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 15, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Ward-5, Ward-7
City of Providence allocates $7 million of Rescue Plan funding for small business microgrants
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence City Council President John Igliozzi (ward 7), Council Finance Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (ward 5), and the Providence City Council today launched the City of Providence’s online COVID-19 Small Business Grant Application, designed to provide microgrants to businesses throughout the City of Providence and support economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program will offer grants of $2,500 to over 2,700 qualified businesses using nearly $7 million of federal American Rescue Plan relief dollars.
“Small businesses are the heart of our city here in Providence,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We know that our small businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and that is why we have offered creative solutions to support our business community such as waiving outdoor expansion fees, offering zero interest loans through the Providence Business Loan Fund and providing free parking in business corridors. Today, I am excited to announce a new program using the City’s Rescue Plan dollars to help businesses navigate financial hardship brought on by the pandemic.”
To be eligible for the grant program, businesses must meet the following requirements:
• Have been established and recognized by the City of Providence by December 31, 2019
• Be in good standing with the City of Providence
o Businesses must be up to date on City taxes and all Department of Licensing requirements
• Have received a City tangible tax bill in the range of $558.00-$55,800.00
o This is determined by tangible assets valued between $5,000 and $1 million, not including real estate.
• Not receive funds and any other financial benefits from the City of $5,000 or more to be eligible
o This includes, but is not limited to, Tax Stabilization Agreements or Community Development Block Grants.
• Intend to stay in business for the following 12 months
• Have less than 240 employees
The City of Providence allocated a portion of American Rescue Plan funding in July, prioritizing anti violence investments and the creation of a COVID-19 Small Business Grant program. Funding was finalized by a City Council ordinance and signed into law by Mayor Elorza.
“One of the top priorities of this City Council has been helping our city’s small businesses weather the incredibly challenging impacts of COVID-19,” said City Council President John Igliozzi. “That is why we approved the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to create a $7 million Small Business Grant Program to give direct grants of up to $2,500 to Providence small businesses still struggling from the negative economic effects of this ongoing pandemic. I am very pleased that the program is now ready to accept applications from our small business community. My colleagues and I on the Council will be working hard to ensure that all of our city’s small businesses are aware of the program and can apply for the grant dollars they need to get through this difficult stretch and emerge even stronger on the other side.”
“Neighborhood coffee shops, restaurants, tailors, bodegas, hardware stores, pet groomers, and barber shops are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods, and many are still feeling the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “That is why the City Council has made providing assistance to Providence’s small businesses a priority and why we are pleased to be launching the Providence Small Business Covid Recovery Grant Program here today. This $7 million program, funded through American Rescue Plan resources, will provide eligible Providence small businesses with grants of up to $2,500 to help them through this challenging time. This is a smart investment in our small businesses which are so critical to our neighborhoods and Providence’s economy.”
Business owners who do not have access to a computer or the technological ability to apply on their own are encouraged to reach out to the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity Small Business Coordinator Victor Regino who will be hosting office hours to support business owners with applications. Individuals can call 3-1-1 or email VRegino@providenceri.gov.
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with a priority review deadline of November 12, 2021. This program will remain open until all funds have been allocated or until July 1, 2022.
For more information about the Providence Rescue Plan or the COVID-19 Small Business Grant application, visit https://pvdrescueplan.com/apply/.
by Abigail Appel | Oct 15, 2021 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release
City of Providence allocates $7 million of Rescue Plan funding for small business microgrants
Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence City Council President John Igliozzi (ward 7), Council Finance Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (ward 5), and the Providence City Council today launched the City of Providence’s online COVID-19 Small Business Grant Application, designed to provide microgrants to businesses throughout the City of Providence and support economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program will offer grants of $2,500 to over 2,700 qualified businesses using nearly $7 million of federal American Rescue Plan relief dollars.
“Small businesses are the heart of our city here in Providence,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We know that our small businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and that is why we have offered creative solutions to support our business community such as waiving outdoor expansion fees, offering zero interest loans through the Providence Business Loan Fund and providing free parking in business corridors. Today, I am excited to announce a new program using the City’s Rescue Plan dollars to help businesses navigate financial hardship brought on by the pandemic.”
To be eligible for the grant program, businesses must meet the following requirements:
• Have been established and recognized by the City of Providence by December 31, 2019
• Be in good standing with the City of Providence
o Businesses must be up to date on City taxes and all Department of Licensing requirements
• Have received a City tangible tax bill in the range of $558.00-$55,800.00
o This is determined by tangible assets valued between $5,000 and $1 million, not including real estate.
• Not receive funds and any other financial benefits from the City of $5,000 or more to be eligible
o This includes, but is not limited to, Tax Stabilization Agreements or Community Development Block Grants.
• Intend to stay in business for the following 12 months
• Have less than 240 employees
The City of Providence allocated a portion of American Rescue Plan funding in July, prioritizing anti violence investments and the creation of a COVID-19 Small Business Grant program. Funding was finalized by a City Council ordinance and signed into law by Mayor Elorza.
“One of the top priorities of this City Council has been helping our city’s small businesses weather the incredibly challenging impacts of COVID-19,” said City Council President John Igliozzi. “That is why we approved the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to create a $7 million Small Business Grant Program to give direct grants of up to $2,500 to Providence small businesses still struggling from the negative economic effects of this ongoing pandemic. I am very pleased that the program is now ready to accept applications from our small business community. My colleagues and I on the Council will be working hard to ensure that all of our city’s small businesses are aware of the program and can apply for the grant dollars they need to get through this difficult stretch and emerge even stronger on the other side.”
“Neighborhood coffee shops, restaurants, tailors, bodegas, hardware stores, pet groomers, and barber shops are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods, and many are still feeling the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilwoman and Finance Committee Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). “That is why the City Council has made providing assistance to Providence’s small businesses a priority and why we are pleased to be launching the Providence Small Business Covid Recovery Grant Program here today. This $7 million program, funded through American Rescue Plan resources, will provide eligible Providence small businesses with grants of up to $2,500 to help them through this challenging time. This is a smart investment in our small businesses which are so critical to our neighborhoods and Providence’s economy.”
Business owners who do not have access to a computer or the technological ability to apply on their own are encouraged to reach out to the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity Small Business Coordinator Victor Regino who will be hosting office hours to support business owners with applications. Individuals can call 3-1-1 or email VRegino@providenceri.gov.
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with a priority review deadline of November 12, 2021. This program will remain open until all funds have been allocated or until July 1, 2022.
For more information about the Providence Rescue Plan or the COVID-19 Small Business Grant application, visit PVDRescuePlan.com.
