by Abigail Appel | Nov 5, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Tonight, the City Council voted on several matters related to the upcoming Providence Home Rule Charter Section 403 public hearing to remove City Clerk Shawn Selleck from office for allegedly creating a toxic work environment and violating the City’s Code of Conduct.
The public hearing later this month will mark the first time the City Council has held a Section 403 proceeding. The hearing process was established by Home Rule Charter and approved by voters of the City of Providence to ensure there exists a failsafe measure to hold appointed officials in the City accountable, and to remove them from their positions in the most serious cases, “for neglect of duty or gross misconduct having an effect upon the discharge of the duties…..” Section 403 applies to all department directors and deputy directors, appointed officers and any appointee of the Mayor or the City Council, with the exception of the staff of the Mayor’s office.
In preparation for the hearing, the Council voted tonight to establish procedural rules for the upcoming hearing; to request that the City Solicitor provide certain records and documents to Mr. Selleck’s attorney; and to compel the appearance of certain individuals to provide testimony at the hearing.
Council President John J. Igliozzi issued the below statement following tonight’s Council meeting:
“Unfortunately, tonight the City Council was tasked with establishing the parameters of the first-ever Section 403 removal hearing against an administrative officer in the City of Providence. The actions we took tonight were in response to the long-standing complaints by three female employees who allege bullying, harassment and a toxic work environment caused by Shawn Selleck, the City Clerk.
“We all should give the three women who had the courage to come forward with their complaints the respect and dignity they deserve, and avoid minimizing or mischaracterizing their experiences.
“The City’s Code of Conduct, Anti-bullying Policy, Anti-harassment Policy, and the Workplace Violence Policy are designed to protect our employees. An independent investigation found that Mr. Selleck violated all of these policies. The City Council, upon reading those findings, voted unanimously to pursue charges against Mr. Selleck.
“The City Council has an ethical and moral duty to protect City employees from harm, and to exercise our Charter-established checks and balances.
“The charges against Mr. Selleck will be heard at the Section 403 hearing later this month in accordance with the Council’s votes this evening.
“The Council will weigh the charges and vote at the conclusion of the hearing.”
by Abigail Appel | Nov 3, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
The Council’s Committee on Finance voted unanimously tonight to continue the ongoing discussion regarding the process involved in hiring of the Community Relations and Diversion Services Administrator (originally posted as a Police Major position) in the police department. The lengthy Committee meeting included testimony from Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré as well as two members of the selection committee—Kira Wills and Wole Akinbi.
The City Council voted unanimously at its October 21st meeting to send the budget ordinances creating the position back to the Finance Committee after new questions about the hiring process surfaced.
Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan stated, “Unfortunately, the documents requested by Commissioner Paré in advance of this meeting were not provided to the Committee or to the Internal Auditor. The Commissioner continues to refuse to provide these documents, despite the Internal Auditor’s authority by City Charter to obtain them,” Ryan stated. “What was troubling this evening was that the Committee heard substantially conflicting testimony from members of the selection committee and the Commissioner. Therefore, we voted unanimously to continue the matter until the requested documents are provided to the Committee for review.” (October 22nd letter from Chairwoman Ryan to Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré requesting a series of documents regarding the hiring process is attached).
Regarding tonight’s meeting, Council President John J. Igliozzi stated, “The Council has a duty to address any potential appearance of impropriety in the selection and hiring process for this important new position. I support the Finance Committee’s continued efforts to ensure we uphold fairness, equity and transparency related to the hiring for this position, which the public has clearly and repeatedly prioritized.”
by Abigail Appel | Nov 3, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and the members of the Committee on Finance voted unanimously tonight to approve the recommendation of Ferenc Karoly for the position of Executive Director of the Providence External Review Authority (PERA). The matter will next be voted on by the full City Council for final approval.
“I was impressed by Mr. Karoly’s extensive career in law enforcement and his history of service. He brings decades of experience and integrity to the table as the City Council works to fill this important role. I look forward to seeing what Mr. Karoly can do to promote transparency and accountability within the Providence Police Department,” stated Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
Ferenc Karoly is a veteran of the United States Navy and currently works as an attorney. For 15 years, he served the Middletown Police Department, starting as a patrol officer and working up to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police. Mr. Karoly holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University and a Criminal Justice Certificate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy.
“Our city is facing a spike in crime and a corresponding staffing shortage within the Police Department. It is crucial that our law enforcement officers are held to the highest standard of service and professionalism. I am confident that Mr. Karoly will lead PERA with a laser focus on justice and public safety in the city of Providence,” added Ryan.
PERA was established in 2002 to create a system for civilian oversight of the Providence Police Department. Members of PERA investigate and conduct hearings regarding allegations of misconduct by Providence Police officers. The Executive Director of PERA serves two-year terms and oversees all PERA staff and investigations.
by Abigail Appel | Nov 1, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
The Providence City Solicitor’s Office has hired Lauren V. Iannelli, Esq. to serve as prosecutor in the upcoming Providence Home Rule Charter Section 403 hearing to remove City Clerk Shawn Selleck from office for creating a toxic work environment and multiple violations of the City’s Code of Conduct.
Lauren Iannelli served for six years as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office where she handled hundreds of cases in District Court, Family Court, Superior Court and the Traffic Tribunal. She is currently an attorney in private practice with the firm of Inman & Tourgee.
On October 7th, the Providence City Council voted unanimously to approve a Section 403 resolution to bring charges against City Clerk Shawn Selleck, and to seek his suspension or removal from office. The resolution charges Mr. Selleck with the following:
• Violations of the City Code of Conduct
• Violations of the City Anti-bullying Policy
• Violations of the City Anti-harassment Policy
• Violations of the City Workplace Violence Policy
• Creation of a Toxic Work Environment
• Inappropriate Management
The charges contained in the resolution are based on an independent investigation conducted by respected employment and labor attorney Carly Iafrate, which determined Mr. Selleck violated the City’s Code of Conduct, Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment, and Workforce Violence policies through a pattern of bullying, confrontational, and intimidating behavior that created a toxic work environment within the City Clerk’s office.
Pursuant to Section 403, the City Council will call a public hearing in November to weigh the charges and vote on the suspension or removal of the City Clerk (two-thirds vote of the Council required).
by Abigail Appel | Oct 28, 2021 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Providence City Councilor David Salvatore and the Providence City Council are seeking applicants for the new Green and Complete Streets Advisory Council. The deadline to apply is Monday November 8th, 2021. Interested individuals may click here to apply: https://bit.ly/3nvMPHK.
The Green and Complete Streets ordinance was passed by the City Council in July 2021. Community advocates including AARP Rhode Island, the American Heart Association, Grow Smart Rhode Island, the Providence Streets Coalition, and WalkPVD, were consulted in the drafting of the ordinance to highlight significant concerns in Providence’s street infrastructure. The ordinance calls for the creation of an advisory council that will be responsible for making recommendations regarding roadway improvement projects that fall under the Green and Complete Street initiative.
“Green and complete streets will not only improve how residents and visitors move through our city, but will also add important quality of life enhancements. We are calling on our Providence residents to join the conversation and share their valuable input as Advisory Council members as we move forward with the implementation of this initiative,” stated Councilor Salvatore.
Green and Complete streets mean streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. The design guidelines ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities can safely move along and across a street.
“The quality of roads in our neighborhoods are a key factor in the quality of life for pedestrians, drivers and bikers alike. Anyone who uses our city streets must feel safe doing so. Safety, accessibility and resiliency are what will push our city forward as we work towards a livable and sustainable future,” added the councilor.
Residents with expertise in civil engineering, architecture, city planning and environmental sustainability are especially needed on the advisory council. Older individuals and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Council advisors will serve in two-year terms.
