City of Central Falls

Special City Council Meeting

580 Broad Street

Central Falls, RI 02863

Thursday, May 21, 2026

5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

       I.            Roll Call

Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas-Lugo called the meeting to order at 5:42 p.m. Present were Kevin Kazarian, Rafael Peguero, Laurilim Rosado-Martinez , and Anthony Solano .Council President Ferri and Councilpersons Tatiana Baena were absent.

 

     II.            Pledge of Allegiance

Councilperson Rivas Lugo led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

  III.            Public Comment

None

 

   IV.            New Business

 

a.       City Council sitting as Board of License Commissioners

Hearing and Consideration of Petition of License

License Type		Business Name
Sidewalk New		765 Taqueria Lounge D/B/A Vanderley Restaurant 765 Broad Street Central Falls, RI Owners: Ana Goncalves/Felix Semedo

Ms. Ana Goncalves addressed the Council and answered questions regarding concerns raised by the Council.

Jim Vandermellin, Planning Director, addressed the Council and answered questions related to zoning in the business area.

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo offered insight into the application and noted that the Zoning Official had signed off on the plans.

A motion to approve was made by Councilperson Rosado Martinez and seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.

b.      Discussion with Department Directors Regarding FY 27 Proposed Budget

                                                              i.      Finance Office

Mary Singer addressed the Council and provided a detailed overview of the City budget. She outlined key financial priorities, current fiscal conditions, and highlighted recent trends affecting departmental spending and revenue projections.

She answered questions from Council members regarding specific line items and departmental allocations, as well as anticipated challenges in the upcoming fiscal cycle.

Ms. Singer also presented information on the Finance Department’s accomplishments, including improvements in budget tracking and reporting processes, and discussed ongoing and future goals aimed at strengthening fiscal management, increasing transparency, and ensuring continued financial stability for the City.

                                                            ii.      Planning Department

Jim Vandermeulen, Planning and Economic Development Director, addressed the Council regarding his department. He also reviewed the department’s key goals, including ongoing economic development initiatives, planning efforts, and strategies aimed at supporting local business growth and infrastructure improvement.

Mr. Vandermeulen highlighted several departmental accomplishments, including progress on active development projects, improvements in permitting and planning processes, and continued coordination with other City departments and external partners.

He responded to questions from Council members regarding specific projects within the City, providing updates on project status, timelines, and anticipated next steps.

                                                          iii.      Police Department

Colonel Anthony Robinson, Central Falls Police Chief, addressed the Council and provided an overview of the Police Department’s accomplishments and awards. He highlighted departmental achievements, including recognition received for service, community engagement, and operational effectiveness.

Chief Robinson answered questions from Council members regarding departmental operations, staffing, and public safety initiatives and provided additional context on ongoing efforts within the department.

                                                           iv.      Human Resource Office

Human Resources Director Nelly Hoffen-Vargas presented to the Council an overview of the Human Resources Department’s accomplishments over the past year. She highlighted key initiatives, including updates to personnel processes, employee support services, recruitment efforts, and ongoing improvements to internal HR procedures.

Ms. Hoffen-Vargas also outlined the department’s goals for the upcoming year, with a focus on continued strengthening workforce development, and enhancing employee engagement and retention strategies.

She answered questions from Council members regarding departmental operations, staffing needs, and planned initiatives for the year ahead.

 

                                                             v.      City Clerk’s Office

City Clerk Alberto de Burgo addressed the Council and answered questions regarding the Clerk’s Office role as a support hub for other City departments. He explained how the office coordinates administrative functions, recordkeeping, and procedural support across departments.

He also outlined the department’s goals and accomplishments, including ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, maintain accurate public records, and strengthen service delivery. Mr. de Burgo emphasized the continued commitment of the office to serving the public as a primary, public-facing department of City government.

 

     V.            Schedule of Bills-Hearing and/or consideration

A motion was made by Councilperson Rosado-Martinez to table the ordinances as a bundle until the June 1, 2026 Special City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

 

The motion passed by a vote of 5–0.

 

a)      FY 2027 Annual Operating Budget Ordinance-General Fund (Ferri, by request)-First Reading

 

b)     Ordinance Pertaining to the Salaries of Department Heads and Others in Unclassified Service (Ferri by request)-First Reading

 

c)      Ordinance Amending the Wage Schedule Generally (Ferri, by request)-First Reading

 

d)     Annual Capital Program and Capital Budget Ordinance (Ferri, by request, by request)-First Reading

 

e)      Ordinance Updating Tax Classification System (Ferri by Request)-First reading

 

   VI.            Hearing and/or Consideration of Claims:

a.       Jermaine Paulu

Pawtucket, RI 02861

Pothole Claim: $300.00

Mr. Paulu addressed the Council and answered questions pertaining to the pothole incident.

 

A motion to approve a payment of $300.00 was made by Councilperson Kazarian and seconded by Councilperson Peguero.

 

Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas Lugo called for a roll call vote. Councilpersons Kevin Kazarian, Rafael Peguero, Anthony Solano, Laurilim Rosado-Martinez, and Alberto Rivas Lugo all voted in the affirmative. The motion passed 5–0.

 

VII.            Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Rosado Martinez and Seconded by Councilperson Peguero.  Metting adjourned at 7:06pm

 

Approved by City Council: June 8, 2026 City 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