ARTICLE V. - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Part of the Code of Ordinances of Central Falls, RI.
The text
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY#
Sec. 2-258. - Board and commission membership.#
(a)
The city website shall contain a listing of all boards and commissions, current membership, current vacancies and a process for city residents to apply for a position on a board or commission.
(b)
Unless otherwise required by federal, state or municipal law, all members of boards and commissions shall be residents of Central Falls. Preference shall be given to any person fluent in any second language as spoken by at least ten percent of city residents as determined by the United States Census Bureau and also to minority candidates; minority as defined in G.L. 1956, § 37-14.1-3.
(Ord. of 10-29-2020(1), § 3)
Secs. 2-259—2-277. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 2. - JUVENILE HEARING BOARD#
Footnotes:
--- (6) --- State Law reference— Juvenile hearing board, G.L. 1956, § 16-19-8.
Sec. 2-278. - Establishment.#
Pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 16-19-8, a juvenile hearing board shall be established in the city for the purpose of hearing all cases referred to it by the juvenile division of the police department or the chief of police with respect to persons under the age of 18 who are charged with violating the criminal laws of the state or the city. Such board shall be called the "Central Falls Juvenile Board."
(Code 1994, § 2-106; Ord. of 1-9-1995, § I)
Sec. 2-279. - Membership.#
(a)
The membership of the city juvenile hearing board (the board) shall consist of not less than five nor more than seven residents of the city and one ex officio member named by the mayor from the city council over the age of 18 years.
(b)
The members of the board shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council.
(c)
The term of appointment for members of the board shall be for three years, except that the initial appointments shall be for less than three years, hereby staggering such initial appointments.
(d)
Appointed members of the board shall be eligible for reappointment, and upon expiration of their term shall continue to serve until replaced or otherwise reappointed. In the event of a vacancy on the board, interim appointments of appointed members may be made by the mayor and confirmed by the council to complete the unexpired term of the vacant position.
(Code 1994, § 2-107; Ord. of 1-9-1995, § II)
Sec. 2-280. - Referral to the juvenile hearing board; exceptions; waiver of rights to family court.#
(a)
Persons who are under the age of 18 years may be referred to the board which shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the state family court if the alleged offense is one which, if committed by an adult, would be a misdemeanor. This requirement shall not apply in the case of any person:
(1)
Charged with the offense of simple assault;
(2)
Who shall have been twice previously referred to the board or have been once previously referred and refused or failed to abide by the sanctions imposed or make the restitution recommended; and
(3)
Also at the time of the alleged commission of such offense shall be within the custody and control of the family court.
(b)
The juvenile division of the police department or the chief of police may refer any other juvenile offender to the board where, in the opinion of the juvenile division or the chief of police, such referral would be beneficial to the juvenile concerned and the community at large.
(c)
No referral to the board shall be made until such person, together with his legal guardians and/or legal representative shall have in writing waived such person's right to a hearing in the family court with respect to the offense charged, has admitted to the alleged offense and shall have agreed to abide by the decision of the board.
(Code 1994, § 2-108; Ord. of 1-9-1995, § III)
Sec. 2-281. - Duties.#
(a)
The board shall be authorized to hear all cases referred by the juvenile division of the police department or the chief of police, and to impose and order sanctions other than incarceration. Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to:
(1)
Fines up to a maximum of $100.00 for each offense charged;
(2)
Community service;
(3)
Restitution for any injuries and/or damages, where appropriate, resulting from the commission of any offense;
(4)
Imposition of a reasonable curfew;
(5)
Denial or revocation of the juvenile's driving privileges for a period of up to two years.
(b)
In any such proceedings, the board, prior to imposing sanctions, shall request the juvenile offender and his parents or legal guardians to agree to the sanctions imposed, the amount of restitution and manner of making the same.
(c)
In ordering restitution, the board shall take into account the juvenile offenders' ability to pay and the amount of actual damage caused as a result of the commission of such offenses.
(Code 1994, § 2-109; Ord. of 1-9-1995, § IV)
Sec. 2-282. - Quorum; rules.#
(a)
A majority of the board's membership shall constitute a quorum, and a majority of the members present shall be required to take any action. Any juvenile offender may be represented by counsel and may present evidence in his behalf.
(b)
The board shall have the power to, from time to time, adopt and publish all rules and regulations necessary to carry out its function under the provisions of this division.
(c)
The board shall give notice of the date and time of meeting to the juvenile division of the police department or the chief of police, and the alleged juvenile offender and his parents or legal guardians, not less than seven days prior to the date of the hearing.
(d)
Board proceedings shall be closed to the public, and the provisions of G.L. 1956, chapter 42-46 (G.L. 1956, § 42-46-1 et seq.) shall not apply to such proceedings. All records of proceedings, including records concerning the arrest, apprehension or detention of any juvenile offender, shall be withheld from public inspection, but such records shall be available to the parent, legal guardians or attorney of the juvenile for inspection.
(Code 1994, § 2-110)
DIVISION 3. - THE CENTRAL FALLS COMBINED PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD#
Footnotes:
--- (7) --- Editor's note— An ordinance adopted June 9, 2025(4), § 1, amended Div. 3 in its entirety, in effect repealing and reenacting said Div. 3 to read as set out herein. The former Div. 3, §§ 2-283—2-289, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from An ordinance adopted March 14, 2022(1), § 1.
Sec. 2-283. - Creation, composition, appointment, and term of members.#
(a)
Establishment and procedures. A combined planning board and zoning board of review, herein called the "board, " is hereby established in accordance with G.L. 1956, §§ 45-22-1 and 45-24-56.1. The board shall take the place of the separate planning board and zoning board of review and any references to "zoning board" or "planning board" in this division, the zoning ordinance, or the land development and subdivision review regulations shall mean the board. The board shall have the powers, authority, responsibilities, and duties attributable to the zoning board or planning board as set forth in chapters 22, 22.2, 23, 24, 24.1, 32, and 53 of Title 45 of the Rhode Island General Laws. The board may engage legal, technical or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. The division of planning shall serve as planning staff to the board. The city solicitor or his or her designee shall serve as legal counsel to the board. The board shall establish written rules of procedure within six months of the adoption of this division. Appeals and correspondence to the board shall be sent to the board in care of the division of planning. The division of planning shall file all records and decisions of the board. The agenda for a meeting of the board shall state clearly which matters are to be reviewed pursuant to its local and statutory authority.
(b)
Membership and attendance. The board shall consist of five members who are residents of Central Falls, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council, each to hold office for the term of five years; provided, however, that the original appointments shall be made for terms of one, two, three, four, and five years, respectively. The board shall also include two alternates to be designated as the first and second alternate members, for terms of five years. These alternate members shall sit and may actively participate in hearings. The first alternate shall vote if a member of the board is unable to serve at a hearing and the second shall vote if two members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing. In the absence of the first alternate member, the second alternate member shall serve in the position of the first alternate. All current members of the planning board and the zoning board of review shall have their current terms terminated upon the effective date of this division and the mayor shall nominate the five regular members and two alternate members within 30 days of the effective date of this division. All members appointed by the mayor shall serve until their respective successors shall have been appointed and approved by the city council.
(c)
Powers and duties. The board shall have such powers, authority, responsibilities, and duties attributable to the city's planning board and the zoning board of review as set forth in the city's home rule charter, the code of ordinances and all relevant city, state and federal laws.
(d)
Removal of members. Board members may be removed by a majority vote of the city council, upon the written recommendation of the mayor, for cause, including, but not limited to, the failure to attend three consecutive regular meetings.
(e)
References hereafter. Wherever the terms 'zoning board,' 'zoning board of review,' 'planning board,' or 'planning commission' are used in any city charter, code, administrative or regulatory provision, they shall be interpreted to refer to this board.
(f)
Quorum, meetings and votes. A minimum of four members shall constitute a quorum. No member or alternate may vote any matter before the board unless they have attended all hearings concerning that matter. A decision by the board to approve any land development or subdivision application requires a vote for approval by a majority of board members present at the time of the vote. The concurring vote of a majority of members of the board is required to decide in favor of an applicant on any matter within the discretion of the board upon which it is required to pass under the ordinance, including variances and special-use permits, or to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any zoning administrative officer from whom an appeal was taken.
(g)
Agendas, applications. The agenda for a meeting of the board shall state clearly which matters are to be reviewed pursuant to local and statutory authority. Nothing herein shall change or alter the application, procedure, voting, notice or other requirements set forth in the chapter governing the underlying application before the board.
(h)
Education. Each member of the board shall participate in training and education classes concerning the effects of development in a flood plain and the effects of sea-level rise once every two years pursuant to state law, including, but not limited to, chapter 70 of Title 45 entitled "Continuing education for local planning and zoning boards and historic district commissions" which requires annual continuing education and biennial education components.
Each member or alternate member of the board shall be required to complete the introductory education program within 24 months of appointment, and shall also complete any required annual continuing education requirements as may be required. No decision of the board shall be voided or declared invalid because of failure of a member to comply with these training requirements.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(4), § 1)
Sec. 2-284. - Filling vacancies.#
Any vacancy occurring among the members shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment or election.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(4), § 1)
Sec. 2-285. - Organization.#
In January of each year, the board shall organize by electing from its own members a chair, a vice-chair, and a secretary. The chairperson, or in his/her absence, the vice-chairperson, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses by the issuance of subpoenas. If both the chairperson and vice-chair are not present for a meeting, the remaining members shall elect a member to chair that meeting.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(4), § 1)
Sec. 2-286. - Compensation.#
All members may receive compensation, as determined by the city council, for services rendered by the board.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(4), § 1)
Sec. 2-287. - Regular and special meetings.#
Regular meetings shall be held at least monthly, on such day as may be determined, and special meetings may be held at any time at the call of the chair or upon the written request of three members.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(4), § 1)
Secs. 2-288—2-292. - Reserved.#
DIVISION 4. - THE PAWTUCKET CENTRAL FALLS STATION DISTRICT JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION#
Sec. 2-293. - Purpose.#
There is hereby created the Pawtucket/Central Falls Station District Joint Planning Commission (hereafter known as the "JPC"), a joint planning commission created in accordance with G.L. 1956, § 45-22.1 by the cities of Central Falls and Pawtucket (hereafter known as the "cities"), that shall be responsible for: (1)
Planning for the revitalization of the Pawtucket Central Falls Station District (hereafter known as the "district") to ensure that the district will: realize its potential as a state-designated urban growth area; open up opportunities to reuse the historic mill buildings that are vacant or underutilized; stimulate the economic vitality of the area by strengthening and highlighting access to the multi-modal transportation options available, as well as to neighboring employment, social services, cultural and recreational activities; and, supporting both public and private infrastructure investments and development plans.
(2)
Regulating development of the district in accordance with the powers granted to the commission by the ordinances and regulations of the cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls.
(3)
When both cities have adopted an ordinance establishing the JPC, the chair of the Pawtucket Planning Commission shall call an organizational meeting of the JPC. Once this organizational meeting is held, the JPC shall notify both cities that it is operational. From that day forward, the JPC shall exercise the powers granted by this section.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-294. - Composition.#
The commission shall consist of the members of the Pawtucket Planning Commission and the Central Falls Planning Board.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-295. - Election of officers, adoption of rules and staffing.#
(a)
The commission shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary whose terms do not exceed one year and who are eligible for reelection. The commission may create and fill any other offices that it may determine to be necessary.
(b)
The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which record is a public record.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-296. - Finances and staff.#
The cities may appropriate funds for the purpose of contributing to the operation of the commission. The commission may receive grants from the federal or state governments, or from individuals or foundations, and may contract with these entities. Purchasing shall be in accordance with the requirements of the City of Pawtucket. (1)
The cities shall assign staff to the commission which shall assist the commission in its day-to-day activities.
(2)
The commission may contract with planners and other consultants for the services it may require to the extent permitted by its financial resources.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-297. - Powers and duties of the commission.#
The commission shall exercise the following powers in the district. (1)
Prepare and maintain a comprehensive plan for the district in accordance with the provisions of the cities' ordinances and G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2 for the guidance of the continuing development of the district. The commission may do planning work, including surveys, land use studies, urban renewal plans, technical services, and other elements of comprehensive planning and planning effectuation and said planning may be concerned with existing and proposed highways, public places, bridges and tunnels, viaducts, parks, parkways, recreation areas, sites for public buildings and structures, land use areas, building and zoning districts, waterways, routes of railroads and buses, location of sewers, water supplies and conduits, and other public utilities of the area. The plans shall be submitted to the cities for adoption as part of each city's comprehensive plan.
(2)
Adopt, modify and amend regulations and rules governing land development and subdivision projects within the district and to control land development and subdivision projects pursuant to these regulations and rules. These regulations and amendments thereto, shall be adopted after a public hearing in accordance with G.L. 1956, § 45-23.
(3)
Carry out development plan review as granted by the cities' zoning ordinances in accordance with G.L. 1956, § 45-24-49 and unified development review as granted by the cities' zoning ordinance in accordance with G.L. 1956, § 45-24-46.4.
(4)
Recommend to the cities, for inclusion in the annual budget, a capital program of proposed capital projects for the five fiscal years next succeeding the budget year, the proposed projects to be arranged in order to preference with recommendations as to which projects should be constructed and in which year.
(5)
Receive and review all applications in the district for variance and/or special use permit which are not part of a unified development review or change of zoning and make recommendations prior to the hearing on the application.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-298. - Cooperation with the commission—Municipalities and others.#
The commission shall encourage the cooperation of the participating cities in matters which concern the integrity of the comprehensive plan or maps prepared by the commission, and, as an aid toward coordination, all municipalities and public officials shall, upon request, furnish to the commission within a reasonable time the available maps, plans, reports, statistical, or other information the commission may require for its work.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-299. - Pawtucket/Central Falls Station District.#
(a)
There is hereby created the Pawtucket/Central Falls Station District, a transit oriented development district. The purpose of this district is to create a community that includes a mixture of residential and commercial development and other amenities integrated into a walkable neighborhood and located within a half-mile of quality public transportation. This district is intended to create better access to jobs, housing and opportunity for people of all ages and incomes; to provide people from all walks of life with convenient, affordable and active lifestyles and create places where our children can play and our parents can grow old comfortably.
(b)
The Central-Falls portion of the district is that area bounded as follows:
Starting at the Pawtucket/Central Falls city line on Lonsdale Avenue and heading north along Lonsdale Avenue to a point that is halfway between Rand Street and Watson Street, then turning easterly and running along property lines to the intersection of Rand Street with Pine Street, then turning northwesterly and running along Pine Street to a point that is halfway between Mowrey Street and Richardson Street, then turning northeasterly and running along property lines to the intersection with Dexter Street, then turning southeasterly and running down Dexter Street to the intersection with Cross Street, then turning northeasterly and running down Cross Street approximately 400 feet, then turning southeasterly and running along the property lines until it intersects with Clay Street, then turn southwesterly and run down Cross Street until it intersects with Dexter Street, then southeasterly down Dexter Street to the Pawtucket/Central Falls city line.
(c)
The Pawtucket portion of the district shall be designated by the City of Pawtucket.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
Sec. 2-300. - Sunset.#
Unless reauthorized by ordinance, this division shall sunset 20 years from the date of the organization meeting of the JPC.
(Ord. of 5-8-2017(1), § I)
DIVISION 5. - THE CENTRAL FALLS ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM COMMISSION#
Sec. 2-301. - Purpose and duties.#
There is hereby created the Central Falls Arts, Culture and Tourism Commission (hereafter known as the "CF-ACT"), that shall be responsible for the creation of a structured plan to enhance arts and tourism in the city, including recommendations to the mayor and the city council on effectuating the plan. In drafting the plan, the commission shall include participation of residents, students, artists, entrepreneurs, tourism leaders and business leaders. The plan shall include how arts and tourism can interact with multi-modal transportation options, as well as to neighboring employment, social services, cultural and recreational activities; and, supporting both public and private infrastructure investments and development plans.
The duties of the commission shall also include the following: (1)
Promote and support the development and sustainability of the arts and cultural initiatives within the city.
(2)
Encourage and foster tourism through cultural, historical, and recreational programming.
(3)
Advise the mayor and city council on matters related to arts, culture, and tourism.
(4)
Recommend and oversee the implementation of arts and tourism programming, events, and public art installations.
(5)
Develop partnerships with local artists, cultural organizations, schools, businesses, and tourism entities.
(6)
Seek grants and funding opportunities to support its initiatives.
(7)
Create and maintain a strategic plan for arts and tourism development in Central Falls.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(3), § 1)
Sec. 2-302. - Composition.#
Notwithstanding the requirements of section 2-258(b) of the Code of Ordinances, the commission shall consist of five members appointed by the mayor and approved by the council, who shall either be residents of the city, own or operate a business in the city or be employed in the city. The members shall be appointed to serve three-year terms and members shall serve until they resign or their successor is appointed and approved.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(3), § 1)
Sec. 2-303. - Meetings and organization.#
(a)
The commission shall meet at least quarterly, and more often as needed.
(b)
The commission shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary. The commission may create and fill any other offices that it may determine to be necessary.
(c)
The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which record is a public record.
(d)
The secretary, in concert with the office of the city clerk, shall ensure the commission complies with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act.
(e)
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(3), § 1)
Sec. 2-304. - Finances and staff.#
(a)
The city may appropriate funds for the purpose of contributing to the operation of the commission. The commission may receive grants from the federal or state governments, or from individuals or foundations, and may contract with these entities.
(b)
Purchasing shall be in accordance with the requirements of city, state and federal law.
(c)
The city may assign staff to the commission which shall assist the commission in its day to day activities.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(3), § 1)
DIVISION 6. - YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES COUNCIL#
Sec. 2-305. - Youth opportunities council.#
(a)
Establishment. There is hereby created the Central Falls Youth Opportunities Council ("council") and the city council finds that it is in the best interest of the health, safety, and well-being of the city to ensure that youth and families have access to coordinated, equitable, and impactful opportunities beyond the school day.
(b)
Membership. The membership of the council shall consist of not less than seven nor more than 11 members composed of youth, youth advocates and/or representatives of organizations serving youth and education. Members shall be appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. Youth members must reside in Central Falls and notwithstanding any other ordinance to the contrary, all other members must either reside in Central Falls or serve youth in Central Falls; the membership shall reflect the diversity of Central Falls and shall include (1) at least two youth members ages 14 to 18; (2) representatives from local out-of-school time programs and youth-serving nonprofits; (3) representatives from the school district, the department of parks and recreation, and/or the library; (4) parent and community advocates; and (5) a city council representative (ex officio, nonvoting).
(c)
Term. The term of appointment for members of the council shall be for three years. Initial appointments shall be staggered to ensure continuity. Appointed members of the council shall be eligible for reappointment, and upon expiration of their term shall continue to serve until replaced or otherwise reappointed. In the event of a vacancy on the board, interim appointments of appointed members may be made by the mayor and confirmed by the council to complete the unexpired term of the vacant position.
(c)
Purpose. The purpose of the council shall be to survey and map the opportunities that exist for youth in the city, provide an annual youth opportunities guide: a centralized clearinghouse of information for children and families, identify gaps in access, equity, quality of services, and needed opportunities and advocate for new opportunities, elevate youth voice and participation in civic and community matters, and promote opportunities for funding, training, data-collection, impact tracking, and resource-sharing among youth-serving entities.
(d)
Staffing and support. The city may designate a staff liaison or seek external partnerships (e.g., with El Centro or local nonprofits) to support the administration and facilitation of the council's work.
(Ord. of 6-9-2025(2), § 1)