CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The City Council meets in Room 306 at City Hall on Tuesday, January 9, 2001 with the School Committee. The meeting is called to order at 7:45 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.....................Council Members
Rolland R. Grant
Norman J. Miranda
Peter F. Midgley
Patrick A. Rogers
Paul E. Lemont .....................................City Manager
Helio Melo, Chairman ..........................School Committee
John Amaral
Mildred Morris
Dr. Isadore S. Ramos
Edna Snow
Dr. Taras Herbowy ................................Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Lemont makes a presentation regarding the Warren Avenue School property and speaks of the alternatives for a new location. He discusses the condition of the Bentley Street garage, and states that the cost of renovation has been estimated to be about $250,000. He suggests moving the operation to Commercial Way, putting an addition of 3 bays to an existing building, and space for an office, restrooms, a cafeteria, and storage for supplies, as well as vehicle storage. He says the Bentley Street property could be used in the interim, with the ultimate goal being to raze the building on Bentley Street and sell the lots for the construction of single family homes.
Mr. Miranda speaks and receives assurance from Mr. Lemont that only single family homes will be allowed to be built on the site. He also states that he disagrees with the City Manager and believes that the Bentley Street garage can be fixed at a lower cost.
The School Committee discusses the possibility of placing the operation in a location other than Commercial Way. Mrs. Morris states her concerns regarding consolidation of services, but Mr. Lemont assures her that the only consolidation he is talking about is the location at Commercial Way. He says that both the City and the School Department will benefit from having the operations in the same vicinity.
Dr. Herbowy states that the School Committee and City Council should seize the opportunity that this presents. He also states that the School Committee must have sole propriety in order to receive a State reimbursement. Both parties agree that the Warren Avenue property is no longer suitable.
John F. Conley, 115 Smith Street, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn. Mr. Conley congratulates the City Council and School Committee for coming together in this historic meeting to develop a plan that will be beneficial to both parties.
Maryann Matthews, 51 Outlook Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn. Ms. Matthews states that if any construction is done at the Bentley Street site, she would like it to be affordable housing.
Frank Duarte, East Providence, Rhode Island, is present and sworn and asks if the developers still plan to build if the School Department does not sell the building. Mr. Lemont responds that he has been told that they will still go ahead with the development.
On motion of Dr. Ramos, seconded by Mrs. Morris, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted that the School Committee has the intent of turning over the School property to the City to be sold to a developer, with the final decision to be voted on at the January 23' School Committee meeting.
The meeting recesses at 9:05 p. m. and reconvenes at 9:15 p. m.
Mr. Melo speaks about the School Committee's vote to approve the program. He says the City Council must implement it.
Chief Dias gives an overview of the program, which was developed as a result of the Columbine incident. He says Cumberland and Westerly currently have a similar program in place.
The Council questions Chief Dias at length about the cost of the program, the specific duties of the officers, and they discuss the issue of police carrying guns in the schools.
Cumberland Police Chief addresses the Council regarding that town's program. He says the two Resource Officers are present to answer questions. He mentions that he has never heard any criticism of the program, and that it has been well received.
Maryann Matthews, 51 Outlook Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island addresses the Council and voices her opposition to having guns in schools.
Carleton Bulley speaks and says it is the parents who should be responsible for their children's behavior.
Paul Rodrigues, an East Providence D.A.R.E. officer, speaks in support of the program.
Tony Gouveia speaks in support of the program.
Anthony Bochichio, 96 Pinecrest Drive, speaks in opposition of the program, and says that if the program is approved, the police officers should be in uniform and look like police officers.
Norman Greene, a retired Police Officer from New York, who worked with a similar program, speaks about the benefits of the program.
Capt. Norman J. Miranda, Jr., speaks in support of the program.
Mr. Miranda asks Chief Dias if he is in favor of the program, and Chief Dias answers that he is 100% in favor of it. Mr. Miranda says that knowing the Chief is fully behind the program, he will vote in favor.
Mr. Rogers speaks and states his reasons for not voting in favor.
Mr. Midgley asks additional questions and states that he believes this program is an encroachment by the Police Department into our schools. He says it undermines the educational environment and thinks the price is too high. He says he cannot support the program.
Mr. Grant makes additional comments and says he will support the program.
Mayor Larisa speaks and states that at this time he will not vote in favor, but says he does not rule out a favorable vote in the future.
Motion to deny at this time is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Midgley. Roll call vote follows:
Mr. Grant Nay
Mr. Midgley Aye
Mr. Miranda Nay
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Aye
Motion to deny passes 3-2.
The meeting adjourns at 11:03 p.m.
Attest
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: January 16, 2001