CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY,
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, May 4, 1999, and is called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.
Present: Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. ) Council Members
Rolland R. Grant )
Peter F. Midgley )
Norman J. Miranda )
Patrick A. Rogers )
Paul E. Lemont ) City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr. ) City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry ) City Clerk
The Invocation is led by Councilman Miranda.
The Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Midgley.
Lori Merolla, Merandi Reporting, is present to record the proceedings of the public hearings.
1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL JOURNALS
April 20, 1999 - Regular Meeting
2. Coastal Resources Management Council File No. 99-4-10 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - Construct a 2 story deck 24'x10' on rear of dwelling 240 Narragansett Ave. Map 313, Block 1, Parcel 13 (Patricia Ernst/Sylvia Debney)
3. Coastal Resources Management Council File No. 99-4-38 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - Remove existing second story deck and replace with a 10' x 17' second level deck. - 19 Jackson Ave., Map 311, Block 18, Parcel 6 (Francine Ileka)
4. Coastal Resources Management Council File No. 99-4-9 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - Install fence around property as per the approved plan. Located at 98 Worcester Ave., Map 412, Parcel 003, Block 33 (Christopher J. Butts)
5. Coastal Resources Management Council File No. 99-4-49 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - Remove unwanted know wood and remove stump to ground level. Replant area with rose rugosa plants located at 145 Narragansett Ave. - Plat 65 Lot 21 (Carol Adams)
6. Coastal Resources Management Council File No. 99-4-17 - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - C/M Upper And Lower Open Decks Measuring 10' X 34' And Also 7' X 12' Located at 141-143 Terrace Avenue - Plat 414 Lot 2 (Maria A. Kumiega)
7. Town of No Kingstown - Seeking Support for Resolution Opposing Casino Gambling in the Town of West Warwick
8. Town of Bristol - Resolution: Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors
9. City of Newport - Resolution: Used Motor Oil Collection
10. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - June 5, 26, 27, 1999
Holy Ghost Brotherhood St. Peter Micaelence, 51 No. Phillips Street
Subject to approvals from Chief of Police, Building Inspector
11. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - June 24, 25, 26, 27, 1999
Recreation Dept. - Jimmy Fund Bud Light Tourn. - Agawam Field
12. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - July 23, 24, 25, 1999
Recreation Department - Heritage Festival - Pierce Field
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the Consent Calendar.
1. Firefighters Oscar Elmasian and Paul Cotter present a check in the amount of $12,000 to the Meeting Street Center.
2. David Kelleher, Chairman, Historic Properties Commission, presents Historic Preservation Pride Awards to the following:
Gustave and Janet Mills - 89 Bishop Avenue
St. Mary's Episcopal Church - 83 Warren Avenue
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Farnum - 787 Willett Avenue
3. Mayor Larisa presents a Citation to members of the Drug Intervention Community Educators (D.I.C.E.) in recognition of their winning the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award.
4. Mayor Larisa presents a Citation to Officer Mark Norton for being recognized by the Department of Elderly Affairs for his work with senior citizens, and for alerting them to a home improvement scam.
5. Mayor Larisa proclaims May as National Scholarship Month, and presents the proclamation to Roberta Brady, Chairman of the East Providence Citizens Scholarship Foundation.
Alcoholic Beverage - Class B Ltd - Bullocks Pt. Cafe Inc.,
dba Bullocks Pt. Cafe - 664 Bullocks Pt. Ave.
Kevin Lewis, 11 Wildflower Circle, Warwick, Rhode Island and Tracy Forkin, 272 Mayfield Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island are present and sworn.
Mr. Midgley says there is a question about a Bible Study group in the plaza and asks Mr. Conley for his opinion on the law that prohibits an alcoholic beverage license within 200 feet of a place of worship. Mr. Conley says that R.I.G.L. 3-7-19 prohibits the Council from issuing a license for a Class B liquor license. .
Peter Basnos, President of E&B Properties, is present and sworn. He states that the building in question is being leased as office space.
There are no persons from the public wishing to be heard on the license.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license.
1. Carnival - May 6,7,8,9, 1999 - Carousel Park Commission
John F. Conley, 115 Smith Street, East Providence, Rhode Island, Vice Chairman of the Carousel Park Commission, is present to answers questions about the license. Mr. Conley says the Carnival will be in memory of Rose Larisa.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve thelicense, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police Building Inspector, and ElectricalInspector.
2. Carnival - June 17, 18, 19, 20, 1999 - Carousel Park Commission
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, and Electrical Inspector.
3 Victualing - Class 3 (not more than 25 persons)
Applicant - Khaled Kardous, dba Cafe Au Lait - 68 Taunton Avenue
The applicant, residing at 33 Binford Street, Central Falls, is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector
4. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - May 21, 22, 23, 1999
Applicant - Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood, 51 North Phillips Street
David DaSilva, 46 Garden Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approval from the Chief of Police and Building Inspector.
5. Carnival - May 21, 22, 23, 1999
Applicant - Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood, 51 North Phillips Street
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approval from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, and Electrical Inspector.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
1999-2000 Community Development Block Grant - Presentation of Projects by Applicants for Funding
Nancy Remington, Community Development Coordinator, addresses the Council and states that the City will receive approximately $866,000, with $1.3 million in requests. The following speakers are sworn in and speak on their requests:
Ray Morris, American Red Cross
Peter Marshall and Gabriella Freitas, East Prov. Community Center
Robert Germani, Self Help, Inc. - Senior Aides Program
Jennifer Wong, East Bay Family Health Center
Audrey Field, Self Help, Inc. - RSVP Program
Betty Humeston and Gail Sullivan, Self Help, Inc.- Job Training
Jerry Lynch and Toby Nichols - East Providence Boys and Girls Club
Lianne Pinheiro - Sexual Assault/Trauma Resource Center
Carolyn Hart - Saving Sight RI
Val Sinesi - Big Brothers of RI
Anne Rule and Karen Lima - RI Arc
Steve Hugg - Family Service, Inc.
Catherine Donnelly, East Bay Geriatric Center
Officer Mark Norton - Kids and Cops Summer Camp
Kate Boone and Jerry Bertrand - East Bay Economic Initiative
Chuck Mahaleris - Narragansett Boy Scouts
JoAnn Roth - East Bay Mental Health
Kathleen Brady - United Methodist Retirement Center
Jeanne Boyle - Riverside Economic Development
Robert Rock - Senior Center - Breed Hall Rehab
The meeting recesses at 9:25 p.m. and reconvenes at 9:35 p.m.
Request for approval of Contract for Infiltration/Inflow Remediation Program
Julia Forgue addresses the Council on the project that is being funded through the bond issue passed last November.
Patrick Hughes, Camp, Dresser, McKee, answers from the Council.
On a motion by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the contract.
Request for Contract Approval - RIEAP (Deferred from April 20, 1999)
Following a presentation by Mr. Lemont, motion to approve the contract is made by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and unanimously VOTED.
Soccer Field Proposal
Mr. Lemont speaks on a proposal that will create a soccer field behind Martin Junior High School in the first phase, increase the existing soccer field at Kent Heights to a regulation size and add another 50x100 field in the second phase.
Julia Forgue, Public Works Director, makes a presentation to the Council. She states that the estimated cost for the Rosegarden Playground area is $81,000 and the estimated cost for the Kent Heights Playground area is $107,000. Mr. Miranda suggests using the fill from the excavation at the high school, which will save considerable money. Ms. Forgue states that the quality of the fill must be considered.
Jeanne Boyle, Planning Director, answers questions from the Council regarding grant money for the projects. She states that at the present time, there are no Rhode Island D.E.M. matching funds available. She recommends starting the larger project now, and pursuing matching funds for the Kent Heights project later in the year.
The Council commends the staff for the completeness of the report.
Following further discussion, to approve $81,000 in open space bond money for the Rosegarden soccer field.
The Council gives permission for a member of the audience to speak.
Leo Campbell, 190 Brown Street, East Providence, Rhode Island is sworn in. Mr. Campbell states that he served as Co-Chairman of the Committee that developed the Rosegarden Neighborhood Park.
He says the committee is not opposed to a soccer field, but they are concerned that the park remain a neighborhood park. He asks that the Tot Park and other play area be allowed to remain and that the park's name remain the same - Rosegarden Neighborhood Park.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to reserve $81,000 from the Open Recreation Bond fund for the construction of Rosegarden Neighborhood Park and Soccer Field and that Mr. Campbell's concerns shall be addressed.
Discussion - Operation of 3rd Rescue Vehicle (Deferred from April 20, 1999)
Fire Chief Gerald Bessette addresses the Council and explains the need for the additional Rescue vehicle. Mr. Lemont states that a 3rd rescue will cost money because additional manpower will have to be hired.
Mayor Larisa states that the addition of a 3rd rescue vehicle will cost an additional $400,000 per year because of additional manpower. He says all the money for the rescue fees will to funding salaries, and asks if other options, such as 4 Firefighters, have been considered.
Discussion is held regarding the transportation policy, and it is stated that Fatima Hospital still would not be considered because of the distance, and the fact that the rescues would be out of the City for too long a period.
After further discussion, on motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by, it is unanimously VOTED to direct the Fire Chief to give a full report to the Council and to continue the discussion at the next regular scheduled Council meeting of May 18, 1999.
Requesting pre-qualification approval for Storm Drain Improvements - Harold Street & Grant Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Award
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to accept the Police Chief's report.
Chief Dias makes an announcement that he is not aware of any solicitation by the East Providence Police Department or any State Law Enforcement Agency of a fundraiser.
City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont reports that a he and a group of other City officials will be traveling to Washington to try to obtain Federal funds for several City projects.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims Committee Report
Judith Marshall - Claim No. 99-17 Referred to D.O.T.
Paul Bilodeau Claim No. 99-30 Deferred
Timothy Parent - Claim No. 99-27 Referred to Law Dept.
Heidi Johnson - Claim No. 99-28 Referred to Law Dept.
John Smith III - Claim No. 99-29 Approved
William Remington - Claim No. 99-23 Approved
Debra Bellamy - Claim No. 99-24 Denied
John & Cathleen LaRose - Claim No. 99-25 Referred to Law Dept.
Nancy McDonald v. City, et al. Settlement approved
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the Claims Committee Report.
Maintenance Agreement between GPT-East Providence, LLC and City of East Providence
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Broadway Underpass
Mr. Miranda reports that through the efforts of Representative Coelho, a meeting was held with representatives from D.O.T. regarding Mr. Miranda's concerns about the falling cement and pigeon droppings under the Broadway underpass. He reports that D.O.T. sent trucks and they did take care of some of the loose cement, but the pigeon droppings have to be wet down with a chemical. Mr. Miranda asks Mayor Larisa to give D.O.T. a call to remind them of the commitment they made to the City to get the area cleaned up.
Sewer Connection - Charity Street
Mr. Miranda reports that the total cost of the sewer hook-up on Charity Street will be $7000, and he makes a motion to take the $7,000 out of the Surplus Property Account to get the project done. Mr. Grant seconds the motion.
Discussion. Mr. Midgley states that he has a similar problem in Ward 4 and Mr. Grant has a similar problem in Ward 3. He asks for a friendly amendment that the Cozzens Avenue and Hilltop Road connections be put together with this one and go out for bid together.
Mayor Larisa asks for another friendly amendment to the motion that would require these three to connect to the system.
Mayor Larisa also notes for the record that these three are the least cost on the entire $2,000,000 list.
A roll call vote is taken on the motion to approve the sewer connection of the three streets at the dollar cost indicated on the condition that they agree to connect to the system . The motion passes unanimously.
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Rumford Little League
Mr. Rogers reports that a sprinkler system on one of the fields has resulted in a charge of $912 for water use. He proposes paying for the water bill deficit with funds from the Surplus Property Account. He says he would like to include it in the budget for next year.
Mr. Midgley is told that Riverside has the same situation.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve paying the water bills for both Rumford and Riverside fields.
Access to Public Records - Results of Study
Mr. Rogers defers this to the next meeting.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Construction Debris and Trash Pick-up
Mr. Grant defers this to the next meeting.
Red Light - Bullocks Point Avenue & Willett Avenue
At the request of Mr. Grant, the City Solicitor will write a letter to the R.I.D.O.T. asking for an updated traffic light.
ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF JUNIPER STREET
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the resolution.
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on May 18, 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. Subsec 18-307 entitled "Parking Prohibited at all times.", bu adding thereto the following:
WARREN AVENUE (north side), from a point 111 feet east of South Prospect Street, easterly for a distance of 87 feet between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily.
(Requested by the Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for First Passage.
AN ORDINANCECE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 16 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "TAXATION.", which amends Sec. I. Sec. 16-52 entitled "Stabilization Schedule", by adding subsection (a) (1) and (2), Sec. II. Sec. 16-53 Sec. (a) add: "....for projects with greater than $50,000 in taxable improvements but less than $1,000,000 in taxable improvements...."; Sec. III. Sec. 16-54 Extended stabilization; Sec. 16-55 Extended stabilization schedule; Sec. 16-56 Application procedure for extendedstabilization (a) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, (b),(c),(d)
(Requested by Mayor Larisa)
This ordinance creates an extended tax stabilization review process for commercial development projects in excess of $1,000,000 in taxable improvements.
Mayor Larisa defers this ordinance to the next meeting.
Lester Farnsworth, 131 Dorr Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
Mr. Farnsworth, President of the Riverside Business Owners Association, addresses the Council regarding the Riverside Pride Program.
George Alexander, a Riverside business owner, presents a petition regarding the restoration and beautification of the Riverside community. The petition requests funding from the City for the improvements.
Mayor Larisa says he wants to see proposals and costs. He makes a suggestion for some of the business owners to meet with the City's Planners to determine where funding can be obtained from.
Phil Tirrell, a local Real Estate Broker, addresses the Council. He states that he projects an increase in property value between 5-10%.
Mayor Larisa asks how much can be covered by CDBG funds. He asks for a full report from the Planning Department.
After further discussion, On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to get a report from the Planning Department and to continue the matter to the next meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 12:05 A.M.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved:________________