CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

RHODE ISLAND

JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

December 18, 2012

Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

7:00 P.M. Executive Session, Room 101

7:30 P.M. Open Session

 

I.                   EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council of the City of East Providence will meet in Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a) (2

A. New Claims

            1. Joseph Correira

            2. Radius Marketing Group, LLC

B. Litigation

            1. Janelle Thompson vs City of East Providence

                Workers' Compensation Court

 

II.                CALL TO ORDER  - 7:33 PM

 

III.             SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

Unanimous Consent is grant to draw the lottery for 78 Anthony Street.  David Bachrach and Councilwoman Capobianco draw the lottery for the refurbished home.  The winning ticket number 104212 was drawn and the winners were in the audience.  Two alternate winners were drawn in case the closing was unable to be completed.  Alternate Number 1 #104211 and alternate 2 #104218.

 

IV.             TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR

All items under “CONSENT CALENDAR” are considered to be of a routine and noncontroversial nature by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.  There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member so requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the “CONSENT CALENDAR” and will be considered in its normal sequence on the docket.

 

A. Letters

            1. Coastal Resources Management Council, December 2012 Calendar.

            2. Coastal Resources Management Council Semi Monthly Meeting, Tuesday December 11, 2012, 6:00 PM, Conference Room A, Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence. 

            3. Peter Midgley resignation from the Zoning Board of Review, Alternate. 

 

B. Cancellation/Abatements

             

 

Year

 

Amount

 

2012

 

$24,904.23

 

2011

 

$151.00

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$25,055.23

 

C. Council Journals

            1. Council Organizational Meeting December 3, 2012

            2. Regular Meeting December 4, 2012

Mayor Briden announced that Councilman Cunha would not be in attendance as he is sick with the flu. 

A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

           

V.                PUBLIC COMMENT

1. Mark and Michelle Atkinson, 232 Alice Street re: Alice Street Ordinance (will wait to speak until ordinance is heard later on the docket)

 

VI.             APPOINTMENTS

 

                        A. School Committee Liaison (by Mayor Briden)

                        Councilwoman Chrissy Rossi

 

A motion to approve the appointment is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with one absence.

 

                        B. Carousel Park Commission Liaison (by Councilwoman Rossi)

                        Assistant Mayor Thomas Rose

 

A motion to approve the appointment is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is approved with one absence. 

 

VII.          LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

 

A. Vict/Not Over 25

U & A Food and Fuel, Inc. DBA Express Gas & Food Mart, 1345 Wampanoag Trail (02915), Haji Ahmad, 7 Richard Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.

The hours of operation are given as 7 days a week 6:00am -12:00pm

A motion to approve the license is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with one absence. 

 

B. Holiday Sales

U & A Food and Fuel, Inc. DBA Express Gas & Food Mart, 1345 Wampanoag Trail (02915), Haji Ahmad, 7 Richard Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.

 

A motion to approve the license is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with one absence. 

 

VIII.       PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCES FINAL PASSAGE

A. An ordinance regarding tree root liabilities.

 

AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “UTILITIES.”

            SECTION I.  The definition of building sewer lateral as contained in Section 17-76 entitled “Definitions” of Article III entitled “Sanitary Sewer System” of Chapter 17 entitled “Utilities” is amended to read as follows:

Building sewer lateral means a pipe laid incidental to the original construction of a sewer from that sewer to some point at the side of the street, highway or similar location, and there capped, having been provided and intended for extension and for use at some time thereafter as a part of a building sewer. When a building sewer lateral has been connected with and extended for the purpose of installing a building sewer, the lateral shall become and thereafter be a part of such building sewer, to be maintained as provided for building sewer. Sewers constructed prior to 1951, where building sewer laterals were installed at the owners expense, shall continue to be installed at the expense of the owner. The city will assume responsibility for repair of a broken or cracked sewer lateral between the curb line and the sewer main or for any blockage caused by a city tree. This provision shall not prevent the city from holding any third parties liable for damages to a sewer lateral.

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:  City Solicitor

Testifying against the ordinance:

Freddie Rybka, 9 Cozzens Avenue

Solicitor Andreoni explains the City has paid out $4,234 in claims and are now taking that away like other cities and towns.  If someone has a claim, in the future they would need to file suit in court.  The City will no longer automatically approve the claim, it can't afford it.

Councilwoman Rossi asked if a resident doesn't want a tree for that reason can the tree be removed.

Solicitor Andreoni stated they would need to speak to the Tree Warden as to removing the tree, it can't just be removed if it is healthy.

Mayor Briden asked if this was similar to other cities and towns and does this bring us in line with them.

The Solicitor replied some have it and some do not.  

Assistant Mayor Rose makes a motion to send the ordinance back to the Law Department for more review.

Councilwoman Rossi seconds the motion.

Under discussion Mayor Briden asks if the Assistant Mayor would like to see copies of other ordinances from other cities and towns.  Assistant Mayor Rose states that is correct. 

Councilwoman Rossi asks if the City determines it was the City's tree roots were to blame would that made a difference. 

Solicitor Andreoni states it would not. 

Councilwoman Rossi withdraws her second on the motion.

 

Testifying against the ordinance:

Gene Saveory, he testifies that this is a safety issue.  He recalls the health issue on Prescott Avenue where City tree roots backed up the sewer line and it was ruled it was a City tree.  He warns the Council to be very careful with what they are doing roots do block the old clay pipes and allow for erosion.  Today new pipes are PVC but that is not the case with the old ones.   

Assistant Mayor Rose withdraws his motion.

 

Testifying against the ordinance:

Anthony Ferreira, the City of Pawtucket owns their own snake for pipes to get these done much cheaper. East Providence should do what Pawtucket does invest in the equipment and have them clean it.

 

Assistant Mayor Rose stated the reason he was withdrawing was to look into other cities and towns and look further into city trees and what the City is responsible for.  The amount the City spent on these claims for the year is such a small figure we should look further into this.

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated that she feels this would be a shady practice if it's our tree and our roots then we need to stand by that.

 

Councilwoman Capobianco asked what happens if someone doesn't have the money upfront?  This would not be fair.

 

Councilwoman Capobianco makes a motion not to pass the ordinance, this is seconded by Councilwoman Rossi and on a roll call vote the ordinance is denied unanimously with one absence. 

 

B. An ordinance regarding a one way street westbound on Alice Street.

 

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”

 

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 deleting therefrom the following:

Alice Street (westbound) from Taunton Avenue to James Street

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

Requested By:  Director of Public Works

Director Coutu reported that this street was made a one way years ago due to the traffic caused by the bank's drive-thru.  This traffic situation doesn't exist anymore and cars are using the road both ways when it is a one way which is more dangerous than having the two way road.  This ordinance would repeal the one way.

Testifying Against the Ordinance:

Mark and Michelle Atkinson, 232 Alice Street

They live directly behind the bank and the Free Mason building.  This is a safety concern and they disagree. They see the activity and there is still a lot of traffic with the bank. Most people do use the one way appropriately. It's not your typical side street because the Lodge has functions every single weekend with a lot of cars parked on both sides of the street. It is difficult to back out of the driveway adding traffic in two directions. Even more of a safety concern, the funeral home, if a funeral is going on people park on both sides as well, if this happens at the same as the Free Masons there are double the amount of cars. If you live there day to day you see this. The situation as it is works fine, if it's not broke don't fix it.

Councilwoman Rossi asked if currently parking is allowed on both sides on the street because the law states left wheels only must be to curb if not it's a violation.

Chief Tavares came to the podium and stated the Councilwoman was correct and if this is happening for the residents to call the Police Department and they will cite the offenders. 

Director Coutu stated he also did receive an objection via the mail from the Free Masons who object to the road reverting to a two way.

 

Councilwoman Rossi makes a motion not approve the ordinance, this is seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with one absence not to approve the ordinance.  

 

IX.             NEW BUSINESS

A.City Managers Report (by City Manager Peter Graczykowski)

            1. Departmental Activity Update

Per Councilwoman Rossi's request for the City Manager to read/highlight the updates for those who watch the meetings, the City Manager asked if the rest of the Council agreed and the Council agreed highlights would be fine, the City Manager called those Department Heads up to the podium who were present to highlight their reports. 

Chief Tavares, Chief Klucznik, Director Coutu, Director Boyle and City Clerk Casci spoke, the City Manager provided the other updates. 

 

            2. Proposed 2013 Schedule for Council Docket Submissions

            3. EPBC Activity Update

The City Manager provided the update. 

Finance Director Moore was called up to the podium to discuss the TANS.

Director Coutu was called to the podium to discuss the Water Department position and City Garage positions he was requesting to be filled. 

Director Boyle was called to the podium to provide background on the project for marketing city properties.

The City Manager stated that the Carousel repairs RFP was held until the Budget Commission receives a legal opinion on ownership from the Law Department.

Councilwoman Rossi requested a copy of that law department report by the next Council meeting including a copy of the original court decree. 

The Solicitor stated he would perform a title search as well.

 

The City Manager stated the review committee for the legal RFP would include:

The Mayor, the Superintendent, the Chair of the School Committee, the Budget Commission Chair and one staffer or designee.   

Councilwoman Rossi asked what if none of the RFPs are fruitful, what if it cost more than our own people would?

The City Manager responded cost is one factor that will be looked along with other criteria.  The process will be completed quickly in about 30 days or so.

 

                                                4. Response to Proposal for the Pension Plan to Finance TANS

 

The City Manager responded that the simple answer is the City can't do it.  It is currently illegal to do so under state law if our bond rating is lower than the State's, which it is now. The Pension Board currently is 7.5% if does this the amount changes to 3.35%  that is not the max it can attain so for those two reasons this is not a good idea good year.  This year the Board expects 10.1%.

 

                                    5. TLA/Pond View Litigation Status

 

            The City Manager reports as to the matter of cleaning the site, it was ordered to be done by mid January or it would be turned over to RIDEM. Councilwoman Rossi asks what they currently pay in taxes.

The City Manager states he believes $90,000 a year but he will have Director Moore confirm and report back to Councilwoman Rossi.

 

                         B.Reports of Other City Officials

 

1. Claims Committee (by City Solicitor Orlando Andreoni)

                                                                               

Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2), a motion is made by Councilman Rose and seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco to convene in closed session for the purposes of discussing claims & litigation.  Upon a roll call vote:  Mayor Briden – Aye, Councilwoman Capobianco – Aye, Councilman Cunha - Absent, Councilman Rose – Aye, Councilwoman Rossi – Aye, the motion is approved 4-0. 

                                                                EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE

                                                                         CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT

                                                   TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101

====================================================================

                                                                                           NEW CLAIMS

JOSEPH CORREIRA                                                                                                                                                            $285.00

RM No. 12-068, Claim No. 12-047

Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of a sewer backup caused by roots from a City tree.  See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.

Motion by:  Councilman Rose                                     Seconded by:  Councilwoman Capobianco

Motion:  Approve the claim in the amount of $285.00.

RADIUS MARKETING GROUP, LLC.                                                                                                                      $13,976.61

RM No. 12-067, Claim No. 12-046

Claim for monies due and owing by the City for services provided, specifically, the production of August 2011 water bills, shells and envelopes.

 

Motion by:  Councilman Rose                                     Seconded by:  Councilwoman Capobianco

Motion:  Authorize the City Solicitor to settle the claim up to $4200.00.

LITIGATION

JANELLE THOMPSON VS. CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COURT

Tentative Settlement

Motion by:  Councilman Rose                                     Seconded by:  Councilwoman Capobianco

Motion:  Settle the matter up to $2500.00 pursuant to the recommendation of the attorney for Beacon Insurance and confirm there will be no future claims.

A motion is made by Councilman Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and unanimously approved to seal the minutes of the executive session and report out settlements authorized without amounts mentioned.

A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with one absence. 

A five minute recess is called. 

 

                                C.   Council Members

1. Legal RFP Update (by Mayor Briden)

 

The City Manager provided information regarding the Legal RFP and the procedures in place stating his role is to make sure the process is not oversimplified and that the committee has an understanding of the needs and interaction of the department on the rest of the City.  No changes will be made without an understanding the implications and what has worked well in the past to make things run smoothly in City Hall.  Other cities and towns have tried to make this change in the past and they will look into this where a town has previously had in-house and changed to a law firm and then restored the in-house model.

 

2. Chorus of East Providence (by Assistant Mayor Rose)

 

Assistant Mayor Rose reported the East Providence Chorus is a gem in our City.  They have been looking for a new venue to practice and hold events.  They tried to rent the EPHS for concerts and were told it would cost $2,000 to rent the facility.  This is an outrageous price.  They went to Seekonk high school and rented it for $150. This is a shame for our own in City organizations to have to rent from another City or Town. We need to look into this.

Councilwoman Rossi stated that non-profit youth groups and sports should receive special consideration.  The Budget Commission came in and raised all these fees.

The City Manager stated he would look into this and report back. 

 

3. Street Sweeper (by Assistant Mayor Rose)

 

Assistant Mayor Rose said that he did some research and found that other Cities like Pawtucket run their sweeper all year round unless it snows.  The streets in EP only get done twice a year and some streets never see the sweeper.  He would like to see the City have a more aggressive street sweeping program. It is especially true when the leaves fall and clog up the storm drains because they weren't swept up.

The City Manager asked Director Coutu to explain the program. 

Director Coutu stated he would re-look at the schedule and come back to the Council with a revised version.

 

 

4. Status of Police Cruisers (by Assistant Mayor Rose)

 

The Assistant Mayor asked how the status of ordering new cruisers was coming along. 

The Chief came to the podium and reported on the program and four phases taking place.  They are seeking Budget Commission approval at the January 3rd meeting and they will begin immediately upon receiving the approval.  By mid January they will ID the vehicles most in need and start ordering. There are probably about 10 vehicles which will be replaced immediately.  All this will be done using asset forfeiture funds. 

 

5. Happy Holidays (by Assistant Mayor Rose)

 

Assistant Mayor Rose wished everyone Happy Holidays and asked that all keep the Newtown Tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.  He also reminded all about the ongoing display at Winterfest going on until the first week in January.  He also asked the City Manager to check with Parks and Recreation as there were some electrical issues on and off with some of the connections to the trees. 

6. Six Years of EPPD Crime Statistics (by Councilwoman Rossi)

Councilwoman Rossi stated that the EPPD had always boasted the lowest crime statistics per capita in the State.  She wants to review these current statistics and will report back on the findings.

 

7. Follow up on Asset Forfeiture/Google Money (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated that she has requested and to date had not received what the funds can and can't be use for. She added that she took it upon herself to obtain the information.  However, she would still like to know what the hold-up is with the Department of Justice.

Chief Tavares stated that the City is waiting to hear if the funds can be used for the police portion of the pension. If the answer is yes then the money which remains will be drawn down as each program/item is approved by the Department of Justice. Vehicle purchases are a top priority.

The City Manager reported there is no change in the Department of Justice appeal to utilize $52 million for the pension plan. The City follows up with the Department of Justice every week but has no control on what they decide. To spend money from the funds before we have a ruling is ill advised.  Though the City has received two "no's" regarding use of the funds for the police pension funding at the lower level but we are waiting on the last level of appeal.

Councilwoman Rossi asked if the Budget Commission voted to fully fund the ARC.

The City Manager responded yes but the City still will not to get to the full funding in 20 years, it will be funded fully for the FY 12/13.

Councilwoman Rossi asked for a report back on how often the ARC is funded quarterly etc...

 

8. Update on VAMCO Property (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi asked to table this item for a later date as after speaking with David Bachrach in the Planning Department she was informed the properties were to be leveled very shortly in January.

 

9. Update on Soccer Task Force (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Director Boyle came to the podium and explained the grant round was not yet open but that the City would be applying to RIDEM for a grant for soccer fields and it provides for a 50% match. The Task Force did indicate there might be funding through the National Soccer Association as well to provide for the match. 

Councilwoman Rossi asked if she could schedule the next meeting and Director Boyle stated that she would.

 

10. Update on Sabins Point Dock/DEM Grant (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Director Boyle reported that RI DEM Fish and Wildlife Boating Grant Program will be applied for to replace the floating dock.  This will cost $4,750 and the grant would represent 75% of the estimated cost.  Early in 2013 the City should hear if this project has been selected and at that point engineering details will need to be supplied. 

11. Fleet Coordinator/Military Surplus Vehicles (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated that Sgt. Grant is really doing a great job with the program.  He has the ability to scoop up unlimited amounts of military surplus items such as generators, vehicles, etc... However it seems to have slowed down recently and I feel we are not achieving our full potential of freebees. She added that she is requesting to place Sgt. Grant on a special assignment to find more surplus items to replace our fleet and provide other administrative departments with free items.

The City Manager asked if this was the wish of entire Council.

The Council agreed they would like to receive more information from chief.

The Chief came to podium. The surplus program has been done for last 2.5 years.  It has been successful in obtaining vehicles and generators and other equipment.  The problem is that we don't want a junk yard.  The Chief added that it's his job to manage the EPPD and make those assignments.  They have slowed down not because they don't want to save money for the City but because there are guidelines to follow.  They can't just pass out equipment to other departments the guidelines have a usage and time allotment that must take place in the police departments first.  In addition, they have to justify the use of the equipment and after using it for a period of time only then are they allowed to transfer to another department. The fleet is at a point where we need new vehicles and we can't pay insurance on more vehicles we do not need.  Some departments throughout the country have been audited and suspended for misuse of the program. There is also the issue of tying up one individual on this job only when there is other work to be done.

The City Manager stated that maybe the Chief could take this one step further just to help the City do more but remain in the guidelines. Adding his position on a specific assignment is that this is a personnel matter and is not discussed in the public.  

Councilwoman Rossi stated that she would like to make a motion to establish a position to search for programs where the City can obtain free items and added Sgt. Grant knows the programs adding the City Charter allows for the creation of departments.   

The City Manager stated he understands what the Charter states Council can establish other departments but they still fall under the City Manager and he has delegated this duty to the Chief who manages that department.  In addition, the City has a Budget Commission in effect. 

Councilwoman Rossi stated this is not a lifetime position it's just to get what free items the City needs.  If we agree to take a closer look at it then she is requesting the City Manager tell the Budget Commission they are interested in establishing the position, it has zero impact fiscally.   

Mayor Briden states that perhaps it could be framed in terms of suggesting the idea which could be explored further by the department to allow the Chief and the City Manager to evaluate the issue being raised at the meeting. Give them the opportunity to review what you have raised.

The Chief requested in writing from Councilwoman Rossi what exactly she would like him to review. 

 

12. Economic Development Ambassador in the Planning Department (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi asked to pass on this item for now.

 

13. Real Estate/City Surplus Buildings (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated this item was addressed already.

 

14. EP Junior Townies (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated they are looking for a new home and are present tonight to address the subject.  There are 350 children in the organization, football players and cheerleaders.  There is a lot of equipment to store. While they appreciate the room to store it they are concerned that the building is up for sale.  Also, the current space just isn't big enough anymore and they are spending more money on increased fees which were never charged before.

The City Manager asked Ed Catelli if there was additional space they could use at the current site and Mr. Catelli stated there was and he could make more room for them.  The City Manager asked legal to draw up a new amended lease to include the additional space.  He added that for the time being the building is not in the process of a sale and if it sells we can address it at that time.   

 

 

15. Parks and Recreation Department Split (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated she is not in favor the split. She asked that the City Manager to please replace the director before the spring hits and the programs kick in. 

The City Manager asked if this was the wish of the entire Council.  

Councilwoman Rossi asked about the increased fees which are causing problems and causing people not to use the programs.  She asked to have this brought back for the next meeting if the increased fees, which are not, working were included in the BPR.

Assistant Mayor Rose agreed that some of these fees are outlandish for residents and that the City needed to be realistic about it.  

The City Manager stated that if the increased fees were part of adopted budget they will need to take it from somewhere else. He added this is an on-going process to see if these increased fees are going to work or not and to evaluate the programs to see if there is enough participation to fund the programs.

Assistant Mayor Rose stated that he would like to get all the facts together so that the City Council could make an educated decision.

The City Manager stated the fees are one issue and the management is another.

Councilwoman Rossi requested a list of all vacant positions at this time.

Mayor Briden stated that what the Council hasn't seen yet is whether the model being proposed works.  Is the new model more efficient with fewer employees?

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated that not every consolidation is saving money and made a motion to hire a Parks and Recreation Director, this motion was seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on roll the motion fails 2-2 with Mayor Briden and Assistant Mayor Rose voting Nay until they see more information for a further discussion. The City Manager stated he will provide the information requested. 

 

16. Carousel (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated this item was already addressed. 

 

17. Highway Superintendent Position (by Councilwoman Rossi)

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated the Highway Superintendent had retired and the position was still not filled. The employees deserve meaningful leadership and there is not enough to management for the staff. 

Councilwoman Rossi makes a motion to hire rose this position that needs to be filled because at that level the north and south ends of the City need to be efficient, Assistant Mayor Rose seconds the motion, the motion passes with Mayor Briden voting Nay at this time as he feels they have not been provided with information to discuss as to what the delay in hiring is at this time. 

 

Assistant Mayor Rose states that  one of reasons he is voting in favor is that back in July they had a retired employee leaving the position vacant and since that time there has been a lack in that department.  There are less issues being addressed for infrastructure repairs and a lot of work regarding constituent affairs issues have increased since the retirement.

Mayor Briden said this raises important issues and they should give the City Manager a chance to evaluate why at this point he is holding off on the hiring or maybe he supports it, either way he would like to wait for input from the City Manager.   

 

                D. Communications

                        1. Anthony Ferreira, 44 Brightridge Avenue (02914) requesting to address the Council regarding steps/answers to the finalization of the two closed libraries ie: equipment, utilities etc...

Mr. Ferreira asks for details regarding the steps to get the libraries ready for sale. 

Ed Catelli was called to the podium and explained the City had a surplus of books and equipment in both libraries.  He is hopeful that by January 15th departments will take what is left at both locations.  Anything not taken he will bring to Union Primary and offer again to the School Department and other libraries if they want them. The buildings have to remain heated due to books and once they are offered again if no one takes them they will donate the books to another organization. 

Mr. Ferreira states that no one in the schools knew about this as those he contacted didn't seem to know.  He also stated the phones were still on.

The City Manager said they will bring updated information regarding the libraries to the next meeting.  

 

                        2. Freddie Rybka, 9 Cozzens Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding the growth of the sink hole on Bullocks Point Avenue and the status of the Carousel. 

Mr. Rybka stated the sink hole had been repaired already. 

He also asked about who had done the previous painting job at the Carousel. 

The City Manager asked the Planning Department to research the item and provide Mr. Rybka with the answer. 

       

X.                ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and it is unanimous with one absence. 

 

 

Approved By Council:  January 8, 2013

 

Attest:  _______________

                   City Clerk

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