I.                   EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

A.    New Claims:

1.      Almerinda Andrade

2.      Donald Bush

B.     Litigation:

1.      DL Enterprises Inc. DBA East Bay Tavern vs City of East Providence

II.                CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Rose calls the meeting to order at 7:33PM.

III.             SALUTE TO THE FLAG

IV.             TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR

A.    Letters

V.                PUBLIC COMMENT

There are no Public Comments. 

VI.             APPOINTMENTS

A.    City Council Designee to the Design Committee for the Riverside Square Bus Shelter (by Mayor Rose)

Councilwoman Tracy Capobianco

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

B.     Appointment of 2 City Council Members to serve on the Joint City and School Sub Committee for Capital Improvements to School Facilities (by Mayor Rose)

The City Manager stated this suggestion goes back to the Joint Meeting two weeks ago and was an item for which he had made a recommendation to create a joint sub-committee with two members from each body to tackle one project. Also, the discussion that evening was to get back together as a full group in 7-8 weeks, after the first of year, with a summary report of the condition of the High School and to utilize the reports from years ago and decide if an expert consultant needs to be hired.

Councilman Conley stated the building is 60 years old and it would be brought up as to what the return investment would be and to look at the status and come back with a recommendation.  

A motion to appoint Assistant Mayor Cunha and Councilman Conley to the Joint City and School Sub Committee for Capital Improvements to School Facilities is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

VII.          PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE FINAL PASSAGE

A.    An ordinance regarding an amendment to the Carousel Commission.

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

AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION”

SECTION I.  Sec. 2-52 entitled “Membership; appointment of members” of Division 2 entitled “Carousel Park Commission” of Article III entitled “Boards, Committees, Commissions” of Chapter 2 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Administration” is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2-52. Membership; appointment of members.

The carousel park commission shall consist of 18 20 residents of the city, to include a member of the city council selected by the council; two members from each of the four wards of the city, nominated by the council person from each ward; two members nominated by the council person at-large; one member at-large nominated by the mayor; the city manager or his representative; a member of the historic properties designation and study commission appointed by majority vote of the council and the superintendent of schools or his representative; and three five alternate members appointed by majority vote of the council to be designated as the first, second, and third, fourth, and fifth alternate members. These alternate members may actively participate in meetings. The first alternate shall vote if one member of the commission is absent, the second alternate shall vote if two members of the commission are absent, and the third alternate shall vote if three members are absent, the fourth alternate shall vote if four members are absent, and the fifth alternate shall vote if five members are absent. In the absence of the first alternate member, the second alternate member shall serve in the position of the first, and in the absence of the second alternate member, the third alternate member shall serve in the position of the second, in the absence of the third alternate member, the fourth alternate member shall serve in the position of the third, and in the absence of the fourth alternate member, the fifth alternate member shall serve in the position of the fourth. The selection of public members shall be from residents demonstrating an avid interest in the welfare of the carousel park properties and particular abilities to contribute to the commission, including but not limited to historic preservation, architecture, community heritage, public relations, environmental appreciation, fundraising, and community involvement. Each nominee for membership in the commission shall be elected by the entire city council.

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

City Clerk of East Providence, Rhode Island

Requested by:  Mayor Rose and Assistant Mayor Cunha

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

VIII.       NEW BUSINESS

A.    City Manager’s Report (by City Manager, Richard Kirby)

2.      Report for Recommendation on the Purchase of Fire Apparatus

The City Manager stated at the previous meeting he had not known the item would be voted on as it was listed as a presentation. Since that time, he has had a number of meetings with the Chief.  He called Fire Chief Elmasian to the podium.

Chief Elmasian provided a status of vehicles and stated the Fire Department needed a minimum of two vehicles.  To highlight the degree of need, the Chief noted that even in trying to cut a deal with the State Academy to utilize one of the reserve trucks, they didn’t want it.  If all three vehicles are not purchased now there will be a slight increase in pricing.  However, the vendor has noted they will keep the pricing index down and the cost will be $551,678 with the second truck $532,698 for a savings of $18,938 if they purchase a third truck it will be $515,621 with a total savings of $55,037. 

Councilman Britto stated the initial discussion was for three trucks.

Chief Elmasian stated yes otherwise the City is using the reserve truck which can cost for maintenance.  In addition, it is too large for the streets it serves in Riverside.  The City would sell it if the third purchase was made. 

Councilwoman Capobianco stated previously it had sounded like the Fire Department needed two but wanted three tonight it sounds like the Fire Department needs three.  

Chief Elmasian stated they have a 5 year plan now.  They were in a bad place several years ago when they were buying used rescues.  A rescue vehicle should be replaced every 4 years.  If they were to put the3rd engine off the repair costs would be high.  Rescue and ladder trucks will need to be replaced after this. 

Councilwoman Capobianco asked what the value to sell the older truck would be. 

Chief Elmasian stated he was not sure.

The City Manager stated this is the Spartan Gladiator fire pumper hose and water truck and it’s a duplicate.  If the Council took the Chief’s reference to desiring a 3rd truck and the cost is out in 2017, fiscally and contractually with negotiations on the major unions at the same time, to make this type of commitment today could be problematic.  What he suggested to the Chief was to go back to keep the pricing.  If he is going to endorse a 3rd truck then he would like to see at least a 10% discount. Adding there should be more savings on the 3rd truck.

Chief Elmasian stated the company called the manufacturer but it could not be done.  He noted he needs to emphasize, as the Fire Chief, the longer the City puts this off the more apparatus they will need in the future.

Steven Billido, for the vendor, came to the podium noting they did not have an interest in the old truck as it had no resale value due to it’s a poor design for areas it would service.

Assistant Mayor Cunha asked why if there is a 911 medical call are fire trucks going out as well as rescues. 

Chief Elmasian stated it is because the engines and ladder trucks are certified as Class D for medications and drugs. They never know who is going to get there first. RI protocols etc… require additional manpower and adding an engine decreases the time on the scene and to the hospital.  The faster it goes reduces injuries. The EPPD has been recognized nationally as a STEMI lab in order to have the greatest chance of survival in a cardiac situation. 

Councilman Conley asked how much the City could get for scrapping the old truck.

The Chief said he doesn’t know as the price steel is way down. He invited all the Council members to an engine company to see how the process operates and to view the delivery system.

Mayor Rose stated he is prepared to vote for two trucks tonight as he is concerned about finances in 2017. 

Councilman Britto stated he feels differently the Council agreed at the previous meeting and it’s something that the City needs.

Mayor Rose stated one of the other issues the City has to take into consideration is 2017 involves the union contract negotiations for police, fire and teachers and the City hasn't begun to look at the budget yet for 2017. 

Assistant Mayor Cunha stated at the last meeting it seemed a little impulsive due to the time crunch and his decision is based on research and it’s not a really big savings for purchasing three trucks at once.  He asked the Chief if he would be able to operate fully with two new trucks.   

Chief Elmasian stated they will operate with two the best they can with repair costs and other circumstances.  Other apparatus will need to be purchased and the longer the City kicks the can down the road the worse it will be.

Councilman Conley stated he appreciates everyone’s concerns regarding the collective bargaining agreements but the 3rd truck is not about the discount it’s about whether or not it is needed and at some point the City has to invest in education and certain standards of public safety.

A motion to approve the purchase of 3 fire trucks is made by Councilman Britto seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote the motion passes 4-1 with Mayor Rose voting Nay and providing the statement that he feels it should be 2 fire trucks at this time. 

B.     Council Members

1.      Holiday Fest - Freedom Green (by Councilman Britto)

Councilman Britto announced the Holiday Fest to be held at Freedom Green.  He stated that Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck and that there will be live entertainment.  He is hoping to get the school band involved and there will be Christmas Caroling to kick off the Holidays.  They are also hiring a horse and buggy or a horse and carriage and it will take place the second week in December on a Saturday or Sunday.

C.     Reports of Other City Officials

1.      Claims Committee Report (by City Solicitor Timothy Chapman)

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

                                    EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE

                                              CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT

                            TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101

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                                                                 NEW CLAIMS

ALMERINDA ANDRADE                                                                                              $1,460.11

RM No. 15-067, Claim No. 15-072

Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of an accident with a police vehicle.

Motion by:  Councilman Britto                                   Seconded by:  Councilwoman Capobianco

Motion:  Approve the claim in the amount of $1,460.11.

DONALD BUSH                                                                                                           Unspecified

RM No. 15-090, Claim No. 15-071

Claim for personal injuries sustained when a piece of gym equipment at the Recreation Center broke while the claimant was using the equipment.  Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.

Motion by:  Councilman Cunha                                  Seconded by:  Councilman Britto

Motion:  Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.

A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

D.    Report of School Committee Liaison

There is no report.

E.     Introduction of Ordinances

2.      An ordinance regarding no parking on Callender Avenue (south side) from a point 100 feet east of Pawtucket Avenue easterly for a distance of 200 feet.

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

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:

Callender Avenue (south side) from a point 100 feet east of Pawtucket Avenue easterly for a distance of 200 feet

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

Requested by:  Mayor Rose

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

IX.             ADJOURNMENT

A motion to Adjourn at 8:35PM is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous. 

Approved By Council:  November 17, 2015

Attest:  _______________

               City Clerk