City of Central Falls

City Council Meeting

Monday April 08, 2024

Second Floor Council Chambers

580 Broad Street,

Central Falls, RI 02863

6:00 p.m.

 

Minutes

Council president Ferri opened the meeting at 6pm

I.          Roll Call

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo oversaw the roll call, with Councilperson Tatiana Baena, Councilperson Kevin Kazarian, Councilperson Meaghan Levasseur, Councilperson Rafael Peguero, Council President Pro Temp Franklin Solano, Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez (arriving at 6:03 pm), and Council President Robert Ferri all present. The meeting met the required quorum.

 

II.        Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Ferri guided the City Council in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

                                                                                    

III.       Public Comment

Helen Lopes, residing at 69 Henry St, Central Falls, spoke before the council regarding the 5th Annual Cornelia De Land Syndrome Parade, which she is organizing in honor of Samira Walk. Ms. Lopes also extended an invitation to the City Council to participate in the event.

 

IV.       Approval of Records

a.      Meeting minutes from March 11, 2024, Council Meeting

Councilperson Franklin Solano proposed the motion for approval, which was seconded by Councilperson Tatiana Baena. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.

 

V.        Executive Communications

a.      Department Financial Reports- March 2024, City Clerk’s Office, Central Falls Police Department, Central Falls Fire Department, Department of Public Works & Code Enforcement.

Councilmember Baena provided the council with additional insight into the DPW report based on her discussion with Chief of Staff Robert "RJ" Kermes. Subsequently, Council President Ferri called for a motion to approve the reports collectively. Councilmember Solano put forward the motion for approval, which was seconded by Councilmember Peguero. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.

 

VI.       New Business

a.      Election of Special Constable pursuant to RIGL 45-16-8

Name	Address	License
Robert Di Martino	351 Princess Ave. Cranston, RI 02920	Constable Renewal

Mr. Robert Di Martino addressed inquiries from the Council concerning his licensing and the scope of his work. Councilperson Solano motioned for approval, seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.

 

b.      City Council sitting as Board of License Commissioners

                                                              i.      Consideration of petition of License

	License Type		Business Name
	B Limited New Sidewalk New		Tuxpan, LLC. D/B/A Tuxpan Taqueria 355 Broad Street Owner: Diego Alcantar
	Councilperson Baena proposed a motion for approval, which was seconded by Councilperson Solano. Council President Ferri then called for a roll call vote:   Councilperson Tatiana Baena: Yes Councilperson Kevin Kazarian: Yes Councilperson Meaghan Levasseur: Yes Councilperson Rafael Peguero: Yes Councilperson Franklin Solano: Yes Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez: Yes Council President Robert Ferri: Yes   With a unanimous vote of 7 to 0, the motion passed.		During the discussion, Councilmember Baena raised a question regarding the diagram depicting the layout of the tables outside the restaurant. City Clerk Alberto de Burgo acknowledged that it was an oversight on his office's part and assured that a copy would promptly be provided to the Council. Subsequently, Mr. Diego Alcantar addressed inquiries from the Council.
	A- Restaurant New		Ruy, LLC D/B/A Cultura Mixta Family Restaurant 915 Dexter Street Owner: Olga Leticia Saucedo Rodriguez
	Councilmember Solano proposed a motion for approval, which was promptly seconded by Councilmember Rosado-Martinez. Council President Ferri then conducted a roll call vote:   Councilmember Tatiana Baena: Yes Councilmember Kevin Kazarian: Yes Councilmember Meaghan Levasseur: Yes Councilmember Rafael Peguero: Yes Councilmember Franklin Solano: Yes Councilmember Laurilim Rosado-Martinez: Yes Council President Robert Ferri: Yes With a unanimous vote of 7 to 0, the motion was passed.		During the discussion, Ms. Saucedo Rodriguez spoke before the council, responding to inquiries and addressing concerns.
	Entertainment New		Petencito Restaurant Bar & Grill LLC D/B/A Pentencito Restaurant Bar & Grill 531 Dexter Street Owner: Oscar Pozuelos
	Councilmember Kazarian put forward a motion for approval, duly seconded by Councilmember Peguero. Council President Ferri proceeded to call for a roll call vote:   Councilmember Tatiana Baena: Yes Councilmember Kevin Kazarian: Yes Councilmember Meaghan Levasseur: Yes Councilmember Rafael Peguero: Yes Councilmember Franklin Solano: Yes Councilmember Laurilim Rosado-Martinez: Yes Council President Robert Ferri: Yes With a unanimous vote of 7 to 0, the motion was passed.		During the discussion, Mr. Pozuelos addressed queries from the Council and provided assurance that the problems previously encountered by the business have been effectively resolved under the new ownership.

 

VII.     Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or consideration

 

                                                              i.      Resolution honoring April 22-26, 2024, As After school Professionals Week in Central Falls. (Baena)

Councilmember Baena spoke before the Council regarding the resolution, emphasizing its significance. A motion for approval was put forward by Councilmember Kazarian and seconded by Councilmember Levasseur. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.

 

                                                            ii.      A Resolution in Support of City Housing Authorities: HB8061 & SB2765 (Ferri by Request)

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk provided an overview of the resolution to the Council, elucidating its significance. Councilperson Solano motioned for approval, which was seconded by Councilperson Kazarian. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.

 

                                                          iii.      A Resolution in Support of the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act: SB2558 (Ferri by request)

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk provided an overview of the resolution to the Council, explaining its significance. Councilperson Solano motioned for approval, which was seconded by Councilperson Kazarian. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. Councilperson Baena Recused.

                                                           iv.      A Resolution in Support of Making an Appropriation of $78,000,000 to the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA): HB7774 (Baena)

Councilmember Baena presented an overview of the resolution to the Council, highlighting its significance and addressing inquiries from fellow council members. A motion for approval was initiated by Councilmember Rosado-Martinez and seconded by Councilmember Solano. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.

 

VIII.    Adjournment

Councilmember Baena motioned to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Councilmember Rosado Martinez. The meeting concluded at 6:46 pm.

Approved by Council April 22, 2024

Alberto de Burgo

City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

 

To view an electronic version of the agenda with supporting documentation, click on link: https://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=centralfalls-ri

 

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