City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Board of License Commissioners
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St. Central Falls, RI 02863
Monday, December 14, 2015
6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Council President Robert Ferri called the meeting to order at the Central Falls City Council at 6:04pm.
1. Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Public Comment
Ray Burrows, 576 Pine St- concerned about Iglesia Pentecostal Casa de Dios on Pine St. church volume of music during services. Concerned about the next steps and where to get help.
Councilwoman Fonseca entered the meeting at 6:06pm.
Bill Donnelly, 36 York Ave., Pawtucket- spoke about the former VFW building on Hunt St. Concerned about the cannons in the property and other veterans issues in the City of Central Falls.
Al Romanowicz, 303 Central St. - spoke about events that celebrate and honor veterans.
Chief Robert Bradley, 555 Hunt St. - spoke about Batallion Chief Rene Gendreau who passed away battling with cancer. Thanked Batallion Chief Rene Gendreau for his work and commitment to the City of Central Falls.
Representative Jim McLaughlin- described state law that addresses the movement and/or replacement of monuments.
4. Consideration of meeting minutes
Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: requested that the minutes of October 14, 2015 be revised in the following manner: correct the name of the library and note that Ms. Muhlbach requested the release of the city’s annual contribution.
5. Receipt of Department Financial Reports
a. City Clerk Department- Report for month of November 2015: Distribution Report
b. Department of Code Enforcement- Report for month of November 2015: Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report
c. Finance Department- October 2015 Revenue, November 2015 Expense, November 2015 Capital Improvement Fund
d. Fire Department – Report for month of November 2015
e. Police Department- Report for month of November 2015
Councilors asked questions of Finance Director, Cynthia DeJesus regarding expenses in several line items as well as in revenue.
Motion to approve the financial reports and place them on file was made by Councilwoman Racquier, Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Consideration of Tax Abatements submitted by the Tax Assessor
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Diaz, Wilfredo | 2014 | 125 Washington St; D/B/A Diaz Tire Shop |
| Diaz, Wilfredo | 2015 | 125 Washington St; D/B/A Diaz Tire Shop |
| Flores, Saturnina | 2015 | 757 Broad St; D/B/A Saru's Boutique |
| Haddad, Nabil | 2010 | 1995 Toyota XLE |
| Haddad, Nabil | 2011 | 1995 Toyota XLE |
| Rodrigues, Ana M | 2015 | RE @ 131 Lincoln Av; AP 4-92 |
| Rodrigues, Crystal R | 2015 | MV: 2001 Ford; |
| Rubio, Lucrecia | 2014 | 531 Broad St; D/B/A Rossell's Beauty Salon |
| Rubio, Lucrecia | 2015 | 531 Broad St; D/B/A Rossell's Beauty Salon |
Mr. Bob Battey spoke about abatements on list and explained, in response to questions from the Council, about the process to approve
7. Petition of Dan Klotz of 111 Tremont St., Central Falls, RI to address the City Council regarding private/public infrastructure projects.
Mr. Klotz was not present.
8. City Council sitting as the Board of License Commissioners
a. Hearing, Consideration and Possible Action regarding the following license and license holders
Maria Almeida
d/b/a Benjamin’s III
722 Broad St.
Central Falls, RI 02863
BV License
Captain Dorian Rave of the Central Falls Police Department testified about the incidents that has taken place at Benjamin’s since the beginning of November.
Ms. Albertina Matos of Valley Street, Cumberland and Mr. Arthur Almeida of 15 Rathom Street, Lincoln explained why the incidents have happened in their business.
Chief Bradley of the Fire Department confirmed the statement that doors were bolted shut when the Police responded in November and stated that is a violation of the state laws.
City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk asked for clarification on the timeframe of hire of a bouncer and the duration of employment.
Councilors asked questions regarding closing time and process to exit all patrons.
Captain Rave recommended that there be verification that all employees are TIPS certified, that there be police detail on Friday and Saturday for one month and alternating Friday and Saturday for the second month with a 60 day review.
Motion to follow the Central Falls Police Department’s recommendation for police detail on Friday and Saturday for one month and alternating Friday and Saturday for the second month with a 60-day review beginning December 18, 2015 was made Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes, Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes; Councilman Vaudreuil: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
b. Public hearing and consideration of 2015-2016 Liquor License Renewal of
American Colombian Liquor
738 Broad Street
Central Falls, RI 02863
Class A Liquor License
Attorney Joe DeStefano spoke on behalf of Elizabeth Esquiaqui. Attorney DeStefano explained the reason Ms. Esquiaqui was late on her license renewal and asked for the Council’s approval.
Councilors asked questions of City Clerk, Sonia Grace, regarding the license renewal process, the timeframe for renewal.
Councilors discussed the ability to assess a late fee.
Motion to approve the license renewal application of American Colombian Liquors subject to payment of a $250 late fee to be paid within a week was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier.
Councilwoman Gonzalez amended her timeframe of payment from one week to one day.
Motion carried 7-0.
c. Consideration for 2015-2016 Business License Renewals
| Business Name | Business Address | License |
| Lonsdale Auto Repairs | 819 Lonsdale Ave | Automotive Repair |
| Mexico Auto Repair | 96 Blackstone St | Automotive Repair |
| American Colombian Liquors | 738 Broad St | Class A Liquor |
| Central Falls Mini Market | 179 Illinois St | C Variety |
| Hernandez Market | 135 Washington St | C Variety |
| Spanish Wholesale Center Inc. | 760 Dexter St | C Variety & Restaurant |
| Sunnyhill Farms | 364 Dexter St | C Variety |
| Lighthouse Laundromat | 900 Broad St | Laundry |
| VIP Cutz | 640 Dexter St | Personal service |
| Salud Es Riqueza | 428 Dexter St | Restaurant |
| Salud Y Vida | 795 Broad St | Restaurant |
Motion to approve the 2016-2016 license renewals of all businesses listed was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 7-0.
d. Consideration of 2015-2016 Tobacco Dealer License
| Business Name | Business Address | License |
| Capital Farms | 622 Dexter St | Tobacco |
| Central Falls Mini Market | 179 Illinois St | Tobacco |
| Central Warehouse Liquor | 1060 Broad St | Tobacco |
| Cumberland Farms | 478 Broad St | Tobacco |
| Dexter Market LLC | 874 Dexter St | Tobacco |
| Erick Market And More | 156 Washington St | Tobacco |
| Family Dollar #7972 | 839 Broad St | Tobacco |
| Hala Market Inc. | 688 Broad St | Tobacco |
| J & J Market | 69 Washington St | Tobacco |
| Khout | 1051 Lonsdale Ave | Tobacco |
| Payamps Liquor LLC | 551 Dexter St | Tobacco |
| Sunnyhill Farms | 364 Dexter St | Tobacco |
| Sunshine Market | 181 Washington St | Tobacco |
| Valley Liquors | 1368 Broad St | Tobacco |
Motion to approve the Tobacco Dealers License for all businesses listed was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Consideration of Claims
a. Possible 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
b. Elbert Monroy of 61 Shawmut Ave., Central Falls, RI in the amount of $2400.00 for alleged damages to personal property on September 1st, 2015.
Motion to table the claim of Elbert Monroy was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 7-0.
c. Jeffrey L. Neto of 180 Cottage St., Central Falls, RI in the amount of $300.00 for alleged damages to personal property on November 23, 2015.
Jeffrey Neto was present and presented details of the incident that led to the claim.
Motion to approve the claim in the amount of $300 was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 7-0.
d. Progressive Insurance of 2200 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI on behalf of Juan Lugo Lopez in the amount of $2782.48 for alleged damages to customer property on November 5, 2015.
Motion to refer the claim to the RI Interlocal Trust was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 7-0.
e. Sarah Parrillo of 11 Plant St., Cumberland, RI in the amount of $300.00 for alleged damages to personal property on November 26, 2015.
Ms. Parrillo was present and presented details of the incident that led to the claim.
Motion to approve the claim in the amount of $300 was made by Councilman Vaudreuil, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion carried 7-0.
10. Ordinance amending Chapter 4 “Alcoholic Beverages”- Second Reading, Public Hearing and/or Consideration (Vaudreuil)
Motion to approve ordinance as amended was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Council discussed the benefits of the amendment and the consequences of the change in the liquor license application process.
Councilman Vaudreuil withdrew the amendment being considered.
Motion to approve the ordinance with as originally presented was made by Councilman Vaudreuil, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Public Hearing:
Al Romanwociz: commended the Council for the robust discussion about the ordinance. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes, Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes; Councilman Vaudreuil: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
11. Ordinance amending Chapter 1- General Provisions – First Reading and/or Consideration (Fonseca)
Motion to add late renewal license renewal fee of and late tobacco license renewal fee of $50, and increase the holiday sales license to $75 was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes, Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes; Councilman Vaudreuil: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
12. Ordinance amending “The FY 2016 Annual Budget Operating Ordinance” – First Reading and/or Consideration (Ferri)
Councilwoman Racquier left the meeting at 8:44pm.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilwoman Gonzalez: yes, Councilwoman Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel: yes; Councilman Vaudreuil: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
13. Good & Welfare from City Councilors- updates, announcements, reports from councilors in regards to community liaisons and events
Councilman Ferri thanked members of the City for their contribution this year and wished everyone happy holidays.
14. Discussion regarding City Council 2016 Meeting Calendar
Council agreed with the dates in the meeting calendar as presented.
15. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Meeting adjourned at 8:27pm.