City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Board of License Commissioners
Central Falls City Hall
580 Broad St. Central Falls, RI 02863
Monday, February 13, 2017
6:00 p.m.
I. Roll Call
Sonia Grace, City Clerk, conducted the roll call. Present were Councilman Bob Ferri, Councilman Jonathon Acosta, Councilman Hugo Figueroa, Councilwoman Carlene Fonseca, Councilman Thomas Lazieh, Councilwoman Maria Rivera, and Councilman Franklin Solano.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Sonia Grace, City Clerk led the reciting of the pledge of allegiance.
III. Public Comment
Paul Roselli, 665 Maureen Circle, Mapleville, RI- spoke in support of the resolution opposing the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville
Tia Ristaino-Siegel, 14 Worth St.- expressed concern for language in ordinance pertaining to the Central Falls Redevelopment Agency
Jean Morris, 30 Washington St.- spoke about various concerns and thanked the Council for its work in improving the city
Lorraine Savard, 76 Emmett St.- spoke in support of the resolution opposing the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville
John Pacheco, President of the Burrillville Town Council- spoke in support of the resolution opposing the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville
State Representative Cale Kaeble- spoke in support of the resolution opposing the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville
IV. Approval of Records
Consideration of meeting minutes of January 23, 2017
Motion to approve the meeting minutes was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 6-1.
V. Executive Communications
A. Executive Order 2017-0001, Establishing a Joint Planning Commission for the Pawtucket/Central Falls Station District
B. Proclamation declaring the month of February, 2017 as Black History Month in the City of Central Falls
Received
C. Appointments by Mayor James Diossa to the Central Falls Zoning Board
i. Dan Klotz, of 111 Tremont St., Central Falls, RI 02863, with a term to expire December 31, 2017
ii. Ann Peckham, of 149 Perry St., Central Falls, RI 02863, with a term to expire December 31, 2018
iii. Lin Colette, of 30 Washington Street, Apt # 607, Central Falls RI 02863 with a term to expire December 31, 2017 (Alternate)
iv. Gary Berdugo, of 146 Central Street, Central Falls, RI 02863 with a term to expire December 31, 2017 (Alternate)
Motion to approve the appointments to the Zoning Board was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
D. Department Financial Reports
i. City Clerk Department-Report for month of January 2017: Distribution Report
ii. Department of Code Enforcement-Report for month of January 2017: Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report
iii. Fire Department-Report for month of January 2017
iv. Police Department Report for month of January 2017
v. Finance Department- December 2016 Revenue, December 2016 Expense, December 2016 Capital Improvement Fund
Ms. Cynthia DeJesus, Director of the Department of Finance, answered questions from the Council pertaining to the monthly report.
Received.
VI. Schedule of Bills
A. Ordinance Pertaining to the Salaries of Department Heads & Others in Unclassified Service- Second Reading, Public Hearing, Consideration (Fonseca)
Public Hearing
Ms. Lorraine Savard, 76 Emmett St.- asked questions about the ordinance
Motion to limit debate to three minutes was made by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion was not seconded.
Mr. Joshua Giraldo, Chief of Staff, spoke in support of the ordinance and answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 6-1.
B. Ordinance Amending Chapter 12 “Businesses”- Second Reading, Public Hearing, Consideration (Fonseca)
Matthew Jerzyk, City Solicitor, provided an overview of the changes being proposed in the current version of the ordinance.
Public Hearing
-Anthony Solano, 16 Worth St; Christopher Bonilla, 30 Ledge St; Ileanny Garcia, 80 Sylvian St.; Angel Dasta-Plaza, 24 West Hunt St.; Naiomi Serrano, 47 Fales St.; Jevry Garcia, 80 Sylvian St.; Jesse Saucedo- presented research results regarding the sale of tobacco products in Central Falls. The group spoke in support of the amendments being proposed in ordinance.
-Patricia Mallios, The American Heart Association- presented data supporting the ordinance amendments.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion was withdrawn.
Motion to amend the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion was withdrawn.
Mr. Kenny Rodriguez, of JJ Market, asked questions about the impact on businesses.
Ms. Vernia Carter, 89 Moore St.- spoke in support of the proposed amendments
Jean Morris, 30 Washington St.- spoke in support of the proposed amendments
Motion to amend Section 12-241 by adding paragraph (f) was made by Councilman Figueroa, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: no; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 5-2.
Motion to amend Section 12-418 was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: no; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 5-2.
Motion to approve ordinance as amended was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: no; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 5-2.
C. Ordinance Creating Chapter 40, The Central Falls Redevelopment Agency, Redevelopment Area, And Redevelopment Plan- First Reading, Public Hearing, Consideration (Figueroa)
Mr. Peter Friedrichs, Director of Planning and Economic Development and Attorney Sergio Spaziano, legal counsel for the Central Falls Redevelopment Agency spoke about the revisions being considered, provided an overview of the ordinance and answered questions from the Council.
Public Hearing
Ms. Lorraine Savard, 76 Emmett St.- asked questions pertaining to the ordinance and expressed her concerns about the ordinance
Ms. Tia Ristaino-Siegel, 14 Worth St- spoke about the amendments being proposed and expressed concern about some of the proposed language.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
D. Ordinance Pertaining to Local Hiring in Central Falls-Introduction (Solano)
Introduced
E. Resolution of need for Redevelopment Agency to function in the City of Central Falls (Figueroa)
Motion to approve the resolution was made Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
F. Resolution of the Central Falls City Council celebrating the first anniversary of Acontecer Latino (Solano)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
G. Resolution of the Central Falls City Council opposing the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville, Rhode Island (Fonseca)
Motion to discuss was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded.
Mr. Paul Roselli, of the Burrillvillle Land Conservancy answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
H. Resolution of the Central Falls City Council opposing President Donald Trump’s Executive Order “Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States” (Acosta)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
I. Resolution of the Central Falls City Council Resolution In Support For And Protection of Muslim Communities (Lazieh)
Councilman Lazieh provided an overview of the resolution and explained its purpose.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta and Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
J. Resolution of Central Falls City Council in Condolences and Congratulations
The City Council of Central Falls offered condolences to the families of the following individuals
Robert Reynolds
Louis Slemon
Joseph Rabbitt
Re. Adrian Dabash, OP
Suzanne Mayben
John Hajjar
Gloria (Nassaney) Solomon
Layla Charette
The City Council of the City of Central Falls offered congratulations to the following individuals
May V. (Gouveia) Goes
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by 7-0. Motion carried
VII. New Business
A. Consideration of Tax Abatements Submitted by Tax Assessor and Board of Appeals
Abatements
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Borges, Francisco L. & Luciana R. | 2016 Supplemental Roll | RE: 747 Broad Street; AP 1, Lot 168 |
| Demers, Kenneth D. | 2016 Supplemental Roll | RE: 271 Cowden St; AP 6, Lot 442 |
| Fonseca, Michael & Lilian | 2016 Supplemental Roll | RE: 679 Lonsdale Ave; AP 8 lot 333 |
| Harkness, Paul M. | 2016 Supplemental Roll | RE: 63 Hadwin St; AP 3, Lot 263 |
| Mayer, Mark D. & Marie | 2016 Supplemental Roll | RE: 6 Lewis St; AP 3, 140 |
Mr. Bob Battey was present to answer questions to the Council was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilman Acosta recused from discussion and left the building.
Board of Appeals Abatements
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Helly Raj LLC | 2016 | RE: 1060-1062 Broad St; AP4, Lot 220 |
| Patel, Gautam | 2015 | RE: 6 Fletcher St; AP 5, Lot 220 |
| Tai-o Associates LP | 2016 | RE: Various Residential Condo Units, 555 Roosevelt Ave |
Motion to approve the abatements was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Lazieh. Motion carried 6-0.
B. City Council Sitting as Board of License Commissioners
i. Hearing, consideration and possible action regarding the following license and license holders:
Jose Rodriguez
D/B/A JJ Market Inc.
69 Washington Street
Central Falls, RI 02863
Tobacco License
Matthew Jerzyk, City Solicitor, read police report.
Mr. Jose Rodriguez, owner of JJ Market, was present. Mr. Kenny Rodriguez, the son of the owner also spoke on behalf of his father. Mr. Rodriguez and his son answered questions from the Council.
Colonel James Mendoca, Chief of the Central Falls Police Department answered questions from the Council.
Motion to issue a warning to JJ Market was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
City Council at ease from 7:57 to 8:02pm.
ii. Consideration of business license
| Class of License | Applicant | Business Information |
| Tobacco & Class C Variety | Mohamad Raafat Alkabouni | Hala Market Inc. 700 Broad Street |
| Entertainment-Per diem | Rockwell Amusement & Promotions, Inc. | Carnival 558 Roosevelt Ave. |
| Class A- Restaurant | Chikondi Café, LLC | Chikondi Café 590 Dexter St. |
Mr. Alkabouni was present to answer questions from the Council. Motion to approve the license of Hala Market was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0
Representative from Rockwell Amusement was present to answer questions from the Council. Motion to approve the license of Rockwell Amusement was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
Mr. Heraldo Reyes was present to answer questions from the Council. Motion to approve the application of Chikondi Café was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Figueroa and Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
C. PUBLIC HEARING- Request for public input and comment on the City of Central Falls “Year 13 RIPDES MS4 Report,” as required by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Ms. Elaine Partridge provided an overview of the work of City of Central Falls as it relates to the report and answered questions from the Council.
Public hearing was opened for comment. No one present requested to comment.
Ms. Partridge answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve the report was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Fonseca left the room at 8:30pm and returned at 8:32pm.
D. Presentation by Robert Weber, Esq. on the Central Falls Nuisance Task Force.
Mr. Weber presented on the work of the Nuisance Task and explained how the Nuisance Task Force has acted to improve the quality of properties in the city.
Mr. Weber answered questions from the Council pertaining to the work of the Task Force.
E. Election of Special Constable Licenses pursuant to RIGL 45-16-8
| Name | Address | Position |
| John Agrela | 131 Pleasant Ave, #18 Smithfield, RI 02917 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Inspector |
| Charles E. Beaudoin | 30 Washington St. Central Falls, RI 02863 | |
| Robert M. DiMartino | 260 Farmington Ave. Cranston, RI 02920 | |
| Charlene Gaffney | 354 York Ave. Pawtucket, RI 02860 | Police Department- Animal Control Officer |
| Thomas Lazieh | 1072 Lonsdale Ave. Central Falls, RI 02863 | City Councilman- Ward 5 |
| Michael A. Lussier | 36 Pleasant View Dr. N. Providence, RI 02904 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Inspector |
| Leonard Morganis | 3 Adams Ct. Uxbridge Ma 01569 | Administration and Finance Officer |
| Elaine Partridge | 70 Clark St. Cumberland, RI 02864 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Director |
| Venus Zayas | 66 Carpenter St. Cumberland, RI 02864 | Dept. Of Code Enforcement- Clerk |
Motion to approve the special constable license of all listed, except Councilman Lazieh was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilman Lazieh recused from discussion and left the room
Motion to approve the special constable license of Councilman Lazieh was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-0.
F. Hearing and/or Consideration of Claims
i. Executive Session pursuant to R.I.G.L § 42-46-5 (a)(2), pertaining to litigation or work sessions pertaining to litigation
a. Maria Par, of 743 Pine St, for alleged damage to personal property sustained July 2016
ii. Possible Consideration of Claim (i) (a)
Mr. Jerzyk provided an overview of the case and reviewed the facts. Mr. Jerzyk also explained how the Council has responded to these claims.
Ms. Maria Par, accompanied by Mr. Luiz Alzate her interpreter, presented their version of the case.
Motion to continue the consideration of the claim until the Council meeting of February 27, 2017 was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Lazieh. Motion carried 7-0.
G. Consideration of City Council Rules
Motion to table the consideration of the City Council Rules was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
VIII. Good & Welfare
Councilman Ferri: Congratulated the New England Patriots for their win of Super Bowl LI.
Councilman Solano: invited the Council to celebration of the Dominican Republic Independence Day on February 23 at the RI State House
Councilman Acosta: congratulated the Central Falls DPW for its work during the recent snowstorm
Councilwoman Fonseca: spoke about agenda items for the next meeting
Councilman Lazieh: spoke about renovation work being done to the Council Chambers.
Councilwoman Fonseca left the meeting at 9:59pm.
IX. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Acosta. Meeting adjourned at 10:01pm.
Approved March 13, 2017