CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The City Council meets in the council Chamber on Tuesday September 5, 2000 and is called to order at 7:40 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 Rogers. The Salute to the Flag is led by Mayor Larisa.
1. Approval of Council Journals
Regular Meeting - August 15, 2000
2. Coastal Resources Management Council - ASSENT MODIFICATION -
File No. A99-10-69 - This assent shall herein be amended to include plan entitled Riverside Drive" dated 7/27/00 (on file in City Clerk's Office) All Conditions of original Assent remain in full force and effect(Thomas F. & Linda S. Grablick)
3. Coastal Resources Management Council - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - File No. 00-7-68 - Replace screen porch, windows and doors. Move exterior stairs. Reshingle roof. Replace fence and sidewalk. Install vinyl siding. Located at 41 Bluff St., Map 312, Block 33, Lot 2. (Joseph & Gloria Antaya)
4. Coastal Resources Management Council - FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - File No. 00-7-81 - Extend existing porch at side of dwelling. Install hot tub on a 8" slab located at 3 White Ave., Plat 313, Lot 16 (Harold C. Mahler)
5. Coastal Resources Management Council - RESIDENTIAL ASSENT - No. A00-6-78
Construct a 70' x 24' single family dwelling w/city water/sewer service, per plan, located at Narragansett Ave., Plat Map 312, Block 65, Lot 18 (Charles A. Manning, Jr.)
6. Coastal Resources Management Council - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - File No. 00-6-40 - Install 10,000 linear ft. of 16 in. diameter water main to replace 7 and 12 in. diameter water mains, to improve pressure/distribution to Hospital Road area of East Providence. Application requires Special Exception to cross stream/wetlands contiguous to Barrington/Runnins River. Temporary alteration, 320 l.f. of water main), located at Tripps Lane along Wampanoag Trail to Forbes St., East Providence, Plats 509, 609, 709, 710, 711, 610, and Lot 1 Block 1.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously VOTED to approve the Consent Calendar.
Councilman Rogers receives unanimous consent to move his items under Continued Business
1. Rosemere Drive Traffic Problem - (Continued from June 20, 2000 - Councilman Rogers requesting residents be allowed to speak on the issue)
Director of Public Works Julia Forgue reports that studies have indicated there is a traffic problem at the intersection, and previous requests for block grant money to fix the problem have been denied. Mayor Larisa suggests making this a priority for Ward 1 Block Grant projects.
Discussion is held regarding the procedure for the use of CDBG money. Mr. Conley states that he does not believe the City can spend the money now and reimburse itself with the CDBG funds when they come in.
The following people speak on the need for the
Joseph J. Oliveira, 16 Rosemere Drive,
Anthony Sheppard, 40 Rosemere Drive
James O'Grady, 28 Rosemere Drive
Donald Bennett, 19 Rosemere Drive
It is suggested that the left-hand turn from Broadway be eliminated, and that it be enforced. Mr. Rogers makes the following proposal in the form of a motion, which is seconded by Mr. Miranda:
1. Try to immediately address the problem of tripping the light
2. Specify funding for next year's CDBG funding
3. Direct the Director of Public Works to consider for the time between now and the next CDBG year an alternative, whether it be a sign or some type of short term remedy.
State Representative Maria Lopes requests to be heard.
The motion is withdrawn.
Representative Lopes speaks as an advocate for CDBG moeny. She says it was not meant to alleviate the responsibility of the Council. She suggests the Council come up with $10,000 in miscellaneous funds to take care of the problem.
Mr. Rogers remakes his motion, with the amendment that in addition to the steps taken, the City Solicitor inform the Council at the next meeting if HUD can be approached for an amendment to the City's existing authorization. Mr. Miranda seconds the motion, which passes unanimously on a roll call vote.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously voted to return to the regular order of business.
John J. Enright, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the United States Secret Service, makes a presentation to Police Chief Gary Dias and Deputy Chief Wayne Gallagher, for the service provided by the police department during a presidential visit to Barrington in July. He commends the Chief and the entire Department for their professionalism.
1. Addendum
Circus - October 1, 2000 - East Providence Senior Center Grounds - Pawtucket Avenue
Applicant - R.S.V.P.
Audrey Fields, RSVP Director, answers questions from the Council. She assures the Council that the grounds will be left the way they were found.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from the Chief of Police and Building Inspector.
2. Secondhand Dealer - Transfer
From Arlene J. Daluz dba Stork Exchange to Linda C. Kullander, dba Stork Exchange
Located at 198 Newport Avenue
Linda Kullander, 130 Barton Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Grant, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from Chief of Police and Building Inspector.
3.* Carnival - September 14, 15, 16, 17 & September 21, 22, 23, 24, 2000
Carousel Park Commission - Looff Carousel
John Conley, Carousel Park Commission Chairman, addresses the Council about the Carnival.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from Chief of Police and Building Inspector.
Mr. Conley also announces that an unveiling of the plaque for the original people who saved the Carousel will be held on October 9.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage August 15, 2000)
Advertised - Providence Journal - August 18, 2000
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:
MERRICK ST. (eastbound and westbound traffic) at its intersection with Brayton Ave.
LURAY STREET (eastbound traffic) at Providence Avenue.
Requested by the Director of Public Works CHAPTER NO. 137
There are no persons from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve.
Tree Policy (Continued from August 15, 2000)
Parks Superintendent Greg Gammell gives an overview of the tree policy.
A suggestion is made to allow citizens to pay towards the cost of having trees planted on their property.
After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Midgley suggests making Mr. Rogers "the Tree Czar" and have him come up with a plan. Mr. Rogers asks that the Council agree to a 50/50 match, and he will consult with the Tree Warden and get back to the Council. He puts it in the form of a motion, which is seconded by Mr. Grant, and voted unanimously.
Presentation of 2000-2001 Budget to City Council
Mr. Lemont gives a brief presentation to the Council, stating that the budget reflects an increase of 4.9%. He says there will be a dramatic increase in the cost of trash hauling in the City, one factor of the increase. The Budget Hearing will be held on September 19, 2000.
Discussion is held on the time frame of the budget hearings. At the request of Mayor Larisa, a motion is made by Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and unanimously voted to change the second meeting in October to October 23, 2000.
Requesting approval of contract award for Senior Center Annex Renovations
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve.
Proposal for Architectural Services/Engineering Services for new Fire Station Facility
Mr. Lemont states that the Committee has chosen the Providence Partnership, the second low bidder, to be the architect for the project. Mr. Grant questions why there is such a big difference in the bids. Ernie DeSaia, the consultant, speaks and explains the differences.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims Committee Report
Mary Gifford Claim No. 00-34 Approved
RI State Labor Relations Board Decision Received as Information
City of East Providence v. George/v. Greene Received as Information
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept the report as presented.
(By Councilman Peter F. Midgley)
European
Mr. Midgley speaks about a public nuisance - that of public urination at the city's athletic facilities. He says that kind of action will not be tolerated, and if it continues, the various organizations will not be allowed to use the fields.
Mr. Midgley asks that the City Manager be directed to direct the Recreation Director and Chief of Police to cite the offenders and have them thrown off the field. He says this is not acceptable behavior and it will not be tolerated.
Water, Water, Wadda......................
Mr. Midgley asks the Director of Public Works to explain what is going on about the water situation. Mr. Lemont explains that the water comes from the Scituate Reservoir, and the combination of a lower flow and high water temperature has caused some bacteria in the water. He says the City started injecting chlorine as a protective measure. He says some kind of announcement will be made within the next couple of days to assure everyone that the water is safe.
Unanimous Consent - Mr. Miranda
Mr. Miranda receives unanimous consent to discuss the traffic light at the corner of Grosvenor Avenue and Broadway. He says that reports that the light has been green on both sides is causing some concern. Julia Forgue states that the D.O.T. installed the signal and they have been out to view it with the company that makes the signal, and there is no indication that it is green on both sides.
Mr. Rogers thanks the Public Works Director for the work done at the Agawam Park Playground and for the new basketball court.
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on September 19, 2000 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
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. 18-247 entitled "Designation of one-way streets." by deleting:
HARRIET STREET (northbound) from Franklin Street to Willett Avenue
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve for First Passage.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Conservation Commission (R) Paul S. Capaldo 72 Circuit Drive (02915)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve.
(By Councilman Peter F. Midgley)
Juvenile Hearing Board Sharlene Damiani 887 Willett Avenue (02915)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously voted to approve.
The City Clerk will send a letter to Mr. Feeney thanking him for his years of service.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 10:15 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: September 19, 2000