CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 16, 2001
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, October 16, 2001 and is called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.
Present: Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. )
Rolland R. Grant ) Council Members
Peter F. Midgley )
Norman J. Miranda )
Patrick A. Rogers ) (Present at 7:50 p.m.)
Paul E. Lemont ) City Manager
William J. Conley, Jr. ) City Solicitor
Valerie A. Perry ) City Clerk
Lori Merolla, Merandi Reporting, is present to record the proceedings of the public hearings.
The Invocation is led by Mayor Larisa. The Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Grant.
Regular Meeting - October 2, 2001
Closed Session - October 2, 2001 - re: Land Sale and Collective Bargaining
Alcoholic Beverage License - Class F - October 27, 2001
Sacred Heart Church - 118 Taunton Avenue
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously voted to remove the Closed Session of October 2, 2001 from the Consent Calendar and to approve the Calendar as amended. It is noted for the record that Mr. Rogers is absent for the vote.
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve the Closed Minutes of October 2, 2001 and to keep them closed. It is noted for the record that Mr. Rogers is absent for the vote.
Beautification Committee Awards
Chairwoman Alyce Arden and Committee member George Page present awards to the following:
Victor P. Lazaola, Lazaola Insurance Agency, Inc.
Lester Farnsworth, Riverside Revitalization Committee
Rob Charbonneau, Rob's Custom Car Care
Matt Ford, Winchester Park-Winchester Wood
Frank Medeiros, Newsflash
Alcoholic Beverage - Transfer of Class - From Class D-Club to B-Full Privilege
Cape Verdean Progressive Center - 329 Grosvenor Avenue
Anthony Almeida, 30 Ivan Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island
Joseph Tavares, 135 Apulia Street, East Providence, Rhode Island
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief and Building Inspector. It is noted for the record that Mr. Rogers is absent for the vote.
Peddler
Susana Arruda Fidalgo, dba A&E Novelties - 912 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI
The applicant, residing at 52 Burgess Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
The applicant states she will be selling t-shirts, flags, pins, etc. and occasionally flowers. She says she will be set up at the Dunkin Donuts on Warren Avenue.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to the approval of the Chief of Police. _It is noted for the record that Mr. Rogers is absent for the vote.
Victualing - N/Over 50 - Transfer of Name
From Lester Farnsworth, dba Aegean Pizza Inc. to Farnsworth Café, LLC
302 Willett Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island
Lester Farnsworth, 131 Dorr Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
Mr. Midgley mentions that this is simply a transfer of name and that the applicant transferred ownership two weeks ago.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Mr. Rogers is absent for the vote.
Mr. Midgley receives Unanimous Consent to asks for the transfer of name on the Alcoholic Beverage License as well.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Mr. Rogers is absent for the vote.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
It is noted that Mr. Rogers is now present.
2001-2002 City Budget
Mr. Conley reviews the procedures to be followed for passing the budget. He states that if the Council decreases the budget on the City side, it must identify the line items that are being cut. If the School Department side is cut, the Council does not have the authority to make line item cuts, but if it cuts the School budget, the School Committee must decide which line items will be cut.
Mr. Lemont reviews where the cuts will be made. Discussion is held on the Municipal Court budget, with Mayor Larisa saying there should be enough revenue generated to transfer more money into the general fund.
Mr. Midgley speaks and states his concerns over the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Following discussion, Mayor Larisa suggests accepting the City Manager's recommendations of budget cuts, with the exception of the cut to the Recreation equipment, adding $20,000 to the Municipal Court General Fund transfer, making that transfer a total of
Mr. Rogers makes the motion as suggested by the Mayor. There is no second from the members of the Council, and Mayor Larisa relinquishes the gavel to Assistant Mayor Midgley. Mr. Larisa seconds the motion.
Roll call vote is taken on the motion:
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Nay
Mr. Miranda Nay
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Aye
The motion passes 3-2.
Motion is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, to approve the following:
Adopt the City Manager's budget with the following changes:
§ The line on page 32 transferring the Municipal Court revenue be changed from $150,000 to $170,000.
§ A new line in the budget be added to transfer to the Wastewater Fund the sum of $200,000.
§ The rest of the City Manager's proposed alterations in funding be adopted in tact, with the exception with the line entitled "Recreation - $20,000 cut."
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
Roll call vote is taken on the motion:
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Nay
Mr. Miranda Nay
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Aye
The motion passes 3-2.
Motion is made by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, to change the School budget to $58,945,631 or $200,000 less than requested.
Roll call vote is taken on the motion:
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Aye
Mr. Miranda Aye
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Aye
The motion passes 5-0.
Mr. Lemont review for the Council where the cuts will be made.
Motion is made by Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, to lower the Wastewater budget in the manner proposed by the City Manager.
Roll call vote is taken on the motion:
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Nay
Mr. Miranda Nay
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Aye
The motion passes 3-2.
BUDGET ORDINANCE - Advertised - Providence Journal - September 6, 2001
CHP 181 AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $106,114,714 FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2002
Motion is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, to adopt the budget.
Roll call vote is taken on the motion.
Mr. Grant Aye
Mr. Midgley Nay
Mr. Miranda Aye
Mr. Rogers Aye
Mayor Larisa Aye
The motion passes 4-1.
After further comments from the Council, the meeting recesses at 8:40 p.m.
The meeting reconvenes at 8:45 p.m.
(Given first passage October 2, 2001)
Advertised - Providence Journal - October 9, 2001
The following ordinance requires City Council approval for tent permits
1. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 8 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS"., which is amended by adding the following:
ARTICLE XXI Tents.
CHP 182
Sec. 8-575 Tents for which license required - Application and issuance.
No tent exceeding one hundred twenty square feet (120 sq. ft.) in area shall be erected, maintained, operated, or used in the City of East Providence until a license from the City Council of the City of East Providence is obtained. The license shall not be issued for a period exceeding thirty (30) days and shall be revocable for cause.
No license shall be issued until the provisions of the section have been complied with and approval has been obtained from the Police Department and Fire Department and a permit has been issued from the Building Official in accordance with the Rhode Island Building code. The cost for this license shall be $10.00.
The City Council of the City of East Providence sitting as the Licensing Commission may approve said license on its Consent Calendar.
(Requested by: Law Department)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Grant, 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 the Ordinance 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. 18-269 entitled "Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required." by adding thereto the following:
CHP 183
NORTH COUNTY STREET (northbound and southbound traffic) at Leonard Avenue.
(Requested by Director of Public Works)
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 the Ordinance for Final Passage.
1. Requesting City Council Approval to Award Contract for Dexter Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to award the Contract to D'Erocle Construction in the amount of $195,244.00.
2. Review of Qualification Statements for "Infiltration and Inflow Remediation Program Pipeline Rehabilitation: Phase 1
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the pre-qualifications of the nine companies that responded.
3. City Manager's Report
Mr. Lemont speaks on plans that are being made to allow for monthly water billing in the future.
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims and Litigation Committee Report
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to accept as read.
(Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
1. Hunts Mill; Master Plan.
At the request of Mr. Rogers, David Kelleher speaks on concerns over plans of the Hunts Mill area. He suggests that there should be a Master Plan and states that the University of Rhode Island has been contacted to work with the City in this venture.
After discussion, Mr. Rogers makes a suggestion that the Council authorize Mr. Kelleher to work with the Planning Department to coordinate the plan with U.R.I. Mayor Larisa agrees with the caveat that the Council will have the final authorization to any plan.
Motion to authorize Mr. Kelleher to do as discussed is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, and unanimously approved.
2. Welcome to East Providence signs/planters
Mr. Rogers asks that the City Manager look into the feasibility of having more Welcome to East Providence signs placed at the entrances of the City. Mr. Grant agrees with Mr. Rogers and suggests that businesses would be more than willing to participate. Mr. Rogers will work with Mr. Grant on the recommendation.
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Wall at Six Corners - overgrown weeds
Mr. Miranda speaks about the island at Six Corners and mentions that several parties passed the buck to take care of the overgrown weeds. He states that Boy Scout Troop 88 of Rumford took care of the site, under the direction of Donald and Lisa Duarte. He also mentions that the Bovi family provided soda to the kids and the Police Department donated a cruiser, and Retired Police Officer Joaquim Saraiva donated his services. Also, Julie and Brian Duarte from Seekonk helped out. Mr. Miranda asks that members of Troop 88, parents, the Police Officer that donated services, a member of the Bovi Family, and the Duartes of Seekonk be presented with citations at the next Council meeting. Mayor Larisa instructs the City Clerk to make the arrangements.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Surveillance cameras on buildings
Mr. Grant states that the City may be able to get federal aid for surveillance cameras on the City buildings, due to the recent events.
New Sidewalks - Obstruction for handicapped persons
Mr. Grant speaks about 8 locations on Pawtucket Avenue where the contractors put poles right at the end where wheelchairs cannot get by. He asks that a letter be written to the Department of Transportation be written on behalf of the handicapped people asking that the problem be corrected.
The Clerk is instructed to write to the Department of Transportation with the requests that the State use used granite on the Willett Avenue project rather than concrete, and that the Pawtucket Avenue problems with poles be corrected.
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. Conley reads the corrected numbers of the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Grant, the ordinance is approved for First Passage.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO BORROW FUNDS IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES.
On motion of Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Rogers, the ordinance is approved for First Passage.
Withdrawn AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "UTILITIES.", which amends Subsection (c) of Sec. 17-183 entitled "Charges to be based upon water consumption; rate" to read as follows:
(c) The water consumption portion of the sewer charge shall be at a rate of $2.04 per hundred cubic feet of water used based upon the actual quarterly or monthly meter reading of water consumption less an annual exemption of 3500 cubic feet. Such exemption shall be prorated quarterly or monthly for users of city water who are billed on a quarterly or monthly basis.
(Requested by Mayor Larisa)
Mayor Larisa removes the above ordinance in light of the budget 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 Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking.", Subsection 18-315 entitled "Reserved parking designated--Handicapped parking." by adding thereto the following:
CITY VIEW AVENUE (south side), in front of house number 55.
(Requested by Director of Public Works)
On motion of Mr. Grant, seconded by Mr. Miranda, the ordinance is approved for First Passage.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 9:28 p.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC,
City Clerk