Monday, February 5, 2018
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, February 5, 2018 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: Dennis Desaulniers, Jim Cournoyer, Brenda Galvin, Ronald Thifault, John Lippolis, Bobby Fluckiger, Rob Bannister, Lynn Kapiskas, Paul Bourget, Leno Brunetti, John Reynolds Jr., Albert Brien, Charles Lemoine and Estelle Bubble.
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the minutes of the special meeting held January 29th be approved as submitted, a voice vote on same being unanimous. Councilwoman Murray requested that her good and welfare be amended to add at end “towards their constituents”.
18 M 02 A communication from Mayor pursuant to Chapter IV, Section 9 of the Home Rule Charter regarding veto message of Ordinance 17 O 74 is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Cournoyer seconded by Councilman Brien it is voted to override notwithstanding the Mayor’s veto, a roll call vote on same being 5-2 with Councilors Beauchamp and Murray voting no.
18 CO 02 A communication from Public Works Director regarding drainage easement on 590 Jillson Avenue is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Cournoyer seconded by Councilman Brien it is voted that the communication be received and placed on file.
18 LC 06 An application for transfer of Class BV license from James Rutkovsky of Cowboys LLC d/b/a Cowboys to Fulton Restaurant Group d/b/a Cowboys at 350 River Street, which was advertised for hearing on this date, is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilmen Cournoyer and Fagnant it is voted that the transfer be granted, a voice vote on same being unanimous. Teddy Fulton spoke at the public hearing.
18 LC 07 Upon motion of Councilwoman Murray seconded by Councilman Fagnant it is voted that the following licenses be granted, a voice vote on same being unanimous: 1 application for Class F license, 1 application for quarterly entertainment license, 1 application for pool table license and 2 applications for renewal of quarterly entertainment licenses
Upon motion of Councilman Fagnant seconded by Councilors Brien and Cournoyer t is voted to dispense with the regular order of business and take up the following:
18 O 03 An ordinance authorizing the sale of building and real property located at 706 Social Street, Assessor’s Plat 21, Lot 47, Plat 21, Lot 48 and Plat 21 Lot 154 to Gary Fernandes is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Fagnant seconded by Councilman Cournoyer it is voted that the ordinance be tabled, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
18 CP 06 A request of Gerry Beyer to address the City Council regarding marijuana cultivation is read by title. Mr. Beyer was present and addressed the council.
18 CP 07 A request of Christopher Roberts to address the City Council regarding ongoing litigation known as Roberts v. Woonsocket Board of Assessment Review and the application of the homestead tax deduction to my residence at 507 Rhodes Avenue is read by title. Mr. Roberts was present and addressed the council.
The following remarks are made under good and welfare:
Councilwoman Murray passed.
Councilwoman Sierra congratulated the Mardi Gras women for their hard work. She addressed Planning Director regarding Tai-O Group lost of key. She asked who gave them the key and who he got the information from.
President Gendron passed.
Councilman Beauchamp addressed Planning Director regarding status of Tai-O Group.
Councilman Brien passed.
Councilman Cournoyer addressed Solicitor regarding current outstanding litigation and tax appeals. He questioned status of Tai-O Group
Councilman Fagnant questioned Planning Director regarding Tai-O Group losing key to building. He addressed Finance Director regarding tax refunds. He commented on tabled legislation regarding various matters: the Sapphire Estate Development, no parking signs on Cleveland Street, Clinton Street Partners tax abatement, status of RIDEM grants re: Cass Park, garages for rent on Circle Street. He commented on sale of salt brine to North Smithfield. He addressed solicitor regarding sale of lot on North Main Street.
18 O 02 An ordinance authorizing sale of property located at 102-114 Robinson Street is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilwoman Murray it is voted that the ordinance be passed for the first time, however, before this is voted on
A motion is made by Councilman Cournoyer seconded by Councilman Brien to amend: add a new “Section 3” as follows: “The sale of the subject property and the related transfer of title to the purchaser shall occur no later than fifteen (15) days following passage of this Ordinance by the City Council and the City shall execute any and all documents necessary to retain the right to repurchase the property (102-114 Robinson Street) for $10.00 in the event that the purchaser fails to completely demolish the existing buildings and structures and clear the property of all debris within 90 days from the date in which the purchaser acquires the title for the property from the City”. This amendment is voted on and passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
A motion is made by Councilwoman Sierra seconded by Councilors Brien & Fagnant to amend as follows: In second Whereas replace “should” with “must”. This amendment is voted on and passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
A motion is made by Councilman Fagnant seconded by Councilwoman Sierra to amend as follows: delete “One Dollar ($1.00) and in both places and insert “Ten Dollars ($10.00). This amendment is voted on and passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The Ordinance, as amended, is then passed for the first time unanimously on a roll call vote.
18 R 09 A resolution authorizing the cancellation of certain taxes 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.
18 R 10 A resolution authorizing acceptance of storm drain easement is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Brien seconded by Councilmen Beauchamp and Fagnant it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
18 R 11 A resolution instructing the administration to demolish and remove blighted, abandoned properties owned by the City of Woonsocket is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Cournoyer seconded by Councilman Beauchamp it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being unanimous.
18 R 12 A resolution authorizing Mayor to enter into a lease agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the use of a parcel of land abutting World War II Veterans Memorial Park 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.
18 R 13 A resolution in support of 2018 House Bill 7186 reducing the number of qualified signatures necessary to earn ballot placement for city elected municipal offices is read by title, and
Upon motion of Councilman Cournoyer seconded by Councilman Fagnant it is voted that the resolution be passed, a voice vote on same being 6-1 with Councilman Fagnant voting no.
Upon motion of Councilman Beauchamp seconded by Councilors Brien and Murray it is voted that the meeting be and it is hereby adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Attest: Christina Harmon-Duarte City Clerk