City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Board of License Commissioners Meeting
Central Falls City Hall
Monday, March 12, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Minutes
Council President Bob Ferri called the meeting to order at the Central Falls City Council Chambers at 6:04 pm.
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
Councilman Ferri lead the reciting of the pledge of allegiance
III. Public Comment
-Youth Tobacco Ambassadors: showed Council different types of tobacco products that, according to them, are being marketed to youth.
-Ms. Vernia Carter, of Progreso Latino-spoke about tobacco-related rules and ordinances being considered by other municipalities and explained that ordinances passed in Central Falls are being seen as model for change.
-Daniella Magana, of 633 Pine St; Cesar Urzua, of 728 High St.; Charlotte Geoghegan, students at Blackstone Valley Prep High School students—spoke about the recent incidents of shootings at schools and urged the Council to support legislation being considered by the General Assembly related to gun control.
-Edna Poulin, 68 Notre Dame St- requested public hearings during budget considerations, financial reports at all meetings. Spoke in support of the resolution regarding transfer of Rhode Island Housing funds.
IV. Approval of Records
A. Meeting minutes of February 12, 2018
B. Meeting minutes of February 26, 2018
Motion to defer consideration of the meeting minutes until the next Council meeting was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
V. Executive Communications
C. Department Financial Reports
i. City Clerk Department- January 2018
ii. Department of Code Enforcement-January 2018
iii. Finance Department: November 2017 Revenue, October 2017 Expense
iv. Fire Department- January 2018
v. Police Department- January 2018
Motion to table the receipt of the reports was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 6-1.
VI. Schedule of Bills- Hearing and/or consideration
A. Ordinance Amending Chapter 30, “Solid Waste,” Article I “In General,”- Second Reading (Ferri)
Public Hearing: no one signed up to speak
Motion to amend the ordinance to implement a tiered system of fine for first offense, $100 for second offense, $250 for third offense, and $500 for subsequent offenses was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Figueroa, Councilman Solano and 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.
B. Ordinance Amending Chapter 20, “Fire Prevention and Protection”, Article III, “Fire Alarm Systems”- Introduction (Ferri)
Introduced
C. Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, The Central Falls Redevelopment Agency, Redevelopment Area, And Redevelopment Plan- Introduction (Ferri)
Introduced
D. Resolution in support of H7261-Alcoholic Beverages, Retail Licenses (Fonseca) (Tabled February 12, 2018)
Dr. Michael Fine and Mr. Scott Hewitt reviewed a Powerpoint presentation with data related to the emergency runs of the Central Falls Fire Department and the correlation with the hours of liquor stores.
Dr. Fine answered questions from the Council about the proposed legislation referenced in the resolution.
Mr. Matthew Jerzyk, City Solicitor, answered questions from the Council.
Motion to amend the resolution to include “that restricts the liquor store hours in Central Falls, on the condition that the legislation is amended to solely address the opening hours and that no changes be made to the closing hours” was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
Council entered into recess at 7:47pm and returned session at 7:55pm.
Councilman Figueroa and Councilwoman Fonseca recused from the discussion and exited the room.
E. Resolution approving High Priority Repairs to Robertson Elementary School and Calcutt Middle School (Ferri)
Mr. Victor Capellan, Superintendent of the Central Falls School District reviewed information in a presentation that described the work to be done in the city’s schools. Mr. Capellan explained the financial commitment of the City and how reimbursement of the expenses would occur.
Mr. Leonard Morganis, Administration and Finance Officer, explained the timeline for city’s financial contribution.
Mr. Capellan answered questions about the full cost of the projects.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 5-0.
F. A Resolution in support of 2018- H7501 and 2018- S2419 entitled “An Act Relating to Elections – Conduct of Election and Voting Equipment, and Supplies” (Acosta)
Norelys Consuegra, Deputy Director of Elections was present on behalf of Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. Ms Consuegra explained the details of the legislation and reviewed the changes proposed by the Secretary.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 7-0.
G. Resolution Regarding Transfer of Rhode Island Housing Funds to Balance Fiscal 2019 Budget (Rivera)
Councilwoman Rivera provided an overview of the issues and explained the details of the resolution.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
H. Resolution Supporting H7385 (Messier), an act relating to Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Conference (Ferri)
Mr. Ricardo Patino and Ms. Amy Rainone of RI Housing spoke in support of the resolution and detailed the impact of the program for Rhode Island homeowners.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Figueroa, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
I. Resolution of Central Falls City Council in Condolences and Congratulations
The following resolutions and citations of congratulations were introduced by
Councilman Acosta:
Rhode Island Principals Committee on Athletics (RIPCOA) Middle School State Wrestling Tournament:
- Gabriel Acosta 180/lbs 3rd Place
- Spencer Fine 106/lbs 7th place
Rhode Island Wrestling Association Kids State Championship
- Spencer Fine 108/lbs 1st
- Anthony Sanchez 80-84/lbs. 2nd
- Justin Sanchez 75-79/lbs. 2nd
- Gabriel Acosta 187/lbs 2nd
- X-Zarious Armstrong 135/lbs 2nd
- Nadious Armstrong 108/lbs. 3rd
- Benjamin King 60-63/lbs. 3rd
- Zyen Rosario 92/lbs. 3rd
- Danny Hernandez 52/lbs. 3rd
RI State freshman/JV tournament
Henry Adewamika 4th at 285/lbs
Justin Monteiro 4th at 182/lbs
New England Women's Championship
- Lucy Noris 97/lbs 1st (middle school and high school division)
- Amber Aguilar 105/lbs 3rd
- Arianna Xavier 150/lbs 3rd
- Cianelys Plaud 105/lbs 4th
- Nickia Chere 97/lbs 5th
RIIL High School Championships
- Jacob Felix 106lbs/5th
Councilman Lazieh:
Resolution in support of the Central Falls Lion’s Club annual community fundraising breakfast on March 18, 2018
Resolution congratulating Operation Stand Down of Rhode Island on its 25th year of serving Rhode Island’s veterans
Councilwoman Rivera:
Resolution in appreciation for their continued support with relief efforts post hurricane Maria
Chef Kevin Roth
Chef Giovanna Huyke
Robertico y Su Alebreke
Newport Vineyards
Councilman Solano:
The Dominican-American Award Celebration in Rhode Island awardees
Outstanding Contribution to Dominican Art, Jose Luis Suazo
Outstanding Dominican Business Leadership, Antonio Valdez
Outstanding Dominican Professionals, Dr. Jose Polanco
Outstanding Dominican Leadership in Education, Dr. Joany Santa
Outstanding Dominican Youth Talent, Anaridis Rodriguez
Outstanding Contribution to the Dominican Sport in RI, Francisco Ramirez
Outstanding Dominican Public Servant in RI, Gregorio Vanderhorst
Outstanding Contribution to the Dominican community, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
The following resolutions of condolences were introduced by
Councilman Acosta:
George Ellis Scott, who passed away on March 5, 2018
Councilman Ferri
Sr. Lorraine MacPherson, who passed away on January 8, 2018
Councilman Lazieh
Hoda Tanious Yazbeck who passed away on February 25, 2018
Donald H. Grebien who passed away onMarch 1, 2018
Charlene Valcourt who passed away on February 28, 2018
Council President Ferri welcomed and congratulated the Calcutt Middle School Mayor’s Youth Council. The youth spoke about their work. Present were Desiree Delgado Pedraza,
Jonathan Almeida, Vanessa Monterroza, Josslyn Osorio, Jeneysis Santana, Samayah Santos, Marco Lagunes, and Nelly DeJesus.
VII. Continued Business
D. City Council Sitting as Board of License Commissioners
i. Hearing, Consideration and Possible Action regarding the following license and license holders
Ilham A. Belguti D/B/A C.F. Mini Market (continued from February 12, 2018)
179 Illinois Street
Tobacco
Mr. Ed Shapiro, attorney for the licensee, was present and spoke on behalf of his client. Mr. Shapiro admitted his client’s guilt.
Motion to fine the licensee, for its first offense, $250 was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Figueroa.
Motion to amend the motion to give the licensee a $100 fine was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Roll call vote on first motion: 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.
Jose Sanchez D/B/A Mi Tierra Supermarket (tabled on February 12, 2018)
693 Dexter Street
Tobacco
Malcolm, employee of Mi Tierra was present to speak on behalf of the licensee.
Motion to fine the business, for its first offense, $250 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.
ii. Consideration of petition of license
| Class of License | Business Information |
| Tobacco New- tabled February 12, 2018 | LR Food Mart, D/B/A LR Food Market 355 Broad St. |
Motion to approve the license was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
VIII. New Business
E. Presentation by Ms. Jillian Finkle, of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, regarding the Broad Street Regeneration Initiative
Motion to table the presentation was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera and Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
F. Consideration of Tax Abatement submitted by Tax Assessor
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Castrillon, Juan P | 2016 | MV: 2007 BMW 3 S |
| Castrillon, Juan P | 2016 | MV: 2005 Nissan Murano |
Motion to approve the abatements collectively was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
G. City Council Sitting as Board of License Commissioners
i. Consideration of petition of license
| Class of License | Business Information |
| Entertainment- Per Diem | Zuleyma Gomez Central Falls High School, Class of 2008 Reunion June 16, 2018 |
| Entertainment- Per Diem | Rockwell Amusement and Promotions Carnival- 558 Roosevelt Ave. March 30-April 8, 2018 |
Zuleyma Gomez and Tatiana Baena were present to speak about the event proposed for June 16 and answered questions from the Council. Motion to approve was made y Councilman Solano, 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.
Motion to approve the application of Rockwell Amusements was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Figueroa and Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
H. 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
ii. Courtney J. Jacobs, of 14 Marbury Ave. Pawtucket, for alleged damages to personal property sustained on February 9, 2018
Mr. Joshua Giraldo, Chief of Staff, spoke on behalf of the Central Falls Fire Department and reviewed the facts of this incident.
Mr. Jerzyk reviewed the legal options available to the Council in its deliberation of this case.
Motion refer the claims to the Claims Committee was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to deny the claim was made by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to approve the claim was made by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to table the consideration of this claim was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Lazieh. Motion carried 7-0.
F. Presentation by Trey Scott, Principal Planner of the Central Falls Department of Planning and Economic Development, regarding Central Falls monuments
Motion to table the presentation was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera and Councilman Solano. Motion carried 7-0.
IX. Good & Welfare
Councilman Ferri congratulated everyone involved in the Women’s Day Celebration held at the Central Falls High School on March 1oth and announced the Lyons Club event on March 18th
Councilwoman Rivera: announced the Holiday Express fundraiser on March 24th and the Navigant Credit Union business owners meeting on March 14th
City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk announced that the City received a grant award of approximately $40,000 to assist in the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) project to prepare for the Census 2020.
Councilman Acosta: announced that, for the first time ever, the Census will be taken online and the community may be adversely affected.
Councilman Lazieh: announced construction on Binford and Tucker streets that may affect residents.
Councilman Solano: congratulated Councilwoman Rivera and former councilwoman Stephanie Gonzalez on the event they hosted to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Councilwoman Rivera: congratulated Councilman Acosta for working with the youth.
X. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded Councilwoman Rivera. Meeting adjourned at 8:46pm
Sonia Grace
City Clerk
Approved April 9, 2018
To view the video of the City Council meeting click on link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=central+falls+city+council+meeting