City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St. Central Falls, RI 02863
Monday, April 27, 2015
6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Council President Robert Ferri called the Central Falls City Council meeting to order at the Central Falls Council Chambers at 6:03 p.m.
1. Roll Call
Roll call was conducted by City Clerk, Sonia Grace. Present were Councilors Robert Ferri, Carlene Fonseca, Stephanie Gonzalez, Ann Racquier, Tia Ristaino-Siegel, and Kenneth Vaudreuil. Councilman Hugo Figueroa was absent.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council President Robert Ferri.
3. Public Comment
Al Romanowicz, 303 Central Street – Spoke about resolution and expressed his opposition.
4. Resolution of the Central Falls City Council supporting legislation (H-5364 Regunberg, S-291 Goldin) that incrementally raises the two dollar eighty-nine cents ($2.89) per hour subminimum wage for tipped workers between the years 2016 and 2020.
Mike Araujo from Restaurant Opportunities Centers United answered questions from councilors.
Motion to table until May was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and Councilman Vaudreuil. Motion carried 6-0.
Council suggested that letters be sent to business advising them of this discussion.
5. Ordinance amending Chapter 30, “Solid Waste,” Article IV “Recycling”- First Reading, Consideration (Racquier)
Councilwoman Racquier spoke on behalf of the Solid Waste and Recycling ordinance.
Elaine Partridge, Director of Public Works, spoke in support of this ordinance. Mrs. Partridge showed photos of the incorrect recycling that has been going on in the city. Due to the incorrect recycling, first time ever the City was charged a $250.00 fine and paid for the entire truck load of recyclables which is normally free for the City.
Councilman Vaudreuil spoke about providing educational information at the local school.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil.
Motion carried 6-0.
6. City Council sitting as the Board of License Commissioners (beginning at 6:30pm)
- Hearing, Consideration and Possible Action regarding the following license and license holder
Mr. Michael Karrow
d/b/a Palm Tree Spa
753 Broad St.
Central Falls, RI 02863
City Solicitor, City Solicitor Matt Jerzyk introduced topic and gave an overview of the issues at this business.
Nicholas Hemmond, Assistant City Solicitor, spoke on behalf of the City.
Lt. John Carroll was sworn in by Solicitor Jerzyk. Lt. Carroll was questioned by Attorney Hemmond.
Exhibit A was introduced, an ad from Backpage.
Exhibit B was introduced, an ad from Backpage.
Detective Craig Viens was sworn in by Solicitor Jerzyk.
Exhibit C was introduced, an ad from Backpage.
Exhibit D was introduced, an ad from Backpage
Michael Karrow, spoke on behalf of Palm Tree Spa. Mr. Karrow answered questions from Solicitor Jerzyk and the Council.
Motion to revoke license was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 6-0.
b. Consideration of Petition for License
| Class of License | Owner | Business Information |
| Auto Repair | Lonsdale Auto Repair, Inc.
| Lonsdale Auto Repair 819 Lonsdale Ave. |
| Peddler | Victor Mariaca | Victor Mariaca 18 Fletcher St. |
| Retail Sales | Latin Clothing, LLC | Latin Clothing and Yuli 632 Dexter St. |
a. Junior Delarosa, was present. Andy Andujar, Chief of Staff, translated for Mr. Delarosa.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 6-0.
b. Victor Mariaca, was present to request a Peddler’s license for sale of flowers for Mother’s Day.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 6-0.
c. Eugenia Gutierrez, Latin Clothing, LLC
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 6-0.
- Consideration of meeting minutes of March 23, 2015
Motion to table until May was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilman Vaudreuil and Councilwoman Racquier.
Motion to adjourn the Boarding License Commissioners meeting was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel at 7:29p.m.
City Council meeting was resumed.
7. Consideration of Claims
a. Executive Session pursuant to R.I.G.L § 42-46-5 (a)(2), pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation, or work sessions pertaining to collective bargaining or litigation
Motion to enter into executive session was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded Councilwoman Racquier. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes; Councilwoman Racquier: yes;
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes; Councilman Vaudreuil: yes. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion to exit executive session was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 6-0.
b. Jose M Diaz of 159 Hedley Ave., Central Falls, for alleged damages to personal vehicle on March 25, 2015
Motion to approve claim was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 6-0.
c. Gregory Alexander of 2130 Mendon Rd, Cumberland, for alleged damages to personal vehicle on March 4, 2015
Motion to approve claim at the $300 maximum was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier and Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 6-0.
8. Consideration of petition by The National Grid for permission to install a new JO pole on Cleveland St., Central Falls
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 6-0.
9. Good & Welfare from City Councilors- updates, announcements, reports from councilors in regards to community liaisons and events
Councilman Ferri gave appreciation for Earth Day.
10. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Vaudreuil, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca, Councilwoman Gonzalez, and Councilwoman Racquier.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Approved December 14, 2015