Providence City Council Meeting | September 19th 2024

Council President Miller called the meeting to order. The city clerk conducted the roll call, establishing a quorum with 13 members present.

Councilwoman Althea Graves delivered the invocation. She offered prayers for world peace, community unity, and divine guidance for leaders.

Councilor Sue AnderBois led the chamber in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. All attendees stood and joined in the recitation.

The council moved to waive the reading and approve agenda Item 3. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

The council voted to waive the reading of Items 4 and 5. Item 4 was referred to the Committee on Finance, and Item 5 was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.

Majority Leader Taylor moved to pass Item 6 as amended on a roll call vote for the first time. The motion carried with 14 affirmative votes.

The council moved to waive the reading of Items 7 through 9. All three items were approved for referral to the Committee on Finance.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Items 10 through 12. The council approved the items collectively by voice vote.

Council members honored the late community leader Cedric Huntley, reading a memorial resolution into the record and approving renamings of Richardson Street and Richardson Park. Item 13 was referred to the Urban Redevelopment Renewal and Planning Committee, while Item 14 was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris spoke regarding ongoing illegal dumping issues at an abandoned lot on Eddy Street and requested fencing. The resolution was adopted following a voice vote.

The council moved to waive the reading of Items 16 and 17. Item 16 was referred to the Urban Redevelopment Renewal and Planning Committee, and Item 17 was referred to the Special Committee on HOPE.

The clerk read into the record a resolution commemorating the life and public service of retired firefighter Walter Henry Cook. The resolution was approved unanimously by the council.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 19. The matter was approved for referral to the Committee on City Property.

Councilman Vargas discussed the zoning ordinance work before the council took roll call votes. Item 20 passed first reading with 11 ayes, 2 nays, and 1 recusal, while Item 21 passed unanimously.

The council voted to waive the reading of Items 22 and 23 and approve them via roll call vote. Both items passed with 14 affirmative votes.

The council voted to waive reading on Items 24 through 32 and assign them to respective committees or note them as received. The matters were referred to the committees on Ordinances, Public Works, Finance, and Claims and Pending Suits.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 33 and approve it on a voice vote. The motion carried without opposition.

The council moved to waive the reading of Item 34 and approve it by a unanimous rising vote. The motion passed unanimously.

The council adjourned in memory of several deceased Providence residents and former civil servants. Council President Miller concluded the meeting with staff introductions and brief administrative announcements.