CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 17, 2004
| | CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 17, 2004 | |
The City Council meets in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, and is called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Mayor Rolland R. Grant.
| Present: | Mayor Rolland R. Grant | ) | |
| | Daniel F. Harrington | ) | |
| | Norman J. Miranda | ) | Council Members |
| | Dr. Isadore S. Ramos | ) | |
| | Patrick A. Rogers | ) | |
| | James F. McDonald | ) | Acting City Manager |
| | Valerie A. Perry | ) | City Clerk |
| | Gregory S. Dias | ) | Acting City Solicitor |
The Invocation is read by Councilman Harrington and the Salute to the Flag is led by Mayor Grant.
1. Approval of Council Journals
January 20, 2004 - Regular Meeting
January 20, 2004 - Closed Session
2. Abatements/Cancellation, Alberto Ereio, City Assessor
| YEAR | AMOUNT |
| 2003 | $ 353.01 |
| 2002 | 152.48 |
| TOTAL | $ 487.49 |
3. Alcoholic Beverage Class F - March 13, 2004
Sacred Heart School, PTO 56 Purchase
4. Alcoholic Beverage Class F-1 April 30 - May 1, 2004
St. Mary’s Academy-Bay View, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue
5. CRMC - Finding of No Significant Impact - File 2003-12-024 - C/M a 10'x16' shed on property located at 1463 S. Broadway, Pl 108, Lot 003 (Joao & Celia Pestana)
6. CRMC - Assent - File No. 2000-06-040 - Install approx 10,000 linear ft. of 16 in. Diameter water main to replace existing 8 and 12 in. Diameter water mains, located at Wampanoag Trail (Ken Booth/ Water Dept.)
7. CRMC - Assent - File No. 2003-11-061 - Drill five exploratory borings (4" diameter) as shown on the CRMC approved plans. Only for exploratory borings. No sewer line construction is allowed under this assent. Located north of Gulf Ave., East Providence. (Narragansett Bay Commission)
8. CRMC - February 2004 Calendar
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Ramos, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the Consent Calendar.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to keep the minutes of the Closed Session closed.
Sunday/Holiday Sales
Vahe Restikian, 26 Vincent Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860
DBA Riverside Auto & Gas, 2857 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence, RI
Subject to approvals from: Chief of Police, Building Inspector
Report enclosed from Chief of Police - he has denied approval of this license
The applicant is present and sworn. He is told because of his alien status, he cannot operate a business.
On motion of Councilman Ramos, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to deny the license.
Private Detective
Carlos Enrique Tillett, 21 Woodcrest Drive, Ea Providence, RI 02915
The applicant is present and sworn.
On motion of Councilman Ramos, seconded by Councilman Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve, subject to approval from the Chief of Police.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
1. Providence & Worcester Railroad property - Warren Ave at the foot of Washington Bridge.
On motion of Councilman Harrington, seconded by Councilman Ramos, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to refer to the Planning Board.
2. Memo from Paul J Airozo, Purchasing Agent in regards to the purchase of one (1) Ford F650 Dump Truck.
Mr. McDonald explains the reason for the bid approval (originally approved at the January 20, 2004 meeting). (Memo from Paul J. Airozo filed in Council file).
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Harrington, it is unanimously voted to reaffirm the approval.
3. Sale of City property located at AP 25, Lot 3, Seekonk, MA and AP 68B, Lot 13, Pawtucket, R.I.
Mr. McDonald reports that a tentative agreement has been reached to sell property along the Water shed in Seekonk, for a negotiated price of $640,000, which will be deposited in the Sale of Surplus property account. Council Harrington thanks Jeanne Boyle, who negotiated a higher price for the property. Councilman Ramos gives Councilman Rogers credit for getting additional funds.
On motion of Councilman Harrington, seconded by Councilman Miranda, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept the negotiated price.
(By City Solicitor)
Claims and Litigation Committee Report
| Ted Davis, Jr., Claim No. 04-1 | Approve |
| GMAC Insurance, Claim No. 04-5 | Refer the claim to Cardi Corporation |
| (Insured: Sean McQuiggan) | |
| Angela Hess, Mario Hess | |
| & Mario Martino, Claim No. 04-8 | Refer the claim to the insurance carrier |
| Felicia Washington, Claim No. 04-6 | Refer the claim to the Rhode Island D.O.T. |
On motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Rogers, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to accept as presented.
(By Councilmen Patrick A. Rogers and Daniel F. Harrington)
Update on City Manager Search
Councilman Rogers reports that as of today, 96 applications have been received. He says the new search has resulted in a higher number of applicants, with a couple who are current or former Department Heads for the State of Rhode Island. He says he and Councilman Harrington will be making arrangements for interviews for late February or early March. He also mentions that one applicant is a Harvard graduate and Rhodes Scholar.
(By Councilmen Harrington, Miranda, Ramos, and Rogers)
Talent Development Program
Councilman Rogers speaks on the program and says that a meeting with the School Committee and State Legislators last week produced dialogue about trying to get the program up and running again. He proposes the following possible sources of funding:
1. Sale of City land (approved tonight for a price of $650,000).
2. The Council approved 80% of the revenue of the hotel and meal tax be used to reduce the deficit - Councilman Rogers suggests taking the remaining 20% to use for the TDP program.
3. The School Department is exploring relinquishment of one of its school buildings.
The cost to get the program going for the remainder of the school year is $65,000. He proposes restoring the Talent Development Program with the following 2 provisions:
1. The funds to be used only for the Talent Development Program;
2. Allocate the money in small doses under the supervision of the City Manager and Finance Director.
Councilman Rogers states that he wants to remind his fellow Councilmen that this is a one-time deal until the end of June.
Councilman Ramos says that while he agrees with Councilman Rogers about restoring the program, he wants the Council to realize that other programs will have to be supported if they come before the Council, such as the Science Department and ESL program. He says if it is done for one group, it has to be done for all, and the whole system is our future.
Councilman Miranda states that he understands what Dr. Ramos is saying, but he would want to evaluate each one on its merits.
Mayor Grant states that Councilman Rogers’ explanation was to his liking and he will reconsider his vote and support the measure. Councilman Rogers recognizes Tony Gouveia’s efforts.
School Committee Chairman Peter Barilla states that if the Council takes the action tonight, the program will be reactivated when the students return to school next Monday.
Following further discussion, on motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Harrington, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the recommendations as outlined by Councilman Rogers.
Unanimous Consent - Councilman Miranda
Councilman Miranda announces that a Memorial Mass will be held tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. in St. Francis Xavier Church for former City Manager/City Clerk, James Beeley.
Unanimous Consent - Councilman Ramos
Councilman Ramos receives Unanimous Consent to allow George Burke, Martin Middle School Principal, to address the Council. Mr. Burke thanks the Council for providing the funds for the reinstatement of the Talent Development Program.
This deficit elimination plan was approved by the City Council at the February 3, 2004 City Council meeting. It is on this docket to be approved in Resolution form.
WHEREAS, the East Providence School Department has incurred a budget deficit of $2.637 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, this deficit has had a deleterious effect on the City’s present and future financial condition; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of East Providence has determined that it is necessary to stop the deterioration of the City’s overall fiscal condition while the situation is still relatively manageable; to provide the City and School Department with a basis to draft future budgets that are sustainable and affordable; to establish a heightened degree of credibility with the investment community which would allow the City to finance future bond issues and annual TANs at reasonable rates and enable the City to market itself as a viable option for prominent commercial interests which are seeking to develop properties along the waterfront; and
WHEREAS, it is reasonable for the City to expect an average receipt of $50,000 per month from the State of Rhode Island 1% hotel and meal tax program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of East Providence adopts the following deficit elimination plan:
1. 80% of all funds received from the hotel and meal tax shall be restricted funds for deficit reduction.
2. The School Department will provide the City Council with a monthly financial reportin the same format as required for the report submitted to the state Office of Municipal Affairs. The chief financial of the School Department shall certify the status of the School Department’s budget and the report shall contain a statement as to whether any actual projected shortfalls and budget line items are expected to result in a year-end deficit, the projected impact on year-end financial results including all accruals and encumbrances and how the School Department plans to address any such projected shortfall. Resolution No. 30
3. The School Department’s annual budget appropriation shall be apportioned by the Finance Director for the City of East Providence on a monthly basis.
4. The School Department shall provide a multi-year financial forecast for both operating costs and capital needs on an annual basis to the Finance Director for the City of East Providence.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the Resolution.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Harrington, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to adopt the resolution.
(By Councilman Daniel F. Harrington)
Ancient Little Neck Cemetery Commission
| George S. Barros - | 93 Maple Avenue (02915) |
| Raymond Canario | 10 Penrod Street (02915) |
| Russell Davis | 12 Hospital Road (02915) |
| Diane Thompson | 20 Penrod Avenue(02915) |
| Michael Znosko | 12 Catalpa Street (02915) |
It is noted that Diane Thompson has resigned. Replacing her will be Gerald Sorterup, 91 Francis Avenue (02915)
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Harrington, it is unanimously voted to approve.
John Vincent, 3663 Pawtucket Avenue
Requesting to address the Council on the “Skate Board Park” in Riverside.
Mr. Vincent is not present.
On motion of Councilman Rogers, seconded by Councilman Miranda, it is unanimously voted to defer to the next meeting.
The meeting is adjourned at 8:29 P.M. on motion of Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Harrington.
Attest:
_______________________________
Valerie A. Perry, CMC
City Clerk Approved: March 2, 2004