|  | CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 4, 2002 | |
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, June 4, 2002 and is called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.
Present: Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr. )
Rolland R. Grant )
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
The Invocation is led by Councilman Miranda. The Salute to the Flag is led by Mayor Larisa.
Lori Merolla of Merandi Reporting is present to record the proceedings of the Public Hearings.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approval of Council Journals
Special Meeting - May 16, 2002 - Bond Presentation Proposals
Regular Meeting - May 21, 2002
2. Town of East Greenwich - Resolution requesting support for a state training facility for all state and local police agencies
3. Alcoholic Beverage License - Class F - June 13, 14, 15, 2002 - Fynn Field
East Providence Recreation Dept. - Jimmy Fund Softball
4. Alcoholic Beverage License - Class F - July 26, 27, 28, 2002 - Pierce Field
East Providence Heritage Festival Committee
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the Consent Calendar.
PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Larisa proclaims the week of June 3 - 7 as Senior Citizens Week
CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
Secondhand Merchandise
(Advertised - East Prov. Post - May 23, 2002)
Betty J. King, dba Every Second Counts - 662 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside, RI
Betty King, 6 Bradbury Street, Warren, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief and Building Inspector
Alcoholic Beverage - Class B Full Privilege - Transfer (Continued from May 21, 2002)
(Advertised East Providence Post - April 18, 25, 2002)
From James Dillenbach, dba 305 Club to COD, Inc., dba Lulu’s Place - 305 Lyon Avenue
Anthony DeSimone, 55 Cumberland St., Providence, Rhode Island and Lou Ellen O’Neill, 201 Woodlawn Avenue, North Providence, Rhode Island are present and sworn. Also present is Thomas DeSimone, representing the applicants.
Mr. Lemont reports that the Police Department investigated the proposed Bachelor Party that was being planned at the establishment, and found no connection between the applicants and the planners of the party. The Police Chief has given his approval of the application.
Mr. Midgley asks if there is any adult entertainment planned for the establishment, and Mr. DeSimone states that there is not. There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Grant, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of the Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
1. Victualing - Over 50 - Transfer (Continued from May 21, 2002)
From James Dillenbach, dba 305 Club to COD, Inc., dba Lulu’s Place - 305 Lyon Avenue
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilman Midgley, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
2. Dance/Entertainment - Transfer (Continued from May 21, 2002)
From James Dillenbach, dba 305 Club to COD, Inc., dba Lulu’s Place - 305 Lyon Avenue
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
3. Pool Table - Transfer (Continued from May 21, 2002)
From James Dillenbach, dba 305 Club to COD, Inc., dba Lulu’s Place - 305 Lyon Avenue
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Rogers, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
4. Pool Table (Sunday) - Transfer (Continued from May 21, 2002)
From James Dillenbach, dba 305 Club to COD, Inc., dba Lulu’s Place - 305 Lyon Avenue
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
5. Peddler - Ice Cream
Matthew Smith, dba Palagi’s Ice Cream Inc. - 45 Cedar Farms Rd., Medway, Massachusetts
The applicant is present and sworn.
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, and Health Inspector.
6. Peddler - Ice Cream
Peter J. Bottachiari, dba Palagi’s Ice Cream Inc. - 20 Pond St., Medway, Massachusetts
The applicant is present and sworn.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, and Health Inspector.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage May 21, 2002)
Advertised - Providence Journal - May 24, 2002
1. 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 (northbound traffic) at Meadowcrest Drive.
(Requested by Director of Public Works)
CHAPTER NO. 209
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve for Final Passage.
2. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18 ENTITLED "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC.", which amends Article XI entitled "Loading Zones.", Subsection 18-332 entitled "Curb loading zones." by deleting therefrom the following:
NARRAGANSETT AVENUE (east side), from River Street southerly for a distance of 54 feet, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. weekdays.
(Requested by Councilman Midgley)
CHAPTER NO. 210
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve for Final Passage.
3. The following ordinance allows the City Clerk to issue Tent licenses after receiving approvals from the Fire Dept., Police Dept., and a permit from the Building Inspector.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8 ENTITLED “LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS”, which is amended by adding thereto the following:
ARTICLE XXI Tents.
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 Clerk 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.
Requested by: Law Department
CHAPTER NO. 211
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, 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 Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve for Final Passage.
4. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE APPROPRIATION FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2002, WHICH REDUCES THE AMOUNT FROM $106,114,715 TO $105,613,346.
CHAPTER NO. 212
Mr. Lemont explains that the projected revenue for this fiscal year is less than anticipated, resulting in the necessity to cut more than $501,000 from the current budget. He says that Department Heads came up with the cuts, and the cuts were completely from the City side, and none from the School Department.
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Midgley, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER
Grant of Easement - Amaral Street Sewer
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Rogers, it is unanimously voted to approve.
City Manager’s Report
· Mr. Lemont compliments State Representatives Henry Rose and Robert Sullivan for their efforts in saving over $50,000 in tipping fees for the City. He reports that this was the closest vote that the leadership has had in many years.
· Mr. Lemont reports that John Conley handed him a check in the amount of $2500 from a Legislative Grant for the Carousel obtained by Representative Bob Sullivan.
REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims and Litigation Committee Report
· DEGNAN, HAROLD, Claim No. 02-24; RM No. 02-88 Denied
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept as presented.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Discussion regarding Summer 2002 efforts to control speeding drivers in East Providence.
Mr. Rogers speaks on the program used last summer. He says that the comments he is hearing is that residents would like to see Police in the neighborhoods rather than just on the main roads. He mentions that some cities use Special Police officers and suggests that the Chief look at this issue.
Chief Dias responds that he has a sufficient amount of officers and equipment to handle the program. He suggests that if people see cars speeding repeatedly in an area, to note the license plate and report it to the police. The police will notify the driver.
Councilman Rogers asks for a report from the Chief in mid-July as to how the program is working.
Councilman Midgley says that he wants the speeders stopped on Grassy Plain Road, where he has witnessed speeders several times.
Councilman Miranda says he received a call from a resident in the Waterman Avenue/Taunton Avenue/John Street area, who reports that speeding is a problem in that area. Mr. Miranda says he will be meeting with the Public Works Director to see if there is anything that can be done.
Mr. Rogers concludes by saying that the City will have no tolerance for speeders this summer.
Discussion regarding establishing periodic joint School Committee-City Council meetings.
Mr. Rogers states that he would like to have a joint meeting before the Fall and before the budget negotiations. He urges the Council to open the lines of communication with the School Department. Mr. Miranda states that he has been trying to get this done since he was first elected. He says that any meetings of the two bodies should include the Superintendent and City Manager.
(By Councilman Peter F. Midgley)
Allegations and Alligators - for Discussion
Mr. Midgley says that there have been allegations made that the City is taking money from the Sewer Use Fee and putting in into Country Day. He asks Mr. McDonald if that money is being spent on anything other than its intended use, and Mr. McDonald says no. Mr. Miranda says he also heard the allegations.
Unanimous Consent - Councilman Miranda
Councilman Miranda receives Unanimous Consent to inform the Council and the public that Monday, June 10, 2002 the City will be celebrating the Day of Portugal and Flag Day. He invites all to the City Hall at 12:00 p.m. on that day for a ceremony and refreshments.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
(If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
1. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION”, which amends Sec. 2-16 entitled “Wards designated” to read as follows:
Pursuant to G.L. 1956, §22-1-1, as amended, the ward lines are as follows:
1. First Ward. The first council ward shall consist of all that part of the city bounded by a line beginning at a point of intersection of the East Providence-Pawtucket boundary line; thence easterly along the East Providence-Pawtucket boundary line to the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line; thence southerly and southeasterly along the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line to Taunton Avenue; thence southwesterly along Taunton Avenue to Waterman Avenue; thence northwesterly along Waterman Avenue to James Street; thence northerly along James Street to Central Avenue; thence westerly along Central Avenue to Curtis Street; thence northerly and westerly on Curtis Street and westerly on Curtis Street extended to the Providence-East Providence boundary line; thence northerly on the Providence-East Providence boundary line to the point and place of beginning.
2. Second Ward. The second council ward shall consist of all that part of the city bounded by a line beginning at a point of intersection of the East Providence- Providence boundary line; thence easterly on Curtis Street extended and easterly and southerly on Curtis Street to Central Avenue; thence easterly on Central Avenue to James Street; thence southerly on James Street to Waterman Avenue: thence southeasterly on Waterman Avenue to Taunton Avenue; thence northeasterly on Taunton Avenue to the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line: thence southerly along the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line to Warren Avenue; thence westerly on Warren Avenue to Pawtucket Avenue; thence southerly on Pawtucket Avenue to Intervale Avenue; thence westerly on Intervale Avenue to Windhurst Avenue; thence southwesterly on Windhurst Avenue to Brightridge Avenue; thence northwesterly on Brightridge Avenue to Bliss Street; thence westerly on Bliss Street to Chestnut Street; thence southerly on Chestnut Street to Belmont Avenue; thence westerly on Belmont Avenue to South Broadway; thence southerly on South Broadway to Veterans Memorial Parkway; thence northwesterly on Veterans memorial Parkway to its intersection with Watchemoket Cove; thence southwesterly through Watchemoket Cove to the East Providence-Providence boundary line in the Providence River; thence northerly along the Providence-East Providence boundary line to the point and place of beginning.
3. Third Ward. The third council ward shall consist of all that part of the city bounded by a line beginning at a point of intersection of the East Providence-Providence boundary line and Watchemoket Cove; thence northeasterly through Watchemoket Cove to its intersection with Veterans Memorial Parkway; thence southeasterly on Veterans Memorial Parkway to South Broadway; thence northerly on South Broadway to Belmont Avenue; thence easterly on Belmont Avenue to Chestnut Street; thence northerly on Chestnut Street to Bliss Street; thence easterly on Bliss Street to Brightridge Avenue; thence southeasterly on Brightridge Avenue to Windhurst Avenue; thence northeasterly on Windhurst Avenue to Intervale Avenue; thence easterly on Intervale Avenue to Pawtucket Avenue; thence northerly on Pawtucket Avenue to Warren Avenue; thence easterly along Warren Avenue to the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line; thence southerly along the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line to River Road; thence westerly on River road to Wampanoag Trail; thence southerly on Wampanoag Trail to Old Barrington Road; thence continuing southerly on Old Barrington Road to Forbes Street; thence westerly and southerly on Forbes Street to Willet Avenue; thence westerly on Willet Avenue to its intersection with the eastern shore of Willet Pond; thence northerly along the eastern shore of Willet Pond to a line extended northerly to the former New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad; thence northerly along that line (boundary line between 2002 US Census Block 440070105024004 and 440070105025004) to the former New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad; thence westerly along the former New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad to Pawtucket Avenue; thence southerly on Pawtucket Avenue to Bullocks Point Avenue; thence southerly on Bullocks Point Avenue to it intersection with the East Bay Bike path; thence southeasterly on the East Bay Bike Path to its intersection with Providence Avenue extended; thence southerly on Providence Avenue extended and Providence Avenue to East Knowlton Street; thence westerly on East Knowlton Street to Knowlton Street; thence westerly on Knowlton Street and Knowlton Street extended to its intersection with the East Providence-Providence boundary line; thence northerly along the Providence-East Providence boundary line to the point and place of beginning.
4. Fourth Ward. The fourth council ward shall consist of all that part of the city bounded by a line beginning at a point of intersection of the Rhode Island-Massachusetts border and River Road; thence westerly along River Road to Wampanoag Trail; thence southerly on Wampanoag Trail to Old Barrington Road; thence continuing southerly on Old Barrington Road to Forbes Street; thence westerly and southerly on Forbes Street to Willet Avenue; thence westerly on Willet Avenue to its intersection with the eastern shore of Willet Pond; thence northerly along the eastern shore of Willet Pond to a line extended northerly to the former New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad; thence northerly along that line (boundary line between 2002 US Census Block 440070105024004 and 440070105025004) to the New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad; thence westerly along the former New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad to Pawtucket Avenue; thence southerly on Pawtucket Avenue to Bullocks Point Avenue; thence southerly on Bullocks Point Avenue to its intersection with the East Bay Bike Path; thence southeasterly on the East Bay Bike Path to its intersection with Providence Avenue extended; thence southerly on Providence Avenue extended and Providence Avenue to East Knowlton Street; thence westerly on East Knowlton Street to Knowlton Street; thence westerly on Knowlton Street and Knowlton Street extended to its intersection with the East Providence-Providence boundary line; thence southerly along the Providence-East Providence boundary line to its intersection with the East Providence-Barrington boundary line; thence easterly and northeasterly along the East Providence-Barrington boundary line to the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line; thence northwesterly along the Rhode Island-Massachusetts boundary line to the point and place of beginning.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilmen Rogers and Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve fir First 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 Article X entitled "Stopping, Standing and Parking, Subsection 18-307 entitled "Parking prohibited at all times." by deleting therefrom the following:
SUMMIT STREET (east side), from Cross Street to a point 45 feet north.
Requested by Councilman Miranda
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilmen Rogers and Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve fir First Passage.
3. 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.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve for First Passage.
APPOINTMENTS
Canvassing Authority
Maryann H. Callahan 73 Hope Street 02916
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve. The City Clerk is directed to send a letter to Sheila Stringfellow.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
Adopt a Playground/Park Committee
Doreen Carter Riverside, RI 02915
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve
(By Councilman Peter F. Midgley)
Assistant Harbormaster
Normand Baril Jr. 48 Beach Point Drive (02915)
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter received May 30, 2002 from residents of Rosemere Drive thanking the Council and City Manager for their efforts regarding the traffic light at North Broadway, Massasoit Avenue, and Rosemere Drive.
2. Doreen Carter, 124 Bluff Street, Riverside, Rhode Island is present sworn. She reports to the Council that there was raw sewage on the beach at Sabin’s Point recently, the first time she has ever seen this. She says the Department of Health and DEM were there to inspect and they said they believed someone may have dumped raw sewage into the bay and they didn’t believe it came from East Providence. Mr. Lemont reports that the Narragansett Bay Commission sent people to clean it up.
Ms. Carter says she called DEM immediately and could not get anyone to answer, even though there should be someone on call 24 hours a day. Councilman Grant suggests having the City Clerk write a letter to the Dept. of Health. It is finally decided that the City Manager will contact them to get a resolution to the matter.
Kathleen Santos, 4 Thurston Street, Riverside Rhode Island, speaks about the cleanup that was done over the weekend and says the trash is still there. She shows samples of items that were picked up from the beach. She goes on to say that she was told that the trash is picked up everyday but she knows it is not. Ms. Santos is assured that the trash will be taken care of.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 9:10 p.m.
Attest:
______________________________
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: June 18, 2002