I.       Roll Call

Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas-Lugo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Councilpersons Tatiana Baena, Kevin Kazarian, Rafael Peguero, Anthony Solano, and Laurilim Rosado-Martinez arrived at 6:10pm. Council President Ferri was absent.

II.     Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas Lugo led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance

III.    Public Comment

None

IV.    Approval of Records

a.   Meeting minutes of March 9, 2026, City Council Meeting

The Council may vote on this item

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo inquired whether members of the Council had reviewed the minutes and whether there were any questions, corrections, or concerns.

Councilperson Baena requested that the minutes be amended to reflect comments made during Public Comment pertaining to the resolutions, as well as to correct language pertaining to the Municipal Court Ordinance.

Councilperson Baena moved to amend the minutes as stated. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

Upon vote, the motion to amend passed by a vote of 5–0.

Councilperson Baena then moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Solano.

Upon vote, the motion to approve the minutes as amended passed by a vote of 5–0

V.      Executive Communications

a.   A Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Central Falls Proclaiming April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Central Falls

Received

b.   Consideration of appointment by Mayor Maria Rivera of Manny Silva of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to the Central Falls the Youth Opportunity Council with a term set to expire April 1, 2029.

The Council may vote on this item

Chief of Staff Lorraine Quintero provided the Council with background information regarding Mr. Manny Silva.

Mr. Silva then addressed the Council concerning his experience and responded to questions from members of the Council.

Councilperson Peguero moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Solano.

Upon vote, the motion passed by a vote of 5–0.

c.   Consideration of appointment by Mayor Maria Rivera of Eugene Monteiro of Lincoln, Rhode Island, to the Central Falls the Youth Opportunity Council with a term set to expire April 1, 2029.

The Council may vote on this item

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo acknowledged the arrival of Councilperson Laurilim Rosado Martinez at 6:10 p.m.

Chief of Staff Lorraine Quintero provided the Council with background information regarding Mr. Eugene Monteiro.

Mr. Monteiro then addressed the Council concerning his experience and responded to questions from members of the Council.

Councilperson Solano moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez.

Upon vote, the motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

d.   Consideration of appointment by Mayor Maria Rivera of Dominga Taveras of Central Falls, Rhode Island to the Central Falls the Youth Opportunity Council with a term set to expire April 1, 2028.

The Council may vote on this item

Chief of Staff Lorraine Quintero provided the Council with background information regarding Ms. Dominga Taveras.

Ms. Taveras then addressed the Council concerning her experience and responded to questions from Councilpersons Rosado Martinez and Baena.

Councilperson Rosado Martinez moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Solano.

Upon vote, the motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

e.   Consideration of appointment by Mayor Maria Rivera of Candy Vicente of Providence, Rhode Island to the Central Falls the Youth Opportunity Council with a term set to expire April 1, 2029.

The Council may vote on this item

Chief of Staff Lorraine Quintero provided the Council with background information regarding Ms. Candy Vicente.

Ms. Vicente addressed the Council concerning her experience and responded to questions from Councilperson Baena.

Councilperson Kazarian moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

f.    Consideration of appointment by Mayor Maria Rivera of Emily Flores of Central Falls, to the Central Falls the Youth Opportunity Council with a term set to expire April 1, 2027.

The Council may vote on this item

Chief of Staff Lorraine Quintero provided the Council with background information regarding Ms. Emily Flores.

Ms. Flores addressed the Council concerning her experience and responded to questions from Councilperson Baena.

Councilperson Rosado Martinez moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

g.   Department Financial Reports- March 2026

i.    City Clerk’s Office

ii.   Department of Public Works & Code Enforcement.

iii.  Fire Department

iv.  Police Department

Received

VI.    New Business

a.   Public Hearing pertaining to Central Falls Police Department 2024 application for JAG/Byrne Grant funds

Major John Carroll of the Central Falls Police Department provided the Council with an overview of the grant.

Councilperson Baena posed questions regarding the JAG Grant, which Major Carroll addressed.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo opened the public hearing. No individuals signed up to speak. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed.

b.   City Council sitting as Board of License Commissioners

i.    Hearing and Consideration of Petition of License

The Council may vote on this item

Ms. Maria Lopes addressed the Council and responded to questions from members of the Council.

The Council requested clarification regarding the parade license from City Clerk Alberto DeBurgo, who provided the requested information.

Councilperson Rosado Martinez moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

Upon vote, the motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

ii.   Petition to the Central Falls City Council

1.    Jose Lima D/B/A Lima’s Place

499 High Street

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: asking for an extension on the license

The Council may vote on this item

Mr. Jose Lima appeared before the Council to request an extension of his liquor license. Mr. Lima responded to questions posed by the Council and requested an additional two (2) months, or sixty (60) days.

A motion to approve the requested extension was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Solano. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 6–0.

2.   Giovani Carmona D/B/A YPR Properties, LLC

63 Hadwin St.

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: asking for an extension on the license

The Council may vote on these items

Mr. Giovani Carmona appeared before the Council seeking an extension of his liquor license. He responded to questions from the Council and requested an additional two (2) months, or sixty (60) days.

A motion to approve the extension was made by Councilperson Baena and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 6–0.

VII.   Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or Consideration

a.   Resolution Honoring Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026) (Councilperson Baena)

The Council may vote on this item

Councilperson Baena provided an overview of the resolution and explained its significance in recognizing Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 20–24, 2026.

Councilperson Solano moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

b.   Resolution Recognizing Earth Day (April 22, 2026) (Councilperson Baena)

The Council may vote on this item

Councilperson Baena provided an overview of the resolution and explained its significance in recognizing Earth Day (April 22, 2026).

Councilperson Rosado Martinez moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

c.   Resolution Recognizing National Volunteer Month (April 2026) (Councilperson Baena)

The Council may vote on this item

Councilperson Baena provided an overview of the resolution and explained its significance in recognizing National Volunteer Month (April 2026).

Councilperson Rosado Martinez moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Solano.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

d.   Resolution Recognizing Financial Literacy Month (April 2026) (Councilperson Baena)

The Council may vote on this item

Councilperson Baena provided an overview of the resolution and explained its significance in recognizing National Volunteer Month (April 2026).

Councilperson Peguero moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

e.   Resolution Honoring National Minority Health Month (April 2026) (Councilperson Baena)

The Council may vote on this item

Councilperson Baena presented an overview of the resolution and explained its significance in recognition of National Minority Health Month (April 2026).

Councilperson Rosado Martinez moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Solano.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

f.    Resolution In Support of Recycling Reform Legislation H7911 and S3012 (Councilperson Ferri by request)

The Council may vote on this item

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk provided the Council with context regarding the Resolution in Support of Recycling Reform Legislation H7911 and S3012. He responded to questions posed by Councilperson Baena pertaining to the resolution.

Councilperson Solano moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

g.   Resolution in Support of the 2026 Central Falls Legislative Agenda (House Bill Nos. 8300,7461, 7454 and Local Control Bill) (Senate Bill Nos. 3087,2087,2226, and Local Control Bill) (Councilperson Ferri by request)

The Council may vote on this item

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk provided the Council with context regarding the Resolution in Support of the 2026 Central Falls Legislative Agenda, including House Bill Nos. 8300, 7461, 7454, and the Local Control Bill, as well as Senate Bill Nos. 3087, 2087, 2226, and the Local Control Bill. Solicitor Jerzyk requested that the resolution be amended to include House Bill No. 8429.

Councilperson Kazarian moved to amend the resolution to add H8429. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Baena.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative. The motion to amend passed by a vote of 6–0.

Solicitor Jerzyk then responded to questions posed by Councilperson Baena regarding the resolution.

Councilperson Kazarian moved to approve the resolution as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

h.   Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Building and Building Regulations, article III, Flood Prevention, Section 10-243, Applicability. Introduction (Councilperson Kazarian by request)

The Council may vote on this item

Introduced

i.    An Ordinance Regarding Appeals of the Municipal Housing Court-Second Reading (Councilperson Rivas Lugo by request)

The Council may vote on this item

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo opened the public hearing. No individuals signed up to speak. There being no public comment, the public hearing was closed.

Councilperson Solano moved to approve the matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez.

Council President Pro Tempore Rivas-Lugo requested a roll call vote. Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian, Peguero, Rosado Martinez, Solano, and Rivas-Lugo voted in the affirmative.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

VIII. Hearing and/or Consideration of Claims:

a.   Nicaury Nunez

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: Pothole Damage

Amount: $574.82

The Council may vote on this item

Ms. Nunez recounted the incident for the Council.

Councilperson Rosado Martinez requested clarification from the City Solicitor regarding responsibility for the upkeep of Lonsdale Avenue. City Solicitor Jerzyk explained that Lonsdale Avenue is a municipal roadway and not a state road; therefore, maintenance responsibility rests with the City.

Councilperson Kazarian moved to approve reimbursement in the amount of up to $300.00. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Baena.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

b.   Isaiah Foslay

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason; Pothole Damage

Amount: $407.00

The Council may vote on this item

Mr. Foskey recounted the incident for the Council.

Councilperson Solano moved to approve reimbursement in the amount of up to $300.00. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

c.   Ian Rourke

Cumberland, RI 02864

Reason: Pothole Damage

Amount: $189.72

The Council may vote on this item

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo requested that the Council President bundle Items C, D, and F for the purpose of tabling them until the next meeting.

Councilperson Baena moved to table the matters. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

d.   Keith Keenan

Pawtucket, RI 02860

Reason: Pothole Damage

Amount: $173.51

The Council may vote on this item

Tabled

e.   Joshua Reyes

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: Pothole Damage

Amount: $1,691.84

The Council may vote on this item

Mr. Reyes provided the Council with a recount of the incident.

Councilperson Baena moved to authorize reimbursement in an amount not to exceed $300.00. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

f.    Barbare O’Neil

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: Pothole Damage

Amount: $1,480.00

The Council may vote on this item

Tabled

g.   Hollie Silveira

Providence, RI 02903

Reason: Slip and fall on sidewalk

Amount: Unknown

The Council may vote on this item

City Solicitor Matthew Jerzyk informed the Council that this claim, along with other non-pothole-related claims, should be referred to the Trust.

Council President Pro Temp Rivas Lugo then asked, without objection, that the Council approve the bundling of the following claims for referral to the Trust:

·         Hollie Silveira

·         Vasileios Dougkas

·         Michele Elgar

·         Irene Gonzalez

Councilperson Baena made a motion to approve the bundled referral, which was seconded by Councilperson Rosado Martinez.

The motion passed by a vote of 6–0.

h.   Vasileios Dougkas

Attleboro, MA 02703

Reason: Slip and fall on sidewalk

Amount: Unknown

The Council may vote on this item

Referred to the Trust

i.    Michele Elgar

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: Collision with City plow

Amount: Unknown

The Council may vote on this item

Referred to the Trust

j.    Irene Gonzalez Crus

Central Falls, RI 02863

Reason: Slip and falls

Amount: Unknown

The Council may vote on this item

Referred to the Trust

k.   Ligia Rodrigues Silva

North Providence, RI 02904

Reason: City plow hit parked car

Amount: Unknown

The Council may vote on this item

Solicitor Jerzyk requested that the Council continue consideration of this claim to the next meeting.

A motion to table the matter was made by Councilperson Solano and seconded by Councilperson Baena.

The motion passed unanimously.

IX.    Adjournment

Councilperson Baena took a moment to convey a constituent’s appreciation to Colonel Robinson and the Central Falls Police Department for the outstanding work they continue to do within the community.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Peguero and seconded by Councilperson Solano.  The meeting adjourned at 7:12pm

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)