City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Board of License Commissioners
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St. Central Falls, RI 02863
Monday, July 13, 2015
6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Council President Robert Ferri called the Central Falls City Council meeting to order at 6:03 pm at the Central Falls Council Chambers.
1. Roll Call
Roll call was conducted by City Clerk, Sonia Grace. Present were Councilors Robert Ferri, Hugo Figueroa, Ann Racquier, Tia Ristaino-Siegel and Ken Vaudreuil. Councilwomen Carlene Fonseca and Stephanie Gonzalez were absent.
Councilman Ferri requested the Council’s agreement to move items 9 & 11, and renumbered them 3b and 3c right following public comments.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council President Robert Ferri.
3. a. Public Comment
Al Romanowicz, 303 Central St. thanked the councilors who came to the Saturday, July 11th event. Mr. Romanowicz had some concerns regarding Rodeo scheduled for August.
b. Consideration of appointments
a. Board of Appeals
David Hincapie of 141 Sylvian St. for a term to expire December 31, 2015
Steven Zuniga of 504 Hunt St. to full board member for a term to expire December 31, 2015
Leslie Berroa of 46 Perry St. for a term to expire December 31, 2015
b. Board of Canvassers
Tatiana Restrepo of 67 Crossman St. as alternate member for term to expire December 31, 2015
c. Personnel Board
Heiny Maldonado of 92 Clay St. for a term to expire December 31, 2015
d. Pension and Retirement Board
Maria C. Betancur of 150 Cross St. for a term to expire December 31, 2015
e. Zoning Board
Daniel Klotz of 111 Tremont St. unit 2 as an alternate for a term to expire December 31, 2015
f. Purchasing Board
Margarita Corrales of 165 Hedley Ave. for a term to expire December 31, 2015
g. Planning Board
Michael Lester of 501 Roosevelt Ave. with a term to expire December 31, 2015
Tatiana Baena of 206 Washington St. apt 4. For a term to expire December 31, 2015
Motion to approve the appointments collectively was made by Councilman Vaudreuil, seconded by Councilwomen Ristaino-Siegel and Racquier. Motion carried 5-0.
c. Resolution addressing the Unfunded OPEB Liability and authorizing the adoption of the Trust OPEB Funding Program (tabled from June 22, 2015)
Ian Ridlon, President & Executive Director and Colleen Bodziony the Director of Operations & Member Services were present. They presented details of the OPEB program and answered questions from the Council.
Len Morganis and City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk answered questions from Council.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 6-0
Councilwoman Fonseca entered the meeting at 6:14pm.
4. Consideration of Minutes: June 22, 2015
Motion to approve council minutes was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Councilman Ferri would like it to be noted that Councilwoman Racquier was not in attendance. Motion carried 5-0
5. Receipt of Department Financial Reports
a. City Clerk Department- Report for month of June 2015: Distribution Report
b. Department of Code Enforcement- Report for month of June 2015:Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report
c. Finance Department- May 2015 Revenue, June 2015 Expense, Capital Improvement Fund
d. Fire Department – Report for month of June 2015
e. Police Department- Report for month of June 2015
Councilwoman Racquier had a question for Colonel James Mendonca in regards to the budget.
Mr. Len Morganis answered questions from the Council regarding Finance Department report.
Mr. Joshua Giraldo, Director of Parks & Recreation, spoke about damages on the football field following an event by a private organization and what can be done to avoid future issues.
6. Consideration of Tax Abatements- Submitted by Tax Assessor
a)
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Atkins, Steven J | 2015 | MV: 2003 Acura 32T; Reg. #436139 |
| Chacon, Mercedes & Walter | 2015 | RE: Plat 6, Lot 223 @ 266 Cowden St. |
| Giraldo, Edgar | 2015 | MV: 2004 Pontiac GT1; Reg. # 988825 |
| GE Capital Information Tech Solutions Inc. | 2015 | PP / Tangible Leased color copier @ Wardwell Braiding |
| Himeon, Harold T JR Estate | 2015 | RE: Plat 1, Lot 154 @ 12 George St. |
| Motyka Art and Frame Inc. | 2015 | PP/Tangible @ 79 Chestnut St. |
| Munoz, Margarita | 2009 | MV: 2000 Lincoln; Reg. # LK-307 |
| Munoz, Margarita | 2010 | MV: 2000 Lincoln; Reg. # Reg. # LK-307 |
| Patriot Financial Services LLC; D/B/A Liberty Tax Service | 2014 | PP/Tangible @ 523 Dexter St. |
| Rivera, Stephanie | 2015 | MV: 2008 Honda UCL; Reg. # 35736 |
| Rivera, Stephanie | 2015 | MV: 2007 Toyota CMB; Reg. # 472763 |
| Rodriguez, Martin | 2015 | MV: 1997 MER MGL; Reg. #430011 |
| TAJ Convenience Inc. D/B/A Capital Farms | 2015 | PP/Tangible @ 622 Dexter ST. |
| US Bank National Association | 2015 | PP/Tangible Leased @ Various Locations |
| US Bank National Association | 2015 | PP/Tangible Leased @ Various Locations |
| Xajap, Oscar O | 2015 | MV: 2004 FRHT |
b) Additional abatements from the Tax Assessor
| Wells Fargo Financial Leasing Inc. | 2015 | PP/Tangible Leased Various Locations |
Tax Assessor Bob Battey explained the abatements and reviewed them with the Council.
- Consideration of petitions for event permit
a. Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church-
Community Concert: July 18, 2015: 3:00-5:30pm and July 26, 2015: 2:00-5:00pm
Representative from church was present.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Figueroa, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier and Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Motion carried 6-0.
b. Blackstone Valley Merchants Association
Community/ organization meeting Jenks Park Gazebo: July 29, 2015 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Joshua Giraldo was present and spoke on behalf of this organization.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Motion carried 6-0.
c. Palacio Real Church of God
Religious Service Jenks Park: August 8, 2015 (rain date September 5, 2015) 12:30-8:00pm
Representative from church was present. He was advised to speak to the police department if he is expecting a large crowd.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca pending the signature of the Police Department.
Motion is carried 6-0.
d. Leave It to Geri Event Planning
Liberian Independence Day Celebration: 1420 Broad St. The Landing July 25, 2015 12:00pm – 6:00pm (rain date July 26, 2015)
No one was present. Councilors spoke in regards to the utility bills and how it would the applicant.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel pending the agreement of current tenants of the Landing.
Motion carried 6-0.
e. Central Falls Alumni Association
Fundraiser for Alumni Association: Jenks Park September 3, 2015 6:30pm-9:00pm
Joshua Giraldo was present to speak on the behalf of this organization. Mr. Giraldo reports funds will be donated for school scholarship. Tower might possibly be opened for this event.
Motion to approve was made Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Figueroa.
Motion carried 6-0
f. Iron Fist Entertainment
Outdoor Flea Market: Weekends July – September 9:00am – 3:00pm
Kenny Hazard was present to speak on behalf of this event.
Colonel James Mendonca states at this time there are no parking issues.
Motion to approve was made to approve by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and seconded by Councilwoman Racquier.
Motion carried 6-0.
g. Cosari Comite de Salvadorenos en RI
Parade: August 16, 2015 11:00am – 3:00 pm please see attachment for route
Councilman Figueroa was present to speak on the behalf of this organization
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion to approve 6-0. Motion to amend original Motion. Motion 5-0.
h. Cosari Comite de Salvadorenos en RI
Gathering from Parade: August 16, 2015 11:00am – 3:00pm
Motion to approve gathering for parade was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 6-0.
i. Ministerio Internacional Bethel
Felix Nava Jr. was present to speak on the behalf of this organization. This will be their 9th year organizing this event.
Christian Parade August 29, 2015 12:00pm see attachment for route
Motion was made to approve by Councilwoman Racquier and seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Motion carried 6-0.
j. Ministerio Internacional Bethel
Gospel Music in Jenks Park: 6:00pm – 8:00pm please see attachment for dates
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Fonseca and seconded by Councilman Figueroa and Councilman Vaudreuil.
Motion carried 6-0.
k. Madeira Club
Club Feast & Carnival: August 7-9, 2015 6:00pm – 12:00am
Alberto Cardoso was present to speak on behalf of this organization.
Motion to approve was made by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman pending written agreement from Blue Heron and Jack’s Ice Cream Fonseca.
Motion carried 6-0.
l. Madeira Club
Cigar Dinner: August 11, 2015 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Alberto Cardoso was present to speak on behalf of this organization.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Fonseca and seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel
Motion carried 6-0
8. City Council sitting as the Board of License Commissioners
a. Consideration of Petition for License
| Class of License | Owner | Business Information |
| C-Variety Transfer- New Owner | Lila B Thapa
| LRK Mart 390 Broad St. |
| Retail New Business | Dollar Tree Stores Inc. | Dollar Tree #05831 361 Dexter St. |
LRK MART
Representative from LRK Mart was present.
Motion to approve transfer of license was made by Councilwoman Racquier and seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel.
Motion carried 6-0.
DOLLAR TREE #05831
Hal Kourcat sales representative for Family Dollar was present.
Motion to approve New Business License was made by Councilwoman Fonseca and seconded by Councilwoman Figueroa.
Motion carried 6-0.
Consideration of Private Investigator License Renewal
| Name | Address |
| Augusto Mantilla-Serrano | 104 Sayles St., Apt 215 Woonsocket, RI 02895 |
| Edward J. Stepper | 10 Walnut Hill Park Woburn, MA 01801 |
| William Benson, Jr. | 1100 Lonsdale Ave. Central Falls, RI 02863 |
Colonel James Mendonca spoke about the documentation that should be turned in for the Private Investigation License.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and seconded by Councilwoman Racquier.
Motion carried 6-0.
b. Consideration of Class F License (one time)
St. Joseph Church
Annual Parish Picnic: September 11, 12, 13 please see application for times
No one was present on behalf of this organization.
Motion was made to approve by Councilman Vaudreuil and seconded by Councilwoman Racquier
Motion carried 6-0
9. 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 go into Executive Session was made by Councilwoman Racquier and seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and Councilman Vaudreuil. Roll call vote: Councilman Robert Ferri: yes; Councilman Hugo Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Carlene Fonseca: yes; Councilwoman Ann Racquier: yes; Councilwoman Tia Ristaino-Siegel: yes; Councilman Ken Vaudreuil: yes.
Motion carried 6-0.
Motion to exit executive session was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 6-0.
b. Leona L. Lafreniere of 15 Echo St. Central Falls, for alleged damages to personal property on November 17, 2014.
Motion to table for next council meeting was made by Councilwoman Fonseca and seconded by Councilwoman Racquier.
Motion carried 6-0.
c. Tonia Pona 235 Washington St. Central Falls, for alleged bodily injuries sustained on May 5, 2013.
Motion to move The RI Interlocal Trust was made by Racquier and seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and Councilman Figueroa.
Motion carried 6-0.
10. Resolution in support of the action of the Second Continental Congress (requested by Ferri)
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel and seconded by Councilman Figueroa and Councilwoman Fonseca.
Motion carried 6-0.
11. Ordinance amending “Noise in Central Falls” – Introduction (Ferri)
Ordinance was introduced.
12. Ordinance amending “Parking Ban in Central Falls” – Introduction (Racquier)
13. Ordinance was introduced.
14. Ordinance amending “Flood Plain Management in Central Falls” – Introduction (Racquier)
Ordinance was introduced
15. Ordinance “Criminal Justice Reform in Central Falls” – Introduction (Fonseca)
Ordinance was introduced.
16. Ordinance amending Chapter 36 “Traffic and Vehicles” – Introduction (Ferri)
Ordinance was introduced.
17. Good & Welfare from City Councilors- updates, announcements, reports from councilors in regards to community liaisons and events
Councilwoman Fonseca spoke about flower pots on Dexter Street.
18. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca
Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm.
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)
The City of Central Falls is an equal opportunity employer ADA/EOE.
TDD/TTY 401-727-7450. This notice is posted in City Hall, Police Department, Department of Public Works, on www.centralfallsri.us and with the Office of the Secretary of State pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws. To review Notice of Citizen’s Rights visit the Attorney General’s webpage at www.riag.ri.gov
Approved December 14, 2015