by Council Staff | Apr 7, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 7, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Addresses Graffiti, Street Sweeping, Catalytic Converter Thefts, and Creates a Special School Repair Fund
• Councilors approved the creation of a special revolving fund for the maintenance and repairs of Providence Public School buildings
• Councilors call on the DPW to begin alternate side parking during city street sweeping
• Councilors call on the city’s Director of Public Property to remove graffiti from city neighborhoods and replace broken furniture in the public safety complex
• Council takes steps to curb catalytic converter thefts and calls on state lawmakers for further action
School Repair Fund
The city council passed a final ordinance, creating the Providence Public School Department Capital Improvement Revolving Fund, a move that will immediately help fix aging buildings. According to Providence Public Schools, the fund will “transform $8 million in already dedicated local sources into $54 million in school capital projects over the next 10 years, without any additional Providence taxpayer dollars”. The fund allows PPSD to perform capital improvement projects eligible for housing aid reimbursement. The state reimburses projects up to 91%, and reimbursed funds are then reinvested into other projects, which will spur additional reimbursement. A 2017 review of the city’s school buildings showed that 27 out of 38 school facilities were in poor or worse condition. Some examples of projects for 2022 include $1.5 million for upgrades to water bottle fillers/bubblers at 23 schools and replacing boilers in six schools. “Many of our city schools have suffered from deferred maintenance. We need to do better for our students and teachers,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “This first of its’ kind revolving fund uses seed money to leverage state reimbursement, allowing the city to make these much-needed repairs quickly,” added Igliozzi.
Street/Sidewalk Sweeping Parking
Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) has proposed that the city offer alternate side parking while crews sweep streets, a practice commonly used in other cities. The amended ordinance allows the Department of Public Works to issue a full or partial parking ban to help any street sweeping efforts. “At certain hours of the day, streets are not swept because cars are parked on both sides. It’s time we provide our DPW and street sweeping operation with another tool to ensure this quality-of-life issue is being delivered in a timely and efficient manner,” said Salvatore. DPW will launch a pilot program on three Ward 14 streets in the coming weeks, including resident outreach. Last year, Councilor Salvatore introduced, and the council passed a law requiring DPW to sweep every city street six times each year and certain sidewalks a minimum of three times each year. Part of that new law also requires DPW to maintain a publicly available street and sidewalk sweeping calendar and give the public 48 hours’ notice in advance of sweeping.
Graffiti, litter, and Broken Furniture
Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6) introduced three resolutions aimed at improving the quality of life throughout the City of Providence. Two of these resolutions call on the city’s Department of Public Property to ramp up efforts to remove graffiti in all fifteen city wards and upgrade office tools and furniture at the Public Safety Complex, where many city employees work in dilapidated office conditions. The third resolution calls on the Department of Public Works to clean up glass, sand, and litter from the sidewalks along Academy Avenue, Chalkstone Avenue, and Atwells Avenue. “I have introduced these to address the bread-and-butter issues that affect the everyday quality of life and administration of our city. Providence residents deserve to have clean sidewalks, visually appealing buildings, and comfortable working conditions. I hope to continue partnering with various city departments to make Providence work for our residents and employees,” stated Councilman Correia.
Curbing Catalytic Converter Thefts
Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) is targeting catalytic converter thefts with two pieces of legislation approved by the City Council tonight. With the theft of these valuable motor vehicle parts on the rise, the City Council approved Councilor Salvatore’s ordinance that would impose stricter sales regulations and record-keeping to be shared with local police. The ordinance provides law enforcement with tools to closely monitor sales and investigate trends while strengthening penalties for repeat offenders. Councilor Salvatore also calls on the state legislature to work with the city to protect individuals and organizations from unknowingly acquiring and selling stolen catalytic converters. “It’s vital to address this continuing trend and codify this ordinance into state law. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to create hurdles for criminals here in Providence and across Rhode Island,” said Councilor Salvatore. The resolution proposes banning cash purchases of converters. The resolution also calls on the General Assembly to add a provision that requires catalytic converters to be marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and cross-checked by law enforcement statewide.
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by Abigail Appel | Mar 31, 2022 | Press Release, Ward-5
Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Illegal ATVs in Providence
“I was pleased to learn that the Department of Public Safety and the Mayor’s administration today announced plans to proactively enforce the ATV laws that the City Council has enacted. As we approach the warmer months, the threat of these dangerous and illegal ATVs looms over our neighborhoods.
As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally.
Since my legislation was enacted and the City Council created the ATV taskforce, law enforcement officials and local leaders came together to create strategies which resulted in 250 illegal ATVs being removed from our streets.
Despite our advocacy, these laws do not work unless they are enforced. I look forward to the Police Department’s continued commitment to these laws, which will serve to protect Providence drivers, pedestrians and bikers.
I encourage all residents to alert law enforcement and to report the location and operation of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence by calling 401-680-8288. Let us all do our part to keep our city safe,” stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
by Abigail Appel | Mar 8, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
The Providence City Council is set to host its annual International Women’s Day Celebration on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 at 6 PM in the Alderman’s Chamber on the third floor of Providence City Hall (25 Dorrance Street).
This year’s event will feature a performance by Providence poet Sussy Santana, and include a panel discussion on this year’s International Women’s Day United Nations theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” The Council is honored to host Monica Huertas of the Renew Rhode Island Commission, Vennicia Kingston and Darche Hood of the Women’s Council of Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades and ARISE Youth Leader Gabby Oulette as panelists.
In addition, local women-owned vendors will be at City Hall with a wide array of goods and services available for guests.
In addition to the performance and panel discussion, one woman will be awarded with the Anaija Strong: The She-Ro Within Award. This annual City Council International Women’s Day Award is named for fourteen-year-old Anaija Sanaa Griffin who passed away in November of 2020 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Through her illness, Anaija amazed and inspired her parents, family, friends and teachers with her enduring commitment to her education and her unwavering spirit and humor.
This year, the Council will be honoring Theary Voeul with the Anaija Strong: The She-Ro Within Award. Voeul is a founding member of the Providence Youth Student Movement and is deeply involved in Providence’s South-East Asian community. She is a steadfast organizer of food and community events and helped families access needed resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Voeul works to advocate for families and individuals facing deportation and worked tirelessly to help immigrant families navigate the pandemic.
The City Council’s International Women’s Day Celebration is free and open to the public.
by Council Staff | Mar 3, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
March 3, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
City Council Approves Special Election for Troubled Pension System & Addresses Catalytic Converter Thefts
• Council passes a resolution that calls for a June 7 (amended) special election and asks residents to weigh in on whether they approve of borrowing $515 million to help the city’s
struggling pension system
• An ordinance was introduced targeting catalytic converter thefts by holding buyers and sellers of junk metal more accountable
• Councilors condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine
• Councilors passed a resolution calling on the Department of Public Works to standardize snowplowing across city neighborhoods
PROVIDENCE, RI – At tonight’s City Council meeting, a resolution passed that calls for a June 7 (amended) special election and puts the question of whether to borrow $515 million to help the city’s pension crisis in the hands of Providence voters. The council’s vote will now place a non-binding referendum question on a special ballot. The city’s Employee Retirement System (ERS) is one of the lowest funded pension plans in the nation. The Pension Working Group recommended Providence ask for state legislative authorization and voter approval to issue pension obligation bonds (POB). Legislation is currently pending in the General Assembly to allow the city to issue up to $515 million in pension obligation bonds. “It is imperative city taxpayers have the opportunity to decide on this extremely important financial decision and whether or not we issue these bonds,” said Council President John J. Igliozzi. “With low-interest rates, the timing for a pension obligation bond is ideal, but to move the proposal forward, we must have the support of residents.”
Catalytic Converter Theft
Councilman David Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced an ordinance aimed at curbing the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts across the city. The legislation would require licensed junkyards and auto repair shops to ask for proof of identification from the sellers of catalytic converters and keep and maintain records of the transactions. Licensees purchasing or acquiring catalytic converters will need to keep the converter for ten days. “Catalytic converter theft has been a continuous issue for residents in neighborhoods across the City of Providence. Tonight’s ordinance aims to strengthen local law enforcement’s ability to track down the perpetrators of these thefts and protect individuals and organizations from unknowingly acquiring and selling stolen goods. As Providence families face thousands of dollars in auto repairs due to catalytic converter theft, I will continue to explore all options at the city level to perturb this troublesome pattern” stated Salvatore.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
The City Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 23, and reckless war against the Ukrainian people. “While the violence and chaos may seem a world away, let us not lose sight of the very real pain and suffering impacting innocent people,” said the resolution. “The Providence City Council stands in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine in their perilous struggle against foreign invaders and recognizes the thousands of Ukrainian Americans who proudly call Rhode Island home.”
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by Council Staff | Mar 1, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
March 1, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
City Council Calls for a Special City-Wide Election to Deal with the Pension Crisis
PROVIDENCE, RI – Providence’s City Council will take up legislation that calls for a May 17 special election and asks residents to weigh in on whether they approve of borrowing $515 million to help the city’s struggling pension system. The city’s Employee Retirement System (ERS) is one of the lowest funded pension plans in the nation. After working together for six months and studying options to stabilize the system, the Pension Working Group recommended Providence ask for state legislative authorization and voter approval to issue pension obligation bonds (POB). Legislation is currently pending in the General Assembly that would allow the city to issue up to $515 million in pension obligation bonds. The council’s resolution, set for a Thursday vote, would direct the Secretary of State to place the non-binding referendum question on the ballot.
“The pension crisis is a serious problem that impacts every taxpayer in Providence. If city government is going to borrow $515 million, we need to ask the public if they approve. It is important for Providence residents to have this kind of input and that’s the intent of the special election on May 17,” said Council President John J. Igliozzi. “The current financial climate and low-interest rates make a pension obligation bond a truly viable option to help mitigate a broken system,” added Igliozzi.
“In partnership with the City Council, I am excited to begin the process to schedule a special election for Providence voters to address our City’s pension crisis and pursue a Pension Obligation Bond,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “These problems have plagued our city’s finances for decades and if we do nothing, we will continue to edge closer each year to a new fiscal cliff. The pension obligation bond represents a real path forward to addressing the unfunded pension liability in a meaningful way, and it comes at the recommendation of a team of experts and industry leaders after months of research. I look forward to working with partners to educate Providence residents about this important topic before the special election on May 17.”
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by Council Staff | Feb 28, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
February 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Ward Maps Released in City Redistricting Process
Providence, RI – The city’s Ward Boundaries Committee released new proposed Ward maps today, as part of a multi-step redistricting process that began more than a year ago. The committee’s consultants, Election Data Services, developed the proposed maps to reflect criteria in the Home Rule Charter, public testimony, comments heard at public hearings, committee meetings, and community conversations. “On behalf of the committee, I’d like to extend our thanks to the residents of Providence who have shared their ideas for the redrawing of our Wards. Their input is invaluable and made these maps possible. Special thanks to our city councilors, who collected feedback from their constituents and shared their neighborhood knowledge with the committee,” said Jessica Cigna, Chair of the Ward Boundaries Committee. “I’m grateful to everyone who has provided public comment via email and at hearings to date, it’s established a true partnership between city residents and the committee. I am looking forward to the continued opportunity for testimony and conversation as we vet the options before us,” added Councilwoman and committee member, Rachel Miller. “I would like to thank the Ward Boundaries Committee for their diligent work in our neighborhoods. If residents have not been involved, there is still time this week to become engaged and join in the process. I look forward to the next steps and the council’s involvement,” said Council President John Igliozzi.
Proposed maps can be found here – https://council.providenceri.gov/ward-boundaries/
Map A – Least change to current boundaries. Minimum of 300 eligible voters per precinct
Map B – Moderate change to current boundaries. Minimum 400 eligible voters per precinct
Map C – High involvement of testimony
Map D – Significant change to current boundaries done to maximize neighborhood continuity
Why does the city need new Ward Boundaries in 2022?
Every 10 years, Providence’s 15 Wards are redistricted using criteria outlined in the Home Rule Charter and based on the latest U.S. Census data. 2020 Census data shows the city’s population grew by 12,892 people to 190,934. The effort to redraw the Ward maps is led by a five (5) member committee of Providence residents and City Council members. The committee must hold at least four (4) public meetings to explain the process and get feedback before submitting the maps to the City Council. Once the Committee settles on boundaries, the boundaries are forwarded to the full City Council, which must hold a public meeting and vote twice on the boundaries before becoming final.
Next steps and public hearings for Ward Boundaries –
Monday, February 28, 2022
6:00 p.m.
DaVinci Center Community Room
470 Charles Street Providence, RI 02904
Remote access – https://bit.ly/3HmgsTR
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Remote Meeting Via Zoom – https://bit.ly/3tcuulY
*In order to provide public comment on 3/2, you must register at cityclerk@providenceri.gov no later than Tuesday March 1, 2022 at 3 p.m.
(Please provide your name and phone number in the email and someone will contact you to verify your information)
Meetings are also streamed live on the Providence City Council YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/pvdmeetings
All hearing locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Individuals requesting interpreter services for the hearing impaired, please contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at (401) 680-5221 not less than 48 hours in advance of the hearing date. Please follow all COVID-19 protocols.
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