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CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
JOURNAL OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 18, 2017
6:45P.M.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914
6:45P.M. Council May Call An Executive Session, Room 101
7:30 P.M. Open Session
I. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council of the City of East Providence may meet in Executive Session pursuant to RI General Laws § 42-46-5 (a)(2)&(5):.
A. New Claims
1. Dori Moniz
2. Vincent J. Palumbo
3. Carol J. Sanford
B. Pending Claims
1. Heather L. Robinson
C. Sewer Charge Abatements
1. Antonio C. Costa
2. Shirley Ebert
3. GJB Realty, Inc.
4. Detria Manuel
5. Paul Poitnas
6. Christina Polverino
7. Mariana Vieira
8. Thomas White
D. Negotiations
1. Corporate authority for Police, Fire, Department Heads, EPPMTEA and Steelworkers contracts
F. Disposition of City-Owned Property
1. 33 Hoppin Avenue (Map 411, Block 17, Parcel 1) and 80 Burnside Avenue (Map 411, Block 17, Parcel 5)
II. OPEN SESSION
III. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Briden calls the meeting to order at 7:50PM.
IV. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
V. TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Letters
1. Town of Jamestown Resolution in support of H5515 An Act Relating to Criminal Procedure – Immigration Detainees.
2. Town of Jamestown Resolution expressing support to reinstate State funding to the Rhode Island State Conservation Committee and Rhode Island’s Three Conservation Districts.
3. Town of Jamestown Resolution on Gun Free Schools.
4. CRMC April 2017 Calendar
5. RIDEM public notice of final draft for RIPDES Pesticide General Permit.
B. Cancellation/Abatements
| Year | |
| 2016 | $418.64 |
| 2015-NonUtil | $22,570.00 |
| Total | $22,988.64 |
C. Council Journals
1. Council Journal Regular Meeting April 4, 2017
2. Council Journal Executive Session March 7, 2017
3. Council Journal Executive Session March 21, 2017
4. Council Journal Executive Session April 4, 2017
A motion to approve the Consent Calendar is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
VI. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of Sgt. Michael Grant East Providence Police Department (by Councilwoman Sousa)
Councilwoman Sousa provides information regarding Sgt. Grant’s achievements and years of service.
B. Recognition to Suez for the $5000 donation for American Flags for the Memorial Day Parade (by Councilman Faria)
Councilman Faria presents a citation to SUEZ and provides positive remarks on the donation from SUEZ and thanks Tom Azevedo and David Gaipo for all they have done and announces they are present to accept the citation on behalf of SUEZ.
Jim Miller speaks as the Chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee regarding honoring veterans past or present including those who have received a flight of honor by the purchase a paver for the walkway at the memorial. This can be done via the Veterans Advisory Committee website. The pavers start at $100 and go upwards.
C. Finance Matters including Synchronization of Tax Year and Bonding (by Finance Director Malcolm Moore and Financial Advisor Paul Luba)
Mr. Paul Luba announces that there are handouts in the back of the room and he provides a power point presentation.
Mayor Briden states the more there is in the synchronization fund the less they have to borrow. Mr. Luba indicates that is correct and it reflect less debt the city has to take out.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks if they were to wait until they reserve $20 million how long would it take. Mr. Luba indicates it would take approximately nine years. The city was contributing $3.7 each year and that would have been faster however the city is now contributing $2.2 million so it takes longer.
Councilman Botelho asks how much the TANS cost now.
Mr. Luba states the TANS cost the City approximately $200,000 annually.
Councilman Botelho notes back in the 1980s they labored in an unsynchronized world then too and he is wondering when this system started and what were the charter members thinking.
Mr. Luba states he doesn’t know but perhaps they wanted to see what the state would be giving for revenues. However, now there is less than $3 million in revenues.
Councilman Botelho states essentially they have in excess of $10 million in the rainy day fund and $11 million in a synchronization fund and he is wondering if they invest these monies.
Mr. Luba states it is invested at a very low interest rate. When they go for the TANS they borrow less and get a better rate than they used to.
Councilman Botelho asks if the purpose of this presentation was to educate the Council on the last 5 years and to explain why they should continue on this path.
Mr. Luba states it really depends on how much they want to use and whether or not they feel synchronization is worth it.
Councilman Botelho asks for an example of the number if the City borrowed $50 million.
Mr. Luba states based on the numbers this would be an approximate 6% tax increase just to cover the bond payment which would exceed the maximum allowed in the charter. There would also be the issue of where the Council chose to apply those tax increases ie: commercial, excise etc...
Mayor Briden notes that page 17 on the handout talks about the perfect storm which could take place and throw things off course.
Mr. Luba states that is correct and that it would seem the need to synchronize is less so when all is going well and the economy is fine and banks are lending and no other municipalities are filing bankruptcy however, the perfect storm considerations are important to remember because this is exactly what East Providence faced when a budget commission came in.
Councilman Botelho asks if the items just discussed ie: for example a situation in Providence with financial difficulties will impact everyone in the state.
Mr. Luba states that is correct if the city is running a deficit which it must each year when it goes out for TANS, because all of the taxes are collected in one section of the year, due to the synchronization issue. This factor of what is going on in other communities becomes really important. It can cause the banks to get nervous and not lend and if they don’t lend East Providence the TANS it needs to get to the spring and East Providence runs out of money. This happened when Central Falls filed bankruptcy and spooked the banks.
Councilman Botelho notes that the city doesn’t operate in a vacuum.
Mr. Luba states that is right, when the going good the city doesn’t always think about this but when it goes bad it can cause a major disruption.
Mayor Briden states when the budget commission left they put into place a five year budget plan and if that exists going forward that is helpful to the council. He asked Mr. Luba if he could give this thoughts regarding a long term plan, knowing what he knows and the research and analysis if there is there a long term plan that might lessen the risk that is described in that perfect storm scenario.
Mr. Luba states that because of the city’s dependency on TANS, it prevents them from borrowing in other ways that might be prudent or wise.
Assistant Mayor Britto states that for the amount of money the city does collect in the month of June is there a way they could spread that out more to last them into January and February or is that really just done.
Mr. Luba indicated that no it was really just done.
Councilman Faria asked if there is an accounting way to reconcile.
Mr. Luba stated maybe.
Mayor Briden asked if there is a change that should occur or is it fine the way it is and should the council increase the amount of the rainy day fund?
Mr. Luba states that is possible but they need to remember the excess is currently being used for capital.
Mayor Briden thanked Mr. Luba for the presentation and noted it was very informative.
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
A. Peter Binnings, 4 Newman Avenue (02914) requesting to speak with the Council regarding Brown Play School Annual 5K Road Race.
Mr. Binnings states the event is April 30th and begins at 9:00AM.
Chief Parella is asked if he has any concerns and he responds that he does not.
A motion to approve is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
A. Jim Miller, 94 Clyde Avenue (02914) – Veterans Advisory Committee
B. Keyimu Yimingti – Victualing License – this item will be heard later on the docket
C. Tom Riley, 3620 Pawtucket Avenue (02915) – Water and Sewer
IX. LICENSES NOT REQUIRING PUBLIC HEARING
A. Holiday Sales
National Tire & Battery #498, 520 Taunton Avenue (02914), Jenett M. Sharbuno, 100 Gilbert Street, Warwick (02886)
A motion to approve the license is made by Assistant Mayor Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
B. Hawker – 2 Locations
American Promotional Events, Inc. DBA TNT Fireworks, 4511 Helton Drive, Florence Alabama, 35630-6239, Christopher D. Latorraca, 17 Hesse Road, Hamden CT, 06517.
Location: 1050 Willett Avenue
A motion to approve the license for this location is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Location: 1235 Wampanoag Trail
A motion to approve the license for this location is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Assistant Mayor Britto and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
C. Vict/Not Over 25
4U Restaurant, Inc. DBA Yaki-Maki, 188 Taunton Avenue (02914), Keyimu Yimingti, 101 Warren Avenue (02914)
Mr. Yimingti states he is a graduate of Johnson and Whales University and will have unique items such as specialty dumplings and sushi.
A motion to approve the license is made by Councilwoman Sousa, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. City Managers Report (by Acting City Manager Timothy
Chapman)
1. 2017 Proposed Paving Program
The City Manger states that this item is the annual proposed paving program for this year and they agreed to hold the contract prices from 2015
A motion to defer the item to the next meeting is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilman Botelho and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
B. Council Members
1. Charter Review Commission Update (by Mayor Briden)
Mayor Briden reported the Charter Review Commission meetings are in Room 306 at 7:00PM. The Technical Amendment has been approved and finalized by the Charter Review Commission and the City’s legal department is reviewing the issue as to whether or not these will require voter approval and this will determine whether or not these will end up on the council docket for approval. They are awaiting those opinions. In terms of the other proposed changes those will come before the council and if needed a special election in the fall.
2. Waterfront Development Update (by Councilman Botelho)
Councilman Botelho states there are four new council members who were not here to hear about the developments originally. In addition, many residents are seeing the waterfront developments beginning to take shape and he would like to request an update regarding the progress and stage of the developments both to educate the council and the resident.
Mayor Briden requests that Director Boyle and Chairman Fazioli prepare something for the next Council meeting.
3. Contract Negotiation Update (by Councilman Botelho)
Councilman Botelho reports contracts are up this year and asks the City Manager to give a rundown of what contracts are due.
The City Manager reports that police, fire, EPPMTEA, Steal Workers and Teacher's are all due this year. They have started negotiations with police and fire and others will be starting soon. Unfortunately he can't say much beyond that however, all of the contracts expire the same day.
Councilman Botelho asked if this was unusual and the City Manager replied it was but this is how the budget commission decided to do them. Due to the situation the city was in they had a five year contract with all except police and fire. The city negotiated with police and fire three years ago. They didn’t agree at the time with the budget commission and agreed to contracts with the city so they expire on the same day.
Councilman Botelho states the City Manager was granted corporate authority tonight in executive session to negotiate and asked if he would be coming back to the council. The City Manager stated that was correct. He will come back also with the total impact on the budget. They have the state fiscal advisor and the finance director who will take a close look at it. They are taking a long hard look at how that budget will be affected.
Councilman Faria asked the City Manager if it was fair to say it will be quite a challenging year.
The City Manager stated they will be facing challenges no other council has had to face in the past because all the contracts will be due at once.
4. The Success of the Tomorrow Fund Stroll (by Councilman Faria)
Councilman Faria reports the Tomorrow Fund Stroll was very helpful to the Costa family. They have been through so much with their son Blake’s diagnosis of a brain tumor at 18 months. He has endured 33 individual treatments of proton beam radiation and all along this family really showed the power of community. He encouraged people to visit Blake’s Road to Recovery on Facebook. They had a Tomorrow Fund Stroll and the support they received was unbelievable they were able to raise over $14,000 to give to The Tomorrow Fund. He thanked all those who gave a donation.
5. Reminder of Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebrations (by Councilwoman Sousa)
Councilwoman Sousa reported that Earth Day was this weekend. On Saturday there will be an Earth Day clean up at Townie Pride Park at Jones Pond. For those interested in assisting there will be the volunteers there as well as various other areas in the city doing clean ups. These clean ups are posted on the city's website. There is also a shredding event and people can bring documents they need shredded to the DPW on Saturday.
She also reported on April 29th there will be an Arbor Day celebration at Townie Pride Park at Jones Pond and they will be planting trees she has donated. Local boy scouts from Rumford and Central East Providence will be assisting and if anyone is available to help they are more than welcome. Both events are rain or shine. Beverages and snacks are provided as well as bags, gloves and tools but people can bring their own as well.
6. Reading Month at Elementary Schools (by Councilwoman Sousa)
Councilwoman Sousa announces it is Reading Month. All the schools have been hosting guest readers to come down and read to various grades. She states that she was happy to have the opportunity to read in Mrs. Anthony’s class at Orlo Avenue School and Mrs. Chapman’s 4th grade class. School Committee members and other public officials as well as the City Manager have been reading as well. Reading gives our youth advantages in life.
Councilman Botelho states his daughter is an elementary school teacher in Cranston and he reads there all the time and that it is very rewarding.
Councilman Faria notes those who read are also allowed to bring in their own book selection.
Councilwoman Sousa states last week there was a fire at 348 Sutton Avenue the Teves family had a house fire. Unfortunately, they had a complete loss after 30 plus years of living there. They are long time volunteers in the community. They built the house from the ground up. They have lost family heirlooms. She commended the Fire Chief and his men who helped salvage what they could, however the fire struck up again. She asks for assistance from anyone who is able to donate. They are in need of everything. She asked for support and prayers and stated people could contact her and she can reach out to them.
C. Reports of Other City Officials
1. Claims Committee Report (by City Solicitor Greggory Dias)
Pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-46-5(a)(2), a motion is made by Councilwoman Sousa and seconded by Councilman Botelho to convene in closed session for the purposes of discussing claims & litigation. Upon a roll call vote: Councilman Botelho – Aye, Assistant Mayor Britto – Aye, Councilman Faria – Absent, Councilwoman Sousa – Aye, Mayor Briden – Aye, the motion is approved 4-0.
EAST PROVIDENCE CLAIMS COMMITTEE
CLAIMS & LITIGATION REPORT
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2017; 6:45 P.M.; ROOM 101
====================================================================
NEW CLAIMS
DORI MONIZ $613.40
RM No. 17-028, Claim No. 17-016
Claim for property damage to a store front window sustained during snow plowing operations. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Book 35 Page 191
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $613.40.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
VINCENT J. PALUMBO $337.03
RM No. 17-019, Claim No. 17-011
Claim for property damage to vehicle sustained as a result of striking a pothole on Boyd Avenue. See recommendation of the Director of Public Works.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $200.90.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
CAROL J. SANFORD $488.68
RM No. 17-027, Claim No. 17-015
Claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred to replace the rear door when the fire department used forced entry in response to a 911 call. See memorandum from the Fire Chief.
Book 35 Page 192
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $488.68.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
PENDING CLAIMS
HEATHER L. ROBINSON $841.09
RM No. 17-020, Claim No. 17-012
Claim for property damage to claimant’s front driver’s side tire when a fire truck attempted to maneuver between two vehicles that were parked on both sides of Wendell Street. The Claims Committee voted at its meeting held on April 4, 2017 to defer the claim for additional information.
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto
Motion: Approve the claim in the amount of $235.40.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
SEWER CHARGE ABATEMENTS
ANTONIO C. COSTA $155.73
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 25-27 Tenth Street in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $155.73.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
SHIRLEY EBERT $124.85
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 19 Ridgewood Drive in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $124.85.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
GJB REALTY, INC. $1,933.20
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 75 Purchase Street in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $1,933.20.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
DETRIA MANUEL $102.03
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 35 Firglade Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $102.03.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
PAUL POITNAS $189.77
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 409 Willett Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Book 35 Page 195
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $189.77.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
CHRISTINA POLVERINO $88.65
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 79 Lindy Avenue in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilman Botelho
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $88.65.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
MARIANA VIEIRA $151.54
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 216 Robinson Street in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Botelho Seconded by: Councilman Britto/Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $151.54.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
THOMAS A. WHITE $120.83
Request for a sewer charge abatement for the property located at 34 Pinehurst Drive in accordance with City Ordinance Sec. 17-183(g).
Motion by: Councilman Britto Seconded by: Councilwoman Sousa
Motion: Approve the sewer charge abatement in the amount of $120.83.
| VOTE | COUNCILMAN BOTELHO | ASST. MAYOR BRITTO | COUNCILMAN FARIA | COUNCILWOMAN SOUSA | MAYOR BRIDEN |
| Aye | √ | √ | | √ | √ |
| Nay | | | | | |
| Abstain | | | | | |
| Absent | | | √ | | |
A motion is made by Councilman Britto, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa to adjourn at 7:42 p.m. and reconvene in open session. Upon a roll call vote, the motion is approved 4-0.
A motion to approve the Claims Committee Report is made by Councilman Faria, seconded by Councilwoman Sousa and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
D. Report of School Committee Liaison
E. Introduction to Ordinances
1. AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, 1998, ASAMENDED, ENTITLED “UTILITIES.”
A motion to dispense with the reading of the ordinance is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
SECTION I. Subsection (a) of Sec. 17-36 entitled “Water rates” of Article II entitled “Water” of Chapter 17 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Utilities,” is amended to read as follows:
(a) The water rates for water furnished by the city to the consumer and measured by meter shall be billed at $3.32 4.05 per 100 cubic feet, until October 31, 2016 effective May 1, 2014 for all consumers. For subsequent years, the effective rate shall be modified as follows:
Effective November 1, 2017, the rate per 100 cubic feet will increase to $4.35.
Effective November 1, 2018, the rate per 100 cubic feet will increase to $4.68.
Effective November 1, 2019, the rate per 100 cubic feet will increase to $5.03.
Prior to the end of fiscal year 2015-2016 2019-2020, the rate will be re-analyzed to determine if a modification is required for subsequent years.
SECTION II. Subsection (c) of Sec. 17-36 entitled “Water rates.” of Article II entitled “Water” of Chapter 17 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, 1998, as amended, entitled “Utilities,” is amended to read as follows:
(c) Effective May 1, 2014, the annual fixed meter charge portion of the water charge shall be as follows:
| | | Fixed Charge |
| Meter Size | Fixed Charge | Effective November 1, 2017 |
| 5/8” | $ 80.00 | $ 85.00 |
| ¾” | 120.00 | 127.50 |
| 1” | 200.00 | 212.50 |
| 1 ½” | 380.00 | 425.00 |
| 2” | 600.00 | 680.00 |
| 3” | 1,200.00 | 1,360.00 |
| 4” | 1,900.00 | 2,125.00 |
| 6” | 3,800.00 | 4,250.00 |
| 8” | 6,000.00 | 6,800.00 |
Such fee shall be prorated quarterly or monthly for customers who are billed on a quarterly or monthly basis.
SECTION III. This ordinance shall take effect upon its second passage and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
Requested By: Councilman Botelho
Mayor Briden states this ordinance is down for introduction. It will be down on the next council docket for second passage. At the public hearing people can come up and discuss with the Council regarding what the changes will be happening. For purposes of tonight, a brief overview explanation will be given by Director of Public Works, Steve Coutu and from the Water Department, Jim Marvel.
The City Manager asks the Council to keep in mind the timeline for the bond closing, which is set for May 10th this year. Tonight is the introduction and after that final passage is set for May 2nd. He is requesting to at least get the first passage tonight.
Director Coutu states tonight is the ordinance which is in line with what the rate consultants have drafted. The city hasn’t had a rate increase since November 1, 2014 and they have to look at the rates to see if it is sufficient. They have a bond to paint the tank and a rate study is done to ensure the payback of the bond. They would like to see a three year rate adjustment commencing for the next fiscal year. This is to ensure there is enough revenue going forward to paint and for operations, loan payments and capital needs for next 2-3 years.
Assistant Mayor Britto asks if this vote is typical because this wasn't brought to the forefront at the time they were securing the funds for the bond. It wasn’t discussed that it would raise rates.
Director Coutu notes they did say they were in the middle of a rate study as it is required every time they go out to bond.
Councilman Botelho notes they never want to raise rates however the consultants pointed out that the city has the lowest rates in RI. This would put East Providence in the middle of the pack and it is bare minimum for moving forward.
Director Coutu states even with the 3rd year increase it still just puts East Providence in the middle of the pack and doesn't take into consideration what those communities will be raising their rates to.
Assistant Mayor Britto asked if the city makes up for that lower water rate with a higher sewer rate.
Director Coutu states even with both combined they are still on the low end.
Jim Marvel states what the Director described is the capital needs and that is what is driving the increases. The impact on the low end users and the elderly is about $4 a quarter each year for average users $1.35 per month.
Mayor Briden asks if our water rates are low compared to other municipalities.
Jim Marvel explains they are extremely low. The city is upside down as they are 25-30 % lower than where they should be to maintain the utility.
Councilman Botelho states they also have issues such as the cross river pipeline and from what he understands they are going to be looking to replace those or to have alternate sources for emergencies.
Mayor Briden notes that at the next meeting they can request a more detailed presentation for the public hearing.
The City Manager states the consultant will be here as well.
Councilman Faria asks what is the deadline on the sewer rate?
The City Manager states the deadline on the water rate is May 2nd and that there is no deadline on the sewer but it is something they do want to address.
Mayor Briden stated a detailed analysis will be provided at the next meeting.
A motion to approve the Ordinance for first passage is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote the motion passes 4-1 with Assistant Mayor Britto abstaining until the next meeting as he wasn’t able to be present for the water rate discussion work shop.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to Adjourn at 9:55PM is made by Councilman Botelho, seconded by Councilman Faria and on a roll call vote it is unanimous.
Approved By Council: May 2, 2017
Attest: ________________
City Clerk