by Billy Kepner | Mar 28, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
The novel COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every aspect of our lives. To protect ourselves and our families it is important that we follow the guidance of our Governor Gina Raimondo and our public health officials. Stay home, practice social and physical distancing, wash your hands and regularly clean surfaces. With all of us being diligent in maintaining these best practices, Rhode Island will help flatten the curve.
Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Health Department announced today that approximately 50 State public health officials and Rhode Island Army National Guard members will be on-site at Rhode Island College conducting drive-thru COVID-19 testing.
Testing will take place between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM every day until further notice. Testing will be available by appointment only, and only after a referral from a physician. The testing will be done with the individual remaining in their vehicle. If you do not have an appointment, you will not receive a test.
Once an appointment is confirmed through the Rhode Island Department of Health, individuals will be directed to the swabbing site. The National Guard, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Rhode Island Emergency Agency do not anticipate any noticeable increase in neighborhood traffic, nor do they anticipate any long lines. They are instructing individuals to use main roads only, and individuals are instructed to not leave their vehicles.
You can find details and more information from Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sánchez here: COVID-19 Testing Site
I have full faith in our National Guard, and the Rhode Island Department of Health to perform this important function in our neighborhood all while maintaining strict adherence to public safety. The more testing we do, the more we know about the virus, and how to stop it.
In this time of fear and uncertainty, we are all reminded of the fragility of life. And, we are newly aware of how much we need each other just as we are being warned to distance ourselves.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Governor Raimondo for her extraordinary leadership during these unprecedented times.
Let’s stay strong. Stay at home. For important updates follow the City Council COVID-19 web page. I am here if you need anything.
We will get through this together.
Jo-Ann Ryan, Majority Leader
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 5
by Billy Kepner | Mar 26, 2020 | Council News, Press Release
Chief Judge Frank Caprio announced today that the Providence Municipal Courts will tentatively reopen on Monday, April 20, 2020.
If you have a trial date to appear before the Municipal Court during the closure, you will receive a new summons in the coming days.
If you have a fine to pay you can do so online. The Public Safety Complex remains closed due to COVID-19 until further notice.
During this closure, City Council President Sabina Matos has instructed the Courts to stop all “Booting” of vehicles in providence, to stop all collections proceedings, and stop all doubling and tripling of fines until further notice. The Municipal Courts fall under the purview of the City Council.
For more information on the Municipal Courts or to pay your fines online, visit them at http://www.providenceri.gov/municipal-court/
by Billy Kepner | Mar 19, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Participants Can Call Into the Meeting With Their Phones
Providence will be the first Council Body to use this Teleconferencing Technology
In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which has affected many of us here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order earlier this week lifting the Open Meetings Act (OMA) restrictions for public meetings.
The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings.
“Our goal as a City Council is to be as transparent as possible,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). “We have decided to move from livestreaming to teleconferencing due to the rapid spread of the virus here in Rhode Island. In the last 48 hours, we have seen an increase of 21 positive infections, totaling 44 positive infections here in Rhode Island as of 1:30 PM today. It’s with that in mind that we have made the difficult decision to host our meeting using a teleconference line, a widely used and implemented practice. This will allow for residents to hear the discussions as it happens by our body in real-time.”
In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors, staff, and our residents Council President Sabina Matos has decided to seek alternative public access mediums for tonight’s Council meeting. The City Council will be using a teleconferencing platform for tonight’s meeting.
Call-In Information is Below:
Please dial: 1-646-558-8656
Pin: 692739810#
Press # again to enter the conference waiting room.
This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 17, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, Press Release, Ward-15
In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which recently reared its head here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order today lifting OMA restrictions for public meetings.
The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over the phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings.
In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors and staff we decided to seek alternative public access mediums for our Thursday Council meeting. Between Councilors and essential staff, the number of individuals in the chamber totals 24.
This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.
After careful consideration of what options the Providence City Council had available to deliver it’s Thursday meeting in the most accessible, equitable, and transparent manner, we made the decision to livestream our meeting over our social media platforms and our YouTube channel.
This past winter we equipped our City Council Chamber with livestreaming capabilities that put us technologically ahead of almost all of our municipal legislative peers and perfectly equipped to adhere to the mandate issued today by the Governor.
Providence City Solicitor, Jeff Dana, stated, “Municipalities were directed today to observe to the spirit of OMA to the best of their abilities in light of the public health crisis. The livestreaming capability inside of the Council Chamber would appear to be exactly the type of measure the Governor envisioned municipalities would administer when she signed the executive order.”
This is an unprecedented moment in the history of our State and City. With that in mind and our commitment to transparency, the Council will work with local media outlets to designate a pool reporter, whom will be stationed in the balcony of the Chambers, to limit the number of individuals at our meeting, and to ensure that the Council is being held to the highest standard.
by Billy Kepner | Mar 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Statement Regarding Recent Updates around the State and City’s Response to COVID-19
This morning, Governor Gina Raimondo issued an executive order to close all bars and restaurants in the State of Rhode Island. The executive order only allows for carry-out and delivery service at these businesses. In addition to this, the Governor has instructed that no gatherings of 25 or more people will be allowed in the State until at least March 30, 2020.
The City Council understands the need for this broad action and is in support of this decision. In addition to the Governor’s announcements, Mayor Jorge Elorza, has issued an executive order to close the Providence Place Mall. We are acutely aware of the impact this has on so many of our hard-working residents who depend on reliable income to pay rent, childcare, and other necessities. We want to reassure our neighbors that we are working with our Federal, State, and Local officials to find ways to ensure the economic welfare of all our residents.
The Council has launched a COVID-19 Information Resource Page that provides links for residents with information regarding Workplace Aid, information regarding the State’s Paid Sick Leave legislation, and where to apply for Temporary Disability Insurance if you have or are caring for someone with COVID-19, as well as how to apply for Unemployment Benefits.
The City Council, which oversees the Municipal Courts, has stopped all Collection Services relating to unpaid parking, environmental, or speed camera violations. We have also suspended scofflaw “booting” of vehicles in the City of Providence, and as of Friday, March 13, 2020 the Courts have suspended the doubling, and tripling of fines until further notice.
We are doing everything within our powers to ensure that no added economic hardship is added to our residents. Your safety, well-being both physically and financially, and quality of life are our top concerns. Where we can, we will work to help our neighbors during these trying times.
If you need assistance please visit our COVID-19 Information Resource Page, call our office at 401-521-7477, or email us at council@providenceri.gov.
Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15
by Billy Kepner | Mar 14, 2020 | Community Engagement, Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
Dear Neighbors,
The Members of the City Council have been in constant communication with the Administration, the Providence Emergency Management Agency, the Providence School Department, and Public Safety officials to assess and ensure the safety of our residents during these trying times.
As you are aware, yesterday Governor Raimondo moved the spring vacation of all public schools in the State of Rhode Island to begin on Monday, March 16, 2020. Since that announcement, the Providence School Department has worked to put mechanisms in place to ensure that no student goes hungry.
Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, there will be eight sites across the City where Providence Public School children can access “Grab & Go” lunches for that day and breakfast for the following day. The locations will be open from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Monday – Friday during the duration of the break, and will continue if the State decides to keep schools closed for a longer period to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Service lines will be located at the front entrance of each school. No families will be allowed in the buildings. Sodexo staff will hand each student pre-packaged meals. To qualify for meals, students must attend a Providence Public School and be personally present at the distribution site.
The Eight Sites Are:
Asa Messer Elementary School located at 1655 Westminster Street.
Gilbert Stuart Middle School located at 188 Princeton Street.
Providence Career and Technical Academy located at 41 Fricker Street.
Mt. Pleasant High School located at 434 Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
Alvarez High School located at 375 Adelaide Avenue.
E-Cubed Academy located at 812 Branch Avenue.
Juanita Sanchez High School located at 182 Thurbers Avenue.
Hope High School located at 324 Hope Street.
During this time we ask that everyone continue to practice safe hygiene by washing their hands, coughing and sneezing into their elbows, using hand sanitizer, and staying indoors and at home if feeling sick.
Every student present in Providence schools on Friday – in grades 3-12 – was sent home with a Chrome Book so that they can access online learning and other tools. Here is a great selection of sites that have waived subscription fees during this period: Online Learning
The City has implemented a 100 person rule for restaurants and bars and has closed all City buildings and many of our cultural sites to protect against the spread of the virus. Today, the City launched a website with information for residents on COVID-19 and our response: Providence COVID-19.
The City is also working with utility companies to ensure that if someone is unable to pay their bill due to lack of income, that their services will not be interrupted. As we know more about these programs we will share them in later updates.
As of now, we are awaiting direction from the Attorney General’s Office regarding public attendance at the City Council meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 pm. Due to the advice of the Rhode Island Department of Health and the City to implement “social-distancing” we encourage you to watch the meeting on our YouTube Channel or Facebook Page where it will be livestreamed.
For more information on what you should do if you feel that you may have contracted COVID-19, or come into contact with someone that could potentially have COVID-19 please visit the Rhode Island Health Department’s website or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 401-222-8022.
Sincerely,
City Council President Sabina Matos and the Members of the Providence City Council
