City of Central Falls

City Council Meeting

Monday May 13, 2024

Second Floor Council Chambers

580 Broad Street,

Central Falls, RI 02863

6:00 p.m.

 

Minutes

 

I.       Roll Call

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo conducted the roll call, which included Councilperson Tatiana Baena, Councilperson Kevin Kazarian, Councilperson Levasseur, Council President Pro Temp Franklin Solano, Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez, and Council President Robert Ferri. Councilperson Rafael Peguero was absent from the meeting. The meeting achieved the necessary quorum.

 

II.     Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Ferri led the City Council in the pledge of allegiance.

                                                                                    

III.    Public Comment

None

 

IV.    Approval of Records

a.      Meeting minutes from April 22, 2024, Council Meeting

Councilperson Baena put forward a motion to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting, noting a correction to Councilperson Rosado Martinez's name. Councilperson Solano seconded the motion, which passed with a unanimous vote of 6 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.

Councilperson Solano motioned to approve the department's Finance Reports, which was seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.

 

b.      A Mayoral Proclamation Proclaiming May 10, 2024, as the Official World Lupus Day in the City of Central Falls

Council president Ferri acknowledge receipt of the Mayoral Proclamation on Lupus Day.

 

c.      Consideration of Appointment to the Board of Canvassers: John V. Marenzana of 396 Roosevelt Ave, Central Falls, with a term to expire on January 4, 2027.

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo represented Mr. Marenzana, providing insights into his election experience, and addressing questions from the Council. Councilperson Solano proposed the approval, seconded by Councilperson Kazarian. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.

 

d.     Consideration of Appointment to the Juvenile Hearing Board: Annette Martinez, of 59 Fales Street, Central Falls, with a term to expire on January 4, 2027.

 

e.      Consideration of Appointment to the Juvenile Hearing Board: Jessica Vega of 407 Pine Street, Apt 4, with a term set to expire on January 4, 2027.

 

Chief of Staff Robert Kermes spoke to the Council representing Ms. Annette Martinez and Ms. Jessica Vega, offering insight into their appointment to the Juvenile Hearing Board. Councilperson Solano proposed a collective vote on the appointment, which Council President Ferri allowed. Councilperson Solano then moved to approve collectively, with Councilperson Baena seconding the motion. The vote passed unanimously, 6 to 0.

 

VI.    New Business

a.      City Council sitting as Board of License Commissioners

                                                              i.      Consideration of petition of License

	License Type		Business Name
	Class BV Liquor New		La Hacienda Restaurant, LLC D/B/A La Hacienda Restaurant 1270 Broad St. Owners: Jose Callajas
	Councilperson Solano motioned for approval, which was seconded by Councilperson Levasseur.  A roll call vote was called as follows: Councilperson Tatiana Baena: Yes Councilperson Kevin Kazarian: Yes Councilperson Levasseur: Yes Council President Pro Temp Franklin Solano: Yes Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez: Yes Council President Robert Ferri: Yes The motion carried 6 to 0.		Under discussion: Mr. Jose Callajas and his partner, Irvin Garcia, fielded questions from the Council. Solicitor Jerzyk also responded to inquiries from the Council regarding the business.
	Entertainment New		Cosmopolitan Inc. D/B/A Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Lounge 494 Dexter Street Owner: Juan C. Rodriguez
	Councilperson Baena motioned for approval, seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez. A roll call vote yielded the following results: Councilperson Tatiana Baena: Yes Councilperson Kevin Kazarian: Yes Councilperson Levasseur: Yes Council President Pro Temp Franklin Solano: Yes Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez: Yes Council President Robert Ferri: Yes The motion carries 6 to 0.		Owner Juan C. Rodriguez, answered questions from the Council regarding his entertainment application.

 

VII.  Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or consideration

                                                              i.      A resolution supporting Governor Daniel J. McKee’s Litter Free Rhode Island Campaign. (Ferri by request)

Council President Ferri spoke to the Council about the resolution, emphasizing its significance and potential impact. Following his remarks, Councilperson Baena moved to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Solano. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.

 

                                                           ii.      A Resolution Authorizing a Loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund for the Development of a Central Falls Sewer Facility Plan

Chief of Staff Robert Kermes took the floor during the Council session to discuss the resolution and its significance. He elaborated on the resolution's importance, highlighting its potential impact and relevance to City. Additionally, Mr. Kermes fielded questions from the Council, providing further clarification and insight into the resolution's objectives and implications. Councilperson Kazarian moved to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Councilperson Levasseur. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.

 

VIII. Adjournment

Councilperson Baena motioned for approval, which was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez. The meeting adjourned at 6:51pm.

 

Approved by City Council on May 20, 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