City of Central Falls

City Council Meeting

Monday January 13, 2025

Second Floor Council Chambers

580 Broad Street,

Central Falls, RI 02863

6:00 p.m.

 

Minutes

 

Council President Ferri, Called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm

 

I.          Roll Call

City Clerk Alberto M. de Burgo conducted the roll call. Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Tatiana Baena, Kevin Kazarian, Alberto Rivas-Lugo, Laurilim Rosado-Martinez, and Council President Robert Ferri. Councilperson Rafael Peguero arrived at 6:10 PM. Councilperson Luz Velez-Garcia was absent.

 

II.        Pledge of Allegiance

              Council President Ferri Led the Council in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

                                                                                                

III.       Public Comment

             None

 

IV.       Approval of Records

a.       Meeting minutes from December 9, 2024, Council Meeting

Council President Ferri asked if any Council members had questions or concerns regarding the minutes. Hearing none, Councilperson Baena moved to approve the minutes, with Councilperson Rosado-Martinez seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

 

V.         Executive Communications

a.        Executive Order 2025-0001: Appointment of Mavy Pineda, as Acting Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Central Falls

Received

 

b.      Consideration of appointment, by Mayor Maria Rivera of Mavy Pineda, 135 Summit Street, Central Falls of as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Central Falls

Robert “RJ” Kermes, Chief of Staff for Mayor Maria Rivera, spoke on behalf of the Mayor’s Office in support of Mavy Pineda’s appointment as Director of Parks and Recreation. RJ provided the Council with insight into Mavy’s experience and dedication to the role. Councilperson Rivas-Lugo expressed his support for Director Pineda, and Councilperson Baena also voiced her endorsement of the appointment. Councilperson Baena moved to approve Mavy Pineda’s appointment as Director of Parks and Recreation, with Councilperson Kazarian seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

 

c.       Consideration of appointment by Mayor Maria Rivera of Mathew “Twig” Largess, of 7395 Post Rd. North Kingston as the Central Falls Tree warden with a term set to expire January 13, 2026.

RJ Kermes, Chief of Staff for Mayor Maria Rivera, presented the Council with an overview of Mathew “Twig” Larges’ reappointment as Tree Warden for Central Falls. Councilperson Baena moved to approve the reappointment, seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes.  The motion was approved unanimously, 5-0.

 

d.      Department Financial Reports- December 2024

                                                        i.      City Clerk’s Office

                                                      ii.      Department of Public Works & Code Enforcement.

                                                    iii.      Fire Department

                                                     iv.      Police Department

J Kermes, Chief of Staff to Mayor Maria Rivera, addressed the Council's questions regarding the Police Department reports. Councilperson Rivas-Lugo moved to approve the department's financial reports, with Councilperson Baena seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

 

VI.       New Business

a.       Central Falls Lead Prevention Program Presentation by Hiedi Silverio, Program Director of Housing & Lead Prevention

Heidi Silverio, Program Director of Housing and Lead Prevention, provided the Council with a detailed report on the City's efforts to address lead mitigation in Central Falls. She also answered questions regarding her department's work to enhance the safety and well-being of residents.

 

b.      City Council sitting as Board of License Commissioners

                                                       v.      Hearing and Consideration of Petition of License

Licenses Type

Business Name

 

Entertainment-Pool Tables                           Vanderly Holding LLC

            New                                                                D/B/A Vanderly Restaurant

                                                                                    765 Broad St.

                                                                                    Central Falls, RI 02863

                                                                                    Contact: Felix Semedo

Owners Ana Goncalves and Felix Semedo addressed the Council regarding their business and answered questions. Councilperson Baena moved to collectively approve the entertainment license and the transfer of the Alcoholic Beverage Class B (Victualling) License from 765 Lounge, LLC D/B/A 765 Lounge to Vanderly Holding, LLC D/B/A Vanderly Restaurant, both located at 765 Broad St., Central Falls. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez and passed unanimously, 6-0.

 

            Entertainment-Pool Tables                           Paradise Lounge, LLC

New                                                                D/B/A Paradise Lounge

                                                                        200 Cross St.

                                                                        Central Falls, RI 02863

                                                                                                Contact: Ana Tavares

 

Ana Tavares of 63 Butler Ave and Attorney Andrew Cagen addressed the Council and answered questions on behalf of business owner Antonio Reverdes. Councilperson Baena moved to collectively approve the entertainment-pool tables license and the transfer of the Alcoholic Beverage Class B (Victualling) License from Salinas Lounge, LLC D/B/A Salinas Lounge, 200 Cross St., Central Falls, to Paradise Lounge, LLC D/B/A Paradise Lounge, 200 Cross St., Central Falls. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rivas-Lugo. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes.  The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

 

 

Class C-Variety                                               Raza Convenience, LLC

Renewal                                                          D/B/A Sunshine Market

                                                                                    118 Washington St

                                                                                    Central Falls, RI 02863

                                                                                    Contact: Raza Liagat

Councilperson Rivas-Lugo made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Councilperson Kazarian. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

 

            Secondhand                                                   Fall River Financial RI, LLC

            Pawn Broker                                                   D/B/A Fall River Pawn Brokers

            Renewal                                                          400 Dexter St.

                                                                                    Central Falls, RI 02863

                                                                                    Contact; Paul Bryant

Councilperson Rivas-Lugo made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.

 

            Constable                                                       Annette Martinez

            Renewal                                                          59 Fales Street

                                                                                    Central Falls, RI 02863

 

            Constable                                                       Charlene Gaffney

            Renewal                                                          160 Illinois St.

                                                                                    Central Falls, RI 02863

 

            Constable                                                       Laura Rivera

            Renewal                                                          99 Rand St.

                                                                                    Central Falls, RI 02863

Councilperson Rivas-Lugo made a motion to approve the constable licenses collectively, which was seconded by Councilperson Kazarian. Council President Ferri requested a roll call vote:  Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes.  The Motion passed 6 to 0 to approve.

           

                                                           

                                                     vi.      Advertising Hearing and Consideration of transfer of Alcoholic Beverage Class B(Victualling) License from Salinas Lounge, LLC D/B/A Salinas Lounge 200 Cross St. Central Falls, to Paradise Lounge, LLC D/B/A Paradise Lounge 200 Cross Street, Central Falls.

Contact: Antonio I. Reverdes.

The transfer of the Alcoholic Beverage Class B (Victualling) License from Salinas Lounge, LLC d/b/a Salinas Lounge, located at 200 Cross St., Central Falls, to Paradise Lounge, LLC d/b/a Paradise Lounge, also located at 200 Cross St., Central Falls, was approved collectively with the entertainment and pool tables license, receiving a unanimous vote of 6 to 0.

                                                  vii.      Advertising Hearing and consideration of transfer of Alcoholic Beverage Class B (Victualling) License from 765 Lounge, LLC D/B/A 765 Lounge, 765 Broad St. Central Falls, to Vanderly Holding, LLC D/B/A Vanderly Restaurant, 765 Broad St., Central Falls.

Contact:  Ana Goncalves & Félix Semedo.

The transfer of the Alcoholic Beverage Class B (Victualling) License from 765 Lounge, LLC d/b/a 765 Lounge, located at 765 Broad St., Central Falls, to Vanderly Holding, LLC d/b/a Vanderly Restaurant, also located at 765 Broad St., Central Falls, was approved collectively with the entertainment and pool tables license, receiving a unanimous vote of 6 to 0.

                                                viii.      Advertising Hearing and consideration of NEW Alcoholic Beverage Class B(limited) License for Mi Pequeno Salvadoreno, Inc. D/B/A Mi Pequeno Salvadoreno, 791 Lonsdale Ave., Central Falls.

Contact: Pedro Acevedo & Dolores Acevedo

Owner Pedro Acevedo addressed the Council about his business and responded to questions. Councilperson Baena made a motion to approve the license, which was seconded by Councilperson Rivas-Lugo. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of 6 to 0 in favor of approval.

 

VII.      Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or Consideration

a.       An Ordinance Regarding Court Sessions of Municipal Court-First Reading (Ferri by request)

Council President Ferri requested City Solicitor Jerzyk provide the Council with background information on the Ordinance. Solicitor Jerzyk delivered a detailed overview and addressed questions from the Council. A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilpersons Rivas-Lugo and Peguero. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes. The motion passed unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0 in favor of approval.

 

 

b.      An Ordinance Requiring the Timeliness of Claims against the City-First Reading (Ferri by Request)

Council President Ferri explained to the Council the necessity of the Ordinance. Councilperson Baena requested clarification from City Solicitor Jerzyk on the Ordinance and emphasized the importance of ensuring proper documentation is included by the city when investigating claims. Major John Carroll of the Central Falls Police Department suggested that including photos with claim documents could help in determining the viability of the claims. A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. Council President Ferri called for a roll call vote: Councilperson Baena voted yes; Councilperson Kazarian voted yes; Councilperson Peguero voted yes; Councilperson Rivas-Lugo voted yes; Councilperson Rosado-Martinez voted yes; Council President Ferri voted yes. The motion passed unanimously with a 6 to 0 vote in favor of approval.

 

VIII.    Adjournment

The motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Baena and Seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez.  The meeting adjourned at 6:56pm

 

Approved by Central Falls City Council: February 10, 2025

 

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