City Clerk
The Department of City Clerk is the official repository for all ordinances, resolutions and official documents related to the government of the City of Providence.
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What We Do
The City Clerk operates under the auspices of the City Council. This department is responsible for maintaining and recording all votes, orders, resolutions and ordinances made and passed by the City Council as well as those of its subcommittees, and meetings of the retirement board. Furthermore, the City Clerk furnishes the heads of departments and the chairmen of all committees of the City Council with certified copies of such votes or resolutions as they relate to their respective departments or committees.
The City Clerk’s Office is responsible for many functions, but there are still some tasks associated with our office that are actually done by others. Please read below to find out the right department or agency to accomplish your task. We hope this information will save you an unnecessary visit to Providence City Hall. There are separate offices that handle vital statistics, deeds/mortgages, land records etc., code enforcement, flood maps and listings of abandoned properties.
In addition, the City Clerk collects and presents to the City Council all petitions concerning abandonment and easement of properties within the city, as well as personal injury claims, and automobile or property damage. The City Clerk also issues Trade Name (Assumed Business Name) and Going Out of Business certificates.
What We DON'T Do
Certificates of Birth/Death/Marriage
In Providence (unlike in other municipalities), the City Clerk does NOT issue certificates of birth/death/marriage. In Providence, those certificates are issued by the Office of Vital Statistics office that deals with birth/death/marriage certificates. It is located on the ground floor of the Providence City Hall.
Deeds/Mortgages
Deeds and Mortgages are registered with the Recorder of Deeds. Those with questions/concerns in this area should contact the contact that office at 401.331.5252; or you can visit the office in City Hall in Room 506.
Inspections & Standards
The City Clerk does not handle the following issues for the City of Providence:
For any questions or concerns you have related to these topics, call 401.680.5201 and ask for the Department of Inspection and Standards.
Flood Maps
The City Clerk does not provide flood maps for the city of Providence. They can instead be found below:
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
645 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: 401.946-9996
email: RIEMA@excite.com
Hunting + Fishing Licenses
The City Clerk no longer provides fishing and hunting licenses for the city of Providence. They are available at:
Rhode Island DEM
235 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401.222.4700
Buy Online from DEM
City Clerk's Office & Staff
Shawn Selleck
City Clerk
Clerk of the City Council, is responsible for direct management of the department that serves as the official repository for all Ordinances, Resolutions, and official documents related to the government of the City of Providence, and is responsible for the authenticity of all legal documents. The City Clerk also oversees the Department of Archives
Email: sselleck@providenceri.gov
Tina L. Mastroianni
First Deputy City Clerk
Assists the City Clerk with administrative duties, supervises the Clerk’s Department staff and oversees council committees, boards and commissions. Oversees all administrative functions of the Open Meetings Portal.
Email: tmastroianni@providenceri.gov
Sheri A. Petronio
First Deputy City Clerk
Assists the City Clerk with administrative duties, supervises the Clerk’s Department staff and oversees council committees, boards and commissions. Responsible for the preparation of the City Council Docket, Journal and catalogs all Council Final Papers.
Email: spetronio@providenceri.gov
Angela J. Harris
Second Deputy Clerk
Assists the City Clerk with administrative duties, supervises the Clerk’s Department staff and oversees council committees, boards and commissions. Manages staff schedules, professional development and leads onboarding initiatives for new Council members and appointees to city boards and commissions.
Email: aharris@providenceri.gov
THE CITY CLERK STAFF
Jennifer L. Emidy
Stenographic Reporter to the City Council
Responsible for the preparation for all Boards, Commissions and Council Committee meetings assigned, as well as attending meetings, and maintaining and transcribing all votes and minutes.
Email: jemidy@providenceri.gov
Donna M. Peligian
Stenographic Reporter to the City Council
Responsible for the preparation for all Boards, Commissions and Council Committee meetings assigned, as well as attending meetings, and maintaining and transcribing all votes and minutes.
Email: dpeligian@providenceri.gov
Vacant
Title: Clerk I (bilingual)
Greets and assists visitors to the Office of the City Clerk to respond to inquiries and investigate complains in both English and Spanish. Issues Trade Name certificates and prepares City Council citations.
Jesenia Fajardo
Stenographic Reporter to the City Council
Responsible for the preparation for all Boards, Commissions and Council Committee meetings assigned, as well as attending meetings, and maintaining and transcribing all votes and minutes.
Email: jfajardo@providenceri.gov
Marsha J. Cotugno
Administrative Assistant to the City Clerk
Responds to constituent requests. Supports the director by preparing departmental reports and correspondence; manages department purchasing accounts and assists with various projects.
Email: mcotugno@providenceri.gov
More Information:
Current City Clerk:
Shawn Selleck
Location:
Providence City Hall
25 Dorrance Street,
Providence RI 02903
Room 311
Meetings:
Full Meeting List
Business Hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
(July, August 8:30 am – 4:00 pm)
Phone numbers:
(401) 680-5248
(401) 680-5249
