CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
The City Council meets at the Weaver Library on Wednesday, February 9, 2000.
Present:
Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. Council Members
Rolland R. Grant
Norman J. Miranda
Patrick A. Rogers
Paul E. Lemont City Manager
Valerie A. Perry City Clerk
Senator David Bates General Assembly Delegation
Senator Michael Damiani
Senator Daniel DaPonte
Senator William Irons
Representative Maria Lopes Present at 8:59 A.M.
Representative Henry Rose
Representative John Savage
Representative Robert Sullivan
John Amaral School Committee
Henry Caparco
Helio Melo
Mildred Morris
Edna Snow
Dr. Taras Herbowy Superintendent of Schools
Absent:
Peter F. Midgley Council Member
William J. Conley, Jr. City Solicitor
Representative Elizabeth Dennigan General Assembly Delegation
Representative Raymond Coelho
The meeting is called to order at 8:20 A.M. by Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. He speaks on the state of the City, mentioning that East Providence has the lowest tax rate of the 9 cities in the state.
Mr. Miranda speaks about his biggest concern - the Warren Avenue connector. He says both Mr. Midgley and Representative Coelho share his thoughts on the subject.
Mr. Grant states that he shares Mr. Miranda's and Mr. Midgley's concerns about it as well.
Mr. Lemont speaks about the loss of manufacturing and commercial taxes and says a study is being conducted on the waterfront property. He also asks Legislative support to oppose any dumping in the East Providence shoreline.
Jeanne Boyle, Planning Director, speaks about the Transportation Improvement Program. She says the Warren Avenue connector has been discussed, but there are limited funds and the process is very competitive. She urges legislators to write letters in support of the project.
Mayor Larisa mentions the tax treaty, proposed by Councilman Grant, which he says is also a plus in drawing businesses to the City.
Mr. Lemont asks legislators to keep the City informed when they know there will be budget shortfalls, in order to aid the City Administration in their budget planning process.
Senator Irons speaks on economic development. He asks that the legislators be provided with information on what has been done so far and what the future possibilities are for tenants in the various industrial areas of the City, such as Almeida Park and others. He also says it would behoove the legislators to know what the plans are for a recreational center in the city.
Mayor Larisa states that the multi-purpose recreational center needs a lot of study.
Some discussion is held on health issues, particularly Rite Care, with Senator Irons saying that the State has one of the best health care systems in the nation, and that the Legislators are very sensitive to Rite Care issues.
Chief Gerald Bessette speaks on a fire apparatus bill regarding weight and load limits.
Joseph Crook speaks about the multi-purpose center and says the committee will be looking into possible revenue sources. He asks Legislators to look favorably on the proposal.
Chief Gary Dias speaks about two pending Police bills.
Canvassing Clerk Sheila Stringfellow speaks about a bill regarding the closing of schools on election days. Senator Irons responds by saying that having the schools in session during election days poses a safety problem. He suggests the schools schedule field trips on those days. Mr. Savage states that small elections would only affect a few schools, and suggests getting the voting out of the schools on those days.
The meeting is turned over to the School Committee.
Edna Snow, Chairwoman, states that the main issue is the significant increases in Special Education costs - she asks that funding be provided for issues that are passed after the City budget is passed.
Henry Caparco speaks on the Warren Avenue School building.
Superintendent Herbowy speaks. He mentions the substitute shortage. He says the bottom line is the student performance and speaks about a state curriculum. He says there should be a cohesive articulated curriculum statewide and that the curriculum needs to be aligned with the tests that are given.
He mentions that 20% of our students in Rhode Island are identified as special needs students, the highest percentage in the country. He says the costs of private placement for each student are between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. He says his goal is to eliminate private placements for these students.
Another issue he speaks about is transportation. He says the cost is $30,000 per year per bus.
Senator Irons suggests that the Legislative Delegation be notified when certain issues are forthcoming and that they be alerted in advance so as to be prepared.
The meeting adjourns at 9:20 A.M.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved by the City Council: February 15, 2000