Council Hires City Manager; School Finances In 'Dire Straits'

Patch reported live from the Oct. 4 East Providence City Council Meeting, when the council officially hired a new manager – after debate over the terms – gave support to a slew of budget requests, and once again heard pros and cons about the controversial TLA/Pond View recycling facility.

10:03 p.m. - The meeting is adjourned.

9:57 p.m. - Riley says people who live next to industrial zones shouldn't complain about business operating in their backyard. He said TLA Pondview Recycling LLC was a clean business and the community is "running off viable businesses" that could help pay for the budget deficits.

9:39 p.m. - According to the finance director, the school department needs $7 million more to operate. Mayor Rogers said the department is in the process of working on the budget. Chrisy Rossi confirmed the figures, noting $3 million of the shortfall was shaved off by the school committee. "We're in dire straits," she said. 

9:30 p.m. - Conley would like more transparency so taxes can't be increased without voters being aware of the hike. Allegedly, the previous council approved a waiver from the state that increased taxes without public input.

9:27 p.m. - Council approves a motion to require the finance director of the school department to submit reports so the "school department and city council are on the same page," said Conley.

9:18 p.m. - The council unanimously agrees to hire Graczykowski. "I'll be ready for the challenge. I thank you for your confidence in me," he said.

9:17 p.m. - Councilors vote to not accept the amendment to the hiring agreement.

9:15 p.m. - Graczykowski said the hiring agreement reflects what was discussed. "If it didn't, I wouldn't be here."

9:12 p.m. - Mayor Bruce Rogers said the hiring agreement accurately reflected what the council voted upon and was then put together by the Human Resources director.

9:08 p.m. -  The assistant mayor said he approved the agreement. Counselor Michael D. DiGioia said the process "went wrong." Counselor Katie J. Kleyla said discussion regarding reimbursing hotel stays were never discussed and a rental reimbursement was never agreed to by the council.

9:03 p.m. - A negotiation session occurred in mid-September after councilors were concerned his contract exceeded what was agreed upon, said councilor William J. Conley Jr. But before the objections could be expressed, it was already voted upon and passed, said Conley, noting it is not a lack of support for his employment. "The offer went beyond the terms to what the council negotiated." He would like to propose an amendment to the hiring resolution to hire Graczykowski.

8:53 p.m. - An agreement has been signed by Mayor Bruce Rogers to officially authorize Peter Graczykowski to be the city manager. He will take office on Friday, Oct. 7. This is the first time a city manager has been hired under a resolution, not a contract, said the mayor. "I'm just happy and pleased with our choice," said the mayor. He will make $125,000. He will also be reimbursed up to $8,000 for moving expenses from his home in Connecticut, according to the resolution.

8:52 p.m. - WinterFest organizers are accepting applications for businesses to construct facades of city landmarks. Trees will cost $25 and landmark facades will cost $250. The lights will be lit by 6 p.m. this year from Dec. 3 through Jan. 6.

8:43 p.m. - According to the police chief, 12 new police vehicles, emergency equipment and radios are in the department.

8:40 p.m. - Products made by East Bay Ice were contaminated by the flushing of hydrants. The solicitor recommends that a settlement should be made to settle the claim.

8:39 p.m. - Council members approved the contract for new police uniforms.

8:35 p.m. - Council members approved the financing of improvements to the East Providence water system.

8:33 p.m. - Council members approved a liquor license for Roosters Grill.

8:26 p.m. - The resolution to not allow TLA Pondview Inc., a license to process more than 125,000 tons of construction materials a day was passed by the council. All members voted in favor of the resolution except Thomas A. Rose Jr., assistant mayor.

8:20 p.m. - Tom Riley is stating TLA Pondview Recycling Inc., is not reducing home values in East Providence. He says the business would add employment opportunities. First facility will be worth over $600,000 in taxes a year, he says, and the business operates on an industrial zoned property which has different regulations compared to a business zone. "It's a huge mistake to run these people out of town," he said, inciting both boos and claps from the audience.

8:10 p.m. - Residents are asking the council not to cut funds for the Affirmative Action office or merge it with the Human Services department. Some say it would be a conflict of interests to do so and it is rumored that a new Human Resources position would be created and pay a higher salary, making the merger not a cost saving measure.

7:57 p.m. - A resident with polio says he doesn't know how long he has to live. He says businesses are not more important that human lives. "Who are you standing for? Business for business? Or humans, the right to live?" He says the East Providence real estate market has been harmed by TLA Pondview Recycling, LLC activity.

7:51 p.m. - Residents are asking council members to support a resolution to deny a license that would allow TLA Pondview Recycling Inc. to expand its business. Christina Chase, of Rumford, is saying she is confused that TLA Pondview is operating at full capacity. She says the state ordinances are on side but the mayor is not supporting the residents' wishes. Other residents say the business has zoning regulations on the record.