City Council, March 20, 2019

 

A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council is held Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 8:09 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. 

 

Present – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

Absent – Councilor Rudd.

 

President Moran presides.

 

 

THE COUNCIL RECESSES IMMEDIATELY TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING:

 

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION DATE FOR THE TEN-YEAR REAL ESTATE TAX STABILIZATION AGREEMENT WITH HOPE ARTISTE VILLAGE PROPRIETOR, LLC, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 200 ESTEN AVENUE – AP62 L359

 

THE COUNCIL RECONVENES AT 8:14 P.M.

 

 

Upon unanimous consent of the Council, the following resolution is taken up at this time:

 

RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION DATE FOR THE TEN-YEAR REAL ESTATE TAX STABILIZATION AGREEMENT WITH HOPE ARTISTE VILLAGE PROPRIETOR, LLC, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 200 ESTEN AVENUE – AP62 L359

 

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

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION DATE FOR THE TEN-YEAR REAL ESTATE TAX STABILIZATION AGREEMENT WITH HOPE ARTISTE VILLAGE PROPRIETOR, LLC, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 200 ESTEN AVENUE – AP62 L359

 

 

The reading of the records of the March 6, 2019 City Council meeting, Committee on Claims and Pending Suits meeting and Finance Committee meeting is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.

 

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

 

*THE FOLLOWING COMMUNICATIONS ARE READ AND ORDERED FILED:

 

590      A.     Communication from Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to Representative Marvin L. Abney; Chairman, House Finance Committee. (Support of H-5151 – Budget Article 12)

           

028      B.     Resolution from the Town of Westerly Supporting Beach and Camping Fees.

           

028      C.     Resolutions from the Town of Barrington Supporting the Utility Emergency Response Bill S0261 and Supporting Enabling Legislation for Municipal Tobacco Licensing.

           

613      E.      Communication from Frank J. Milos, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to Council President David P. Moran. (Firefighter Contract Interest Arbitration)

           

**592  F.      Communication from Anthony Hebert, Senior Planner, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council.  (Renewable Energy Consulting Services at the Transfer Station – Cadmus)

           

590      G.     Communication from Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Thanking the Council for passing the Grotto Avenue Transfer Station Resolution)

           

028      H.     Communication from Joel J. Votolato, Esq., Gannon Bailey & Votolato, to Council President David P. Moran (Response - Grotto Avenue Transfer Station)

           

613      I.       Communication from Frank J. Milos, Jr., Esq., City Solicitor, to Council President David P. Moran. (Response - Transfer Station – Remedial Costs)

           

611      J.      Communication from Jeannine S. Bourski, Deputy Finance Director, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (FY19 Equipment Lease List Authorization)

           

            K.     RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO SEEK A LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE FY19 EQUIPMENT LEASE LIST -  IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

           

            L.      RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN EQUIPMENT LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT, AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS, FUNDING OF THE FY2019 LEASE PURCHASE EQUIPMENT LIST PLUS RELATED EXPENSES - IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

           

            M.    RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS – IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

           

028      N.     Communication from Larry Montastesse, Chairman, Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency, to Council President David P. Moran. (Request Tax Abatement for the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency)

           

            O.     AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 363 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET 1996, ENTITLED “TAXATION” (Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency Exemption) – IS LAID ON THE TABLE AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

           

            P.      THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY ARE REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS:

Deborah Betts – No Amount Specified

David R. Mann – $296.09

Ronald Maynard II – No Amount Specified

Maggie Montgomery - $324.41

Nick Pandolfi - $298.64

Christian Pierdinock - $471.00

Kacey Richards - $370.96

           

**        TAKEN OFF CONSENT AGENDA FOR COMMENTS ONLY, NO OTHER ACTION TAKEN.

 

 

2          D.     Communication from the Pawtucket Firefighters Local 1261, to the Pawtucket City Council. (Firefighters Arbitration) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR MERCER.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Tina Goncalves, Police Chief/Public Safety Director, William Sisson, Fire Chief; and the mayor’s office, regarding a special meeting of the City Council to be scheduled before April 1^st for a discussion on the decision to take Fire Engine 3 off the road while repairs are being made to Fire Station 3. 

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR VITALI.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Eric Earls, Director of Public Works, requesting an update on the city’s plans to improve traffic control in the area around East St. and Branch St. now that the new housing on Branch St. is complete.  Whether a traffic study is needed or simply the installation of new traffic control devices, the council wants to know what the city plans to do, hopefully by the spring, to improve the traffic flow in that area.

 

 

 

Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following appointment to the Riverfront Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

RIVERFRONT COMMISSION

 

589   Marlena Martins Stachowiak, 22 Vincent Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in June 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 Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

RIVERFRONT COMMISSION

 

Marlena Martins Stachowiak, 22 Vincent Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in June 2021.

 

 

 

Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment to the Board of Canvassers, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

BOARD OF CANVASSERS

 

589   Robert W. Castle, 191 Clews Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in March 2025 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 Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

BOARD OF CANVASSERS

 

Robert W. Castle, 191 Clews Street, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in March 2025.

 

 

 

Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment to the Historic District Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

 

589   Jason C. Bacon, P.E., 143 Parkside Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in February 2022 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 Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

 

Jason C. Bacon, P.E., 143 Parkside Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in February 2022.

 

 

 

Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment to the Historic District Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

 

589    Richard W. Fay, 466 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in February 2022 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 Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

 

Richard W. Fay, 466 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, RI 02861. Term expires the first Monday in February 2022.

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR KALLMAN.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Eric Earls, Director of Public Works and Michael Burns, Traffic Engineer, asking that they address the following matters:

 

1.      Repair or replace the street lighting on Baldwin St., which is/are currently not working.

2.     Replace the one-way signs on Baldwin St., which are so faded that they cannot be read.  As a result, people are driving the wrong way on the one-way street.

3.     Re-paint the crosswalk at the intersection of Newton St. and Pawtucket Ave., which is also very faded.

 

 

Communication from His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, submitting the following reappointment to the Historic District Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

 

589   Frederick R. Love, 25 Belmont Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in February 2022 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 Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

 

Frederick R. Love, 25 Belmont Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Term expires the first Monday in February 2022.

 

 

 

609   Communication from Christopher Montalto, Engineering Supervisor, Distribution Design, National Grid, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, requesting to install a new Pole on Concord Street, IS APPROVED PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

 

 

609   Communication from Christopher Montalto, Engineering Supervisor, Distribution Design, National Grid, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, requesting to install underground conduit on York Avenue, Monticello Road and Campbell Street, IS APPROVED PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

 

 

 

The following resolution is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE TOLMAN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CHEERLEADING TEAM FOR WINNING THE RHODE ISLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

 

 

 

590   Communication from Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council Supporting Legislation Regarding – Conant Thread and Downtown Pawtucket Development District TOD Incentive; Super TIF District Legislation and Rhode Island Opportunity Zone Tax Credit is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

 

The following resolution is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE SUPER TIF DISTRICT IN THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET

 

 

 

The following resolution is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO CREATE THE RHODE ISLAND OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT

 

 

 

The following resolution is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO CREATE THE PAWTUCKET-CENTRAL FALLS STATION REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

 

 

 

028   Communication from Paula McFarland, Executive Director and Pawtucket Housing Authority Commissioners, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk. (Support for H5137 – Housing) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

 

The following resolution is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588   RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF 2019-H 5137 AND S-0331 ENTITLED “AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY – FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES”

 

 

 

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

 

AYES – President Moran, Councilors Araujo, Barry, Kallman, Mercer, Vasquez, Vitali and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

330   AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING THE SCHEDULE OF PAY RATES FOR LOCAL 1012 IN §88-12 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996. (Create: Fire Fleet Mechanic – Levels I, II, III; Delete: Police & Fire Fleet Mechanic Specialist)

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR BARRY.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Jeanne Boyle, Commerce Director and Dylan Zelazo, Director of Administration, regarding an update on the Apex matter.

 

 

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Mercer, seconded by Councilor Vitali, the meeting is adjourned at 8:46 p.m.