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| CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 5, 2013 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
A. Litigation
1. Albertino Milho & Zita Milho vs City of East Providence
II. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Briden calls the meeting to order at 7:51 PM.
III. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
IV. TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Letters
1. Burrillville Town Council Resolution in support of Senate Bill S44 and House Bill 5072 regarding acts that would delete the option of straight party voting by means of a single mark in non-primary elections.
B. Council Journals
1. Regular Meeting January 22, 2013
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT
There are no public comments.
VI. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Rita Falaguerra, Cat Adoption Team Services (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
Mrs. Falaguerra thanks Assistant Mayor Rose and the Council for the recognition and announces to the residents of East Providence that if any own cats or is currently feeding stray cats and needs financial assistance to pay for their spay or neuter to contact her organization at 433-1946.
VII. APPOINTMENTS
A. Tree Warden Re-appointment (by Mayor Briden)
Joe Gibson, 12 Waterview Avenue (02915)
A motion to approve the appointment is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Rossi and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
B. Traffic Control (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
Mark Tetreault, 48 Richfield Street (02914)
A motion to approve the appointment is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
C. Traffic Control (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Lori Prew, 69 Meadowcrest Drive (02915)
A motion to approve the appointment is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCES FINAL PASSAGE
A. An ordinance pertaining to a four way stop sign on Waterfront Drive northbound and southbound traffic at Mauran Avenue.
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. Subsection (b) of Sec. 18-269 entitled “Stop and yield intersections designated; when stops required.” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Waterfront Drive (northbound and southbound traffic) at Mauran Avenue
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
A motion to approve the ordinance is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Rossi and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
IX. LICENSES REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. B Full Privilege Vict - Corporate Name Change
From Cilantro Mexican Grill, LLC DBA Cilantro Mexican Grill to CMG East Providence, LLC DBA Cilantro Mexican Grill, 430 Newport Avenue (02916)
John Palmieri, 142 Lancaster Street, Providence (02906).
A motion to approve the corporate name change is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Rossi and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
X. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. Private Detective
Carl A. Winquist, 38 Mallard Cove Way, Barrington (02806)
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 Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
XI. NEW BUSINESS
A.City Managers Report (by City Manager Peter Graczykowski)
1. Budget Commission Activity Update
The City Manager reported on the following items undertaken by the Budget Commisison:
-review weekly cash flow and budget to actual variance report
-resolution to approve the issuance of $5 million in TANS for February 15th
- budget planning report
- approved gap agreement, health care EP teachers assistants
- approved amended proposal of closing Oldham September 2013
- personnel request from school, approved business teacher at EPHS
- reviewed final reorganization of the Finance Department
- promotions and appointments recommended by the City Manager in the EPPD - approved eligibility list for technology positions
- formal recommendation from the legal services RFP, rejected all the bids and approved the appointments of solicitor and 2 assistant solicitors and recommendation for the school dept to continue with its own council
- review all under $25,000 details in packet
- review all over $25,000
- FEMA grant for enlargement of culvert at Runnins River at Warren Avenue
- tabled requirement for sole source procurement this is a grant for urban area security initiative was a very recent event due by March 31st doing all we can to speed up the 1procurement process so that by the February 14th meeting we will be able to award it
- street light management program public works is working on additional ways to reduce the cost other than the original proposed, such as reducing wattage and tonight we will explore more efficient LED lights in fixtures
- reviewed the summary of the Assessor to rescind Tax Board of Review abatements hr - Recognized Heather Martino for serving as the City and School Human Resource Director
- the next meeting is 2/14/13
2. Departmental Activity Update
3. Groundwork Providence Update
The CDBG process to apply will be going out in a few weeks and Groundwork Providence should apply for funds however, it should be noted that funds received will not be available until the summer of 2014.
4. Donation Check Box
This option can be implemented with the new Finance System.
B.Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report (by City Solicitor Timothy Chapman)
A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
2. School Committee Update (by School Committee Member Tony Ferreira)
School Committee Member Tony Ferreira thanked Ed Catelli for all his hard work dealing with damages from a water pipe break at the EPHS.
Regarding the Oldham School move to Meadowcrest, there is a sidewalk issue which will need work. He would also like to see local contractors called on for small painting jobs and other small jobs needed done in the schools instead of always going to outside contractors.
Councilwoman Rossi asks if he has seen the Oldham School Fiscal Impact Statement.
Mr. Ferreira replies he has not received it.
The City Manager states it is in the Council packet under the Budget Commission Activity Update. The financial impact of the reconstruction not being done at Oldham School is a savings of $2 million, utility savings of $70,000 and salary savings of $79,000 for a total savings of $2.2 million.
Councilwoman Rossi states that is a shift not a savings. The savings are only $70,000 and this doesn't include fitting the other schools.
The City Manager states no it does not that will be developed as it goes.
C. Council Members
Mayor Briden asks and is granted unanimous consent to address a date for a Special Council Meeting to be held on Monday, February 11, 2013 for the purpose of discussing and voting on reinstating streaming and an RFP for repairs needed for the Crescent Park Carousel.
1. EPPD Vehicles (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
This item was discussed as part of the City Manager's Report.
2. ATM Update (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
The City Manager states there is an ATM update memo in the Council packet and the initial research on the issue is being done. The Planning Department worked with Councilman Rose to reach out to institutions to provide this service for use by Municipal Court, EPPD bail payments, the Senior Center and others this service can be provided and the City can collect some of the fees. The Planning Department will draft a RFP to get competitive bids.
3. Supporting Local Businesses (by Assistant Mayor Rose)
Assistant Mayor Rose states that the other day one local business closed up, Standard Hardware and just before he closed the School Department account was pulled and they switched to Home Depot. Home Depot will shut the City's card off in 30 days if they do not receive payment. They are not a local business. We pulled out of Standard Hardware and that is wrong. Not only as individuals do we need to support local businesses but also as a City as well. This is another storefront closing up and we need think before we act next time.
4. City Standards (by Councilman Cunha)
Councilman Cunha states as he drives around the City he receives complaints regarding the upkeep of City properties, streets, and neighbors living adjacent to others who are not keeping up their properties. Whether it be not taking care of trash which is piled up in backyard or other items. Many people don't feel comfortable filing a complaint as they don't want to reveal themselves and cause any problems with their neighbors. He requests a hot line number where a complaint can be left without needing to leave a name so that a resident can call and file a complaint or ask about an issue and either disclose the name or leave an anonymous message.
The City Manager states the City currently has a QAlert system implemented for emails and when the complaint is made it goes into the system and tracked as to whether it gets resolved or not. He suggests perhaps adding to this system an option such as anonymity.
Councilman Cunha stated many people don't know about this QAlert and he requests the City advertise the number.
The City Manager states he will add this and report back to the Council at the next meeting.
5. East Providence LED's (by Councilman Cunha)
Councilman Cunha states he has done some research regarding savings for streetlights and other City lights. He has a representative present tonight to give a brief summary about decreasing the City's costs by using LED lights.
Eric Denault speaks and gives a brief description of how the savings can be achieved and other communities where this has worked. This can be used both for streetlights and for other City lights such as City buildings, stadiums and parks. He will return for a full presentation.
The City Manager requests first to have him work with the Public Works Director on whether or not t this can be used for streetlights in terms of the City's contract with National Grid
Assistant Mayor Rose states that Pierce Field is having issues with their lights which need to be replaced soon and maybe we can look into this as well as for other municipal buildings.
Mayor Briden states he would like to keep this on the agenda and make it a priority.
6. Google money Status (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi states that we finally got the ok after Bruce Rogers suggested so long ago where is the actual money right now.
The City Manager stated it is still with the Department of Justice.
7. Pension Fund - New Actuarial Report and Funding of the ARC (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi states the City is funding 100% for the first time in 10 years. She thrilled to see it and adds that perhaps an ordinance can go on the books which will have more teeth to make this 100% funding continue as Assistant Mayor Rose has stated.
Finance Director Moore states they have not received any updated numbers since the new influx of money.
The City Manager states this will be developed once we have the updated evaluation report and discuss with the Pension Board. The savings may be better allocated back to the pension fund to reach 100% funded that much faster.
Finance Director Moore states the actuarial report is done annually.
8. VAMCO Status (by Councilwoman Rossi)
The City Manager states the work is to start in 2013. He will get a more concrete schedule for the next Council meeting.
9. Oldham School Closure - Fiscal Impact Statement (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi states she is not in favor of the proposal. Clearly there is nothing she can do about it but she is 100% committed to getting the kids comfortable in their new location. Adding, we are all 100% behind these kids.
10. Budget Commission Status (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi said she was shocked the City received a $240,000 bill for the Commission's services. Mr. O'Keefe stated many times that there would be no cost to the City. She added she would like to know how much longer they are going to be here since the meter is running.
The City Manager stated he has asked the Chair of the Commission for a response as to the billing but that everyone can glean from the legislation they are here until the Director of Revenue abolishes the Commission.
Councilwoman Rossi states that $240,000 would pay for middle school sports for over 2 years. Adding they have put us on sound fiscal ground, trampling on things, but we were told it was at no cost.
The City Manager states the legislation allows for the payment of staff, the Commissioners are at no charge. There was always an expectation there would be a charge for the staff. They have filled in, in areas where staff on the City and School side has left and as which there would have been a higher cost which would have otherwise been spent.
Assistant Mayor Rose stated that yes that was true for the Human Resource Director but the other two had nothing to do with us, they were secretarial to the Budget Commission, they used all our supplies. He asks were we getting doubled billed.
Councilwoman Rossi requests a breakdown of the hours worked.
The City Manager states the breakdown of the hours worked was requested. The bill was for the salaries, the backup existed with the bill.
Finance Director Moore states that if the staff person was here 100% of their time the City was billed 100% if 60% here then 60% was billed.
11. Carousel Status (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi said that she is in favor of Mayor Briden scheduling a special meeting and is glad that the Solicitor is reviewing the law and that we have a process that the Solicitor can explain at the meeting. We will have the RFP before us and can then vote to approve it and from there send it to the Budget Commission.
The City Manager added that the horses which needed repairs were approved by him so that the Carousel can open on time.
12. Police Department Recruitment Efforts (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi states she is in agreement with Assistant Mayor Rose. She has spoken to several current and past officers, whose feelings on this new level of education is that it is nice to get an associate's degree but it is not 100% necessary. They will be trained the way they are supposed to be trained. Our applicants are significantly reduced due to this requirement.
The City Manager states that he will bring information back to the Council on how the standards were developed.
Assistant Mayor Rose states he does not mean to lower the standards but in the ordinance it doesn't say anything about the 60 credits and what about transfers from other Departments throughout the State that don't have this requirement.
13. Bentley Street Property - Capping and Use (by Councilwoman Rossi)
Councilwoman Rossi stated she would like to know how much it would cost to cap the property on Bentley Street. Additionally, the Parks Department no longer has any budget for flowers, the City used to have a Greenhouse program for the vocational kids and she would like to look at what level of capping would be needed for a greenhouse.
The City Manager refers the item to the Public Works Director for the requirements.
D. Introduction of Ordinances
1. An ordinance pertaining to parking on a section of Taunton Avenue.
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. Sec. 18-312 entitled “Same—120 minutes” of Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking” of Chapter 18 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended by deleting there from the following:
Taunton Avenue (south side) from Grosvenor Avenue to Russell Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except Sundays and holidays
Taunton Avenue (both sides) from Walnut Street to Russell Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except Sundays and holidays
SECTION II. Article X entitled “Stopping, Standing and Parking” of Chapter 18 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” is amended by adding thereto the following:
Sec. 18-316. Parking time limitations–360 minutes.
Taunton Avenue (both sides) from Walnut Street to Russell Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except Sundays and holidays
SECTION III. This ordinance shall take effect upon second passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Councilwoman Rossi
This ordinance is sent back to Director Coutu and the Law Department to be redrafted to affect only that small portion of Taunton Avenue where the parking limit extension has been requested by one business owner and one home owner.
E. Communications
1. Samir A. Batla, 102 Catlin Avenue (02916) requesting to address the Council regarding Brown Play School Run to Mama 5K Road Race, May 5, 2013 and Kids Fun Run.
A motion to approve the street closure for the run is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
2. Antonio J. Silva, 40 Richfield Street (02914) requesting to address the Council regarding longevity wages for employees disbursed in November.
Mr. Silva addresses the Council and expresses his anger over the recent pay out of City Employees longevity benefit.
The City Manager states that this item is contractual and that these current contracts are presenting being negotiated and when they are complete he will make a report to the Council and the public.
3. Freddie Rybka, 9 Cozzens Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding the "big move".
Mr. Rybka asks if the School Department is officially moved to City Hall.
The City Manager states that the only offices left to move are the Superintendent and parts of the Finance Department. These should be completed in the next couple of weeks as the City is just waiting for the Planning Department's new location to be finished so that they can move making room for the Superintendent.
Mr. Rybka asks what the total cost of the move was.
The City Manager responds less than $50,000.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous with Councilwoman Capobianco absent.
Approved by Council: February 19, 2013
Attest: ________________
City Clerk