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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 19, 2016
Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
7:15 P.M. Executive Session, Room 101
7:30 P.M. Open 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. Elizabeth Gomes
B. Sewer Charge Abatements
1. Steven Cortinheiro
At 7:35PM, just prior to the start of the meeting, the Boys and Girls Club Chorus and Band perform several songs. Coordinators and children also come to podium to discuss the programs offered at the Boys and Girls Club of East Providence.
Mayor Rose calls the meeting to order at 7:52PM.
The First item listed under: PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS is moved to this location by unanimous consent as requested by Councilwoman Capobianco.
A. East Providence Mohawks Metro West Division Champions (by Councilwoman Capobianco)
Damien Ramos, the coach, comes to the podium and provides background on the Mohawks. Councilwoman Capobianco and Mayor Rose come to the podium to hand out the citations.
A. Letters
1. CRMC Monthly Calendar, April 2016.
2. Notice of New Property Number, 251 Central Avenue, Map 205, Block 18, Parcel 029.00, Zoning 01, Central Avenue Park, City of East Providence
3. Notice of New Property Number, 185-187 Willett Avenue Map 411, Block 15, Parcel 038.00, Zoning C2, EMCD Realty, LLC 187 Willett Avenue.
4. Notice of New Property Number, 181 Willett Avenue, Map 411, Block 15, Parcel 039.00, Zoning C2, 181 Willett Avenue, LLC 181-189 Willett Avenue.
B. Cancellation/Abatements
| Year | Amount |
| 2015 | $4,410.77 |
| 2014 | $1,115.70 |
| 2013 | $265.76 |
| 2013 Homestead | $358.24 |
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| Total | $6,150.47 |
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C. Tax Board of Review
Cancellation/Abatements
| Year | Amount |
| 2015 | $4,210.05 |
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| Total | $4,210.05 |
D. Alcoholic Beverage – Class F
Rev. David E. Green, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue (02914) for St. Martha’s Church, Portuguese Night Dinner, May 14, 2016.
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. Tom Riley - Canvassing Appointment – re: his reappointment to the board.
B. East Providence Mohawks Metro West Division Champions (by Councilwoman Capobianco)
Damien Ramos, the coach, comes to the podium and provides background on the Mohawks. Councilwoman Capobianco and Mayor Rose come to the podium to hand out the citations.
C. Lean Program Presentation by Nasser Hajo of View Point
The City Manager reports to the Council regarding the City being afforded the opportunity to participate in the lean processing system via the Inter-Local Trust. A consultant worked with all the departments involved in permits and licensing to reduce the amount of paperwork down to one form with various sections from the dozens of forms that currently exist. This action will reduce turn-around time. Other communities are working with this program and the software. The reaction was very positive from the various departments.
Mr. Hajo provides a power point presentation and answers questions.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated she had the opportunity to attend the last meeting and that she learned there is no additional cost as this is an upgrade. Mr. Hajo confirmed this adding the only cost might be the additional training on the new system. The State of RI has already invested in the software.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated it will be a benefit all around, to the applicant and staff.
Assistant Mayor Cunha asked when this new upgrade would begin.
Mr. Hajo replied it would be fast as there is a lot of interest. He will schedule a meeting soon which will reflect the consultant’s comments and will critique and refine the process. There will be a time frame to train the City on how to operate the software and this will be made East Providence specific. At that time, the timeline will be shared with the Council.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked if the audience could ask questions.
Mayor Rose stated they could.
From audience: Lynn Miller asked if it was an upgrade to an existing system.
Mr. Hajo stated it was.
Assistant Mayor Cunha stated they were happy to have it and to have been given the presentation.
Councilwoman Capobianco requests a 5 minute recess.
A. Susan Freda, 90 Worcester Avenue (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding the 2016 Annual Brown Play School “Run To Mama Road Race being held Sunday May 22nd.
Ms. Freda states that this is a fundraiser for the school but it is open to the public, there will be events for kids and people can either choose to run or walk. Registration begins at 9:00AM and they are seeking a temporary road closure at the crossroads. They have already spoken with Sgt Andrews and received approval.
A motion to approve is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
B. Dan Gordon, 206 Fort Street, Apartment 2 (02914) requesting to address the Council regarding the Hennessey Playground Project Pasta Dinner being held May 12th.
Mr. Gordon provided a rendition of the playground in large format on the wall. This would transform the asphalt currently serving as a recess yard into a playground. It is a community collaborative event. Students drew pictures and met with playground representatives and the design on the wall is the final design. Students, teachers and faculty have raised $27,000 so far. The upcoming event will be the largest community fundraiser yet. It runs from 5pm-8pm and will take place in the East Providence High School cafeteria. There will be entertainment, bingo bongo, poetry, arts, raffles, auctions with great prizes such as a stay at a Bed and Breakfast, a stay at Great Wolf, Red Sox tickets at the 1st base line, autographed memorabilia, a personal chef for a day, Mohegan Sun Seasons Buffet, Pawsox and Bruins tickets and restaurant certificates. They are asking for City Council support to help support and spread the word. They are selling tickets and those interested can contact him or school main office. Tickets are $10 each May 12th is a Thursday night.
C. Scott Scienzo, 58 Woodbine Street (02915) requesting to address the Council regarding City issues, status of alleged misdemeanor of Council President.
Mr. Scienzo stated he was present to inquire on the status of the alleged misdemeanor as listed in the Charter. He asked if there was an investigation and where is it going. It's clearly been violated and he hasn’t seen anything addressing the matter.
Solicitor Chapman swears in Mr. Scienzo.
Councilman Conley states he is troubled by the words. Allegations are not “clearly violations”. He adds he would defer to the City Manager if he would like to pursue the allegations.
City Manager Kirby stated he had the issue which he previously addressed with Mayor Rose weeks ago. That these items were put on the table and he believes they have moved forward in a positive way. He noted he had a discussion with Mr. Scienzo earlier today and doesn’t feel it would be productive to pursue this and it is in the best interest of City to move forward and to not look into the past. In closing he stated that it is not necessary to pursue this any further.
Mr. Scienzo stated it was a violation of the Charter and it is worth it to pursue it.
Mayor Rose asked what violation he was referring to.
Mr. Scienzo stated interference with City business.
Mayor Rose asked where this happened.
Mr. Scienzo stated meddling in the Human Resource Department regarding jobs as he understands it Mayor Rose calls to move crews around.
Mayor Rose stated there is a proper place to file charges and calls the Police Chief to the podium. Mayor Rose asks Chief Parella if any charges have been filed.
Chief Parella replies no charges have been filed by the City Manager or constituents. He added it is not the policy of this Chief or the East Providence Police Department to stand and comment even if they had an investigation ongoing unless it is in the best interest of the City. However, due to politics and the current fervor he will say this, he cautions discussion on criminal charges and misdemeanors, and understands how intense it all gets. If anything is brought to his attention there is a process. Typically they would involve the Attorney General’s Office. For the record, this is the last time he will address this item, what they investigate and do is to act in the best interest of the law irrespective of politics, it’s criminal vs non criminal and there is no grey area. Right now he has absolute nothing.
Mr. Scienzo stated nothing was done when he spoke to the Ethics Commission and the State Police as they wanted to wait until they saw the position the City would take on this matter. He added this can easily be rectified. He asked the Solicitor where does he need to go at this point.
Solicitor Chapman stated he could not provide legal advice.
Mr. Scienzo stated the residents will have to take this into their own hands and speak with the police department.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked if what he was saying was that he wants the Council to do something about what the City Manager stated that the City Manager does not want to do anything about but you do and that you want an investigation of the alleged violations.
Mr. Scienzo stated the Council was sweeping it under the rug.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated the Council did not make any allegations.
Councilman Conley stated they are not doing that. He reminded Mr. Scienzo during the last Council’s administration there was an alleged violation filed via a formal complaint and that is the proper process. The City Manager declines to do that so he added he is not sure what Mr. Scienzo expects the Council to do as that is the process. No one on this Council made these allegations. The City Manager did and if does not want to pursue the allegations then he is not sure what the Council’s next recourse is as he has no personal knowledge of the alleged allegations and no investigative authority. If he had made these allegations he would have brought them to the proper authorities. Adding it is very inappropriate when he has no factual information that they exist.
Councilman Britto stated what strikes him most is the status of the alleged misdemeanor.
Chief Parella stated that no one has pursued the allegations. He added who said this was a misdemeanor?
Mr. Scienzo stated the Charter does as did Mr. Kirby.
Councilman Britto asked has there been any claim filed since then.
Mr. Scienzo stated he was told to wait to see what becomes of it. He found out the City Manager doesn't want to pursue it and that is his prerogative however the Charter does dictate, based on interference, and it was stated on record that he was doing such and had to be told to get out. I waited to see the status before the meeting and he and the coalition feel the Charter is there for a reason, interfering on a daily basis is a misdemeanor and they will pursue this as residents.
Chief Parella stated if he, as Chief, for any reason, or anyone in this police department perceived misconduct that rises to a criminal level he does not need the City Manager to come to him. He will investigate as soon as he sees fit. If he wants to turn this over to the State or the Attorney General’s Office so there is no misconception of conflict of interest so be it. He is not looking the other way. Any Chief who has sat here has seen politics at every single meeting and we sit through it. It is very difficult. He is not holding off just because he has not heard from the City Manager he would move forward anyway. What you are stating is just not how it works. If we thought anything existed we would move at record speed. For complaints there is a process.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated her stance is if she alleged then she would pursue. If not and if she had no knowledge then she would not.
Councilman Britto stated as the Chief has said this is not the Council but what the Attorney General’s Office would investigate and if it was a worst case scenario we wouldn't be displaying where we were.
D. Gary Menissian, 98 James Street (02914) requesting to address the Council regarding the Annual East Bay Half Marathon taking place on August 14, 2016.
Mr. Menissian notes this is the 3rd year they are running this event. They have RI DOT approval and have spoken with Sgt Andrews and have received approval. There were no issue with payment for details last year.
A motion to approve subject to the approval of a payment plan for police details if recommended by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. Traffic Control (by Councilman Conley)
Kristina Salgueiro, 52 Smith Street (02915)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 16 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “TAXATION”
A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Section 16-50 entitled “Assessment” of Article IV entitled “Property Tax on Ratable Real Estate and Tangible Personal Property and Excise Tax on Registered Motor Vehicles and Trailers” of Chapter 16 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Taxation.” is amended to read as follows:
The city council 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 $107,193,656.00 nor less than $103,070,823.00. 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 December 31, 2014 at 12 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 June 15, 2015 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 June 1, 2015, and July 1, 2015, and provided further that if said tangible personal property, motor vehicle, and real estate taxes are paid in full on or before July 1, 2015, a discount of one and one-half per centum of the total taxes on said tangible personal property, motor vehicles, and real estate shall be granted, and all taxes remaining unpaid on July 1, 2015, shall carry until collected a penalty at the rate of 12 per centum per annum from June 1, 2015, upon said unpaid tax, however, said taxes may be paid in four installments; the first installment of 25 per centum on or before July 1, 2015, the second installment of 25 per centum on or before the September 1, 2015, the third installment of 25 per centum on or before December 1, 2015, and the fourth installment of 25 per centum on or before March 1, 2016.
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 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 12 per centum, per annum.
If any payment of taxes is made by check or Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and said check is returned unpaid or said EFT is rejected and the City is assessed a fee from its bank for said bounced check/rejected EFT, a fee in the amount of $25.00 for a bounced check and a fee in the amount of $15.00 for a rejected EFT shall be due and owing by said taxpayer and said payment amount shall be added to the bill due and owing by the taxpayer.
SECTION II. This ordinance shall take effect upon second passage and all ordinances and parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Councilman Britto
Under public comment:
1.Joseph Botelho, 82 Plymouth Road (02914)
Mr. Joe Botelho asks what determines what part of the range the tax dollars fall into.
Solicitor Chapman states they are only changing the addition of the payment fee, nothing else is changing.
Mr. Botelho asks where the numbers come from.
The City Manager states those are last year’s numbers.
Mr. Botelho asks how they come up with a tax rate.
Solicitor Chapman states nothing else has changed but adding the tax fee.
The City Manager states the new numbers don’t come out until after the assessments and appeals process and then the Assessor comes up with that rate. If he reads the dates, the assessment is December 31, 2014 as it is the last ordinance in effect. The numbers will not be available until maybe the next Council meeting as they are going through the appeals process right now.
Councilman Conley asked if they anticipate these in mid May.
The City Manager stated yes prior to the bills going out.
Mr. Botelho stated it is hard to appeal when they don't know what the tax rate is going to be.
The City Manager stated the assessed value is assessed value.
A motion to approve the Ordinance for Final Passage is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
B. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “UTILITIES.”
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.
SECTION I. Sec. 17-189 entitled “Time and basis of payment” of Article III entitled “Sanitary Sewer System” of Chapter 17 of the ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Utilities” is amended to read as follows:
Sewer charges for property using city water shall be billed and shall become due and payable at the same time as city water bills are due and payable, and nonpayment by such date shall be deemed to be overdue and delinquent at the same time as city water bills are deemed to be overdue and delinquent. Such sewer charges for property using city water shall be based on water consumption during the same billing period as city water bills are based. Sewer charges for property using other than city water shall be due and payable annually in the month of February.
If any payment of water/sewer charges is made by check or Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) and said check is returned unpaid or said EFT is rejected and the City is assessed a fee from its bank for said bounced check/rejected EFT, a fee in the amount of $25.00 for a bounced check and a fee in the amount of $15.00 for a rejected EFT shall be due and owing by said taxpayer and said payment amount shall be added to the bill due and owing by the taxpayer.
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: Councilman Britto
Councilwoman Capobianco stated to be this change is just regarding the charge.
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.
A motion to extend the meeting by 15 minutes is made by Councilman Conley, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. CDBG Funding July 1,2016 – June 30, 2017
David Bachrach Director of Community Development came to the podium. He explained the Community Development Division’s responsibility is to disperse CDBG funds and to let the public know what they are recommending for funding for the funds via an extensive outreach process. This outreach includes email and advertisements following this public hearing the purpose of which is to generate comments on what they are recommending. This portion will end May 23rd. The City Council and public can reach out to him directly via email, website or phone. He is recommending all but three organizations be funded at various level. Those wishing to speak should form a line near the podium.
Public Testimony:
Wendy Davis from Good Neighbors, Inc., 55 Turner Avenue (02915): She explains their program and notes they have applied for $20,000. This is for the soup kitchen homeless food pantry, groceries for to low income residents, holiday gift baskets, Christmas Holiday Toy Program, and healthy snack program for children in the summer. They have been operating for over 20 years in Bristol and moved to Riverside where they are finding a greater need though this move was not their choice their rent in Bristol had tripled. The result of the move was that two of their biggest grant funders would no longer support them outside of Bristol. They also lost four food drives per year by the Boy Scouts and Rotary Club which supplied them with over 12,000 pounds of food. So far no one in Riverside has picked this up for them. While they had some funds in their savings this is quickly running out. They are grateful for the $5,000 listed as being granted but could really use the $20,000.
Sarah Fessler, 44 Riverside Drive, for East Bay Community Action on Bullocks Point Avenue: She is a family doctor, primary care and offers a full range of services from pregnancy to elderly for an underserved population. Ten percent of those using the service do not have health insurance or have Medicaid and limited health care. They applied for $30,000 and would like to thank everyone for all the years of assistance. They have been here 22 years with a value of over $1 million dollars offered in services. They also have a dental program for East Providence children.
Susan Damasi, Director of Community Services at East Bay Community Action and Kim Wetherall from the Foster Grandparents Program: This program services low income seniors and children in need. They serve as role models and mentors; they provide one on one tutoring by 31 low income foster grandparents to over 800 children at libraries and schools. Teacher surveys and evaluations show 100 percent of mentored youth are positively impacted with over 20 thousand hours of service. The seniors receive a small stipend.
Erin Gilliat, East Providence Boys and Girls Club thanked the Council for years of support noting that today they saw a small glimpse of what they do. She noted the kids can say it all a lot better. This year funds are being used toward their teen expansion and they have added more square feet to Williams Avenue especially for teens for after school dismissal time.
Linda Wisinger, 204 Broad Street, Pawtucket: She notes they are asking for support for their home ownership program. They have done this program in Pawtucket and Central Falls. They provide financial literacy and debt management to the home buyer. The management goal is to educate over 150 community residents English, Spanish and Portuguese to create strong homeowners and the buyer education course which they feel is really necessary.
Councilwoman Capobianco asks if classes are held locally. Ms. Wisinger replies they would locate a spot in East Providence.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked what the amount was they are requesting and what is it for.
Ms. Wisinger stated of the $25,000, $10,000 for staff time, the rest to market the classes, materials and classroom space if can't they find it for free.
Damien Ramos, EP Mohawks Youth Organization. He is requesting the funds in the amount listed to operate their program, registration fees etc… right now they are currently expanding beyond basketball to theater for grades 2-8. They completed their first dinner show fundraiser and a couple of commercials as well as Little Red Riding Hood and a musical short for Theater in the Park at Larisa Park. The kids will be outside and it will run concurrently with the basketball. Rehearsals are at Pierce Field. The funds will be a great help to support the production of scripts, hire an actor to teach the kids and costumes and all materials including the sound system.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked if the $45,000 is annual or will it be less next year.
Mr. Ramos explained it is the total cost for the whole organization. Five thousand dollars would help us to start the theater aspect of it. They started this winter with a sampler to gage the interest during the middle of the season when everyone else was already in the middle of their season doing things. They charged for enrollment $20. The theater would run approx $15,000.
Dan Gordon, 206 Fort Street, Hennessy School Playground Project. Mr. Gordon speaks regarding the need for a playground. There are 294 students and they currently have a drab asphalt recess yard. This is the lowest income area in the City and it is a Title 1 school. 71.9 percent of children are eligible for a free or reduced lunch. They are classified as a priority school by RIDE due to underperformance. They need a recess they can look forward to. From September 1st of last year to present they have had 197 injuries due to the asphalt. They have a disproportionate number of behavior issues of the 8 elementary schools in East Providence, Hennessy and Whitenect are the only ones without a playground. They put in $25,000 so far and this makes the pasta dinner fundraiser more important to us as they need $58,000 in total.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked if the School Department had applied for any grants or State money.
Mr. Gordon stated that at the last School Committee Meeting the Superintendent was requesting $25,000 to the board for their agenda in May.
Kate Notley, Tap-In. Ms. Notley stated they assist families in need in East Providence, Barrington, Bristol and Warren. They assist with baskets and a holiday program. They are located in Barrington but are tied to East Providence via members, clients and workers 70% of which come from East Providence. This program is very important as some clients have to choose between rent and food.
Tom Huntington, President of the Rumford Towers Resident Association testified they are low income apartments with over 96 elderly, 10 of which are not elderly but disabled. They are a non-profit all volunteer organization. They provide activities, events and services and have a 60 passenger bus which takes them to do shopping, banking and activities. They pay for insurance and repairs. Without the funds they cannot afford the repairs the vehicle needs. All of the drivers are volunteers as well as the coordinator. They are requesting $10,000 but are grateful for $5,000.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked if this was for a new van or to repair the existing one.
The speaker acknowledged the current vehicle needs repairs they bought it used from RIPTA.
David Bachrach states the process for the next 30 days or so is ending on May 23rd. If a comment comes in with a significant change to what is being recommended he will come back to the Council and then start a new 30 day comment period. Once the funding stays intact he will write up in a plan to HUD to submit for the funding. If the City does change it and loses a couple of weeks that goes into the non-profit program year and affects the start date.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked about the Housing program.
David responded this has to do with lead paint code violations, siding, windows etc… funds are used to get the houses into condition for the next 50 years. Funds are used to stabilize older, low income housing. There are 80 people on the waiting list and this would go to assist them. It costs roughly $35,000 per unit.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked about the Rental improvement program.
David replied this is for 1-4 unit landlords only to help them improve their units and bring them up to code by lending them the money to do it.
Councilman Conley states if the City has the grant money he feels there are more than worthy charities to give to the community and see where the Council can make a more tangible impact on who they serve. To give money just to give it for private funding doesn't do this. He added that he is troubled by a landlord not keeping their building up to code especially if they have financial assistance already available from RI Housing.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated that five landlords would cost $150,000 where theycould benefit 150 people at for example East Bay Community Action.
David stated that HUD rules define where certain percentages of the funds go. A community needs a program to match. Some specify more of the brick and mortar programs.
Councilman Conley asked about the $55,000 for Economic Development.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked if they were to fund East Bay Community Action for example they have a rental assistance program and they could help 100 people.
Mayor Rose stated one of the other items, which a disabled person had attended Council meetings and routinely complained about, the inaccessibility of some of our sidewalks, had asked the City to go out and look at them and there were a lot of areas where sidewalks were in bad shape. However, on this chart this program was zeroed out.
David stated he agreed he would look for the money to use for sidewalks and but that it could not come from CDBG. He added he would be asking tonight for a vote, pending the public comment period, and if the Council has real issues and want to change this and know now then they should not take the vote and review it further. Those members should get in touch with him and he will come back with new recommendations for the budget.
A motion to extend the meeting by 15 minutes is made
David also noted he could request an extension of HUD’s review.
Mayor Rose stated he would rather wait to take action following further review.
Councilman Britto stated he was comfortable based on the contingency of it.
David stated if the Council was definitely going to change it then there would be no point in voting on it now.
Councilwoman Capobianco stated she felt it was not good to give everyone a small piece of the pie and those proposals should be reviewed. She asked to be provided the background information and if a delay in the vote could happen so that she could see the whole proposal.
The Council agreed to delay until the next meeting.
A. City Manager’s Report (by City Manager, Richard Kirby)
The City Manager congratulates a City resident for winning the SBA person of the year award, Parsons Kellogg in East Providence. He also informed the Council Jeanne Boyle will be attending the Kennedy School of Government for part of their Executive Management Program. It is a 3 week course. She was accepted and the Hassenfeld Institute will be paying for it.
B. Council Members
1. Request for City involvement in a share of the cost for the landscape master plan of the Looff Carousel site (by Mayor Rose)
David Bachrach came to the podium speaking as the liaison to the Carousel. He noted the Carousel Commission raises funds to restore and keep the Carousel. As part of their vision, the Carousel sits on a site of land which hasn't been fully developed and which was once an amusement park. The remainder of the site is empty and they are looking at the site to augment and compliment the area with something such as a pavilion for parties and weddings. We have pursued a landscape architect and Gifford Design Group who entered the comprehensive plan and the bid is around $13,000. The plan is to go through a number of public meetings for input and to review scenarios and features from a professional engineering collaboration flow. The Carousel Commission, a number of years ago, received a donation and dedicated it to a pavilion and so at this point those funds are in a trust fund. We need to see where to place the pavilion but we need the landscape architect plan. Right now, the Commission is willing to spend some money raised for the pavilion to pay for the master plan as a way to finally get the pavilion built.
Mayor Rose asked about the grant received for $10,000.
David stated this would be for the architect. The funds for the renovation of the Carousel are through the $100,000 in the Capital Budget specifically for the Carousel repairs. Recently the Commission applied for a grant through the Historic Commission and it is a very competitive grant for brick and mortar of up to $100,000 and with all of this on board it would bring the total to $200,000.
For the architect, the total is $13,000 and the Carousel Commission is asking for City involvement.
Councilwoman Capobianco asked for the City Manager to look into this and the City Manager noted he would speak with Malcolm Moore.
A motion to extend the meeting by 15 minutes is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
2. Budget Meeting Discussion/Hearings (by Councilman Britto)
Councilman Britto stated last year, when the Council completed the budget hearings, this was discussed this. He added the preparation of the budget is approaching.
The City Manager stated they have been working with the departments.
Councilman Britto stated they need a road map and don’t want to wait until the last minute and asked if the City Manager would look into it.
The City Manager stated he would.
3. Water Rates, Removing the Interest Rates on Seniors (by Councilman Britto)
Councilman Britto stated he put this on the docket as more of an extension to be offered before a fine is added particularly for seniors in regards to the water bills.
The City Manager stated he will speak with the Finance Director and the Solicitor regarding ordinance constraints.
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 Councilman Britto and seconded by Councilman Cunha 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, APRIL 19, 2016; 7:15 P.M.; ROOM 101
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NEW CLAIMS
ELIZABETH GOMES $2,338.06
Book 34 Page 188
RM No. 15-121, Claim No. 16-013
Claim for property damage to a parked vehicle allegedly sustained as a result of being struck by a City snow plow. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Cunha Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Deny the claim.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENT
STEVEN CORTINHEIRO $276.02
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 50-54 Abbott Street in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Capobianco
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $276.02.
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VOTE | MAYOR ROSE | COUNCILMAN BRITTO | COUNCILWOMAN CAPOBIANCO | COUNCILMAN CONLEY | COUNCILMAN CUNHA |
| Aye | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Nay |
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| Abstain |
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| Absent |
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A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
D. Report of School Committee Liaison
There is no report this meeting.
A motion to Adjourn at 10:24PM is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Approved By Council: May 3, 2016
Attest: _______________
City Clerk