City Council, June 19, 1991.
A special emergency session of the City Council is held Wednesday, June 19, 1991, at two ten o’clock p.m. All the members are present except Councilmen Doyle and Robert Lynch; President Houle presides.
REVIEWING OF INVOICES WITH JACK RAHILL, FINANCE DIRECTOR AND DISCUSSION REGARDING PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING IS TAKEN UP:
PRESIDENT HOULE AUTHORIZES PAYMENT FOR SEWER LINE BREAK AND $117,000 FOR PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE.
PRESIDENT HOULE AUTHORIZES WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION TO PAY ALL BILLS TO AVOID LATE PENALTIES.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN CALISTA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Calista, seconded by Councilman Kinder, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
ALL PURCHASE ORDERS UNDER $1000 ARE AUTHORIZED FOR PAYMENT WITHOUT CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN BARRY.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Barry, seconded by Councilman William Lynch, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
PURCHASE REQUISITIONS OVER $1000, SUBMITTED BY JOSEPH ROQUE, PURCHASING AGENT, ARE APPROVED FOR PAYMENT.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN KINDER.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Kinder, seconded by Councilman Barry, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
PURCHASE REQUISITIONS OVER $1000, SUBMITTED BY JACK RAHILL, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, ARE APPROVED FOR PAYMENT.
Upon Motion made by Councilman Barry, seconded by Councilman Kinder, the meeting is adjourned at three thirty-five o’clock p.m.
A regular session of the City Council is held Wednesday, June 19, 1991, at eight forty-eight o’clock p.m. All the members are present and President Houle presides.
The reading of the records of June 4, 5, 13, 17, 1991, is dispensed with and the records are approved as prepared by the Clerk.
Upon Motion made by Councilman Barry, seconded by Councilman Kinder the *Consent Agenda is approved on a unanimous voice vote.
THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS ARE READ AND ORDERED FILED:
**TAKEN OFF CONSENT AGENDA FOR COMMENTS ONLY, NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN WILLIAM LYNCH.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman William Lynch, seconded by Councilman Doyle, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Fred E. Joslyn, Jr., City Solicitor, requesting an update on the original Stanley Grzyb case. Also, Councilman Lynch would like a report on the fees paid to Mr. Joe Penza, who is handling this case for the City.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN DOYLE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Doyle introduces the following entitled communication:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Doyle, seconded by Councilman Barry, the following communication is Read and Ordered Filed:
Communication from Louis S. Simon, Acting Director of Public Works, to Richard J. Goldstein, City Clerk. (Special Environmental Fund)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN CALISTA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Calista, seconded by Councilman Rabbitt, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Louis S. Simon, Acting Director of Public Works, asking for another response to the letters from "Save the Park" and "Pride in Pawtucket" regarding an environmental fund being set up for the monies brought in by the recycling program.
Councilman Calista noted that the monies would not be set aside strictly for "Save the Park" and "Pride in Pawtucket" but for environmental clean ups by any group wishing to use those funds.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN DOYLE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Doyle introduces the following entitled communication:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Doyle, seconded by Councilman Barry, the following communication is Read and Ordered Filed:
Copy of Communication from Councilman William Lynch, to Parmalee, Bacon & Edge. (City of Pawtucket, Final Audit)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN WILLIAM LYNCH.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman William Lynch introduces the following entitled resolution:
Upon Motion made by Councilman William Lynch, seconded by Councilman Rabbitt, the following Resolution is passed on a voice vote:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN DOYLE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Doyle introduces the following entitled communications:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Doyle, seconded by Councilman Barry, the following communications are Read and Ordered Filed:
Communication from Robert E. Christie, Business Administrator, Pawtucket School Department, to Jack Rahill, Finance Director. (Pension Deferral)
Communication from Dr. Richard P. Charlton, Superintendent of Schools, Pawtucket School Department, to President Raymond W. Houle, Jr. (School Budget and the Teacher Retirement Deferral)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN CALISTA.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Calista introduces the following entitled resolution:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Calista, seconded by Councilman Barry, the following resolution is read and passed on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Calista, Doyle, Kinder, Robert Lynch, William Lynch and Vieira.
Noes - Councilman Rabbitt.
Resolution Deferring $2.9 Million to the Teachers Retirement Fund.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN RABBITT.
Upon Motion made by Councilman Rabbitt, seconded by Councilman Calista, the following communications from Robert E. Christie, Business Administrator, and Dr. Richard P. Charlton, Superintendent of Schools are made part of the resolution Deferring $2.9 Million to the Teachers Retirement Fund.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN DOYLE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Doyle introduces the following entitled communication:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Doyle, seconded by Councilman Barry, the following communication is Read and Ordered Filed:
Communication from Jack Rahill, Finance Director, to Members of the City Council. (Fiscal period from July 1, 1990 through April 30, 1991)
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE IS TAKEN UP:
Ordinance to Require Publication of Questions to be Submitted to Voters.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN KINDER.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Kinder requests that the Ordinance Entitled Ordinance to Require Publication of Questions to be Submitted to Voters BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 (a): paragraph 1, line 9, change "each registered voter" to "each household with registered voters".
Upon Motion made by Councilman Kinder, seconded by Councilman Vieira, the following amendment to the Ordinance Entitled Ordinance to Require Publication of Questions to be Submitted to Voters, is passed on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Calista, Doyle, Kinder, Robert Lynch, William Lynch, Rabbitt and Vieira.
Noes - 0
Section 1 (a): paragraph 1, line 9, change "each registered voter" to "each household with registered voters".
The following ordinance is read for the first time AS AMENDED, and passed on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Calista, Doyle, Kinder, Robert Lynch, Rabbitt and Vieira.
Noes - Councilman William Lynch.
Ordinance to Require Publication of Questions to be Submitted to Voters.
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE IS LAID ON THE TABLE ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN WILLIAM LYNCH.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman William Lynch introduces the following entitled ordinance:
Ordinance Creating a Pawtucket Financial Review Commission.
Upon Motion made by Councilman William Lynch, seconded by Councilman Doyle, the following Ordinance is Laid on the Table and Referred to the Ordinance Committee
Ordinance Creating a Pawtucket Financial Review Commission.
June 19, 1991
Raymond W. Houle, Jr.
President, Pawtucket City Council
22 Webb Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Re: Proposed Establishment of the City of Pawtucket "Financial Review Commission"
Dear Councilman Houle:
During these past several days the City of Pawtucket has been dragged into a crisis of corruption which has effectively shattered the confidence of our residents and taxpayers in their city government.
As I indicated to you and as I suggested at a previous Council meeting I firmly believed that we --- as members of the City Council --- need to act firmly, aggressively and prudently to insure that the fiscal integrity of the City is preserved and protected.
I am convinced that this City can and must move forward despite, and in spite of, the problems visited on all of us by the circumstances surrounding Mayor Sarault’s arrest and by the continuing and broadening criminal investigation at City Hall.
I am confident that all of us on the City Council -- and in fact all residents of Pawtucket --- are anxious to cooperate in this ongoing criminal investigation so that it can be not only comprehensive but concluded in a timely fashion as well.
Only then can we begin to put this terrible time behind us and move forward in a positive and united fashion.
With this in mind, and being cognizant of the delicate nature of the ongoing criminal investigation I am proposing for the Council’s consideration the following:
1. The establishment of a "Financial Review Commission". This Commission, as indicated in the enclosed draft ordinance and draft by-laws will, if enacted, provide the City and its taxpayers with a crucial review process in this time of financial crisis. In addition to the goals specified, the Commission would also be available to assist the City Council in creating the specifications for the status audit presently being pursued by the Council as well as being charged with and available to oversee on an advisory basis all purchasing and hiring. In addition to its other duties the Commission will, perhaps most importantly, assist the City in its short and long term financial planning.
2. Authorize an indepth and comprehensive management study by the Rhode Island Public Expenditures Council. (RIPEC). I have personally met with Mr. Gary Sasse of RIPEC. He has informed me that RIPEC will be ready and available to conduct such a review upon the completion of the anticipated City status audit.
3. Begin further deliberation on the City Budget, FY92. I share the unanimous concerns of the City Council as eloquently expressed by the Council during these difficult days. However, as time continues to pass I remain convinced that the City of Pawtucket can and must move forward. In so doing I believe it will become necessary for the Council to exercise its leadership ability and in so doing to formulate a budget even under such terribly unacceptable circumstances. Consequently, I would agree that a temporary delay to the adoption of our FY92 budget is both reasonable and warranted. However, I do want to share with you and the other members of the Council my concerns that the City, our taxpayers and perhaps the financial community may view an indefinite delay in a fashion that will negatively effect both the short term and long term prognosis of the City.
4. Creation of an Ad-Hoc council committee to represent the Council and the City in all discussions and conferences, if any, with the United States attorney and/or his representative (s) as a result of the ongoing criminal investigation at City Hall.
5. Immediate halt to any new hirings by the City; except those, if any, by which the City is contractually bound.
6. Immediate freeze of any and all employees presently serving the City in acting capacities, including the Pawtucket Water Supply Board and the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency.
7. Establish a Resolution governing purchasing objectives and responsibilities, proposed copy attached, with copies of same to be prominently displayed throughout City Hall.
8. Reconvene the City of Pawtucket Charter Review Commission to review the City of Pawtucket Code of Ethics for the express purpose of strengthening and expanding the scope and intent of same.
I believe that these initial proposals, if implemented, will be positive and major steps in moving our city forward and out of its present state of corruption.
I share these recommendations with you and all the members of the Council in the spirit of conciliation and cooperation which I believe is now critical to our city’s survival as a credible, viable and legitimate community.
Thank you very much.
Very truly yours,
William J. Lynch
WJL/st
Enclosures
cc: All Council Members
COUNCILMAN RABBITT ABSTAINS.
THE FOLLOWING LICENSES ARE GRANTED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
VICTUALLING HOUSE (FIRST CLASS)
Uniao Portugesa Beneficente Inc., 134 Benefit Street, Pawtucket, LIC #253 NEW
VICTUALLING HOUSE
Derrick’s Food and Spirits Inc. (transfer from K L C Associates Inc., 242 Middle Street, LIC #254
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN BARRY.
Upon Motion made by Councilman Barry, seconded by Councilman Kinder, the request to extend the license of the Flea Market issued to Downtown Pawtucket Improvement Association for a flea market to include the area in front of the Peerles Building, is passed on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Doyle, Kinder and Vieira.
Noes - Councilmembers Calista, Robert Lynch, William Lynch and Rabbitt.
*THE FOLLOWING LICENSES ARE GRANTED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
PUBLIC LAUNDRY (RENEWALS)
Angelica Health Care Services Group Inc., 482 Pawtucket Avenue, LIC #2
Laundry Basket Inc., 727 East Avenue, LIC #16
Linwood E. Doane d/b/a The Washing Well, 906 Main Street, LIC #9
Purity Laundry Inc., 11 Gill Avenue, LIC #23
Dawit Negash d/b/a Tidy Mom, 11 Benefit Street, LIC #20
MOBILE FOOD VENDORS (NEW)
Gina M. Barney d/b/a Cramp’s Lemonade, Res: 73 Daniels Street, Pawtucket, LIC #79
J & M Tavares d/b/a Seravat Food, Res: 48 Forest Avenue, Cumberland, LIC #86
PIN BALL & AMUSEMENT DEVICES (RENEWAL)
Stooge’s Inc d/b/a Stooge’s Pub & Deli, 90 Broad Street, (2) Lie #801
PRIVATE DETECTIVE (NEW)
Neil J. McGrath III d/b/a Private Eyes Investigative Ser., 542 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, LIC #138
PRIVATE DETECTIVE (RENEWALS)
Thomas J. Feeley, 14 Cute Street, LIC #131
John H. Leclair, 95 Armistice Boulevard, LIC #110
Francis W. Rose, 164 Pine Street, LIC #88
SUNDAY SALES (Fifth Class) NEW
Sharon A. Ropoza, 110 Fuller Street, Pawtucket, RI, LIC #107
***ALL LICENSES ARE SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF ALL CITY TAXES.
*THE FOLLOWING BONDS ARE APPROVED, SURETIES NAMED ARE ACCEPTED:
PRIVATE DETECTIVE BONDS:
Neil McGrath, III, surety - A.A. Dority Company.
Anthoney P. Moscarelli, surety - Western Surety Company.
*CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY ARE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Linda Hamm - No amount specified
Maryland Casualty Company - $1,553.00
Mukaila Oyenuga - $100,000.00 + Cost and Interest
Mary Zurowski - No amount specified
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN BARRY.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Barry introduces the following entitled rules:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Barry, seconded by Councilmen Robert Lynch and Kinder, the following Rules are Adapted by the City Council on a unanimous voice vote:
Rules and Regulations Governing Purchasing and Payable Procedures.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN KINDER.
With majority consent of the Council, upon Motion made by Councilman Kinder, seconded by Councilman Vieira, the following Voucher is approved for payment on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Kinder, Robert Lynch, Rabbitt and Vieira.
Noes - Councilmembers Doyle and William Lynch.
ABSTAIN - COUNCILMAN CALISTA.
Claim of Joseph Duarte in the amount of $15,000
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN KINDER.
With majority consent of the Council, upon Motion made by Councilman Kinder, seconded by Councilman Vieira, the following Voucher is approved for payment on a roll call vote, as follows:
President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Kinder, Robert Lynch, Vieira.
Noes - Councilmembers Doyle, William Lynch and Rabbitt.
ABSTAIN - COUNCILMAN CALISTA.
Claim of Paul Meirowitz in the amount of $10,000
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN RABBITT.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Rabbitt introduces the following petition:
Upon Motion made by Councilman Rabbitt, seconded by Councilman Kinder, the following petition is Read and Ordered Filed.
Petition to reverse one way sign on Langdon Avenue.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN RABBITT.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Rabbitt, seconded by Councilmen Kinder and Calista, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Mike Burns, Traffic Engineer, regarding the Langdon Avenue one-way signs. Councilman Rabbitt would like his comments on which way is most appropriate for the one-way signs to go.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN RABBITT.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Rabbitt, seconded by Councilman Calista, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Joseph Rogue, Purchasing Agent, requesting that all R.F.P. ‘s, which have been submitted to him since November of 1990, be forwarded to the Council, and that all future R.F.P. ‘s also be forwarded to the Council.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN RABBITT.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Rabbitt, seconded by Councilmen Calista, Kinder and Robert Lynch, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Joseph Roque, Purchasing Agent, requesting that he not award the bid to paint the Slater Park Zoo until it is approved by the City Council.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN CALISTA, CHAIRMAN OF THE FIREWORKS COMMITTEE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilman Calista, Chairman of the Committee on Fireworks, states that Fireworks Committee recommends the contract for this years’ Fourth of July Fireworks display be awarded to Rockingham Fireworks Manufacturing & Display Company. The cost of said fireworks display is not to exceed $15,000, to be paid from private donations and supplemented by an appropriation from the City. The Committee will report total collected from private donations at the next meeting scheduled for July 10, 1991, and at that time will seek the additional city funds.
Upon Motion made by Councilman Calista, seconded by Councilman William Lynch, the contract for the 1991 Fourth of July Fireworks display is awarded to the Rockingham Fireworks Manufacturing & Display Company in an amount not to exceed $15,000, which will be paid from private donations and supplemented by a City appropriation, if necessary, is approved on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Houle, Councilmembers Barry, Calista, Doyle, Kinder, Robert Lynch, William Lynch, Rabbitt and Vieira.
Noes - 0
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN WILLIAM LYNCH.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman William Lynch, seconded by Councilman Calista, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to the Pawtucket Delegation to the General Assembly and John Bevilacqua, Senate Majority Leader, asking that should the Senate reconvene within the next few weeks, that they do what they can to have action taken on 91-H7122 "AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION---ELECTRONIC NEWS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING." This is the Bill which would allow the City of Pawtucket to institute Channel One television educational system in its schools.
Councilman Lynch reminds the Pawtucket Delegation that this Bill has received the backing of the City Council in the form of a Resolution, and is hoping that it can be acted upon this year in time to take advantage of the program.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILMAN VIEIRA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following Motion made by Councilman Vieira, seconded by Councilman Barry, is passed on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Peter Granieri, City Engineer, requesting that he schedule a meeting with the representative of the Pawtucket Power Associates to have the loud noise recreated and a decibel reading from the plant taken.
Upon Motion made by Councilman Barry, seconded by Councilman Kinder, the meeting is adjourned at ten-two o’clock p.m.