by Council Staff | Jul 21, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
July 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Councilors Propose a Law to Ban Smoking Marijuana in Public Parks, Establish an African American War Memorial Commission, and Call for a Review of License Plate Reader Cameras
Marijuana in Parks
Providence, RI – Councilors tonight introduced an ordinance to ban the sale and use of marijuana in all city parks after state law recently made recreational cannabis legal. “Providence is a smoke-free city. Children, their families, and anyone immunocompromised should not have to breathe in smoke while enjoying our beautiful parks. This is a public health concern,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7), who sponsored the amendment, which would expand on current city law. Presently, an ordinance exists prohibiting tobacco products in city parks, playgrounds, and recreational centers. A violation of the law would be punishable by a civil fine of $50. The legislation was referred to the committee on ordinances.
Establishment of Providence African American Revolutionary War Memorial Commission
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilors established the Providence African American Revolutionary War Memorial Commission, as proposed by Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14). The five-member commission will work to create a monument honoring the African American soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War. “The history of the Revolutionary War is one that is felt deeply here in Rhode Island, as is the history of slavery. It is moving to hear the stories of enslaved men who fought for their own individual freedom and the freedom of our nation by enlisting in the Rhode Island 1st Regiment. This commission will come together to create a monument that will honor the bravery and sacrifices of the black men who endured slavery and war in pursuit of the freedom that we hold so dear today,” said Councilor Salvatore. In Rhode Island, 140 black men served in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment under the leadership of Colonel Christopher Greene. The first two black men from Providence to enlist in March of 1778 were Africa Burke and Sigby Talbot. The Rhode Island 1st Regiment carries the distinction of being one of the few units to serve the entirety of the war. “African Americans were surprisingly invited to lay down their lives for the founding of this nation. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Stages of Freedom joins Councilor Salvatore in his effort to erect a major monument to the brave Black men of Providence who fought for independence. We believe that such a memorial will serve both as a public educational lesson and a spiritual uplift. Providence, the state, and the nation are in the midst of a deep political dialogue about the role African Americans played in the formation of this country. It is clear the Providence City Council is acknowledging their importance in this pivotal historic event,” added Ray Rickman, Executive Director, Stages of Freedom. To learn more about the African American Revolutionary War Memorial commission, click here.
License Plate Cameras
A resolution sponsored by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), and Councilor Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), requested the Providence Police Department refrain from implementing automated license plate reader technology until the Council has had an opportunity to review the Department’s plans, its proposed policy, and the opportunity to solicit public input. “The proposed cameras represent far-reaching technology that poses significant civil liberties concerns. We have an obligation to residents to have a transparent public process that includes guidelines on how data is used, collected, stored, and destructed by a city agency or external contractors before steps are taken towards implementation,” said Councilor Rachel Miller. “I agree that criminals and violent offenders need to be held fully accountable and that technology can be a useful tool for enhancing public safety and security for Providence residents. However, law-abiding citizens should not be subject to a continuous surveillance system without public oversight on how their data and privacy are collected and used by a third party. If any technology of this scale is to be implemented, it must also be subject to restrictions and statutory safeguards codified via ordinance to govern this technology and protect the First Amendment rights and the civil liberties of our residents,” added Councilman Goncalves. The resolution was referred to the finance committee.
The full meeting agenda can be viewed here.
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by Council Staff | Jul 14, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
July 14, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council to Receive Proposed Charter Changes During Special Thursday Meeting
Providence, RI – Councilors will receive official recommendations for the city’s Charter changes during a special meeting tonight, Thursday, July 14, at 5 PM. After more than six months of weekly meetings with city department heads and public input, the Charter Review Commission, chaired by City Council President John Igliozzi, made its recommendations to the City Council on changes to the Charter (essentially the city’s constitution). The Charter Review process occurs every 10 years. Here are the highlights and more detail of the proposed changes:
- Establishes a hybrid school board with 10 members (5 elected and 5 appointed)
- Allows the City Council to hire certain consultants by a simple majority vote
- Establishes the removal of appointed officers to be defined by ordinance; allows removal of council appointees by simple majority vote
- Establishes the position of General Manager of the Water Supply Board
- Clarifies that all department heads and appointed officers are subject to personnel regulations
- Establishes gender neutral terminology throughout the Charter (i.e. chairman to chair)
- Raises purchasing thresholds for the Board of Contract and Supply
- City Council to approve department heads every 4 years
Hybrid School Board
The proposed hybrid model recommendation includes 10 members, with five non-partisan elected members and five appointed by the mayor. The five elected members will represent five equal city regions with no term limits. Those elected will serve a four-year term. The three-year term for appointed members will remain in place. No more than two appointed board members will be selected from the same region.
Hiring Consultants
The proposed change to section 401 (d) of the Charter will allow the City Council to hire consultants such as accountants, engineers, and other experts by a simple majority vote. Currently, a two-thirds vote is required, which will remain in effect for hiring attorneys.
Removal of Officers and Appointees
The proposed change to section 403 of the Charter will allow the City Council to bring charges against any department head or Council-appointed officer and, following a hearing, vote by a simple majority to remove. Presently a two-thirds majority is required. The current Charter is silent on the procedural rules by which a hearing could take place. The Commission recommends a Council ordinance establish procedure.
General Manager of the Water Supply Board
The proposed change to section 1101 of the Charter will establish a new position of General Manager, who would have oversight authority of all the Water Supply Board personnel matters separate and apart from the Chief Engineer.
Department Heads and Appointed Officers
The proposed change to section 1201 of the Charter will clarify language to make it explicit that department heads are subject to all applicable city personnel regulations and policies, despite any protections of section 403.
Gender Neutral Terminology
The proposed change is a general amendment to use gender-neutral terminology throughout the entire Charter. (Officially change the term Chairman to Chair, etc.)
Board of Contract & Supply Threshold
The recommended change to section 1007 of the Charter supports increasing the threshold requirements for the Board of Contract and Supply. Regular city purchasing will increase from $5,000 to $15,000, except for construction contracting which will increase to $35,000.
Powers and Duties of the Mayor
The recommended charter change to section 302 will require the City Council to approve mayoral department heads and agency appointments every 4 years.
Charter Review Commission background:
First established in January of 1992, the Charter Review Commission was appointed to review the Charter and recommend changes to the city council. The commission is made up of nine (9) members, four (4) are appointed by the mayor, and five (5) by the city council. The commission has a maximum of eight (8) months from the date of its appointment to complete a report and submit its findings to the city council.
To learn more about the Charter Review process:
https://council.providenceri.gov/charter-review/
Commission Members:
Council President John J. Igliozzi, Chair
Councilman Oscar Vargas, Vice-Chair
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo
Councilman James Taylor
Bryan Principe
Ellen Cynar
Tiana Ochoa
Robert L. Ricci
Wayne Montague
What’s next?
After the Council receives the recommendations, public hearings will be scheduled to solicit feedback from Providence residents. Recommendations that pass the Council will be presented before voters on a November ballot.
*An official report will be available online before the special Council meeting*
https://council.providenceri.gov/charter-review/
Tonight’s meeting will be live streamed on YouTube:
https:bit.ly/pvdmeetings
by Council Staff | Jul 11, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
July 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Charter Review Commission Recommends a Hybrid Elected/Appointed School Board to the City Council
Providence, RI – After more than six months of weekly meetings with city department heads and public input, the Charter Review Commission, chaired by City Council President John Igliozzi, made recommendations to the City Council on charter changes, including a hybrid elected and appointed school board. The city’s charter review process occurs every 10 years, per the Home Rule Charter. Here are the highlights of the proposed school board:
- Hybrid school board with 10 total members
- 5 elected board members from 5 equal regions of the city (North,South,East,West,Central) for a 4-year term
- Non-partisan elections in 2024 (terms to begin in January of 2025)
- 5 appointed board members by the mayor with a 3-year term (to be phased in 2025)
- No more than 2 appointed board members selected from the same region
- Board members will have no taxing authority
Charter Review Commission background:
First established in January of 1992, the Charter Review Commission was appointed to review the Charter (essentially the city’s constitution) and recommend changes to the city council. The commission is made up of nine (9) members, four (4) are appointed by the mayor, and five (5) by the city council. The commission has a maximum of eight (8) months from the date of its appointment to complete a report and submit its findings to the city council. The recommendations will now be forwarded to the Providence City Council for consideration and a vote following a public hearing to solicit feedback from Providence residents. Potentially all recommendations will be presented before voters on a November ballot.
“A consistent driving force to create this hybrid school board was to make sure that every neighborhood and every constituency has a seat at the Providence School Board table. This proposal expands representation for all and achieves that goal,” said Council President John Igliozzi.
To learn more about the Charter Review process:
https://council.providenceri.gov/charter-review/
Commission Members:
Council President John J. Igliozzi, Chair
Councilman Oscar Vargas, Vice-Chair
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo
Councilman James Taylor
Bryan Principe
Ellen Cynar
Tiana Ochoa
Robert L. Ricci
Wayne Montague
*The Commission made several other Charter recommendations that will be updated and released accordingly*
by Council Staff | Jul 7, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
July 7, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Authorizes Pension Obligation Bond to Move Forward
and Welcomes Governor Dan McKee to the Chamber
Providence, RI – Tonight, Councilors approved a resolution on a vote of 11 to 1 authorizing the city to finance a contribution toward Providence’s unfunded pension liability. After receiving voter approval during a special election in June, General Assembly approval, and Governor McKee’s signature, the mayor’s administration can now move forward and engage in the process of issuing pension obligation bonds of up to $515 million to fix the city’s troubled pension system (Employee Retirement System). Certain financial guardrails exist on the potential borrowing, including not exceeding an interest rate of 4.9%.
“The lengthy effort to get to this point was exhaustive but thorough and open,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “We all know the economy has changed in the last few months. Taxpayers should know if the climate is not right for the city to borrow these funds, then we wait for the appropriate time. The enabling legislation allows current and future city leaders to act on issuing pension obligation bonds for up to five years.”
Councilors welcomed Governor Dan McKee as a special guest to the City Council chamber. Vocal performances by Butch Tavares (a member of the local R&B, funk, and soul group “Tavares”) and local musician Tim Brooks honored our country’s July 4th Independence Day holiday.
Follow the Providence City Council social pages for pictures:
https://twitter.com/pvdcitycouncil
https://www.facebook.com/pvdcitycouncil
https://www.instagram.com/pvdcitycouncil/
by Council Staff | Jun 28, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
June 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Providence’s Charter Review Commission is expected to hear a proposal for a fully elected regional city school board. After gathering feedback from the public and elected officials, commissioners will be presented Tuesday with the following recommendations:
- non-partisan elections
- 5 regions (north, south, east, west, and central) represented
- each region would elect two school board members for a total of 10 members
- three four-year term limits for board members
*Presently, school board members are appointed by the mayor
“As chair of the Charter Review Commission, it is refreshing to hear new ideas that would strengthen our educational system,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “Parents and those active in our schools have expressed that they would like more neighborhood representation on our school board. We are listening. This proposal has the potential to alleviate some of those worries and make the board more accountable. I encourage the public to participate in this process.”
The proposal calls for five regions to be developed in consultation with Election Data Services, the same firm recently used by the city to update Providence’s Ward Boundaries.
The Charter Review Commission meets tonight, June 28, at 5:30 pm in room 305 at city hall.
