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

3.      Celebrating Women’s History Month: City Council honors women of Central Falls

Councilwoman Gonzalez introduced this agenda item that seeks to celebrate the contributions of Central Falls women. Councilwoman Gonzalez explained that the month of March is the month of Woman and March 8^th, in particular, International Women’s Day.

Councilwoman Gonzalez explained that Councilors were asked to nominate residents who have contributed to the Central Falls community.

Councilwoman Gonzalez honored Ms. Edna Poulin, former Finance Director for the city of Central Falls. Councilman Figueroa honored Ms. Nancy Vazquez who started PTSO at the Central Falls High school and is now a volunteer at the school district. Councilwoman Racquier honored Senator Betty Crowley, who was the first woman city clerk in Central Falls and is now at State Senator. Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel honored Ms. Adriana Perez who gives her time through community service and works with local youth.  Councilwoman Johnson honored Ms. Simone Barzykowski who has devoted countless hours to help the community, and who is the force behind the Holiday Express and continues to volunteer .

All honorees received a citation from the City Council

4.      Ordinance Creating the Gender Equity in the Workplace Act- First Reading, Public Hearing and Consideration

Public Hearing:

-Mayor James Diossa: recognized the women in the Central Falls community. Congratulated Senator Crowley for being a strong woman on the  Senate. Mayor Diossa described the ordinance as important to support women in the community, giving a voice to women who do not have one.

-Al Romanowicz: Since last election there has been a lot of talk about higher standards. Diversity has been talked about and is important. Mr. Romanowicz believes successful teams are not group think,  but a group of  individuals.  Would the city be better served if the City Clerk and Mayor provide the name and number of state and federal offices that can address complaints of violations?

-Molly Garrison: volunteer advocate. Ms. Garrison asserted that Central Falls  is a leader in gender equity and can continue through the passage of ordinance.

-Maurice Brousseau: work place accommodations are important but should exist for every work. Rhode Island is one of only 3 states that is an at-will state. State law does not guarantee anyone workplace accommodations. Mr. Brousseau asked with whom would complaints be filed  and who would investigate?. Mr. Brousseau expressed concerned that this ordinance would  create an atmosphere that is unfriendly to businesses.

-Lindsay Tarnoff: Shared a story of local woman who, in 2009, received great support from her employer during pregnancy. According to Ms. Tarnoff, knowing that she would not lose her job boosted her morale and that of her co-workers. There are many health risks for women without pregnancy accommodations.  Ordinance goes above and beyond federal law.

-Tom Lazieh: congratulated women of Central Falls recognized ealier. Mr. Lazieh questioned how the ordinance differs from federal and state law? Mr. Lazieh said he fully supports gender equity. He said he hopes to discuss legality and tax payers; how it will require business to do beyond the fed and state law.

Heiny Maldonado: Came to support ordinance as woman who works in CF. Gender discrimination continues, sexual discrimination continues. Special protections are needed to support women. Women are the majority of the population. January 2014 Pres. Obama pushed for gender equity and Central Falls should follow his lead.

Motion to introduce was made  by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier.

Councilwoman Gonzalez claimed that ordinance is a preventative measure and that the city should not wait for complaints. She also explained that ordinance includes language to protect employers from undue hardship.

Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel ask for clarification on the difference between this ordinance and the EEOC

Councilwoman Johson asked for clarification on the number of violations before a license is revoke. Solicitor Jerzk explained that the Council is has the authority to receive investigate and decide matters.

 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.      Public Comment

-Edna Poulin: thank you for recognizing some of the women of Central Falls. She suggested that the Council restart program to recognize  residents. In the past program was called “Good Neighbor Award”.

Concerned about finances for city: 1) budget for next year, 2) audit for previous years

-Tom Lazieh: requested copies of agenda items, including city financial report. Mr. Lazieh said he believed AFO should be reporting to council on finances of the city.

-Elizabeth Crowley: thank you for recognition earlier in the meeting.  Update on legislation important to city: Central Falls owes the state $4.4 mi. No one in Central Falls had a say in how much the state was going to spend. Legislation being considered would not require the city to pay until unfunded liability reached 20%. Senator Crowley requesedt a letter to support the passage of bill.

6.      Consideration of Petition for Licenses

a.      Motion to table the application of Ideal Sports cafe was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson. Motion passed 7-0.

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

c.       Motion to approve the application of Zamir Mator was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Johnson. Motion passed 7-0.

d.      Motion to approve the application of A& M Wireless was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion passed 7-0.

e.      Motion to approve the application of Michael Carrow was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez.

Matter was continued from meeting of February 10, 2014.

Council questioned Ms. Carrow and his attorney, Andrew Cagan, on the exact hours of operation. Mr. Carrow explained that he changed his hours to 9am-10pm, Monday- Sunday.

Council asked Mr. Carrow  why he chose Central Falls as a business location; what type of experience he had in running this type of business. Mr. Carrow explained that he hear of the business from an acquaintance and had no knowledge of past issues. He said he intends to run a good massage parlor.

The owner of the property, Mr. Jose Sousa , spoke on the matter and expressed his opposition to the type of business that was in the location in the past. He said he would not tolerate any illegal activity on the premises. City Solicitor Jerzyk explained to Mr. Sousa that he can be held personally liability for any illegal activity that occurs in his property.

Council expressed concerned with the business hours.

Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel asked for legal advice on the restrictions and conditions that can be placed on a business, the ability to establish a probationary period and require inspections.

Council placed restrictions on the hours of operation: Monday- Friday 10 a.m. – 8p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m – 6 p.m., no Sunday business hours.

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.

Motion passed 7-0.

7.      Consideration of Private Investigator License

Motion to approve the application of Augusto Mantilla-Serrano was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion passed 7-0.

8.      Consideration of appointment by Mayor James Diossa

Board of Appeals

Steven Zuniga           

504 Hunt St.

Central Falls

Appointment (to serve as alternate); Term to expire 12/31/2015

Motion to approve the appointment of Steven Zuniga was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

9.      Ordinance Amending The Central Falls Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section 304, to fully comply with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).- Second Reading, Public Hearing and Consideration

Public Hearing:

-Tom Lazieh: requested copy of ordinance in order to comment.

Motion to approve the second reading was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion passed 7-0.

10.   Ordinance Amending The Central Falls Zoning Ordinance, Article III, Section 304, Table 1, footnote 1 to revise requirements for special use permits in a C2 and C-D Zone – Second Reading, Public Hearing and Consideration

Public Hearing:

-Tom Lazieh: In full support of ordinance because it makes process less restrictive for local businesses.

Motion to approve the second reading was made by Councilwoman Racquier , seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

11.    Ordinance Amending the Economic Expansion Incentive Program- Second Reading, Public Hearing and Consideration

Public Hearing:

No speakers

Motion to approve the second reading was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion passed 7-0.

12.   Consideration for approval of use of funds from the JAG/Byrne Grant for purchase of security door system at the Central Falls Police Department.

Motion to approve of use of funds from the JAG/Byrne Grant for purchase of security door system at the Central Falls Police Department was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado.

Major Barzykowski explained the purpose of the funds and the full extent of work to be done at the Central Falls Police Department. This grant covers phase I of project. Police Department will continue to look for funds to support other phases of work.

Motion passed 7-0.

13.   Receipt of department reports

                                 a.      Fire Department- Report for month of February 2014: Training & Education, Incidents by Time & Day

                                 b.      City Clerk Department- Report for month of February 2014:Distribution Report

                                  c.      Department of Public Works- Report for month of February 2014:Department Activity Report

                                 d.      Department of Parks & Recreation- Report for month of February 2014: December 2013

                                 e.      Police Department- Report for month of February 2014: Monthly Council Report

                                   f.      Finance Department- Report for month of January 2014: Monthly General Fund Expenditure Summary

                                 g.      Department of Code Enforcement- Report for month of February 2014:Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report

Motion of approve receipt of Department Reports was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.

Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel asked Fire Chief Bob Bradley about the average number of fires that occur yearly. Chief Bradley explained that that information can be gathered by reviewing past years’ reports.

Councilman Figueroa asked question about the detail of the Finance Department report. Mr. Len Morganis, AFO, responded that the questions are best answered by the Finance Director. Mr. Morganis also announced that in upcoming months, the format and detail of the reports will improve and will become more user-friendly.

Motion passed 7-0.

14.   Consideration of Tax Abatements- Submitted by Tax Assessor

Motion to approve abatements was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier.

Council asked Mr. Bob Battey to clarify the list of abatements for Tai-O. Mr. Battey explained that each apartment received the same percentage of abatement but must all be listed individually due to different value amounts.

Mr. Battey said that, to date, total abatements equal $41, 791, .03% of all tax due to city.

Motion passed 7-0

15.   Consideration of meeting minutes of February 26, 2014

Motion to approve meeting minutes with amendments was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.

Amendments requested: on Item 11 of meeting minutes.

Motion passed 7-0

16.   Claims to be referred to the Claims Committee

a.      Anne M. Davenport of 33 Maple Ave, Lincoln, RI, for alleged damage to personal vehicle sustained on February 20^th, 2014 while travelling on Hunt St.

Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion passed 7-0.

b.      George Landry of 26 Geldard St, Cumberland, RI, for alleged damage to personal vehicle sustained on February 21^th, 2014 while travelling on Hunt St.

Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

c.       Steven Angel of 107 Englewood Ave, Pawtucket, RI for alleged damage to personal vehicle sustained on February 23^th, 2014 while travelling on Summer St.

Motion to refer to Claims Committee was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion passed 7-0.

17.   Consideration of a request for waiver of Building Permit Fees and Zoning Application Fees for sign to be erected at the Coutu Memorial Park- (Ferri)

Councilman Ferri recused from the discussion.

Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Maldonado. Motion passed 7-0.

18.   Section 12-29 “Personal services license” of Article II “Licenses” is hereby amended to add sub-section (a) “Massage Parlor Public Health Ordinance” (Ristaino-Siegel)

Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to clarify and strengthen the city’s ordinance. She also explained that she researched other communities and modeled the ordinance presented tonight after one from the town of Smithfield. Mostly notably is the requirement that all masseuses be licensed.

Motion passed 7-0.

19.   Resolution of Condolences to the family of Allan G. Battersby  (Johnson)

Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel

Councilwoman Johnson remarked that Mr. Battersby  was a longtime Central Falls resident and the father of Kevin Battersby, a firefighter for the City.

Motion passed 7-0

20.  Resolution of Condolences to the family of Frances E. Morgan  (Johnson)

Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel

Councilwoman Johnson remarked that Ms. Morgan was a longtime Central Falls resident.

Motion passed 7-0

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

Councilman Ferri: City settled a legal case against Mr. Bouthillette that removed liability from the City.

Councilman Figueroa: Ella Risk has posted the position of principal to replace the late Maureen Azar. Recently, several parents took park in the Parent College at Calcutt Middle School. The Central Falls High School is waiting results of accreditation review by NEASC.

Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: Nuisance Property Task Force will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 12^th in which it will call, for the first time, a property owner.

Councilwoman Racquier: DPW continues to work on potholes but is hampered by the large number of potholes.

Councilwoman Gonzalez: thanked Mr. Jerzyk for his assistance with the Gender Equity ordinance. Internal discussions with department directors regarding FY 15 budget will start end of March, early April. Work with council will begin in early May.

22.  Adjournment

Motion to ajourn was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel , seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez

Motion passed 7-0

Meeting adjourned at 8:21pm.

Submitted on April 10, 2014

Approved April 14, 2014

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