CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE

RHODE ISLAND

JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

October 1, 2013

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

7:30 P.M. Open Session

 

 

I.                   CALL TO ORDER

 

II.                SALUTE TO THE FLAG

 

III.             TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR

 

A. Letters Received

1.  CRMC notice of acceptance of application for feasibility of dwellings Harding Avenue, Plat 313, Lot 15.

2.  Middletown Resolution in support of the concept of bringing the Retired Aircraft Carrier USS John F. Kennedy to Newport County as a Family Attraction, Education and Job Training Center, Disaster Relief Facility, Museum and Memorial. 

3.  CRMC Agenda for Semi-Monthly Meeting Full Council, Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 6:00PM, Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence.

             

B.  Alcoholic Beverage License Class F

1.  Sacred Heart Church, 118 Taunton Ave (02914) Annual Dinner October 12, 2013.      

 

C.  Council Journals

1.  Regular Council Meeting September 17, 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.

           

IV.             PUBLIC COMMENT

A. Senator Bill Conley – PACE Resolution

 

Unanimous Consent is granted to move the PACE Resolution up on the docket. 

 

E.  Resolutions

1. A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE AS A PROPERTY-ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY MUNICIPALITY

“PACE MUNICIPALITY”

WHEREAS, investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements is financially beneficial over time as well as good for the environment; and

WHEREAS, upfront costs are a barrier to investments in major energy improvements; and

WHEREAS, there are few financing options available that combine easy qualification, an attractive interest rate, and a relatively long repayment term; and

WHEREAS, Property-Assessed Clean Energy (“PACE”) is a voluntary financing mechanism which allows homeowners to access affordable, long-term financing for energy upgrades to their property; and

WHEREAS, PACE financing will allow the City of East Providence to contribute in order to help meet community sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and energy goals and will provide a valuable service to the citizens of the City of East Providence.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council designates the City of East Providence as a Property-Assessed Clean Energy municipality pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 39-26.5-1, et seq.

This resolution shall become effective upon its passage.

Requested By:  Assistant Mayor Rose

Senator Conley speaks regarding the legislation. This will allow residents to pay over time the upfront costs which stays with the property if the home changes hands. PACE makes it practical for middle class home owners who otherwise would not have the means to save money and add value to the property. It will contribute to the economy and generates construction and reduces the State’s carbon footprint.  It is set up for cities and towns to decide for themselves and is not mandated. It requires a resolution from each city and town.

 

Mayor Briden states this is a great program.

 

 

A motion to approve the Resolution is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

Unanimous Consent is granted for the City Manager to make an announcement. The City Manager announces that Standard and Poor’s rating services upgraded the City to A from the former BB+ rating.  This is a 5 notch increase and the rating is stable. Full documentation is available on line and a press release is going out tomorrow.  This is all due to the good work of the Budget Commission and the City and School employees and the City Council and School Committee.   This is great news for the City and it will save money. 

 

Unanimous Consent is granted to move up Welcoming New Businesses by Councilwoman Capobianco.

 

3.  Welcoming Businesses (by Councilwoman Capobianco)

 

Leeanne Nado of Wellspring Med Spa located at 181 Willett Avenue in Riverside speaks.  They plan to be open by the end of the month.  Their mission is to provide wellness, medical esthetic and beauty services reflected in the wellbeing of the community and family.  It is a full day spa and appointments can be made with a medical doctor for offsite plastic surgery, hypertension, weight control and diabetes.

 

V.                APPOINTMENTS

 

A. Traffic Control (by Councilwoman Rossi)

Sandra Sanford, 72 Evergreen Drive Apt. 108 (02914)

Assistant Mayor Rose raises the question regarding Sgt Andrews recent request that the Council not appoint any new Traffic Control positions as the position were all full and asked that the item be tabled until they can get a report about availability of positions.

Councilwoman Rossi states that if they are full and there is no work for the appointment she would imagine the EPPD would not call this person.

Assistant Mayor Rose states there are a few people on the list already which haven't been called.

Councilman Cunha asked the Chief if people who haven't been called are in order of priority.

Chief Tavares came to the podium and stated that it is not the case any longer that they have too many employees in traffic control. It appears that some of the people who initially signed up didn't stay with the program. If in fact there is no work for some employees they will be placed on the reserve list. Otherwise EPPD have to work the crossings. At this point he wouldn't turn them down though they still need background checks.

Assistant Mayor Rose stated that Sgt Andrews had sent around an email asking Council not to appoint any more people to traffic control because they were full.

Chief Tavares stated he was not aware of that but will follow up.

 

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

 

VI.             LICENSES  REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

Licenses are granted subject to all required approvals from State and City departments.

 

                        A. Secondhand Miscellaneous

Debra L. Neher DBA Forever & A Day, 298 Willet Avenue (02915), Debra L. Neher, 15 Florence Street (02915)

Ms. Neher states this is a woman's consignment and gift boutique.  It is located right next to Farnsworth Café.  She used to own a Pearl Vision Center franchise in Dartmouth MA for about 20 years.  Opening a consignment has been a dream of hers.

 

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

                       

B. Secondhand Autos and Trucks

Stateline Auto Sales & Service LLC, 987 Warren Avenue (02914), Eric Terceira, 43 Manning Drive (02915)

Paul Lamont testifies as the attorney for Stateline Auto Sales and Service.

This is a lease with the former Woods/former AAA building.  It is to run a used car and service business and they asking for approval. This will bring in revenue for the City.  They sell used cars and perform repairs.  It is a 15 year lease with a 15 year option on top of that and also an option to buy the building.  They plan on staying in East Providence.

 

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

 

VII.          LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING

Licenses are granted subject to all required approvals from State and City departments.

 

A. Annual Renewal of Miscellaneous Licenses Authorization Granting to Renew Subject Licenses, Excluding Alcoholic Beverage Licenses, for Year Commencing December 1, 2013 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 License Renewals is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote the motion passes 4-0 with Assistant Mayor Rose recusing.

 

                        B. Holiday Sales

 

Debra L. Neher DBA Forever & A Day, 298 Willet Avenue (02915), Debra L. Neher, 15 Florence Street (02915)

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

 

                        C. Peddler/Hot Dogs

Kathryn Rogers DBA Kasey’s Kitchen, Kathryn Rogers, 116 Ledge Road #2, Seekonk, MA 02771

A motion to approve the License is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilwoman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

                        D. Vict/Over 50

Apple Valley KEMCO, Inc. DBA Kentucky Fried Chicken, 45 Newport Avenue (02916), Kenneth B. Rianna, 50 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield (02917)

A motion to approve the License is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilwoman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous

 

VIII.       PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCES FINAL PASSAGE

1.      An ordinance regarding restriction of certain trucks on Brentwood Drive, Don Avenue and from Pawtucket Avenue to Weeden 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.  Section 18-224 entitled “Certain trucks restricted on certain streets” of Article VII entitled “Operation of Vehicles” 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:

Brentwood Drive

Don Avenue, from Pawtucket Avenue to Weeden Avenue

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:  Public Works Director

A motion to approve the Ordinance is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

IX.             PUBLIC HEARING

A. FY 2013-2014 Budget

ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE APPROPRIATION $167,762,071 FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2014

 

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

 

SECTION I. The general fund receipts for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2014 have been established to amount to $167,762,071 made up as follows:

 

 

SECTION II. To defray the expenses of the City of East Providence for the fiscal year commencing November 1, 2013 and ending October 31, 2014, the sum of  money, or so much thereof as are authorized by law indicated in the accompanying  schedule, are hereby appropriated for the objects and purposes, and in the amounts  expressed therein, provided that payments thereunder shall be subject to the provisions of the City Charter of the City of East Providence and also subject to the provisions of said City Charter relative to the manner and form of expenditures of money set forth in said Charter from the City Treasury.

 

SECTION III. All monies appropriated are to be expended by the various departments in the manner and form approved by the Director of Finance.

 

SECTION IV. The payment to the School Fund of the following estimated receipts, included in the appropriation of $72,858,000 for the support of the public schools for the City of East Providence fiscal year 2013-2014, shall be increased or decreased to conform with the actual amounts received from such sources during the fiscal year 2013-2014 except the appropriation of property tax.

 

 

SECTION V. The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt the Budget for the fiscal year 2013-2014 which begins November 1, 2013 and ends October 31, 2014 as prepared and submitted by the City Manager, and to implement the recommendations as set forth in the City Manager's Budget Message by the approval of said recommendations as contained herein, or by other ordinances or resolutions of the Council of the City of East Providence; all in accordance with the provisions of said Article.

 

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

 

Louis Geradis, 30 Valenda Street (02915) requesting information on what percentage the expenditures have gone up.

Director Moore states there is a 1% tax increase in this budget.

Mr. Geradis asks how much the budget is increasing from the previous year. Director Moores states city wide is about a 7% increase. It looks like more than last year but actually the Google money, plus $2 million in Wastewater revenue, when the EPBC took the revenues and decreased expenditures it looks like more than last year but it’s misleading regarding the 7%.

Mr. Geradis asked who insures the City.

Director Moore stated the RI Interlocal Trust.

 

 

The public hearing is closed and Council proceeds to discuss the budget.

 

Assistant Mayor Rose asked why the amount for the street lights is going up if the City put so many out.

Director Moore explained the EPBC was trying to get it down further but did not receive all the savings they were hoping for.

The City Manager stated the total is just street lights not parks etc… the target is a $150,000 saving. Initially the City turned off 2000 lights based on feedback from the public and Council DPW has an alternate approach after red capping 1000 they decided to reduce the wattage for the additional 1000. In the 5 year plan it will exceed $150,000 in savings.

Councilman Cunha asked about the LED program.

The City Manager stated they were waiting for a rate from National Grid for street lights. Once this is approved by the PUC the City will probably group with other communities to get the best rate.  Most likely it will be 2-3 years before this will  be complete.

 

Councilman Cunha requested an explanation regarding the ARC funding.

The City Manager stated the ARC is still being funded at 100% in 30 years. The City is not contributing as much from the general fund because of the influx of the Google money.  He asked the Director how much sooner it could have been funded.

Director Moore stated about 10 years sooner if the City were not using the money for the synchronization of the budget year.

The City Manager stated the 30 year plan is a requirement if we adopt this budget plan.

Assistant Mayor Rose asked why there is interest for the TANs too.

Director Moore stated the City will need to borrow money before the legislature can approve.  They are not back in session until January so some TANs will be needed.

 

Councilman Cunha asked about a variable or fixed rate.

Director Moore stated it is fixed.

The City Manager added this is very short term borrowing.

Assistant Mayor Rose if this is what we decide to do, do we have to go back out to the voters for approval?

The City Manager stated from the research so far the City Council does not but they may want to go out to the voters anyway. Bond Counsel has indicated they will have an answer before the next meeting but the initial opinion is that it does not need approval.

Mayor Briden stated the Council may want to.

Councilwoman Rossi stated the Budget Commission wanted to line up the fiscal year with the State. They did not tell us how to do it and did not explain this to the voters.

The City Manager stated there is a sequence of things that have to happen to change the Charter.  The first question to the voters was for permission to have the ability to change the Charter. Now would be the second step to figure out how to make the change. The Budget Commission did recommend this and did eliminate the early pay so inevitably Council will have to do it but there is not a provision in the 5 year plan that part is for us to figure out. The question is how soon and how much money does Council want to set aside for the transition.

Director Moore stated he will work with the Fiscal Advisor to get better numbers to narrow the estimate.

Mr. Luba stated there are a number of issues to decide.  The estimate is $4 million to set aside however that number could be whatever you want to put away, the more the better but $4 million is not the magic number. If at the end of the session your surplus is $4 million put it away if it is less put whatever that number is away.

Mayor Briden stated that he had a good meeting with Mr. Luba and Assistant Mayor Rose yesterday and expressed his more general view of the budget and the economy. The City has a high unemployment rate. He added that he receives many phone calls and when going to door to door hears from people who are struggling and having a difficult time paying the tax bills.  Mayor Briden stated he would like to delay synchronization to 2015 to get things in order. While he values and appreciates those who work for the City and this has no reflection on the good work that they do but he also recommends no pay increases this year. Adding we have just come out of a Budget Commission and I think that we need to take this opportunity to pass on to the tax payers by reducing the tax rate below 1%. He added that he would like to see a tax rate increase of only .5%, freeze the homestead, freeze the decrease for early tax payments and look to reduce the expenses in the budget by close to $600,000.  This is a great opportunity to allow the residents to be able to pay only a slightly higher amount than last year. Residents are hurting that is the underlying rational and not by any means to show a lack of appreciation for those that work in City Hall.

 

Discussion continued on freezing the homestead and early pay discount and how much this would cost in budget in cuts.

 

Mayor Briden stated he would like to see the surplus be held in a reserve for synchronization until 2015, and fully fund the pension and look at reducing the school allocation by $200,000 for legal expenses noting there is currently $900,000 in that line item.  

The City Manager stated this amount is held there for the possible settlement of existing legal cases.

Councilwoman Rossi stated the City Council has no authority to line item cut the School Budget all we can do is reduce appropriations and they would decide where the $200,000 comes from and there is no guarantee they will take it from legal.

 

Mayor Briden stated then they would need to reduce the City Budget by $550,000 which would include no pay increases but would have an adjustment for a position that was really combined with another position. They will have to look at reducing other things such as the controller position listed at $90,000. In every department, eliminating or drastically reducing dues and travel and training and only having these for professional reasons. This is all open for discussion.

 

The City Manager stated that to clarify the statement of no pay raises for city employee is not exactly accurate. All unionized employees on the City and School side have contractual raises in the 5 year plan and are budgeted this is mandated.  

Mayor Briden stated that what he was referring to are the not required increases but rather the 2% which is for non union employees and the additional amounts for specific departments.  

Councilman Cunha asked for an explanation on how the pay increases percentage wise came about.

The City Manager called the Human Resource Director to the podium to explain.

Director Waterbury explained the research had been provided to Council in a survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  There were two subsets provided, public and private and looking at the current salary of certain department heads they were in the 75th percentile which is normal. However, those which were below the 75^th percentile they made a recommendation for. There are also ordinances and reviews in the Affirmative Action parity and that analysis hadn’t been done in some time.

The City Manager further explained that on the non union side there was an association of department heads at one time.  At that time they had longevity on an escalating scale as well as deferred compensation.  The City is trying to get away from all of that and say based on the market study completed whet the base salary should be. What we are striving for is parity in pay between school and city and making sure people are paid comparative market rate so there is money in the budget to pay if you have to hire. The 2% request for department heads is identical to what the union employees are receiving in the budget. The DPW position request has been vacant for 3 years in the water division, the position of superintendent. We have been unable to fill this position due to the low salary. These raises are a minor expense when you look at them in the whole budget.

Councilman Cunha stated we are below par and yet in some cases jumping to 14% in one year.

The City Manager stated that whatever the Council decides is what they decide that all they are pointing out is what information they have to provide by law.

Mayor Briden states that he recommends adding no new employees. The trend is to have a hybrid and privatize wherever possible and reduce the number of employees over time.

Councilwoman Rossi stated that as an analogy she went on the state website for salaries for cities and towns and our employees are only looking to get dead in the center.  Cranston, Johnston, Pawtucket just getting to their level.  Currently East Providence has a principal of an elementary school just hired at $119,000 and our City Manager who manages the entire City earns $125,000. The Superintendent started considerably higher. If we don't want a revolving door what is important is to have staff who know things about the City, that have been here and can do the job. We don't have to go with all the suggested numbers but if we want to recruit and retain highly qualified employees, because in the first year there is a huge learning curve which then this is lost. Look at what happened just in the finance department. We are just starting to figure our stuff out. I would rather part with an extra $10,000 then see the parade going through as it has been over the last 5 years.

Councilwoman Capobianco asked about the synchronization bond and the suggestion of waiting until 2015.  Discussion took place on this issue.  

Mr. Luba stated the City runs a risk that when the time comes for the TANs they won't be able to get them however this risk is considerably lower now.

 

Discussion ensued again regarding whether or not to cut the $200,000 from the school budget and the possible ramifications. 

Councilwoman Rossi stated she is not in any way in favor of cutting the School Budget.

Mayor Briden said they could have the discussion with the Superintendent and see what the response is it might be worth examining if we were to define our objectives and then ask that the administration to make cuts for what we are describing. Our role is to cut the budget to accomplish these goals.

Councilwoman Rossi asked the Mayor if he had gone line by line through the budget yet.  She is halfway through it working with Mr. Luba, Director Moore and the City Manager. There is still more to go but to date they have found in excess of $400,000. It takes hours and hours of going through every item and is a grueling process but they are finding the money. She added that we need staff to maintain properties.  We have kicked the can down the road far enough. She wants to see the City retain quality employees. She is looking for a way to be equitable. Next week we sit down again and overturn every stone. It doesn't just fall out of the sky, you have to look for it, see what you want to cut, throw it out there and then vote on it.

Mayor Briden stated it is important but at the same time it’s necessary to make decisions on whether or not we want to delay the synchronization until 2015. We have a great opportunity to really have all of this good work result in a real benefit to tax payers and he received a lot of feedback after the last revaluation.

Assistant Mayor Rose stated he believes all temporary employees can be cut in the budget as a savings.

Discussion ensued regarding various temporary salaries in various departments.

 

Councilwoman Rossi stated she would be happy to keep a running tab on all the possible cuts and for the next meeting the City Manager could have those department heads present to explain. 

There was discussion on freezing the homestead and if this would increase or decrease the overall budget.

 

Assistant Mayor Rose asked a question regarding refuse disposal and the service and repair line item as this is basically an outside service.  

 

Mayor Briden states he would like the Council to make a decision not to have any pay raises other than those which are contractual except the senior center director which is a consolidation of two positions.

Councilwoman Rossi asked that they table this discussion until they know where they are in the budget and whether or not they can afford some sort of increase for department heads and until they’ve had an opportunity to go through the budget maybe a nominal increase could be given and she doesn’t want to take it off the table at this time.

Mr. Luba states he would be in favor of what Councilwoman Rossi is proposing and added they are halfway through the review and will have a better picture as to where the City stands regarding cuts from the budget.

Assistant Mayor Rose asked Mr. Luba if he feels that Council should hold off at this time and Mr. Luba stated he did.  

 

There is an additional discussion regarding whether or not to cut the school budget by $200,000 and in addition to Councilwoman Rossi, Councilwoman Capobianco stated this is not something she would even consider.  No motion is heard on this item.  

 

A motion is made to freeze the Homestead discount decline by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

A motion to set aside surplus money for synchronization is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilwoman Rossi and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

 

A motion to reject any raises that are not contractual is made by Councilman Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote the motion passes 3-2 with Assistant Mayor Rose and Councilwoman Rossi voting Nay. 

 

A motion is made to extend the meeting an additional 15 minutes past curfew by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded Councilman Cunha and it is unanimous. 

 

A motion to establish a goal of a tax rate of .5% is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote the motion passes 4-1 with Councilwoman Rossi voting Nay.

 

A motion for a $5.3 million payment and request for State Approval is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

 

Discussion takes place on whether or not a request should be made to the Superintendent to cut $200,000 from the Law Department expenditures in the School Budget.  There is no motion heard on this item.   

 

A motion to extend the meeting an additional 15 minutes is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

 

A workshop to discuss the budget is scheduled for Wednesday October 9, 2013 at 7:00PM. 

 

X.                NEW BUSINESS

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

            1.  Department Activity Report

Chief Elmasian was called to the podium to explain the situation regarding the extension of the Fire Grant from FEMA. FEMA was going to take the funds away and then late Friday night the City received word from Senator Reed’s Office that the funds were restored.  If not for Senator Reed this would have been a $1.9 million cost to the City.  They now have a 6 month extension.

 

            2.  Deduct Meter Information

This information was provided as a follow up from the previous Council meeting.

 

                        C.   Council Members

1.  RIGL 45-9 Explanation (by Mayor Briden)

2.  Community Event Announcements (by Councilwoman Rossi)

Councilwoman Rossi gave an event’s reminder that Watchetmoket Square Days was taking place on October 19^th.  The Pumpkin Contest is taking place on October 20th at the Carousel.  Anyone interested in purchasing a tree for Winterfest should go to the Winterfest webpage.

 

4.  Forbes Street (by Councilwoman Capobianco)

Councilwoman Capobianco asked Director Coutu when Forbes Street might get repaved.

Director Coutu stated it is a matter of funding. There is some money in the capital budget but not enough. They can make an application to the State.  Forbes Street is at the top of the DPW list.

 

                        D.  Report of School Committee Liaison

                       

                        F. Introduction of Ordinances

1.ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE ORDERING THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF PROPERTY TAX ON THE RATABLE REAL ESTATE, TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND AN EXCISE TAX ON REGISTERED MOTER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS.

 

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

 

SECTION I. That the Council of the City of the City of East Providence hereby orders the assessment and collection of a tax on ratable real estate, tangible personal property and an excise tax on registered motor vehicles and trailers in a sum not more than One Hundred Five Million Eight Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy One ($105,807,971) dollars nor less than One Hundred One Million Seven Hundred Thirty Eight Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Four ($101,738,434) dollars. Said tax is for ordinary expenses, for the payment of interest and indebtedness, in whole or in part, of said city, and for other purposes authorized by law.

 

The Tax Assessor shall assess and apportion said tax on the inhabitants and ratable property of said city as of the 31st day of December, 2013 at twelve o'clock Eastern Standard Time, according to law, and shall on completion of said assessment, date and sign same and shall make out and certify to the City Treasurer of the City of East Providence, who is charged with the duties for the collection of taxes, on or before the 15th day of June, 2014 a complete list of the names of the persons taxed and of the total value of all the real estate and personal property assessed against each person, and also the amount of registered motor vehicles and trailers assessed against each person, and also the total amount assessed against each person on said real estate, personal estate and registered motor vehicles and trailers, opposite the name of the person or persons assessed. Upon receipt of the certified tax list by the City Treasurer, he shall proceed and collect said tax on the persons and estates liable thereof; said tax shall be due and payable on and between the 1st day of June 2014 and the 1st day of July, 2014 and provided further that if said tangible personal property, motor vehicle, and real estate taxes are paid in full on or before the 1st day of July, 2014, a discount of one per centum (1.0%) of the total taxes on said tangible personal property, motor vehicles, and real estate shall be granted, and all taxes remaining unpaid on the 1st day of July, 2014 shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve per centum (12%) per annum from the 1st day of June, 2014 upon said unpaid tax, however, said taxes may be paid in four installments; the first installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1^st day of July, 2014, the second installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1st day of September, 2014, the third installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1st day of December, 2014 and the fourth installment of twenty-five per centum (25%) on or before the 1st day of March, 2015. 

 

Each installment of taxes if paid on or before the last day of each installment period successively in order shall be free from any charge of interest.

 

If the first installment or any succeeding installment of taxes is not paid by the last date of the respective unpaid balance period or periods as they occur, then the whole tax or remaining unpaid balance of the taxes as the case may be shall immediately become due and payable and carry until collected a penalty at the rate of twelve per centum, (12%) per annum.

 

The City Treasurer shall, by advertisement in the public newspaper having circulation in the City of East Providence, notify all persons assessed to pay their respective taxes at his office on and between the said 1st day of June, and the 1st day of July, 2014 both days inclusive; said City Treasurer setting forth the hours during which his office shall remain open to receive said taxes.

 

SECTION ll. That any of said taxes not paid on or before the 1st day of March, 2015 shall forthwith be collected by levy upon the sale of real estate upon which it is assessed and by that or other due process of law in case of assessment upon personal property.

 

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

 

Requested By:  Finance Director

 

A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

 

A motion to amend the ordinance to a 1.5% discount for early payments is made by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

A motion to approve the ordinance as amended is made by Councilman Cunha, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

2. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO BORROW FUNDS IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES.

 

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

 

SECTION I. The Director of Finance is authorized to borrow during the fiscal year ending October 31, 2014 such sums of money in anticipation of the property taxes of the year as may be permitted by law for the purpose of meeting the current liabilities and expenses of the City and that the Director of Finance is authorized to issue the note or notes of the City therefore and to refund such note or notes and any tax anticipation notes of a prior year to the extent permitted by law.

 

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

 

Requested by:  Director of Finance

 

A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

 

A motion to approve the Ordinance is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

 

 

3. AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO BORROW FUNDS IN ANTICIPATION OF REVENUE.

 

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE HEREBY ORDAINS:

 

SECTION I. The Director of Finance is authorized to borrow during the fiscal year ending October 31, 2014 such sums of money in anticipation of the sewer use fee revenue of the year as may be permitted by law for the purpose of meeting the current liabilities and expenses of the City and that the Director of Finance is authorized to issue the note or notes of the City therefore and to refund such note or notes and any revenue anticipation notes of a prior year to the extent permitted by law.

 

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

Requested by Director of Finance

 

 

A motion to dispense with the reading of the ordinance is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

A motion to approve the ordinance for first passage is made by Councilwoman Rossi, seconded by Assistant Mayor Rose and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.

 

Councilman Cunha requested unanimous consent and spoke regarding the recent violence at Onna Moniz John/Central Park.

He thanked law enforcement officials for their prompt and professional actions. He added that he sent a letter addressing this issue.  Noting this violence is not a representation of the City we live in and is an isolated situation.  This incident took place two houses down from where he lives and he witnessed everything.  Adding it was impressive how the police department handled everything.  They apprehended the suspects and moved out.  The City has the issue of how to address things going forward.  Chief Tavares was called to the podium.

 

Chief Tavares stated they are taking the threat off the street and the accused are in custody.  They are addressing the concerns residents have and are reaching out to the neighborhood. Past Police reports don't show a lot of activity but people in the neighborhood might have a story to tell.  At that point we'll strategize perhaps increasing lighting and increased patrols. We will listen and do what needs to be done.

Councilman Cunha stated they can hear people in the park at night but can't see them.

Chief Tavares stated maybe a neighborhood watch program, police in plain clothes or cameras.  He is planning a neighborhood meeting to discuss with the residents of the area.  

 

Director Coutu came to the podium to discuss lighting in the park. It is very dark. There is no lighting in the park itself. They can discuss the options at the neighborhood meeting, perhaps lighting just on the courts or the poles in the middle of the parks such as flood lights.

Councilman Cunha stated the park has great potential.  He lived in New York for a while and they have lighting with trails and walkways.

Director Coutu said yes period lighting is beautiful and the old oaks provide a great canopy but also good cover at night so lights might help out the situation. Councilman Cunha added that the house where the incident took place was boarded up from the bust.  There is plywood on the windows.  How will this be addressed? Chief Tavares stated that it would sound like a minimum housing issue. Several windows were broken and there is a possibility of putting into effect an ordinance to restrict people from hanging out all night in the parks.

The City Manager stated he will find out about the boarded up property which is a minimum housing issue. 

Councilman Cunha also a brought up the boarded up red house on Taunton Avenue which has been there for years and years. 

The City Manager stated the law department was in the process of handling this case.

 

Councilwoman Rossi requested unanimous consent.

She made an announcement reminding everyone that it is breast cancer awareness this month.

 

XI.             ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn is made at 10:41PM by Assistant Mayor Rose, seconded by Councilman Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

Approved By Council:  October 15, 2013

 

Attest:  __________________

                      City Clerk