CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, March 21, 2000 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 Grant.
The Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Miranda.
1. Approval of Council Journals
March 7, 2000 - Regular Meeting
2. Coastal Resources Management Council - File No. 00-2-35 NOTICE
Haines Memorial Park - Construct new boat launching ramp facility.
3. Town of Richmond - Requesting support of legislation - 2000-H 6966 - relative to state aid to education
4. Alcoholic Beverage License - Class F - June 9, 10, 11, 2000
Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood, 51 North Phillips Street
5. Coastal Resources Management Council - File No. 00-3-43 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - Replace roof shingles and windows and install vinyl siding - 38 Beach Pt. Road. (Martha L. Pezzullo)
6. Coastal Resources Management Council - File No. 00-3-8 - Repair (replace) existing seawall (85 linear feet +/-) and upland retaining wall. Located at plat 68, lot 106 & 107; 110 Riverside Drive. (Raymond C. Anderson, Jr.)
7. Coastal Resources Management Council- File No. 00-2-61 - RESIDENTIAL ASSENT - Construct new dwelling to be serviced by city sewers (former dwelling demolished), located at 1 Harding Avenue, Plat 313, Lot 9 (William G. Campos, 188 Narragansett Avenue)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the Consent Calendar.
Citation - Alisha Cataldo - E.P. Lead Paint Program Poster Contest Winner
Mayor Larisa presents the Citation. Nancy Remington, Lead Safe Program Director and Carmen Reid, Lead Safe Educator, speak on the Lead Safe program.
Advertised - E.P. Post - March 9, 2000
Secondhand Dealer
Onna A. Moniz-John, Lorraine Roderick, Elaine M. Gonsalves
Dba Family Artiques - 413 Waterman Avenue
Onna Moniz-John, 149 Anthony Street, East Providence, Rhode Island; Lorraine Roderick, 44 Alice Street, and Elaine Gonsalves, 114 Hall Street are present and sworn.
There are no persons 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, subject to approvals from the Police Chief and Building Inspector.
Sunday/Holiday Sales
Onna A. Moniz-John, Lorraine Roderick, Elaine M. Gonsalves
Dba Family Artiques - 413 Waterman Avenue
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from the Police Chief and Building Inspector.
Carnival - June 9, 10, 11, 2000
Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood - 51 North Phillips Street
David DaSilva, 46 Riley Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from the Police Chief and Building Inspector.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
2000-2001 Community Development Block Grant - Solicitation of public input on community development needs. Presentation of 1998-1999 CDBG Report of Activities and the East Providence Lead Safe Program.
Nancy Remington, Community Development Block Grant Director, addresses the Council. She reports that the City will receive an increase of $22,000 from last year in community development funds, only one of a handful of communities in New England that will get an increase. She says tonight's hearing is to solicit public input on community development housing needs across the City. She says a five year plan has to be prepared, which is required by HUD, to project how the federal housing funds will be best ut9ilized. This public hearing starts a 16 day comment period for residents to get in touch with the Planning Department.
She speaks briefly on the Lead Safe Program, and says she would like to defer the full report to the next Council meeting.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to change the order of business to place Communications on the docket next.
Multi-Purpose Recreational Center Advisory Committee requesting to address the Council
Mr. Rogers asks that his docketed item on the proposed Multi-purpose Recreational Center be heard at the same time.
He says he wants to review the process and clear up some misunderstandings about what is going on. He says the committee is made up of members who are doers and achievers who want to get things done. Senator Lincoln Chaffee and Congressman Patrick Kennedy have indicated interest in this project, and it hoped that we can attain federal funds for the project. He says the committee should concentrate on 7 or 8 key issues. He asks Mr. Conley if an RFP is required for a consultant, and Mr. Conley responds in the affirmative. Mr. Rogers says he would like to propose authorizing the Recreation Director and Planning Director to develop an RFP to be brought before the Council in 2 weeks.
The following Committee members are present and sworn and address the Council about the need to hire a consultant.
JoAnne Harry, 198 Vincent Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island
Ronald Precopio, 38 Brentwood Drive, Rumford, Rhode Island
Raymond Alves, 327 Juniper Street, East Providence, Rhode Island
Mayor Larisa states for the record that the Council authorized up to $25,000 several weeks before the mission statement was developed for a Consultant. He says that it looks as if it is the will of the whole committee they want that the center to go beyond recreation and beyond youth. He says a Needs Analysis must be done and it is hoped that they can meet before the next Council meeting, on April 4, 2000.
Planning Director Jeanne Boyle says the process could probably go straight to the RFP, and there should be explicit criteria. She says when the low bidder is not selected, there needs to be good documentation as to the reasons for it. She says the committee has scheduled a meeting one week from tonight and they will try to draft an RFP for the next Council meeting. She says a needs analysis and cost analysis must be done. The most immediate need is to answer a lot of basic information first.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to authorize the Committee too meet with the Chairs to formulate a scope of services for an RFP and for Director Boyle and Director Crook to come back before council with a draft RFP for council approval on April 4, 2000.
Mayor Larisa says he cannot imagine building a multi-purpose recreation center with the amount that it is going to cost, even with State and Federal contributions, and having no more additional soccer fields in the City when that goes up. He says the mission statement was put together for a reason. Item #3 is the location for the center, and first on that is an inventory of public and private price. He says inventory means everything. He says he would not rule out the Mobil site and Forbes Street Landfill, both of which could house a large facility and soccer fields. He advises the committee not to rule out any location for this multi purpose center.
Mr. Miranda says that he has been strong with soccer fields, but this council has felt the same way. He says he still thinks there is room at the end of Kent Field. He also says that tonight our Public Works director will give a report, and this is just a start but it's been a long time coming. He says the City lacks soccer fields and this council is trying to do whatever it can. He also says he wants to make it clear that he is in favor of a multi purpose center, but he wants to see it done the right way.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to return to the regular order of business.
(Given first passage March 7, 2000)
Advertised - Providence Journal - March 10, 2000 & March 14, 2000
1. The following ordinance provides (2) handicapped parking spaces on the south side of Rice Avenue adjacent to the doctor's office located at 2464 Pawtucket Avenue to assist patients arriving for their appointments.
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 Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking." Subsection 18-315 entitled "Reserved parking designated--Handicapped parking." by adding thereto the following:
RICE AVE., (south side) from a point 38 ft east of Pawtucket Avenue easterly for 52 ft. -
Tuesdays and Thursdays
(Requested by the Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to defer Final Passage until the second meeting in April.
2. The following ordinance provides for a stop sign on Weeden Avenue for northbound traffic at Ferris Avenue.
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:
WEEDEN AVENUE (northbound traffic) at Ferris Avenue.
(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 113
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final Passage.
3. The following ordinance is due to the construction of new roads in the Kent Heights - Phase I subdivision.
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 - Sec. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required by deleting therefrom the following:
CLYDE AVENUE (northbound and southbound traffic) at Kent Avenue.
SECTION II. Sec. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." is amended by adding thereto the following:
CLYDE AVENUE (southbound traffic) at Kent Avenue.
CLYDE AVENUE (northbound traffic) at Rachella Court.
RACHELLA COURT (westbound traffic) at Clyde Avenue.
(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 114
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final Passage.
4. The following ordinance increases the membership of the Advisory Recreation Board by five members - one appointment for each Council member, and establishes staggered terms. - Requested by Mr. Midgley
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 13 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "PUBLIC PLACES.", which amends Sec. 13-191 entitled "Created; composition; appointment of members; vacancies." to read as follows:
(a) There is hereby created an advisory recreation board for the city, which board shall be composed of 16 members and shall have the powers and duties specified in this division.
(b) The advisory recreation board shall consist of one member of the city council appointed by the city council who shall be ex officio, one member of the school committee appointed by the school committee who shall be ex officio, the city manager who shall be ex officio, the superintendent of schools who shall be ex officio and seven members appointed by the city council who shall be qualified electors of the city and shall not be public employees or officeholders of the city, and one of whom shall be the commissioner for the East Providence American Youth Soccer Organization.
(c) Additionally the four members of the City Council who are elected by ward shall each appoint one qualified elector from the city from their ward to the Advisory Recreation Board subject to approval by a majority of the Council; the remaining At-Large member of the Council shall appoint one qualified elector from the city to the Advisory Recreation Board subject to approval by a majority of the Council.
(d) The seven members of the advisory recreation board appointed by the city council shall be appointed for staggered terms. The member from the East Providence American Youth Soccer Organization shall be appointed for a term expiring January 1, 1997 and the remaining member appointed by the council shall be appointed for a term expiring January 1, 1996. Annually thereafter the council shall appoint such members to serve for a term of five years upon the expiration of each appointee's term.
(e) The (5) members of the Advisory Recreation Board appointed by the Council pursuant to subsection (c) of this ordinance shall be appointed for staggered terms. The initial appoint for such members shall expire as follows: Ward I - March 1, 2001; Ward II - March 1, 2002; Ward III - March 1, 2003; Ward IV - March 1, 2004; Council-at-large, March 1, 2005. Annually thereafter the Council shall appoint such members to serve for a term of five years upon the expiration of each appointee's term.
(f) Each member shall continue in office until his or her successor has been duly appointed and qualified. In case any vacancy shall occur on the board for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled in the manner provided above, and the appointee shall serve for and during the unexpired term of his or her predecessor.
(Requested by Councilman Midgley) CHAPTER NO. 115
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
There are no persons from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for Final Passage.
1. Award of Contract for Phase II City Wide Road Improvements and Community Development and Agawam Playground Basketball Court Rehabilitation
On motion of Mr Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to award the bid to Cardi Corporation in the amount of $1,045,539.30.
1. City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont reports that he and the Public Works Director attended a seminar put on by the State Department of Health pertaining to West Nile Encephalitis, which is bourne solely by mosquitoes. He reports that the Department of Health will be taking a number of steps to get insecticides, and that the City will be cooperating with the Department of Health. Julia Forgue has been designated as the contact.
Upgrade of Breed Hall at the Senior Center includes a new roof, stone patio, new windows, and the recast City bell will be put on top of the building. Also, a decorative wall with plantings, new heating system and new air conditioning system.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims Committee
Carol Coelho, Claim No. 00-11 Denied
Shirley Lange, Claim No. 00-15 Referred to Law Department
Claire T. McCue, Claim No. 00-09 Referred to Law Department
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Rosegarden Soccer Field
At the request of Mr. Miranda, Public Works Director Julia Forgue gives a report on the Rosegarden Soccer Field. She reports that the DEM determined that it was an insignificant alteration and the permit was received. She says the construction will now be able to proceed. The goal is to have the field ready for use in September. A suggestion is made to get the leagues together to help keep people off the fields until September
Mr. Miranda thanks all for the cooperation in making this happen.
Unanimous Consent - Mr. Miranda
Mr. Miranda gives an update on the 2000 Charity Ball, which netted more than $6,000 to be distributed. The awards will be presented at the next Council meeting, scheduled for April 4, 2000.
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Senior Van Update
At the request of Mr. Rogers, Mr. Lemont gives an update on the acquisition of a van for the Senior Center. He reports that the Mobil Corporation gave the City a grant of $20,000 towards that purpose. It was concluded that the City could tie into the State bid purchase of several vans. The van chosen is a 2000 two-wheel chair 16 passenger diesel. In order not to impact the City budget, the $20,000 that was received as a grant will be used. Also, Nancy Remington was able to come to an agreement with the University of Rhode Island who is conducting a study at the Senior Center of seniors. The income from that will also be used towards the cost of the van.
Resolution Requesting Legislation Allowing the City of East Providence to Impose a Nonutilization Tax on Real Estate
(Requested by Councilman Rolland R. Grant) RESOLUTION NO. 30
Councilman Grant states that this legislation that is being requested will tax abandoned buildings.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - (If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on April 4, 2000 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
1. (The following ordinance establishes no parking on the westerly side of Parsons Avenue at the corner of Taunton Avenue)
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 Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking.", Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by adding thereto the following:
PARSONS AVENUE (west side), from Taunton Avenue southerly 139 feet.
(Requested by the Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for First Passage.
2. (The following ordinance establishes a stop sign at the intersection of Callender and Dover Avenues.
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:
CALLENDER AVENUE (eastbound traffic) at Dover 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.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Recreation Advisory Board
Bruce R. Zarembka, 45 Burton Avenue (02915)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Carousel Park Commission
Marge Babbitt 90 Forbes Street (02915)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
Historic Properties
George Page 42 Starr Avenue (02915)
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
Library Board of Trustees
Margaret Marcotte 14 Rice Avenue (02914)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
Planning Board
Peter G. Poland 57 Richfield Avenue (02914)
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 9:18 p.m. on motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: April 4, 2000