City Council, February 21, 2018

 

 

A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council is held Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 8:12 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. 

 

Present – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

Absent – 0.

 

President Moran presides.

 

 

The reading of the February 7, 2018 records of the City Council, Committee on Claims and Pending Suits and Finance Committee, is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILORS VITALI.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Vitali, seconded by Councilor Tetreault, the agenda is amendment to include the following communication on a unanimous voice vote:

 

590   Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (The Hassenfeld Institute – Stakeholder Group on the Transfer Station)

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Vitali, seconded by Councilor Tetreault, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (The Hassenfeld Institute – Stakeholder Group on the Transfer Station)

 

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Mercer, seconded by Councilors Rudd and Vitali, the *Consent Agenda is APPROVED, on a unanimous voice vote.

 

*THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS ARE READ AND ORDERED FILED:

 

** 590	A.	Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to Margaret Curran, Chair, RI Public Utilities Commission.   (Opposition to National Grid’s Proposed Rate Increase)
590	B.	Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, requesting a Resolution in Support of the Governor’s 2018 ballot initiative for a $250 million bond for upgrades to School Facilities in Rhode Island.
028	C.	Communication from the Town of Rehoboth, MA, to the Pawtucket City Council, inviting the Council to the October 7, 2018 symbolic reclaiming of their original territory for one day, which includes Pawtucket.
614	D.	Communication from William D. Vieira, Sr., to Susan Mara, Director, Planning & Redevelopment.  (Resignation from the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency)
7	E.	Communication from RI Infrastructure Bank, to Council President Moran.  (Financing Options)
7	F.	Various Forms and Statements from RI Infrastructure Bank.
** 028	G.	Communication from Joel Votolato, Esq., to David P. Moran, President, Pawtucket City Council.  (Response – Legal Opinion on the Relocation of the Municipal Transfer Station)
028	H.	Communication from Angelo Calcagni, Manager, Link Environmental, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk.  (Response – Grotto Avenue and Concord Street Transfer Station Inquiry)
**	J.	Communication from Dylan Zelazo, Deputy Director of Administration, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk.  (Response – Grotto Avenue Contract Extension)
624	L.	Communication from David Clemente, Purchasing Agent, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council.  (Response – Red Light/Traffic Enforcement Cameras)
592	M.	Communication from Susan Mara, Director, Planning & Redevelopment, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council.  (Response – Red Light/Traffic Enforcement Cameras)
** 625	N.	Communication from Col. James Vartanian, Director of Administration and Public Safety, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council.  (Response – School Zone Traffic Safety)
** 625	O.	Communication from Dylan Zelazo, Deputy Director of Administration, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk.  (Response – Speed Limit Signs near Schools)
592	P.	Communication from Jay Rosa, Senior Planner, to the Pawtucket City Council.  (Proposed Medical Marijuana Zoning Amendments)
	Q.	AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 410 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET 1996, ENTITLED “ZONING” (Medical Marijuana) – IS LAID ON THE TABLE AND REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE.
	R.	Communication from Susan Mara, Director, Planning & Redevelopment, to Council President David P. Moran.  (Tax Stabilization Request – Fuller Mill) IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
	S.	Communication from Susan Mara, Director, Planning & Redevelopment, to Council President David P. Moran.  (Easement Request – Fuller Mill) IS REFERRED TO THE CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE.
**	T.	Communication from Andy Horwitz, Professor and Assistant Dean for Experiential Education, Roger Williams University School of Law, to Michelle R. Hardy, CMC, Deputy City Clerk.  (Proposed Revisions to Code to decriminalize all provisions carrying a criminal penalty) IS REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE.
	U.	THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY ARE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:
**	.	TAKEN OFF CONSENT AGENDA FOR COMMENTS ONLY, NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN
613	I.	Communication from Frank J. Milos, Jr., City Solicitor, to Council President David P. Moran. (Response – Outside Legal Fees for Transfer Station Matter) is READ AND ORDERED FILED. Lori Avallone by Richard P. Brederson, Esq. – No Amount Specified Jane Doe, by Joseph S. Votta, Jr. Esq. – No Amount Specified Nichole Good – Pending Karen Roy, by James P. Howe, Esq. – No Amount Specified Antonios Tsamourtzis - $280.75

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Barry, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Frank J. Milos, Jr., Esq., regarding outside legal costs for the transfer station. The council wants to know which attorneys or firms were the recipients of the $28,235.75 in fees and a breakdown of how much each attorney or firm received. Also, if the attorney or firm currently handling this matter is on retainer, how much are they getting on retainer? 

 

 

613

K.

Communication from Frank J. Milos, Jr., City Solicitor, to Council President David P. Moran.  (Response – Red Light/Traffic Cameras) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR KALLMAN.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Kallman, seconded by Councilor Barry, the agenda is amended to include the following communication on a unanimous voice vote:

 

028   Communication from Catherine Tonsberg, Policy Associate, American Civil Liberties Union of RI, to the Pawtucket City Council, regarding Red Light/Traffic Cameras.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Kallman, seconded by Councilor Barry, the following communication is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

Communication from Catherine Tonsberg, Policy Associate, American Civil Liberties Union of RI, to the Pawtucket City Council, regarding Red Light/Traffic Cameras.

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Barry, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Joel Votolato, Esq., Gannon Bailey & Votolato, regarding closing and clean-up costs at the Grotto Avenue transfer station.  The council is requesting his legal opinion on whether Link is statutorily responsible for the clean-up costs at that site, according to the original contract.

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Cano, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Patti DiCenso, Superintendent, Pawtucket School Department, requesting to know if security cameras, both inside and outside the Nathanael Greene School, and a security fob system for entry into the building are being incorporated into the renovations at the school.

 

 

 

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. 

 

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

589   Heidi Gilkenson, 26 Knowles Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.  Term expires the first Monday in January 2021, is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

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, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

Heidi Gilkenson, 26 Knowles Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.  Term expires the first Monday in January 2021.

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR KALLMAN.

 

With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Kallman, seconded by Councilor Rudd, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Shaun Strobel, Treasurer, regarding delinquent auto taxpayers.  Councilor Kallman stated that she has been getting letters from taxpayers who are delinquent because they say they were confused by the change in the payment schedule due to the late passage of the state budget.  Constituents were told that there is no payment plan for auto taxes.  The council wants to express their concern that there is no payment plan for auto taxes and is requesting that Mr. Strobel come up with ideas or options to offer taxpayers to help them resolve their delinquencies without hurting their credit rating or preventing them from registering their vehicles.  

 

 

 

 

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

 

589   Soraya S. Gomes, 63 Bloodgood Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861.  Term expires the first Monday in January 2021, IS READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

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, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

Soraya S. Gomes, 63 Bloodgood Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861.  Term expires the first Monday in January 2021.

 

 

 

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 Purchasing Board for CONFIRMATION:

 

PURCHASING BOARD

 

589   Nancy T. Pelletier, 63 Calder Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861.  Term expires the first Monday in January 2021 is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

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, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

Nancy T. Pelletier, 63 Calder Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861.  Term expires the first Monday in January 2021.

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BARRY.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Barry, seconded by Councilor Tetreault, the agenda is amended to include the following on a unanimous voice vote:

 

Communication from Don Zimmerman, Director of Human Resources, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Pay Plan Amendment - Classified Positions).

 

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR CLASSIFIED NON-UNION EMPLOYEES IN SECTION §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Barry, seconded by Councilor Tetreault, the following are LAID ON THE TABLE and REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE:

 

Communication from Don Zimmerman, Director of Human Resources, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Pay Plan Amendment - Classified Positions).

 

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR CLASSIFIED NON-UNION EMPLOYEES IN SECTION §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996.

 

 

 

Communication from Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk, on behalf of Council President David P. Moran, submitting the following reappointment as a member of the Pension Board for CONFIRMATION:

 

PENSION BOARD

 

589    Arthur M. Plitt, 44 Cooke Street, Pawtucket, RI  02860. Term Expires the First Monday in January, 2020, is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

 

The following nomination submitted by Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk, on behalf of Council President David P. Moran, is APPROVED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

 

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

Arthur M. Plitt, 44 Cooke Street, Pawtucket, RI  02860. Term Expires the First Monday in January, 2020.

 

 

 

UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IS READ AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

033   RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ABATEMENT OF TAXES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, REAL ESTATE AND TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 2017, IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $196,859.60

 

 

 

UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IS READ AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING, APPROVING AND DIRECTING THE EMPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN LAW FIRMS TO REPRESENT THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND IN POTENTIAL LITIGATION AGAINST CONTRIBUTORS OF THE OPIOID ADDICTION CRISIS

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilors Vitali and Mercer, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Police Chief Tina Goncalves, requesting that the Police Department set up traffic details at two locations in the city.

 

1.     Per Councilor Rudd, the council is requesting a police detail be placed at the lower end of Francis Avenue between 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm due to speeding drivers.

2.     Per Councilor Vitali, the council is requesting a police detail be placed on Newport Avenue at the intersection of Manton Street, due to violations of the prohibition on left turns onto Newport Avenue from Manton Street between the hours of 6:00 am to 9:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. 

 

A report on the number of people stopped and/or ticketed at the two locations is requested after four weeks of the details.

 

 

 

The following ordinance is read for the SECOND time and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

330   AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 367 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, ENTITLED “TOWING” (Tow Policy)

 

 

 

UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING IS APPROVED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Barry, Cano, Kallman, Mercer, Rudd, Tetreault, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES - 0.

 

1       Pawtucket Police Department Towing List Policy

 

 

 

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Mercer, seconded by Councilor Barry, the meeting is adjourned at 8:59 p.m.