Providence City Council Meeting | April 18th 2024
Call to Order and Roll Call
Council President Miller calls the Providence City Council meeting to order. Madam Clerk conducts the roll call and confirms the presence of all 15 members, establishing a quorum.
Invocation
Councilwoman Shelley Peterson delivers the evening's invocation, reflecting on collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose among council members. She encourages leadership with humility and mutual respect in serving the city.
Pledge of Allegiance
Council President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo leads the council and attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Members and guests stand and participate before resuming the order of business.
Item 3
Majority Leader Taylor moves to waive the reading of Item 3 and approve it. The motion is seconded and passes unanimously by voice vote.
Items 4 through 12
The council waives the reading of items 4 through 12 on a voice vote. Items 4, 5, 11, and 12 are noted as received, while items 6 through 10 are referred to the Committee on Finance.
Item 13
A motion is made and seconded to waive the reading of Item 13 and approve it on a voice vote. The motion passes with 14 votes in favor and one abstention.
Items 14 and 15: 8-Law Tax Exemption Ordinance
Council members engage in an extended debate regarding proposed reforms to the eight-law tax exemption ordinance intended for affordable housing. Following discussion on administrative readiness and developer oversight, Item 14 passes 13 to 2 and Item 15 passes unanimously on roll call.
Items 16 and 17: South Water Street Bike Lanes and Historic Overlay
Council members discuss an ordinance safeguarding South Water Street bike lanes and consider historical overlay district protections. Both items waive reading and are referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
Item 18
Majority Leader Taylor moves to waive the reading of Item 18 and approve it by voice vote. The council votes in favor with no opposition or abstentions.
Item 19
The council moves to waive the reading of Item 19. Upon approval by voice vote, the item is referred to the Committee on Finance.
Item 20: Cambodian Genocide Day of Remembrance Resolution
The council considers a resolution recognizing Rhode Island's second annual Cambodian Genocide Day of Remembrance. After remarks highlighting the community commemorative event, the resolution is passed by voice vote.
Item 21: Resolution Opposing RIPTA Central Bus Hub Relocation
Councilwoman Anderbois speaks on a resolution opposing the relocation of the central bus hub away from Kennedy Plaza without public input. The council approves waiving the reading and refers the item to the Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
Item 22
The council moves to waive the reading of Item 22 and refer it back to the Committee on Finance due to a technical charter issue. The motion passes unanimously on a voice vote.
Item 23: Tax Stabilization Agreement for 165 Gano Street (Phase 1)
The council considers a Tax Stabilization Agreement application for the initial phase of development at 165 Gano Street. After debate regarding economic impact, tax base expansion, and affordable housing requirements, the agreement passes on a 14 to 1 roll call vote.
Items 24 through 26: Tax Stabilization Agreements for Gano Street (Phases 2-4)
The council deliberates a motion to deny TSA applications for subsequent development phases at Gano Street because they fail to meet the 12-month construction start requirement. Following procedural clarification by the city solicitor on voting language, the motion to deny passes 12 to 3.
Item 27
Majority Leader Taylor moves to waive the reading of Item 27 and pass it on a roll call vote. The council approves the item for the first time by a vote of 14 to 1.
Items 28 through 37
A motion is made and seconded to waive the reading of items 28 through 37 and approve them on a voice vote. The council passes all items without opposition.
Items 38 through 42
The council waives the reading of items 38 through 42 on a voice vote. Item 38 is referred to Ordinances, Item 39 to Claims, items 40 and 41 are received, and Item 42 is referred to Finance.
Item 43
Majority Leader Taylor moves to waive the reading of Item 43 and adopt it on a voice vote. The motion is seconded and passes unanimously.
Item 44
The council considers Item 44 and waives its reading. The motion passes unanimously on a rising vote.
Personal Privilege and Announcements: Earth Day Cleanup
President Pro Tempore Pichardo announces an Earth Day volunteer litter cleanup event and water conservation demonstration at Roger Williams Park. He invites community members and students on spring break to attend and participate.
Adjournment in Memoriam
Majority Leader Taylor moves to adjourn the meeting in memory of Grace Gunup, Dominga Montrans, Alfred 'Doc' Augusta, and Richard 'Dick' Platts. The motion receives a second, is adopted by voice vote, and the meeting is adjourned.