CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, May 2, 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 Miranda.
1. Approval of Council Journals April 18, 2000
2. Town of Barrington - requesting support of .08 legislation.
3. Memo from Gregory S. Dias, Asst. City Solicitor re: Expired Terms - Minimum Property Standards Board of Review
4. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F1 - June 2,3,4, 2000
Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity - 59 Brightridge Avenue
5. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F1 - July 14, 15, 16, 2000
Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity - 59 Brightridge Avenue
1. Victualing - Not Over 25 - Transfer of Ownership
From Ruan Bing Zhong to Zheng Jian Ya dba Golden House Restaurant, Inc.
126 Taunton Avenue
Jian Ya Zheng, 99 Walnut Street, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from the Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Department of Health.
2. Sunday/Holiday Sales
Riverside Video - 213 Bullocks Point Avenue
Noah Teplow, 215 Bullocks Point Ave. #2, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
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.
3. Carnival - June 2, 3, 4, 2000
Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity - 59 Brightridge Avenue
Mr. Miranda speaks on behalf of the applicant.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from the Police Chief and Building Inspector.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage April 18, 2000
Advertised - Providence Journal - April 24, 2000
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. Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking." , Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by deleting therefrom the following:
PARSONS AVENUE (west side), from Taunton Avenue southerly 139 feet.
SECTION II. Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking.", Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." is amended by adding thereto the following:PARSONS AVENUE (east side), from Taunton Avenue southerly 139 feet. (Requested by the Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 119
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. . Sec. 18-203 entitled "Decrease of state maximum speed." by adding thereto the following: MASSASOIT AVE. from Central Ave. to Waterman Ave.- 20 mph
SEC II. Sec. 18-202 entitled "Increasing state speed limits in certain zones." is amended by deleting the following: MASSASOIT AVE. from Waterman Ave to Dexter Rd - 30 mph.
SEC. III. Sec. 18-202 entitled "Increasing state speed limits in certain zones." is amended by adding thereto the following: MASSASOIT AVE. from Central Ave. to Dexter Rd. - 30 mph (Requested by Director of Public Works ) CHAPTER NO. 120
There are no persons 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. 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:
DAISY DRIVE (southbound traffic), at Argyle Avenue.
ARGYLE AVENUE (eastbound and westbound traffic), at Lorcum Lane.
(Requested by the Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 121
There are no persons 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. 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:
ANTHONY STREET, (east side) in front of house number 57/59, from a point 555 feet north of the Taunton Avenue intersection, northerly for a distance of 20 feet..(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 122
There are no persons 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.
With no objections, the order of business is changed to allow item #2 under Communications to be heard next.
Robert Johnson, 27 Upyonda Way, East Providence, Rhode Island requesting permission to hold annual block party, Sunday, July 16, 2000.
Mr. Johnson is present and sworn and speaks on his request.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to return to the regular order of business.
2000-2001 CDBG Planning Process: Presentation of proposed projects by applicants for funding.
Nancy Remington, Community Development Coordinator, addresses the Council and states that 44 applications have been received, totaling $1.6 million. She says the City has about one half that amount for allocation.
The following speakers are sworn in and speak on their requests:
Peter Marshall and Parker Foss , East Providence Community Center
Richard Smith, Big Brothers of Rhode Island
Donna Cone and Cynthia Braz, N.E. Gerontology Academy
Gerald Lynch, Susan Meyer, and Rebecca Raposa - Boys and Girls Club of E.P.
Steve Hugg, Family Service, Inc.
Bob Germani, Senior Aides Program, Self Help, Inc.
Audrey Field, RSVP, Self Help, Inc.
Jennifer Wong, East Bay Family Health Care & Employment & Training Program, Self Help
Joanne Roth, East Bay Mental Health Ctr, Inc.
Eleanor Ash and Barbara Manning - New Horizons Drop In Center, East Bay Mental Health Ctr
Valerie Kruslic - Riverside Arts Collaborative
Anthony Petrone - United Cerebral Palsy of Rhode Island
Kathleen Brady - United Methodist Retirement Center
Cheryl Patnaude - Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center
Anne Rule and William St. Pierre - Blackstone Valley Chapter Rhode Island Arc
Denise Hainey - Saving Sight of Rhode Island
Officer Mark Norton - East Providence Police Dept. - Kids and Cops Summer Camp
Chuck Mahaleris - Narragansett Council, BSA
Nancy Remington speaks on behalf of the Carousel Commission
Following the presentations, the meeting recesses at 8:58 p.m. and reconvenes at 9:05 p.m.
It is unanimously voted to change the order of business.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims Committee Report
Lombardi, Pamela, Claim No. 00-19 Denied
Mace, Edward, Claim No. 00-20 Denied
Rezendes, Maria, Claim No. 00-22 Approved
Martel, Fred, Claim No. 00-21 Approved
Raposo, Albertina, Claim No. 00-23 Approved
Raposo, Gustavo, Claim No. 00-24 Referred to Law Department
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to accept the report as read.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to return to the regular order of business.
1. Unanimous Consent - Greenwood Avenue Property
Mr. Lemont requests Council approval for the purchase of the property for a new Fire Station, with a purchase price of $190,000. Motion to approve is made by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda. Discussion on the motion. Mr. Rogers explains that this property was identified by the Fire Chief as the ideal location for the new Fire Station in the Rumford section of East Providence and he congratulates Mr. Lemont and Mr. Conley for their efforts. It is unanimously VOTED to approve.
2. City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont announces the availability of the newest Carousel lithograph, which can be purchased at the Carousel office in City Hall.
(By Councilman Patrick Rogers)
Safe Summer 2000 (Deferred from April 18, 2000)
At the request of Mr. Rogers, Chief Dias reports on the Safe Summer program of 1999.
Discussion is held regarding the purchase of additional speed signs. Chief Dias says that if the Department gets grant money they have applied for, they will be able to purchase another one. After further discussion, after a suggestion by Mr. Rogers, a motion is made by Mr. Grant and seconded by Mr. Midgley to authorize the City Manager and Police Chief to get a second sign from some source.
Further discussion is held on the subject. It is suggested that overtime be paid to police officers to put more officers on traffic detail to ticket speeders. Mr. Rogers asks the Chief to provide a recommendation at the next Council meeting.
It is unanimously VOTED to approve the motion.
Addendum - By Councilman Rolland R. Grant
Councilman Grant speaks about the bump at the intersection of Skycrest and Warren Avenues.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to direct the City Solicitor to write a letter to the Director of D.O.T. to have the matter taken care of.
1. A RESOLUTION DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO THE TIME AND MANNER AT AND IN WHICH THE $1,685,000 BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF A FIRE STATION, THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF AN ADDITION TO THE POLICE STATION AND A GARAGE STORAGE BUILDING FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO Resolution No. 31
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution.
2. A RESOLUTION DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO THE TIME AND MANNER AT AND IN WHICH THE $550,000 NOTES FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF A RECREATION CENTER, ATHLETIC FIELDS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE CITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT AND/OR RELOCATION OF RECREATION, LIBRARY AND OTHER SITES IN THE CITY SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO
Resolution No. 32
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution.
3. A RESOLUTION DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO THE TIME AND MANNER AT AND IN WHICH THE $3,175,000 BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWERS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF STORM DRAINAGE AND ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO VARIOUS BUILDINGS IN THE CITY AND THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM AND SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO Resolution No. 33
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is UNANIMOUSLY voted to adopt the Resolution.
4. A RESOLUTION DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO THE TIME AND MANNER AT AND IN WHICH THE $1,550,000 NOTES FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF STREETS AND/OR SIDEWALKS WITHIN THE CITY SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO Resolution No. 34
On motion of Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, 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 16, 2000 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 Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking." Subsection 18-315 entitled "Reserved parking designated--Handicapped parking." by adding thereto the following:
BROADWAY (west side), in front of 809 Broadway from a point 125 feet south of the Taunton Avenue intersection southerly 20 feet..(Requested by Director of Public Works)
Mr. Miranda states that this ordinance provides a handicapped parking space in front of Horton's Seafood
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
2. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 90 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 1998, AS AMENDED ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE ORDERING THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAX ON THE RATABLE REAL ESTATE, TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY AND AN EXCISE TAX ON REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS".
Mr. McDonald speaks on the ordinance. He reports that there was a shortfall in revenue from motor vehicle taxes this year and this new figure will adjust the parameters so the tax levy falls within the parameters set.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
3. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,685,000 TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF A FIRE STATION, THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF AN ADDITION TO THE POLICE STATION AND A GARAGE STORAGE BUILDING FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS
AND AUTHORIZING $1,685,000 BONDS TO FINANCE SAME.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
4. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $550,000 TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF A RECREATION CENTER, ATHLETIC FIELDS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE CITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLANS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT AND/OR RELOCATION OF RECREATION, LIBRARY AND
OTHER SITES IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING $550,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE SAME.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve for First Passage.
5. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $3,175,000 TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWERS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF STORM DRAINAGE AND ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO VARIOUS BUILDINGS IN THE CITY AND THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM AND AUTHORIZING $3,175,000 BONDS TO FINANCE SAME.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
6. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,550,000 TO FINANCE THE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF STREETS AND/OR SIDEWALKS WITHIN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING $1,550,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE SAME.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Canvassing Authority - Alternate Manuel F. Sousa 1449 So. Broadway (02914)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
Unanimous Consent - Councilman Norman J. Miranda
Traffic Control - Thomas Lawrence 8 Julian Avenue (02914)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Traffic Control - John Turbitt 70 Gardner Avenue (02914)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
John Conley addresses the Council, representing the Democratic Party and tenants of the various housing projects in the City. He asks the City Council to support State legislation to increase the membership of the East Providence Housing Authority from five to seven members. The additional 2 members to be elected by the tenants of East Providence Housing and appointed by the Mayor.
Mayor Larisa says he will have no objection to have additional members and have them come from public housing, but suggests the public housing submit two names from each unit and the Mayor will choose from that list.
After further discussion, a motion is made by Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, to direct the City Solicitor to seek legislation that closely resembles what John Conley has suggested.
Mayor Larisa says he will ask the City Solicitor for an opinion as to whether under State law the Mayor is the appointing authority that makes the picks to this Board, and whether that appointed authority is violated when the appointment process is changed in this City so that the members of the high rise provide the Mayor with the names of the two people and he has no discretion.
He responds to a question from Mr. Midgley by stating that the Federal regulations provide for a mechanism for the appointing authority to include members of the housing on the commission, but the regulations do not say how it is to be done. He also says that he is not prepared to respond to the suggestion by the Mayor that there is no discretion of the appointing authority under the method suggested by John Conley. After further discussion, Mr. Midgley asks that the
motion be tabled pending an opinion from the City Solicitor at the next meeting.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously VOTED to table the motion pending an opinion from the City Solicitor at the next meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 10:20 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: May 16, 2000