| | CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST FEBRUARY 8, 2007 8:00 AM | |
Present:
Mayor Isadore S. Ramos
Mr. Robert E. Cusack
Mrs. Valerie A. Perry
Mr. Bryan P. Silva
Mr. Richard M. Brown
Mr. William J. Conley, Jr.
Mr. Jim McDonald
Ms. Mildred Morris, Chairperson
Ms. Eileen S. Lovett
Mr. Steven E. Santos
Superintendent Dr. Jacqueline Forbes
Senator Daniel DaPonte
Senator Paul E. Moura
Representative Elizabeth M. Dennigan
Representative Helio Melo
Representative Henry C. Rose
Representative John A. Savage
Representative Susan A. Story
Mr. Brown presented his 2007 Legislative Agenda.
Development in East Providence investment with Gilbane Waterfront Project. Drainage issues, specifically mandates opting out of state requirements. State homeland security, Providence received limit 3 ½% taxes. Tax base, Legislation isn’t going to set Rule. Administrations responsible $50-55million wastewater is too large to put on taxpayers.
Mayor Ramos welcomes and thanks everyone for coming and acknowledges Mr. Brown’s agenda.
Senator DaPonte stated budget does not look good, social-aid, everything. Level funding, and not getting enough Federal. We don’t have money to give at state level.
Representative Rose met with the School Committee and explained when we present Legislation Bill for State, we far exceed what we need. He would be happy with 3 out of 6 passing.
Dr. Forbes passes out a power point presentation (see end of minutes). She states City residents feel the schools have a safe environment, clean, good schools at 96% of Parents responding. Most students’ achievements are down. Math is up, Reading and Writing are down. We are working to improve these numbers. EPHS boiler has a new heating system, our buildings are not as bad as thought. It cost $900 per police officer for tactical training.
Representative Savage states can pass relief to East Providence Act #H 5224, Act #H 5229 $300,000 can’t control $3 million (Chart #9).
Dr. Forbes states Special Education and English 2nd Department of Regulation. Rules & Regulations 15 -18%, 7% Expelled and go to East Bay Educational Collabrative. Commissioner RIDE. Last year 4% now need 6%. We are a large Region. We are #3. 13 Cities and Towns, 6/06 statewide schools. If a child goes to Private school we have to bus them. Children cost East Providence $300.00 per student or $150.00 to parent to bus child. Family breakup keeps changing residency.
Councilwoman Perry states this once-a-year Legislative Breakfast should meet more often and sometimes invite the public.
Representative Rose said Speaker is set up 3 -5 times a year with public.
Senator DaPonte asked for a number for state for sewer tax. Example $55million. #5151 House Bill Tax Exempt for Parochial schools and for so many feet around it.
Mayor Ramos states what would the long range cost be if Narragansett Bay Commission took over. We still have to take care of piping and pumping. We discussed a 3 or 4 tier tax rate, resident, small business, and industrial business. We’re asking for $55million, and the Narragansett Bay Commission got $74million to set up.
Representative Dennigan states homeland security $7million inequities 4 communities got it. There is money, but you have to be specific on the need of certain equipment. Culinary, you need a specific piece of equipment specific grant. Rhode Island Foundation needs equipment, School Breakfast 30%. We can make money. Federal Funding poverty level and administrators.
Dr. Forbes states the EPHS needs a generator. If we need the school for a hospital for an emergency, we would not be able to handle it. Challenge the Ratification Title 28 Labor law 16.
Representative Savage states the City Council does not need Ratification, but would like Ratification. We look at 1) City wanted it, which they did with 70% of the votes, 2) Resolution for City of East Providence, 3) Resolution for School, 4) Statement from Solicitor, the Why & How? It being legal.
Councilman Cusack states we have 3 out of 4.
Senator DaPonte states it’s not an issue. If we have city tax bill and school committee tax bill and go to the voters to pass their own budgets.
Dr. Forbes states it makes sense for input from the City Council and City Manager.
Mr. Brown states he would work with school committee.
Dr. Forbes states New York has 2 budgets; the city and school.
Councilman Silva askes is there a committee or union challenge.
Dr. Forbes states School Committee or speculation on the Union perhaps.
Ms. Morris states if someone is going to challenge, it would be the union she believes, the school committee doesn’t have any money.
Mayor Ramos states this meeting working together was good. Maybe next time have it in the evening with the public. All of us working together.
Adjorns at 9:30 a.m.