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| CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 2, 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 |
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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) and RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a) (3)
A. New Claims
Derrick Cordeiro
Maria Furtado
Shanaz Sultan
Alexander Umyskov
B. Pending Claims
Manuel Machado
II. CALL TO ORDER
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Letters
1. Notice of New Property Number, Joseph Ruggiero, 1 Nyatt Point Road, Barrington (02806), vacant lot 1 Pershing Street, Map 205, Block 4, Parcel 008.10, Zoning R4.
2. Notice of New Property Number, Joseph Ruggiero, 1 Nyatt Point Road, Barrington (02806), vacant lot 7 Pershing Street, Map 205, Block 4, Parcel 008.00, Zoning R4.
B. Alcoholic Beverage Class F
1. Kirsten Harvey, 35 Grant Avenue (02915), St. Mary Academy, Bay View, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue (02915), Wizard of Oz Play, November 2-4, 2012.
C. Cancellation/Abatements
| Year | |
| 2012 | $7,206.15 |
| Total | $7,206.15 |
D. Council Journals
1. Regular Meeting September 18, 2012
2. Regular Meeting April 5, 2011
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Councilwoman Kleyla, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call it is unanimous.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Anthony Fereirra, 44 Brightridge Avenue (02914) - Did the letter regarding the bird houses go out
2. Freddie Rybka, 9 Cozzens Avenue (02915) - Roads in Riverside
VI. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
City of East Providence Retired Employees, December 2010-October 2012
(by Mayor Rogers)
VII. APPOINTMENTS
A. Canvassing Authority - Alternate (by Mayor Rogers)
Stephanie Sivalingam, 150 Peach Orchard Drive (02915)
A motion to approve is made by Councilwoman Kleyla, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
B. Carousel Commission (by Councilwoman Kleyla)
Dennis Thibeault, 86 Woodward Avenue (02916)
A motion to approve is made by Councilwoman Kleyla, seconded by Councilman DiGioia and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
C. Traffic Control (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
Sandy Sanford, 72 Evergreen Drive, Apt. # 108 (02914)
Assistant Mayor Rose requests that this item be tabled indefinitely.
No objections are heard.
VIII. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. Annual Renewal of Miscellaneous Licenses Authorization Granting to Renew Subject Licenses, Excluding Alcoholic Beverage Licenses, for Year Commencing December 1, 2012 Upon Application by Licensee and Approval by Chief of Police And, as Required, by Health Inspector and Other City Officials.
A motion to approve the miscellaneous licenses is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman DiGioia and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A.City Managers Report (by City Manager Peter Graczykowski)
1. Departmental Activity Update
Both Councilwoman Kleyla and Assistant Mayor Rose requested an update from the City Manager regarding reinstituting streaming of the Council meetings on the internet. The City Manager stated he would look into possibly saving the funds currently used in paying someone to record the meetings by purchasing a standalone recorder and then using the funds saved to stream the meetings.
2. Bond Sale for East Providence School District
The City Manager reported the $15 million bond sold. The bond is for the benefit of construction at the schools. This will pay off the bridge loan and enable the remaining $8 million to be used to work on critical health and safety issues. The City will prioritize where this is going to be spent working with the State Fire Marshal and the State Health Department. The sale of the bonds was approved by the Budget Commission and is part of the 5 year plan saving $150,000 per year and $5 million over the life of the loan at 3.51%. The Governor issued a press release on this item from his office.
3. Consolidated Information Technology Staffing
The City Manager reported that the consolidation of the IT Department had taken place in November and had allowed the City to gain access to three network technicians and since that time all three have found other positions. There has been authorization through the Budget Commission to fill those vacancies. They will fill the same level positions using the State master purchasing agreement to maintain temporary support until that time, as it takes about 90 days to fill these positions. This year the department will realize a $66,000 savings but if the positions are not filled by next year it could cost the City $55,000.
Mayor Rogers questioned whether new employee contracts will contain less benefits.
The City Manager replied that these are non union employees so hiring is not part of a collective bargaining agreement. Human Resources has worked on what is the proper base salary for these types of positions. We pay what the market bears and they will come before the Budget Commission for final approval.
4. Consolidated Human Resources Hiring Process Update
The City Manager reported on the Consolidated Human Resource Director position stating that so far it was not going as well as they had hoped. They had advertised back in March and had received 70 applications. They had interviewed 7 top candidates from that group but the panel could not reach a consensus. They have advertised again, this will be for 30 days and they are hoping for a different pool of candidates. It is important that they hire a qualified person, it's very important to both the city and the schools. The interim Human Resource Director from the State is doing a good job but she can't be here forever. The Budget Commission wants to fill this position as soon as possible.
Mayor Rogers asks if the position has a salary range.
The City Manager stated not at this time that at the last Budget Commission meeting it was discussed that market wise it is in the low hundreds. They will have to negotiate the pay with the specific person, it could be lower depending on experience but it might not be. There will however still be a savings because at one time the City had 2 Human Resource Directors totaling $200,000 and the consolidated position will save half.
5. Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Award for Fire Hoses and Associated Hose Appliances
The City Manager gave kudos to the Fire Department for obtaining a grant needed for the equipment. The grant contains a match which will go before the Budget Commission. The City was previously able to allocate funds for a short term solution. The $114,000 grant provides for hoses and the life of these hoses is 10 years.
Mayor Rogers asked if it is a one-time grant and if all hoses will be replaced at once or just a phase in.
The City Manager replied they will replace all the ones they can with the money beginning with the most needed and they will use all the money.
6. Audit of Homestead Exemptions
The City Manager stated the Budget Commission requested to make sure all those who have the homestead are entitled to it. This has been done in other communities. The homestead equals $7 million in tax dollars so we want to make sure we provide the discounts to those who are eligible. Tax payers will receive letters letting people know they will need to provide two forms of identification for the address. The estimate of savings is $200,000. The mailing and processing will cost about $8,000. The audit will be conducted from October 2012 to November/December 2012 and the results will be brought back to the Council. Mayor Rogers asked when was the last time an audit took place.
The City Manager replied that the City has never audited the homestead exemptions.
7. FY12-13 Budget Presentation
The City Manager stated this budget before the Council is a more detailed version tham the one presented at the previous meeting.
Director of Finance Malcom Moore came to the podium and explained the differences and the increased detail to the budget. The Director added that they had only a few weeks and have worked diligently to be able to provide the increase detail to Council. He thanked John Cimino for his assistance on the school side and Christy Healey for her assistance on the on city side.
Mayor Rogers questioned why the City Clerk's Office and the Municipal Court office are listed separately when they were consolidated
The City Manager stated he believes these are divisions and that it is common in other departments. The Mayor responded that was not the case for example with the Building Department.
The City Manager stated that the document can be as detailed as you want.
Director Moore stated the Admins System was sort of a data dump and that is why it was the way it is.
Mayor Rogers asked what is contractual and what can be cut from the budget?
Director Moore stated that the majority of the budget is derived from contracts.
The City Manager stated that any contractual increases would have to be built in.
The Assistant Mayor pointed out that there was an error in Municipal Court from the 2012 FY to the 2013 the dollar amounts are off. Director Moore acknowledged that it was linking when in fact it shouldn't
Mayor Rogers questioned that one of discussions the City Council had was to see the revenues coming in to the various departments, is the department a wash, a revenue generator or a cost? He asked where are the revenues in the budget? Where is the revenue for Municipal Court? The City Manager stated the revenue goes to the general fund and the Municipal Court is being discussed to be moved to the State Traffic Tribunal. No revenue belongs to a specific department.
The Mayor said for example the Building Office is self sustaining. How can the council or the people pass judgment if they can't see if the revenue is more than the expenditure?
The City Manager stated it's not on these sheets.
Mayor Rogers stated that regarding Municipal Court, by law we have to keep a court for housing purposes if you show here what the revenue is vs the salaries and if we have more revenue by keeping the court here, in addition to the convenience of the tax payers, if it's not reflected in the budget then it's harder for us to make a decision to allow it to go to the traffic tribunal.
Director Moore stated that it is in the detail just not in the budget but the town he came from had each department listed with its own revenue. Each department would have a separate line item for these details.
Mayor Rogers stated this document doesn't show me this so I can't make that judgment.
Director Moore stated that in the future they will have this broken out so that the Council can make an easier assessment.
The City Manager asked if they could do this before the Budget Commission's second hearing. Director Moore stated he was not sure if the system allows for it as the system is part of the issue.
Mayor Rogers stated the budget is not the same for each department some departments have revenue showing and others do not. It is not the same across the board. The Mayor requested that as many departments as possible be broken out this way.
Assistant Mayor Rose asked about the CDBG funding and wanted to know if any positions in the Planning Department had salary funding from that source.
Mr. Moore stated that this was not in the budget and that would be above and beyond what you see here and that this is what the general fund spends from the payroll.
Director Boyle was called to the podium and she stated this budget just reflects the general fund revenue positions and does not reflect the CDBG positions which funds the community development positions. Mr. Bachrach is not reflected in here and no one in the department gets extra salary.
Tom Riley requests to speak as the chair of the Canvassing Board. He stated that in looking at the budget and under the advice of the head clerk, the cut in the budget doesn't consider that the Canvassing Board is required by statue. We are requesting to maintain a staffing level at the polling locations. Due to the fiscal years variances from calendar year we end up with an election in each year. This cut in funding needs to be looked at further and he requested they please speak with the clerk about this because we will not be able to adequately staff at this level.
The City Manager said he was notified of the discrepancy last night as he had never heard it before. We held hearings in April and went into detail regarding the cuts and we are pretty sure that whatever was revised was a reflection of these concessions. If a problem exists it can be rectified at second passage and he will be glad to look into it with the Finance Director.
The Mayor asks the City Manager to explain this year's budget process presentation to the Council for comments input and priorities.
The City Manager stated Council reviews, the Budget Commission will hold the first public hearing on Thursday in Room 306 at 3pm then hold it' s regular meeting. The second public hearing is right before the next Council meeting in Room 306 at 5pm with the regular meeting starting at 4pm on October 16th. Any requested changes of the numbers will be before the Council.
Mayor Rogers asked when will our friends in our School Department and School Committee receive a presentation and provide input.
The City Manager stated at the next meeting of the School Committee.
In closing, the Mayor stated the revenues for departments need to be in there and the City Manager stated they will try to do it and for those that have it this information will be provided to Council.
B. Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report -September 18, 2012 and October 2, 2012 (by 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 Kleyla to convene in closed session for the purposes of discussing claims & litigation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rogers – Aye, Councilman Conley - Aye, Councilman DiGioia – Aye, Councilwoman Kleyla – Aye, Councilman Rose – Aye, the motion is approved 5-0.
EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE
CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101
====================================================================
NEW CLAIMS
PAUL BETTENCOURT$108.00
RM No. 12-041, Claim No. 12-030
Claim for property damage to boat trailer tire sustained as a result of driving over steel plates at the intersection of North Broadway and Roger Williams Avenue. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman ConleySeconded by: Councilman Rose
Motion: Refer the claim to R.I. Department of Transportation and D’Ambra Construction.
MANUEL MACHADO$195.00
RM No. 10-094, Claim No. 12-029
Claim for property damage to claimant’s driveway sustained during repairs of a portion of Juniper Street. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman ConleySeconded by: Councilman Rose
Motion: Defer the claim to investigate the date discrepancies.
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2), a motion is made by Councilman Rose and seconded by Councilwoman Kleyla to convene in closed session for the purposes of discussing claims & litigation. Upon a roll call vote: Mayor Rogers – Aye, Councilman Conley - Aye, Councilman DiGioia – Aye, Councilwoman Kleyla – Aye, Councilman Rose – Aye, the motion is approved 5-0.
EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE
CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101
====================================================================
NEW CLAIMS
DERRICK CORDEIROUnspecified
RM No. 11-104, Claim No. 12-035
Claim for personal injuries sustained while the claimant was riding his bicycle and collided with the driver’s door of a police vehicle. Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilwoman KleylaSeconded by: Councilman Rose
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
MARIA FURTADOUnspecified
RM No. 12-047, Claim No. 12-033
Claim for personal injuries sustained as a result of a slip and fall on a sidewalk located on Juniper Street. Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilman RoseSeconded by: Councilwoman Kleyla
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
SHANAZ SULTAN$711.78
RM No. 12-046, Claim No. 12-032
Claim for property damage sustained to claimant’s disabled vehicle as a result of a police vehicle having to push the vehicle out of a heavy travel lane using its front push bumper.
Motion by: Councilman RoseSeconded by: Councilwoman Kleyla
Motion: Deny the claim.
ALEXANDER UMYSKOV$2235.38
RM No. 12-045, Claim No. 12-031
Claim for property damage sustained when a large tree branch fell onto the claimant’s vehicle. See recommendation of the Assistant Superintendent of Parks.
Motion by: Councilwoman KleylaSeconded by: Councilman DiGioia
Motion: Deny the claim.
PENDING CLAIMS
MANUEL MACHADO$195.00
RM No. 10-094, Claim No. 12-029
Claim for property damage to claimant’s driveway sustained during repairs of a portion of Juniper Street. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilwoman KleylaSeconded by: Councilman Rose
Motion: Deny the claim.
A motion to approve both Claims Committee Reports is made by Councilwoman Kleyla, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilman Conley temporarily absent.
2. School Committee Update (by Council Liaison School Committee Member Chrissy Rossi)
Ms. Rossi stated that the consolidation of legal services subcommittee of School Committee met and reviewed the RFP and recommended against it unanimously. After considering the facts outlined in the report, RI General Legislation 19-2-9g clearly states that School Committee's have the right to their own legal representation. The hourly rate we currently pay is $150 per hour. We went to RFP originally and we couldn't do better. The $250 per hour RFP Rosemary Boothe Gallogly handed us is typical to other responses we had received. No other School Committee in RI shares their legal counsel with the City. The School Department budget which I just got my copy off the back table, upon preliminary review, I request a meeting as we are way off from where we need to be. The accounting department and the finance subcommittee of the School Committee need to meet. The next School Committee meeting is Tuesday, October 9th.
The City Manager stated that through the Superintendent Ms. Rossi certainly can request the meeting.
Ms. Rossi stated the School Committee has yet to see the details of our budget.
The City Manager stated this is it.
Ms. Rossi stated we have had zero input so far and the last BPR is dated September 6th and it still shows all day K next year and the closing of Oldham School. These numbers were proposed by a staff which no longer works here and no detailed plans were left behind. How are these devastating plans, with no background for these estimates, going to be implemented? The Department of Education has to see the intentions at least 6 months in advance and public hearings must happen by April of next year. The BPR cut for response from intervention and those savings were argued vehemently by Mary King. We can substantiate these savings, children are not receiving what is prescribed and the IEP's will not go away when they reach the high school they will be so far behind they will not catch up. Teachers brought this to the former interim superintendent and these were dismissed. These savings are not likely to be realized. The numbers need to be removed from the BPR. On paper it looks great but it's not reality. By their own directions fiscal impact statements, positive or negative, need to be supplied and I have yet to see any of these. The School Committee would like to get the opportunity to review them.
The City Manager stated all these were thoroughly vetted at the department meetings. Ms. Rossi asked is there a paper trail?
The City Manager stated there are analyses for all the savings done by the Budget Commission staff, contact them.
Ms. Rossi asked if there are any reserves for budget monies for decaying buildings.
The City Manager and Finance replied that this was done via the bond closings.
The City Manager asked Director Moore if he could make sure these questions are all answered.
Mayor Rogers apologized on behalf of the Budget Commission stating he assumed the School Department was going back to the School Committee and telling them about the cuts and if you objected that it would be brought back to the Budget Commission.
Ms. Rossi stated that it was never presented to the School Committee. There is no reserve for special education entering mid-year, no legal budget for all the law suits hanging over our heads, the BPR savings of 2% turnover each year can't happen. There is no institutional knowledge left, we are a staff of secretaries, we are reduced more than our state aid, we will lose the kindergarten part time, and then get part time aid but I see no adjustment for that. Title 16 of the RI General Laws, basic code of management principles and methods, when the Budget Commission leaves there are procedures for it, 16-2-18. The selection of superintendent is not being followed the Budget Commission is trying to choose the superintendent for the city.
Mayor Rogers stated he was told a search committee would be formed and the interim superintendent would be one of the members.
Ms. Rossi continued that a fiscal impact statement doesn't tip over the edge we negotiated a contract with the teachers in good faith with a savings of $1.5 million and it was held up by the City Manager and then by the Budget Commission and still has yet to be renegotiated. At the end of October they will be 1 year without a contract.
Mayor Rogers stated all day K came up and wasn't there a quest regarding funding from no child left behind would be lost?
Ms. Rossi provided a brief history adding there was no fiscal impact negative or positive we approved full day K with new financing at the state and the money follows the child, if they move that adjusts your state aid and gets reallocated to the new location in the next budget. We were still working with the data from the year prior so we had half day payments until it catches up the following year, this year we are fully funded, if we revert back we will lose that half and there is no adjustment for that in the budget.
Mayor Rogers requested this be brought to Finance Department.
C. Council Members
1. Bi-Weekly Update (by Mayor Rogers)
- EMS
The Mayor stated that people have been asking what is going on with the EMA response and asked the City Manager to provide an update.
The City Manager stated the City receives mutual aid from Seekonk, Providence, Barrington and Pawtucket but that we also provided a lot of these assistance calls as well. Many communities which are located around Providence provide this service. In East Providence the calls to service in Providence are 10-1. The City with the assistance of the Fire Chief is looking into ways to collect on the billing of these assistance calls. It's not just a matter of how much we are losing when we do not receive payment but also the wear and tear such as on the equipment. It is not necessarily the calls but those that are not reimbursed. Often the person is uninsured. There are also different calls, life support vs advanced life support and different ways to attack the issue. One way is to simply bill the other community when we can't collect the money. The Budget Commission has developed a rate we can bill. Another approach is to have the City of Providence develop a plan to alleviate calls to other communities. We have recently seen some decreases due to the changes they are making. And third is how we manage these calls on our end. The City Manager called the Fire Chief to the podium.
The Mayor asked the Chief if we decided how we are going to bill any calls to assist other cities.
The Chief responded that as far as the fire department goes yes but not politically. Adding he can't speak for the finance department in Providence. He can't enter into any agreement with the Chief in Providence because they don't do their own billing.
The City Manager stated this will have to happen at the executive level.
Mayor Rogers asked if either of them had reviewed Commissioner Pari's plan.
The City Manager stated he has reviewed it but is not sure if it is a public document for discussion.
The Chief responded that in East Providence we use the Dawson Group billing company and we have a fee schedule. They take our bi-weekly EMS calls from those respective reports and code them then come up with a bill which is sent to the individual. Noting that, we do that on every call we transport in and out of the City, the percentage of unreimbursed calls are higher from Providence than East Providence.
Mayor Rogers asked if we gained anything by bringing this issue to light.
The City Manager stated absolutely, if it was not brought up we wouldn't have been working on a solution. In past years, when there were no fiscal issues, it was not looked at but now we have to look at these arrangements. He added he will be bringing the issue back to the Council for an update.
- Providence Journal Mandatory Thursday Delivery
Mayor Rogers brought a satchel of newspapers which were discarded from one street in East Providence. He stated it is junk, litter all along the street. This was just a side street. They were on city sidewalks and streets.
Solicitor Andreoni spoke regarding possibly billing the Providence Journal for the cleanup. He spoke with Mr. Bill O'Donnell at the Journal and told him the Mayor had a trunk full of papers. Mr. O'Donnell stated he would speak to their law department but this issue, in their opinion, is a first amendment issue. If people don't want to receive the papers all they need to do is contact the Journal.
Solicitor Andreoni stated he is waiting to receive a letter back from Providence Journal attorney. The City may use the nuisance violation ordinance as an option to handle this situation.
- Student Bus Route
The City Manager responded to the Mayor's request for an update. He stated he spoke to the Superintendent. The issue was discussed at last School Committee meeting with the Transportation Director present. He was asked for the statistics. The Transportation Director stated that about 5,400 students are enrolled, 2,200 are eligible to ride the bus. Who is eligible depends on the new routes. There were changes from the past practice and those people who wish to appeal the decision via the school department are allowed. There have been about 312 who were granted a change in status following the appeal. If someone who is eligible to ride the bus isn't using the pass then a space opens. However, if they decide to ride again they would kick off the person who was there by appeal. The buses run full and that is why there are rules in place if there is room on a bus they will fill the space via the appeals process. People who wish to appeal should go to the Transportation Department located in City Hall on the 3rd floor.
Director Coutu was called to the podium regarding the issue of the bridge which was blocked off where students are walking in the main street.
Mayor Rogers stated that he has seen people go through the open part of the concrete but there is a gate on the other side, he assumes they jump the gate to get back into the street.
Director Coutu reported that DOT has attempted to block the walking path so people shouldn't be walking through it. The City has sent a letter to the DOT Director requesting assistance on this issue. Requesting they open the sidewalk area. It was closed due to structural conditions for vehicles. The City has not received a response yet from DOT.
Mayor Rogers stated that we may need to put a crossing guard at this location because someone is going to get hurt. He also requested that maybe a phone call to DOT would speed things along and let them know it is urgent.
Director Coutu stated he will follow up with the request if there is no response and will look into a crossing guard if the City Manager could refer this item to the Police Department for review as well.
- Reminders of Upcoming Events
Mayor Rogers stated that the first Winterfest meeting took place this evening. There is little to no cost to run the event. They can fit 160 trees placed along the walkway at the Senior Center. The display runs from December 1 to January 2 or 3 and those interested should contact Director Alba Curti. The official lighting ceremony will be December 1st and Santa Claus will be there, there will be games during the day, festivities start at 9:00am. There will be a flea market and vendors selling crafts from 9:00am-8:00pm. Vendor tables cost $10 each those interested should speak with Director Alba Curti.
This Thursday there is a wine and food paring and silent auction to defray the cost of the restoration of the organ at the Carousel. The cost is $35 per person or $60 per couple. There will be 9 local restaurants with various foods and wines to match them sponsored by Gasbarro's Liquors.
The 2nd annual Watchmoket Square Day, with added parade this year, is being held on October 13th beginning at 9:00am from City Hall and ending at Watchmoket Tavern. Watchmoket was once the hub of East Providence, this area is near the Comedy Connection. There will be pumpkin painting, classic cars, St. Mary's Church Bizarre and guided tours. The hope is to revitalize the area. The Planning Department is looking into an arts district for this area with new lighting and parking etc...
- Other Issues
Riverside roads were brought up at the beginning of the meeting and Mayor Rogers asked the Public Works Director if he could take a look at this.
Director Coutu stated he will go back to the site in question this week with the engineer and address those areas that have not been yet been addressed. Noting there has been quite a bit of water work in the area as well as National Grid.
2. Update on the Labor Day Parade Committee (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
Assistant Mayor Rose reported that on October 18th there will be a meeting to begin to getting ready for next year's parade. The meeting will be held at 6:30pm, at 232 Warren Avenue. There are more companies who are stepping forward to assist and Assistant Mayor Rose listed some of those businesses. He added that they will be able to have some more venues this year, such as bands which come with some costs, by raising money ahead of time for those costs. Alba Curti will be more involved in the planning portion this year as she has expertise and ran the Heritage Day Parades.
3. Possible Flood Solutions (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
Assistant Mayor Rose stated that he has noticed driving throughout the City that where National Grid and Verizon need to dig up roads they are diverting water and causing a lot of havoc. This could be contributing to the water issues in some areas and should be looked at. Kent Gardens area for example near Sweet Briar, where they are building up the roads a little higher, this may be shifting the flow of water. Maybe if we get them to straighten out the road it might help. Perhaps Dewey and Roma should be looked at as well.
D. Introduction of Ordinances
1. An ordinance amending no parking on Bentley 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 18-307 entitled “Parking prohibited at all times.” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking.” of Chapter 18 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic.” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Bentley Street (east side) from Mauran Avenue to Juniper Street
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: Mayor Rogers
Councilman Conley inquired whether this ordinance was an amended version as requested by the petitioners who were present at the previous meeting. Coutu stated it was.
A motion to approve is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Kleyla and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
E. Communications
1. Christopher Gagnon, 83 Prescott Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding urging the City Council to pass a resolution that it is the will of the elected officials of East Providence that the Constitution of the United States of America be amended to specify that corporations are not people and money is not free speech.
Mr. Gagnan spoke stating that they are working to get cities and states to pass resolutions like this one. This election season has seen an unprecedented amount of money funneled into campaigns from super pacs who don't have to declare their sources. To allow this is disastrous and the Supreme Court case should be overturned via new legislation. Mr. Gagnon read the text of the resolution. Councilwoman Klelya asked who he was volunteering for.
He replied he is part of a group called occupy East Providence.
Councilwoman Kleyla stated she will sponsor the resolution.
Councilman Conley added that when Mr. Gagnon had discussed the resolution with him he suggested a website for further information and could he share that.
Mr. Gagnon stated they are movetoamend.org and freespeechforpeople.org
Mayor Rogers asked if there was a motion to refer to the Law Department for the resolution to appear on the next docket.
A motion to draft a resolution in support was made by Councilwoman Kleyla, seconded by Assistant Rose and on a roll call vote it was unanimous.
Mr. Gagano stated that there were upcoming events in Bristol hosted by occupy East Bay at the Bristol Library where they will show a movie The Corporation which is a documentary, this Thursday at 5:30PM.
In East Providence at Weaver Library there will be two speakers on how National politics affects municipalities this Saturday at 12:30PM with a discussion to follow.
A motion to draft a resolution in support was made by Councilwoman Kleyla, seconded by Assistant Rose and on a roll call vote it was unanimous.
2. Anthony Ferreira, 44 Brightride Avenue (02914) requesting to address the Council regarding the title and financial breakdown of each city position ie: salary, benefits, pension.
Mr. Ferreira thanked the City Manager and Mayor for being on the Budget Commission and putting this document forward. It will need fine tuning but the School Committee needs to work more with it. Now we all can review it, where in the last few years we had no understanding of it which led to the mess we are struggling with now. The BPR items have all the information in public hands now and people attend the meetings but we need the live streaming so that taxpayers who can't attend an afternoon meeting can be more informed and get involved. He also thanked Zelia for all the work on Orlo.
3. Freddie Rybka, 9 Cozzens Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding the Pawtucket Avenue overpass re: the sidewalk being closed.
Mr. Rybka asked what structural problems there were with the bridge in question.
Director Coutu was called to the podium but he didn't know the specifics s he was told they would have the inspectors take a re-look at it. It doesn't make sense to him to block the bridge with the heavy jersey barriers for pedestrians when it seems to have been meant for cars and other heavy vehicles.
X. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Kleyla and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Approved By Council: October 16, 2012
Attest:_________________
City Clerk