City Council, January 7, 1998.
A regular session of the City Council is held Wednesday, January 7, 1998 at eight eighteen o’clock p.m. All the members are present and President Barry presides.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by the entire Council, the name of James E. Gilligan, is placed in nomination for the School Committee.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the nominations for the vacant position caused by the death of James McDonald to the School Committee are closed.
JAMES E. GILLIGAN IS APPOINTED TO FILL THE VACATED TERM OF JAMES MCDONALD ON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE UNTIL A SPECIAL ELECTION IS HELD ON MARCH 3, 1998, on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira and Wildenhain.
Noes - 0.
The Oath of Office is administered to School Committee member James E. Gilligan by Council President John J. Barry, III.
The reading of the records of December 19, 1997, is dispensed with and the records are approved as prepared by the Clerk.
Upon motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Moran, 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.
B. Communication from Richard J. Goldstein, CMC/AAE, City Clerk, to Council President John J. Barry, III. (The name of McCoy Stadium be changed to “McCoy-Mondor Stadium” in honor of PAWSOX owner Ben Mondor) is READ AND ORDERED FILED AND REFERRED TO THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE.
Q. Communication from Mayor Robert E. Metivier to members of the City Council. (Renaming McCoy Stadium as McCoy/Mondor Stadium) is READ AND ORDERED FILED AND REFERRED TO THE PROPERTY COMMITTEE.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR VIEIRA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Joseph R. Marciano, Jr., Chairman, R.I. Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal & Review, regarding the Fire Board’s intention to adopt rules and regulations revising and updating the Rhode Island Fire Prevention Code.
The Council is quite concerned on the impact this will place on those communities in Rhode Island who have fireworks displays, in particular, Pawtucket’s 4th of July display. This is one of Pawtucket’s biggest attractions and Councilor Vieira would like to know if special variances would be given to allow for fireworks displays, if the proposed revision to the R.I. Fire Prevention Code is adopted.
622 H. Communication from Ronald F. Travers, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, to City Council President John J. Barry, III, and Council members. (City incinerator) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR VIEIRA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Mayor James E. Doyle and Ronald Leitao, Acting Director of Public Works, regarding the condition of the city incinerator.
A report sent to the Council by Ronald Travers, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, indicates that this structure should be vacated and secured. The Council would like to know if there are any plans for the use or demolition of this structure.
614 K. Communication from Ronald J. Leitao, Acting Director of Public Works, to Richard J. Goldstein, CMC/AAE, City Clerk. (Swimming Pools) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR VIEIRA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to John L. DiPanni, Chair, Pawtucket Parks Commission, regarding the Veterans Park Pool and opening new pools at Galego Court and 560 Prospect Street.
The Council is requesting that the Commission review this issue and submit their comments as soon as possible.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Moran, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to James Malachowski, Chairman of Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, regarding the rate filing by the Pawtucket Water Supply Board.
The Council feels that a 45% rate increase is outrageous and is requesting that the Public Utilities Commission conduct public hearings in the City of Pawtucket, during evening hours. This will allow the residents, being affected by such an increase, a better opportunity to attend the public hearings and to voice their opinions.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilors Moran and Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Mayor James E. Doyle, to ask that he research the legality of having a member of the City Council serve on the Water Supply Board. If it is determined to be legal, the Council is asking that Mayor Doyle consider doing so.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Moran, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Thomas F. Doucette, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer, Pawtucket Water Supply Board, regarding the Water Supply Board’s request for a 45% rate increase for all of its customers.
Mr. Maaia explains, to the Public Utilities Commission, what 38% of the increase will be used for. The Council is requesting a detailed explanation for the use of the remaining 7.05% of the increase.
Petitions for AUTO REPAIR SHOP LICENSE AND CLASS AB SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE of Enterprise Rent - A - Car Company of RI d/b/a Enterprise Car Sales, 458 Broadway, Tax Assessor’s Plat 7, Lots 166, 167, to keep a shop for the purpose of repairing automobiles and purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically used automobiles, which was advertised for a hearing at this time, is taken up:
Speaking in favor is Craig Picard, 855 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI.
Mr. Picard, applicant, states that this location is going to be expanded from a rental office into an automobile sales business. The auto repair shop license is a requirement of the second hand shop license; however, that license will not be used for more than possibly changing a flat tire. All repairs to the vehicles will be done at another location.
The property will be improved and he is in the process of purchasing the property, pending the approval of city and state licenses.
There are no other speakers.
The Hearing is closed.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Moran, the following Petitions are GRANTED on a unanimous voice vote:
Petitions for AUTO REPAIR SHOP LICENSE AND CLASS AB SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE of Enterprise Rent - A - Car Company of RI d/b/a Enterprise Car Sales, 458 Broadway, Tax Assessor’s Plat 7, Lots 166, 167, to keep a shop for the purpose of repairing automobiles and purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically used automobiles. LIC#30229 & #40237
Petition for JUNK LICENSE of J & J Bumpers Inc. d/b/a J & J Bumpers, 10 Dunnell Lane, Tax Assessor’s Plat 34, lots 202, 244, 245, to keep a shop for the purpose of maintaining a wholesale junk yard, which was advertised for a hearing at this time, is taken up:
Attorney Joseph Lamangna, representing applicant; and Attorney Michael F. Horan, representing neighbors, have mutually agreed to postpone public hearing until the first meeting in February, to allow both the applicant and neighbors to work out the problems prior to that hearing.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hoyas, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following petition is postponed until February 11, 1998, on a unanimous voice vote:
Petition for JUNK LICENSE of J & J Bumpers Inc. d/b/a J & J Bumpers, 10 Dunnell Lane, Tax Assessor’s Plat 34, lots 202, 244, 245, to keep a shop for the purpose of maintaining a wholesale junk yard. LIC#6004
The following resolution is read and PASSED an a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira and Wildenhain.
Noes - 0.
The following ordinance is read for the second time and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira and Wildenhain.
Noes - 0.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Richard E. DeLyon, Chief of Police, regarding a traffic study on the temporary one-way portion of Bloodgood Street/Benefit Street, at Curtis School.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Mayor James E. Doyle, regarding the memo from Ralph E. Mangiante, Acting Finance Director, on FY98 Budget Projections.
The Council is asking for his comments on the projected $795,000 deficit stated in Mr. Mangiante’s memo, and what are his plans to deal with this. Also, the Council is requesting the documents showing the actual figures resulting from the arbitration award for the Fire Department and the figures for the overtime in that department as well.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Michael E. Burns, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, asking him to contact Mrs. Beatrice Machado, 201 Benefit Street.
Mrs. Machado has requested a “handicapped parking” sign in front of her home, and the Council is requesting that Mr. Burns speak to Mrs. Machado regarding her request.
The following ordinance is read for the second time, and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:
Ayes - President Barry, Councilors Bray, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira and Wildenhain.
Noes - Councilor Carr.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR VIEIRA.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Waste Management of Rhode Island, Liberty Disposal Company and T & J Container Company, regarding complaints Councilor Vieira has received from the neighbors in the vicinity of those businesses they service on Smithfield Avenue and Weeden Street.
THE FOLLOWING LICENSE IS GRANTED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
VICTUALLING HOUSE (FIRST CLASS) RENEWAL
Bradick Corp d/b/a Uncle Tony’s Pizza & Pasta, 385 Smithfield Avenue, LIC#21
*THE FOLLOWING LICENSES ARE GRANTED ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
VICTUALLING HOUSE (FIRST CLASS) NEW
Opportunities Inc. d/b/a Bob’s Convenience Store, 85 Power Road, LIC#483
VICTUALLING HOUSE (FIRST CLASS) RENEWAL
Dulcelinda Duarte d/b/a Chunduca’s Restaurant, 97 Lonsdale Avenue, LIC#405
*CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY ARE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Jacequeline Diallo - $100,000.00
Isabelle Parise - $200.00
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BRAY.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Bray introduces the following communication:
Communication from Captain David Holden, Pawtucket Police, to Mary Bray, Chairperson, Animal Control Committee. (Update on Animal Shelter)
Upon motion made by Councilor Bray, seconded by Councilor Moran, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BRAY.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Bray, seconded by Councilor Moran, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Martin E. Joyce, Jr., Director of Personnel Department, regarding the City Council Animal Control Committee’s request to hire a temporary replacement for Mrs. Connie Fournier at the dog pound.
As of this date no one has been hired. The Council would like to know why this has not been filled, and further requests that Mr. Joyce take the necessary steps to fill this position immediately.
THE COUNCIL RECESSES AT 9:16 O’CLOCK P.M., TO MEET AS THE PAWTUCKET BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS.
THE COUNCIL RECONVENES AT 9:23 P.M.
Upon motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the meeting is adjourned at nine twenty-three o’clock p.m.