CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY,
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, March 16, 1999, and is called to order at 7:32 P.M. by Assistant Mayor Peter F. Midgley.
Present: Assistant Mayor Peter F. Midgley ) Council Members
Rolland R. Grant )
Norman J. Miranda )
Patrick A. Rogers )
Paul E. Lemont ) City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr. ) City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry ) City Clerk
Absent Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.
The Invocation is given by Councilman Miranda.
The Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Grant.
Lori Merolla, Merandi Reporting, is present to record the proceedings of the public hearings.
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL JOURNALS
March 2, 1999 - Regular City Council Meeting
2. Coastal Resources Management Council - Assent File No. 98-11-27 - Establish a marina perimeter limit and a boat capacity at an existing recreational boat marina, located at 9 Pier Road, East Providence, Plat. Map 16, Block 22, Lots 2 and 3. (Watchemoket Realty Inc.
3. Coastal Resources Management Council - Residential Assent File No. 98-10-73 - Construct single family dwelling, individual sewage disposal system, driveway and associated earthwork and grading, install city water connection, located at Beacon Park Drive, East Prov. R.I.; Map 413, Block 8, Lot 21. (Carly L. White, 80 Beach Point Dr.)
4. City of Woonsocket - Resolution Petitioning the General Assembly to Appropriate Monies to the Rhode Island Aqua Fund
5. Town of North Kingstown - Resolution endorsing the establishment of the USS Saratoga Museum at Quonset Point.
6. Alcoholic Beverage License - Class F - March 27, 1999 -
St. Martha's Church, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue
7. RI Farm Bureau - Seeking Support for House Bills 5616 and 5859
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the consent Calendar as presented. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
Carnival - May 8, 1999 - Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Avenue
Lisa Ardente, 660 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police and Building Inspector. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage March 2, 1999)
Advertised - Providence Journal - March 5, 1999
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC.", which amends SEC. I. Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking.", Subsec. 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times.", by adding thereto the following: BLYTHE WAY (both sides), from Pawtucket Avenue northerly for 20 ft. (Requested by Director of Public Works)
There are no persons from the public wishing to be heard on the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the ordinance for Final Passage. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC.", which amends SEC. I. Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking." Subsec. 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by adding thereto the following: MIDDLE STREET (south side), from Narragansett Avenue westerly to its dead end. (Requested by the Director of Public Works)
There are no persons from the public wishing to be heard on the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the ordinance for Final Passage. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
Request for Increase for City Appraiser
Mr. Lemont defers this item to the next meeting.
.For Information - New Policies
Mr. Lemont states that all City employees will receive copies of the Sexual Harassment Policy and Guidelines for Electronic Mail and Internet Access.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to accept the policies as received. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
Contract Approvals - Water Distribution System Improvements
Julia Forgue, Public Works Director, makes the presentation to the Council. She states that there are two contracts requiring Council approval. The first one is for the Wampanoag Trail Transmission Main, which is construction of approximately a 12" water main on the Wampanoag Trail from Boyd Avenue to Forbes Street to strengthen the water supply to the southern part of the City; the second contract is for implementation of the Water Infrastructure plan.
Tony Zuena, SEA Consultants, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts is present and sworn, and answers questions from the Council.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the $34,000 contract for the Water Infrastructure plan. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the $158,000 contract for the Wampanoag Trail Transmission Main. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
Noise Pollution
Mr. Lemont announces that the police will not give warnings this year to drivers with loud boomboxes, but will be giving summonses with a recommended fine of $100.
City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont reports that the Willett Avenue Pond will be stocked with Trout for opening day. He says he would prefer to limit the fishing to youngsters, but was not able to get that request in time, but will attempt next year to limit it to children under twelve.
Results are coming in from the Consortium on energy that the R.I. League of Cities and Towns reported on a few weeks ago. They will be finalizing the terms of the contract, and the City of East Providence will be saving more than $186,000 over the next five years.
Mr. Lemont reports that he received a check in the amount of $2500 for the Carousel Commission. He says it was a result from efforts of some members of the State delegation, and he thanks them for it.
Mr. Lemont announces that a Summer Concert series will be held on the grounds of the Senior Center on Wednesday evenings, dates to be announced.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims Committee Report
Christine Willetts, Claim No. 99-10 Denied
Michael Ribeiro, Claim No. 99-12 Denied
Tammy Cullen, Claim No. 99-15 Approved
Edith Neves, Claim No. 99-14 Approved
Richard Costa, Claim No. 98-27 Referred to Law Department
Maynard v. Town of Charlestown, et al Received as Information
Cadier v. City Approved
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to accept the Claims Committee Report as presented. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Crescent Beach Slide Presentation
Street Improvement Bond Issue
Both items are deferred due to Mayor Larisa's absence.
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Warren Avenue Extension
Councilman Miranda states that he wants to keep this project coming back on the docket until it gets done.
Mr. Lemont says that P&W is planning to be at the next meeting to talk about their plans of extending Warren Avenue to Water Street.
Soccer
Mr. Miranda reports that he met with the City Manager, Planning Director, Public Works Director, and Recreation Director to try and come up with answers regarding soccer. He says there are many children and adults involved in the sport, and there are not enough fields for them, which has been an ongoing problem. He asks that a workshop be set up with groups from Youth Soccer and Adult Soccer to come up with some kind of a plan. It is decided that the City Clerk will set up a meeting for all interested parties, and each group will be asked to send a spokesperson.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Mr. Grant receives Unanimous Consent to announce a joint celebration of St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day, on Wednesday, March 17, 1999 at City Hall. He states that he and Henry Caparco will be sponsoring the event.
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Mr. Rogers receives Unanimous Consent to announce that the Fire Department has been using two single family homes on Pawtucket Avenue, owned by the Woods family, for training exercises. The homes which are scheduled to be demolished, will be used by both the Fire and Police Departments. Mr. Rogers asks that the Woods family be sent a letter of thanks from the Council.
RESOLUTION - ABANDONMENT OF STATE STREET
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING STATE TRAFFIC COMMISSION TO INSTITUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES ON BULLOCKS POINT AVENUE NEAR THE STONEGATE APARTMENTS TO INCREASE TRAFFIC SAFETY IN THE AREA (Requested by Mayor Larisa, Councilman Grant, and Councilman Midgley)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A PENALTY FOR THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS (Requested by Mayor Larisa)
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution. It is noted that Mayor Larisa is absent for the vote.
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on April 6, 1999 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC", which amends SEC. I. Sec. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." is amended byadding thereto the following:
PLYMOUTH RD. (eastbound and westbound traffic), at Bradford Ave.
CLYDE AVE. (southbound traffic) at its intersection with Plymouth Rd.
(Requested by Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for First Passage.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr. Grant's appointment of James Reed, 387 Bullocks Point Avenue 02915, to Traffic Control.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr. Rogers' appointment of Patricia O'Hara, 15 Nassau Street 02916, to the Carousel Park Commission
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr. Miranda's reappointment of Carol Medeiros, 24 Humphrey Street 02914, to the Carousel Park Commission.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr. Grant's reappointment of Eugene Monteiro, 18 North Street 02914, to the Affirmative Action Committee.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr. Midgley's reappointment of Claire Wayland, 65 Forbes Street 02915, to the Library Board of Trustees.
Mr. Midgley receives Unanimous Consent to place the appointment of Robert Dodd, 34 Griffith Drive 02915, to the Personnel Hearing Board, and to have the Clerk send a letter to William Castro thanking him for his years of service to the community.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
Representative Robert D. Sullivan addresses the Council and asks for a Council Resolution requesting the State and Department of Transportation to open the Wampanoag Trail turn-a-round on a temporary basis. He also requests that adequate signage be posted, along with two flashing lights on both sides of the Trail, warning of an intersection ahead. He further states that he has the support of the entire East Providence Delegation, despite the fact that the D.O.T. is opposed to the idea.
Councilman Rogers asks several questions regarding the advisability and safety of opening up the turn-a-round. He notes that several fatal accidents had occurred at that location.
After further discussion, Councilman Rogers suggests deferring the matter until the next Council meeting, to allow more time for fact gathering, but Mr. Midgley says enough time has gone by.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to support the Resolution.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 8:45 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: _____________________