City Council, August 11, 2021

A regular session of the Pawtucket City Council is held Thursday, August 11, 2021, at 8:03 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. 

 

Present – Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Mercer, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

Absent – President Moran.

 

President Pro-Tempore Mercer presides.

 

The reading of the records of the July 21, 2021 City Council meeting, the July 22, 2021 City Property Committee meeting and the July 29, 2021 City Council meeting is dispensed with and the records are APPROVED as prepared by the Clerk.

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by Councilor Vasquez, the *Consent Agenda is APPROVED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

 

*THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE READ AND ORDERED FILED:

 

028      A.     Communication from Keri M. Cronin, Warren Town Council President, to the Honorable City Council. (International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples)

           

590      B.     Communication from Mayor Donald R. Grebien, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket School Committee. (Supporting Request for Two-Year Extension from Rhode Island Department of Education for the Renovations of Shea High School)

           

028      C.     Communication from Christopher McDonald. (Resignation from the Pawtucket Parks Commission)

           

1          E.      Communication from Sergeant Peter Spetelunas, to Tina Goncalves, Chief of Police. (Response – Traffic Concerns on Robinson Avenue)

           

1          G.     Communication from Tina Goncalves, Chief of Police, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Creative Enforcement of new Stop Sign at Whitman St. and Randall St.)

           

**616  I.       Communication from Michael E. Burns, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Traffic Improvements)

           

            J.      Communication from Nana Ewiafom II, Apostolic Church Boston Assembly, to the City Clerk’s Office. (Tax Exemption for Church) IS REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

           

            K.     THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY IS REFERRED TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND RI INTERLOCAL TRUST:

Tessa Couture by Brian Cunha – No Amount Specified

Manuel M. DePina by Charles J. Vucci, Esq. - $100,000.00

Jose Torres by Christopher E. Fay Esq. – No Amount Specified

           

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

Rita Cabral - $256.70

Sara Bowden - $1,872.33

Fernando Sousa - $660.50

           

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

 

633      D      Communication from Diane Dufresne, Director, Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, to Richard J. Goldstein, MMC, City Clerk. (Response – Narcan Kit) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR DAROSA.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Diane Dufresne, Director of Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, requesting that she consider having training sessions on the use of Narcan in the Woodlawn area of the city, perhaps at the West Avenue Community Center or at the Cape Verdean Community Center.

 

 

 

622      F.      Communication from William Vieira, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, to the Honorable Members of the City Council. (Response – Magill Street Trash Violations) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR DAROSA.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to David Clemente, Director of Public Works and William Vieira, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, regarding trash issues in the city.

 

·       First, the council requested that Zoning inspect International Liquors, at the corner of Main Street and Magill Street, for trash emanating from the property. 

 

·       Second, the council requested that DPW clean up the trash and graffiti in the loop around the Baldwin School.  They also asked if some of the BigBelly cans may be placed around the loop.

 

Finally, they are requesting that DPW and Zoning work with community groups who are interested in doing neighborhood clean-ups.  Possibly the city could provide bags and other assistance to these groups.     

 

 

 

590      H.     Communication from Kassandra Florez, Constituent Liaison, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council. (Workforce Development Assistance) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR DAROSA.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Kassandra Florez, Constituent Liaison, requesting that she arrange for herself and someone with Plant for Peace to attend a pre-council session of the city council on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at 6:35 p.m.  The purpose of the session will be to explain the mission of Plant for Peace and any plans they may have in the city.  Councilor DaRosa wants the council to get an understanding of what Plant for Peace is all about.

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR GREGOR.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to David Clemente, Director of Public Works and William Vieira, Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement, regarding the homeless encampment on Ann Mary Street, between the Dollar Tree Store and the H&R Block.

 

The council noted that the area is loaded with trash and wants it cleaned up.  If it is city-owned property, they are requesting that DPW clean it up.  If it is privately-owned property, they are requesting that the property owner be sited by Zoning. 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR DAROSA.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to the Pawtucket Delegation to the General Assembly, requesting that they introduce legislation in the 2022 general assembly session to amend RIGL Section 3-7-23, to change the opening time for liquor stores in Pawtucket to 9:00 a.m., rather than the current 7:00 a.m.

 

Under current law, liquor stores must remain closed until 7:00 a.m., except in Providence and Central Falls, where they must remain closed until 9:00 a.m.  The council wants Pawtucket to join Providence and Central Falls with the 9:00 a.m. opening.

 

 

 

609      Communication from Christopher Montalto, National Grid, to the Honorable Members of the Pawtucket City Council, requesting approval to relocate solely owned Pole 6 on Nye Street to alleviate truck confinement in the loading dock area of 300 Armistice Blvd. IS APPROVED PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

 

 

 

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 Parks Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

PARKS COMMISSION

 

589      Mary Ellen Minton, 104 Sweet Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. Term to expire the 1^st Monday in August, 2024. (To fill the unexpired term of Christopher McDonald) is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

PARKS COMMISSION

 

Mary Ellen Minton, 104 Sweet Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. Term to expire the 1^st Monday in August, 2024. (To fill the unexpired term of Christopher McDonald)

 

 

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 Parks Commission, FOR CONFIRMATION:

 

PARKS COMMISSION

 

589      Eunice Degre-Markley, 41 Unity Street, Pawtucket, RI. Term to expire the 1^st Monday in August, 2024 is READ AND ORDERED FILED.

 

The following nomination submitted by His Honor, Mayor Donald R. Grebien, is CONFIRMED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

PARKS COMMISSION

 

Eunice Degre-Markley, 41 Unity Street, Pawtucket, RI. Term to expire the 1^st Monday in August, 2024.

 

 

 

THE FOLLOWING REAPPOINTMENT BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT MORAN TO THE ARTS PANEL REVIEW COMMITTEE IS CONFIRMED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

RIVERFRONT COMMISSION

 

Eric Auger, 67 Park Place, Pawtucket, RI. Term to expire the 1^st Monday in June, 2024

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Dylan Zelazo, Director of Administration, requesting an update on the rebuild of the Grotto Ave. transfer station.

 

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD.

 

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

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Tina Goncalves, Chief of Police, regarding Collier Park. The Council noted several issues at the park, including drug use, trash, and possibly human trafficking.  They are requesting that she assign the bike patrol to the park to help with some of the issues occurring there. They are also asking if the police department has a relationship with AdCare, to provide ride-alongs or other assistance with substance abuse issues.

 

 

 

The following resolution is READ AND PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588      RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE SAINT RAPHAEL ACADEMY BOYS OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD TEAM FOR WINNING THE CLASS C STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

 

 

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL BY THE CITY PROPERTY COMMITTEE, IS TAKEN UP:

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH JK EQUITIES LLC FOR PLAT 62A, LOTS 291 AND 309, LOCATED AT 94 MOSHASSUCK STREET, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MORLEY FIELD

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR RUDD:

 

Upon motion by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Gregor, the following amendment to the above resolution is introduced on a unanimous voice vote:

 

AMENDMENT

 

Add the following language to the end of the resolution:

 

…WHICH WILL INCLUDE A NEW RECREATION FACILITY LOCATED WEST OF THE RIVER IN DISTRICT 4, 5 OR 6, WITH A PREFERENCE FOR DISTRICT 5.

 

Upon motion by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilors Gregor and DaRosa, the following amendment is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

AMENDMENT

 

Add the following language to the end of the resolution:

 

…WHICH WILL INCLUDE A NEW RECREATION FACILITY LOCATED WEST OF THE RIVER IN DISTRICT 4, 5 OR 6, WITH A PREFERENCE FOR DISTRICT 5.

 

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

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

588      RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH JK EQUITIES LLC FOR PLAT 62A, LOTS 291 AND 309, LOCATED AT 94 MOSHASSUCK STREET, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS MORLEY FIELD, AS AMENDED

 

 

THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, RETURNED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, IS TAKEN UP:

 

AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT” (Annual Report of Police Chief)

 

 

UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, COUNCILOR RUDD SUBMITS THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT TO THE ABOVE ORDINANCE:

 

AMENDMENT:

 

Change the second paragraph to read as follows:

 

§ 3-12 Annual report of Chief.

The Chief of Police shall make a report to the City Council at the first meeting in September in each year of the work of the Police Division during the preceding fiscal year, embodying therein whatever recommendations he or she may deem advisable.

 

The Chief of Police shall appear before the City Council at the first regularly-scheduled meeting in February in each year to deliver an oral update on the operations and accomplishments of the Police Division during the previous calendar year, and to deliver a prospective operational forecast for the remainder of the current year. The Chief of Police may supplement his/her such oral report with written data and documentation if needed. Nothing in this section shall preclude the City Council from requiring that the Chief of Police appear at other times during the year when circumstances warrant.

 

 

Upon motion by Councilor Rudd, seconded by Councilor Gregor, the following amendment is read and PASSED on a roll call vote, as follows:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

AMENDMENT:

 

Change the second paragraph to read as follows:

 

§ 3-12 Annual report of Chief.

The Chief of Police shall make a report to the City Council at the first meeting in September in each year of the work of the Police Division during the preceding fiscal year, embodying therein whatever recommendations he or she may deem advisable.

 

The Chief of Police shall appear before the City Council at the first regularly-scheduled meeting in February in each year to deliver an oral update on the operations and accomplishments of the Police Division during the previous calendar year, and to deliver a prospective operational forecast for the remainder of the current year. The Chief of Police may supplement his/her such oral report with written data and documentation if needed. Nothing in this section shall preclude the City Council from requiring that the Chief of Police appear at other times during the year when circumstances warrant.

 

 

UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, IS READ FOR THE FIRST TIME AND PASSED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

AN ORDINANCE IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET, 1996, ENTITLED “ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT” (Annual Report of Police Chief), AS AMENDED

 

 

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES COUNCILOR VASQUEZ.

 

With majority consent of the Council, the following motion made by Councilor Vasquez, seconded by Councilors DaRosa and Schuette, is PASSED on a unanimous voice vote:

 

The Clerk is instructed to send a communication to Joanna L’Heureux, Director of Finance, on behalf of the city’s Women’s Caucus, requesting that she work with Melissa Devine at the School Department to determine what it would cost to provide free feminine hygiene products in city buildings.

 

This year, the general assembly passed legislation requiring that local school departments provide free feminine hygiene products in their schools beginning in 2022.  While the law doesn’t require these products in non-school municipal buildings, the council is requesting that Ms. L’Heureux determine the cost to the city if we combine with the school department to purchase enough of the products to make them available in all city buildings, not just school buildings.  While the caucus is looking to start with city hall and the library, the council is requesting the cost of providing the products in all city buildings.

 

 

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 Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

Lisa St. Germain by Amica Insurance - $500.00

 

 

 

UPON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS AND PENDING SUITS, THE FOLLOWING CLAIM FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE CITY IS DENIED ON A ROLL CALL VOTE, AS FOLLOWS:

 

AYES – President Pro-Tempore Mercer, Councilors Araujo, DaRosa, Gregor, Rudd, Schuette, Vasquez and Wildenhain.

 

NOES – 0.

 

Shonda Ledo - $187.20

 

 

Upon motion made by Councilor Araujo, seconded by the entire City Council, the meeting is adjourned at 9:26 p.m., in memory of George Shabo.