by Billy Kepner | Dec 14, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
City Internal Auditor Matthew Clarkin Jr. has worked with the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) to create an RFP for an independent financial consultant. The consultant would review the city’s current and proposed tax policy and tax stabilization agreements (TSAs), and their long-term financial impacts on tax revenues.
“Whenever the city wants to make changes to the tax policy we must look to experts to help guide us in best practices,” stated Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman, John Igliozzi, Ward 7. “This will ensure that we are making the best fiscal decisions for the city and our residents. With our tax base shrinking we need to be clear about the true cost of any permanent TSAs, and make sure that we aren’t putting any of that lost tax revenue burden on homeowners.”
Over the past month, the Internal Auditors office has been reviewing current TSAs and will be issuing a report by the end of the year. The report does not review what kind of impacts the newly proposed Providence Tax Stabilization Investment Act would have on the city’s tax base. This ordinance, which was introduced at the November 16, 2017 City Council meeting and was referred to committee, calls for broad changes to the TSA program, including making all areas of the city open to TSAs and not just under-utilized neighborhoods in need of revitalization.
The financial consultant will review the impacts these proposed changes would have on the city and its tax revenues. The Internal Auditor went before the Board of Contractors and Supply on December 11, 2017, and RFPs will be accepted until January 22, 2018.
by Billy Kepner | Nov 16, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Providence City Councilman John Igliozzi, Ward 7 is bringing a resolution to the City Council to request cameras be placed in all classrooms, gyms, cafeterias and all hallways in the Providence Public School district.
In the wake of recent incidents, like that which occurred in May of this year at Kizirian Elementary School and most recently, ones that occurred at Central High School, these cameras will provide immediate access to the Providence Police Department and school administrators if and when incidents are alleged.
“As a parent, I’m deeply troubled by the allegations that have fallen on Providence’s Public Schools,” stated Councilman John Igliozzi, Ward 7. “As a public servant, I’m convinced that the time is long overdue to put in place protections for all students in our city. Students are our most precious resource, and they along with teachers and school staff should feel protected while at school and work. It’s my hope that Superintendent Chris Maher and Providence School Board President Nicholas Hemmond will find a way to install cameras in every hallway and every classroom to protect all we serve.”
In May of 2017, it was alleged that a teacher at Kizirian Elementary School was accused of sexual assault, and most recently there were two incidents that occurred at a Central High School involving alleged inappropriate interactions between staff and students. One of those incidents was captured on video by a student and if not for that footage may not have come to light.
Without access to students’ phones, it is important and necessary to ensure that other means are available to see the full picture of each interaction called into question between students and school employees. It’s necessary to have full knowledge and context of these interactions to protect both students and staff. The School Department has already installed cameras in common areas, along the perimeter of the schools and in some hallways for student and staff protection.
It is a top priority of the Providence City Council to guarantee that every Providence student and staff feel safe, secure and comfortable while in school and the installation of cameras will help achieve that.
by Billy Kepner | Nov 16, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-7
Chairman of the Providence City Council Finance Committee, Councilman John Igliozzi, Ward Seven brought three tax stabilization agreements to the floor of tonight’s meeting which was passed by the Providence City Council.
“I’m thrilled that we can help these organizations create jobs and grow their businesses here in Providence. More cranes in the city skyline mean two things – more jobs, and growth – and that’s a good thing for all of us,” stated Councilman John Igliozzi. “They will approximately add a combined $5.7 Million in tax revenue to the City over the term of the TSA.”
These three successful TSA’s were brought through the City Council in a transparent and an open, predictable process. The projects approved at tonight’s meeting are for the construction of a new nine-story upscale extended-stay hotel at 111 Fountain Street; the creation of retail space along with self-storage spaces at 345 Harris Avenue; and the building of Providence Community Health Centers at 335R Prairie Avenue.
The Residence Inn by Marriott will have 168 guestrooms and will include 5,400 square feet of pedestrian-level retail space. This TSA was an extension due to a delay in construction, and the percentage of abated tax was compressed but will still be only 12 years. The abated tax was changed from roughly $2.4 Million to about $1.8 Million. Over the 12-year term, the tax revenue will be estimated at just over $3 Million. Over the same period, the city will collect around $2.3 Million in tax revenue that it would not have collected if the property had been left vacant.
Providence Community Health Centers’ stabilization will contribute nearly $1.5 Million in tax revenue.
Projected tax revenue for retail and self-storage spaces at 345 Harris Avenue will be just over $1.2 Million.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 13, 2017 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-5, Ward-7
The Providence City Council’s Finance Committee tonight recommended passage of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, a 5 year infrastructure investment schedule designed to address the needs of city streets, sidewalks, public buildings, parks and recreation centers.
Years one and two of the plan include $48,507,200 worth of infrastructure projects to be funded by various mechanisms including a 45 million dollar infrastructure bond, the city’s general fund, the master lease and the lighting master lease.
“The plan is the result of the Council and the Administration working together for the public good,” said Finance Committee Chairman John Igliozzi. “The proposed plan equitably considers and addresses neighborhood needs and concerns citywide, and I’m happy to see much-needed infrastructure improvements planned to improve the quality of life for Providence residents.”
“The Council and the Administration are jointly concerned about the need for infrastructure investments in the Capital City,” said Acting Council Sabina Matos. “This plan is the result of leadership and diligent efforts to address infrastructure needs both immediately, and over the next 5 years.”
“Now is the prudent time to borrow,” said Majority Whip Joann Ryan (Ward 5). “We have an improved bond rating, we have a positive rainy day fund balance for the first time in years and we have a plan to strategically invest limited resources in every neighborhood. I support this Capital Improvement Bond.”
“By approving a 5 year Capital Improvement Plan, we can be proactive about repairs and maintenance, instead of waiting until things break to fix them,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “This comprehensive plan is the product of collaboration between the administration and the Providence City Council as we plan for the long term. With this in place, we are ready to invest in our future.
The plan now goes to the full council for a vote.
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-15, Ward-7
The Providence City Council tonight voted to override Mayor Elorza’s veto of an ordinance that aims to protect the public from secondhand smoke in a dense area of public spaces that comprise Providence’s downtown core. The ordinance was approved by the Council on May 24th and vetoed by Mayor Elorza on June 2nd. Tonight’s vote effectively sets the ordinance into law.
The area in which smoking will be prohibited is home to high-density foot traffic and is used by thousands of people— including residents, visitors, and children— on a daily basis year-round. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), second-hand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, 70 of which cause cancer. The CDC states the only way to fully protect non-smokers is the elimination of smoking from all homes, worksites and public places. The World Health Organization reports that almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco in public places.
“Everyone deserves access to healthy public spaces,” said Acting Council President Sabina Matos. “There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. This is a commonsense measure that mitigates second-hand smoke exposure in our most congested public spaces.”
Smoking is already prohibited in parks, playgrounds, and areas around schools. With similar restrictions already in place throughout the City of Providence, Matos sees this ordinance as an extension of existing policy.
“We all know that second-hand smoke is detrimental to health,” said Finance Committee Chairman John Igliozzi. “Legislation that promotes public health is always good public policy.”
Many municipalities around the country have enacted similar or more extensive laws regarding smoking in public areas.
Calabasas, CA enacted a smoking ban in 2006 that makes it a misdemeanor to smoke where a non-smoker could congregate. This includes public sidewalks as well as apartment complexes. This is punishable by a fine of at least $250.
Boise, ID enacted a ban in 2012 that bans smoking from all public places accessible to children and all spaces owned by the public.
In 2012, Alameda, CA enacted a smoking ban that prohibits smoking in outdoor public places, including commercial-area sidewalks, defined as public sidewalks in downtown shopping and business areas.
