CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, September 7, 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 )
William J. Conley, Jr. ) City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry ) City Clerk
The Invocation is led by Councilman Rogers.
The Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Miranda.
1. Approval of Council Journals
August 10, 1999 - Regular Meeting
2. Coastal Resources Management Council - File No. 99-8-18 RESIDENTIAL ASSENT –
Construct second floor addition to existing dwelling, construct new addition to existing structure (approx. 27'x35'), to be served by sewers, located at 17 North Shore Drive, Map 33, Block 6, Lot 6 (Edward F. Slattery and Kathleen Bettramello,l 25 Fay St., Seekonk, MA
3. Alcoholic Beverage License Cl B FP - Transfer (Permission to Advertise)
From: Brownie's Grill & Pub Inc. To: Little Lucy's Lunch, Inc.,
dba Red Bridge Tavern - 22 Waterman Avenue
4. Alcoholic Beverage License Cl B FP - Transfer (Permission to Advertise)
From: Tennis Rhode Island To: JPCT Sports, LLC, dba Tennis R.I., 70 Boyd Avenue
5. Alcoholic Beverage License Cl B FP - (Permission to Advertise)
Carol & Mario's Inc., dba Lucia's Italian Restaurant - 1235 Wampanoag Trail
6. Cancellations/Abatements - City Assessor requesting cancellation of taxes as follows:
Year Amount
1999 $20,295.10
1998 364.11
1997 24.86
Total $20,684.07
Item #5 of the Consent Calendar is removed due to the withdrawal of the license by the applicant.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the Consent Calendar as amended.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to change the order of business to hear the docketed items under Communications next.
Representative Robert D. Sullivan addresses the Council regarding a proposed mural in the Riverside area. He says he was able to get sponsors to finance the project, and it will not cost the City or State any money. He introduces Noa Teplow, an Artist doing business in Riverside, who has been commissioned to do the mural and who tells the Council of her plans for the mural.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to lend Council support to the project and to thank Representative Sullivan and Ms. Teplow, as well as the benefactors who are making the mural possible.
The next docketed item under Communications is deferred until the arrival of Mr. Digits.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to return to the regular order of business.
.PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
John Conley, Carousel Park Commission Chairman, accepts the Commendation from the American Carousel Society for the preservation of the Charles I.D. Looff Carousel.
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage August 10, 1999 )
Advertised - Providence Journal - August 13, 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. I. Sec. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." by adding theretothe following: MAYFLOWER STREET (eastbound and westbound traffic) at its intersectionwith Dover Avenue (Requested by Director of Public Works)CHAPTER NO. 83
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final 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.", Subsec 18-315 entitled "Reserved parking designated--Handicapped parking.", adding thereto the following:
MAPLE AVENUE, north side, in front of house number 105, from a point fifty-seven (57) feet east of the Villa Street intersection easterly twenty-five (25) feet. (Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 84
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final Passage.
3. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 10 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "NUISANCES".,which amends Sec. 10-4. entitled "Installation of electric fence." by adding thereto the following:
(5) No person shall install as part of any fence, wire, or enclosure any barbed wire or razor wire or similar device or material on or abutting a residential zone. (Requested by Mayor Larisa) CHAPTER NO. 85
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final Passage.
1. Presentation of 1999-2000 Budget to City Council
Mr. Lemont presents the budget for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. He says it calls for increased spending of $5.2 million, but he is asking the Council for a 50 cent reduction in taxes and an increase in the sewer use fee.
Discussion is held on the dates for advertising, adoption, etc. Mr. Conley says that if the Council adds any expenditures to the budget, it must be readvertised and another public hearing must be scheduled not less than five days after the advertising. The budget must be adopted at least seven days before the end of the fiscal year.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED to schedule the Budget Hearing for September 21, 1999.
2. Requesting approval for new Radio System for Police and Fire Department
Ron Provost, 12 Walker Way, No. Scituate, Rhode Island, a representative from Motorola, the low bidder, is present and sworn and addresses the Council regarding the system.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
3. Seeking approval to increase contract for Infiltration Inflow Remediation Project
Public Works Director Julia Forgue answers questions from the Council. Mayor Larisa asks for data on the next phase. Discussion is held regarding the possibility of putting in storm drains where needed.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
4. Requesting approval to award contract to New England Pipe Cleaning Division - Heitkamp for pipe cleaning services.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
5. Ratification of changes to I.A.F.F. Contract resulting from additional Rescue Squad
Mr. Conley summarizes the changes to the Contract. Fire Chief Gerald Bessette answers questions regarding the estimated costs associated with the changes. Mayor Larisa asks that the Council see the changes in the future, prior to the request for Council approval.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
6. Requesting approval to award contract for Professional Auditing Services
Finance Director James McDonald addresses the Council regarding his recommendation of Bacon & Edge for the City's audit. He says after speaking with the City of Pawtucket, he decided to recommend Bacon & Edge, even though they were not the low bidder.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr. McDonald's recommendation.
7. Requesting approval to award contract for eight Police vehicles
Mr. Midgley asks if the State has a cooperative bid for police cars. Chief Dias responds by saying that cooperative bids are available on other supplies and equipment, but not on police cars.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
8. Requesting Executive Session - Collective Bargaining/Negotiations
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to defer to the end of the meeting.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims Committee Report
Jeffrey T. Luciano Claim No. 99-46 .............. Tabled
Carlos Jorge Claim No. 99-47 ....................... Approved
Caroline Osowiecki Claim No. 99-40 ............ Denied
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to accept the report as presented.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to change the order of business to allow the second item under Communications to be heard next.
John P. Digits, Jr., No. Dighton, Massachusetts is present and sworn. Mr. Digits addresses the Council regarding his request for a tax exemption for property on Amaral Street which houses the Administrative offices of East Bay Mental Health. Mr Grant states that the Administrative has nothing to do with care and does not think this should be tax exempt.
Mr. Rogers asks what type of precedent this will set. Al Ereio, Tax Assessor, speaks against the request. Mayor Larisa states his concerns and says he will vote against a tax exemption.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to deny the request.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to return to the regular order of business.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Riverside Pride and Grant Money (Deferred from August 10, 1999)
URI Elderly Study
Mayor Larisa defers the above two items until the next meeting.
Personnel Matters - Closed Session
Mayor Larisa asks that the agenda item be moved to the end of the meeting.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Intersection of Moorland Avenue and Rice Avenue
Mr. Grant speaks about a traffic problem at the intersection of Moorland Avenue and Rice Avenue. He suggests that a large maple tree and shrubbery at the intersection be removed, to allow for better visibility. Mr. Lemont says the tree is not the problem and disagrees that it should be taken down. Mr. Lemont tells Mr. Grant he will work with him to help alleviate the problem.
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program - Report on Safe Summer Initiative
Mr. Rogers defers to the next meeting
Senior Transportation
Mr. Rogers speaks on the need for transportation to the Senior Center. He recommends that the City explore acquiring a mini bus for the Senior Center. Mr. Lemont estimates a cost between $25,000 and $45,000. He says he asked Director Rock to scour the countryside for a used van. Mayor Larisa suggests this would be an ideal project to ask the Congressional Delegation to obtain grant money for.
A status report for the next meeting will be prepared by Mr. Lemont.
Utilization of Bond Proceeds - Update
Mr. Rogers asks Mr. Lemont for a report outlining how much bond money has been spent, how much is available, and the amounts projected. Mr. Lemont will have the report ready for the next meeting.
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on September 21, 1999 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
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. I. Sec. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." by adding theretothe following:
WEEDEN AVENUE (northbound and southbound traffic) at Deer Street.
DEER STREET (eastbound) at Weeden Avenue.
DON AVENUE (westbound) at Weeden Avenue.
(Requested by Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, 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 SECTION I. "Stopping, Standing and Parking. Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by deleting therefrom the following:
PURCHASE STREET (east side), from Grove Avenue south for 100 feet.
SECTION II. Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." is amended by adding thereto the following:
PURCHASE STREET (east side), from Grove Avenue south for 161 feet (Requested by Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for First Passage
3. 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. 18-247 entitled "Designation of one-way streets." is amended by adding thereto the following:
PURCHASE STREET (northbound) from Orchard Street to Grove avenue during the hours of 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, school days. (Requested by Director of Public Works)
Discussion is held on the ordinance. It is suggested that the ordinance be given a 30 day trial and enforced immediately.
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 give a 30 day trial to the one way designation
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Sister City Committee. Daniel DaPonte 116 Ivy Street 02914
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the appointment.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Traffic Control Jeanette Fagundes 40 Unity Avenue 02914
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the appointment
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to go into Executive Session in accordance with Section 42-46-5 of the "Exemptions" of Chapter 46 of the General Laws pursuant to Section 42-46-5 (a) (1) [Personnel] (City Manager Performance); Section 42-46-5 (a) (2)
The meeting goes into Executive Session at 10:35 p.m.
The open meeting reconvenes at 11:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved:________________