by Billy Kepner | Jun 30, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-6
Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6) has formally requested increased enforcement of fireworks used in Providence neighborhoods, especially those that disturb residents late at night. In a letter sent to Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh Clements, Correia stated, “As we approach the Fourth of July, constituents have noticed an increase in fireworks being used late into the evening. I respectfully request that the Providence Police Department steps up enforcement in our neighborhoods around this time.”
“I take the safety and well-being of our constituents very seriously,” Correia added. He has requested the department looks into the matter as soon as possible.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 29, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Acting Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) is calling for an independent investigation of Harry Kizirian Elementary School officials’ failure to report molestation allegations to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Rhode Island state law mandates that anyone “who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that any child has been the victim of sexual abuse by an employee, agent, contractor, or volunteer of an educational program” must report the information to DCYF within twenty-four hours.
“It is a fundamental requirement of every adult in every school to ensure absolute safety for every child,” said Matos. “Policies, procedures, and laws are in place to support that requirement. I am calling for an independent investigation to bring to light what happened when school officials learned of this horrific, disturbing allegation. Providence families deserve that information, and this situation demands the transparency of an independent investigation.”
by Billy Kepner | Jun 16, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Uncategorized, Ward-10
The Providence City Council on Thursday unanimously approved and cosponsored a resolution introduced by Councilman Luis Aponte (Ward 10) that formalizes the body’s support for the Paris Climate Accord.
“Our federal government has chosen to neglect its duty to protect America and the world from the harmful effects of climate change,” said Aponte. “Ignoring climate change does not lessen its threat. More responsibility now lies in the hands of local governments across the country to enact policies that protect our planet from further destruction. Cities house the majority of industry and population, which makes it more important than ever for us to take the lead on these issues.”
In addition to affirming the Council’s support of the Paris Climate Accord in full, the resolution also formalizes the Council’s commitment to reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 16, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) today issued the following statement in response to the proposed reinstatement of the RIPTA bus pass program that has been approved by the House Finance Committee:
“On behalf of my constituents and the people of Providence, I’d like to thank the General Assembly for working to reinstate the no-fare RIPTA bus program that supports our residents in greatest need. For many low-income, disabled, and elderly residents, public transportation is the only way to get to the grocery store, or to work, or to doctor appointments. This measure fills a critical need for many folks in our communities by ensuring continued access to basic services.”
by Billy Kepner | Jun 15, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-7
Fiscally responsible budget streamlines spending, reforms tax penalties, improves quality of life in every Providence neighborhood
The Providence City Council tonight approved first passage of the $737M city budget for the 2018 fiscal year. The budget is the result of strong collaboration and shared goals between the City Council and Elorza Administration to produce a fiscally responsible budget that includes no tax increases, invests in schools and neighborhoods, includes strategies to stimulate the economy and ensures city departments streamline operations and maximize efficiencies. The 2018 budget strengthens contributions to the rainy day fund to increase the city’s bond rating and allow for more efficiency in future borrowing practices, increases economic development, builds the city’s tax base, and improves quality of life for all city residents.
“This budget prioritizes spending to support our public schools and quality of life in all of our neighborhoods,” said Acting Council President Sabina Matos. “It also includes important investments to our rainy day fund and provides much-needed tax reform.”
“I am pleased to announce that we’re holding the line on tax increases for the third year in a row, contributing to the rainy day fund, and investing in quality of life initiatives to benefit all Providence neighborhoods,” said Finance Committee Chairman John Igliozzi.
Council-led budget initiatives include:
Tax Reform
- The current penalty system for late tax payments assesses interest and penalties based on the total annual tax obligation, regardless of the quarter in which the payment is late, or if all other payments have been made on time. This new budget reforms the appropriation ordinance to end this aggressive practice, replacing it with a fair policy that will charge interest and penalties based only on the amount of the quarterly tax obligation for which the late payment is assigned.
Traffic Calming and Nuisance Control
- Allocation of $300,000 to build on a revenue-neutral neighborhood traffic calming program to be led by the Providence Police Department. Successfully piloted last year in Ward 5, this program funds placement of police detail in neighborhood traffic hot spots where speeding, lack of compliance with stop signs, and other infractions pose public safety issues. This program increases police visibility in neighborhoods across the city, and also allows additional officers to be more nimble in enforcement of noise ordinance violations. This successful program is revenue-neutral, as the revenue raised by fines levied pays for the cost of the detail.
Public Safety
- Allocation to run a second cohort of police and fire academies.
Neighborhood Infrastructure Program
- Allocation of $1.5 million dollars to the Council’s successful Neighborhood Infrastructure Program. Initiated last year, this popular program paid for parks and bricks and mortar improvements to neighborhoods across the city, including significant upgrades and renovations to city pools, school buildings, recreation centers, parks and sidewalks.
Blight Removal Pilot Program
- Allocation of $200,000 to pilot a city-wide blight removal program. While the Mayor’s Every Home program focuses on rehabbing abandoned properties around the city, some structures are too costly to rehab and are a persistent source of neighborhood blight and infringe on the quality of life for surrounding homes. This program will target demolition of these properties, and turn the remaining lot into public green space or expansion of yards for neighboring properties. This program will be administered by the Department of Inspection and Standards and will provide much-needed relief for communities impacted by the detrimental effects of long-standing blight.
Investments in PVD Fest
• PVD Fest is a landmark event for the city, and becomes more popular each year. The 2018 fiscal year budget allocates dollars to sustain and grow this important and successful festival.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 15, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) will tonight introduce an ordinance that aims to curb irresponsible and underage drinking that undermines safety and quality of life in Providence neighborhoods. The proposed ordinance makes it easier for law enforcement officers to find the source of kegs provided to minors, requires more legal responsibility from adults obtaining kegs, and codifies a more transparent process for obtaining kegs at liquor stores.
Currently, officers called to off-campus parties in Providence neighborhoods are left without a paper trail to determine how underage drinkers obtained the kegs purchased on their behalf. Although officers can confiscate kegs, the source of the problem often remains unaddressed.
“This ordinance enhances our existing state law to establish greater accountability for keg purchases and distribution,” said Councilwoman Ryan. “It is a product of our strong collaboration with police officers, school officials, and neighbors to improve safety and quality of life in all of our neighborhoods.”
If passed, the ordinance will require buyers to make a $75 keg deposit at the time of purchase. The deposit is refundable if the keg is returned to the store within 30 days with the state-mandated keg label intact.
Buyers would also be required to sign a document, known as an adult responsibility form, attesting under penalty of perjury that the information they provide for the keg label and other records is accurate. The form also requires keg buyers to attest that they will not allow underage consumption.
Stores selling kegs of beer would be required to record identifying information from buyers and retain those records, as well as copies of each adult responsibility form, for at least 180 days after each keg is returned. Records must include the name and address of the purchaser, the form of identification used and the identification card number, the date and time of the purchase, the approximate time and location of the event where the beer will be dispensed, the number of kegs purchased, and the individual identification numbers for each keg.
If passed, the ordinance would mandate $500 penalties for violations.
