City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Board of License Commissioners
Calcutt Middle School
112 Washington St., Central Falls, RI 02863
Monday, September 18, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Council President Bob Ferri called the meeting to order at the Calcutt Middle School at 6:05pm.
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. Quorum was present.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge was led by Councilman Ferri.
Councilman Ferri requested a moment of silent in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
With unanimous consent items VII.E, VI.E., VII.B. and VII.A. were heard in the described order after item III.
III. Public Comment
Al Romanwicz, 303 Central St.-asked questions pertaining to a resolution
Lorraine Savard, 76 Emmett St.- inquired about the presentation by office of Energy Resources.
Jeff Araujo, President of CF FOP Lodge 2- spoke in support of the CBA being considered between the Central Falls Police Department and the City of Central Falls
IV. Approval of Records
A. Consideration of meeting minutes
ii. August 1, 2017
iii. August 23, 2017
Motion to table the consideration of the meeting minutes was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to approve the minutes collectively was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-1.
V. Executive Communications
A. Proclamation by Mayor James Diossa- Play Ball Summer
B. Proclamation by Mayor James Diossa- Diaper Awareness Week
Received
C. Department Financial Reports
i. City Clerk Department- June-August 2017: Distribution Report
ii. Department of Code Enforcement- June-July 2017: Building Division Permits Issued, Complaints Report
iii. Fire Department- June-August 2017
iv. Police Department June -August 2017
v. Finance Department- Revenue, Expense May 2017
Received
VI. Schedule of Bills- Hearing and/or consideration
A. An Ordinance Amending the Central Falls Zoning Ordinance- Introduction (Fonseca)
Introduced
B. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 36, “Traffic And Vehicles”- Second Reading (Ferri, by request)
Elaine Partridge, Director of Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement, answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. 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.
Councilwoman Fonseca left the meeting at 9:15pm.
C. An Ordinance Creating The Road Paving and Utility Accountability Act of 2017- Second Reading (Figueroa, by request)
Mr. Mathew Jerzyk, outlined the changes being proposed in the version of the ordinance being submitted as at SubA2.
Motion to approve SubA2 was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion to approve the ordinance as amended was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Lazieh and Councilman Figueroa. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 6-0.
D. Resolution Requesting State Legislation Restricting Liquor Store Hours in Central Falls (Fonseca)
Motion to table the resolution was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
E. Resolution Supporting the Charter Renewal Application of the Sheila C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy (Rivera)
Toby Shepherd, executive director, spoke about the charter application of the Nowell school and answered questions of the Council.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca and Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
F. Resolution congratulating Governor Lincoln Almond on the naming of the park on Crossman Street in his honor (Ferri)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-0.
G. Resolution Welcoming H.E. Kay Rala "Xanana" Gusmão to Central Falls (Lazieh)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 6-0.
H. Resolution designating October 2017 as Community Planning Month (Acosta)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 6-0.
I. Resolution opposing President Trump’s Decision to Suspend the Immigration Program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Lazieh)
Motion to amend the resolution was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Lazieh. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion to approve the resolution as amended was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-0.
J. Resolution approving the City’s Land Swap Between 134 Perry Street and the City of Central Falls, Rhode Island (Ferri)
Mr. Robert Weber, Assistant City Solicitor, described the property and the purpose of the resolution.
Motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
K. Resolution approving the City’s Acquisition of 606 Dexter Street, Central Falls, Rhode Island (Ferri)
Mr. Weber explained the details of the work to be done on this property, reviewed the resolution and answered questions from the Council.
Ms. Linda Weisinger, Executive Director of the Pawtucket Central Falls Development, spoke in support of the resolution.
Motion to approve the resolution 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: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 6-1.
L. Resolution of Central Falls City Council in Condolences and Congratulations
Motion to approve the resolution of congratulations to R. Marie Lazieh Ghazal on the achievement of a Doctorate Degree in Nursing from The University of Rhode Island in May, 2017 and to Samuel A. & Nancy Lazieh on their 40th Wedding Anniversary In September 2017, both sponsored by Councilman Lazieh, was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-0.
VII. New Business
A. Presentation by Dr. Michael Fine, Chief Health Strategist, on geocoding EMS runs
Dr. Michael Fine presented data related to drug and alcohol use, EMS runs in Central Falls related to alcohol use.
Dr. Fine answered questions from the Council about the impact of shortening liquor store hours and other restrictions advocated by the Office of Health.
Dr. Fine also spoke about the impact of marijuana use for adolescents.
B. Presentation by the Reopen the Ralph J. Holden Community Center Commission
Councilwoman Carlene Fonseca, Judge Bruce Sawyer, and Manny Silva presented the results of the work of the Commission and answered questions from the Council about future funding and sustainability of the project.
C. Consideration of Tax Abatements Submitted by Tax Assessor and City Solicitor
i. City Solicitor Abatements
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Family Investments, LLC | 2016 | 86 Washingotn Street, P5 L248 |
| Citizens Bank, N.A. | 2016 | 297 Central Street P6, L56 |
Councilman Figueroa recused from discussion and left the room.
Mr. Robert Webber, Assistant City Solicitor, explained the reason for the abatements. Mr. Weber answered questions from the Council.
Motion to approve the abatements for the city solicitor was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta and Councilwoman Rivera. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 6-0.
ii. Assessor Abatements
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Borges, Francisco L. & Luciana R. | 2017 | Real: 1-169 at 753 Broad St. |
| Camara, Jennifer | 2016 | MV: 2006 Toyota |
| Canon Financial Services inc. | 2017 | PP: Leases Various Locations |
| CIT Communications Finance Corps | 2017 | PP: Leased Various Locations |
| CIT Finance LLC | 2017 | PP: Leased various Locations |
| CIT Finance LLC | 2017 | PP: Leased various Locations |
| CIT Finance LLC | 2017 | PP: Leased various Locations |
| Cortez, Ana C. | 2017 | MV: Toyota SXC |
| Cortez, Ana C. | 2016 | MV: Toyota UCS |
| Cortez, Ana C. | 2016 | MV:Toyota SXC |
| Cowden Street Collaborative Inc | 2017 | MV: Ford |
| Duarte, Carlos A. | 2017 | MV: 2005 Niss Fro |
| Fonseca, Manuel H | 2017 | MV: TOYT |
| Figueroa, Hugo | 2017 | RE: 6-186 at 77 Fuller ave |
| Giordano, Bryon R | 2016 | MV: 2014 HOND |
| Giordano, Bryon R | 2017 | MV: 2014 HOND |
| Helly Raj LLC | 2017 | RE: 4-192 at 1062 Broad st |
| Interface Security Systems LLC | 2017 | PP: Leased |
| Jubainville, Joyce | 2014 | MV: 1995 TOYOTA |
| Jubainville, Joyce | 2015 | MV: 1995 TOYOTA |
| Jubainville, Joyce | 2016 | MV: 2007 SATURN |
| Jubainville, Joyce | 2017 | MV: 2007 SATURN |
| Lebeau Edward T & Viola Life Estates & Diane J Pina ET ALS Remainder | 2017 | RE: 4-26 at 122 Sylvian St |
| Longobardi, Arturo D/B/A Longobardi Clinic | 2013 | PP: At 571 Broad St |
| Longobardi, Arturo D/B/A Longobardi Clinic | 2014 | PP: At 571 Broad St |
| Mailfinance Inc - Tax Dept | 2017 | PP: Leased- Various |
| Mayer Family Revocable Living Trust; Mark and Marie Mayer Trustees | 2017 | RE: 3-140 at 6 Lewis St |
| Mayer Family Revocable Living Trust; Mark and Marie Mayer Trustees | 2017 | RE: 5-356 at 366 Central St |
| Mayer Family Revocable Living Trust; Mark and Marie Mayer Trustees | 2017 | RE: 5-446 at 108 Cross St |
| Mayer Family Revocable Living Trust; Mark and Marie Mayer Trustees | 2017 | RE: 5-58 at 69 Clay St |
| Medero, Sonia I | 2017 | MV: 2007 Toyota |
| Medero, Sonia I | 2016 | MV: 2007 Toyota |
| Merow, Susan | 2017 | RE: 8-66 at 13 Mowry St |
| Medina, Jose, D/B/A Variedades Estrelita | 2017 | PP: Variedades Estrelita - Tangible Property at 777 Broad St |
| Pereira Realty LLC | 2017 | RE: 7-107 at 558 Hunt St |
| Ramirez, Laura | 2017 | MV: 2016 Wright Utility Trailer |
| Ramirez, Victor | 2017 | MV: 2004 PTRB |
| Flores, Saturnina; D/B/A Saru's Boutique | 2017 | PP: Tangible Property - M&E, F&F at 757 Broad st |
| Snap On Credit LLC | 2017 | PP: Leased at Walnut St |
| Snap On Credit LLC | 2016 | PP: Leased at Walnut St |
| Spencer, Oliver T | 2017 | MV: 2005 Nissan |
| Spok Inc. | 2017 | PP: Leased- Various |
Mr. Bob Battey provided an overview of the abatements under consideration. Motion to approve the abatements submitted by the Tax Assessor was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 6-0.
D. City Council Sitting as Board of License Commissioners
i. Consideration of petition of license
| Class of License | Applicant |
| Tobacco License New | Leonard Brothers Inc.,d/b/a ABC Liquor 390 Broad Street |
| Private Detective Renewal | Augusto Montilla-Serrano 104 Sayles St., Woonsocket, RI |
| Renewal | Marlene Montano Arancibia 20 Swiss St., Providence, RI 02909 |
| Second Hand Renewal | Carmen’s Secret Place 1361 Broad St. |
| Class A Restaurant Transfer | Crown Fried Chicken and Pizza 830 Broad St. |
| New | Dolgen Rhode Island, Inc. D/B/A Dollar General 400 Broad St. |
| New-Per Diem | Adams Public Library-Brew for Books Fundraiser |
Motion to approve the license of application of ABC Liquor was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, Councilman Lazieh. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the application of Mr. Montilla-Serrano was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0
Motion to approve renewal of Ms. Arancibia was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca and Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the renewal of Carmen’s Secret Place was made Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the transfer of Crown Fried Chicken and Pizza was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca and Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the entertainment license of the Adams Public Library was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 7-0.
ii. Hearing, Consideration and Possible Action regarding the following license and license holders:
Jaime Yepes and Luis Perez, D/B/A La Milonga Bar
674 Dexter Street, Central Falls, RI 02863
Class BV Liquor License
Captain Craig Horton, of the Central Fall Police Department, described the events that took place on August 20, 2017 and answered questions from the Council
Mr. Alberto Aponte Cardona, attorney for owners of La Milonga, presented the case of his clients. Mr. Cardona answered questions from the Council.
Motion to accept the recommendation of the police department to require police detail every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if there is a soccer game or another major event was made by Councilman Solano. Motion was withdrawn.
Motion to accept the recommendation of the police department to require police detail every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if there is a soccer game or another major event with a review in one year, was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
E. Hearing and consideration of agreement between the City of Central Falls and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 2
Detective Jeff Araujo, President of the FOP, Lodge 2 answered questions from the Council pertaining to the contract.
Councilors asked questions about changes in benefits
Motion to approve the agreement was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. 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. Consideration of petition by National Grid and Verizon for permission for a joint pole location on Cowden Street
G. 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
1. Conceicao Nobre, as Administratix of the estate of Jorge L. Munoz, for damages and wrongful death
b. Possible Consideration of Claim (a) (1)
Motion to refer the claim to the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 6-0.
VIII. Correspondence
A. Resolution of the town of North Smithfield in support of H6204 An act relating to Maintenance of Town Roads and Urging Passage by the General Assembly
Received
IX. Good & Welfare
None
X. Adjournment
Motion to recess the meeting was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Meeting recessed at 9:29pm.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made on October 11, 2017 by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 4-0. Present were Councilman Ferri, Councilman Figueroa, Councilwoman Fonseca and Councilman Solano.
Sonia Grace
City Clerk
Approved November 13, 2017