CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE W/
EAST PROVIDENCE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATION
MONDAY,
Present: Mayor Rolland R. Grant
Peter F. Midgley City Council
Norman J. Miranda
Paul E. Lemont City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr. City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry City Clerk
Henry Caparco School Committee
Mildred Morris
Edna Snow
Nancy Stevens
Dr. Isadore S. Ramos Acting Superintendent of Schools
Sen. David Bates General Assembly Delegation
Sen. William Irons
Sen. Paul Tavares
Sen. Michael Damiani
Rep. Sandra Barone
Rep. Raymond Coelho
Rep. Henry Rose
Rep. Elizabeth Dennigan
Rep. Maria Lopes
Richard Kerns - Representing George Caruolo
Others in attendance:
Sheila Stringfellow Canvassing Clerk
Gary Dias Chief of Police
Absent: Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. City Council
Gerald R. Lynch
Mayor Grant opens the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
After introductions, Mayor Grant speaks on two tax bills relating to revaluation. Senator Irons responds to questions from Mayor Grant regarding the Homestead Act. He suggests a means test to determine who can afford tax exemptions.
Senator Irons goes on to say that the General Assembly is very sensitive in giving Carte Blanche classifications to exemptions. He suggests doing some form of revaluation more often than once every ten years.
Mr. Lemont speaks on the reasons for the City's requests to delay the revaluation.
The Homestead Exemption is discussed, and it is determined that it will be limited to units of (5) and under, which are owner-occupied. A fifteen-unit apartment would not qualify.
Senator Bates states that if the City is to go with a two-tax tier system, it should be sure that there are plenty of staff people in the Tax Assessor's office to handle the work. He says there will need to be plenty of explanation to the taxpayers before the implementation.
Senator Tavares says he does not object to a Homestead exemption, but would not favor a two-tier tax system of commercial and residential property in East Providence.
Mr. Lemont cites the various businesses that have left the City in the past ten years, and states that although there are fewer businesses in the City, no one is saying fewer services are needed.
Senator Irons speaks again on the Homestead exemption, saying that he feels the people who can pay should pick up the slack for those who can't. He also says that this is a personal feeling and not the Senate's. He goes on to say that a bill has been introduced that will give the power to the City to look into business that under report. Revenues received from these businesses will be used to offset the inventory tax. He says if there are businesses in East Providence that are leasing equipment, they should be taxed.
In another area of discussion, Mayor Grant asks Dr. Ramos for the cost per student, and Dr. Ramos answers that the cost is $6,000 per student. Mayor Grant says he wants the state to pay for the schools. Senator Irons replies that there is no way the State will increase the income tax.
Mrs. Snow urges the Legislators not to start more programs that will cost the city additional money. She speaks on the Special Education laws, the nurse/teacher requirement, and the cost of transportation.
Senator Bates states that there have been no mandates on the schools or Councils in the last few years, and there are no plans to enact any in the near future.
Representative Lopes asks about the school lunch program and says that the East Providence students might not be getting their money's worth for the kind of lunches that are being served. She cites other school districts that charge less for the lunches but serve a better quality lunch than East Providence. Dr. Ramos replies that the cost of the lunches is done by contract with Aramak. Ms. Lopes suggests to the School Committee that they take another look at the lunch program. She goes on to say that she will ask the School Committee to come back to her and tell her why the lunches are not the same quality and quantity as in other communities.
Mr. Midgley asks what the State is paying for the education in Central Falls, and is told that Central Falls receives 100% from the State. Mr. Midgley says it is unfair for the City of East Providence and other communities to have to pay for the education for other cities. He suggests that the state will have to raise the income tax so that all communities will have their education costs paid. Senator Irons says that the State took over Central Falls because it was near collapse. He tells Mr. Midgley not to waste his time thinking that the income tax will be raised.
Ms. Lopes speaks on the late fee charged by the City for tax payments, and says it is very insensitive. She asks that it be stretched out an additional week, and asks Mr. Miranda to consider giving another week before the late fees are charged.
Mr. Caparco states that he has a problem with the thinking that the more you spend the more you get. He says the schools need to keep up with technology. He says its not more money that the schools need but there is a need for redistribution. He says that 20% of the school budget goes to the children, and 80% goes to administration costs.
Mrs. Morris speaks on the nurse/teacher legislation, and says the schools need more nurses, not more teachers.
The meeting adjourns at 8:30 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk