Monday, June 20, 2016
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, June 20, 2016 at 6:50 P.M.
All members are present.
A public hearing was held on the following ordinances:
16 O 80 Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Woonsocket Start for payment in lieu of taxes.
16 O 81 Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Mount Saint Charles Academy for payment in lieu of taxes.
16 O 82 Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Seven Hills RI, Inc. for payment in lieu of taxes.
16 O 83 Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Haven of Grace Ministries for payment in lieu of taxes.
16 O 84 Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Connecting for Children & Families for payment in lieu of taxes.
16 O 85 Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Community Care Alliance for payment in lieu of taxes.
The following persons addressed the council: Susan Mansfield, Terry Curtin, John Newlander, Kathy Oruitz and Ilana Ball.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the public hearing be and it is hereby adjourned at 7:12 P.M.
The regular meeting immediately follows at 7:12 P.M.
All members are present.
The prayer is read by the Clerk. The Pledge of Allegiance is given by the assembly.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following resolutions:
16 O 80 An ordinance authorizing Mayor to enter into an agreement with Woonsocket Head Start for payment in lieu of taxes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilors Beauchamp and Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous. Councilman Mancieri recused himself from this vote.
16 O 81 An ordinance authorizing Mayor to enter into an agreement with Mount Saint Charles Academy for payment in lieu of taxes 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 4-2 with Councilors Mancieri and Murray voting no. Councilman Moreau recused himself from this vote.
16 O 82 An ordinance authorizing Mayor to enter into an agreement with Seven Hills RI Inc. for payment in lieu of taxes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 83 An ordinance authorizing Mayor to enter into an agreement with Haven of Grace Ministries for payment in lieu of taxes is read by title, and
A motion is made by Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilwoman Murray that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the ordinance be tabled, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 84 An ordinance authorizing Mayor to enter into an agreement with Connecting for Children & Families for payment in lieu of taxes is read by title, and
A motion is made by Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be amended to 35% for fiscal years 2017 and 2018. This amendment was voted on and passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The ordinance, as amended, is then passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous. Councilman Beauchamp recused himself from this vote.
16 O 85 An ordinance authorizing Mayor to enter into an agreement with Community Care Alliance for payment in lieu of taxes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
The following persons addressed the council under citizens good and welfare:
David Fisher, Ilana Ball, Charles Lemoine, Barbara Ozanian, Susan Kirwan, Patrick McGee, Soren Seale, Susan Pawlina, Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt and David Bouley.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following:
Communication from Mayor recognizing former Mayor Charles C. Baldelli / Woonsocket Prevention Coalition.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following ordinance:
16 O 39 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 allow for a five member School Committee, three of whose members shall be elected and two of whose members shall be appointed, which was tabled at the meeting of May 2nd, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however this motion was defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Mancieri and Murray voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the minutes of the regular meeting held June 6th and special meeting held June 13th be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the consent agenda be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
The following items were listed on the consent agenda:
16 CO 27 A communication from Police Department regarding notification requirement of Department of Justice JAG Grant.
16 CO 28 An opinion of City Solicitor regarding claim of Suzanne Chevrette.
16 CO 29 An opinion of City Solicitor regarding claim of Melissa Forcier.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following communication:
16 CP 37 Request of Mr. & Mrs. Gary Comastra to address the council regarding 504 Gaskill Street operated by Seven Hills Foundation. Mr. & Mrs. Comastra addressed the council along with Cliff Cabral of Seven Hills RI, Inc.
16 LC 18 Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the following licenses be granted, a voice vote on same being unanimous: 1 application for holiday license, 1 application for extension of Class D license, 1 application for renewal of laundry license and 2 applications for renewal of quarterly entertainment licenses.
16 LC 19 A request of OLQM Troop 2 Boy Scouts to hold a tag day on Saturday, July 23, 2016 with a rain date of Sunday July 24th is read by title, and
A motion was made by Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray that the request be granted, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the request be tabled, a voice vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Jalette voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following resolution:
16 R 95 A resolution granting a waiver of Section 7(b) of the Job Creation Incentive Program for September LLC and Blackstone Valley Eye Care is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the resolution be passed, a roll call vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Gendron voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following ordinance:
16 O 40 An ordinance placing on the ballot for the General Election to be held in November 8, 2016, a question amending the City of Woonsocket Home Rule Charter to permit the Woonsocket School Department to submit their proposed budget no later than May 1 of each calendar year which was tabled at the meeting of May 2nd, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray and seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following ordinance:
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, which was tabled at the meeting of June 6th, is read by title, and
A motion is made by Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the ordinance be tabled, a roll call vote on same being 4-3 with Councilors Brien, Mancieri and Murray voting no.
16 CP 38 A request of Councilman Gendron to address the following items: financial condition/budget, World War II Veteran’s Memorial Park, Ayotte Field and infrastructure investment.
16 CP 39 A request of Vice President Brien to address the following item: Broadway junkyard.
The following remarks are made under good and welfare:
Councilwoman Murray addressed the Public Works Director regarding crosswalks at City Hall.
Councilman Beauchamp passed.
Councilman Brien passed.
Councilman Gendron passed.
Councilman Jalette addressed Public Safety Director regarding illegal fireworks in Fairmount.
Councilman Mancieri spoke about attending awards ceremony regarding downtown leadership. He congratulated Dir. Bouley and City Planner Jennifer Siciliano and wished the city planner well on her future endeavors.
President Moreau passed.
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 passed for the first time on June 6th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being 5-2 with Councilors Brien and Jalette voting no.
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 passed for the first time on June 6th, 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 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 passed for the first time on June 6th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 68 An ordinance authorizing Federal Street to temporarily be a two-way street for traffic, which was passed for the first time on June 6th, 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 unanimous.
16 O 69 An ordinance authorizing Public Safety Department of the City of Woonsocket to bypass competitive bidding for purchase of a 2015 Chevy Express Van which was passed for the first time on June 6th, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 71 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 allow for Mayoral and City Council Advisory Boards is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: in Section 3 delete “Woonsocket” from “The Woonsocket Call”. The motion passes, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is then voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: in Exhibit A, Section 1. (B) invert “shall have not” to “shall not have”. The motion passes, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Jalette it is then voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: in Exhibit A, Section 1. (B) delete “advisory” powers and insert “administrative” powers. The motion passes, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
The main ordinance as amended is passed on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Brien, Gendron & Jalette voting no.
16 O 72 An ordinance transferring funds (Fire Department) is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the ordinance be passed, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
16 O 73 An ordinance transferring funds (Library) 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 74 An ordinance transferring funds (Library) 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 75 An ordinance transferring funds (Highway) 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 76 An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 12 entitled “Housing” of the Code of Ordinances, City of Woonsocket is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: at the end of Section 1 (1) add "Property that has been deemed structurally unsafe by the building official shall be allowed to have boarded windows and doors”. The motion passes, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
The main ordinance as amended fails on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Mancieri & Murray voting yes.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the following three ordinances be tabled and advertised for a public hearing, a roll call vote on same being unanimous:
16 O 77 An ordinance in amendment of Code of Ordinances, City of Woonsocket Appendix C entitled “Zoning” regarding supermarkets in certain zones.
16 O 78 An ordinance in amendment of Code of Ordinances, City of Woonsocket Appendix C entitled “Zoning” Miscellaneous and Technical provision changes.
16 O 79 An ordinance in amendment of Code of Ordinances Section 14-13 entitled “Abandoned, junked, discarded vehicles on public property”.
16 O 86 An ordinance in amendment of Chapter 15 entitled “Parks and Recreation” of the Code of Ordinances, City of Woonsocket 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, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: in Section 2 “no domestic animal shall be allowed in splash park and Lajoie Field”. The motion passes, a roll call vote on same being 4-3 with Councilors Beauchamp, Gendron & Moreau voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted to add the basketball courts and the playground area. The motion passes, a roll call vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the main ordinance, as amended, is then tabled on a 6-1 roll call vote with Councilman Mancieri voting no.
16 O 87 An ordinance transferring funds (from general fund to city capital fund) is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by President Moreau it is voted that the ordinance be passed, however the motion is defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Beauchamp, Murray and Moreau voting yes.
16 O 88 An ordinance transferring funds (from general fund to healthcare reserve account) is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, however, before it is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: insert new Section 2. “The $588,000 transferred into the Healthcare Reserve Account shall be utilized in full in FY 2107 to offset/reduce the financial impact of the cost of healthcare in FY 2017”. The motion passes on a 6-1 roll call vote with Councilman Jalette voting no.
The main ordinance as amended is passed on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Brien & Jalette voting no.
16 O 89 An ordinance transferring funds (from general fund to city capital fund) is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed, however the motion is defeated on a 4-3 roll call vote with Councilors Beauchamp, Murray and Moreau voting yes.
16 O 90 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 relating to meeting of the City Council is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Moreau it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the ordinance be amended as follows: in Exhibit A, second paragraph delete third sentence, “Nothing shall prevent…etc”. The motion is defeated on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Gendron & Jalette voting yes. The ordinance is passed for the first time on a 5-2 roll call vote with Councilors Gendron & Jalette voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron a recess was declared at 11:44 P.M.
The council reconvened at 11:49 P.M. All members were present.
16 R 86 A resolution designating “The Call” as the official newspaper for the publication of all legal notices for the City of Woonsocket is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 87 A resolution accepting quitclaim deed for land located on Iron Mine Hill Road, Plat 16, Lot 83 in the Town of North Smithfield is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 88 A resolution granting permission to use City property is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 89 A resolution granting permission to use city property is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Jalette seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 90 A resolution authorizing the cancellation of certain taxes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 91 A resolution authorizing the cancellation of certain taxes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 92 A resolution in support of developing a health and wellness incentive program for city employees 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 unanimous.
16 R 93 A resolution authorizing the settlement of a legal dispute with the Narragansett Electric Company is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Gendron seconded by Councilman Mancieri it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 94 A resolution in favor of accepting property identified as Tax Assessor’s Plat 14 Lot 62 is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 96 A resolution authorizing the cancellation of certain taxes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 97 A resolution in recognition of Woonsocket High School Lady Novans softball team winning the Division II title is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be tabled to July 5th, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 98 A resolution accepting temporary construction and perpetual easements, Highland Corporate Drive executed by the State Properties Committee is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Jalette voting no.
16 R 99 A resolution authorizing Mayor to enter into a tax credit agreement with River Street Properties is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Jalette it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being 5-2 with Councilors Brien and Gendron voting no.
16 R 100 A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into certain agreements for the development of the former Woonsocket Middle School complex at Park Place and 150 Hamlet Avenue is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be tabled, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
16 R 101 A resolution authorizing Mayor to commence street lighting LED upgrade for the City of Woonsocket 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.
16 R 102 A resolution authorizing Mayor to commence Phase II of the City of Woonsocket’s Energy Efficiency Program 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 103 A resolution in support of House Bill 8347 relating to taxation to low-income housing is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the resolution be tabled, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
Upon motion of Councilman Mancieri seconded by Councilman Gendron it is voted that the meeting be adjourned at 12:06 AM., a voice vote on same being unanimous.
Attest: Christina Harmon-Duarte City Clerk