City of Central Falls
City Council Meeting
Board of License Commissioners Meeting
Central Falls City Hall
Monday, February 12, 2017
6:00 p.m.
Minutes
Council President Bob Ferri called the meeting to order at the Central Falls City Council Chambers at 6:03 pm.
I. Roll Call
Sonia Grace, City Clerk, conducted the roll call. Present were Councilman Bob Ferri, Councilman Jonathon Acosta, Councilman Hugo Figueroa, Councilman Thomas Lazieh, Councilwoman Maria Rivera, and Councilman Franklin Solano. Councilwoman Fonseca was absent. Quorum was present.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Councilman Ferri lead the reciting of the pledge of allegiance
Without objection, Council President Ferri requested that the following items be heard after Public Commnent: VII(A), VII (I), VII(C) Item IV was heard before VIII.
III. Public Comment
-Abdiel Soto, Janelie Ordonez, Todd Deslauriers and Rogelio Gomez, Central Falls High School ELO- spoke about their work with an Extended Learning Opportunity and invited the Council to attend their presentation on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Navigant Credit Union.
-Tia Ristaino-Siegel, 14 Worth St.-spoke about items on the agenda and shared her concern regarding the lease agreement between the City and the Central Falls School District.
-Jean Morris, 30 Washington St- spoke about the lack of reliable transportation for senior citizens and the quality of the sidewalks for people with disabilities. Ms. Morris also congratulated the city for its accomplishments.
-Lorraine Savard, 76 Emmett St- shared her concern about construction of business on Higginson Ave. and its impact on the community.
-Thomas Lazieh, 1072 Lonsdale Ave-made requests to add items to the city council meeting, requested a public meeting to discuss the results of the audit.
-Rogelio Gomez and Vernia Carter- spoke about the training done to retailers of tobacco products.
IV. Approval of Records
A. Meeting minutes of December 11, 2018
Motion to reconsider was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to amend the minutes was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to amend the minutes to reflect the correct vote on section VIIB, page 3, was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-1.
Motion to approve as amended was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Solano. Motion carried 6-1.
B. Meeting minutes of January 8, 2018
Motion to table was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to include a hyperlink to the YouTube video on the minutes was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 6-1.
V. Executive Communications
A. Department Financial Reports
i. City Clerk Department- December 2017
ii. Department of Code Enforcement-December 2017
iii. Finance Department: November 2017 Revenue, October 2017 Expense
iv. Fire Department-December 2017
v. Police Department: December 2017
Irina Gorman answered questions from the Council regarding the financial reports
Reports were officially received.
VI. Schedule of Bills- Hearing and/or consideration
A. Ordinance Amending Chapter 30, “Solid Waste,” Article I “In General,”- First
Reading (Ferri)
Public Hearing: no one signed up for public comment
Motion to approve the first reading of the ordinance was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
B. Resolution Opposing the Ending of Temporary Protected Status (Figueroa)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Acosta and Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 7-0.
C. Resolution Supporting H7261-Alcoholic Beverages, Retail Licenses (Fonseca)
Dr. Michael Fine conducted a presentation on data related to the hours of liquor stores and their impact on the community. Dr. Fine answered questions from the Council.
Mr. Jerzyk answered questions from the Council regarding the ordinance and clarified the legislative process pertaining to the General Assembly bill introduced in the House.
Motion to table the consideration of the resolution was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
D. Resolution in support of the School Building Improvement Act, S.1674 (Solano)
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilman Acosta and Councilman Figueroa. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
E. Resolution of Central Falls City Council in Condolences and Congratulations
Councilwoman Fonseca introduced a resolution of condolences to the family of Christian Huertas who passed away on February 11, 2018
Councilman Lazieh introduced resolutions of condolences to the families of the following individuals:
Christoforidis Xiarho who passed away on January 14, 2018; Robert M. Martin who passed away on January 18, 2018; Manuel M. “Buddy” Vincent who passed away on January 21, 2018; Joseph Rizek Haick who passed away on January 25, 2018; and Kwong Wen Fung who passed away on February 3, 2018
Motion to approve the resolutions of condolences was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilman Lazieh introduced resolutions of congratulations to the following individuals:
Dr. Peter Barziotis on his election as president of the YMCA of Pawtucket at its 128th annual meeting
Rev. Fr. Alan Shaltan, Pastor of St. Ephraim Syriac Orthodox Church of Central Falls on the tenth anniversary of his ordination in the service to Our Lord
Hon. Sandra Cano on being honored by The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce at its Annual 2018 Dinner Meeting
The Ralph J. Holden Scholarship Committee for its continued support to the Central Falls High School graduates at its Irish Celebration On March 2, 2018
Louie P. Tager on his induction into The 2018 Central Falls Warriors Athletics Hall of Fame
Councilman Acosta introduced a resolution of congratulations to Michelle Moreno-Silva for being chosen as Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Princess.
Motion to approve the resolutions was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano and Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
VII. New Business
A. Citation of the Central Falls City Council to Pvt. Steven Young, Pvt. Ryan Bradley and Pvt. Andres Nunez of the Central Falls Fire Department in recognition of their honorable and selfless acts on January 28, 2018
Chief Bob Bradley read an email sent by Chief James McLaughlin of the Warwick Fire Department:
“Dear Chief, Hello, my name is Pvt. Christopher Zaino of the Warwick fire department. The intent of this email is to thank you, as well as the members of your department. These men assisted myself, and my fellow Warwick fire dept. members on a run that occurred on 1/28/18 around 10 am. The nature of the call was a 2 month old that was not breathing, with cpr in progress, this scene continued upon our arrival at Hasbro ER. As we pulled up, I could see out of the back window a member of a fire department which was not Warwick standing on the ramp of the ER. It appeared as though he was awaiting our arrival, for some reason unbeknownst to me. Upon stopping the rescue our doors opened and the individual that was standing on the ramp jumped in and started to assist us in any way that we needed. This individual got moved into the rotation of cpr on the 2 month old little boy without hesitation. After moving the patient into the er we stood there, next to each other and watched silently as the doctors and staff worked vigorously to save this child’s life. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful. You would have thought that this person was a member of our department by the way he jumped into our rescue. Although the reality was that he didn’t know any of us, or what was happening behind those doors. As I walked out of the er and went to talk to my crew I noticed that now there were two people from your department in the back of our rescue with my members who were on the call, who needless to say were not taking it well. I sat and listened as your men talked and consoled my crew. I was taken back that these guys would not only assist us in the run but now were taking it one step further to sit and talk with us, offering anything and everything they had. But really they knew that we just needed someone to listen and maybe a shoulder to lean on at that moment. To me, these men are truly what the fire service is, and needs. They are the true definition of integrity. I would like to thank them for what they did that day. You should be proud to know that these are the type of people that serve your city! The one name I was able to get was Steve Young, if you could pass this along to him and his partner that day I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and I look forward to an opportunity where our departments get to work together in the future.”
B. Consideration of Tax Abatements
i. Submitted by Tax Assessor
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Estate of Dennis Alduen | 2011 | MV: Jeep |
| Estate of Dennis Alduen | 2012 | MV: Jeep |
| Estate of Dennis Alduen | 2013 | MV: Jeep |
| Castillo, Yohanny I | 2015 | MV: Infinity QX5 |
| Olakiltan, Adeleke A | 2017 | MV: Honda Accord |
| Sanchez, Janet | 2017 | MV: Honda AXL |
| Estate of Oyolam Rodolfo M | 2015 | MV: Toyota UVS |
| Estate of Oyolam Rodolfo M | 2016 | MV: Toyota UVS |
| Barrientos, Gloria P | 2015 | MV: Freight |
| Barrientos, Gloria P | 2016 | MV: Freight |
| Barrientos, Gloria P | 2017 | MV: Freight |
Motion to approve the abatements was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
ii. Submitted by Board of Appeals
| Property Owner | Tax Year | Property Information |
| Lee, Henry | 2015 | RE: 84 Sylvian St |
Motion to approve the abatements was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilwoman Fonseca entered the meeting at 7:04pm.
C. PUBLIC HEARING- Request for public input and comment on the City of Central Falls “Year 14 RIPDES MS4 Report,” as required by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Elaine Partridge, Director of Public Works and Code Enforcement provided an overview of the work described in the report.
Public Hearing: no one signed up to speak.
D. Hearing, Consideration and Possible Action regarding the following license and license holders
Detective Sarah McNulty and Colonel James Mendonca, of the Central Falls Police Department, presented testimony of the work of the tobacco compliance checks.
Motion to enter police report number 18-149-OF and 18-81-OF into record was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca and Councilman Solano
Motion to enter police report number 16-15-13-OF enter into record was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Lazieh. Motion carried 7-0.
Thao Vo D/B/A Sunnyhill Market
194 Cross Street
Tobacco
Mr. Linh Duong, partner at Sunnyhill Farm answered from the Council and from Mr. Jerzyk.
Motion to fine Sunnyhill Farms $350, second offense, was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion and second were withdrawn.
Motion to fine Sunnyhill Farms $350 and issue a 2-day suspension of the tobacco license was made by Councilman Solano. Motion was withdrawn.
Motion to impose the 2nd offense fine of $350 to Sunnyhill Farm was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
Zhen Jiang D/B/A ABC Liquors
390 Broad Street
Tobacco
Mr. Jiang was present and answered questions from the Council.
Motion to give the business a warning was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: no; Councilman Acosta: no; Councilman Figueroa: no; Councilwoman Fonseca: no; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: no; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion failed 2-5.
Mr. Jerzyk answered questions from the Council about the motion on the table.
Motion to impose $100 fine was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was withdrawn.
Motion to fine ABC Liquors $250 was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: no; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 5-2.
Ilham A. Belguti D/B/A C.F. Mini Market
179 Illinois Street
Tobacco
Mr. Ed Shapiro, attorney for the owner, requested a continuance until the next meeting for the opportunity to examine the evidence.
Motion to continue to March 12, was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 7-0.
Saira Asturias D/B/A Dexter Street Market
874 Dexter Street
Tobacco
Ms. Saira Asturias was present to testify on her behalf.
Motion to find business in violation of first offense and give a warning was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded my Councilwoman Rivera. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: no; Councilman Acosta: no; Councilman Figueroa: no; Councilwoman Fonseca: no; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion failed 3-4.
Motion to fine Dexter Street Market $250 for its first offense was made by Councilwoman Fonseca. Councilman Ferri stepped away from the Chair and seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri; yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: no; Councilman Solano: no. Motion carried 4-3.
Maduhukar Varshney D/B/A 7 Eleven Inc.
603 Hunt Street
Tobacco
Parvez Khadana was present speak on behalf of the business.
Mr. Khadana answered questions from the Council and from Mr. Jerzyk.
Motion to fine the licensee $250 for its first offense was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri; yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: no; Councilman Solano: no. Motion carried 4-3.
Sangita Patel D/B/A Central Warehouse Liquors.
1060 Broad Street
Tobacco
Mr. Patel was present to speak on behalf of his business.
Motion to issue a warning was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Motion to issue the a $250 fine for first offense and request contact of the business’ distributors was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Figueroa and Councilwoman Fonseca. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri; yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: no; Councilman Solano: no. Motion carried 4-3.
Jose Sanchez D/B/A Mi Tierra Supermarket
635 Dexter Street
Tobacco
Motion to table was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion carried 7-0.
E. Hearing and/or Consideration of Claims
i. Executive Session pursuant to R.I.G.L § 42-46-5 (a)(2), pertaining to litigation or work sessions pertaining to litigation
1. Joseph S. Votta, Jr., Esq. on behalf of Jane Doe, Alias for alleged damages sustained on November 29, 2017
2. Cambridge Associates of Providence, Rhode Island for alleged damage to property on August 13, 2017 (tabled January 8, 2018)
Mr. Jerzyk presented facts of the case and recommended, as reviewed by the Fire, Police and Law Departments, that the claim be denied.
ii. Possible Consideration of Claim (a) (1) (2)
Motion to refer the claim of Joseph Votta to the RI Interlocal Risk Management Trust was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Figueroa. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to deny the claim of Cambridge Associates was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilman Solano. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
F. City Council Sitting as Board of License Commissioners
i. Consideration of petition of license
| Class of License | Business Information |
| Tobacco New- tabled | LR Food Mart, D/B/A LR Food Market 355 Broad St. |
| Laundry Transfer- New owner | Shivu, LLC D/B/A On The Go Laundromat 306 Broad St. |
| Entertainment New | Rafael Ruano D/B/A La Colombiana Bar & Grill 477 Dexter St. |
| Pool New | Rafael Ruano D/B/A La Colombiana Bar & Grill 477 Dexter St. |
Motion to deny the petition of LR Food Mart was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Motion was withdrawn.
Motion to table the petition of LR Food Mart was made by Councilwoman Rivera, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the petition for transfer of On The Go Laundromat was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano and Councilwoman Fonseca. Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion to approve the petitions for license of La Colombiana Bar & Grill, collectively, was made by Councilman Lazieh, seconded by Councilman Solano and Councilman Acosta. Roll call: Roll call vote: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Figueroa: yes; Councilwoman Fonseca: yes; Councilman Lazieh: yes; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 7-0.
G. Presentation regarding Central Falls monuments
Motion to table the presentation was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
H. Election of Special Constable Licenses pursuant to RIGL 45-16-8
| Name | Address | Position |
| John Agrela | 131 Pleasant Ave, #18 Smithfield, RI 02917 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Inspector |
| Jean P. Barros | 1 Williams St. Pawtucket, RI 02860 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Deputy Director |
| Charles E. Beaudoin | 30 Washington St. Central Falls, RI 02863 | |
| Charlene Gaffney | 354 York Ave. Pawtucket, RI 02860 | Police Department- Animal Control Officer |
| Donald Godin | 14 Illinois St. Central Falls, RI 02863 | City Sergeant |
| Thomas Lazieh | 1172 Lonsdale Ave. Central Falls, RI 02863 | City Councilman- Ward 5 |
| Michael A. Lussier | 36 Pleasant View Dr. N. Providence, RI 02904 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Inspector |
| Leonard Morganis | 3 Adams Ct. Uxbridge Ma 01569 | Administration and Finance Officer |
| Elaine Partridge | 70 Clark St. Cumberland, RI 02864 | Dept. of Code Enforcement- Director |
| Venus Zayas | 66 Carpenter St. Cumberland, RI 02864 | Dept. Of Code Enforcement- Clerk |
Councilman Lazieh recused from discussion and left the meeting.
Motion to approve the election of the constables was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera. Motion carried 7-0.
I. Hearing and consideration of lease for The McKenna Center for Teaching, Learning and Research (115 Illinois St.)
Councilman Figueroa recused from the discussion and left the meeting.
Mr. Victor Capellan, Superintendent of the Central Falls School District presented plans for the McKenna Center.
Mr. Capellan answered questions from the Council regarding the hours of programming and the living arrangements.
Motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman Solano, seconded by Councilwoman Rivera.
Motion to defer the consideration of the lease was made by Councilman Lazieh. Motion was not seconded. Motion died.
Matthew Jerzyk, City Solicitor, answered questions from the Council related to the lease agreement and legal obligations of the City and of the School District.
Chief Robert Bradley spoke about the fire code and inspections.
Roll call: Councilman Ferri: yes; Councilman Acosta: yes; Councilman Lazieh: no; Councilwoman Rivera: yes; Councilman Solano: yes. Motion carried 4-1.
J. Consideration of petition by National Grid and Verizon for permission for a joint pole location on Broad St.
Motion to approve the petition was made by Councilwoman Fonseca, seconded by Councilman Acosta. Motion carried 7-0.
VIII. Good & Welfare
Councilwoman Rivera announced the establishment of a GoFund me page on behalf of Christian Huertas’ mother.
Councilman Solano congratulated Colonel James Mendonca on becoming the president of the RI Chief of Police’s Association. Councilman Solano also announced a flag raising to celebrate Dominican Republic independence on February 23 at 12pm in City Hall.
Councilwoman Fonseca thanked the Central Falls Police Department for attending and supporting the vigil to remember Christian Huertas. Councilwoman Fonseca invited the Council and the public to attend the Ralph Holden Scholarship dinner on March 2nd.
Councilman Figueroa invited the council to attend the presentations at Navigant Credit Union on Friday
Councilman Acosta announced that the Calcutt and Blackstone Valley Prep wrestling teams will participate in a tournament. Councilman Acosta also announced that the City’s Fire and Police Departments are hiring and invite the Council to spread the news.
Councilman Lazieh: requested that correspondence to him be sent by paper.
IX. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Acosta, seconded by Councilwoman Fonseca. Meeting adjourned at 10:30pm.
Sonia Grace
City Clerk
Approved April 9, 2018
To view the video of the City Council meeting click on link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=central+falls+city+council+meeting