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City of Central Falls

Special City Council Meeting

Monday May 28, 2025

Second Floor Council Chambers

580 Broad Street,

Central Falls, RI 02863

6:00 p.m.

 

Minutes

Posted: May 23, 2025

Time:

 

I.       Roll Call

Council President Pro temp Alberto Rivas-Lugo called the meeting to order at 6:01pm. City Clerk Alberto de Burgo, conducted the roll call, present were Councilperson Kevin Kazarian, Councilperson Rafael Peguero, Councilperson Laurilim Rosado-Martinez.  Councilperson Tatiana Baena arrived at 6:58 pm.  The meeting had a quorum

 

II.     Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Pro-Temp Rivas Lugo led the Council in the pledge of Allegiance

 

III.    Public Comment

None

 

 

IV.    New Business

City Clerk de Burgo requested that President Pro Tempore enter into the record, without objection, a list of questions submitted by Councilperson Baena for the department directors. Clerk de Burgo noted that Councilperson Baena was unable to attend the meeting and wished to have her questions considered in her absence.

 

a.       Discussion with Department Directors regarding FY 26 Proposed Budget

                                                  i.            Law Department

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk appeared before the City Council to deliver a detailed overview of the Law Department and its functions. He explained the organizational structure of his office and described the roles and responsibilities of his staff. Solicitor Jerzyk highlighted several major initiatives currently underway, emphasizing the department's leadership on key legal matters affecting the city. He also spoke about the collaborative role the Law Department plays in supporting other municipal departments and ensuring compliance with local and state laws. Following his presentation, Solicitor Jerzyk responded to questions from Council members, offering additional insight into the department’s goals, challenges, and ongoing work.

 

                                                ii.            Fire Department

Fire Chief Scott Mello appeared before the City Council to provide a detailed presentation on the Fire Department’s current operations and its vision for the future. He began by highlighting several recent accomplishments, including significant investments in new equipment and ongoing improvements to the department’s building infrastructure. Chief Mello underscored the critical importance of ensuring that firefighters have access to modern tools and facilities, as well as the training necessary to effectively serve and protect the community.

 

Following his presentation, Chief Mello participated in a question-and-answer session with Council members, addressing topics such as staffing levels, and departmental priorities. His responses offered a clear picture of the department’s current challenges and its forward-thinking approach to overcoming them.

 

                                              iii.            Police Department

Council President Rivas Lugo, with no objections from the body, requested that Item III on the agenda be taken out of order and addressed at the beginning of the section. Hearing no opposition, the request was approved, and Colonel Roberson, Chief of the Central Falls Police Department, was invited to present to the Council.

 

Colonel Roberson began by providing a comprehensive overview of the Police Department, including its organizational structure, core responsibilities, and operational priorities. He highlighted recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives aimed at improving public safety, strengthening community relationships, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the department. His presentation emphasized a continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and proactive community policing.

 

Following his remarks, Colonel Roberson introduced key members of his command staff, Major John Carroll and Major Christopher Reed. Each Major presented a detailed report to the Council, highlighting the primary focus areas and responsibilities of their respective divisions. They discussed departmental goals and milestones, citing recent successes that demonstrate progress and effectiveness. Their presentations offered valuable insight into the strategic direction and operational performance of their units. After these reports, Colonel Roberson responded to questions from the Council, providing further clarification and elaboration as needed.

 

                                               iv.            Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation Director Mavy Pineda addressed the Council, providing a comprehensive overview of the department’s accomplishments over the past year. She highlighted key projects and initiatives that have increased public engagement. Mavy also shared her vision for the future of the department, emphasizing some of the department goals.

 

Acknowledging the challenges inherent in managing these ambitions with a small team of just two staff members, she candidly discussed the resource constraints and operational hurdles the department currently faces. Despite these limitations, Mavy expressed optimism and determination to continue delivering impactful services to the residents of Central Falls.

 

Following her presentation, Mavy invited questions from the Council and responded thoughtfully, addressing concerns and offering additional insights into how the department plans to overcome obstacles and pursue its mission moving forward.

 

                                                 v.            City Clerk

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo addressed the Council with a detailed presentation highlighting the department’s milestone accomplishments achieved throughout 2025. He provided an in-depth review of key initiatives, process improvements, and successful projects that have contributed to enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the City Clerk’s Office. Building on this foundation, Alberto offered further insight into the department’s strategic goals and objectives for 2026, outlining plans to advance service delivery, modernize record-keeping systems, and strengthen community engagement. His presentation underscored a continued commitment to supporting the city’s administrative functions with professionalism and innovation.  Following his presentation, City Clerk de Burgo proceeded to respond to questions from the Council.

 

                                               vi.            Mayor’s Office

Robert “RJ” Kermes, Chief of Staff to Mayor Maria Rivera, addressed the Council with a comprehensive overview of his department’s role and responsibilities within the city government. He detailed the key functions and initiatives his office manages, including coordinating interdepartmental efforts, supporting the Mayor’s strategic priorities, and facilitating communication between city leadership and the community.

 

V.      Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Kazarian and Seconded by Councilpersons Peguero and Baena.  The meeting adjourned at 7:25pm.

 

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