City Council, October 21, 1998
A regular session of the City Council is held Wednesday, October 21, 1998, at eight ten o’clock p.m. All the members are present and President Barry presides.
PRESIDENT BARRY INTRODUCES MAYOR JAMES E. DOYLE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SWEARING IN MARGARET M. LYNCH, AS CITY SOLICITOR.
The reading of the records of October 7, 1998, 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:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Moran introduces the following entitled communication:
Communication from Chris Riley, Manager, Community Relations, Amtrak, to Richard Goldstein, Government Affairs, regarding the condition of the former Pascale Block Company property.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Wildenhain, the following communication is 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 Vieira, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Michael Burns, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, enclosing a copy of the Communication from Thomas F. Doucette, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer, Pawtucket Water Supply Board, to Janice M. LaPorte, CMC, City Clerk. (Proposal to close a portion of Branch Street).
The Council is requesting that Mr. Burns respond to the last paragraph of Mr. Doucette’s letter, where he suggests that a possible solution to the Branch Street traffic problem could be to paint a single yellow line down the center of the road and to paint white fog lines on the sidelines of the road.
A response is requested in time for the November 10, 1998, meeting of the Pawtucket City Council.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Moran introduces the following entitled communication:
Communication from John E. Carney, Director of Public Works, to Councilor David Moran, regarding a study on the time and length of travel between the Branch Street Pumping Station and the Cumberland Facility off Mill Street, Valley Falls.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, 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, 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 Michael D. Cassidy, Director, Planning and Redevelopment, asking that he investigate whether there is any surplus land, which was created when land was acquired by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for the construction of Rt. I-95 and not used, to construct dog runs, which would allow the citizens of the City to bring their dogs into a contained area.
The Council is further requesting what the cost factor would be to build such a facility.
Gregory G. Scown, 111 Rice Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term to expire September 12, 2003, is READ AND ORDERED FILED.
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor James E. Doyle for confirmation is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
PAWTUCKET REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Gregory G. Scown, 111 Rice Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term to expire September 12, 2003.
Communication from William J. Lynch, Attorney, to Janice M. LaPorte, CMC, City Clerk, regarding the Dr. Paul Healey/Riverfront Property, is REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR GREBIEN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Grebien, seconded by Councilor Vieira, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to invite representatives of satellite providers to attend a Pre-Council Session scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 1998, to inform the residents of the City of Pawtucket that there are other alternatives to the local cable communications system.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR GREBIEN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Grebien, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Margaret M. Lynch, City Solicitor, regarding the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
The Council is requesting that she contact the local cable franchise, on behalf of the residents of the City of Pawtucket, and the entire City Council, expressing total opposition to the increase in it’s rates.
It is further requested that her communication include any and all local, state, and federal statutes that will substantiate the Council’s opposition.
Communication from Joel P. Moss, General Manager, Narragansett Coated Paper Corp., to Council President John Barry, requesting an addendum or extension to their 1995 Tax Treaty, is REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
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 Mayor James E. Doyle, with copies to Bill Mulholland, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, and John E. Carney, Director of Public Works, regarding lighting the Pine View Little League Ball Field at the Tomlinson Complex on Daggett Avenue. Councilor Carr has been requested by representatives of the Pine View Little League to seek the City Council’s cooperation to intercede to have lighting installed at this field.
The Council discussed the State of Rhode Island’s reimbursement for the drainage system installed at Tomlinson Complex in the amount of $20,000 and is requesting that a portion of this money be used to install lighting at this field.
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 further request that Mayor James E. Doyle look into the possibility to see if there are any unspent funds left from recreation bonds, which had been previously approved and not completely used.
A response is requested in time for the November 10, 1998, meeting of the Pawtucket City Council.
Communication from Richard E. DeLyon, Chief of Police, to the Honorable John J. Barry, III, Council President, requesting an ordinance creating a Disciplinary Board for the purpose of maintaining the City’s tow list, is REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE.
Communication from R.E. Rousseau, to Janice M. LaPorte, CMC, City Clerk, regarding the lease for Broad Street/Summer St. Parking lot, is REFERRED TO THE CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MORAN.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Moran introduces the following entitled communications:
Communication from James Cleghorn to Dawn M. McCormick, Registrar, Board of Canvassers, regarding the 1998 Local referenda to be presented on the November 3rd ballot.
Communication from Dawn M. McCormick, Registrar, to Ronald Wunschel, Director of Finance, regarding the letter from James Cleghorn.
Communication from Ronald L. Wunschel, Director of Finance, to John J. Barry, III, Council President, regarding James Cleghorn and the Financial Disclosure Ordinance.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following communications are READ AND ORDERED FILED:
THE CLERK IS INSTRUCTED TO SEND A COMMUNICATION TO JAMES CLEGHORN, FORWARDING HIM A COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION SUBMITTED BY RONALD WUNSCHEL, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, ENCLOSING THE ESTIMATED COST OF BORROWING ON THE BOND REFERENDA, WHICH WILL BE ON THIS YEAR’S BALLOT.
Petition for a AUTO REPAIR SHOP LICENSE of Monroe Brake and Muffler, Inc., d/b/a Speedy Muffler King (previously Bloor Automotive Inc., d/b/a Speedy Muffler King), 1427 Newport Avenue, Plat 3, Lot 517, to keep a shop for the purpose of repairing automobiles, which was advertised for a hearing at this time, is taken up:
Speaking in favor is applicant Fred Blair, 220 Prospect Street, Easton, MA.
Mr. Blair states that there will be no changes as to how the business is run, and they will carry the same product.
This transfer is a due to the fact that the company has been bought by Monroe Brake and Muffler, Inc. They will keep the same employees.
There are no speakers in opposition.
The Hearing is closed.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following petition is APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
Petition for a AUTO REPAIR SHOP LICENSE of Monroe Brake and Muffler, Inc., d/b/a Speedy Muffler King (previously Bloor Automotive Inc., d/b/a Speedy Muffler King), 1427 Newport Avenue, Plat 3, Lot 517, to keep a shop for the purpose of repairing automobiles, LIC# 40246
Petition for a CLASS C SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE of Carol Roth d/b/a Upstairs Collectibles, 435 Benefit Street, Plat 12, Lot 768, to keep a shop for the purpose of purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically, used household items, furniture, clothing, etc…, which was scheduled for a hearing at this time, is taken up:
Speaking in favor is applicant Carol Roth, 22 John Street, Attleboro, MA.
Ms. Roth states that this is a sole proprietorship and she would like to open next week.
This business is part of the Craft Workshop building.
Nothing will be placed on the sidewalk.
There are no speakers in opposition.
The Hearing is closed.
Upon motion made by Councilor Moran, seconded by Councilor Grebien, the following petition is APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
Petition for a CLASS C SECOND HAND SHOP LICENSE of Carol Roth d/b/a Upstairs Collectibles, 435 Benefit Street, Plat 12, Lot 768, to keep a shop for the purpose of purchasing and selling second hand articles, specifically, used household items, furniture, clothing, etc…, LIC# 40245
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HOYAS.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Hoyas introduces the following communication:
Communication from the employees at Ryder Student Transportation to Councilor Raymond T. Hoyas, Jr.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hoyas, seconded by Councilor Carr, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED:
THE CLERK IS INSTRUCTED TO FORWARD A COPY TO EACH MEMBER OF THE PAWTUCKET CITY COUNCIL.
COUNCILOR HOYAS STATES THAT HE WILL RESPOND TO THESE CONCERNS DIRECTLY.
The following resolution is taken up:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF UP TO $8 MILLION CITY OF PAWTUCKET GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HOYAS.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Council Hoyas, seconded by Councilor Moran, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The amount of Pawtucket General Obligation Refunding Bonds, awarding the sale at a negotiated bid, is in the total amount of $7,560,000 and not $8 Million.
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 WILDENHAIN.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Wildenhain introduces the following entitled communication:
Communication from the Honorable, Mayor James E. Doyle, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, regarding dedicating the Pawtucket Animal Shelter in memory of Connie Fournier.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by the Entire City Council, the following communication is REFERRED TO THE CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE:
Communication from the Honorable, Mayor James E. Doyle, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, regarding dedicating the Pawtucket Animal Shelter in memory of Connie Fournier.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BRAY, CHAIR OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL COMMITTEE.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Bray states that the Animal Control Committee met earlier in the evening and is in favor of renaming the animal shelter in Slater Park, as the “Connie Fournier Memorial Animal Shelter”
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
With majority consent of the Council, Councilor Wildenhain introduces the following petition:
Petition of the residents of Norfolk Avenue, between Newport Avenue and Grand Avenue, to make this street a one-way street, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for the safety of the children going to and from St. Cecilia’s School.
Upon motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following petition is READ AND ORDERED FILED:
361 Petition of the residents of Norfolk Avenue, between Newport Avenue and Grand Avenue, to make this street a one-way street, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., for the safety of the children going to and from St. Cecilia’s School.
THE CLERK IS INSTRUCTED SEND A COMMUNICATION TO MICHAEL BURNS, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR, REQUESTING A REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF MAKING NORFOLK AVENUE, BETWEEN NEWPORT AVENUE AND GRAND AVENUE, A ONE-WAY DURING THESE HOURS.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Wildenhain, seconded by Councilor Carr, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Sgt. Joseph Allison, Community Policing Unit, asking if arrangements could be made with the business on the corner of Sabin Street and Central Avenue, to assist them in removing the graffiti from several of the overhead doors.
The Clerk is further instructed to send a communication to Ronald Travers, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, requesting an update on the condition of the Peppermill property, located at 636 Central Avenue.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE SUBMITS THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE IS LAID ON THE TABLE, ON A UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE:
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.
COUNCILOR GREBIEN LEAVES THE CHAMBER AT 9:10 P.M.
The following ordinance is read for the second time and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
*The following Licenses are APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:
ENTERTAINMENT –
Petition of Sacred Heart Church for a license to conduct a Harvest Supper, Bazaar and Talent Show, at 38 Park Street, on Saturday, November 7, 1998, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., LIC# 1289M
Petition of St. Edwards Church for a license to conduct a Holiday Bazaar, at the Church Hall on Weeden Street, on Saturday, November 7, 1998, from 10 a.m. until 9p.m. and on Sunday, November 8, 1998, from 11a.m. until 6p.m., LIC#1290M
PUBLIC LAUNDRY –
Etrat S. Naqvi d/b/a Swan Cleaners (Previously Lawrence E. Nulman d/b/a Larry’s Cleaners & Tailors), 371 Benefit Street, LIC# A0065
*CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY ARE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
Vital Darosa, by MetLife Auto & Home – No Amount Specified
Geneva Ferrell - $115.00
John Meehan - $140.00/$145.00
Denise Patnaude, by United Services Automobile Association – No Amount Specified
Edward P. Warnock, Jr. - $444.00
COUNCILOR GREBIEN RETURNS TO THE CHAMBER AT 9:14 P.M.
THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS RETURNS THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS WITH THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claim for damages against the City is APPROVED FOR PAYMENT on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Mathew Amaral - $300.00
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claim for damages against the City is APPROVED FOR PAYMENT on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Joaquim Cawley - $1,984.19
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claim for damages against the City is APPROVED FOR PAYMENT on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Doris Irene Courtois - $171.85
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claim for damages against the City is APPROVED FOR PAYMENT on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
William & Doris Greenwood - $106.00
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claim for damages against the City is APPROVED FOR PAYMENT on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Barry, Councilors Bray, Carr, Grebien, Hodge, Hoyas, Moran, Vieira, and Wildenhain.
NOES – 0.
Eugene Maillet - $55.08
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claims for damages against the City are TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT AND REFERRED TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT on a unanimous voice vote:
Celeste DiSarro – NO AMOUNT SPECIFIED
Judith Robitaille – NO AMOUNT SPECIFIED
Michelle Wood – $50,000
Upon recommendation of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the following claims for damages against the City are DENIED on a unanimous voice vote:
Linda A. DeGraide - $843.67/$796.16
Germaine Laferriere - $209.00
James McCurry - $1,170.00/$958.31
Upon motion made by Councilor Vieira, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the meeting is adjourned IN MEMORY OF CONNIE FOURNIER at nine fifteen o’clock p.m.