| | CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 1, 2007 | |
The City Council meets in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 and Mayor Isadore S. Ramos calls the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M.
The invocation is read by Councilwoman Perry and the Salute to the Flag is led by Councilman Cusack.
Lori Merolla from Merandi Reporting is present to record the proceedings of the public hearing.
| Present: | Mayor Isadore S. Ramos | | |
| | Robert E. Cusack | ) | Council Members |
| | Valerie A. Perry | ) | |
| | Bryan P. Silva | ) | |
| | | | |
| | Richard M. Brown | ) | City Manager |
| | William J. Conley, Jr. | ) | City Solicitor |
| | Virginia B. Nunes | ) | City Clerk |
Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL JOURNALS
April 17, 2007 – Regular Meeting
B. CANCELLATION/ABATEMENTS (Requested by Tax Assessor)
YEAR AMOUNT
1998 $54.62
2004 $52.68
2005 $179.56
2006 $201.85
Total $488.71
C. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE-CLASS F-1 –August 4, 2007
Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity, 59 Brightridge Avenue (02914)
D. LETTER OF RESIGNATION
Sharlene Damiani – Juvenile Hearing Board
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve the Consent Calendar. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
II. APPOINTMENTS
1. Juvenile Hearing Board (by Councilman Silva)
Samantha Branco, 40 Anthony Street (02914)
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
2. Juvenile Hearing Board (by Mayor Ramos)
Michael Silva, 42 Griffith Drive (02915)
Mayor Ramos asked for this to be deferred to the next meeting.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to be deferred to the next meeting. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
3. Carousel Park Commission (by Councilman Cusack)
Patricia Harrington, 19 Windmill Lane (02916)
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cusack, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
1. Class B-Full Privilege Victualer (Transfer) (Subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, Health Inspector, State Division of Taxation, and Fire Marshall)
From: Brinker Rhode Island, Inc., d/b/a Chili’s Grill & Bar, 50 Highland Aveune (02914)
To: Pepper Dining, Inc., d/b/a Chili’s Grill & Bar, 50 Highland Avenue (02914)
Richmond A. Brittingham, 47 Oriole Avenue (02906) was sworn in by the City Solicitor.
Brian Ackroy, 32 Chaffee Street (02916) was sworn in by the City Solicitor.
Ron Coffee, 2125 Broad Street (02905) was sworn in by the City Solicitor.
Councilwoman Perry asked if it was just this Chili’s that’s being taken over.
Mr. Brittingham stated that all 95 restaurants are being taken over by a Texas Corporation; the New England area, North Carolina, upstate New York and Albany, New York.
Councilwoman Perry asked if the hours and quality of food will be the same.
Mr. Brittingham stated it would.
There is no one from the public wishing to be heard.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
- Vict/over 50 (transfer) (Subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, Health Inspector, and Fire Marshall)
From: Brinker Rhode Island, Inc., d/b/a Chili’s Grill & Bar, 50 Highland Avenue (02914)
To: Pepper Dining, Inc., d/b/a Chili’s Grill &Bar, 50 Highland Avenue, (02914)
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
- Carnival – May 12, 2007 (Subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, Fire Marshall, and Electrical Inspector)
The Gordon School, 45 Maxfield Avenue (02914)
On motion of Councilman Cusack, seconded by Councilman Silva, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
Councilman Cusack stated it’s an annual carnival and all the neighbors and residents are invited.
3. Peddler-Ice Cream (Subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, and Health Inspector)
Jonathan Florez, d/b/a Palagi’s Ice Cream, 55 Bacon Street (02860)
Jonathan Florez, 3 Plantation Road, Oxford, MA (01540) was sworn in by the City Solicitor.
Councilwoman Perry asked if he would be peddling throughout the City or would you be doing a certain area.
Mr. Florez stated he does some areas in East Providence, Pierce field, sometimes Kent field. Mostly he does Riverside. This will be my third year doing this.
Councilwoman Perry asked if he had a license previously to do this.
Mr. Florez stated he did. He just didn’t renew it earlier.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
4. Vict/Not over 25 (Subject to approvals from the Chief of Police, Building Inspector, Health Inspector, and Fire Marshall)
East Providence Central Little League, Pierce Memorial Field, 201 Mercer Street (02914)
Robert Faria, 132 Cushman Avenue (02914) was sworn in by the City Solicitor.
Mr. Faria stated they made every effort to make this not only the best year but to leave it better for future generations. We put up safety features and painted the concession stand. We have a food manager this year and are expending the menus. We are hoping to get more revenue for a number of improvements, enclosed dugouts, etc.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
LICENSING COMMISSIONERS RESUME SITTING AS CITY COUNCIL
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
1. Riverside Square Rehabilitation Proposal.
Mr. Brown stated this is a project that will take place on Bullocks Point Avenue, near the corner of Fenner and across from Oak. It involves developing market rate units, developing affordable homeowner units, additional retail and office space, continuity of street façade, creating new businesses and new jobs, cleaning up the site and re-using vacant buildings. Mr. Brown stated that after Mr. Bachrach makes his presentation we will need approval to continue developing this project and to acquire the two buildings, get options to control those properties till the rest of the project can be completed.
Mr. Brown asked Mr. Bachrach to make his presentation.
Mr. Bachrach stated this project was an affordable housing opportunity and then it became a neighborhood revitalization project by the nature of its location and its size. We are proposing to demolish the existing structures and replace those with two and three story retail with housing on the second floor and a pedestrian friendly façade. We would like to offer options to purchase the properties if an investigation shows that it’s feasible.
Councilman Cusack asked why we got involved.
Mr. Brown explained we got involved by looking for affordable housing then staff review determined we could clean up the area, design continuity of streetscape and an entrance area to Riverside.
Councilman Cusack asked do we own these properties or are we going to buy them. How is it going to be financed?
Mr. Brown stated that’s part of what we’re going to be doing over the next twelve months. We want to acquire an option so we can control the property. Do an environmental study and set up a financial plan.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
B. REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS
CLAIMS COMMITTEE (by William J. Conley, Jr. – City Solicitor)
Mr. Dias presents Claims and Litigation Report from May 1, 2007
Barbara Florio Claim No. 07-019 Refer to Dept. of Trans.
Jean Martin Claim No. 07-014 Deny the claim.
Travelers Home Ins. Co. Claim No.07-016 Refer to Law Dept.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
Mayor Ramos asked for Council consent to read a statement.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
Mayor Ramos stated that he was involved in getting the teachers and the school committee to sit down and negotiate a medical co share etc. Our teachers have been asked to help the City with budget relief. I’ve asked for a fair negotiation process without any side engaging in any negative rhetoric. At this time I would like to publicly say that I’m deeply disappointed that an agreement has not been reached. I sincerely believe that the Teacher’s Association has been dealt with fairly. What we’re asking should not take this long to finalize. I have only asked the fine teachers of this City to do what other Municipal workers and teachers throughout the State of Rhode Island have done. I am not happy that we sit here tonight; the teachers have not yet agreed to the same medical co sharing that the City unions have agreed to. Additionally, East Providence remains the only City in Rhode Island at which teachers do not co share medical expenses. I have vehemently misread the level to which our teachers are willing to cooperate in this regard. We have to start somewhere. Frankly, I cannot condone the lack of any agreement to date on behalf of the teachers’ leadership. I cannot support the notion of seeking additional school funding without contractual relief from our school unions. I am disappointed and surprised that we have come to this point without any announced progress. It is no longer acceptable to say that our teachers are willing to talk. The time has come for reasonable people on all sides to get this done immediately.
C. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES
(If given First Passage, can be referred to the next regular Council Meeting to be held on May 15, 2007 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage).
1. This ordinance amendment corrects certain section references contained in Subdivision X and Subdivision VI of Chapter 4.
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 4 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998,
AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS.”
SECTION I. Subsection (g) of Section 4-289 entitled “Securing of vacated dwellings and structures” of Subdivision X entitled “Dwellings Unfit for Human Habitation” of Division 5 entitled “Minimum Residential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
(g) The chief inspector shall place a lien against the real property for the cost of demolition or otherwise making the building or structure safe in accordance with the provisions of section 4-432. 4-294.
SECTION II. Section 4-291 entitled “Order to demolish” of Subdivision X entitled “Dwellings Unfit for Human Habitation” of Division 5 entitled “Minimum Residential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
Whenever a notice of violation provided for in section 4-428 4-286 has not been complied with, the chief inspector may include within the compliance order a finding to the effect that the dwelling is unfit for human habitation and continued occupancy, and such finding shall be an order to demolish the dwelling. Such compliance order shall be served upon the owner, occupant, lessee, mortgagee and all other persons having any interest in the dwelling, as shown by the records of the Recorder of Deeds, in the manner provided for in section 4-104, provided that in the event that any such person is not identified or located, service may be made upon him or her by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the city once for a week for two (2) successive weeks, and service shall be made at least three (3) months prior to the effective date of the demolition provisions of the order. An appeal from such compliance order may be taken to the property standards board of review in the manner provided for in sections 4-96 to 4-100.
SECTION III. Section 4-294 entitled “Liens and charges to cover expenses” of Subdivision X entitled “Dwellings Unfit for Human Habitation” of Division 5 entitled “Minimum Residential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
Whenever the owner fails to comply with an order to repair, alter, improve or demolish a dwelling which has been determined to be unfit for human habitation and continued occupancy, and the chief inspector has taken direction action pursuant to the provisions of sections 4-430 or 4-431 4-292 or 4-293, the costs incurred by him or her in such action shall be a lien against the real property, and such lien shall be enforced in the manner provided or authorized by law for the enforcement of common law liens on personal property. Such lien shall be recorded. If the dwelling is demolished by the chief inspector, he or she may sell the materials of such dwelling, and the net cost of the demolition shall be charged to the owner, and if any balance remains, it shall be held for the owner or any other parties entitled thereto. In every case, the cost of direct action shall be costs necessary to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible, together with a ten-percent service charge in addition thereto.
SECTION IV. Section 4-421 entitled “Order to vacate” of Subdivision VI entitled “Unfit Structures” of Division 6 entitled “Nonresidential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
Whenever a notice of violation, as provided for in section 4-422 4-414, has not been complied with, the chief inspector may include within the compliance order a finding to the effect that the nonresidential structure is unfit for continued occupancy, and such finding shall constitute an order to vacate. Such compliance order shall be served upon the owner, operator and the occupant in the manner provided for in section 4-94, and service shall be made at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of the order to vacate. An appeal from such compliance order may be taken to the property standards board of review in the manner provided for in sections 4-96 to 4-100.
SECTION V. Section 4-424 entitled “Removal of placards from condemned nonresidential structures” of Subdivision VI entitled “Unfit Structures” of Division 6 entitled “Nonresidential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
No person shall deface or remove the placard from any nonresidential structure which has been condemned as unfit for continued occupancy and placarded as such, except as provided in section 4-425 4-423.
SECTION VI. Subsection (g) of Section 4-425 entitled “Securing of vacated and nonresidential structures.” of Subdivision VI entitled “Unfit Structures” of Division 6 entitled “Nonresidential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
(g) The chief inspector shall place a lien against the real property for the cost of demolition or otherwise making the building or structure safe in accordance with the provisions of section 4-432 4-418.
SECTION VII. Section 4-427 entitled “Order to demolish” of Subdivision VI entitled “Unfit Structures” of Division 6 entitled “Nonresidential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
Whenever a notice of violation provided for in section 4-428 4-414 has not been complied with, the chief inspector may include within the compliance order a finding to the effect that the structure is unfit for human occupation, and such finding shall be an order to demolish the nonresidential structure. Such compliance order shall be served upon the owner, occupant, lessee, mortgagee and all other persons having any interest in the structure, as shown by the records of the Recorder of Deeds, in the manner provided for in section 4-104, provided that in the event that any such person is not identified or located, service may be made upon him or her by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the city once a week for two (2) successive weeks, and service shall be made at least three (3) months prior to the effective date of the demolition provisions of the order. An appeal from such compliance order may be taken to the property standards board of review in the manner provided for in sections 4-96 to 4-100.
SECTION VIII. Section 4-430 entitled “Liens and charges to cover expenses” of Subdivision VI entitled “Unfit Structures” of Division 6 entitled “Nonresidential Standards” of Article III entitled “Minimum Property Standards” of Chapter 4 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations.” is amended to read as follows:
Whenever the owner fails to comply with an order to repair, alter, improve or demolish a nonresidential dwelling which has been determined to be unfit for human occupation, and the chief inspector has taken direct action pursuant to the provisions of sections 4-430 or 4-431 4-428 or 4-429, the costs incurred by him or her in such action shall be a lien against the real property, and such lien shall be enforced in the manner provided or authorized by law for the enforcement of common law liens on personal property. Such lien shall be recorded. If the nonresidential structure is demolished by the chief inspector, he or she may sell the materials of such structure, and the net cost of the demolition shall be charged to the owner, and if any balance remains, it shall be held for the owner or any other parties entitled thereto. In every case, the cost of direct action shall be the costs necessary to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible, together with a ten-percent service charge in addition thereto.
SECTION IX. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. (Requested by: Law Department)
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cusack, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
Councilwoman Perry asked if Mr. Dias could explain the ordinance.
Mr. Dias stated last fall an ordinance was made to correct this ordinance, however at that time these corrections were not made. All this does is correct what should have been corrected at that time. Just housekeeping, it does not make any change to the ordinance at all.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
2. The following ordinance is appropriating $2,000,000 to finance the repairs, renovations and improvements to city roads and drainage systems and authorizing $2,000,000 bonds or notes to finance same.
AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $2,000,000 TO FINANCE THE REPAIRS, RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY ROADS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND AUTHORIZING $2,000,000 BONDS OR NOTES TO FINANCE SAME
WHEREAS, Chapter 598 and Chapter 608 of the Public Laws of Rhode Island 2006 authorize the issue of $2,000,000 bonds and notes in anticipation thereof by the City of East Providence to finance the repairs, renovations and improvements to city roads and drainage systems (hereinafter referred to as the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, said Chapters were duly approved by a majority of those voting on the question at a special election held November 7, 2006 said election having been called and held and the question prescribed by Section 12 of said Chapters presented in accordance with law, and said Chapters are presently in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Project is a capital project for public improvements needed by the City;
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION I. The sum of $2,000,000 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of the Project including retirement of the Notes at the maturity thereof.
SECTION II. The issue of $2,000,000 bonds or notes in anticipation thereof to meet the foregoing appropriation is hereby authorized pursuant to Chapter 598 and Chapter 608 of the Public Laws of Rhode Island, 2006 and the City Charter. The City Council shall determine by resolution the time or times and manner at and in which said bonds or notes in anticipation of such bonds shall be issued and sold and the officers issuing the bonds or notes shall determine the form of the bonds or notes in accordance with law.
SECTION III. The estimated maximum cost of the Project is $2,000,000 and any unexpended sum from said appropriation shall be used for either the retirement of said bonds or notes issued in anticipation thereof or for the payment of interest thereon. Prior to issuance of said bonds or notes in anticipation thereof, funds may be advanced from the city’s general fund for Project costs.
SECTION IV. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed. (Requested by: Director of Finance)
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
Mr. McDonald stated in the November election last year there was an authorization to approve a $5,000,000 bond issue. What we have to do is estimate what we think we will spend within the next twelve months. You will also see a resolution. We need both for bond issue.
Councilman Perry asked if this was incorporated in our tax rate right now or is this going to be in the next budget.
Mr. McDonald stated all we will pay is interest at this point until we sell the entire bond. The interest payment won’t be due until the next fiscal year.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
D. RESOLUTIONS
1. The following is a resolution determining certain matters relating to the time and manner at and in which the $2,000,000 bonds or notes for the purpose of financing the repairs, renovations and improvements to city roads and drainage systems shall be issued and sold and authorizing the director of finance and the Mayor to determine certain other matters relating hereto.
A RESOLUTION DETERMINING CERTAIN MATTERS RELATING TO THE
TIME AND MANNER AT AND IN WHICH THE $2,000,000 BONDS OR NOTES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE REPAIRS, RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY ROADS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS SHALL BE
ISSUED AND SOLD AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND
THE MAYOR TO DETERMINE CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS RELATING HERETO
WHEREAS, Chapter 598 and Chapter 608 of the Public Laws of 2006 authorize the issuance of $4,500,000 bonds and notes in anticipation thereof by the City of East Providence for the purpose of financing the repairs, renovations and improvements to city roads and drainage systems (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, said Chapters were duly approved by a majority of those voting on the question at a general election held November 7, 2006, said election having been called and held and the question prescribed by Section 12 of said Chapters presented in accordance with law, and said Chapters are presently in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of East Providence has by Ordinance (Chapter ___) appropriated the sum of $2,000,000 for the purpose of the Project, including retirement of the Notes at the maturity thereof, authorized the issue of $2,000,000 bonds or notes in anticipation thereof to meet such appropriation and ordained that the City Council shall determine by resolution the time or times and manner at and in which said bonds or notes shall be issued and sold.
The Council of the City of East Providence hereby resolves:
Section 1. Bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 shall be sold at public sale (the "Bonds"). The Director of Finance and the Mayor be, and they hereby are, authorized to determine the time or times and manner at and in which said Bonds shall be issued and sold including the denominations, maturities, interest rates and other terms and conditions of any such Bonds as they in their discretion deem necessary or desirable to implement the foregoing.
Section 2. The Director of Finance and the Mayor are hereby authorized to take all action necessary to effect the issuance of the notes and said officers are hereby authorized and instructed to take all lawful action on behalf of the City necessary under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to insure that the interest on the Bonds will remain exempt from federal income taxation to the extent provided in Section 103 of the Code, and to refrain from taking any action which will cause interest on the Bonds to lose the benefit of exclusion from gross income provided by Section 103(a) of the Code.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect upon its passage. (Requested by Director of Finance)
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
2. The following is a Resolution authorizing the Director of Finance to borrow $1,000,000 in anticipation of City revenues.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
TO BORROW $1,000,000 IN ANTICIPATION OF CITY REVENUES
SECTION I. Pursuant to Section 45-12-4.3 of the Rhode Island General Laws and Section 4-22 of the Charter of the City, the Director of Finance is authorized to borrow during the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007 up to $1,000,000 in anticipation of City revenues constituting sewer user charges as may be permitted by law for the purpose of meeting the current liabilities and expenses of the City and that the Director of Finance is authorized to issue the note or notes of the City therefore and to refund such note or notes and any revenue anticipation notes of a prior year to the extent permitted by law.
SECTION II. The resolution shall take effect upon its passage. (Requested by Director of Finance)
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
Councilwoman Perry asked for an explanation.
Mr. McDonald stated the waste water fund ran a significant deficit at that point we had to borrow money to pay the bills and function. We sold a series of notes and with the new sewer rate tax we are anticipating revenue.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilman Cusack, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
3. The following Resolution is an act relating to Fish and Wildlife – Menhaden Management Area.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF 2007-H 5165, 2007-H 5713, AND 2007-S 0311 ENTITLED “AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE – MENHADEN MANAGEMENT AREA
WHEREAS, the over fishing of menhaden in Narragansett Bay is damaging the ecological balance of the bay; and
WHEREAS, because of over fishing, the stock of menhaden in Narragansett Bay is usually depleted by June of each year; and
WHEREAS, to alleviate this problem, prohibiting the use of purse seining for harvesting on menhaden in Narragansett Bay is recommended; and
WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly, 2007-H 5165 and 2007-H 5713 and 2007-S 0311, all entitled “AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE – MENHADEN MANAGEMENT AREA” which would prohibit the use of purse seining for harvesting on menhaden in Narragansett Bay; and
WHEREAS, the East Providence City Council believes that this legislation is in the best interest of the City of East Providence.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of East Providence requests the City Clerk to send a copy of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the President of the Rhode Island Senate, the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and the Senators and Representatives representing the City of East Providence.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the ordinance.
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
E. COMMUNICATIONS
1. Kathy Santos, Vice-Chairman East Providence Republican City Committee submitted names for consideration for appointment to the East Providence Canvassing Authority.
2. Nuno A. Branco, Vice-Chairman Democratic City Committee submitted names for consideration for appointment to the East Providence Canvassing Authority.
3. Frederick A. Vinhateiro, 78 Read Street (02915) Requesting to address the Council on Street Closing. Close Pawtucket Avenue from 3708-3730 on Sunday, May 27, 2007 from 10AM– 2PM for the 11th Annual Car Show.
Frederick A. Vinhateiro, 78 Read Street (02915) was sworn in by City Solicitor.
Mr. Vinhateiro stated that he, his wife and some friends have been doing this for quite awhile. We sell hot dogs and hamburgers, all the proceeds go to a needy family in East Providence.
Mayor Ramos asked for a motion.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
4. John M. Fahey, 2535 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) Requesting to address the Council on East Providence reality.
John M. Fahey, 2535 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) was sworn in by City Solicitor.
Mr. Fahey stated he comes here as Chairman of the East Providence Taxpayers Association. Mr. Mayor you touched on the realities that I wanted to discuss this evening. At this time we have to exert leadership and management. The Council has to set policy. The residents don’t have an unlimited source of funds. Budgets are not sustainable. Our Charter gives you full power Section 2-9. I have some suggestions. First proposal: The policy of the City of East Providence City employees, when I say employee that is Municipal and School Department personnel. They’ll pay a certain percent of health insurance co pay portion as well as a certain percent of prescription drugs and office visit co pay that become effective as contracts are renewed. The accomplishments of these provisions as a policy on the terms of general policy could be accomplished real quick. We don’t have to get into discussions of consideration of negotiations, because we’re speaking about the City indicating to its employees what the policy is. You need to put in place policies to bring our fiscal mess under control.
Second proposal is that the City will use one cost effective health plan administrator. This will also apply to all City employees, Municipal and School Department.
You need to implement these policies immediately.
I recommend that the City unilaterally end the buy backs immediately and if required defend this in court.
As of June 1, 2007 all Municipal and School Department employees will no longer take home City vehicles.
I would like some feed back to further explore these options. My email is jackfahey33@yahoo.com.
5. Albert Boucher, 74 Bay View Avenue (02915) Requesting to address the Council on Street Closing Gerald Street from the corner of Bay View Avenue to Crown Avenue on Saturday, June 30, 2007 from 12:00PM to 9:00PM, with a rain date of Saturday, July 7, 2007.
Councilwoman Perry stated this block party was held last year. I went there to check on the noise. It was a wonderful time. The neighbors were all there. I move to approve it.
On motion of Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Silva, it is unanimously voted to approve. It is noted for the record that Councilman DiTraglia was absent.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
On motion of Councilman Silva, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is voted to adjourn.
Mayor Ramos adjourns the meeting at 8:26 p.m.