CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, May 16, 2000 and is called to order at 7:30 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
Mary Gadouas.................................................City Clerk
The Invocation is led by Councilman Rogers. The Salute to the Flag is led by Mayor Larisa. Lori Merolla, Merandi Reporting, is present to record the proceedings of the Public Hearings.
1. Approval of Council Journals
Regular Meeting - May 2, 2000
2. State Traffic Commission - STC approval of request to designate a R.I. Route 103A in accordance to city's Resolution No. 27
3. Sunday/Holiday Sales - Change of Business Name
From Riverside Video to Reel Video - 213 Bullocks Point Avenue
4 Coastal Resources Management Council - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT -
File No. 00-4-61 - Replace fence, roof shingles and patio blocks located at 333 Seaview Avenue,
Plat 7 Lot 7 (Marilyn J. Walsh)
5. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - June 16, 17, 18, 2000 - 146 Sutton Avenue
Trinity Brotherhood Annual Holy Ghost Feast
6. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - June 22, 23, 24, 25, 2000 - Fynn Field
East Providence Recreation Department - Jimmy Fund Softball
7. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F - July 28, 29, 30, 2000 - Pierce Field
East Providence Heritage Festival Committee
8. Alcoholic Beverage - Class F1 - May 20, 2000
St. Francis Xavier Church - No. Carpenter St.
9. City of Newport - Resolution Opposing Casino in West Warwick
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the Consent Calendar.
East Providence Police Officer Raymond Blinn is presented with a Citation in recognition of his award from the Women's Center of Rhode Island for outstanding vision, leadership, and activism in working to end domestic violence.
1. Victualing/Not over 25 - Transfer
From: Khaled Yardous, dba Cafe Au Lait
To: Frederick W. Thistle, dba Borelli's Corner Deli - 68 Taunton Avenue
The applicant is present and sworn. On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Department of Health.
2. Peddler
Kendra Leary Poole, dba Eskimo King - 34 Unity Avenue, East Providence, RI
The applicant is present and sworn. On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from Police Chief and Department of Health
3. Peddler
John A. Larkin, dba The Juice Oasis - 33 Walker St., Swansea, Massachusetts
The applicant is present and sworn. On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda it is unanimously VOTED to approve, subject to approvals from Police Chief and Department of Health
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
2000-2001 CDBG Program: Recommendations for funding; City Council authorization of final budget.
A discussion is held regarding the $40,000 proposal to repair the roof at the East Providence Recreation Center and the needs of the City playgrounds.
Motion is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant for discussion, to reduce the $40,000 allocation for the roof repair to $20,000 and to allocate $5,000 to each of the four wards for playground improvements.
Mr. Grant suggests taking the entire $40,000 and dividing it up among the four wards for an allocation of $10,000 each ward for playground equipment.
Further discussion takes place. Mr. Miranda says he thinks $5,000 for each ward is fair, but at least $20,000 should be used for the roof repair. Mayor Larisa says he feels the replacing of playground equipment should be done by priority - not by wards. Mr. Midgley says the roof is needed and will cost the City a lot more if it is not repaired now. He says he will not vote on anything less than the $40,000 for the roof.
Mr. Lemont speaks about the need to repair the roof and save the building for use in the future. Discussion takes place about amending the motion.
Motion is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, to amend the motion as follows: Reduce the roof allocation to $20,000 and divide the remaining $20,000 as follows: $5,000 for Kent Heights slide, $5,000 for Agawam Playground Equipment, $5,000 for trees in Ward 2, $5,000 for the roof repair.
Roll call vote is taken on the motion:
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Nay
Mr. Miranda Aye
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Nay
The motion passes 3-2.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the recommendations as amended.
At 8:50 PM Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. presents Onna John-Moniz with a citation for being named Rhode Island Affirmative Action Professionals Member of the Year.
The meeting recesses at 9:00 p.m. and reconvenes at 9:09 p.m., with all members present.
Unanimous Consent given to Mayor Larisa to change the order of business to place the Historic Preservation Awards next on the docket.
David Kelleher, Chairman of the Historic Properties & Designation Study Commission, presents the Historic Preservation Awards to:
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Pineau - 36 Willett Avenue
Mark Fillion & Sheri Hannon - 338 Pleasant Street
Attorney Robert Brady - 1 Grove Avenue
There being no objection from the Council, the second docketed item under Communications is heard next.
Frederick A. Vinhateiro, 78 Reed Street, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn. On a motion by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to allow Frederick A. Vinhateiro to block off Pawtucket Avenue from Hoppin Avenue to Burnside Avenue from 10AM to 3PM on May 28, 2000, for an annual Car Show.
On a motion by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda it is unanimously voted to resume the regular order of business.
(Given first passage May 2, 2000 Advertised - Providence Journal - May 5, 2000
1. 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". CHAPTER NO. 123
There are no persons who wish to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is adopted.
2. 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. CHAPTER NO. 124
There are no persons who wish to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is adopted.
3. 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. CHAPTER NO. 125
There are no persons present who wish to be heard.
On motion by Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant/Rogers, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is adopted.
4. 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. CHAPTER NO. 126
There are no persons present who wish to be heard.
On motion by Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is adopted.
5. 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. CHAPTER NO. 127
There are no persons present who wish to be heard.
On motion by Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is adopted.
6. 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) CHAPTER NO. 128
There are no persons present who wish to be heard.
On motion by Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a unanimous roll-call vote with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is adopted.
1. Request of Centre Court to Purchase City Property
Mr. Lemont requests the matter be referred to the Planning Board.
Mr. Midgley makes a motion, which is seconded by Mr. Rogers, to accept the report as read, and not to refer it to the Planning Board.
Mr. Midgley says he has been waiting for four years to get a site study done on that property and until that is done, he will not agree to any use of the property.
After discussion, a roll call vote is taken on Mr. Midgley's motion, which passes unanimously.
2. City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont reports that the City is hiring for summer employment and will be paying $7.00 per hour. He urges people eighteen years and older, with a driver's license, who are looking for work to contact the Personnel Department.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Promissory Note, Conservation Easement, and Recreation Easement - Crescent Beach Project
Mayor Larisa explains that the Conservation easement and Recreation easement insure that the property will be preserved forever as open space with a beach and a developed park, similar to Colt State Park.
Mr. Rogers commends Mayor Larisa's efforts and vision in this project.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
The Senior Project
Mayor Larisa speaks about the Senior Project, a U.R.I. program to help seniors live a more healthy and independent life. He says that 1300 volunteers are needed, and urges those interested to call Senior Center Director Robert Rock, Nancy Remington, or the City Clerk.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
City Water & City Sewerage - added taxes (3/4 inch)
Mr. Grant discusses the difference in what citizens have to pay for water and city sewer use fees depending on the dimensions of their pipes.
Mr. McDonald reports that the rates were based on annual consumption. To do a study would mean that CDM would have to go back and analyze the consumption of the City based on a quarter by quarter basis, so there is a significant amount of detailed work to be done.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to have Mayor Larisa and Councilman Grant sit down with the Finance Director and City Manager to get a scope of services of CDM, with a report back to the Council to determine what steps, if any, the Council wants to take.
Unanimous Consent - Councilman Peter F. Midgley
Councilman Midgley receives Unanimous Consent to discuss recent vandalism at Sabin's Point Playground.
1. RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE TRAFFIC COMMISSION TO INSTALL A TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF PAWTUCKET AVENUE AND BOYDEN BOULEVARD. RESOLUTION NO. 36
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution.
2. RESOLUTION REQUESTING LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO RESIDENTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING BE COMMISSIONERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO. 35
Mayor Larisa offers amendments to the Resolution.
John Conley, Democratic City Committee Chairman, speaks on the Resolution and urges the Council to adopt it.
Mayor Larisa offers further changes based on Mr. Conley's comments.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to adopt the Resolution as amended.
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on June 6, 2000 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
1. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 5 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "FIRE PREVENTION.", which amends Chapter 5 by adding thereto the following:
Sec. 5-50. Closure and/or removal of underground tanks.
Cutting of all underground tanks and/or containers having contained flammable, combustible or explosive substances is hereby prohibited except upon approval of the Fire Chief. All underground tanks and/or containers having contained flammable, combustible or explosive substances shall be cut, closed and/or removed in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices-1604, 2nd Edition as amended.
(Requested by the Fire Chief)
On motion by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a unanimous roll-call vote, with all Council members present and voting, said ordinance is approved for First Passage
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Carousel Park Commission
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously VOTED to approve Mr.Grant's reappointment of Marge Babbitt, 90 Forbes Street.
There being no further business the meeting adjourns at 10:40 p.m.
Attest:
Deputy City Clerk Approved: