City of Central Falls
Council Meeting
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St.
Central Falls, RI 02863
Wednesday April 23, 2014
6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order by Council President Bob Ferri at 6:04pm.
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.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
With unanimous agreement of the Council, Public Comment was added to the agenda.
Public Comment:
Edna Poulin: spoke on agenda items, questioned if there will be a budget presentation.
Al Romanwicz: questioned the need to revise the contract with MTG at this time. Recommended that the Council wait until the budget is set.
Tom Lazieh: spoke on agenda items. Concerned about the need to make purchase of trash bins at this time.
3. Resolution Authorizing the Addendum to the Contract By and Between the City of Central Falls and MTG Disposal, LLC (Racquier)
Speaking on this matter were Elaine Partridge, Director of Code Enforcement & Public Works, Mayor James Diossa and Steve Mutter, Municipal Liaison at MTG.
Ms. Partridge explained that she approached Councilwoman Racquier, liaison to the Department of Public Works (DPW) explaining that the City needs a tool to combat the trash and rodent problem plaguing it. Ms Partridge believes the new bids, will resolve 90% of the issues in the City related to trash. The bins are larger, heavier and are covered. She also explained that with the covers, it is estimated that the City’s cost of trash dumping will decrease because both the trash and recycling will remain dry, therefore it will weigh less.
Mr. Mutter explained that the city of Pawtucket, the city most similar to Central Falls, has seen an increase in recycling rates and a decrease in tipping fees since purchasing the bins. Mr. Mutter also explained that success is highly dependent on resident education and MTG is committed to supporting Central Falls in this process.
Mayor Diossa reiterated Mr. Mutter’s points and added that there is a ten year warranty on the equipment. He also added that this year, the City of Pawtucket will use the large bins for trash collection, given the success of its recycling program.
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel asked about policies and fees for replacement should one be lost or destroyed. Mayor Diossa explained that there will be a $50 fee, charged to the resident, for any replacements.
Councilwoman Ristaino- Siegel also asked about the possible increase in tipping fees if the City increases the size of the containers. Both Ms. Partridge and Mayor Diossa explained that the extra space will allow residents to better separate their waste and will lead to cleaner streets.
Councilwoman Ristaino- Siegel expressed her concern about this purchase since the City is coming out of bankruptcy. She expressed her approval for the project but was concerned with the timing of the purchase and the fact that the money could only be spent once.
In response to Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel’s question regarding the timing, Mr. Mutter answer that increases in cost of petroleum-based products could lead to increase in the cost of the bins.
Councilwoman Johnson asked about the reason the purchase is made through MTG. Mr. Mutter explained that the company has better buying power and can pass the cost saving to the City.
Councilwoman Johnson expressed her concern at the timing of the transaction and asked that the decision be postponed until the budget be vetted and approved. Mayor Diossa explained that this purchase is part of the budget conversation and his vision for the City. He also explained that he has spoke with the AFO and received his approval.
In response to a question from Councilwoman Johnson, Mr. Mutter explained the efforts to increase recycling at the schools and described the increase support MTG has provided to conduct frequent trash pickups.
Public Comment:
Ms. Edna Poulin agreed with the idea but suggested the City wait until after the budget .
Mr. Tom Lazieh believes this is a good idea and great advantage to the city but believes; City Council should wait.
Motion to table the resolution was made by Councilwoman Johnson, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: no; Councilman Figueroa: no; Councilwoman Gonzalez: no; Councilwoman Johnson: yes; Councilwoman Maldonado: no; Councilwoman Racquier: no; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes. Motion failed 5-2.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes; Councilwoman Johnson: no; Councilwoman Maldonado: yes; Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: no. Motion passed 5-2.
4. Ordinance amending Article II, Section 1: Sec. 20-40: Fire Division Vacancies (Ferri)- Second Reading, Public Hearing and Consideration
Public Hearing:
Chief Bob Bradley this ordinance will clarify the policy and establish a list with timeframe for hiring.
Edna Poulin: fully supports legislation that can remove politics out of promotion.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes; Councilwoman Johnson: yes; Councilwoman Maldonado: yes; Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes. Motion passed 7-0.
5. Ordinance amending Section 12-29 “Personal services license” of Article II “Licenses to add sub-section (a) “Massage Parlor Public Health Ordinance” (Ristaino-Siegel)- Second Reading, Public Hearing and Consideration
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel spoke on the matter. She explained that there are two changes to the current ordinance governing massage parlors: 1) the City will require that all employees of a massage parlor be certified massage therapist and 2) that each employee apply for a separate permit and BCI. Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel expressed her belief that, with those changes, residents would be assured of their safety and that businesses would be held to a higher standard.
Public Hearing:
No speakers
Councilwoman Gonzalez leaves at 7:01pm
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Johnson: yes; Councilwoman Maldonado: yes; Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes. Motion passed 6-0.
6. Resolution Authorizing Chein & Associates, LLC to Lease 1420 Broad St. for a Period of Six (6) Months.
Speaking on the matter were Mr. Carlos Tobon, of Chein & Associates and Mr. Bob Dombrowski, captain of the Explorer
Mr. Tobon spoke about the use of Landing as a prime location to welcome visitors to the area, where the City can take advantage of the amenities currently available. Mr. Tobon explained how the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) is fully supportive of this venture and is ready to market it along side all its programs.
Mr. Tobon described the restaurant and temporary structure, well maintained and able to be removed if the City finds a developer for the site prior to the end of the lease.
Captain Bob Dombrowski spoke on behalf of the BVTC that, along with the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce are strong supporters of Chein & Associates.
Mayor Diossa spoke on the matter and encouraged the Council to agree to the lease because the City needs to bring attention to the Landing, a site that has been vacant for many year.
Councilman Ferri inquired about Mr. Tobon’s intention to apply for a liquor license. Mr. Tobon expressed his intention to do so.
Public Comment:
Edna Poulin: spoke against it when it come up the last time; would support a restaurant it if were permanent, doesn’t like the idea of pop-up.
Al Romanowicz: has testified in favor of this business in the past. This business can help other developers to see the potential of the side. Mr. Romanowicz reiterated that, if a buyer is found for the Landing, the lease will end.
Tom Lazieh: believes Council should be concerned over legality of the lease and possible restriction on the use of the site.
Solicitor Matt Jerzyk explained that this is the first of three reviews of this business by the City Council. The other reviews will be happen during the application for a liquor license and the business.
Motion to open for discussion was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson. Motion passed 6-0.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado. Motion passed 6-0.
7. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Meeting adjourned at 7:43pm.
Respectfully submitted May 12, 2014
Approved June 16,2014
Sonia Grace
City Clerk
The City of Central Falls is an equal opportunity employer ADA/EOE.
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