| CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING |
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, May 15, 2001 and is called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Mayor Joseph S. Larisa. Jr.
Present: Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. )
Peter F. Midgley ) Council Members
Norman J. Miranda )
Patrick A. Rogers )
Paul E. Lemont ) City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr. ) City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry ) City Clerk
Absent: Rolland R. Grant ) Council Member
The Invocation is led by Mayor Larisa. The Salute to the Flag is led by Mr. Rogers.
1. Approval of Council Journals
May 1, 2001 - Regular Meeting
May 4, 2001 - Special Meeting - B&B Sports Tavern - Transfer of Licenses
2. RIDEM - INSIGNIFICANT ALTERATION - PERMIT No. 00-0468- in reference to the property and proposed project located immediately west and southwest of the terminus of Risho Avenue, approximately 380 feet west of its intersection with Catamore Boulevard, Map 508, Block 03, Lot 5, and Map 608, Block 02, portion of Lot 10.1 (John and Joananne Marshall c/o Marshall Properties, Inc., 700 Narragansett Drive, Pawtucket, RI 02861)
3. RIDEM - INSIGNIFICANT ALTERATION - PERMIT No. 00-0477 - in reference to property and proposed project located approximately 1600 ft. north of Ferris Ave. by Utility Pole No. 133, approximately 1650 ft. north of the Ferris Ave., Tryon Ave. intersection, Plat 502m Block 5 Lot 31 (Carsten Blase, Vice President, Igus Bearings, Inc., 50 No. Broadway, East Providence, RI)
4. Cancellations/Abatements - City Assessor requesting cancellation of taxes as follows:
Year Amount
2000 389.43
1999 2023.11
Total 2412.54
5. Alcoholic Beverage License - Cl F - May 19, 2001
St. Francis Xavier Church - 81 No. Carpenter Street
6. Alcoholic Beverage License - Cl F - June 1, 2, 3, 2001
Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood 51 No. Phillips Street
7. Alcoholic Beverage License - Cl F - June 8, 9, 10, 2001
Trinity Brotherhood Annual Holy Ghost Feast - 146 Sutton Avenue
8. Alcoholic Beverage License - Cl F - June 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2001
East Providence Recreation Dept., Jimmy Fund Softball - Fynn Field
9. Alcoholic Beverage License - Cl F - July 20, 21, 22, 2001
Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity - 59 Brightridge Avenue
10. Alcoholic Beverage License - Cl F - July 27, 28, 29, 2001
East Providence Heritage Festival Committee - Pierce Field
Mayor Larisa and Councilman Rogers present citations to students of St. Margaret's School who were the Junior Division Champions in the R.I. Legal/Educational Partnership Mock Trial Tournament. Coach Matthew Oliverio commends the students for their performance.
2. Historic Preservation Awards
Historic Properties Commission Chairman David Kelleher presents the Historic Preservation Awards to Lezaola Insurance Agency, 896 Broadway, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Turgeon, 324 Pleasant Street, and Mr. & Mrs. John S. Emigh, 3591 Pawtucket Avenue.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to change the order of business to move Communications to the next item.
1. Frederick A. Vinhateiro, 3730 Pawtucket Avenue, requesting to block off a portion of Pawtucket Avenue for Car Show - Sunday, May 27, 2001.
Mr. Vinhateiro is present and sworn and answers questions from the Council. He says the proceeds will go to Riverside Middle School.
On a motion by Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve.
2. Stephen Ormerod, 2 Bridgham Court, requesting permission to hold Block Party - Morra Way and Bridgham Court - June 24, 2001
Mr. Ormerod is present and sworn and answers questions from the Council.
On a motion by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously voted to approve.
3. Richard Godfrey, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, makes a presentation regarding a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program for senior citizens, which allows seniors to convert the equity of their home into a source of tax-free income.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to return to the regular order of business.
1. Victualing - N/over 25 - Transfer
From East Providence Donuts Inc. To: EDC Holdings
Dba Honey Dew Donuts - 100 Newport Avenue
Ed DaCruz, 15 Sylvia Lane, Lincoln, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from Chief of Police, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
2. Dry Cleaner - Transfer
From: James A. Del Fiore To: Aldo W. Segama & Luisa P. China
Dba Six Corners Cleaners & Tailors - 283 Taunton Avenue
Aldo W. Segama, 222 Pheasant Drive, Cranston, Rhode Island and Luisa P. China, 1 Algonquin Street, Providence, Rhode Island are present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from Chief of Police and Building Inspector.
3. Peddler/Hawker (Deferred from May 1, 2001)
Michael J. Solitro, Jr., dba Solitro's, 298 Williams Street, Providence, RI
Subject to approval from Chief of Police
The applicant is not present.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously voted to remove the item from the agenda.
4. Sunday/Holiday Sales - Transfer
From: Frank J. McCabe, dba McCabes Mobil
To: Adriance Group, Inc., dba On the Run - 900 Wampanoag Trail
Karl Vucich, 75 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic, Connecticut, is present and sworn.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from Chief of Police and Building Inspector.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
Authorization and final budget of the 2001-2002 Community Development Block Grant Program
Nancy Remington reviews the recommended allocations.
Mr. Miranda questions the allocation on the Warren Avenue extension. He asks for an additional $5,000. Mr. Lemont suggests that the $5,000 could be taken from the allocation for soccer field improvements at Kent Heights field.
Mr. Rogers speaks about a tree deficit in the City and asks that the Agawam Playground shelter be removed and the $10,000 allocation be used for additional tree plantings.
Responding to a question from Mr. Rogers, Mr. Lemont reports that funds were appropriated in the Highway Division's budget for the traffic light at Rosemere Drive.
Nancy Remington reports that money allocated in last year's CDBG budget for sidewalks has not been used yet and will be combined with this year's allocation.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to up the Warren Avenue improvement from $25,000 to $30,000; to reduce the Agawam Playground Shelter from $10,000 to $0; to increase the tree planting from $10,000 to $20,000; and to reduce the Kent Heights Soccer Field improvements from $40,000 to $35,000.
The meeting is opened to the public for discussion on the amended CDBG allocation.
There is no one 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 the CDBG allocation as amended.
(Given first passage May 1, 2001)
Advertised - Providence Journal - May 4, 2001
1. The following ordinance establishes the term of office for the Harbormaster and Assistants to run concurrent with that of the Council.
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. 13-83 entitled "Appointment; duties and responsibilities." and Sec. 13-84 entitled "Assistant harbormasters." to read as follows:
Sec. 13-83. Appointment; duties and responsibilities.
There shall be a harbormaster for the city. The harbormaster will be appointed by the city council at the recommendation of the harbor management commission for a term of office concurrent with that of the council and until his/her successor is appointed and qualified . In accordance with section 13-8 of the Charter the harbormaster shall devote sufficient time to the position of harbormaster as shall be required to perform the duties of the harbormaster as provided for in this section. The harbormaster shall report to the city manager and have the following duties:
(1) Be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the harbor management plan and its ordinances.
(2) Process applications for the issuance of mooring permits and assign proper placements of moorings in accordance with this chapter.
(3) Keep proper records of all mooring application information, including the locations of moorings, mooring owners and vessel usage of mooring, type of vessels using mooring, etc. These records shall be available for public review at the city clerk's office.
(4) Prepare, keep current, and make available a waiting list for mooring permits in accordance with the provisions of this chapter if the demand for available mooring permits is greater than the number of available mooring locations in any given year. The waiting list shall be available for public review at the city clerk's office.
(5) Inspect mooring tackle in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(6) Assist in the preparation of grant applications as they pertain to waterways and harbors within the city with the approval of the harbor management commission.
(7) The harbor management commission recommend rules and regulations for approval by the city council.
(8) Recommend three candidates for the position of assistant harbormaster. Candidates for assistant will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the city council in accordance with Sec. 13-84 of this article.
(9) Coordinate, maintain, and repair of the patrol boat and other departmental equipment.
(10) Prepare and implement an operational budget subject to the approval of the city council.
(11) Interface with city departments, committees, and commissions as necessary relating to harbors and waterways under the jurisdiction of the harbormaster.
(12) Coordinate and/or conduct a minimum of one coast guard approved boating safety class per year.
(13) Conduct a minimum of one safe boating seminar at each junior and senior high school in the city.
(14) With the harbor management commission conduct two public hearings per year for the purpose of soliciting public comments regarding all elements of the harbor plan. The dates and times for such hearings are to be determined by the harbormaster and harbor management commission.
(15) Act as a liaison with other harbormasters in an effort to modify and improve the existing harbor plan.
(16) Carry out all other powers and duties authorized to the harbormaster under various state and federal marine laws, including, but not limited to, Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) inspection and discharge responsibilities afforded through the U.S. Coast Guard, MARPOL ANNEX V, Section 312 of the Clean Water Act, G.L. 1956, § 46-22-1 et seq.
(17) The harbormaster and his assistant shall be required to receive training in harbormaster management techniques such as those offered by the University of Rhode Island Sea Grant Program harbormaster training classes. Completion of this course shall be a prerequisite to appointment as a harbormaster or assistant harbormaster.
Sec. 13-84. Assistant harbormasters.
There shall be three assistant harbormasters who shall be appointed by the city council for a term of office concurrent with that of the council and until his/her successor is appointed and qualified and shall report directly to the harbormaster and are empowered with the same duties as the harbormaster, under the direction of the harbormaster. Only two of the three assistant harbormasters shall receive compensation.
(Requested by Councilman Peter F. Midgley) CHAPTER NO. 159
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, 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 Subsection 18-315 entitled "Reserved parking designated--Handicapped parking." by adding thereto the following:
FIFTH STREET, (east side) from a point 35 feet south of the Warren Avenue intersection southerly for a distance of 20 feet.
(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 160
There is no one 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 for Final Passage.
3. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $1,205,000 TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SANITARY SEWERS AND CONNECTOR UTILITIES AND AUTHORIZING $1,205,000 BONDS TO FINANCE SAME. CHAPTER NO. 161
There is no one 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 for Final Passage.
4. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $3,000,000 TO FINANCE THE PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF STREETS AND/OR SIDEWALKS WITHIN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING $3,000,000 BONDS TO FINANCE SAME
CHAPTER NO. 162
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve for Final Passage.
5. AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $925,000 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 AND AUTHORIZING $925,000 BONDS TO FINANCE SAME. CHAPTER NO. 163
There is no one 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.
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 Sec. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." by adding thereto the following:
WOODBINE STREET( westbound traffic) at Meadowcrest Drive.
(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 164
There is no one 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. Review of Qualification Statements for "Cleaning & Inspection of Two Sanitary Sewer Interceptors & Siphon"
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to approve the four contractors who responded to the City's Request for Qualifications.
2. Review of Qualification Statements for Wampanoag Trail Water Transmission Main
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve the eleven contractors who responded to the City's Request for Qualifications.
3. Award of Contract for Telecommunications Services
Mr. Lemont reports that John Andrews has been negotiating with several companies to come up with the best deal for telecommunications services to the City and School Department. The recommendation is that the City remain with Verizon for a five year period. It is estimated that the City will realize an annual savings of $42,441.96.
Mr. Midgley recuses himself from the discussion and vote because of his employment.
Mr. Miranda makes a motion to approve. There is no second to the motion. Mr. Rogers asks that the matter be deferred to the next meeting. Mr. Miranda seconds the motion, which passes 3-0. Mr. Midgley is recorded as being recused from the vote.
4. Award of Contract for "Road Improvements - Phase III Bond Issue"
Acting Public Works Director Steve Coutu answers question from the Council regarding road improvements.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to award the contract to the low bidder, J.H. Lynch & Sons, Inc.
5. City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont reports that the School Committee voted to declare the property on Warren Avenue surplus property and they will be moving their operation to Commercial Way. He goes on to say that he believes the building will be ready by November.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to Refer the matter to the Planning Board.
Mr. Rogers makes a statement regarding the trash services in the City. He asks Mr. Conley to review the contract and notify the Council of rights under the contract, which include penalty provisions on a per house basis.
Mr. Lemont responds by saying that some of the reasons that the company is having difficulty is because there is difficulty in getting help, they are having equipment breakdowns, and that the Area Supervisor, who knew the route, left - but is back now.
1. (By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims and Litigation Committee Report
Sanitary Services settlement of a Bond Claim - Referred to the Law Department
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept as presented.
City Clerk requesting amendment to the Council Minutes of September 19, 2000 as follows: After Consent Calendar, insert the following:
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve the Consent Calendar.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to approve.
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Creation of "Rainy Day" Fund
Mayor Larisa speaks about establishing a Rainy Day Fund and suggests transferring a large chunk from the Rescue Billing Fees account, which has more than $1.2 million.
He also says he will propose a road program out of current revenue.
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Safe Summer Program
Mr. Rogers speaks about the program which targets speeding drivers in residential neighborhoods. Chief Dias informs the Council that there are currently three police officers dedicated to traffic enforcement. Mr. Rogers says he would not be opposed to hiring additional police officers for traffic enforcement. After further discussion, Mr. Rogers asks that the Chief and City Manager report back to the Council with recommendations.
Mr. Lemont mentions the "Boom Box" ordinance, and states that $50 tickets will be handed out to first time violators.
Unanimous Consent - Mayor Larisa
Mayor Larisa reports on a $10,000 charitable donation made to the City from John Picerne towards the Crescent Park Carousel Concession Stand. Mayor Larisa thanks him publicly.
1. A RESOLUTION DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO THE TIME AND MANNER AT AND IN WHICH THE $1,205,000 BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE CONSTRUCTION FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF SANITARY SEWERS AND CONNECTOR UTILITIES SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO
RESOLUTION NO. 13
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, 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 $3,000,000 BONDS 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. 14
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, 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 $925,000 BONDS 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 SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO
RESOLUTION NO. 15
On motion of Mr. Midgley, 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 June 5, 2001 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. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." by adding thereto the following:
WILSON AVENUE (southbound traffic) at Hammond Street.
WILSON AVENUE (northbound traffic) at Holbrook Avenue
HOLBROOK AVENUE (eastbound traffic) at Wilson Avenue.
SELDON STREET (westbound traffic) at Wilson Avenue.
(Requested by Director of Public Works)
Mr. Rogers speaks on the ordinance. He asks that the ordinance be amended to make it a temporary/pilot 15-30 day period.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously voted to amend the ordinance by adding: "This ordinance shall sunset 60 days after Final Passage, unless otherwise reauthorized by the City Council."
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is unanimously voted to approve the ordinance as amended for First Passage.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 9:35 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk