CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, November 16, 1999 and is called to order at 7:35 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
November 2, 1999 - Regular Meeting
November 2, 1999 - Closed Session - Negotiations & City Mgr. Job Performance Review
2. Alcoholic Beverage License - Class B Full Privilige (Permission to Advertise)
Applicant: LaRosa Restaurant Inc., dba LaRosa Restaurant 335 Newport Ave.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to remove the minutes of the November 2, 1999 Closed Session from the Consent Calendar, and to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the minutes of the November 2nd Closed session and to keep them closed.
William Castro Day
Mayor Larisa presents William Castro with a proclamation for his efforts in putting together the Babe Ruth/Ted Williams memorial. Mr. Lemont presents Mr. Castro with a framed picture of the two baseball players and names him Chairman of the Bell Committee.
Beautification Committee Awards
Chairperson, Alyce C. Arden, presents awards to the following:
Chelo's Food & Drink, Sam's Sunoco, Rodrigues Auto Service, American Legion - Post #10, and Roger Williams Spring - Rumford Girl Scout Troop #512
Alcoholic Beverage License - Class B Limited
(Advertised E.P. Post - October 24 & November 4, 1999)
Applicant: Tedmar Corporation, dba Theo's Family Restaurant - 1175 Warren Avenue
Letter of Objection to transfer from Lexir Corp. - McLaughlin & Moran, Inc.
Theodore Mitrelis, 1175 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI, is present and sworn.
Attorney Martin Slepkow addresses the Council regarding the license. He states that the prior business has been closed for some time, and the applicant is asking for a new license, rather than a transfer.
Mayor Larisa questions Mr. Conley, who says he agrees that the license is not being transferred and has essentially expired.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
Victualing License - Class 2 - Not over 50
Applicant: Tedmar Corporation, dba Theo's Family Restaurant - 1175 Warren Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
Victualing - Class 1 - Moran Foods Inc., dba Save-A-Lot Ltd., 2830 Pawtucket Avenue
Dave Paquette, Middleboro, Massachusetts is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector and Health Inspector.
Sunday/Holiday Sales - Moran Foods Inc., dba Save-A-Lot Ltd., 2830 Pawtucket Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector and Health Inspector.
Victualing License Transfer - Class 3 - N/more than 25 persons
From: Bagel Finagle Deli Inc. To: Mary J. Mitchell, dba Bagel Deli - 615 Waterman Avenue
The applicant is not present.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to Defer the license to the next meeting.
Victualing License Transfer - Class 3 - N/more than 25 persons
From: Mohamad Jamaleddin dba Rumford Farms Convenience Store
To: Nina M. Eid, dba Rumford Farms - 1246 Pawtucket Avenue
Nina Eid, 14 Falcon Drive, Attleboro, Massachusetts 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.
Sunday/Holiday Sales Transfer
From: Mohamad Jamaleddin dba Rumford Farms Convenience Store
To: Nina M. Eid, dba Rumford Farms - 1246 Pawtucket Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector and Health Inspector.
Victualing License Transfer - Class 3 - N/more than 25 persons
From: Mohamad Jamaleddin dba Willett Farms
To: Ayman & Jamal Akid, dba Willett Farms - 185 Willett Avenue
Jamal Akid, 301 Woodhaven Road, Pawtucket, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, 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.
Sunday/Holiday Sales Transfer
From: Mohamad Jamaleddin dba Willett Farms
To: Ayman & Jamal Akid, dba Willett Farms - 185 Willett Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector and Health Inspector.
Unanimous Consent - Mr. Miranda
Alcoholic Beverage ClF - St. Francis Xavier Church - November 20, 1999
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the license, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage November 2, 1999 )
Advertised - Providence Journal - November 8, 1999
1. 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. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." by adding thereto the following: BRADFORD AVE. (northbound traffic) at Rachella Ct.
(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 102
There are no persons from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final Passage.
1. Request for Executive Session - Negotiations w/Steelworkers & Police
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to defer to the end of the meeting.
2. Discussion re: Phase II - Street Paving Project
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to defer to the next meeting.
3. Mr. Lemont reports that the employee United Way Campaign raised a total of $14,550 and $1918 for the Fund for Community Progress. Also, the employees contributed $430 in the previous month for Friday Dress Down Days. He commends Joanna Britto and Stephanie Camille for their work on the United Way campaign, and Onna Moniz-John and Lorraine Vieira for the Fund for Community Progress campaign.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Omnipoint/East Providence Pierce Memorial Park Lease Agreement (Deferred from August 10, 1999)
Mr. Conley defers the item.
Claims Committee Report
James Joubert Claim No. 99-59 Approved
Patricia Milner Claim No. 99-58 Denied
Ma Realco Partnership v. Tax Assessor Referred to Law Dept.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, the Claims Committee report is accepted as presented.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Merritt Road
Deferred to the next meeting by Mr. Grant.
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Review of Council Appointees
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED to defer to the end of the meeting.
(By Councilman Peter F. Midgley)
Landfill Update
Julia Forgue reports that the funds are not available as yet and the RFP has been postponed until after the first of the year.
Mayor Larisa suggests the RFP go out immediately and asks the Finance Director to advise as to the bonds. Mr. McDonald responds by saying the next BANS will be sold in May and says he would like to talk to Bond Counsel before responding. He thinks there may be some ramifications for paying the bonds ahead of time.
Mr. Lemont says the Public Works Department has a lot on the plate and to take this issue and say it has priority will create a difficult period for the Department.
Mayor Larisa asks if there is any problem in getting this issue back for the second meeting in December. After further discussion, it is decided that the Planning Director will be asked to give a report at the next meeting.
Mr. Lemont also states that the Rosegarden project has been delayed because of DEM requirements. Julia Forgue and Mr. Lemont explain the issues involved.
Mr. Miranda expresses his displeasure with the news and says this project is as important as anything else and says he does not want this put on the backburner any longer. Mr. Midgley says he will stand behind Mr. Miranda and will wait the two weeks for the landfill report.
Director Forgue states that she will recommend Camp Dresser McKee as an emergency contract, who will conduct a study on the Rosegarden project. Mayor Larisa asks that the Council be advised as to the date of completion of the study, and a Resolution will be forwarded to DEM urging them to place this at the top of their calendar.
Mr. Miranda states that the Council should start looking for an alternate place. Mr. Grant asks that a Resolution be done now. Mr. Lemont says the construction is just about done for the year.
Library Update
Mr. Lemont reports that an RFP will be going out soon for the library.
Unanimous Consent - Mayor Larisa
Mayor Larisa reports that a letter was received from D.O.T. informing the City that the top end of Waterfront Drive is on the fast track, with construction expected to begin early next Fall or the beginning of 2001. The Warren Avenue end will also be done. He says the next goal will be to lure businesses into the area.
Unanimous Consent - Councilman Miranda
Mr. Miranda announces that a Turkey Dinner will be served at the Holy Ghost Brotherhood Mariense at 846 Broadway on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 4:00 p.m. to those that are homeless or who have no where to go.
Unanimous Consent - Mayor Larisa
Mayor Larisa announces that the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island will be conducting training in Customer Service for unemployed citizens. He advises the public to contact the City Clerk's Office for the necessary information.
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM FORE THE ENFORCEMENT OF HANDICAPPED PARKING LAWS IN THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RESOLUTION NO. 24 (Requested by Councilman Peter F. Midgley)
Mr. Midgley speaks on the resolution and asks for the Council to support it. He recommends that handicapped people should be the ones to turn the violators in. Mayor Larisa announces that handicapped persons who are interested in the program call the Clerk's office and give their names and addresses, which will be forwarded to the Police Chief.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution and to have a copy sent to the Executive Secretary of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED that the program be established.
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on December 7, 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: Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by deleting therefrom the following:
RICE AVE. (south side) from Pawtucket Ave. easterly for a distance of 75 feet.
SEC. II: Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by adding thereto the following: RICE AVE. (south side) from Pawtucket Ave. to Dover Ave.
(Requested by the Director of Public Works)
Deletes the current No Parking on Rice Avenue an establishes a new No Parking area on Rice Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for First Passage.
2. 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.", Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by deleting therefrom the following:
BROADWAY (west side) from Grosvenor Avenue to Warren Avenue between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.
BROADWAY (west side) from Grosvenor Avenue intersection southerly 74 feet.
BROADWAY (west side) from 80 feet south of Oakley Street to Warren Avenue.
BROADWAY (west side) from Leonard Avenue south for 105 feet.
BROADWAY (east side) from Grosvenor Avenue south for 110 feet.
BROADWAY (east side) from Agnes Street to Reynolds Street.
SECTION II. Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." is amended by adding thereto the following:
BROADWAY (west side) from Grosvenor Avenue to Grove Avenue.
BROADWAY (east side) from Grosvenor Avenue to Baker Street.
BROADWAY (east side) from Reynolds Street to Warren Avenue.
SECTION III. Subsection 18-311 entitled "Same-60 minutes." is amended by deleting therefrom the following:
BROADWAY (west side) from Grosvenor Avenue to 80 feet south of Oakley Street between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.
SECTION IV. Subsection 18-311 entitled "Same-60 minutes." is amended by adding thereto the following:
BROADWAY (west side) from Grove Avenue south for 177 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.
SECTION V. Subsection 18-312 entitled "Same-120 minutes." is amended by deleting therefrom the following:
BROADWAY (east side) from Warren Avenue 110 feet south of Grosvenor Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.
SECTION VI. Subsection 18-312 entitled "Same-120 minutes." is amended by adding thereto the following:
BROADWAY (east side) from Baker Street to Reynolds Street between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except Sundays and holidays (Requested by Director of Public Works)
Deletes the current "No Parking" on a section of Broadway and establishes a new "No Parking" area on a section of Broadway.
Julia Forgue, Public Works Director, states that there is a section missing from the ordinance, which would prohibit parking on Broadway (west side) from a point 177 feet south of Grove Avenue to Warren Avenue.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve as amended for First Passage.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to go into Executive Session to discuss Council Appointees Job Performance and Collective Bargaining.
The meeting recesses and goes into Executive Session at 9:10 p.m.
The open meeting reconvenes at 10:30 p.m.
Amended
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to increase the pay of two Board of 1/4/2000 Canvassers positions from $500 to $750 annually. A roll call vote is taken on the motion:
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Aye
Mr. Miranda Aye
Mr. Rogers Nay
Mayor Larisa Aye
Motion passes 4-1.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to increase the City Manager's compensation by $5,000 and to leave it to the City Manager's discretion as to whether or not the $5,000 is taken in salary or as a donation to the ICMA pension or a combination thereof and that the council review the City Manager's job performance again in six months; that said salary increase be effective as of October 1, 1999.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED that the City Solicitor receive a 4% wage increase effected October 1, 1999.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 10:35 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk
Approved: December 7, 1999 Amended: January 4, 2000