Monday, April 2, 2012
At a public hearing of the City Council, in the City of Woonsocket, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island in Harris Hall on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 7:00 P.M.
All members are present.
The public hearing was held on the following resolution: 12 R 30 approving City’s 2012/2013 annual action plan and application for submission to HUD.
Judy Curtin addressed the council.
The public haring adjourned at 7:05 P.M.
The regular meeting immediately followed.
All members are present.
The following persons addressed the council under citizens good and welfare: Ed Lee, Richard Picard, Lawrence Fitzsimmons, Charles Souders, Tyler Charbonneau, Tyrus Thorpe, Alethea Forcier, Brian Tanny, Matthew Boudreau, John Reynolds Jr., Roger Petit, John Jodoin, Arthur Defelice, Fred Hartnett, Christopher Roberts, Tony Raino, Roland Michaud, Allen Auclair, Dorian Parker, William Doe, Richard Hoyle, Tracy Moreau, Kenneth Jones, Shirley Robinson, Lucille Vario, Lisa Paradis and Robert Moreau.
The prayer is read by the Clerk. The Pledge of Allegiance is given by the assembly.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the minutes of the regular meeting held March 19th, special meeting held March 21st and public hearing held March 26th be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the consent agenda be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
The following items were listed under the consent agenda:
12 CO 24 A communication from Public Works Director regarding connection to sewer system.
12 CO 25 An opinion of City Solicitor regarding claim of Walter Pristawa.
12 CO 26 A communication from Acting Planning Director regarding 2012/2013 annual action plan.
12 CO 27 A communication from Public Works Director regarding acceptance of Miller Lane and related utilities.
12 CP 14 Monthly odor report from Veolia.
12 CP 15 Claim of Walter Pristawa against the city for reimbursement of legal fees.
12 LC 13 Tabled application of Ahmed Algarwi d/b/a In & Out Mart to Haider Alkheqano d/b/a Monument Square Convenience to hold holiday license at 2 Monument Square is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilmen Dubois and Jalette it is voted that the license be granted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
12 LC 14 Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilmen Gendron it is voted that the following licenses be granted, a voice vote on same being unanimous: 1 application for Class F1 liquor license and entertainment license, 1 application for renewal of bowling alley license, 3 applications for renewal of holiday licenses, 3 applications for renewal of quarterly entertainment licenses, 1 application for pool table/billiard license, 29 applications for renewal of second hand dealer license.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the 2 applications for tag days be granted, a voice vote on same being 5-2 with Councillors Jalette and Dubois voting no.
The following remarks are made under good and welfare:
Councilman Beauchamp thanked everyone attending the meeting and stated that he tries to respond to all calls, emails and letters and feels concerns of the citizens who speak at meetings or contact him. He spoke to Public Works Director regarding Mr. Lee’s concerns about the baseball fields and thanked her for speaking with Mr. Lee. He spoke about volunteers and mentions David Gouin, manager of River Falls and his employees cleaning the Market Square area. He asked Fire Chief if all Fire Department vehicles are being used and if we could use those other vehicles for other departments. He spoke about Governor Chafee’s bills pertaining to flexibility for distressed communities and stated that we all need to support those bills.
Councilman Brien stated that he appreciated all those who attended public hearing on the tax ordinance. He stated that he understands that there is a great deal of pain and suffering within the community and takes that into account. He congratulated Mr. Lee on his volunteerism and thanked him.
Councilman Dubois thanked everyone who has attended meetings and who has contacted him. He spoke of the public hearing and other meetings. He stated that 70% of children living in poverty are residing in Providence, West Warwick, Pawtucket and Woonsocket. He stated that he originally signed on to be a sponsor of resolution 12 R 36 but was advised by City Solicitor that he must recuse himself as he may be part of the investigation as a witness. He is disappointed with school committee regarding state police investigation and strongly supports an investigation by the council.
Councilman Gendron thanked all who attended meetings and who contacted him personally. He urged people to continue to contact him and stated that his decisions made as a councilperson is for the best of the City. He spoke to Public Works Director about purchase and sales agreement for purchase of land for water treatment plant and also asked if engineering has been started. He spoke to Public Works Director about Mr. Lee and asked if she can accommodate him with getting the fields ready.
Councilman Jalette spoke to Mayor about meetings with unions and if we are guaranteed savings from the unions. He asked Mayor if there is a plan for savings elsewhere if unions do not agree to pay cut.
Councilman Moreau thanked everyone who has attended the various council meetings. He spoke to Fire Chief regarding false alarms and asked if fines were imposed for repeated offenders. He asked about house on Providence Street that had a fire and what is being done with the building. He spoke about a resident tax and was told that it cannot be done because of state law and also that landlords pass taxes along to tenants. He spoke about higher tax on vehicles for non-homeowners and was told that also cannot be done because of state law.
President Ward thanked all who have contacted him and attended meetings and states that he tries to respond to everyone and will continue to. He states that here are many things that council would like to do but cannot because of constraints imposed by state law and other mandates. He spoke about hearing to be held in Harris Hall on Stewart purchase of hospital on April 9 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. He spoke about meeting to be held on April 9th with State Representative Hunt and Senator Picard to discuss Governor’s bills regarding municipalities. He spoke about his proposal to House and Senate regarding teacher pension contribution that would save the City approximately $3 million.
12 O 14 An ordinance approving and adopting the 2012 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Woonsocket, which was passed for the first time on March 19th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Dubois it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Brien voting no.
12 O 19 An ordinance directing the assessment and collection of a supplemental tax by the City of Woonsocket upon real estate and personal property, including motor vehicles and trailers, for fiscal year commencing July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012 which was tabled at the meeting of March 21st is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Jalette voting no.
12 O 20 An ordinance authorizing connection to the City of Woonsocket waste water collection system is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
12 O 21 An ordinance placing on the ballot for the election to be held November 6, 2012, question amending Home Rule Charter (Department of Education) is read by title, and
A motion is made by Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron that the ordinance be passed, however before this is voted on
Upon motion of President Ward seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted to amend as follows: In Exhibit A change second section “8” to “9”. This amendment is voted on and passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The ordinance, as amended, is then voted on and passed for the first time on a roll all vote of 5-2 with Councilmen Dubois and Moreau voting no.
12 O 22 An ordinance placing on the ballot for the election to be held on November 6, 2012, question amending Home Rule Charter (recall provision) is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
12 R 29 A resolution authorizing the issuance of tax anticipation notes, which was tabled at meeting of March 21st, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the resolution be passed, a roll call vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Jalette voting no.
12 R 30 A resolution approving City’s 2012/2013 annual action plan and application for submission to HUD is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilmen Dubois and Moreau it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being 6-0 with Councilman Beauchamp recusing himself from the vote.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the following three resolutions be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous:
12 R 31 Authorizing the acceptance of Miller Lane as a user and declare the street as a public highway.
12 R 32 Authorizing acceptance of utilities.
12 R 33 Authorizing acceptance of sewer main easements.
12 R 34 A resolution granting permission to Charlene Gignac to use River Island Park on June 9, 2012 for a wedding is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
12 R 35 A resolution granting permission to Mike Petagna to use River Island Park on August 18, 2012 for a church festival is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
12 R 36 A resolution initiating an inquiry into city affairs in accordance with Chapter II, Sections 16 and 17 of the Home Rule Charter and authorizing employment of professional consultants is read by title, and
A motion is made by Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Moreau that the resolution be passed, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilmen Gendron and Jalette it is voted that the resolution be amended as follows: at end of section 2 insert “in an amount not to exceed $10,000”. This amendment is voted on and passed on a unanimous voice vote. The resolution, as amended, is voted on and passed unanimously on a 6-0 voice vote with Councilman Dubois recusing himself from voting.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Dubois it is voted that the meeting be and it is hereby adjourned at 11:35 P.M.
Attest: Andrea M. Bicki City Clerk