on the Nuisance Property Task Force: two landlords have been called to meet with the task force. One is a new homeowner and agreed to work with the city. The second landlord completed the clean-up requested by the task force.

Upcoming events:

5/10 Road Map Rhode island

5/17 & 5/31 Street clean up by the Community Collaborative

6/7 Library fundraiser with Alec Baldwin

6/21 Pig Roast fundraiser to benefit the Holiday Express

Councilwoman Gonzalez: On May 12, the Council will receive the first draft of the FY 2015 budget

Upcoming events:

4/17- Central Falls High School Alumni Association

6/7 Central Falls High school Graduation

20.  Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Meeting adjourned at 9:01pm.

Respectfully submitted on May 12, 2014

Approved May 12, 2014

Sonia Grace

City Clerk

The City of Central Falls is an equal opportunity employer ADA/EOE.

TDD/TTY 401-727-7450.

To review Notice of Citizen’s Rights visit the Attorney General’s webpage at www.riag.ri.gov