City of Central Falls
Council Meeting
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St.
Central Falls, RI 02863
Monday June 9, 2014
6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
1. Roll Call
Roll call was conducted by Assistant City Clerk Sean Murphy. Counselors Hugo Figueroa, Robert Ferri, Stephanie Gonzalez, Tammi Johnson, Shelby Maldonado, Tia Ristaino-Siegel were present. Counselor Racquier was absent.
2. Public Comment
Maria Bettencourt of 150 Cross St., spoke in support of Resolution for Lead Prevention.
Thomas Lazieh of 1072 Lonsdale Ave., had questions pertaining to finance.
Representative Agostinho Silva of 82 Ledge St., spoke in support of Resolution for Lead Prevention.
It was discussed that the order of the Agenda Items may be moved.
3. Mr. Robert Smith, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation regarding conditions of Dexter Street. He explained when the project would start and that it would include the fixing of trees, pavement and signal hardware.
4. Colonel Mendonca gave a presentation by Central Falls Police Department pertaining to 2014 application for JAG/Byrne Grant funds
5. Resolution Urging the Rhode Island General Assembly’s Passage of H7803/S2674 Relating to Funding of Rhode Island’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Councilwoman Gonzalez spoke in support of this.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel , Seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion passed 6-0
6. Consideration of Petition for License
| | Class of License | Owner | Business Information |
| a. | Class D Bakery | William Sanchez | Bellaria, LLC 663 Dexter St. |
| b. | Retail Sales | Tesi Weng | 99 Cents City Store 688 Broad St. |
| c. | Class C Variety | Jose Duran | Mi Pueblo Market 635 Dexter St. |
| d. | Peddler | Serafim Cordeiro | Cordeiro Fish |
| e. | Peddler (2 licensees) | Alejandro Arteaga | Palagis Ice Cream |
| f. | Peddler | Alan Clark | Pal’s Ice Cream |
| g. | Peddler | Donald Klemanchuck | Don’s Frozen Lemonade & Ice Cream |
| h. | Peddler | Luis Rodriguez | Luis Hot Dog |
| i. | Secondhand | John Karbowski | Ted's Auto Sales 326 Broad St. |
| j. | Secondhand | Jose C. Mendes | M&J Auto Sales and Body 1220 Broad St. |
| k. | Secondhand | Leo A. Fontaine Jr. | Bucky's Furniture & Appliance 1269 Broad St. |
| l. | Secondhand | Elias Cardona | A-1 Tire and Auto Detailing 1289 Broad St. |
| m. | Secondhand | Aaron Tetrault | Fall River Pawnbrokers 400 Dexter St. |
| n. | Secondhand | Carlos Correia | Holiday Auto Inc. 1295 High St. |
| o. | Secondhand | Sonny Polanco | Chiqui Auto Sales & Muffler 601 Lonsdale Ave. |
| p. | Secondhand | Joseph Borges | B&L Auto Sales 824 Lonsdale Ave. |
| r. | Secondhand | Mario Hernandez | M&G Auto Repair Inc. 1063 Lonsdale Ave. |
| s. | Secondhand | Michael Gaffin | Kitchen Guys Inc. 416 Roosevelt Ave. |
| t. | Secondhand | Richard Aubin, Sr. | Quality Rental Aubin Inc. 503 Dexter St. |
| u. | Secondhand | Raymond D’Alessio, Jr. | Lemyre’s Collision 915/925 Broad St. |
a. Motion to approve the application of William Sanchez was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado. Motion passed 6-0.
b. Motion to approve the application of Tesi Weng was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado. Motion passed 6-0.
c. Motion to approve the application of Jose Duran was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado. Motion passed 6-0.
d. Through g. were read collectively.
Colonel Mendonca mentioned that there where really no issues of complaint regarding these peddlers.
Motion to approve the applications of Serafim Cordeiro, Alejandro Arteaga, Alan Clark, and Donald Klemanchuck was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, Seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion passed 6-0.
h. Motion to approve the application of Luis Rodriguez was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Councilwoman Ristaino spoke on the item.
Colonel Mendonca mentioned the criteria of what peddlers must do.
Motion passed 6-0.
i. through u. were read collectively (skipping item l) Motion to approve the applications of John Karbowski, Jose C. Mendes, Leo A. Fontaine Jr., Aaron Tetrault, Carlos Correia, Sonny Polanco, Joseph Borges, Mario Hernandez, Michael Gaffin, Richard Aubin Sr., Raymond D’Alessio Jr. was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino- Siegel. Motion passed 6-0.
l. Motion to approve the application of Elias Cardona was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, Seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado.
Councilman Ferri suggested all taxes be up to date before approval. Motion passed 6-0.
7. Consideration of petition for event permit:
a. Cristian Tabares
d/b/a La Casona Restaurant
768 Broad St., Central Falls, RI
June 28,2014: Salsa Event
July 19, 2014: Colombian Festival
Motion to approve the application of Christian Tabares for the events at La Casona Restaurant June, 28 2014 and July 19, 2014 was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel asked about any parking issues.
Councilwoman Johnson asked if there had been any past problems associated with these events.
Colonel Mendonca stated that more officers would be provided during the duration of the events.
Motion passed 6-0.
b. Rosa Morel &Julia Feliz
172 Grosvenor Ave., Pawtucket, RI
June 28, 2014: Religious ceremony at Jenks Park
Motion to approve the application of Rosa Morel & Julia Feliz representing Monte Sinai was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilman Figueroa.
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel asked what side of Jenks Park is being used.
Ms. Feliz said they would use the Washington St. side.
Motion passed 6-0.
8. Consideration of Private Investigator License
William Benson, Jr.
d/b/a Central Security Agency
1100 Lonsdale Ave.
Central Falls, RI 02863
Motion to approve the application of William Benson for a Private Investigator License was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and Councilman Figueroa.
Councilman Ferri asked about the requirements and if a BCI was needed.
City Solicitor Jerzyk spoke on the requirements.
Motion passed 6-0
9. Consideration of appointments by Mayor James Diossa
a. Finance Director
Cynthia DeJesus
Motion to approve Cynthia DeJesus Finance Director was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 6-0.
b. Director of Community Service
Joshua Giraldo
Motion to approve Joshua Giraldo Director of Community Service was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Councilwoman Gonzalez commented on the title of the position.
Mayor Diossa spoke in support of Mr. Giraldo for this position.
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel commented on the position.
Councilwoman Johnson also commented on the position. A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes, Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
10. Consideration of Tax Abatements- Submitted by Tax Assessor
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Carlos Aviles | 2013 | Motor Vehicle: 1996 International truck |
| Deborah Drake | 2013 | Motor Vehicle: 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Gonzalo Gil | 2013 | Motor Vehicle: 2006 Toyota |
| Honda Lease Trust | 2011 | Motor Vehicle: 2010 Honda |
| Honda Lease Trust | 2012 | Motor Vehicle: 2010 Honda |
| Honda Lease Trust | 2012 | Motor Vehicle: 2010 Honda |
| Dean Tremblay | 2012 | Motor Vehicle: 2011 YAMAHA |
| Dean Tremblay | 2012 | Motor Vehicle: 2011 YAMAHA |
Motion to approve the Tax Abatements fiscal year 2014 was made Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, Seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion passed 6-0
Recess from 7:48 pm – 7:56 pm.
11. Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Ordinances
a. Annual Operating Budget Ordinance-General Fund (Ferri)
b. Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Operating Budget (Ferri)
c. Ordinance Pertaining to the Salaries of Department Heads and Others in Unclassified Service (Ferri)
d. Ordinance Amending the Wage Schedule Generally (Ferri)
e. The Capital Program and Capital Budget Ordinance (Ferri)
Albert Romanowicz of 303 Central Street spoke at the public hearing and addressed salary increases.
Edna Poulin of 68 Notre Dame St. spoke at the public hearing addressed the limited tax base the city has.
Thomas Lazieh of 1072 Lonsdale Ave. also spoke on the Budget Ordinances during the public hearing and addressed potential tax increases.
AFO Morganis spoke about recovery plans.
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel commented about the collection rate.
Councilwoman Gonzalez commented on the surplus.
Mayor Diossa spoke about how he sat down with all the directors to discuss each departments budget.
Councilwoman Johnson asked for copies of job descriptions.
Human Resource Director Leslie Jacobo discussed job duties.
Solicitor Jerzyk tells the process of changing the charter.
Finance Director DeJesus asks for an extension for sending out tax bills from July 1 Aug. 1, 2014
12. Annual Operating Budget Ordinance-General Fund- First Reading and Consideration (Ferri)
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes, Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
13. Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Operating Budget- First Reading and Consideration (Ferri)
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes,
Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
14. Ordinance Pertaining to the Salaries of Department Heads and Others in Unclassified Service- First Reading and Consideration (Ferri)
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, Seconded by Councilman Figueroa.
A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes, Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
15. Ordinance Amending the Wage Schedule Generally- First Reading and Consideration (Ferri)
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes, Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
16. The Capital Program and Capital Budget Ordinance- First Reading and Consideration (Ferri)
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes, Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
17. Ordinance amending Article I, Chapter 12, Section 12- "Registration of Business Name"- Second Reading and Consideration (Ferri)
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
A roll call vote was taken on position. Councilman Figueroa yes, Councilman Ferri yes, Councilwoman Gonzalez yes, Councilwoman Johnson yes, Councilwoman Maldonado yes, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel yes. Motion passed 6-0
18. Consideration of Solid Waste and Recycling Services Agreement between the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the City of Central Falls, July 1, 2014- June 30, 2017
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Public Works Director Elaine Partridge spoke on the timeframe of the contract.
Motion passed 6-0.
19. Resolution Approving the Donation of City Owned Land Located at 95 Washington Street, Central Falls
Planning Director Larrick discussed the
Motion was made in support by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 6-0.
20. Resolution recognizing the month of June as Gay Pride Month (Johnson)
Councilwoman Johnson offered her thoughts in support of this resolution.
Motion was made in support by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 6-0.
21. Consideration of meeting minutes
a) April 23, 2014- tabled on May 12, 2014
Motion to table made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 6-0
b) May 12, 2014
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, Seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion passed 6-0
c) May 14, 2014
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, Seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion passed 6-0
d) May 19, 2014
Motion to approve Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 6-0
22. Receipt of department reports
a) Fire Department- Report for month of May 2014: Training & Education, Incidents by Time & Day
b) City Clerk Department- Report for month of May 2014: Distribution Report
c) Department of Public Works- Report for month of March 2014: Department Activity Report
d) Police Department- Report for month of March 2014: Monthly Council Report
e) Finance Department- Report for month of February 2014: Monthly General Fund Expenditure Summary & Answers to Council's FY13 Audit Questions
f) Department of Code Enforcement- Report for month of May 2014: Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report
g) Legal Department- Report for month of May 2014: Monthly Council Report
h) Parks & Recreation: June 2014 Council Report
23. Good & Welfare from City Councilors- updates, announcements, reports from councilors in regards to community liaisons and events.
Councilman Ferri asked for the date of LBGT flag raising.
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel invited people to the Lions Club pig roast on June 21, 2014 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Claremont.
24. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, Seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 6-0 at 10:18 pm.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws § 42-46-4, the City Council reserves the right to convene in executive session on any of the aforementioned items for one or more of the purposes listed in Rhode Island General Laws § 42-46-5(1)-(10).
Submitted for consideration July 14 2014
Sincerely ,
Sean Murphy
_____________
Assistant City Clerk