1.       Roll Call

Sonia Grace, City Clerk, conducted the roll call. Present were Councilman Bob Ferri, Councilman Hugo Figueroa, Councilwoman Carlene Fonseca, Councilwoman Stephanie Gonzalez, Councilwoman Ann Racquier, and Councilman Ristaino-Siegel. Councilman Ken Vaudreuil was absent. Quorum was present.

2.      Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Ferri lead the pledge of allegiance

3.      Public Comment

Ms. Jean Morris, 30 Washington St- spoke about the concerns and difficulties felt by her and other senior citizens about the RIDE program that is, often, not a reliable source of transportation. She also expressed her concern about the quality of the sidewalks.

Michael Brulé- expressed his concerned about the traffic circle at the corner of Roosevelt Ave. and Charles St.

Thomas Lazieh, 1072 Lonsdale Ave.-congratulated the new council members and thanked the outgoing councilors. Mr. Lazieh also expressed his concern for lack of services for senior citizens in the city.

Robert Sayre-McCord, Director of Parks & Recreation-spoke about events organized by the department: a partnership with the The B&G Club of Pawtucket, the program for snow removal for elderly and disabled residents and the series of events organized by the Holiday Express

4.      Consideration of meeting minutes

a.      October 12, 2016

Motion to approve meeting minutes of October 12, 2016, pending a review of the attendance and participation by Councilwoman Gonzalez, was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Hugo Figueroa. Motion carried 3-0. Councilwoman Gonzalez, Councilwoman Racquier and Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel abstained from voting.

b.      November 14, 2016

Motion to approve the meeting minutes of November 14 2016 was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Councilman Figueroa noted a correction on the name of one the speakers. Motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Gonzalez abstained from voting.

c.       November 28, 2016

Motion to approve the meeting minutes of November 28, 2016 was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel abstained from voting.

5.      Receipt of Department Financial Reports

a.      City Clerk Department- Report for month of November 2016: Distribution Report

b.      Department of Code Enforcement- Report for month of November 2016: Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report

c.       Finance Department- October Revenue, November 2016 Expense, Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Improvement Fund

d.      Fire Department- Report for month of November 2016

e.      Police Department- Report for month of November 2016

Mr. Peter Friedrichs, director of Planning and Economic Development and Mr. Joshua Giraldo, Chief of Staff, answered questions from the Council.

Motion to approve the reports and place them on file was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier and Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 6-0.

6.      Consideration of Tax Abatements and Additions Submitted by Tax Assessor and City Solicitor

a.      Abatements

b.      Additions

Motion to approve the abatements was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel. Motion carried 6-0.

7.      City Council sitting as the Board of License Commissioners

a.      Consideration of Petition for License

b.      Advertised hearing and consideration of petition for new Alcoholic Beverage Class B (Victualling) license by JEK’s Pub. LLC, Inc. D/B/A JEK’s Pub, 137 Central St., Central Falls, RI.

Mr. Joseph Raheb, attorney for Jek’s Pub LLC, spoke on behalf of his client.

Motion to approve the Class B (Victualing) license was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Gonzalez. Motion carried 6-0.

8.      Hearing and/or Consideration of Claims

a.      Executive Session pursuant to R.I.G.L § 42-46-5 (a)(2), pertaining to litigation or work sessions pertaining to litigation.

                                                              i.      Isidor Boral, of 45 Vanderbilt Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001, for alleged damage to personal property sustained on September 29, 2016

                                                            ii.      Genaro Ruiz, for alleged personal injuries and property damages sustained on November 17, 2016

b.      Possible Consideration of Claim (a)(i.-ii.)

Matt Jerzyk, City Solicitor, provided an overview of the claim, answered questions from the Council and provided the recommendation of the Central Falls Police Department that the claim, due to the details of the event, be paid.

Motion to approve the claim was made by Councilwoman Gonzalez, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 5-0. Councilwoman Fonseca did not vote.

Motion to refer the claim to the RI Interlocal Trust was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilwoman Racquier. Motion carried 6-0.

9.      Correspondence from Mayor James Diossa

a.      Proclamation declaring December 12-18^th as Civil Air Patrol Week in Central Falls

Motion to receive and place correspondence on file was made by Councilwoman Racquier, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 6-0.

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

Councilman Ferri announced the fundraiser taking place December 19, 2016 at 7pm called Toys For Tacos at El Gallo De Oro.

11.    Adjournment Sine Die

Motion to adjourn sine die was made by Councilwoman Ristaino-Siegel, seconded by Councilman Racquier. Meeting adjourned at 7:05pm

Approved January 9, 2017