City of Central Falls

Special City Council Meeting

Monday May 19, 2025

Second Floor Council Chambers

580 Broad Street,

Central Falls, RI 02863

6:00 p.m.

 

Minutes

Posted: 05/15/2025

Time: 10:26 am

 

I.      Roll Call

Council President Robert Ferri called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. City Clerk Alberto de Burgo conducted the roll call. Present were Councilperson Tatiana Baena, Councilperson Rafael Peguero, and Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas-Lugo. Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez arrived at 6:18 p.m., and Councilperson Kevin Kazarian was absent. A quorum was established.

 

II.    Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Ferri led the Council in the pledge of Allegiance

 

III.   Public Comment

None

 

IV.   New Business

a.       Discussion with Department Directors regarding FY 26 Proposed Budget

                                                              i.      Finance Department

Finance Director Mary Signer addressed the Council with a comprehensive overview of the proposed budget, highlighting key allocations, revenue projections, and areas of financial focus for the upcoming fiscal year. In her presentation, Ms. Signer also reviewed her department’s recent accomplishments and outlined strategic goals for the coming year.

 

Following her presentation, Ms. Signer responded to a series of questions from Council members. These inquiries focused on specific line items within the budget, departmental expenditures, and projections for future funding. She provided clarification on various financial details and offered insight into how her department plans to support the city’s long-term financial stability.

 

                                                            ii.      Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement

Tony Viera, Director of Public Works and Code Enforcement, appeared before the Council to deliver a detailed presentation on behalf of his department. He began by outlining several of the department’s recent accomplishments, emphasizing progress in areas such as infrastructure maintenance, code compliance, and service delivery. Director Viera then discussed his strategic vision for the upcoming year, which includes plans to modernize departmental technology, streamline operations, and implement new protocols and procedures designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness to community needs.

 

Following his presentation, Director Viera engaged with Council members during a question-and-answer session. He provided thoughtful responses to inquiries about the department’s ability to meet service demands. His remarks underscored a commitment to continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving in support of the city’s overall goals.

 

                                                          iii.      Human Resources

Human Resources Director Joshua Hernandez addressed the Council with a detailed overview of his department’s functions, recent progress, and strategic outlook. He began by highlighting key accomplishments from 2025, which included improvements in employee recruitment and onboarding processes, the implementation of new staff training initiatives, and efforts to enhance workplace culture and employee engagement across all departments.

Director Hernandez then outlined his vision and goals for the 2026 fiscal year, emphasizing a continued focus on building a more efficient, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

Following his presentation, Director Hernandez engaged in a question-and-answer session with Council members. His remarks reflected a clear commitment to modernizing human resources practices and aligning them with the city’s broader goals for organizational excellence and service delivery.

 

                                                           iv.      Planning Department

Planning and Economic Development Director James Vandermillen appeared before the Council to provide a comprehensive update on the operations, recent accomplishments, and forward-looking strategies of his department. He began by outlining the department’s core responsibilities, emphasizing its role in shaping sustainable growth, fostering economic opportunity, and guiding land use and infrastructure planning throughout the city.

 

One of the central highlights of his presentation was the successful completion of the City’s Comprehensive Plan in 2025—a major milestone that serves as a blueprint for long-term development and community investment. Director Vandermillen detailed how the plan was shaped through extensive public input, interdepartmental collaboration, and a data-driven approach to address housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, and economic development.  Following his remarks, Director Vandermillen participated in a robust question-and-answer session with Council members.

 

                                                             v.      Office of Constituent Services /Health

Zuleyma Gomez, Director of Constituent Services and Health, provided the City Council with a comprehensive update on her department’s achievements over the past year. During her presentation, she highlighted several key accomplishments and outlined strategic goals for the year ahead. Ms. Gomez emphasized the positive impact her office has had on the community, particularly in improving access to vital health and social services. She also shared data illustrating the department’s reach, including the number of residents served and the types of assistance provided. Her presentation offered both a reflection on the department’s progress and a clear vision for continued service and growth. Following her remarks, Ms. Gomez engaged with Councilmembers in a Q&A session, responding to their inquiries and offering additional context where needed.

 

V.     Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Baena and Seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez.  The meeting adjourned at 7:24 pm.

 

 

Approved by Central Falls City Council: June 2, 2025

 

 

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