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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 5, 2016
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
The City Council of the City of East Providence will meet in Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a)(2)(5).
A. New Claims:
1. Cochetta Horton
2. Providence Mutual (Insured: MaryJane Heymann)
3. Audrey J. Wasserman
B. Sewer Charge Abatements
1. David Brown
2. Leslie & Lawrence Hey
3. Pamela Walker
Mayor Rose calls the meeting to order at 7:37PM.
A. Letters
1. CRMC January 2016 Calendar.
2. Resolution Town of Charlestown requesting the General Assembly enact legislation controlling blasting.
B. Alcoholic Beverage Class F-1
1. St. Brendan’s Church, 60 Turner Avenue (02915), Dinner Dance Mardi Gras Party, February 5, 2016, Ronald R. Warr, Jr., 31 Elinora Street (02915).
C. Council Journals
1. Council Journal Regular Meeting December 15, 2015
2. Council Journal Executive Session September 18, 2015
3. Council Journal Executive Session September 23, 2015
4. Council Journal Executive Session September 15, 2015
5. Council Journal Executive Session September 9, 2015
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Councilwoman Capobianco, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. Tom Riley – What is being done on Water/Sewer
A. Christine Perreira, Chair of the Beautification Commission requesting to speak to the Council regarding the Commission, the new sign and new members.
This item was deferred.
A. Sarah Jane Branco and Julia Ferreira (by Mayor Rose)
Mayor Rose presents the proclamations and thanks both Sarah and Julia for the music they provided at the Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall. Sarah Jane Branco is present.
A. Beautification Commission (by Councilwoman Capobianco)
Eileen Wilcox, 69 Brook Avenue (02915)
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. Carousel Park Commission – Alternate (by Councilwoman Capobianco)
Rick Lawson, 19 Plum Road (02915)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
C. Ancient Little Neck Cemetery – Re-Appointment (by Mayor Rose)
Michael Znosko, 12 Catalpa Street (02915)
This item was deferred.
D. Carousel Park Commission Re-Appointment (by Mayor Rose)
Kim Casci, 1 Cedarwood Drive (02915)
A motion to approve the Appointment is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilwoman Capobianco and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
E. Traffic Control (by Assistant Mayor Cunha)
Zachary Fernandes, 94 Hall Street (02914)
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.
A. State of Rhode Island Transportation Program (TIP) FY 2017-FY2025
A motion to approve is made by Assistant Mayor Cunha, seconded by Councilman Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION”
A motion to dispense with the reading of the Ordinance is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilman Conley and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Sec. 2-116 entitled “Established; composition” of Division 5 entitled “Economic Development 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 hereby amended to read as follows:
An industrial economic development commission is hereby established in and for the city to consist of nine regular members and the city manager or designee, the director of planning or designee and a liaison from the East Providence Chamber of Commerce who shall be ex officio, voting members. Each of the nine regular members of the commission shall be a qualified elector of the city at the time of his their appointment and during his their incumbency. A strong preference in appointing members shall be given to nominees who have a strong financial background with experience in the fields of banking, accounting, insurance and commercial real estate.
SECTION II. Sec. 2-123 entitled “Quorum” of Division 5 entitled “Economic Development 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 hereby amended to read as follows:
A quorum, which shall consist of five regular a majority of current, actively appointed members of the economic development commission, shall be necessary for the conduct of any business of the commission. Ex-officio members in attendance shall also be included as part of the quorum count.
SECTION III. Sec. 2-126 entitled “Powers and duties--Generally” of Division 5 entitled “Economic Development 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 hereby amended to read as follows:
The economic development commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To confer with and advise the city council and mayor on all matters concerning the industrial economic development of in the city;
(2) To advertise the industrial economic advantages and opportunities of the city within the means provided by any appropriations made therefor by the council;
(3) To study, investigate and appraise economic conditions and trends affecting the city’s industry, business and commerce;
(34) To collect data and information as to the type of industries best suited to the city;
(45) To compile, coordinate and promulgate information regarding available areas suitable for industrial commercial development in the city;
(56) To encourage the proper zoning and orderly development of areas suitable for industrial commercial development and to promote the interest of industrialization of such areas of the city;
(67) To aid the city administration, city council and mayor in the attraction of new industries businesses and in the encouraging ement of the expansion by of existing industries and businesses;
(78) To cooperate with all community groups that are dedicated to the orderly industrial and economic expansion of the city and to furnish them such aid and advice as is deemed appropriate;
(89) To cooperate with all industries and businesses in the city in the solution of any community problems which they might have and to encourage the management of such concerns to have a healthy and constructive interest in the city's welfare;
(910) To periodically survey the overall condition of the city from the standpoint of determining whether the city has the climate and furnishes services and facilities that are conducive to industrial and economic expansion;
(1011) The commission may advertise, prepare, print or distribute maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary to the performance of its duties as set forth in this section within the limit of any funds that may be provided for such purposes.
(12) To confer with and to provide an advisory opinion to the City Manager regarding all commercial and micro loan applications for loans in an amount under $100,000.
(13) To confer with and to provide an advisory opinion to the City Manager and City Council regarding all commercial and micro loan applications in an amount over $100,000.
(14) To confer with and to provide an advisory opinion to the City Council on extended tax stabilization applications pursuant to the authority given to the commission under city ordinance Sec. 16-68(a)(5).
SECTION IV. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested by: Councilman Conley
A motion to approve the Ordinance for final passage is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilman Conley and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
A. City Manager’s Report (by City Manager, Richard Kirby)
1. Update on Rescue Runs – Distribution of Rescue Personnel and Assignment of Rescue Vehicles
Fire Chief Elmasian is called to the podium. He states that previously there was an inquiry as to why there was not a rescue at the Rumford Station as well as to why a rescue goes with a fire truck on a call.
He referred the City Council to the memorandum which was sent to them and is attached to the electronic docket. He stated there were 11,274 runs this year whether one truck goes or 6 trucks go it receives one number. If there is an incident such as a 3 alarm fire they could have 15 pieces of apparatus but it only receives one number. Prior to 1987 the City had one rescue vehicle located at Station 1. As the years progressed and mandates increased and hospital protocol increased changes to staff with cardiac level rescues were required. In 1987, the need for rescues increased and now there are 3 stations with rescues the only one currently without a rescue at the station is Rumford. Over the years, as the volume increased each time a rescue was added. In the year 2000 there were 8,209 incidents. He notes that this is outlined in the memo with the breakdown of incidents per station/rescue. Why there is not a rescue vehicle in Rumford the EMA based incidents in the City are broken down, 45% of calls come from the center of the City, 22% come from Riverside, 16% from Kent Heights and lastly 13% come from Rumford. There is a ladder truck at Rumford and Riverside and engines and ladders are considered ALS trucks and can do anything a rescue can do shy of transport. They can arrive first to stabilize.
Mayor Rose asked for copy of the report. The Chief said yes he can supply this but the memo has the percentages as well.
Mayor Rose requested the numbers from 1987 forward. The Chief said they could generate a report for him within a short time. He added that with the calls they are getting they are going to need to add another rescue soon, especially for call assistance with other cities.
Councilman Britto asked if a rescue is in the center of the City out on call where would the rescue come from for Rumford?
Chief Elmasian stated the Wampanoag Trail Station would go to Rumford first. If there was a fire the trucks will progress from the closest stations to the fire first. A truck can arrive within 4 minutes. State mandates dictate what needs to happen and these mandates are changing again in 2016.
Chief Elmasian called John Potvin to the podium and he explained incidents vs runs. There were 8,129 EMA runs and 7,974 incidents. The City could have all 3 EMA vehicles at one incident. Mutual aid in has risen and mutual aid out has gone down.
Councilman Britto asked what the time span is for a rescue to go from Riverside to Rumford or from the center of City to Rumford.
Chief Elmasian responds from Riverside about 5-6 minutes both engines and ladders and from the center of the City 3-4 minutes.
Assistant Mayor Cunha described the incident he experienced with his son when he stopped breathing. He noted that 911 has a couple of minutes in a lag time vs if someone calls the Fire Department directly you are saving 1-2 minutes due to the need to relay the call.
B. Council Members
1. Contracts (by Mayor Rose)
This item was deferred.
2. Ward One Christmas Baskets (by Councilman Britto)
Councilman Britto stated that Christmas baskets were given out with much needed food during the Holiday Season and he wanted to give a shout out to all those who volunteered to help. They passed out baskets on December 16th and Stephanie Vinateiro put the food baskets together and Chairman John Faria provided over 70 turkeys. He wanted to thank Stephanie who does this every year. It is a great idea at a time when they really need them and the people who took the time to deliver the baskets to these families need to be recognized for their work. The families who received the baskets really did need the food particularly at a time when the kids are home from school as they really do rely on the school breakfasts and lunches.
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, JANUARY 5, 2016; 7:00 P.M.; ROOM 101
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NEW CLAIMS
COCHETTA HORTON $298.57
RM No. 15-112, Claim No. 15-083
Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred for damage to a vehicle sustained as a result of driving on roadways under construction. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Cunha
Motion: Refer the claim to R.I. Department of Transportation and National Grid.
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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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PROVIDENCE MUTUAL $5,721.69
(INSURED: MARYJANE HEYMANN)
RM No. 15-104, Claim No. 15-085
Claim for property damage to insured’s vehicle sustained as a result of an accident with a police vehicle. Recommend referral to the insurance carrier.
Motion by: Councilwoman Capobianco Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Refer the claim to the insurance carrier.
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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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AUDREY J. WASSERMAN $359.00
RM No. 15-111, Claim No. 15-082
Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred as a result of a sewer backup sustained as a result of roots from a City tree. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilwoman Capobianco Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $359.00.
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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 ABATEMENTS
DAVID BROWN $110.62
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 66 Plymouth Road 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 $110.62.
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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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LESLIE & LAWRENCE HEY $139.62
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 125 Catlin Avenue 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 $139.62.
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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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PAMELA WALKER $70.35
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 214 Pleasant 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 $70.35.
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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 at8:13PM is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Assistant Mayor Cunha and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Approved By Council: January 19, 2016
Attest: _______________
City Clerk