| | CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2002 | |
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, October 1, 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 Mayor Larisa. The Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Grant.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of Council Journals
Joint Meeting w/School Committee - September 17, 2002
Regular Meeting - September 17, 2002
On motion by Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to change the order of business to hear an item under Communications.
PRESENTATION
Presentation by Secretary of State, Edward S. Inman, to the City of East Providence. A copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The Secretary of State is not present.
COMMUNICATIONS
Theodore F. Loebenberg, 129 Wilson Avenue, requesting a stop sign at Wilson and Bourne Avenues for safety and speed issues.
Mr. Loebenberg is present and sworn. He speaks about the dangers of speeding cars on Wilson Avenue and asks to have a stop sign installed. Following his presentation, motion is made by Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and unanimously voted to refer the matter to the Public Works Department, who will report back to the Council.
Mr. Lemont asks the Council to hear the conceptual plan for waterfront access next.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to change the order of business to allow the presentation on the conceptual plan for waterfront access, followed by the Phillipsdale initiative.
CITY MANAGER
Presentation of conceptual plan for waterfront access
The City’s consultant, Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin presents its conceptual plan for improvement of access to the waterfront. The proposal will provide access from route I-195 for eastbound and westbound traffic, and will also provide a direct connection between Taunton Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway. Will Gates, of Gates, Leighton & Associates, presents the architectural plans.
Following the presentation, it is mentioned that this is not a final plan, and there will be several public hearings, which will allow public input, before any final plans are made.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Phillipsdale Initiative
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to hear the licenses next.
CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
Victualing/over 50 (Deferred from September 3, 2002)
Sodexho/Hasbro - 200 Narragansett Park Drive
Katherine Arkell, 45 Hayden Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts is present and sworn.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals from Police Chief, Building Inspector and Health Inspector.
Victualing/over 50
Vasilios Stamatakis/Eleni Wilson, dba Corner Grill - 664 Bullocks Point Ave.
Vasilios Stamatakis and Eleni Wilson, 79 Arcadia Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island are present and sworn.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilmen Miranda and Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approvals of Police Chief, Building Inspector, and Health Inspector.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilman Rogers, it is unanimously voted to change the order of business.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Phillipsdale Initiative
Councilman Rogers introduces Constance Crowshaw of 4 Miriam Street, Rumford, Rhode Island who is present and sworn.
She speaks as a representative of the Phillipsdale residents, who are seeking to have the conditions in their area improved. She speaks about the sidewalks that are in need of repair, the lack of parking in some areas of Roger Williams Avenue, and the poor drainage in the area. Following her comments, a power point presentation is given.
Following the presentation, Ms. Crowshaw asks for a motion from the Council to allocate funding from the November bond issue for road improvements to Roger Williams Avenue and to make the reconstruction of Roger Williams Avenue a priority.
Councilman Miranda says there can be no motion tonight because it was not on the docket. He informs the speaker that he supports the efforts of Ms. Crowshaw and the other residents of Phillipsdale, but wants to make it perfectly clear that he wants a new fire station in the center of the City, and he will be working to get that done.
Mayor Larisa says he has never seen a presentation like this with this kind of community support. He says that while he agrees that this is an area with a high priority, there is very little money city wide or state wide to accomplish it. He says that if the proposal by Geo Nova is successful, there will be enough money to fund a project like this.
It is decided that there will be a detailed motion and an Action Plan for this request prepared for the next meeting.
Mr. Rogers commends the residents for their efforts.
The meeting recesses at 8:55 p.m. and reconvenes at 9:07 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Budget for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 (Continued from September 17, 2002)
Mr. Lemont gives a power point presentation on the proposed budget. Following the presentation, the meeting is open to public comment.
The following persons speak on the budget:
Daniel Harrington, 74 Temple Drive
Maryann Mathews, 51 Outlook Avenue
John Conley, 115 Smith Street
Following the public comments, Mayor Larisa questions the Finance Director about the sewer use tax. He proposes reducing the sewer use tax to $2.20 per hundred cubic feet. Mr. McDonald will check with the Auditors as to what a reasonable increase is. Mayor Larisa asks if it is the will of the Council to go with the full increase. Councilman Midgley responds by urging the Council not to underfund the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Councilman Rogers states that he is prepared to support the recommendation of the Finance Director and City Manager.
Mayor Larisa states that the School Budget is $61,672,000 - an increase of 2.727 million - he proposes to reduce that to 2.627 million and on the City side a reduction of $100,000.
Councilman Rogers says he would support the School Department budget as is but would like to see some reductions in staff on the City side.
After further discussion, Mr. Conley states that the last day the budget can be passed is October 22nd.
On motion of Councilman Grant, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to return to the regular order of business.
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to skip all items relating to the budget.
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage September 17, 2002)
Advertised - Providence Journal - September 20, 2002
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION”, Sec. 2-54 entitled “Election of officers; rules and reports: of Division 2 entitled “Carousel Park Commission” to read as follows:
SECTION I. Sec. 2-54 entitled “Election of officers; rules and reports.” of Division 2. entitled “Carousel Park Commission” of Chapter 2 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Administration” is amended to read as follows:
(a) The carousel park commission shall, during January of each year, elect from among its members a chair, a vice-chair, and a secretary-treasurer. The terms of office shall be for one year. No officer shall serve more than three (3) consecutive terms; unless no other member of the commission will serve in that office. A three-member nominating committee with not less than two public members of the commission shall be appointed by the chair in November of each year
(b) The commission shall adopt bylaws for the transaction of its business and shall keep permanent and accurate records of its resolutions, transactions, determinations and recommendations. It shall file an annual report with the city clerk on or before November 15 of each year.
Requested by: Councilman Peter Midgley
On motion of Councilman Grant, 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 Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve for Final Passage.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER
Freedom Green Park - Easement
On motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by Councilman Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve.
City Manager’s Report
Dispensed without objection
REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims and Litigation Committee Report
| Paul Montiero, Claim No. 02-38 | Denied |
| Willow Fortin, Claim No. 02-40 | Denied |
| William Iacovino, Claim No. 02-39 | Denied |
| Mark Canavan, Claim No. 02-41 | Denied |
| Ron Waldron, Sr., Claim No. 02-43 | Referred to the Providence and Worcester Railroad |
| Premier Ins. Co. Of Massachusetts, Claim No. 02-42 | Approved |
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept as presented.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
1. The case for Geo Nova at Ocean State Steel
Mayor Larisa defers the matter due to the late hour, and substitutes congratulations to the City Manager on his 49th (successive) Birthday.
2. Soccer Field Task Force Update
Mayor Larisa invites all who are interested to attend the first Soccer Field Task Force meeting next Monday, October 7, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
(By Councilman Rolland R. Grant)
1. Traffic Nightmare at Bayview (no change)
Councilman Grant says this problem still exists and says he wants it addressed. He suggests a shuttle from a parking lot on Veterans Memorial Parkway, which will reduce the traffic by 60%. Another alternative is a traffic light moved to Aberdeen Road, and changing the start of school to 9:00 a.m. He also says that cars that are parked in no parking zones are not being tagged, and he asks that it be enforced. He requests that the State do a Traffic Study. With no objection from the Council, the City Clerk will send a letter requesting the traffic study.
2. Early morning crowds at Sabins Pt. Park
Councilman Grant speaks about complaints he has received from area residents about crowds of people hanging out at Sabins Point Park in the early morning hours. He asks that the area be patrolled more often. He also suggests having resident only parking, but is told that the Park received Federal Funds which prohibits restricted parking.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
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 adding thereto the following:
HILLSIDE AVENUE (both sides), from Pawtucket Avenue westerly for 20 feet.
(Requested by Councilman Miranda)
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Grant, it is unanimously voted to approve for First Passage.
APPOINTMENTS
(By Mayor Joseph S. Larisa, Jr.)
Zoning Board of Review - Alternate\
Stephen P. Omerod - 2 Bridgham Court (02916)
Without objection, the City Clerk will send a letter to Daniel Harrington thanking him for his service on the Zoning Board.
COMMUNICATIONS
Joseph R. Perroni, Account Manager, Delta Dental, requesting to address the City Council regarding group dental contract.
The petitioner is not present.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 12:02 a.m. on motion of Councilman Midgley, seconded by all.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: October 15, 2002