March 15, 1993 - Journal of the Regular Council Meeting

 

CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1993

8:00 P.M.

 

The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Monday, March 15, 1993 and is called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.

 

Present

Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.

Gerald R. Lynch

Norman J. Miranda

Robert D. Sullivan

Rolland R. Grant, Mayor

Council Members

 

Paul E. Lemont, City Manager

William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor

Valerie A. Perry, City Clerk

 

(Darlene LaPlante, Woods Reporting, 65 Chestnut Street, Providence, Rhode Island, is present to record the proceedings of the public hearings)

 

Invocation is given by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.

 

Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Gerald R. Lynch.

 

TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR

 

On motion of Mr. Lynch, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll-call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the Consent Calendar.

 

CC ITEMS

 

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL JOURNALS

 

Regular Meeting - March 1, 1993

 

Unanimously Approved

 

Alcoholic Beverage - Class F-1 - 19 hours beginning

at 6:00 A.M. on April 23 & 24, 1993

Applicant          - Bay View Academy

- Manhattan At The Bay

Location           - 3070 Pawtucket Avenue

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

 

Sunday/Holiday Sales

Applicant          - James Edward Toolin

dba                  - Rollercoasters

Location           - 205B Bullocks Point Avenue

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

 

Sunday/Holiday Sales

Applicant       - An Exquisite Occasion

Location        - 326 Bullocks Point Avenue

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

 

 

Sunday/Holiday Sales

Applicant       - Buckett's General Store

Location        - 269 Bullocks Point Avenue

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

 

Sunday/Holiday Sales

Applicant       - Forbes Square Florist

Division of Bayberry Corporation

Location        - 1235 Wampanoag Trail

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

Subject to Zoning Officer's approval

 

(Permission to advertise)

Alcoholic Beverage Class B Limited

Applicant       - Cafe Gianni, Inc.

Location        - 335 Newport Avenue

 

Cancellations/Abatements

Year            Amount

1983        $   107.90

1984             97.00

1985             32.93

1986             33.81

1987             46.76

1988             84.51

1989            232.44

1990            695.27

1991          3,521.56

1992          3,872.80

 

PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS & INTRODUCTIONS

 

 

Employee Recognition - Firefighters

 

Plaques and proclamations presented by Mayor Grant and Fire Chief Kenneth Marcotrigiano to Firefighters Walter Canavan, Timothy Cullinan, Stephen Roca, and Glen Quick for distinguished service.

 

Citizen's Recognition, by East Providence Fire Department & The American Heart Association

 

Dr. Harrison of the American Heart Association presents the "Five Minutes to Live Award", the highest award given by the American Heart Association, to Timothy Sullivan, 165 Vineyard Road, Warwick, Rhode Island and Joseph Castro, 40 Walnut Street, East Providence, Rhode Island, for saving the life of another East Providence citizen.

 

Motion to change the order of business Unanimously voted

Mr. Lynch announces that he will have to leave shortly, and makes a motion, seconded by Mr. Larisa, to change the order of business.  Motion passes on a unanimous vote.

 

CITY MANAGER

 

At the request of Mr. Lynch, Mr. Lemont speaks on the issue.  The question is whether it is logical to place the air quality station at Glenlyon Field, which recently received extensive renovations.

 

Mr. Lynch says he welcomes the station in Ward 1 and expects D.E.M. to work with the department heads to find the ideal location.

 

Barbara Morin, a representative from D.E.M., addresses the Council.  She states that D.E.M. is willing to negotiate a lease with the City for the site, and D.E.M. will pay for the sewer and electricity connections.

 

Mr. Larisa says he would join in a motion by Mr. Lynch to say the Council welcomes the air pollution facility and asks for an update from the City Manager in three weeks regarding the status of it.

 

Mr. Lynch makes a motion to endorse the location of the air quality location around the Glenlyon Field or the school and ask the City Manager to see to negotiations with D.E.M. Mr. Larisa seconds the motion and amends it to say if it is agreed by D.E.M. and the Planning Department, or the City Manager, that the facility should be moved to a different location in the City, that it not be ruled out.

 

Mr. Lynch moves the question seconded by Mr. Miranda, and unanimously voted.  Roll call vote taken on original motion, which passes unanimously.

 

RESOLUTIONS

 

Resolve #15

RESOLUTION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF THE SAFETY, NECESSITY AND REGULATION OF THE STATE'S LNG FACILITIES AND THE TAKING OF MEASURES TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE.  (Requested by Councilman Lynch)

 

Gerald Cousineau, 98 Catlin Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island, receives permission to address the Council regarding the resolution.  He asks for a favorable vote from the Council on the issue.  He announces a public hearing scheduled for March 22 at Martin Junior High School regarding the Newbay plant and asks if the City will be formally represented.  Mayor Grant states that he plans to be there, but only as an observer, and he will report back to the Council.

 

On motion of Mr. Lynch, seconded by Mr. Larisa, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, the resolution is adopted.

 

Mr. Lynch speaks on the proposed amendment to the Labor Relations Legislation.  He says he agrees with the legislation, but would abstain from the vote because his brother is a member of the Fire Department.

 

(Mr. Lynch leaves the meeting at 8:50 p.m.).

 

Motion made by Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to return to the regular order of business.  Motion passes 4-0.  Mr. Lynch is noted absent.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

(Deferred to 4/5/93 for update with hearing scheduled to 4/19/93 provided all conditions met)

REZONING - District R-1 to District R-3

 

PETITIONER              - Monroe F. Allen

Attorney                       - Martin S. Slepkow

Change from District     - R-1 to District R-3

Lot                               - Map 611, Block 1, Parcel 22

Area                             - 29,653 sq. ft. +-

Location                       - Forbes Street

 

Re-advertised - East Providence Post - February 18 & 25, & March 4, 1993

Notices sent by certified mail - March 5, 1993

 

Planning Board

Recommending approval subject to certain conditions

 

Attorney Martin P. Slepkow addresses the Council.  He asks for a postponement of the matter because of Mr. Lynch's absence.

 

Councilman Sullivan states that the neighbors want an independent engineering study on the area.

 

Mr. Larisa makes a motion, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to allow Bruce Blaydes to address the Council on behalf of the neighbors.  The motion passes 3-1, with Mayor Grant voting against, and Mr. Lynch noted absent.

 

Bruce Blaydes, 66 Griffith Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island, is present and sworn.  Mr. Blaydes states that he is speaking on behalf of the neighbors and suggests hiring Pare Engineering to do an independent study, and if the proposal is given the okay by this firm, the neighbors would agree.

 

After further discussion, Mr. Slepkow states his client will agree to pay up to $1,000 to a firm to study the CDM report, which the Council agrees with.

 

Motion is made by Larisa, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to continue the matter to the next Council meeting for an update, with the actual hearing to be held in four weeks, at the April 19th meeting, on the condition that the petitioner is going to work with Mr. Blaydes and his group to retain the Pare Engineering Corp. and to pay the cost of the engineer up to $1,000.  Motion passes 4-0 on a roll call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

(Same as Above)

SUBDIVISION - Preliminary Plans

PETITIONER              - D'Ambra Realty Corp. & Monroe F. Allen

Plat Title                       - Evergreen Estates

Assessor's Lot             - Map 611, Block 1, Parcels 22, 23.1 & 25

Area                             - 5.53 acres +-

General Location          - South side of Forbes Street - adjacent to 277 Forbes Street

Planning Board

Recommending approval subject to certain conditions

 

CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS LICENSING COMMISSIONERS

 

LICENSES - PUBLIC HEARING

 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENCE - Class B Full Privilege (Victualer)

Advertised - East Providence Post - February 18 & 25, 1993

 

Applicant          - The Old Oyster House Restaurant & Lounge, Inc.

Location           - 28 Water Street

Approved         - Chief of Police

 

Approved     -   Chief of Police

Subject to   -   Building Inspector's Approval

Subject to   -   Health Inspector's Approval

 

The above application for a Class B Full Privilege Alcoholic Beverage License, referred to this time and place for a public hearing, is called for hearing.

 

The applicant, Anthony Faria, 28 Water Street, East Providence, Rhode Island, is present and sworn.

 

Mr. Faria is questioned by the Council about the fire alarm system at the location.  Captain Pimental of the Fire Department addresses the Council.  He states that there are other violations and he has not yet made an official inspection of the premises.

 

Motion is made by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to grant the license, subject to all approvals, including the Fire Marshall's approval.  Motion passes 4-0 on a roll-call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted absent.

 

*McLaughlin & Moran, Inc. - By Thomas M. Glavin, Credit Manager

Objection due to indebtedness.

 

Dance and Entertainment

Applicant     -    The Old Oyster House & Lounge, Inc.

Location      -    28 Water Street

 

The City Clerk states that this matter must be deferred until the applicant appears before the Zoning Board of Review.  Motion to defer is made by Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Larisa, and voted 4-0 on a roll call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

Victualling - Class 1/Over 50

Applicant     -    The Old Oyster House & Lounge, Inc.

Location      -    28 Water Street

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's Approval

Subject to Health Inspector's Approval

Subject to Fire Marshall's approval

 

Motion is made by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to grant the license, subject to all approvals, including the Fire Marshall's approval.  Motion passes 4-0 on a roll-call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted absent.

 

Secondhand - Baseball Cards - Location Transfer

Applicant          - Ronald J. Raposa

dba                  - Major League Memories

From                - 121 Burgess Avenue

To                    - 686 Willett Avenue

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

Subject to Zoning Officer's approval

 

Ronald J. Raposa, 30 Benedict Street, Riverside, Rhode Island, is present and sworn.  Motion made by Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Larisa, and voted 4-0 to approve.  Mr. Lynch is noted absent.

 

RECEPTION OF PETITIONS

 

Licenses

 

Victualling - Class 2/Not over 50

Applicant     - Cafe Gianni, Inc.

Location      - 335 Newport Avenue

Approved by Police Chief

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

Subject to Health Inspector's approval

Subject to Zoning Officer's approval

 

Theresa Raino, 100 Lena Street, Cranston, Rhode Island, is present and sworn.

 

Motion made by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Larisa, to approve.  Motion passes 4-0, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

Carnival - May 8, 1993

Applicant     - Gordon School

Location      - 45 Maxfield Avenue

 

Subject to Police Chief's approval

Subject to Building Inspector's approval

Subject to Fire Marshal's approval

Subject to Electrical Inspector's approval

 

Don Hendrie, Providence, Rhode Island, is present and sworn.  Granted on motion made by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and voted 4-0, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL

 

CONTINUED BUSINESS

Defer to 4/5/93

By Valerie A. Perry, City Clerk

Report on Assistant Harbormaster applications

 

The City Clerk reports that advertisements were placed in the East Providence Post and The Times for an Assistant Harbormaster.  Applications were received from Jay Gold and Kenneth Kopecky.  On motion by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to defer the matter to the next meeting.  Mr. Lynch is noted as absent.

 

Labor Relations Legislation Denied

Proposed Amendements to Labor Relations Legislation

 

Mr. Sullivan says he feels the City Council is being used for special interest and sees no need for this to come before the City Council, and he will vote against.

 

Mr. Larisa states that the Council would be voting on whether or not to let the question be voted on by the general public.

 

Mr. Miranda states that the division heads should not be in the same union with rank and file.

 

Discussion is held regarding contracts that are in place.  Mr. Larisa states that the legislation would not go into effect until after November 1994 and would not affect current contracts.

 

After further discussion, Mr. Larisa makes a motion to send this to Senator Tavares with the support of the Council to submit it as special legislation to be passed by the General Assembly and sent to the residents of East Providence for a vote in November 1994.  Mr. Miranda seconds the motion.

 

Unanimous Consent is given to allow Senator Tavares to speak on the issue, and he discusses the purposes of the legislation.

 

Keith Grant, 17 Avenue B, Riverside, Rhode Island, a firefighter in the City of Providence, is present and sworn.  He questions the reasons behind the separation of line officers and supervisory personnel.

 

After further comments by Senator Tavares, the question is moved by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, and so voted.  Roll call vote taken on the motion:

 

Mr. Larisa                    Aye

Mr. Miranda                 Aye

Mr. Sullivan                  Nay

Mayor Grant                Nay

 

The vote is tied at 2-2 and dies.  Mr. Lynch is noted as absent.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

CLAIMS COMMITTEE

 

No Claims Committee on this date

 

Closed Session B.C.W.A.

Mr. Conley advises the Council that the case of the City of East Providence vs. the Bristol County Water Authority is scheduled for a hearing in Superior Court tomorrow.  He requests the Council go into Closed Session to discuss litigation and to explain to the Council the strategy regarding that hearing.

 

On motion by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is voted 4-0 to go into Closed Session to discuss the B.C.W.A. litigation.  Mr. Lynch is noted as absent.

 

The regular meeting is recessed at 10:28 p.m. and goes into Closed Session.

 

CLOSED SESSION

 

RE:  BRISTOL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (B.C.W.A.) LITIGATION

 

(Reserved)

 

The regular meeting is reconvened at 10:45 p.m.

 

Mr. Miranda receives Unanimous Consent to thank everyone who worked during the blizzard.  He commends the Department Heads and employees.  The other Council members echo Mr. Miranda's comments.

 

COUNCILMEN

 

(By Mayor Rolland R. Grant)

 

1.  Inventory Tax

 

Mayor Grant requests a written report back from the Finance Director regarding the inventory tax and how we can get around it.

 

2.  Municipal Clean-up

 

Mayor Grant announces that the OSCAR Earth Day will be held on April 22nd.  He says the state is encouraging municipal clean-ups on Saturday, April 17.  Mayor Grant urges all citizens to participate in the clean-up on the 17th of April, time and place to be announced.

 

(see Intro. of Ordinances)

By Councilman Joseph S. Larisa) Reconsideration of Planning Board's proposed ordinance regarding Institutions dedicated to the instruction of trades.

 

RESOLUTIONS

Resolve #17

East Providence Historical Society REQUESTING RESOLUTION FROM THE COUNCIL SUPPORTING A GRANT APPLICATION FROM THE RIDOT TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

 

The resolution is introduced and adopted on a motion by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Larisa, and voted 4-0 on a roll call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

+Addendum

 

RESOLUTION

 

Resolve #16

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER THE RHODE ISLAND HOUSING HOME PROGRAM

 

The above resolution is introduced and on motion by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, is adopted on a 4-0 roll call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

 

1.  AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 19 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1987, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "ZONING," which amends Section I. Section 19-1 entitled "Definitions," Section II. Section 19-98 entitled "Schedule of use regulations," Section III. Section 19-284 entitled "Off-street parking spaces required," amending Subsection (7).

 

Mr. Larisa speaks on the ordinance regarding institutions dedicated to the instruction of trades.  He says MotoRing has agreed to move from the area they are now and asks Mr. Sullivan to move for reconsideration of the ordinance.

 

Mr. Sullivan makes a motion to reconsider the ordinance, Mr. Larisa seconds the motion.  Motion passes 4-0 on a roll call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

Mr. Larisa makes a motion, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, to give first passage to the ordinance, with final passage scheduled for April 19, 1993, as long as MotoRing meets the off-street parking regulations and other City regulations required.  Motion passes 4-0 on a roll call vote, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

2.  * AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1987 AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," which amends Subsection 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required," by adding thereto the following:  Mercer Street (eastbound traffic), at Lyon Avenue

 

(Requested by Traffic Engineer)

 

The above entitled ordinance is introduced and on motion of Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, is passed on a unanimous roll call vote with four Council members present and voting (Mr. Lynch is noted as absent), is given first passage and referred to the next regular Council meeting, to be held on April 5, 1993 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage.

 

3.  * AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 11 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1987, AS AMENDED ENTITLED "PERSONNEL, PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT," which amends Section 11-1 entitled "Definitions", is amended by changing the definition of the following words "terms and phrases".

 

Paragraph (5) of Subsection (e) entitled "Examinations generally" of Section 11-64 entitled "Examination procedure."

 

(Requested by Councilman Sullivan for Mayor Grant)

 

The above entitled ordinance is introduced and motion is made by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to approve for first passage.  Mayor Grant states that the ordinance will close the gap on temporary employees, not allowing them to remain as temporary for more than six months, and will do away with unassembled tests.  Question is moved on a motion by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and voted 4-0, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.

 

Roll call vote taken on the motion to approve the ordinance.  Motion passes 4-0 with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.  The ordinance is given first passage and referred to the next regular Council meeting, to be held on April 5, 1993 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage.

 

4.  * AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 11 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1987, AS AMENDED ENTITLED "PERSONNEL, PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT:, which amends the following:

 

The first paragraph of Subsection (g) entitled "Rating examinations", of Section 11-64 entitled "Examination procedure."

 

(Requested by Councilman Sullivan for Mayor Grant)

 

Mr. Sullivan speaks on the ordinance which would give an additional 10% to City residents applying for City jobs.

 

Motion is made by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Miranda to approve for first passage.  Mr. Larisa speaks on the ordinance.  He says that 10 points will all but eliminate anyone from outside the City.  After further discussion, roll call vote taken on the motion:

 

Mr. Larisa                    Nay

Mr. Miranda                 Aye

Mr. Sullivan                  Aye

Mayor Grant                Aye

 

Motion passes 3-1, with Mr. Lynch noted as absent.  The ordinance is given first passage and referred to the next regular Council meeting, to be held on April 5, 1993 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage.

 

5.  * AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1987, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC", which amends Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking", Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times", by adding thereto the following:

Silver Street (south side), from Main Street easterly to its deadend.

 

Silver Street (north side), from its easterly deadend west for a distance of one hundred sixty (160) feet (along the length of the Water Pollution Control Pumping Station.)

 

(Requested by Traffic Engineer)

 

The above entitled ordinance is introduced and, on motion of Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a unanimous roll call vote with four Council members present and voting (Mr. Lynch is noted as absent), is given first passage and referred to the next regular Council meeting, to be held on April 5, 1993 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage.

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Tenant Affairs Board Council Liaison

City Council Liaison - Board of Tenants' Affairs Councilman Gerald R. Lynch

 

(By Councilman Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)

 

Municipal Land Trust

Bruce Chick        235 Pleasant Street  02916

 

On motion by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Sullivan, Bruce Chick is unanimously appointed for a term expiring March 15, 1995.

 

(By Councilman Gerald R. Lynch)

 

Coastal Resources Management Commission

David F. Briden    21 Kelley Avenue  02916

 

On motion by Mr. Larisa, seconded by Mr. Miranda, David F. Briden is unanimously appointed for a term expiring December 31, 1995.

 

(By Councilman Robert D. Sullivan)

 

Adopt an Island Committee

Bruce D'Traglia         120 Smith Street  02915

 

On motion by Mr. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. Miranda, Bruce D'Traglia is unanimously appointed.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

By Joseph A. Botelho, Jr., Yorktown Associates, Inc.

 

Requesting to address the Council on behalf of Graham and Mary Merkert regarding the status of Bart Drive which abuts the southerly side of their property located at 45 Plum Road.

 

Joseph A. Botelho, Jr., with offices at 2791 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island, addresses the Council regarding property on Plum Road.  He says the property abuts what is known as Bart Drive, and he asks for a determination if Bart Drive is a City Street.  Mr. Larisa makes a motion to refer the definition of City streets to the City Solicitor, and to refer Mr. Botelho's proposal to the Planning Department to determine what the ramifications would be, with the report to come back to the Council as soon as possible.  Mr. Sullivan seconds the motion, which passes 4-0.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.

 

Attest:

 

Valerie A. Perry

City Clerk

 

Approved:  4/5/93

 

 

 

 

March 15, 1993 - Journal of the Regular Council Meeting
Published by ClerkBase
©2026 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.