Today, City Council President Sabina Matos, Chief Judge Frank Caprio of the Providence Municipal Court, and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza announced an amnesty program of all non-moving and environmental violations in the City of Providence until January 31, 2021.
“Due to the ongoing health crisis, we must act to help our residents in whatever ways we can,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos. “The Municipal Courts fall under the jurisdiction of the Council, and by waving the penalties on fees that have accrued for residents, we are providing them with a little extra financial help during this difficult time.”
The amnesty program only applies to violations that double and triple due to non-payment, such as environmental, parking, and other non-moving violations. Individuals or entities with a fine must pay in-person at the Providence Safety Complex, located at 325 Washington Street, on the first floor. No online or phone payments will be accepted for this program.
“We know many of our residents have been making tough decisions in order to survive the impacts of COVID-19 ,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza “While we continue to find innovative ways to adjust our way of life, keep our businesses open, and work towards recovery, I am proud to work with the Providence City Council to offer another form of relief for our residents.”
Those who have existing fines will only be required to pay the base fine. Individuals or entities with four or more fines must also pay a $35 court processing fee. This program does not apply to any resident or entity with an environmental fine in collections or any previous municipal court judgments.
Chief Judge Frank Caprio stated, “Our residents are enduring so much right now, and we have the ability to provide direct relief to them through this program. We have thousands of residents out of work, and their ability to pay escalating fines directly impedes their ability to put food on their table and pay other important life-sustaining bills.”
Individuals or entities that do not take advantage of this program before February 1, 2021, will lose the ability to renew their license or vehicle registration, as it will be blocked by the RI Department of Motor Vehicle (RIDMV).
Again, all payments must be made in-person as no online or telephone payments will be accepted.
At this evening’s City Council meeting, the Council passed a resolution establishing this amnesty program. The resolution was proposed by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and co-sponsored by Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva R. LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
Providence, RI (November 19, 2020)…At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution encouraging the Providence Police Department to commit to working towards a more diverse department at all levels. This resolution has been co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Finance Chairman John J. Igliozzi Esq. (Ward 7), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“Our City is incredibly diverse. Over 60% of our population is made up of minority residents, yet our police force is 67% white. These numbers just don’t match up. Aligning the demographics of the police department with the communities they help serve will help to build trust between officers and local residents,” stated Councilman Espinal.
While fully diversifying the Police Department will take time, the last graduating cohort of the Police Academy was the most diverse in the history of Providence. This resolution encourages the department to continue to ensure that the next graduating class of the Police Academy is even more diverse than the last and more reflective of the demographic landscape of the City in 2020.
“The Police Department has the opportunity to take immediate action to address the demographic disparities within their ranks by focusing on diversity as they grow their force through the Police Academy. There are so many young men and women of color in our City who are willing to protect and serve their communities,” added Councilman Espinal.
This resolution will be sent to Mayor Jorge Elorza, Steven Pare, Commissioner of Public Safety, and to Col. Hugh Clements, Chief of the Providence Police Department; asking for a commitment to the task of complete diversification, starting with the upcoming Police Academy.
At tonight’s City Council meeting Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14) proposed an ordinance amending the Licenses Chapter of the Code of Ordinances in an effort to curb the illegal dumping of used tires throughout the City. The proposal would amend the Providence Code of Ordinances to include a requirement that any motor repair business engaging in the repair, replacement or disposal of tires must be licensed by the Providence Board of Licenses. The proposal would also require that motor repair businesses legally dispose of old tires and provide a receipt proving lawful disposal. This ordinance was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“In recent months, the Department of Public Works and the City Council have been working to mitigate the excessive, unlawful dumping of waste throughout the City. One major issue has been unlicensed, improper tire disposal. With old tires being dumped on local roads, in wooded areas and in vacant lots, our local environment and overall quality of life in Providence remain at risk,” stated Councilor Salvatore.
Councilor Salvatore’s proposal includes a provision that creates a lawful disposal and delivery of used/waste tires to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation or to a privately-operated tire storage, recycling or recovery facility licensed by the director of environmental management. Tire haulers would be permitted to transport tires to an out-of-state recycling facility in accordance with Rhode Island General Law.
“This change to the Code of Ordinances will have a minimal effect on law-abiding, legitimate auto-repair businesses. These operations are already licensed and are aware of proper tire disposal procedures. My proposal is intended to stop the individuals who are collecting used tires for cash and disposing of them illegally,” added Councilor Salvatore.
This ordinance has been referred to the Committee on Ordinances. To read the full ordinance, click here: https://bit.ly/3kMxe3l
This evening, the Providence City Council passed a resolution requesting that the State of Rhode Island take an active role in easing the liquor license renewal process for Rhode Island restaurants. This is another step the Providence City Council is taking to simplify this process for local businesses. The resolution was introduced by Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Councilor David Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilwoman Katherine Kerwin (Ward 12), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“Right now, we need to be doing everything we can to help local businesses stay open. Too many restaurants have been forced to close down, or are barely getting by. That is why myself and my Council colleagues have proposed this resolution to provide some relief to restaurant owners,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, restaurants in the City of Providence and throughout the State of Rhode Island have been operating under significant duress. Further adding to this hardship is the upcoming deadline for liquor license renewals which takes place on December 1 every year. This process requires not only the payment of a fee, but also a letter of good standing from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation. This resolution requests that Governor Raimondo waive the requirement for a letter of good standing from the Division of Taxation.
“This resolution is an effort to remove another roadblock for restaurant owners trying to renew their liquor licenses. It is imperative that we protect the sale of alcoholic beverages at license-holding establishments as they have become integral to the business models of so many restaurants operating under pandemic restrictions,” added Councilman John Goncalves.
In September, the City Council passed a resolution requesting that the Providence Board of Licenses work with local businesses to create sustainable payment plans for liquor license renewal fees.
“With these two initiatives, it is our hope that Rhode Island restaurant owners will find some relief as their liquor licenses come up for renewal next month. I hope that leaders at the State and local levels will continue to collaborate to further support business owners in the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting calling for the formation of a Special Commission on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement. Off-road vehicles are currently banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed to be street legal. The use of these off-road machines creates significant safety hazards for the public and the off-road vehicles’ operators. The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman James E. Taylor (Ward 8 ), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
“The illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence has quickly become a serious quality of life issue for the residents of Providence over the past several weeks, and has raised serious concerns from motorists, pedestrians, and residents alike,” stated Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. “On October 18, 2020, during a response to a large gathering of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs in the City, there was an incident involving a Providence Police Department vehicle and a moped which resulted in a young man, 24-year-old Jhamal Gonsalves, sustaining significant injuries that left him in a coma. This incident has shined a light on the danger and risks associated with enforcing these vehicles’ use here in Providence. As elected officials, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of our residents, and I believe by reviewing our policies and procedures, we can find solutions to the challenges we are facing.”
It has become increasingly clear that the City must undertake a comprehensive review of how Providence enforces its laws, practices, and policies governing off-road recreational vehicles, which is why Councilwoman Castillo is calling on the City Council to establish this Special Commission on ATVs and Recreational Vehicles. The Commission will be charged with studying and making recommendations regarding the City’s current enforcement practices and making recommendations regarding appropriate changes to City procedures, ordinances, and policies to prevent the operation of ATVs and recreational vehicles on the City’s streets.
Councilman John Goncalves shared, “I applaud the Council for supporting this resolution to figure out more meaningful, creative, and robust solutions to further address this. Residential neighborhoods in all parts of our city to have been affected by this ongoing issue and I look forward to working collaboratively with my council colleagues and community members to determine creative mechanisms to ensure the utmost safety of Providence residents.”
The Special Commission on All Terrain Vehicles will consist of not more than seven members, including the Commissioner of Public Safety or his designee, one member appointed by the Mayor, and five members to be appointed by the Council President.
“I am in full support of this initiative,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “We must work together to find the solutions that our residents are demanding to end the illegal use of these vehicles on our streets.”
Councilwoman Castillo continued, “If we are to create changes in the behavior of our residents, we must work with our community to understand their needs and how we can safely and legally allow for the use of these vehicles within our City. Currently, there is no designated area for their uses, and riders are risking their lives and the lives of others by riding them through our neighborhoods. I hope this Special Commission can create actionable steps for us to protect and preserve our quality of life, but also find outlets for residents who wish to use ATVs and dirt bikes legally and safely.”
The Special Commission will be tasked with issuing a report of recommendations to the City Council within 120 days of the date appointments are made to the Commission.
Statement from Providence City Council Leadership Regarding Arrest of ‘Providence Purge’ Suspect
We would like to thank the Providence Police Department for their diligent work, apprehending an individual who was inciting fear and violence in the City of Providence. His actions, including threatening a member of the press, disorderly conduct and circulating the troubling ‘Providence Purge’ flyer have all contributed to the recent unrest in our City.
This is an example of the great work that the men and women of the Providence Police Department do everyday to fulfill their duty to protect and serve. The behavior displayed by the apprehended individual has no place in our City. These acts misrepresent the character of our community and do nothing but cause fear and distrust.
Moving forward, we expect that all parties will promote peaceful and tolerant behavior as we continue to work towards a safe, equitable and stronger City.
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15)
Council President Pro Tempore Michael J. Correia (Ward 6)
Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5)
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4)
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11)
Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7)
Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8)
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9)
For more information visit us online at council.providenceri.gov.
