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City Council, January 21, 2015
A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council is held Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 7:12 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI.
Present – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
Absent – Councilor Rudd.
President Moran presides.
The reading of the records of January 5, 2015 (Outgoing), January 5, 2015 (Inauguration), and January 7, 2015 is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Barry, the *Consent Agenda is APPROVED, on a unanimous voice vote.
*THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS ARE READ AND ORDERED FILED:
| | A. Communication for Joanna L’Heureux, Finance Director, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Estimated Realized and Unrealized Revenues for the Fiscal Period July 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014) |
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| | B. Communication from the RIDOT and the City of Pawtucket, to the Pawtucket City Council (Public Meeting 1/22/2015 at 6pm, 175 Main Street - Potential Pawtucket/Central Falls Commuter Rail Station) |
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| | C. Public Notice from Coastal Resources Management Council regarding application to RI DEM Regarding the Construction of Segment 1A of the Blackstone River Bikeway |
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| ** | D. Communication from Hector M. Munoz, to the Honorable Mayor Donald R. Grebien (Resignation from the Public Library Board of Trustees) |
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| ** | E. Communication from Rev. Edward G. St-Godard, to the Honorable Mayor Donald R. Grebien (Resignation from the Public Library Board of Trustees) |
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| ** | F. Communication from Lorrie Farrell, to Mayor Donald R. Grebien. (Resignation from the Public Library Board of Trustees) |
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| | G. Communication from Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Pawtucket City Council (Reappointment of Edward Janczar and William Chiaverini as the Pawtucket Tree Wardens) |
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| | H. Communication from Barney S. Heath, Director of Planning and Redevelopment, to Council President David P. Moran (Katherine Kazarian to Serve on the Arts Panel Review Committee) |
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| | I. Communication from Jeannine S. Bourski, Deputy Finance Director, to Mayor Donald R. Grebien (Uniform Overtime FY15) |
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| | J. Communication from Jeannine S. Bourski, Deputy Finance Director, to Joanna L’Heureux, Finance Director (Medical Fund Report) |
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| | K. Communication from Robert Burns, Tax Assessor, to David P. Moran, Council President (Annual Report for Tax Stabilization Agreements) |
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| | L. Communication from Lance Hill, Director of Public Works, to the Pawtucket City Council (2nd Quarter FY2015 Recycling Figures) |
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| | M. Communication from LGC&D, to the Pawtucket City Council (Audit – Year Ending June 30, 2014) |
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| | N. Communication from LGC&D, to the Pawtucket City Council (Audit Review) |
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| | O. Communication from Miriam R. Plitt, Chairperson, Advisory Commission on Arts & Culture. (City Hall Tower) |
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| | P. Communication from Michael P. Lewis, Director, RIDOT, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk (Response – Replacement of Decorative Lighting) |
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| | R. Communication from Barney S. Heath, Executive Director, Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency, to the Pawtucket City Council (Response – Silver Top Diner on Middle Street) |
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| | S. Communication from Joseph Keough, Jr., Esq., representing the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, to the Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk. (Resolution of the Pawtucket Water Supply Board Authorizing the Filing of an Application to Increase Rates with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission) |
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| | T. Communication from Joseph Keough, Jr., Esq., representing the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, to the Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk. (Submitting a Memorandum to the Council, an Ordinance and a Pawtucket Water Supply Board Resolution regarding an Increase in Borrowing Authority of the PWSB, ) |
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| | U. AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF WATER REVENUE BONDS AND NOTES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ELEVEN MILLION DOLLARS ($11,000,000) FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PAWTUCKET WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM – IS LAID ON THE TABLE AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. |
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| | V. Communication from Ronald J. Hawkins, President, Rolling Thunder Inc. RI Chapter 1 to the Honorable Pawtucket City Council, requesting a permanent POW/MIA Chair to be Placed in City Hall IS REFERRED TO THE CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE |
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| | W. Communication from Paul Fitzgerald, CEO, AIDS Care Ocean State, to the Honorable David P. Moran, President, Pawtucket City Council, requesting Tax Stabilization for 156 Broadway IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE |
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| | X. Communication from Denise Panichas, Executive Director, the Samaritans of RI, to the Honorable Mayor Donald R. Grebien and the Honorable John J. Barry, III, Pawtucket City Council Finance Committee Chairman, requesting support of a $500 appropriation for Suicide Prevention IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. |
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| | Y. THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY IS REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS: James Gautreau – No Amount Specified |
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| ** | TAKEN OFF CONSENT AGENDA FOR COMMENTS ONLY, NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN. |
| | Q. Communication from Lance Hill, Director of Public Works, to the Pawtucket City Council (Response – Sidewalk Cleanup on Mineral Spring Avenue) is READ AND ORDERED FILED |
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR TETREAULT.
With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Tetreault, seconded by Councilor Cano, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Lance Hill, Director of Public Works, and Barney S. Heath, Director of Planning and Redevelopment, requesting to know who the owner of the property is on Mineral Spring Avenue near the parking lot used by the First Student busses and if an inspection was done on the trash at that location.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BARRY.
With majority consent of the council, the following motion made by Councilor Barry, on behalf of Council President Moran, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Barney S. Heath, Director of Planning and Redevelopment, requesting that the Zoning Department send the vacant and abandoned property reports to the Council on a quarterly basis.
PRESIDENT MORAN SUBMITS FOR THE RECORD THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS:
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT
| Chair | Timothy Rudd |
| | John J. Barry, III |
| | Sandra C. Cano |
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
| Chair | Thomas E. Hodge |
| | Mary E. Bray |
| | Terrence E. Mercer |
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR HODGE.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilors Mercer and Barry, the agenda is amended to include the following resolution on a unanimous voice vote:
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS TO KEEP THE PAWTUCKET RED SOX AT MCCOY STADIUM
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilors Mercer and Barry, the following resolution is REFERRED TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS TO KEEP THE PAWTUCKET RED SOX AT MCCOY STADIUM
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CANO.
With majority consent of the council, the following motion made by Councilor Cano, seconded by Councilor Hodge, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:
The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Lance Hill, Director of Public Works, requesting that they research the possibility of obtaining funds from the Renewable Energy Fund administered by Commerce RI and the Solar School Grant Program offered by the RI Office of Energy Resources, to use for renewable energy projects in the city of Pawtucket.
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR CANO.
Upon motion made by Councilor Cano, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the agenda is amended to include the following communication on a unanimous voice vote:
Upon motion made by Councilor Cano, seconded by Councilor Hodge, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED:
Communication from Councilor Cano to Councilor President David P. Moran supporting the Council’s meeting with the Pawtucket Foundation and expressing her support for economic development initiatives in the city.
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following appointment as a member of the Public Library Board of Trustees, for CONFIRMATION:
PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, for confirmation is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
NOES - 0.
PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Esta V. Barcohana, 162 Ridge Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in January 2016. To fill the unexpired term of Reverend Edward G. St. Godard
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment as a member of the Public Library Board of Trustees, for CONFIRMATION:
PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, for confirmation is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
NOES - 0.
PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Heidi Gilkenson, 26 Knowles Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in January 2018.
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment as a member of the Water Supply Board, for CONFIRMATION:
WATER SUPPLY BOARD
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, for confirmation is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
NOES - 0.
WATER SUPPLY BOARD
James F. Bradford, 118 Ferris Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in January 2019
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment as a member of the Pension Board, for CONFIRMATION:
PENSION BOARD
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, for confirmation is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
NOES - 0.
PENSION BOARD
Kenneth Gould, 16 Leicester Way, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in January 2017
Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment as a member of the Historic District Commission, for CONFIRMATION:
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, for confirmation is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:
AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
NOES - 0.
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
Thomas P. Perry, 112 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in February 2018
PRESIDENT MORAN APPOINTS COUNCILOR SANDRA CANO TO THE ARTS PANEL REVIEW COMMITTEE.
THE ELECTION OF A COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE PURCHASING BOARD. Term expires first Monday in January 2017, IS TAKEN UP:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MERCER.
Upon motion made by Councilor Mercer, seconded by Councilor Barry, the name of COUNCILOR MARK J. WILDENHAIN is placed in nomination as the Council member to serve on the Purchasing Board.
With no other nominations offered prior to the call of the roll, COUNCILOR MARK J. WILDENHAIN IS ELECTED AS THE COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE PURCHASING BOARD - Term expires first Monday in January 2017, on a roll call vote, as follows:
COUNCILOR WILDENHAIN – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
OTHERS – 0.
THE ELECTION OF A COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE WATER SUPPLY BOARD. Term expires first Monday in January 2017, IS TAKEN UP:
THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BARRY.
Upon motion made by Councilor Barry, seconded by Councilor Bray, the name of COUNCILOR THOMAS E. HODGE is placed in nomination as the Council member to serve on the Water Supply Board.
With no other nominations offered, COUNCILOR THOMAS E. HODGE IS ELECTED AS THE COUNCIL MEMBER TO SERVE ON THE WATER SUPPLY BOARD - Term expires first Monday in January 2017, on a roll call vote, as follows:
COUNCILOR HODGE – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Bray, Cano, Hodge, Mercer, Tetreault and Wildenhain.
OTHERS - 0.
Upon motion made by Councilor Hodge, seconded by Councilor Barry, the meeting is adjourned at 7:44 p.m.