I.  CLAIMS COMMITTEE

Mayor Larisa called for the Claims Committee report to be delivered at the beginning of the meeting by Assistant City Solicitor Matthew Oliverio. 

A.    Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch vs. R.I. DEM and Pond View Recycling

C.A. No. 08-735 (Superior Court)

Refer to the City Manager and Waterfront Commission to determine current usage.

B.     City of East Providence vs. Bristol County Water Authority

C.A. No. 04-3957

Receive as information.

C.     City of East Providence vs. Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.,

d/b/a KME Fire Apparatus

C.A. No. 04-0109

Receive as information.

D.    City of East Providence vs. East Providence School Committee, et al

C.A. No. 06-4430

Receive as information.

E.     Anthony J. Ferreira vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. 04-5409

Receive as information.

F.      Robert R. Fonseca, et al vs. City of East Providence, et al

C.A. No. 04-4438

Receive as information.

G.    Robert Gagnon, et al vs. City of East Providence, et al

C.A. No. 08-2515

Receive as information.

H.    International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 569 (Sean Sullivan) vs. City of East Providence Police Department

C.A. No. 07-6290

Receive as information.

I.       Brooke McGregor, et al vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. 04-6791

Receive as information.

J.       Narragansett Electric Company vs. Alberto Ereio

C.A. No. 99-5739

No action taken.

K.    Narragansett Electric Company vs. Alberto Ereio

C.A. No. 08-6981

Receive as information.

L.     Narragansett Pellet Corporation vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. 07-4810

Receive as information.

M.   Omnipoint Communications, Inc., vs. City of East Providence Zoning

Board of Review

C.A. No. 08-126ML

Receive as information.

N.    School Committee of the City of East Providence and Mario Cirillo, in

his capacity as Superintendent of Schools vs. City of East Providence (Caruolo Action)

C.A. No. 08-6415

Assert and preserve all rights and claims pertaining to School Committee litigation and Title 16 claims commencing immediately.

O.    SRH Corporation vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. 06-13044

No action taken.

P.      SRH Corporation vs. City of East Providence

C.A. No. 06-13044

No action taken.

Q.    Collective Bargaining – New Council’s Position on Pending Arbitration

Defer to the next meeting.

R.     GeoNova Project Discussion and City’s Legal Rights

Receive as information.  Revisit in 60 days.

S.      City vs. Madeira Restaurant (Municipal Court)

No action taken.

T.      Update on Investigation into Assault on East Providence Business Owner

No action taken.

Motion to approve the Claims Committee Report by Councilman Cusack, seconded by Councilman DiTraglia, and on a roll call vote it is unanimously approved. 

II.  CONSENT CALENDAR

A.    Approval of minutes from December 16, 2008.  Removing minutes of December 1, 2008 from the Consent Calendar, they will be amended later in the docket.

B.     Council Rules of Procedure.

C.    Vict/Not Over 25

Carvalho, Semiao M. d.b.a.347 Warren Avenue (02914)

Motion to approve the Consent Calendar by Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilman Cusack, and on a roll call vote, it is unanimously approved. 

III.  LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

A.    Vict/Over 50 (transfer) (subject to Police Chief, Fire Inspection, Building Inspection and Health Department.)

Lane Foods Company, LLC, d.b.a. Gregg’s Restaurant, 1940 Pawtucket Avenue (02914)

Attorney Terry Martisian representing Lane Foods Co LLC and the two applicants Robert and Bobby Bacon.  They purchased Gregg’s Restaurant located at 1940 Pawtucket Avenue.  They are transferring the license from present owner Lane Foods to the new entity Lane Foods LLC.

Mayor Larisa questioned if the new company will own the other three locations as well. 

Mr. Martisian confirms this acknowledging Mr. Bacon has been with the company since 1982 and they will keep same name, same operation and the same menu.

Councilman DiTraglia questions if Lane Foods Company owns or owned another restaurant.

Mr. Martisian states the name has been theirs since 1982, at that time Mr. Bacon was told upon future sale he would be given the opportunity to purchase Lane Foods and for this purpose Lane Foods LLC was formed.

On a motion by Councilman Cusack, seconded by Councilman DiTraglia,  it is unanimously approved.

Mayor Larisa called for a motion to rearrange the docket and bring the Licenses Requiring Public Hearing forward. On a motion by Councilman Cusack, and seconded by Councilman DiTraglia, it is unanimously approved.

CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS LICENSING COMMISSIONERS

IV.  LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

A.    B-Full Privilege (transfer) (subject to approval from Police Chief, Fire Inspection, Building Inspection and State Division of Taxation)

Lane Foods Company, LLC d.b.a. Gregg’s Restaurant, 1940 Pawtucket Avenue (02914)

Mayor Larisa calls for anyone from the public wishing to speak for or against.

On a motion by Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is unanimously approved.

B.     Gatherer

John E. Camp, 103 Oak Avenue (02915)

Mr. Camp was not present for the meeting, this item was continued to the January 20, 2009 Council Meeting.

On a motion to remove from the docket and continue to next meeting by Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilman Coogan, it is unanimously approved.

V.  PROCLAMATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

East Providence Mohawks Jr. Pee Wee 2008 State Champions

East Providence Mohawks, Virginia Miller, Football Coordinator

Mayor Larisa calls the team and coaches to the front and congratulates them on their accomplishment, reads the proclamation and passes each one out individually. 

VI.  INDIVIDUAL NOMINATIONS WITH VOTE FOR ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITORS

A.    RESOLVED, that Robert Craven be appointed Assistant City Solicitor to serve for a term of office concurrent with that of the Council and until his successor is appointed and qualified. 

On a motion by Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously approved.

B.     RESOLVED, that Matthew Oliverio be appointed Assistant City Solicitor to serve for a term of office concurrent with that of the Council and until his successor be appointed and qualified. 

On a motion by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Coogan, and on a roll call vote, Councilman Cusack abstains and the motion is passed.

*** These votes taken amend the minutes of December 1, 2008 due to the error of combining the nominations.

VII.  APPOINTMENTS

A.    Waterfront Development Commission Reappointment (by Mayor Larisa)

Steven Hardcastle, 20 Beech Tree Road (02916)

On a motion by Councilman Cusack, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously approved.

B.     Carousel Commission Reappointment (by Mayor Larisa)

Kim A. Casci, 1 Cedarwood Drive (02915)

On a motion by Councilman Coogan, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously approved.

C.    Carousel Commission Reappointment (by Mayor Larisa)

Donna McMahon, 233 Norton Street (02915)

On a motion by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is unanimously approved.

D.    Carousel Commission Reappointment (by Mayor Larisa)

Richard Mercier, 65 Cul De Sac Way (02915)

On a motion by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman DiTraglia, it is unanimously approved.

E.     Tree Warden Reappointment (by Mayor Larisa)

Michael Bartlett, 210 Newman Avenue, MA

On a motion by Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is unanimously approved.

F.     Municipal Court Bailiff (by Councilman Coogan)

Brian Castro, Grosvenor Avenue (02914)

On a motion by Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilman Coogan, it is unanimously approved.

G.    Planning Board Reappointment (by Councilwoman Perry)

Burton P. Batty, Jr., 15 Plymouth Road (02914)

On a motion by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman DiTraglia, it is unanimously approved.

VIII.  RESOLUTIONS

IX.  REPORTS OF OTHER CITY OFFICIALS

A.    City Managers Report  (by Richard Brown – City Manager)

1.      “Riverside Square Project”

City Manager Brown reported on the redevelopment project in Riverside Square, acquiring property, doing environmental work, enticing persons to come in and redevelop as mixed use.   The City is getting to the point of closing on the property.  City Manager has requested David Bachrach to review and ask for approval from Council to purchase the property. 

Mr. Bachrach informed the Council of the environmental reports to prepare for the purchase and sale as well as negotiations with the sellers.  As a result of these negotiations the sale price is reduced by 50%.  Community development block grant funds will be used in purchasing the property. 

The City Manager asked for an explanation of the intent of the project.

Mr. Bachrach described the property was in such a condition private entities would not take it on. It was an abandoned factory with two residential properties. When complete it will be a mixed use of ten units of housing and at least two retail spaces. 

Mayor Larisa asked how much the price was and what is the 50% reduction? 

The price started at $550,000 and now is $275,000 with addition $25,000 going towards environmental clean-up if necessary.  The selling price may be $250,000.

Mayor Larisa asked if more environmental clean up will be needed and Mr. Bachrach indicated it most likely would.

Mayor Larisa asked if there are back taxes and how long the property had been boarded up.

The taxes are up to date the property has been vacant since 2004. David further told the Mayor the property was 1900 square feet.

Councilman Cusack asked if the reason the private market did not develop the property had to do with the environmental clean-up needed.

Mr. Bachrach indicated the environmental hazards were one of the factors.

Councilman Cusack asked if affordable housing would be a part of the project and was told some, perhaps around 51% of the units. Councilman Cusack reiterated how great this will be for Riverside  and for the City and added this is why the professionals at the Planning Department are so important in projects like these where there are so many factors which need to be addressed.

Mayor Larisa inquired if any property tax money is being used and was told no that only federal, grant and private funds, not city funds are being used.

 The City Manager closed the report stating this is an important gateway project with the ability to rival Wickenden Street in Providence. The City is actively looking for more federal monies, stimulus funds and green technologies funds.

Councilman DiTraglia added, he was on the Planning Board and at the time insisted on a mix of homes and store fronts so it would match the stores there now. That this has been an ongoing project which will take a while clean up but once it takes off will be a big plus for the Riverside area.

A motion to approve from Councilman DiTraglia, seconded by Councilman Coogan, it is unanimously approved.

X.  INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES

(If given First Passage, can be referred to the next regular Council Meeting to be held on January 20, 2009 for a public hearing and consideration of final passage.)

A motion to dispense with the reading of the ordinance by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is unanimously approved.

A.    STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

CHAPTER

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”

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION I.  Section 18-247 entitled “Designation of one-way streets” of Article VIII entitled “One-Way Streets” of Chapter 18 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended by adding thereto the following:

Grosvenor Avenue (eastbound) from North Hull Street to North County Street during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., school days.

SECTION II.  This ordinance shall take effect upon second passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

Requested by:  Councilman Coogan

On a motion by Councilman Coogan, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously approved.

B.     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

CHAPTER 472

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.”

       THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION I.  Section 18-315 entitled “Same—Handicapped parking.” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking.” of Chapter 18 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic.” of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, is amended by adding thereto the following:

North Rose Street (west side) from a point 92 feet south of the intersection with Grosvenor Avenue for a distance of 20 feet.

SECTION II.  This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

Requested by:  Director of Public Works

Mayor Larisa requested the City Clerk to read changes to the ordinance which are not on the docket. Mayor Larisa asks for a motion on the amended version of the ordinance as read by the City Clerk.  On a motion by Councilman Coogan, seconded by Councilwoman Perry, it is unanimously approved.

C.    STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

CHAPTER 471

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.”

       THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION I.  Section 18-315 entitled “Same—Handicapped parking.” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking.” of Chapter 18 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic.” of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, is amended by adding thereto the following:

ARLINGTON STREET in front of house number 104.

SECTION II.  This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

Requested by:  Director of Public Works

Mayor Larisa requested the City Clerk to read changes to the ordinance which are not on the docket. Mayor Larisa asks for a motion on the amended version of the ordinance as read by the City Clerk.  On a motion by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is unanimously approved.

XI.  COUNCIL MEMBERS

A.    Municipal Court Compensation (by Mayor Larisa)

Mayor Larisa addressed the Council regarding the technical change on compensation for Joseph Connors who was appointed as the Municipal Court Officer.  This appointment was not meant to add a paid position to City Government.   As part of the appointment of the new Municipal Court Bailiff, who replaces Bill Andrade, the Mayor thanked Mr. Andrade for the excellent job he has done over the years.  The Mayor continued Judge Rogers had previously discussed he would be reducing his salary to provide the Municipal Court Officer, Joseph Connors with compensation. The Mayor approximated Judge Rogers’ salary at $12,500.00 per year to which he will be reducing his salary by approximately $1,700.00 to be provided to Joseph Connors.  There is actually now a cost savings where the City has an Officer, a Bailiff and Judge for same amount of money the City was paying a Bailiff and a Judge. 

On a motion by Councilman DiTraglia to authorize the Municipal Court Judge to reduce his salary and to use that exact reduction for paid compensation to Joseph Connors, Municipal Court Officer, seconded by Councilman Cusack, it is unanimously approved.

B.     Update on School Department Budget Crisis (by Mayor Larisa)

Today the entire School Committee is here attending this meeting.  People are asking for information on the School Department Budget Crisis. The City has no money to fill the millions of dollars to avoid increasing property taxes more than the 3.5% tax cap.  The School Department asked for more than a 9 million dollar increase last year.  If the City is to pay this request using tax increases, this would result in a 20% tax increase at the very least.  Mayor Larisa, “This would mean, roughly $600.00 or more every year on your house for the rest of your life.”  The tax cap of 3.5% is more than the rate of inflation and is enough for the taxpayers to pay.  This increase resulted in an additional 1.4 million for the City which was divided $700,000 to the City and $700,000 to the School Department. The School Department wanted over 4 million to pay for the salary increases, those increases which School Committee is rescinding because they are costing 1.3 million a year. The City can’t afford the 4.73% pay increases it’s not as if anyone wants to cut salaries but it’s that or a 20% tax increase or bankruptcy.  Last year the School Department had a debt of 4.2 million, the City  raises $600,000 for every 1% of property tax increase, the numbers add up to an  enormous tax increase.  The School Committee is confronted with this situation in addition to the Rhode Island law stating a municipality cannot incur this debt.  This does not include the upcoming year’s projected 4.2 million.  The City will be meeting with the legislative delegation asking them to relieve the City of some of the underfunded, unaffordable mandates but that is not an immediate solution. The teacher’s union came forward with 1 million in savings. The arbitrator’s decision is worse, 5%, 10% and 15% co pays in the next 3 years and a 0%, 2% and then 3% salary increases over the three years.  These salary increases far exceed the amount of co pay, in year 1 the city would get $200,000-$300,000 but the debt is 4.1 million.  In year 2, the City loses $500,000 throwing it further in debt and in year 3 $500,000 – 1 million.  The State at best will fund the same amount to the City but most likely will cut funds to Cities and Towns.  This doesn’t even begin to address the capital improvements needed in our School, the crumbling ceilings and myriad of issues plaguing our school buildings. The savings of 3 million dollars the School Committee is proposing doesn’t even cover this year’s debt and doesn’t touch last year’s debt. The City hasn’t yet found a solution for last year’s debt.

The Mayor continued that, “while these actions may seem draconian they aren’t even enough to balance the budget.”  During the Claims Committee Meeting the Council authorized joining in the Caroulo action.  Mayor Larisa reiterated past comments stating the 3 year teacher contract extension was the worst in history and that it could bankrupt the City. It contained a 0% increase on co-pay while other city unions began paying and have continued to pay a co pay for 3 years. Many constituents are paying much more than 20% for their co-pay.  According to the School Department the average East Providence teacher earns $63,000, after the cuts, the School Committee is proposing go through.  When you factor in total compensation the cost per average teacher is $85,000. The City is working additional cuts on the city side but this is a debt that is in the School Department from salary increases, no co-pay, almost free prescription drugs and special education cuts which the City is working to eliminate the mandates. This is not a negative reflection on any teacher but rather on the salaries and benefits the City is being asked to support when  carrying a debt and heading into a deeper debt during a recession. The Mayor stated, “ It’s been a go along to get along system for years, constantly agreeing to more and more and it was bad policy and now the city can no longer afford it.” The Mayor called on residents to get involved and stay informed.

Councilman Cusack was recognized and thanked the Mayor for the summary and reiterated that no one wants to disrupt lives, people make plans and take on obligations based on their level of pay.  The only reason this is happening is because there is no other choice. The previous Council asked the Auditor General if they could borrow money to pay the 4 million dollar debt and start the upcoming year without it and he said no.  He further discussed the union’s attorney accusing the School Department of overspending.  Councilman Cusack stated he would like to remind the union attorney that the 10 years of overspending was on the 87% of the budget that deals with teacher compensation.  Everything else comes out of the remaining 13%.  Councilman Cusack reiterated the City cannot solve the budget problem within that 13%. The City’s school buildings are already in dire need of repair.  The previous concession’s the attorney for the union speaks about, added up to $900,000 savings in the first year but by the end the contract cost the City $5 million.

Councilman Cusack added, there are mandates, which were lobbied on by the teacher’s union which the legislature originally passed, that now may be able to be lifted saving the City a significant amount of funding. The League of Cities and Towns has put a legislative package together addressing these mandates. The City fully expects cuts in aid from the State which will only add to the City’s debt.  Councilman Cusack reminded residents that a 20% increase in property taxes is against State law and can’t happen because there is a 5% tax cap from the State.  The amount raised by a 5% tax increase wouldn’t even put a dent in the amount of the deficit. Councilman Cusack discussed the high elderly population in the City of East Providence, elderly who can’t work more to pay a large increase in property tax.  When discussing the option of bankruptcy, Councilman Cusack stated, since the Great Depression only a few municipalities have gone bankrupt.  This is a very bad possibility because a municipality cannot borrow money after filing bankruptcy. 

C.    City Vehicles – Police (by Councilman Coogan)

Not only is it needed to look for cuts on the School side, the City also needs to look for additional cuts on the City side.

The Mayor asked the City Manager if he could report on the City vehicles. 

The City Manager stated he would put a report together for the next City Council Meeting. 

Councilman Coogan discussed the 10 police cars that were ordered, why the City only purchased 5.  The other 5 are still with the vendor, painted and lettered, Councilman Coogan showed a photo of these cars. 

Councilman Coogan asked how many captains have cars they take them home and what other locations they are authorized to take the cars?

Mayor Larisa stated generally we ask the City Manager specific questions and give him the time to report back.  However, on the purchase of the 10 cars the City Manager should be able to address that issue tonight.  How did it happen that we ordered cars that were left at the vendor?

City Manager Brown stated there is no yearly agreement where the City orders 10 cars.  By the time the paperwork arrived on the City Managers desk the process of ordering had begun, which is not policy.  In addition, the budget had changed and we were not able to afford 10 cars.

The City Manager responded we are not obligated to purchase the cars.

Councilman Coogan asked the City Manager what the budget for the Police Department is. 

The City Manager estimated 9 million but he would have to check. 

Councilman Coogan said he believes it’s closer to 11 million and he wants to call the Chief up to answer the budget question.

Mayor Larisa asked if there were any objections to the Police Chief coming up to answer the question.

The Chief responded between 11-12 million.

Mayor Larisa asked if that was all taxpayer monies or if there were some grants etc. 

The Chief responded it was all taxpayer money.

Councilman Coogan asked the Chief how many cars go home.

The Chief responded 9 cars and that for 26 years captains have always taken cars home, due to the fact that they are on call 24/7.

Councilman Coogan clarified the cars that go home, are the Police Chief, the Major, 3 Captains and the 4 officers assigned to the vice unit.

Councilman Coogan said it can’t just be the teacher’s that the City is cutting back on, there has to be other places in the budget to cut.  Councilman Coogan stated that if these cars were ordered without proper approvals then someone should be suspended.  Councilman Coogan stated all the cars should come in at night, not go home, not be used off duty. The Mayor of North Providence called in all their cars, saved on fuel and repairs.  The officers on the front lines need good vehicles. The Building Inspector had his car taken away and he has to respond to all fires with the Fire Department, it would appear the City has these items backwards. 

The Mayor reiterated the City Manager has been instructed to supply the Council with a report on all City vehicles that go home and why they go home. 

The City Manager acknowledged that report is underway, there is presently a grievance filed on some of those vehicles and he is waiting for language from the bargaining unit. 

Councilman Cusack was recognized, he discussed that he was stuck by the number of vehicles at the police department which total 94. This deserves looking into in a very pointed way.  The Council is talking about debiting teachers pay checks and yet we have 94 vehicles in the police department.  Has this always been the case in the past and what was the City’s population in relation to this? He acknowledged that he too has heard from constituents on vehicles being out of state, it’s not only dishonest and theft of City services the City also can’t afford it in this time of crisis. Last term Councilman DiTraglia brought up the subject of city vehicles and there was an attempt to address it then but this Council needs to look into this further.  Can the City reimburse the use of a personal vehicle for mileage if they get called in to service, perhaps this could save funds? The Council needs to understand why and how these vehicles are being used, and to take a look at the Police Department to understand these practices. Are they the best practices and why was there a vote of no confidence by the patrolmen of the chief?

Councilman DiTraglia was recognized and he noted he brought up this issue during the last Council, emergency vehicles and those on call 24/7 were excluded.  That was agreed upon at the time.  The Council has not gotten a report on how much fuel or repairs or general savings this policy has generated.  The abuse of vehicles is getting out of hand and it’s not just police.  It has to stop.

Councilman Coogan was recognized and discussed if the Police Department has a 12 million dollar budget they should come up with the money out of their budget to pay the vendor for the cars the department ordered and requested a motion to do so. 

Mayor Larisa let Councilman Coogan know the motion was out of order he would need to place a motion on the next Council docket.

The Mayor noted the past the policy in ordering police cars was to have a purchase order and permission received from the Council for a purchases over $100,000. Without the purchase order the vendor should not have ordered the cars. In the past, the vendor always received a purchase order and the vendor should know that.  A big part of the blame goes on the vendor and a portion on the person in the police department who placed the order. 

Councilman Coogan asked did the chief give that employee the ok to order the cars?

Mayor Larisa asked if anyone had objection to the chief coming up to answer the question. 

The police chief indicated yes he did give the ok to order the cars.

Mayor Larisa asked Councilman Coogan what he would propose the City should do. 

Councilman Coogan discussed the Detail Account to seek the funding to purchase the cars.

Mayor Larisa inquired of the chief how much the cars cost.

Chief responded $160,000. 

Councilman Coogan responded they should relieve the police department of some of the over abundance of vehicles so they can have the money to buy the new cars.

Mayor Larisa reads aloud a section from the City Charter handed to him by Councilwoman Perry, “except for the purpose of inquiry the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the City Manager and neither the Council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager private or publically.”  In paraphrasing, the Mayor said, the Council can inquire and bring issues to the City Manager. 

The City Manager said he will get a vehicle report, a report on the detail account and how much can be freed up. The Chief relied on the budget that was approved by Council, after the revenue dropped considerably.  The order should have gone through the process first before going to the vendor. 

Mayor Larisa stated perhaps we can reach an agreement to purchase the cars at a smaller fee in the next budget. We all agree we don’t want the taxpayers footing the bill for these 5 cars. 

Discussion ensued about whether or not a purchase order has always been given.  Mayor Larisa insisted the check would not have been cut by Finance Director McDonald without a purchase order. 

Councilman DiTraglia was recognized and discussed the vendor is clearly stuck with these cars, it’s the police departments fault and it should come out of their budget. 

Mayor Larisa stated this is not just the police department budget, its City funds and tax payer money. 

D.    City Vehicles – Building Inspector (by Councilman Coogan)

Councilman Coogan states this was addressed as part of the cars.

XII.  COMMUNICATIONS

A.    Bob Enos 11 Milburn Road (02914) requesting to address the Council on consolidation of school and city services.

Pennies add up to dollars wherever we can save it’s important that we do so.  The City needs to focus on consolidation of city and school services. City Council and School Committee delegate this issue to the City Manager and the Superintendent.  Whenever there is a meeting on consolidation, it should be placed on the website. 

Positive things are happening with communications with this Council and this School Committee. If this was started 4 years ago the City could have reduced payroll just by those leaving jobs or retiring.  Follow up is important. Why hasn’t the school administration moved as planned?

The City Manager responded, based on the sale of certain buildings to generate the revenue, the market changed and those revenues were not actualized.  Currently, they are investigating using the vacant buildings to bring special education back into the City to save money rather than just moving the administrative function. School Department and City Manager and his staff have been meeting and discussing consolidation. The City is exploring options in this area, maintenance operation, taking advantage of vacancies in the school system to use the money to fund the operation.

Mayor Larisa reiterated it makes no sense to move just to move, if the special education portion works out then there is a reason to move and a savings as well.

Mr. Enos stated waiting for the schools seems to be the same thing constituents have been hearing right along.  Why does the school department have snow removal, why doesn’t the city do it?  Wouldn’t that be a savings? Mr. Enos asked the Mayor to get involved in consolidation directly because for the last two years they have only heard rhetoric. Has the City Manager met with the School Department and Superintendent as directed by the Council, if so when did they meet, how many times and what was discussed?

City Manager responded although he did not recall when the date of the meeting was, they did meet, and the attendees were; the superintendent, their building superintendent, their director of personnel, their finance director, the City’s director of public works, human resources director and finance director. At the meeting strategies were discussed as well as implementing exactly what was discussed with Mr. Carcieri at a joint meeting, information has been requested and we are following up on that information tomorrow.

Mr. Enos reiterated concrete plans must be implemented.  If this was started 4 years ago we would not be in this situation.

B.     Cathy Grilo, 158 Hamilton Street requesting to address the Council on “Our Children’s Wonderland”.

She introduced herself, she has a son at Hennessey School and is President of  the PTA at Hennessey School and discussed how she works closely with the teachers and the parents and came up with this idea.  Sleigh rides, caroling, hot chocolate, Santa, chorus’ from the schools, choirs’ from local churches.  This event could possibly be held behind the East Providence High School at 12 noon.  Carolers would sing, fire pits at night, s’mores, Santa arrives on sleigh or fire truck perhaps have presents or candy canes for children.  And Mrs. Grilo inquired if there would be special permits needed for fire pits?

Councilwoman Perry wanted to know if special permission would be needed from the School Committee.  Mrs. Grilo did mention she has spoken to each School Committee member individually.

The City Manager suggested calling his office and set up a meeting with the Fire Chief.  And further suggested an off line discussion to report back to Council and to seek permission from the School Committee.

Councilwoman Perry suggested perhaps Jones Pond and Councilman Coogan reiterated that idea.

Discussion ensued about whether or not the Carousel would be open in the winter, it is not.  She was instructed to call the City Clerk and perhaps a resolution could be drafted similar to the one drafted for Flames over the Water.  Councilman Coogan asked her to remain following the Council meeting to discuss this idea with him.

Christopher P. Morra, 45 Summer Street, Rehoboth, MA

Motion was made to continue to next Council meeting by Councilman Coogan, seconded by Councilman DiTraglia, it was unanimously approved. 

XIII.  ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn made by Councilwoman Perry, seconded by Councilman DiTraglia, it was unanimously approved.

9:19pm

Attest:

________________

Kim A. Casci

City Clerk

                                                            Approved:  February 3, 2009