Monday, June 6, 2016
At a regular meeting of the City Council, in the City of Woonsocket, County of Providence, State of Rhode Island in Harris Hall on Monday, June 6, 2016 at 7 P.M.
All members are present.
The prayer is read by the Clerk. The Pledge of Allegiance is given by the assembly.
The following persons addressed the council under citizens good and welfare: Daniel Marzalkowski, Susan Kirwan, Richard Fagnant and Shirley Robinson.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the minutes of the regular meeting held May 16 and public hearing held June 1st be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the consent agenda be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
The following item was listed on the consent agenda:
16 CO 26 Resignation of Diane Rivers from the Board of Library Trustees.
16 LC 16 Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the following licenses be granted, a voice vote on same being unanimous: 2 applications for peddler licenses, 2 applications for holiday licenses, 1 application for quarterly entertainment license, 7 applications for renewal of laundry/dry cleaning licenses, 9 applications for renewal of quarterly entertainment licenses. Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the 2 applications for peddler licenses, 2 applications for holiday licenses be granted. A voice vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Jalette voting no.
16 LC 17 Application of Cowboys d/b/a Cowboys to hold Class BV license at 350 River Street, which was advertised for hearing on this date, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilors Gendron and Murray it is voted that the license be granted, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 CP 35 A request of Vice President Brien to address the following item: House Bill 7036 is read by title.
16 CP 36 A request of Public Works Director D’Agostino to address the City Council regarding the odors at the Wastewater Facility is read by title.
The following remarks are made under good and welfare:
President Moreau passed.
Councilwoman Murray passed.
Councilman Beauchamp passed.
Councilman Brien passed.
Councilman Gendron passed.
Councilman Jalette passed.
Councilman Mancieri passed.
16 O 47 An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 13 entitle “Licenses and Permits” of the Code of Ordinances, City of Woonsocket, which was passed for the first time on May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 48 An ordinance authorizing the Finance Director to create a restricted receipt account for health care expenses, which was passed for the first time on May 16th, is read by title, and
Councilman Jalette made a motion to add “only” in Section 1 after health care, however this motion failed for lack of a second.
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being 4-3 with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up new ordinances as follows:
16 O 68 An ordinance authorizing Federal Street to temporarily be a two-way street for traffic 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.
16 O 69 An ordinance authorizing the Public Safety Department to bypass competitive bidding for the purchase of a 2015 Chevy Express Van is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Jalette voting no.
16 O 70 An ordinance placing on the ballot for the General Election to be held on November 8, 2016, a question amending the City of Woonsocket Home Rule Charter to establish Fiscal Stability Reserve accounts and clarify its source of funding and use is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be tabled to June 13th, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted to further dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following resolutions:
16 R 82 A resolution in opposition to House Bill 8240 and Senate Bill 3037 is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Gendron voting no.
16 R 83 A resolution granting permission to use city property is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 84 A resolution authorizing the Mayor to procure a fireworks display for the residents of the City of Woonsocket in celebration of Independence Day 2016 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.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following ordinance:
16 O 61 An ordinance directing the assessment and collection of a tax by the City of Woonsocket upon real estate, excise and tangible personal property for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
A motion is made by Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray that the ordinance be passed, however before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: the assessment and collection of taxes be the sum of $62,141,079, a roll call on same being unanimous.
However, upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by President Moreau it is voted to reconsider the vote, a roll call on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: the assessment and collection of taxes be the sum of $62,141,079 and not more than an additional two percent increase with a residential rate of $31.84, commercial rate of $38.34 & motor vehicle/tangible personal property rate of $46.56, the ordinance, as amended is then voted on and passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Upon motion by Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following ordinances:
16 O 62 An appropriation ordinance of the City of Woonsocket water system for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 63 An appropriation ordinance for the operation of the sewer use fee for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 64 An appropriation ordinance for the operation of the regional wastewater treatment fund for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017 which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 60 Appropriation ordinance of the City of Woonsocket for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to increase the collection rate to 97.7%. This motion is voted on and failed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron & Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to eliminate the OPEB Trust Fund. This motion was voted on and failed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron & Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted to decrease the OPEB Trust Fund to $250,000. This motion was voted on and passed on 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Jalette & Mancieri voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, however, before this is voted on, numerous amendments are made as follows:
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted to amend as follows: Page 27, increase Mayor’s salary to $87,000. This motion is voted on and passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Brien it is voted to amend as follows: Page 31, increase hours of City Clerk to 40 hours plus 3%. This motion is voted on and defeated on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Brien and Mancieri voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 40 increase salary of Manager, Board of Canvassers by 2.61%. This motion is voted on and passed on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Murray and Moreau voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted to amend as follows: Page 44, Books for Library increase account to $20,000. This motion was defeated on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Jalette and Murray voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 60 & Page 62, increase salary of Tax Assessor to $75,727 and reduce the salary of Controller to $75,727 for an increase of 2.61%. This motion was defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted to amend as follows: Page 60, eliminate salary for Mayoral Aide. This motion was defeated on a 6-1 roll call vote with Councilman Mancieri voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 68, reduce salary of Personnel Director to $63,576 for an increase of 2.61%. This motion was voted on and passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Beauchamp, Murray and Moreau voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 72, eliminate position of part time Attorney. This motion was voted and defeated, a roll call vote on same being 4-3 with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 72, decrease salary for position of Legal Assistant to $32,835. This motion is defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 72, decrease account for prosecution services to $18,930. This motion is passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Mancieri, Murray and Moreau voting no.
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Pages 75 and 96, transfer $5,000 from River Island skating rink account to Animal shelter supplies and expenses. This motion is voted on and passed on a unanimous roll call vote.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 84, add position of grant writer part time for $25,000. This motion was voted on and defeated on a 3-3 roll call vote with Councilors Beauchamp, Brien and Gendron voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted to amend as follows: Page 84, decrease Other Independent Services account by $25,000. This motion was voted on and passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting no.
A recess was declared at 12 midnight.
The council reconvened at 12:14 P.M. All members were present.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 90 & 98, eliminate position of Recreational Coordinator & Account Manager and reinstate position of Parks and Recreation Director at a salary of $50,878. This motion was voted on and passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Beauchamp, Murray and Moreau voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 93, eliminate positions of Engineering Assistant and Engineering Aide. Before the motion was voted on, the motion was withdrawn.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Brien it is voted to amend as follows: Page 103, eliminate position of Code and Recycling Enforcer. This motion was passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Beauchamp, Murray and Moreau voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 108, eliminate position of Community Events Coordinator. However, before this motion was voted on, the motion was withdrawn.
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted to amend as follows: Page 110, decrease budget reserve account by $801,974 and apply to commercial tax rate. This motion was voted on and passed on a unanimous roll call vote.
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted to amend as follows: Page 110, decrease building density reduction account by $250,000 and to decrease infrastructure protection account by $200,000. This motion was voted on and defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Brien it is voted to amend as follows: Page 121, decrease salary of Superintendent to $75,665 for a 2.61 % increase. This motion is voted on and defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron and Jalette voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted to allocate $59,515 for a skate park. This motion was voted on and defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Mancieri, Murray & Moreau voting yes.
16 O 65 An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 7345 of the Ordinances of the City of Woonsocket entitled “Salaries of City Officers of the City of Woonsocket”, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however before this is voted upon
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri and seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed as amended per discussion, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 66 An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 7288 of the Ordinances of the City of Woonsocket entitled “Personnel Ordinance” as amended pertaining to non-union classified municipal employees, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 67 An ordinance establishing the maximum number of employees in each office, department or agency of the City of Woonsocket for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017 in accordance with Chapter IX of the City of Woonsocket Home Rule Charter, which was tabled at the meeting of May 16th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the meeting be and is hereby adjourned at 2:34 A.M.
Attest: Christina Harmon-Duarte City Clerk