City Council, July 8, 1998
A regular session of the City Council is held Wednesday, July 8, 1998, at eight o'clock p.m. All the members are present and President Barry presides.
The reading of the records of June 24, 1998, is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.
Upon motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the *Consent Agenda is approved on a unanimous voice vote.
THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS ARE READ AND ORDERED FILED:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to David Quinn, Tax Assessor, regarding a Tax Treaty, which the City entered into in 1993 with Greenhalgh Mills.
The City Council is requesting Mr. Quinn to contact Greenhalgh Mills and obtain the accurate number of employees at this time and forward this information to the City Council.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Moran, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Frank Milos, Assistant City Solicitor, regarding the above communication.
The Council is requesting that Mr. Milos determine if the City is in compliance with both Federal and State statutes and forward the findings to Ronald Wunschel.
The Clerk is further instructed to send a communication to Ronald Wunschel, Director of Finance, asking him to respond on this matter.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote.
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Ronald Travers, Director, Zoning and Code Enforcement, regarding the property at 629 Prospect Street.
The Council is asking that he inspect this property and provide an estimate on what the cost would be to bring that building up to code.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote.
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Bruce Young, Director, Division of Collections, regarding the property at 629 Prospect Street.
The Council is asking that he submit the following information on this property:
What are the taxes owed on this property?
Is there a payment schedule in effect?
Any other information which may be pertinent in this matter.
Petition for an AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP LICENSE, and a CLASS B SECOND HAND S140P LICENSE, of Vincent Taylor and Todd White d/b/a Heart Beat Automotive (Previously William Martin d/b/a Village Transmission), 135 Japonica Street, Plat 7, Lot 424, to keep a shop for the purpose of repairing automobiles and purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically, used auto parts, which was advertised for a hearing at this time, is taken up:
There are no speakers. The Hearing is closed.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following application for license is GRANTED WITH THE PREVIOUS STIPULATIONS IN PLACE, on a unanimous voice vote:
Petition for an AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP LICENSE, and a CLASS B SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE, of Vincent Taylor and Todd White d/b/a Heart Beat Automotive (Previously William Martin d/b/a Village Transmission), 135 Japonica Street, Plat 7, Lot 424, to keep a shop for the purpose of repairing automobiles and purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically, used auto parts, LIC# 30235 & 40242
(STIPULATIONS PLACED ON PREVIOUS LICENSE HOLDER
1. Right of way on easement must be kept open at both ends.
2. Property is to be kept clean
Petition for a CLASS C SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE of Finders Keepers, LP, 728 Central Avenue, Plat 10, Lot 552, to keep a shop for the purpose of purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically, new & used furniture, household merchandise, miscellaneous items, which was advertised for a hearing at this time, is taken up:
Speaking in favor are Mary Beth Smith, 125 Olympia Avenue, and Judith Leigh, 123 Lowden Street, Pawtucket, applicants for the seconded hand shop license.
Councilor Wildenhain questions the applicants and states that his only concern is that they do not place furniture on the sidewalk, which would cause a hazard.
The applicants state that this is a consignment type of business and that they have no intention of placing furniture on the sidewalk.
There are no other speakers. The Hearing is closed.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Grebien, the following application for license is GRANTED on a unanimous voice vote:
Petition for a CLASS C SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE of Finders Keepers, LP, 728 Central Avenue, Plat 10, Lot 552, to keep a shop for the purpose of purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically, new & used furniture, household merchandise, miscellaneous items, LIC# 40243
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Ronald J. Leitao, Acting Director, Public Works Department, regarding the street lighting at the section of Branch Street, East Street, and Roosevelt Avenue.
Councilor Moran states he has received complaints of illegal activities in this area because of the poor fighting and would like to see if this area can be "brightened" up.
The Clerk is further instructed to send a communication to Richard E. DeLyon, Chief of Police, requesting that Chief DeLyon look into the complaints of alleged prostitution activities in the Branch Street, East Street, and Roosevelt Avenue areas.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL, IS TAKEN UP:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET AUTHORIZING TAX STABILIZATION FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 173/211 COLUMBUS AVENUE, PAWTUCKET, RHODE. ISLAND, FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN (7) YEARS. (Rhode Island Textile Company)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE:
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hodge submits the following amendment, to the above entitled resolution:
ANY VIOLATION OF THIS TREATY, WHEREBY THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES ARE NOT MAINTAINED AS AGREED TO AT THE TIME OF SAID TREATY, THE CITY COUNCIL MAY SEEK RESTITUTION IN BACK TAXES UP TO THE DATE OF THE TREATY.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Carr, the following amendment is defeated on a roll call vote as follows:
AYES - Councilors Carr, Grebien, and Hodge.
NOES - President Barry, Councilors Bray, Hoyas, Moran, and Wildenhain.
ABSTAIN - Councilor Vieira.
ANY VIOLATION OF THIS TREATY, WHEREBY THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES ARE NOT MAINTAINED AS AGREED TO AT THE TIM[E OF SAID TREATY, THE CITY COUNCIL MAY SEEK RESTITUTION IN BACK TAXES UP TO THE DATE OF THE TREATY
The following resolution is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES - President Barry, Councilors Bray, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, and Wildenhain.
NOES- Councilor Carr.
ABSTAIN - Councilor Vieira
PRESIDENT BARRY APPOINTS THE FOLLOWING AD HOC COMMITTEE TO STUDY LANGUAGE TO BE PLACED IN TAX TREATY RESOLUTIONS:
Councilor Robert E. Carr, Chair; Chairman of the Finance Committee, David Moran; and the Chair of the Ordinance Committee, Thomas E. Hodge.
The AD HOC Committee shall meet with Michael Cassidy, Director of Planning and Redevelopment; David Quinn, Tax Assessor; and a representative from the Legal Department, to draft language to meet the concerns of the City Council on Tax Treaty Resolutions, regarding any breach of said treaties. The Committee is requested to respond in time for the first meeting in September.
Upon recommendation of the Finance Committee, the following request for a Tax Treaty is DENIED on a unanimous voice vote:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Carr introduces the following entitled communication:
Communication from Robert S. Haws, Principal, KPMG Peat Marwick, L.L.P. regarding Actuarial Services provided to the City of Pawtucket,
Upon motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED, and is REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, on a unanimous voice vote:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Ronald J. Leitao, Acting Director of Public Works, regarding the decorative lights that have been knocked down in the Denver Street and Armistice Boulevard section of the City.
The Council is asking that the necessary steps be taken to have these fights replaced.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Ronald J. Leitao, Acting Director of Public Works, requesting that the crosswalks located on Lonsdale Avenue at Coats Manor, be repainted.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CARR.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Carr, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Ronald Travers, Director, Zoning and Code Enforcement, regarding a graffiti problem on Freight Street between Margaret Street and Cottage Street.
The Council is asking that he look into this problem and report his findings and solutions in time for the Council's next meeting scheduled for July 22, 1998.
The following resolution is read 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 HOYAS.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hoyas, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Ronald Dalton, extending the Council's appreciation to him and all the people involved with the spectacular 4th of July fire works display that was provided to the residents of the City of Pawtucket and the thousands of visitors who enjoyed them as well.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HOYAS.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hoyas, seconded by Councilor Moran, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Jerry Ellis, Chief Executive Officer, Building 19, regarding the buses being stored on the property by Ryder Transportation Company.
The Council wishes to encourage him to take whatever action necessary to have the buses removed, and is most anxious to return to the agreement entered into eleven (I 1) years ago.
The following resolution is read 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 HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hodge introduces the following entitled communications:
Communication from Christina Connors, 9 Ridge Drive, Windham, ME, to the Members of the City Council. (Petting Zoo at Daggett Farm)
Communication from Becky Nelson, A Person for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, to Council Members, (Petting Zoo at Daggett Farm)
Communication from Mrs. Maria E. Llamas, to the Pawtucket City Council. (Petting Zoo at Daggett Farm)
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Moran, the following communications are READ AND ORDERED FILED:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE, CHAIR OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hodge, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, submits the following entitled ordinances, with the recommendation for approval:
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 991 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET ENTITLED "THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE" (Multi-Way Stop Signs - Robinson Avenue & Makin Street)
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 991 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET ENTITLED 'THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE" (Multi-Way Stop Signs - Oriole Avenue & Acorn Street)
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the following ordinance is read for the first 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.
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 991 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET ENTITLED "THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE" (Multi-Way Stop Signs - Robinson Avenue & Makin Street)
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the following ordinance is read for the first 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.
AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 991 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET ENTITLED “THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE" (Multi-Way Stop Signs - Oriole Avenue & Acorn Street)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE, CHAIR OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hodge, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, submits the following emergency ordinance, with the recommendation for first passage:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 286 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET ENTITLED "NOISE". (Section 386-6. Stereos, radios, musical instruments and other noisemaking devices; violations and penalties)
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Wildenhain, is read for the first 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.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 286 OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET ENTITLED "NOISE". (Section 386-6. Stereos, radios, musical instruments and other noisemaking devices; violations and penalties)
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by the entire City Council, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to William D. Ankner, Director, Department of Transportation, regarding the condition of Route 95, which runs through the City of Pawtucket.
The Council states that Mr. Ankner had previously informed them that there was no money provided for highway work throughout the State. However, Councilor Hodge informed the Council that the highway system, which runs through South County, has been greatly improved and the City Council feels that Pawtucket deserves some of the funds for road improvements.
The Council is asking what the intentions are for roadwork in Pawtucket during this current roadwork season.
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES ARE LAID ON THE TABLE AND ARE REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, on a unanimous voice vote:
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PAY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET AND REPEALING CHAPTER 2483.
*The following licenses are APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
ENTERTAINMENT -
Petition of Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, Pawtucket P.A.L., and Pawtucket Community Police Unit for a license to conduct a Family Day Picnic at Paine Park on Saturday July 11, 1998 (If Rain - Sunday July 12, 1998) from I p.m. until 4 p.m., LIC# 1274 - ALSO REQUESTED IS THE CLOSING WEST AVENUE FROM RANDALL STREET TO JEFFERSON STREET.
Petition of the neighbors in favor of closing West Avenue between Randall Street and Jefferson Street.
FLEA MARKET LICENSE - (RENEWAL)
Jean B. Vitali d/b/a A & B Corporation (Merchandise Mart & Flea Market, 360 Broad Street, Pawtucket (portion of former train station), LIC# 906
PRIVATE DETECTIVE (RENEWAL) -
Edward M. Ameen, 530 Broadway, LIC# 90149
PUBLIC LAUNDRY (RENEWAL) -
Carl Sahady d/b/a Diamond Cleaners, 683 Beverage Hill Avenue, LIC# A0039
VICTUALLING HOUSE (1"Class) (NEW) -
Jose Ponceano d/b/a Ponceano's Deli Mart (Previously Anjos Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Joe's Variety Store), 286 East Avenue, LIC# 00501
*THE FOLLOWING BONDS ARE APPROVED, SURETIES NAMED ARE ACCEPTED:
PRIVATE DETECTIVE:
Edward M. Ameen, Surety - Western Surety Company
Richard Macedo, Surety - Western Surety Company
*Claims for damages against the City are REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Jan M. McIntyre - MetLife Home & Auto Ins. - NO AMOUNT SPECIFIED
Randa, Ahmed, and Maysa Said - NO AMOUNT SPECIFIED
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BRAY.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Bray, on behalf of Council President Barry, seconded by Councilor Grebien, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Francis P. Crawley, Director of Administration, and John E. Carney, Director of Government Affairs, regarding Muni-Tech, Inc., currently providing service to the City.
The Council is concerned that if a contract has been entered into with this company that the Council was not informed of this nor were they given the terms of any such agreement.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT BARRY ASKS FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF THE PASSING OF MAYOR JAMES E. DOYLE'S MOTHER, LORETTA DOYLE, ON JULY 7,1998.
Upon motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Grebien, the meeting is adjourned at nine ten o'clock p.m.