City of Central Falls

Special City Council Meeting

580 Broad Street

Central Falls, RI 02863

Thursday, May 28, 2026

5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

       I.            Roll Call

Council President Pro Tempore Alberto Rivas Lugo called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. and directed City Clerk Alberto de Burgo to conduct the roll call. Present at roll call were Councilpersons Baena, Kazarian Peguero, z, and Solano, along with Council President Pro Tempore Rivas Lugo. Rosado-Martine arrived at 5:34 p.m. Council President Ferri was absent.

 

     II.            Pledge of Allegiance

Council President Pro-Temp Alberto Rivas led the Council in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

 

  III.            Public Comment

None

 

   IV.            New Business

a.       Discussion with Department Directors Regarding FY 27 Proposed Budget

                                                              i.      Parks and Recreation, Constituent Services & Health, El Centro

Parks and Recreation and El Centro Director Mavy Pineda presented to the Council and highlighted her department's accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2026, as well as its goals and priorities for Fiscal Year 2027. Following her presentation, Ms. Pineda responded to questions and comments from Councilpersons Rivas Lugo, Peguero, Kazarian, and Baena regarding departmental programs, initiatives, and future objectives.

 

                                                            ii.      Fire Department
Fire Chief Scott Mello addressed the Council and provided an overview of the Fire Department's accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2026, highlighting key initiatives, operational achievements, training efforts, and community outreach activities. Chief Mello also discussed the department's goals, priorities, and anticipated challenges for Fiscal Year 2027.

Following his presentation, Chief Mello responded to questions and comments from Councilpersons Rivas Lugo, Peguero, Kazarian, and Solano regarding departmental operations, staffing, equipment needs, emergency response capabilities, and budgetary considerations. Finance Director Mary Signer also participated in the discussion, providing additional clarification on several budget-related matters and responding to questions concerning the department's fiscal planning and projected expenditure.

Upon the conclusion of Chief Mello's presentation, Deputy Fire Chief Dan Petrin addressed the Council and provided further context regarding the department's activities throughout Fiscal Year 2026. Deputy Chief Petrin elaborated on departmental accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and operational objectives, while also outlining the work planned for Fiscal Year 2027 to support the department's continued mission of protecting the residents and businesses of Central Falls.

                                                          iii.      Department of public Works and Code Enforcement
Director of Public Works and Code Enforcement Tony Vieira addressed the Council and provided an overview of the department's activities and accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2026. He highlighted ongoing operations, infrastructure improvements, code enforcement initiatives, and other key projects undertaken by the department throughout the fiscal year. Director Vieira also discussed several projects and priorities planned for Fiscal Year 2027, outlining the department's goals and anticipated areas of focus.

 

Following his presentation, Director Vieira responded to questions and comments from Councilpersons Baena, Rivas Lugo, Rosado Martinez, and Peguero regarding the department's proposed budget, operational needs, planned capital improvements, and the objectives established for the upcoming fiscal year.

 

                                                           iv.      Legal Department
A motion to table the matter was made by Councilperson Rosado Martinez and seconded by Councilperson Peguero. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 6-0.

 

                                                             v.      Mayor’s Office
Chief of Staff to Mayor Maria Rivera, Lorraine Quintero, addressed the Council and provided an overview of the proposed FY27 budget as it relates to the Mayor’s Office. She highlighted the administration’s priorities, key initiatives, and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing efforts to continue improving municipal services, strengthen community engagement, and supporting ongoing citywide projects. Ms. Quintero also discussed the operational goals of the Mayor’s Office and how the proposed budget aligns with the administration’s strategic vision for the city. Following her presentation, Ms. Quintero responded to questions from members of the Council.

 

 

     V.            Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilperson Solano and seconded by Councilperson Kazarian.  The meeting adjourned at 6:50pm

 

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