City Council Begins 2023 Legislative Session: City Treasurer and Internal Auditor elected, Committee Appointments approved, and Mayoral School Board appointees received

by Council Staff | Jan 5, 2023 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

January 5, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications

pgavigan@providenceri.gov

Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council began its 2023 legislative session with newly elected President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) presiding. “As we begin the new year with our first meeting, the Providence City Council and its selected committees now get to work in earnest for all our neighbors,” said Council President Miller. “Our council team, in coordination with experienced staff, is energized for the year ahead. I look forward to helping lead a broad and diverse coalition of public servants focused on schools, fixing our housing crisis, and ensuring that government is transparent and accessible for our residents.”

City Treasurer

Councilors unanimously elected James Lombardi III as Providence City Treasurer for a four-year term. Lombardi is an attorney and certified public accountant. Lombardi was most recently the city’s treasurer for the past 12 years. Prior to that, he was the city’s internal auditor for 12 years. Lombardi has a vast amount of experience in both financial and governmental operations. During his tenure, he has also served as a senior advisor and chief of staff to the city council.

Internal Auditor

Councilors also unanimously elected Gina Costa for a four-year term as the city’s Internal Auditor. Costa has 22 years of service to Providence, most recently serving as internal auditor. She also served 10 years in the administrative branch focusing on public safety finance, and 12 years in the internal auditor’s office. Costa was born and raised in the city and is an alum of Classical High School. The City Charter provides that the city’s internal auditor shall have access to the books and records of all offices, departments, and other agencies of the city.

Committee Appointments

Councilors approved President Miller’s appointments for Standing committees, Rules Committee, and the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs. Chairpersons will be elected by committee members when those committees convene.

Elections of Councilmembers to Boards and Agencies for 2023-2027

Providence Housing Authority – Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) and Councilman Justin Roias (Ward 4)

Providence Redevelopment Agency – Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11)

Water Supply Board – Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) and Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9)

Board of Parks Commissioners – Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9) and Councilwoman Sue Anderbois (Ward 3)

Recreational Advisory Board – Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) and Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7)

 Appointments of Providence School Board Members

Councilors referred Mayor Brett Smiley’s Providence School Board appointees to the committee on finance.

• Toni Akin
• George Matouk
• Carolina Roberts-Santana
• Erlin Rogel

The full agenda can be viewed here.

City Council Finishes 2022 Legislative Session

by Council Staff | Dec 15, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

December 15, 2022

Contact:

Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications

pgavigan@providenceri.gov

City Council Finishes 2022 Legislative Session

• Approves first steps in a new ProvPort revenue sharing agreement and lease extension
• Passes tax treaty agreements for several city buildings and properties
• Passes Providence Tourism Improvement District
• Honors given to 7 outgoing city councilors, the majority of whom are term-limited
• Results of Democratic City Council Caucus released announcing 2023 council leadership

ProvPort Agreements

Providence, RI – Tonight, after continued negotiation and community engagement, the Providence City Council took the first steps and approved a new 30-year revenue sharing agreement, bond, and lease extension for ProvPort, Inc., an operator in the Port of Providence on the city’s south side. The new agreements are expected to position ProvPort for expansion and growth and allow the operator to attract new green energy industries, like offshore wind. Both the resolution and ordinance passed tonight. However, more legislative action will be needed for complete passage by the 2023 council. The resolution will become effective on the second passage of the ordinance at a later date.

Details of the agreements include:

• Upfront one-time payment to the city of approximately $7 million from bond proceeds
• Increases gross revenue sharing agreement from 5.5% to 9%
• Establishes a sustainability project fund with a minimum of $120,000 a year to support projects throughout the city
• Establishes a community benefit project fund with a minimum of $120,000 a year to support projects throughout the city (amendment specifies $25,000 to be used for Ward 10 projects and the remainder of the funds to be distributed by the Board of Parks Commissioners for parks and recreation infrastructure projects)
• No further expansion of fossil fuel industries in ProvPort by terms of the lease to 2052

“As the Chair of the Finance Committee, this is likely the best tax treaty passed in the city of Providence. The city negotiated to receive more money in this agreement than we would get by taxing the property at its full taxation value,” said Jo-Ann Ryan, Councilwoman (Ward 5). The Port of Providence is a gem with the potential to become a vital economic engine. This agreement lays the financial foundation for the expansion of green energy in the capital city and future port development.”

The ordinance establishing a tax exemption agreement for ProvPort can be found here. The resolution authorizing a lease extension and bond for ProvPort can be viewed here.

Tax Agreements for City Buildings/Property

The Providence City Council tonight approved four tax stabilization agreements with four different LLCs in Providence. The approved agreements are as follows

• A tax stabilization agreement between the City of Providence and 101 Richmond, LLC
• A tax stabilization agreement between the City of Providence and E2000 Realty, LLC
• A tax stabilization agreement between the City of Providence and 71 Richmond, LLC
• A tax stabilization agreement and Tax Exemption plan between the City of Providence and Prospect Charter Care, LLC

These tax stabilization agreements will incentivize sustainable, long term business development in the City of Providence.

 Providence Tourism Improvement District

Tonight, the Council approved a resolution authorizing the creation of the Providence Tourism Improvement District. In the wake of COVID-related staffing shortages and supply chain concerns, this legislation seeks to boost the tourism industry here in Providence.

All hotels with fifty rooms or more within the district will be assessed 2% of gross short-term room rental revenue. Those funds will be collected by the City and used to support events inside the district such as meetings, conventions, games, and marketing events. In year one, the budget for the district will be around $1.6 million.

Currently, 194 similar tourism districts exist nationwide, with local examples in Newport and Boston.

Investments in Clean Water Projects

Councilors approved measures allowing the city to invest up to $1 million in clean water, stormwater, and sewer infrastructure projects. The ordinance authorizes the development of Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plans (TMDLIP). A total maximum daily load is the maximum number of pollutants allowed to enter a body of water. The plans layout actions and timelines to reach specific water quality goals and standards. Clean water projects are targeted for Mashapaug Pond, Roger Williams Park Pond, the Woonasquatucket River, and the West River. Providence has received confirmation from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, qualifying the city for $400,000 in loan forgiveness on a loan of $1 million. The proposal calls for the balance of the loan to be paid by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for sewer and stormwater projects.

 Excessive False Fire Alarm Fees

Tonight, the Council passed a resolution regarding Ordinance 9-94 “Excessive avoidable false fire alarm fees.” The legislation aims to curb false alarms on home security systems, by assessing fines after multiple offenses. However, recently, the City Council has received multiple complaints from residents regarding exorbitant late fees without prior notice.

“The purpose of the original ordinance is to reduce the unnecessary drain on public safety officials,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), who sponsored the measure. “The failure to provide proper notice undermines the effectiveness and intent of the legislation, by preventing residents from fixing their faulty systems. It is my hope that through outreach and community engagement, we are able to educate the public and stop these unnecessary fines.”

The resolution calls on the administration to review the enforcement of the ordinance, and the department of public safety to coordinate outreach efforts to educate the community.

 Recognition of National Pan-Hellenic Council of RI

The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Rhode Island was welcomed to the Council Chambers this evening, celebrating the charter of the first-ever Pan-Hellenic chapter in the State of Rhode Island on December 10^th. The National Pan-Hellenic Council was founded at Howard University in 1930 and comprises the ‘Divine-Nine’ historically black sororities and fraternities. With a focus on leadership, economic empowerment, and professional development, the National Pan-Hellenic Council works with its members and local organizations to establish a positive presence on college campuses across the country.

“On December 10th, 2022, the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Rhode Island was chartered, becoming the first state chapter since NPHC was founded on May 10, 1930.  As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Psi Omega Chapter, I was proud to be a part of this historical moment. The Divine Nine fraternities and sororities have been an anchor in our community, and I know firsthand the positive impact they have in our state and on the lives of all people. I am excited about the future of NPHC Rhode Island chapter and the collective work and influence of our state’s D9 fraternities and sororities in our community and commitment to foster service, promote community awareness and action and also help cultivate a new generation of leaders in our state” stated Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune.

Honors for Outgoing Council Members

The Providence City Council honored its outgoing members at the final council meeting of 2022. Friends and family joined the seven outgoing members as they received commemorative plaques honoring their years of service to the City of Providence.

• Council President John Igliozzi has represented Ward 7 since 1997 and has served as Council President since 2021.
• Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune has represented Ward 3 since 2017. She is the first Haitian-American to be elected to the City Council and served as the Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on Education.
• Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. has represented Ward 4 since 2006. He served as the Senior Deputy Majority Leader and the Chairman of the Committee on Ordinances and the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits.
• Councilman Michael Correia has represented Ward 6 since 2011. He served as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Works and was a member of the Providence Water Supply Board.
• Councilwoman Carmen Castillo has represented Ward 9 since 2012. She served as the Majority Whip and the Chairwoman on the Committee on City Property.
• Councilwoman Kat Kerwin has represented Ward 12 since 2018. She is one of the youngest to have been elected to the City Council and served as a member of the Committee on City Property.
• Councilor David A. Salvatore has represented Ward 14 since 2010. He formerly served as the City Council President from 2017-2019.

The Providence City Council extends its deepest gratitude for the many contributions all seven departing Council members have made to the City over the years.

New Council Leadership

Results of the Democratic City Council Caucus were released, announcing the intentions of caucus members to select key leadership positions for the 2023-2027 Providence City Council. The Caucus chose Ward 8 Councilman James Taylor as Majority Leader, Ward 11 Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris as Deputy Majority Leader, Ward 1 Councilman John Goncalves as Senior Deputy Majority Leader, and Ward 6 Councilman-Elect Miguel Sanchez as Majority Whip. Additionally, the caucus unanimously pledged their votes for Ward 13 Councilor Rachel Miller as the next Council President and Ward 9 Councilman-Elect Juan Pichardo as President Pro Tempore.

“This new, diverse, engaged group of elected leaders offers the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to the work ahead in moving Providence forward,” said Councilor Rachel Miller. “I am honored to have earned the support of the caucus and look forward to working with every member of the council and with the new administration next term as we work on behalf of our neighbors.” Elections for President and Pro Tempore will take place at the organizational meeting on January 2, 2023.

City Council Finance Committee Approves ProvPort Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement and Lease Extension

by Council Staff | Nov 28, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

November 28, 2022

Contact:

Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications

pgavigan@providenceri.gov

PROVIDENCE, RI – Tonight, the City Council Finance Committee voted 4 to 1 to approve a new tax exemption agreement and lease extension for ProvPort, Inc. on the south side of the city. The vote followed a lengthy public hearing at city hall.

Key details of the extension and refinancing of bonds include:

• Upfront one-time payment to the city of approximately $7 million
• Increases gross revenue sharing agreement from 5.5% to 9%
• Establishes a sustainability project fund with a minimum of $120,000 a year to support projects throughout the city
• Establishes a community benefit project fund with a minimum of $120,000 a year to support projects throughout the city (amendment specifies $25,000 to be used for Ward 10 projects and the remainder of the funds to be distributed by the Board of Parks Commissioners for parks and recreation infrastructure projects)
• An amendment calling for no further expansion of fossil fuel industries in ProvPort by terms of the lease to 2052

The ordinance establishing a tax exemption agreement for ProvPort can be found here. The resolution authorizing a lease extension and bond for ProvPort can be viewed here.

“These financially responsible agreements position ProvPort for long term growth and much-needed clean energy expansion opportunities on the Providence waterfront,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and chair of the finance committee. “More importantly, the agreements allow ProvPort to immediately attract critical green energy tenants and businesses in competitive industries like offshore wind development.”

The tax agreement and lease extension now move to the full council for a vote and requires two passages.

Council Finance Committee Approves City Investments in Clean Water Projects

by Abigail Appel | Nov 23, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

Council Finance Committee Approves City Investments in Clean Water Projects

PROVIDENCE, RI – On Tuesday, City Council Finance Committee members approved measures that allow the city to invest up to $1 million in clean water, stormwater, and sewer infrastructure. The ordinance would authorize the development of Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plans (TMDLIP). A total maximum daily load is the maximum number of pollutants allowed to enter a body of water. The plans layout actions and timelines to reach specific water quality goals and standards.

Clean water projects targeted for Providence include Mashapaug Pond, Roger Williams Park Pond, the Woonasquatucket River, and the West River. Providence has received confirmation from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, qualifying the city for $400,000 in loan forgiveness on a loan of $1 million. The proposal calls for the balance of the loan to be paid by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for sewer and stormwater projects. The ordinance now moves to the full council and requires two passages.