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City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Monday December 8, 2025
Second Floor Council Chambers
580 Broad Street,
Central Falls, RI 02863
6:00 p.m.
Date Posted: 12/04/2025
Time Poste: 1:45 pm
Minutes
Council President Pro Temp Alberto Rivas-Lugo opened the meeting at 6:00 pm.
I. Roll Call
Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas-Lugo requested that City Clerk Alberto de Burgo conduct the roll call.
Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Tatiana Baena, Kevin Kazarian, Rafel Peguero, Laurilim Rosado Martinez, Anthony Solano, and Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas-Lugo.
Council President Robert Ferri was absent from the meeting.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Pro temp Rivas led the pledge of allegiance
III. Public Comment
Franklin Solano addressed the Council to voice his support for a proposed Charter change to extend the term limits for the City Council and Mayor.
Sgt. Nick DiCarlo of the Police Department addressed the Council and stated that the Police Union supports the proposed Charter change to extend the term limits for the City Council and Mayor.
Dr. Sara Friedman, Chief Education Strategy Officer, addressed the Council to express her support for a proposed Charter change that would increase the term limits for the Mayor and the City Council.
Stephanie Estrada addressed the Council to express her support for the proposed Charter change to extend the term limits for the Mayor and the City Council.
Dominga Menchu addressed the Council and voiced her support for the proposed Charter changes extending the term limits for the Mayor and the City Council.
Alido Baldera, Addressed the Council and voiced his support of the proposed charter change that would extend term limits for the City Council and the Mayor.
Carla Hernandez addressed the Council and expressed her support for the proposed Charter change to extend the term limits for the City Council and the Mayor.
Tia Ristano-Siegel addressed the Council her concerns regarding the proposed Charter changes. And Spoke against the proposed charter change to extend the term limits.
Olivia Heucu spoke in support of a charter change that would extend the term limits for the City Council and the Mayor.
Odilia Calderon addressed the City Council to express her support for proposed charter changes that would extend term limits for both the City Council and the Mayor.
Joshua Hernandez addressed the City Council to voice his support for extending term limits for the Mayor and the City Council.
Diana Figueroa addressed the City Council to express her concerns and stated her opposition to the proposed charter change regarding term limits. She also requested that a petition signed by 41 residents opposing the change be entered into the record.
Angelo Marin addressed the City Council and voiced his opposition to the proposed charter changes that would extend term limits for the City Council and the Mayor.
Cristian Tabares addressed the City Council and voiced his support for extending term limits for the City Council and the Mayor.
Walter Rodriguez addressed the City Council and stated his support for the proposed charter change to extend term limits for the Mayor and the City Council.
IV. Approval of Records
a. Meeting minutes of November 10, 2025, City Council Meeting
The Council may vote on this item
A motion to approve the minutes was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
V. Executive Communications
a. Consideration and possible action to amend the previous appointment of Ann Peckham, of 149 Perry St, Central Falls, RI 02863, recognizing that she served a one-year term, and to reappoint her for a five-year term to the Central Falls Combined Planning and Zoning Board, to expire on January 1, 2031.
Lorraine Quintero, Chief of Staff to Mayor Maria Rivera, provided the City Council with background information regarding the reappointment of Ms. Ann Peckham. Following Ms. Quintero’s remarks, Ms. Peckham addressed the Council and responded to questions. A motion to approve Ms. Peckham’s reappointment was made by Councilperson Solano and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
b. Consideration of appointment, by Mayor Maria Rivera of Jerson Vargas, Central Falls, RI 02863 to the Central Falls Redevelopment Agency Board with a term set to expire on January 1, 2031
Lorraine Quintero, Chief of Staff to Mayor Maria Rivera, provided the City Council with background information regarding Mr. Jerson Vargas. Mr. Vargas then addressed the City Council and responded to questions from the Council. A motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Jerson Vargas to the Central Falls Redevelopment Agency Board was made by Councilperson Kazarian and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The Motion passed unanimously 6-0.
c. Department Financial Reports- September November 2025
i. City Clerk’s Office
ii. Department of Public Works & Code Enforcement.
iii. Fire Department
iv. Police Department
City Clerk Alberto de Burgo addressed the City Council and clarified that the financial statements presented were for November, not September. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Councilperson Solano and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
VI. New Business
a. City Council sitting as Board of License Commissioners
i. Advertised hearing and/or consideration of 2025-2026 liquor license renewals
| Business Name | Address | License Type |
| Vanderley Restaurant | 765 Broad Street | Class b Liquor Entertainment |
The Council may vote on these items
A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
ii. Hearing and/or consideration of 2025-2026 Business Renewals
| Business Name | Address | License Type |
| La Reina de las Pupusas | 48 Cross Street | Class A Restaurant |
The Council may vote on these items
A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Rosado Martinez and seconded by Councilperson Baena. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
iii. Hearing and/or consideration of Tax Abatement Submitted by the Tax Assessor
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information | Reason |
| AMBA Capital Group, Inc | 2025 | 386-388 Central St. | Incorrect bedroom count in 4 units |
| AMBA Capital Group, Inc | 2025 | 42 Cowden St. | Incorrect bedroom count in 4 units |
| Wec, Daniel | 2025 | 573-575 High St. | The board of appeals found that the taxpayer provided evidence showing that his property was valued in excess of market. |
| New Leaf Realty, LLC | 2025 | 309 Broad St. | After a thorough review of the properties lease agreement, it was found that the income approach was using a higher rent than the property justifies, this change brings the rent and expenses into line. |
The Council may vote on these items
Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a motion to vote on the abatements collectively. Councilperson Rosado Martinez made the motion to vote collectively, which was seconded by Councilperson Solano. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
A motion to approve the abatements collectively was made by Councilperson Rosado Martinez and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.
b. Petition to the Central Falls City Council
i. The Cosmopolitan inc., 494 Dexter Street, Central Falls, RI
D/B/A Cosmopolitan
Request: Extended hours for New Years Eve.
Tabled by City Council on 10/15/2025 Council Meeting
The Council may vote on this item
Owner Walter Rodriguez petitioned the City Council for permission to extend his business hours on New Year’s Eve. During discussion, Deputy Fire Chief Petrin spoke against granting the request, citing recent capacity violations. Additionally, Major John Carroll of the Central Falls Police Department expressed concerns regarding the additional strain on his department. Both Deputy Petrin and Major Carroll responded to questions from the Council, and Mr. Rodriguez addressed their concerns.
A motion to approve extending the hours until 2:00 a.m. was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez. Councilperson Kazarian voted against the extension. The motion passed by a vote of 5–1.
ii. Nathanel Lopez, 855 Broad Street
D/B/A La Setenta Bar & Grill, 855 Broad Street
Request: 1.5-month extension on license renewal while renovating business
The Council may vote on this item
Mr. Lopez requested an extension of his license, citing that renovations to his business were not yet complete. A motion to grant the extension was made by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
VII. Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or Consideration
a. Resolution Authorizing the Following Four Amendments to the Home Rule Charter Rule Charter to Appear on the November 3, 2026, General Election Ballot (Council President Ferri by request)
i. Ballot Questions:
1. Shall section 3-400 of the Charter be amended to remove the loophole allowing a Mayor to serve 8 years, sit out a term and then serve another 8 years in perpetuity and set a lifetime limit of 12 years for service as Mayor?
2. Shall section 2-100 of the Charter be amended to remove the loophole allowing a City Council member to serve 8 years, sit out a term and then serve another 8 years in perpetuity and set a lifetime limit of 12 years for service as a City Council member?
3. Shall sections 8-100, 300 and 301 of the Charter be amended to remove ambiguity and ensure that all city elected officials and officers are in compliance with all city and state ethics laws?
4. Shall section 4-700 of the Charter be amended to permit the Mayor to appoint a candidate for the position of police or fire chief with the approval of a majority of members of the council?
The Council may vote on this item
The Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas -Lugo requested, without objection, to move this item from Item VII to Item III on the agenda. Hearing no objection, the item was so moved.
The Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo opened the public hearing. Ms. Barbara Silvis, a member of the Charter Review Commission, addressed the Council regarding the proposed Charter amendments and provided background information. Ms. Silvis responded to questions from the Council. City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk also addressed questions and provided legal clarification.
Councilperson Baena offered comments regarding certain ballot questions and moved to amend Ballot Questions 1 and 2 of the resolution. The motion failed for lack of a second.
A motion to approve the resolution as presented was made by Councilperson Kazarian and seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez.
The Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — No
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martinez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed, 5–1.
b. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Lease Agreement for On-Site Solar Energy Facilities at the new Central Falls High School and Dr. Earl F. Calcutt Middle School (Council President Ferri, by request)
The Council may vote on this item
City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk addressed the City Council, providing context regarding the resolution and responding to questions from the Council. A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Kazarian and seconded by Councilperson Solano.
The Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
c. A Resolution in Support of Pawtucket Central Falls Development (PCFD) on their development plan for 342 High Street & 352 Roosevelt Avenue in Central Falls, RI (Councilperson Rivas)
The Council may vote on this item
Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo provided background information regarding the resolution and responded to questions from the Council. A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Peguero and seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez.
Councilperson Kazarian recused himself from discussion and voting on this matter.
The Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
· Baena — Yes
· Peguero — Yes
· Rosado-Martínez — Yes
· Solano — Yes
· Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 5–0.
d. Ordinance Relating to Noxious Vegetation and Poison Ivy as a Public Nuisance-First Reading (Councilperson Baena)
The Council may vote on this item
Councilperson Baena addressed the Council offering some context and information regarding the Ordinance she sponsored. A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Peguero and Seconded by Councilperson Rosado Marintez. The Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
e. Ordinance Amending Central Falls Zoning Ordinance -School R 3-Adopted 10-15-2025-SubA-First Reading (Council President Ferri by request)
The Council may vote on this item
Jim Vandermillen Director of Planning and Economic Development addressed the Council regarding Ordinance and fielded questions from the Council. A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Kazarian and Seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk requested that the Council President open the public meeting. Solicitor Jerzyk then asked Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo to entertain a motion to reconsider the vote on the Ordinance.
A motion to reconsider was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Solano. The motion passed 6–0.
Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo opened the public hearing. Director Vandermillen summarized the Ordinance for the Council. Following the summary, Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo closed the public hearing and entertained a motion to approve the Ordinance.
Councilperson Solano made the motion, which was seconded by Councilperson Peguero. Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
f. Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Parking Requirements-Second Reading (Council President Ferri & Councilperson Baena by request)
The Council may vote on this item
Council President Pro tempore Rivas Lugo asked for a motion to approve. Councilperson baena made the motion to approve seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez. Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
g. Ordinance Amending FY 2026 Annual Operating Budget Ordinance-Sub A-Second Reading (Council President Ferri by Request)
The Council may vote on this item
Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo asked whether there was any discussion. Hearing none, he entertained a motion to approve. Councilperson Peguero made the motion, which was seconded by Councilperson Solano. Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo then called for a roll call vote:
· Baena — Yes
· Kazarian — Yes
· Peguero — Yes
· Rosado-Martínez — Yes
· Solano — Yes
· Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
h. Ordinance Amending the Ordinance SUB A pertaining to Salaries of Department Heads & Other in Unclassified Service -Second Reading (Council President Ferri by Request)
The City Council may vote on this item
Councilperson Rosado-Martinez made a motion to approve seconded by Councilperson Solano. Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo then called for a roll call vote:
• Baena — Yes
• Kazarian — Yes
• Peguero — Yes
• Rosado-Martínez — Yes
• Solano — Yes
• Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
VIII. Hearing and/or Consideration of Claims
a. Thomas Lazieh
Central Falls, RI 02863
Claim: Reimbursement on Homestead Taxes
Claim Amount: $720.00
The Council may vote on this item
Mr. Thomas Lazieh presented his claim to the City Council and responded to questions. City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk addressed the Council, provided context regarding the claim, and advised the Council to approve it.
A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo then called for a roll call vote:
· Baena — Yes
· Kazarian — Yes
· Peguero — Yes
· Rosado-Martínez — Yes
· Solano — Yes
· Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
b. Rolando Sequeira
Central Falls, RI 02863
Claim: Well-being Check damage to three doors.
Claim Cost: $1,500.00-$2,000.00
The Council may vote on this item
Mr. Rolando Sequeira addressed the Council and provided his account leading to the claim. Central Falls Police Major John Carroll responded to questions and offered his account of the incident. City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk provided his legal opinion regarding the law governing well-being checks.
Councilperson Solano suggested that the Council approve the claim in the amount of $1,500 rather than $2,000. A motion to approve a claim payment of $1,500 was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Solano.
Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo then called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
c. Romel Exama
Providence, RI 02909
Claim: Pothole damage
Claim Amount: 500.00
The Council may vote on this item
Mr. Exama presented his claim for pothole-related damage to his vehicle. The Council informed him that the maximum pothole damage coverage offered by the City is $300.00.
A motion to approve the claim was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martínez. Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo then called for a roll call vote:
- Baena — Yes
- Kazarian — Yes
- Peguero — Yes
- Rosado-Martínez — Yes
- Solano — Yes
- Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo — Yes
The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
IX. Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Kazarian and seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martínez. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Approved by the City Council on January 12, 2026 Council Meeting.
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