| | CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 2003 | |
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 and is called to order at 7:37 p.m. by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.
| Present: | Mayor Rolland R. Grant | ) | |
| | Daniel F. Harrington | ) | |
| | Norman J. Miranda | ) | Council Members |
| | Patrick A. Rogers | ) | |
| | Dr. Isadore S. Ramos | ) | |
| | | | |
| | Paul E. Lemont | ) | City Manager |
| | William J. Conley, Jr. | ) | City Solicitor |
| | Valerie A. Perry | ) | City Clerk |
Angela Sansoucci, Merandi Reporting, is present to record the proceedings of the public hearings.
The Invocation is read by Councilman Harrington and the Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Ramos.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approval of Council Journals
Regular Meeting - March 18, 2003
2. Town of Jamestown - Requesting support for H5081 and S180: Resolution for the Separation of Powers
3. CANCELLATIONS/ABATEMENTS - Requested by Tax Assessor
| YEAR | | AMOUNT |
| 2002 | | $1,034.57 |
| 2000 | | 283.44 |
| Total | | $1,318.01 |
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Dr. Ramos, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the Consent Calendar.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to change the order of business, to move Communications up to the next docketed item.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Joe Larisa, 44 Don Avenue - ARequesting to Address the Council to Oppose the Largest Proposed Tax Increase in the History of East Providence."
Mr. Larisa is not present.
2. Kim Casci and others requesting to address the Council re: East Providence Animal Shelter
Ms. Casci addresses the Council regarding the problems at the Animal Shelter between the employees and the volunteers.
Following Ms. Casci’s presentation, Chief Dias speaks and says the relations between the volunteer group and Animal Shelter employees have bee tenuous. He says the decision to remove them was his decision and he stands by that decision. He says since they’ve left, everything has been running smoothly, and DEM sees it as a model. He says Captain Barlow has done an outstanding job.
Captain Walter Barlow says there are volunteers at the Shelter and they are a big help. He says that people who work in the pound are competent, and prior to September, no one ever saw Miss Casci. He says it was his decision that they not be allowed back into the pound.
Mary D’Agostino, Coventry, Rhode Island is present and sworn. She asks if the dogs in question are adoptable. Captain Barlow answers the question.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept Ms. Casci’s report.
Addendum - John Vincent and others requesting to address the Council re: Riverside Library. Mr. Vincent is not present.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to defer.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to return to the regular order of business.
CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS LICENSING COMMISSIONERS
LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
1. Victualing/Not over 25 - Transfer
From Hien Van Nguyen to Lan Hung Vu, dba Convenience Store #One - 665 North Broadway
2. Sunday/Holiday Sales - Transfer
From Hien Van Nguyen to Lan Hung Vu, dba Convenience Store #One - 665 North Broadway
The City Clerk informs the Council that the licences have been withdrawn.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to remove from the docket.
3. Peddler (Deferred from April 1, 2003)
Agata Pytel, dba J&B Novelty - 559 High Street, Central Falls, RI
The applicant is present and sworn. He says he has permission from the property owner to sell flowers and he wants to do so on Easter and Mother’s Day.
On motion of Mr. Harrington, seconded by Dr. Ramos, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approval of the Police Chief, letter from the property owner, and limited to the two days as stated.
4. Peddler
Kevin Machado, dba Palagis Ice Cream - 43 Bacon Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The applicant is present and sworn.
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Harrington, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approval of the Police Chief and Health Department.
5. Peddler
Gena M. Parillo, dba S and S Novelty - 912 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI
Subject to approvals from Police Chief
The applicant is not present.
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Harrington, it is unanimously voted to Table.
6. Peddler
Ron Silva, 6 Long Lane, Warren, RI dba Riverside L.L.
On motion of Councilman Harrington, seconded by Councilman Ramos, it is unanimously voted to Table.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to change the order of business to move the City Manager item of Roadway improvements up on the docket.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER
2002 Bond Issue Roadway Improvement Program
Public Works Director Steve Coutu gives a PowerPoint presentation on the roadway improvement program with the bond issue approved by the voters in the last election. He reports that much of the work will be done in-house, which will save hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Following the presentation, Councilman Rogers asks Mr. Coutu if Rogers Williams Avenue is on the list, which Mr. Coutu says it is not. Mr. Rogers asks that the City put meaningful dollars into Roger Williams Avenue. Dr. Ramos agrees with Councilman Rogers and says the commitment to the people of the Roger Williams area should be kept. Mr. Coutu says that it is part of the State Highway system, but the City maintains it.
Dr. Ramos says he has gone up and down the street and says he can’t understand why it isn’t a priority.
Mr. Miranda says there is no question that Roger Williams Avenue is in deplorable condition, but says he has priorities in his area, as do all Councilmen.
Dr. Ramos says a list should be made up of the neediest streets in the entire City and the repairs should be made in order of need. Mr. Harrington says as long as his ward gets its share, he’s fine with it.
Mr. Rogers suggests that each ward take an equal cut and transfer the money to the Roger Williams Avenue repair.
Following the Council comments, members of the Phillipsdale group are allowed to speak.
Dionne Gomez, is present and sworn. She states that a Resolution was passed in October to address the necessary repairs, but so far, nothing has been done by the City to get Grant money. She says the group will meet again on April 21st and invites the Council members to attend.
Connie Crowshaw, 4 Miriam Street, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn. She says they are looking for the Council to contact the State and Federal Governments on this issue.
Mr. Rogers makes a motion to have the Public Works Director come back to the Council at the next meeting with a proposal that provides $250,000 which will give this group some leverage. Mr. Miranda seconds the motion, which passes unanimously.
4. Request for Approval to Award Contract for Dental Services for 2003-2004
Paul Sweeney, Delta Dental Sales Manager, is present and sworn.
He says this is a multi-year contract with a 6% increase, which is typical of increases in cities and towns all across the State. Mr. Rogers asks Mr. Lemont if there has been comparisons done with other service providers. Mr. Lemont responds that the wise thing to do was to go out with a three year contract, and Delta Dental came in as the lowest rate. Mr. Rogers suggests going back and renegotiate the contract and hold the line on taxes.
Mr. Rogers makes a motion to send the issue back to get a better rate. Dr. Ramos seconds the motion for discussion.
Mr. Conley is asked if it would be breaking a contract asking employees to co-pay for benefits which have been negotiated. Mr. Conley says asking for co-pay is changing the contract.
Mr. Rogers modifies his amendment to get the instructions from a Health Care company so as to not violate any provisions in the union contracts, therefore if we can get some concessions from the contractor, consistent with the contract, then we should explore that.
Dr. Ramos states that when bodies sit down and make agreements with one another, that agreement should hold. He says the Councilmen are supposed to be leaders and should request all people to work together and treat everyone fairly.
Mr. Sweeney states that Delta Dental cannot reduce the rates without reducing benefits.
After further comments, Mr. Rogers restates his motion. Have the City professionals work with the dental providers to see if something less than a 6% increase can be achieved. (“If the May 1st deadline cannot be extended, let’s have a meeting before the end of the month.)”
Dr. Ramos asks if the Unions are going to be involved, and says they should have the opportunity to have input. He says the Council can sit and make changes, then they will go to Court and it will result in a much bigger cost.
Roll call vote is taken:
| Mr. Harrington | Aye |
| Mr. Miranda | Aye provided the Unions have the opportunity to sit down |
| Dr. Ramos | Aye |
| Mr. Rogers | Aye |
| Mayor Grant | Aye |
The motion passes 5-0.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to return to the regular order of business.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES - FINAL PASSAGE (Given first passage April 1, 2003)
Advertised - Providence Journal - April 4, 2003
1. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 230 ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $110,516,884 FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2003”
CHAPTER NO. 249
Mayor Grant reads a letter received from the Office of Municipal Affairs that states the City is only allowed a 3% increase on top of the 4.98% increase in the tax rate, which was approved in October 2002.
Dr. Ramos speaks about the different ways the City can raise funds, such as an increase in the electrical fees, building fees, City Clerk fees, etc.
Mr. Miranda states that some fees are much lower than in other municipalities. Mayor Grant states that a list should be made and an ordinance drafted.
Mr. Harrington states that he isn’t sure the public understood what was just said, and goes on to explain the letter received from the State.
Mr. McDonald explains what is happening and speaks about his meeting with the Auditor General. He says the other 2.6 or 2.7 million will have to wait another day. He says the Council could seek relief from the General Assembly to send out a Supplemental Tax Bill, or wait until The only thing the 2004 budget is being analyzed, but the only thing the Council can do tonight is to approve the amended ordinance. He goes on to say the Council has the opportunity to reduce the deficit by $1.6 million, which will change the tax rate by 74 cents.
Mr. Rogers states that what Mr. McDonald is saying tonight is totally contradictory from what he said two weeks ago. He says two weeks ago he said that the Council had to increase taxes by 4.2 million dollars, to cover the Wastewater and School Deficit, which would result in a near 15% tax increase, and the failure to do that would have dire consequences financially.
Mr. McDonald explains that he still thinks there will be ramifications with the bond rating by not doing what he had proposed.
Dr. Ramos speaks about his tax incentive program again, and suggests cutting the tax incentive rate from 4% to 2%. Mr. Lemont responds by saying that the reason for the tax incentive is to get the money up front, and many people will not pay up front if they don’t get that reduction. Mr. McDonald says that because of the discount, the City traditionally gets 58% of the taxes up front. Mr. Conley clarifies that the discount that is being discussed is in the taxation ordinance, and that would have to be brought up as well.
Mayor Grant says he is not opposed to cutting services, and either this deficit the City pays this deficit, or puts it on a referendum to get rid of it. Mr. Harrington states that it is his opinion that cutting the budget means cutting the waste, and he says there is plenty of it and it has to be found.
Mr. McDonald tells the Council that the State seemed more concerned with the Wastewater deficit than they did with the School deficit.
Mr. Miranda speaks on layoffs and mentions that Police and Firefighters have to have minimum manning, and Mr. Lemont says you cannot lay them off without having impact on the overtime because of the minimum manning requirement.
The meeting recesses at 10:47 p.m. and reconvenes at 10:55 p.m.
John Conley, 115 Smith Street, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
Mr. Conley asks if the Management Study is still in the works. He goes on to say that the Council needs to look at the best interest of the taxpayers, and perhaps people on the Council should ask how long are the taxpayers going to subsidize the sewer plant in Rumford.
Bill Carter, 35 Oak Avenue, Riverside Rhode Island is present and sworn. He asks if Barrington and Blackstone Valley are contributing money to our sewer treatment facility. He also suggests as a cost saving measure, that the City employees use their own vehicles for errands and trips, rather than city vehicles. He also says he thinks there should be layoffs in the City.
Anthony Shepherd, 40 Rosemere Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn. He speaks about the referendum voted on at the last election that called for a new library, and suggests that a library isn’t needed when there is only 4 miles between libraries. He also suggests doing away with school busses.
Capt. Walter Barlow, East Providence Police Department, addresses the Council. He states that he puts in 60 hrs. per week and he gets paid 40. He has been injured several times, yet has not missed a day’s work in 8 years. He says he has taken no pay raise, several times, to get the benefits that he has. He also says that the current contract expires September 30, and if a co-pay is put into the contract, the City will lose a Chief, a Major, two Captains, three Lieutenants, 3 Sergeants, and 6 of the 13 Detectives. He suggests the Council increase some fees.
Joe Larisa, 44 Don Avenue, Rumford, Rhode Island is present and sworn. He speaks about the tax increase and says he would hold the line at the 4.9% increase and wait and see where we are in October. He suggests that the Council have an ordinance at the next meeting, decreasing the tax rate by 74 cents for next year, thereby making this year’s increase a one-shot deal only.
He also says he tried to get Council approval on all school contracts, but that didn’t happen. He also suggests rescinding the “Cops in Schools” program. He also says that the funds for the Rose Larisa Memorial Park came from Federal funds and will not be a burden on the taxpayer.
Tom West, 149 Terrace Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn. He suggests that all departments cut 1% of their budgets.
John Fahey, 2535 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island, is present and sworn. He speaks about employee benefits and says that compensation schedules are out-of control.
Kathy Santos, 4 Thurston Street, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn. She speaks about the parks in the City and asks who is going to take care of them.
Jeffrey West, 25 Wilson Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn. He says beating up on the employees is wrong, and the problems lie with poor management.
Sean Cook, 1825 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn. He says there has to be a way to cut costs without raising taxes.
Maryann Matthews, 51 Outlook Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island is present and sworn. She states that Dr. Ramos was the only one with suggestions. She suggests that the Council have a workshop.
Edna Snow, School Committee Member, asks how much each taxpayer is paying for NBC and asks when the City is going to fix the sewer plant. Mr. McDonald says the City does subsidize a portion of the bill that people in the northern end of the City receive from Narragansett Bay Commission. He says the total bill from NBC is slightly over $1,000,000, but the entire bill is not subsidized. He also says that the bill from NBC is probably about 25% of the entire wastewater budget. He goes on to say that if the sewer fees on tonight’s ordinance pass, the current bill that the average taxpayer will pay to the City of East Providence and the current rate that NBC charges will be within $5 of each other, so they will be very comparable (if the rate passes). Mrs. Snow says if the taxpayer’s are going to subsidize NBC, they should have the same service.
After further discussion, Mr. Rogers proposes wiping out the wastewater deficit over a period of 3 years and proposes a single one percent increase on top of the 4.9 percent. Mr. Harrington seconds the motion for purpose of voting. Roll call vote is taken on the motion.
| Mr. Harrington | Nay |
| Mr. Miranda | Aye |
| Dr. Ramos | Nay |
| Mr. Rogers | Aye |
| Mayor Grant | Nay |
Motion is defeated by a 3-2 vote.
Mr. Harrington makes a motion to go back to the original 4.9% that the former Council approved . Mr. Conley says that is the budget now, so the Council would not have to take any action if they wanted to leave the budget as is.
Mr. Rogers says he thinks the Council should take an affirmative action, even though it may not technically be required, to reject this.
Mr. Rogers makes a motion to approve the 4.9% plus a half-percent ($250,000) to address the wastewater deficit.
Mr. McDonald states if the rate increase is changed to 5.5%, what is being done is within the Council’s control, and the Council is not exceeding the cap of 5.5% mandated by the State.
Mr. Miranda seconds the motion. Roll call vote is taken:
| Mr. Harrington | Aye |
| Mr. Miranda | Aye |
| Dr. Ramos | Nay |
| Mr. Rogers | Aye |
| Mayor Grant | Aye |
Motion passes 4-1.
2. 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 (b) of Sec. 17-183 entitled “Charges to be based upon water consumption; rate” to read as follows:
| Meter size | Annual Fee |
| 5/8 | $ 40.00 |
| 3/4 | 70.00 |
| 1 | 100.00 |
| 1 1/2 | 200.00 |
| 2 | 310.00 |
| 3 | 670.00 |
| 4 | 1,140.00 |
| 6 | 2,360.00 |
| 8 | 3,390.00 |
(b) The fixed meter charge portion of the sewer charge shall be determined as follows:
Such fee shall be prorated quarterly or monthly for users of city water who are billed on a quarterly or monthly basis.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and shall be given retroactive effect to November 1, 2002 and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and shall also be given retroactive effect.
CHAPTER NO. 250
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the balance of the ordinance.
Mr. Miranda speaks on the ordinance. He says until he is shown that there is no grant money available for this project, he will not support it.
Dr. Ramos says every time he sees this sewer use fee, he looks at it as an extra tax. He says he believes the Council should be in Washington to locate the funds that will take care of this problem, and until then, he will not support it.
Mr. McDonald explains that the fixed fee is retroactive, but the consumption fee is not retroactive.
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
Mr. Rogers makes a motion to approve the sewer use fees as proposed. Mr. Harrington seconds the nomination. Roll call vote follows:
| Mr. Harrington | Aye |
| Mr. Miranda | Nay |
| Dr. Ramos | Nay |
| Mr. Rogers | Aye |
| Mayor Grant | Aye |
The motion passes 3-2.
4. 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 $2.70 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. CHAPTER NO. 251
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the balance of the ordinance.
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
Motion is made by Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Harrington, to approve. Roll call vote follows:
| Mr. Harrington | Aye |
| Mr. Miranda | Nay |
| Dr. Ramos | Nay |
| Mr. Rogers | Aye |
| Mayor Grant | Aye |
Motion passes 3-2.
5. 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:
CENTRAL AVENUE (south side) in front of house number 21, between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
(Requested by Director of Public Works) CHAPTER NO. 252
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Dr. Ramos, seconded by Mr. Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve for Final Passage.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER
1. 2003-2004 CDBG Planning Process: Applications Received for Funding
Mr. Lemont reports that the City received 41 applications requesting $1,699,000, the block grant is $962,000, and at the next Council meeting, there will be presentations regarding the requests.
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to accept.
2. City-owned property in Seekonk (Brook Street & Newman Avenue) - for referral to the Planning Board
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to approve.
Addendum Continuation of Health Benefits for spouses and dependents of Police and Fire personnel killed in the line of duty.
Mr. Lemont says this is a result of the McGregor situation.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve.
REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
(By William J. Conley, Jr., City Solicitor)
Claims and Litigation Committee Report
| Tammy Dillon, Claim No. 03-10 | Denied |
| Walter Unkuski, Claim No. 03-13 | Refer to RIDOT |
| Providence Washington Insurance Co. | |
| (Insured: Thomas DiSalvo) | Refer to RIDOT |
| Nancy Hazard, Claim No. 03-16 | Approved |
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Announcement
Interim City Manager - William J. Conley, Jr.
RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN OFFICER OF THE CITY TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE CITY MANAGER
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence will require an officer of the city to perform the duties of the City Manager as of May 1, 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City of East Providence City Council has established a search committee for the purpose of hiring a new City Manager for the City of East Providence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED effective May 1, 2003 the City Council of the City of East Providence appoints the City Solicitor of the City to perform the duties of the City Manager until the Council appoints another officer of the city to perform the duties of the City Manager or until the City Council appoints a City Manager pursuant to Sec. 2-10 of the Charter. RESOLUTION NO. 17
On motion of Mr. Harrington, seconded by Dr. Ramos, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to adopt the Resolution.
(By Councilman Isadore S. Ramos)
Recall vote on Planning Board Appointment
Dr. Ramos states his agenda was not the same as the other Council members at the last meeting, and he did not have this appointment on his agenda. He says there is no reason why a person should serve on two Boards, Housing and Planning. He says he put this on the docket to bring it to the public’s attention.
(By Councilman Patrick A. Rogers)
Tree Planting Program
Deferred to next meeting.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES - (If given first passage, can be referred to the next regular Council meeting to be held on May 6, 2003 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage)
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 232 ENTITLED “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.”
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION I. Chapter 232 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “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” is amended to read as follows:
“SECTION I: That the City Council of the City of East Providence hereby orders the assessment and collection of a tax on ratable real estate, tangible personal property and an excise tax on registered motor vehicles and trailers in a sum not less than Sixty-seven Million Two Hundred Thousand ($67,200,000) Dollars nor more than Sixty-eight Million Five Hundred Thousand ($68,500,000) Dollars said tax is for ordinary expenses, for the payment of interest and indebtedness, in whole or in part, of said city, and for other purposes authorized by law.
The Tax Assessor shall assess and apportion said tax on the inhabitants and ratable property of said city as of the 31st day of December, 2002 at twelve o'clock Eastern Standard Time, according to law, and shall on completion of said assessment, date and sign same and shall make out and certify to the City Treasurer of the City of East Providence, who is charged with the duties for the collection of taxes, on or before the 13th day of June, 2003 complete list of the names of the persons taxed and of the total value of all the real estate assessed against each person, and also the amount of registered motor vehicles and trailers assessed against each person, and also the total amount assessed against each person on said real estate, personal estate and registered motor vehicles and trailers, opposite the name of the person or persons assessed. Upon receipt of the certified tax list by the City Treasurer, he shall proceed and collect said tax on the persons and estates liable thereof; said tax shall be due and payable on and between the 2nd day of June 2003 and the 1st day of July, 2003 and provided further that if said tangible personal property and real estate taxes are paid in full on or before the 1st day of July, 2003, a discount of four per centum (4%) of the total taxes on said tangible personal property and real estate shall be granted, and all taxes remaining unpaid on the 1st day of July, 2003 shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve per centum (12%) per annum from the 2nd day of June, 2003 upon said unpaid tax, however, said taxes may be paid in four installments; the first installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1st day of July, 2003, the second installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1st day of September, 2003, the third installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1st day of December, 2003 and the fourth installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 2nd day of March, 2004.
Each installment of taxes if paid on or before the last day of each installment period successively in order, shall be free from any charge of interest.
If the first installment or any succeeding installment of taxes is not paid by the last date of the respective unpaid balance period or periods as they occur, then the whole tax or remaining unpaid balance of the taxes as the case may be shall immediately become due and payable and carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve per centum, (12%) per annum.
The City Treasurer shall, by advertisement in the public newspaper having circulation in the City of East Providence, notify all persons assessed to pay their respective taxes at his office on and between the said 2nd day of June, and the 1st day of July, 2003 both days inclusive; said City Treasurer setting forth the hours during which his office shall remain open to receive said taxes.
SECTION: II. That any of said taxes not paid on or before the 2nd day of March, 2004 shall forthwith be collected by levy upon the sale of real estate upon which it is assessed and by that or other due process of law in case of assessment upon personal property.”
Mr. McDonald speaks on the ordinance and says he will have the new numbers for the City Clerk tomorrow.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the remainder of the ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve as amended for First Passage.
APPOINTMENTS
(By Mayor Rolland R. Grant)
Affirmative Action
Alice Martin 1 Vineyard Avenue (02914)
Gloria Price 38 Central Avenue (02914)
Kevin Smith 14-D Village Green (02915)
On motion of Mr. Miranda, seconded by Mr. Harrington, it is unanimously voted to approve.
(By Councilman Norman J. Miranda)
Affirmative Action Committee
Maria daGraca 33 Seventh Street (02914)
On motion of Dr. Ramos, seconded by Mr. Miranda, it is unanimously voted to approve.
COMMUNICATIONS
John Vincent, 3663 Pawtucket Avenue, Apt. #715, Riverside, Rhode Island is present and sworn.
Mr. Vincent presents petitions with 1,770 signatures, requesting that the proposed Riverside Library be named after Robert D. Sullivan, a former State Representative, former City Council Member, former Police Officer, and former Court Sheriff.
On motion of Mr. Harrington, seconded by Dr. Ramos, the petition is made part of the record.
Lori Kochanek, daughter of Robert Sullivan, and Diane Selley, a Riverside resident, both speak on behalf of the petition.
On motion of Mr. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Rogers, it is unanimously voted to put on the record and to take the matter under advisement.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourns at 12:52 a.m.
Attest:
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: May 6, 2003