I. Roll Call

Council President Robert Ferri called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Attendees included Councilpersons Kevin Kazarian, Meaghan Levasseur, Rafael Peguero, Franklin Solano, and Laurilim Rosado Martinez. Councilperson Tatiana Baena was absent.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

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

III. Public Comment

none

IV. Approval of Records

a. Meeting minutes from May 13, 2024, Special Council Meeting

b. Meeting Minutes from May 13, 2024, Council Meeting

Council President Ferri requested a motion to approve the minutes collectively. Councilperson Rosado Martinez proposed the motion, which was seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed with a vote of five to zero. Councilperson Solano had left the chamber before the vote and returned soon after.

V. New Business

a. Discussion with Department Directors regarding FY 25Proposed Budget

City Clerk Alberto De Burgo requested that questions submitted by Councilperson Baena be entered into the record without objection. Council President Ferri entered Councilperson Baena's questions into the record with no objections from the Council.

i. Mayor’s Office

Chief of Staff Robert “RJ” Kermes presented to the Council on behalf of the Mayor's Office and answered questions from the Council.

ii. Human Resources

Human Resource Director Ana Urena provided the Council with an overview of her budget, highlighting the goals and accomplishments of the HR department. She also answered questions from the Council.

iii. City Clerk’s Office

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo addressed the Council, providing an overview of his department and presenting the fiscal year 2025 goals and objectives for the City Clerk’s Office.

iv. City Solicitor

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk answered questions from the Council, provided an overview of his department's budget, and outlined the accomplishments and goals achieved by the Law Department.

VI. Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or consideration

i. A resolution in support of HB-8047 & SB-2864 to provide $4,000,000 for Out of School Time Learning - (Introduced by Councilperson Baena)

City Solicitor Jerzyk addressed the Council and answered questions regarding the resolution and its significance. Council President Ferri called for a motion to approve. Councilperson Solano made the motion, seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

ii. A resolution in support HB-7036 and SB-2321 to create new Categorical Funding for Civics Education- (Introduced by Councilperson Ferri)

Council President Ferri led the discussion, explaining the resolution and its significance. Solicitor Jerzyk provided further insight into the resolution and its implications. Council President Ferri then called for a motion to approve. Councilperson Rosado Martinez made the motion, seconded by Councilperson Solano. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

iii. Amendment to the Central Falls Zoning Ordinance creating the New OSRAM Mixed Use Special Overlay District-First Reading (Ferri by Request)

Jim Vandermillen, Planning Director for the City of Central Falls, fielded questions from the Council and provided an in-depth explanation of the ordinance and its significance. Mr. Vandermillen also requested that supporting documents be entered into the record. Council President Ferri called for a motion to approve. Councilperson Kazarian made the motion, seconded by Councilperson Peguero. During the roll call vote, Councilpersons Kevin Kazarian, Meaghan Levasseur, Rafael Peguero, Franklin Solano, Laurilim Rosado Martinez, and Council President Ferri all voted yes. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

VII. Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was proposed by Councilperson Kazarian and seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Approved by City Council May 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/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