Providence City Council Meeting | January 9th, 2025 | Committee on Finance

January 09, 2025

Call to Order, Roll Call, Invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance

02:49 - 05:07

Council President Miller called the first meeting of 2025 to order, and the clerk established a quorum with twelve members present. An opening invocation was delivered by Council President Miller followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor AnderBois.

Item 3

05:07 - 05:27

Majority Leader Espinal moved to waive the reading of Item 3 and approve the measure. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by voice vote.

Items 4 and 5

05:27 - 05:42

Majority Leader Espinal moved to waive the reading of Items 4 and 5 and receive them for the record. The motion received a second and was passed without opposition.

Items 6 through 11

05:42 - 06:07

The council moved to waive the reading of Items 6 through 11. Following a voice vote, the items were approved and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Items 12 through 14

06:07 - 06:30

A motion was approved to waive the reading of Items 12 through 14. Item 12 was referred to the Committee on Ordinances, while Items 13 and 14 were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Items 15 through 17: Memorial Resolution and Homelessness Crisis Discussion

06:30 - 23:57

The clerk read a resolution honoring the life and advocacy of Ruth 'Diamond' Madsen, prompting emotional remarks from Councilors Harris and Royas regarding the state's homelessness crisis. The council voted to pass the items, noting individual recusals and abstentions on Items 16 and 17.

Point of Personal Privilege: Recognition of Community Members

23:57 - 25:15

Councilor Sanchez rose on a point of personal privilege to express gratitude to community members and volunteers. He recognized their direct support and donations that enabled the warming center activation in City Hall.

Item 18

25:15 - 25:36

Majority Leader Espinal moved to waive the reading of Item 18 and refer the item to committee. The motion passed unanimously and the item was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Item 19: Resolution Supporting Atlantic Mills Commercial Tenants Union

25:36 - 26:45

Councilor Sanchez spoke in favor of Item 19, recognizing the formation of the state's first commercial tenants union at Atlantic Mills. The resolution was passed unanimously by voice vote.

Item 20: Small Purchase Thresholds Ordinance

26:45 - 28:30

Councilwoman Peterson explained that the ordinance aligns city code with charter amendments regarding formal bidding thresholds for purchases and construction. The council approved the ordinance on first reading through a roll call vote.

Items 21 and 22

28:30 - 30:07

The council moved to substitute both items and pass them as amended on first reading. The roll call vote resulted in the passage of Item 21 with one dissent and Item 22 unanimously among present members.

Item 23

30:07 - 31:20

Majority Leader Espinal moved to waive the reading and pass Item 23 on first reading. The matter passed following a roll call vote with twelve affirmative votes and one negative vote.

Item 24: Joseph Caffey Apartments Tax Treatment

31:20 - 35:45

Deputy Majority Leader Harris advocated for the tax abatement resolution to support 54 affordable housing units developed by Omni Development Corporation. The measure was adopted following a roll call vote.

Items 25 through 47

35:45 - 36:19

The council approved a motion waiving the reading of Items 25 through 47. Item 25 was referred to the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, while Items 26 through 47 were received and recorded.

Item 48

36:19 - 36:36

Majority Leader Espinal moved to waive the reading of Item 48 and pass the measure on a voice vote. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Item 49

36:36 - 37:03

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 49 and adopt it by a unanimous rising vote. The motion carried without dissent.

Motion to Adjourn and In Memoriam Remarks

37:03 - 39:26

Council members offered memorial tributes to Ruth Madsen, Nouris Martinez, President Jimmy Carter, Court King, Josephine Andrade, and Steven Andrade. A motion to adjourn in their memory was passed and the meeting was adjourned.

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02:49 - 02:55

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to this very first council meeting of 2025. Madam, clerk, please call the roll.

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02:56 - 03:04

Council president Miller? Present. Deputy majority whip, Anderbois? Present. Councilwoman Anthony is absent.

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03:04 - 03:09

Majority leader, Espinal? Present. Senior deputy majority leader, Gonsalves?

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03:09 - 03:10

Present.

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03:10 - 03:18

Councilwoman Graves is absent. Deputy majority leader, Harris? Present. Councilwoman Peterson? Present.

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03:18 - 03:27

Council president Pro Tempur Pichardo is absent. Councilor Royas? Present. Councilwoman Ryan? Present.

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03:28 - 03:34

Majority Whip Sanchez? Present. Councilman Taylor? Present. Councilwoman Anna Vargas?

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03:34 - 03:41

Yes. Councilman Oscar Vargas? Present. You have 12 present and three absent. You have a quorum.

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03:42 - 04:34

Thank you, madam clerk. Will everyone please rise, including our guests, for tonight's invocation? At this first meeting of the New Year, let's give thanks for all we hold dear, our health, our family, our friends, the city that we love. Let's use this year to release grudges, anger, complaints, and pain because they are nothing but binding chains. Let's use this new year to renew our commitment to service to one another, to our constituents, and to hold clear in our mind our commitment to people who anyone who's struggling in this great city of ours, whether that be because they do not have a house, whether they're cold tonight, people who have concerns about their future, and we know the long list of what those might be.

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04:35 - 04:49

Let's renew our commitment to everyone in our city, including anyone who's in struggle, and thank you all. Please stay standing for the pledge of allegiance led by councilor Sue Anderwa.

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04:51 - 05:03

To the flag, United States Of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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05:07 - 05:14

Madam clerk, item three, please. Madam president. Majority leader Espinal.

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05:14 - 05:16

I want you to waive the reading of item three and move approval.

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05:16 - 05:18

Second, madam president. We have

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05:18 - 05:23

a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?

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05:23 - 05:29

Any abstentions? The motion passes. Please note that councilman Graves has joined us. So noted. Item four.

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05:30 - 05:35

Madam president. Majority leader Espinal. Motion to waive the review of item four and five and receive.

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05:35 - 05:37

Second, madam president. We have a motion and

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05:37 - 05:42

a second. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Any abstentions?

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05:42 - 05:44

The motion passes. Item six.

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05:44 - 05:48

Madam president. Majority leader. Motion to waive the reading of items six through 11.

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05:49 - 05:51

Second. You have a motion and

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05:51 - 05:57

a second. Any discussion on items six through 11? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye.

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05:57 - 06:07

Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam clerk, please refer items six through 11 to the committee on finance.

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06:07 - 06:08

Item 12.

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06:08 - 06:13

Madam president. Majority leader. I you to weigh the reading of item 12 through 14.

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06:14 - 06:15

Second, madam president. We have a

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06:15 - 06:21

motion and a second. Any discussion? Items 12 through 14. All in favor? Aye.

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06:21 - 06:30

Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Please refer item 12 to the committee on ordinances, thirteen and fourteen to the committee on finance. So noted.

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06:30 - 06:31

Item 15.

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06:31 - 06:33

Madam president. Majority leader.

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06:33 - 06:34

Motion to weigh the reading

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06:34 - 06:38

of items 15 through 17 and pass on our voice vote.

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06:38 - 06:40

Second, madam president. We have a

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06:40 - 06:42

motion and a second on items 15 through 17.

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06:42 - 06:47

Any discussion? Madam president. Deputy majority leader, Harris. Item 15 read into the records, please.

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06:49 - 07:46

Whereas Ruth Madsen, affectionately known as Diamond, was a devoted and passionate community advocate whose unwavering commitment to helping those in need left a lasting impact on all who knew her. And whereas Ruth Ruth devoted her life to serving those experiencing homelessness, ensuring their voices were heard and their needs addressed through her involvement with the Voices of Homelessness Group and the constituent advisory committee. And whereas through her volunteer work at Mathewson Street Church, Ruth exemplified the true spirit of compassion and service providing support and care for those in her community even as she faced personal challenges. And whereas Ruth was known for her empathy, resilience, and determination, consistently advocating for those without a voice and standing as a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable.

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07:48 - 07:48

And

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07:48 - 08:57

whereas Ruth's contributions to the community went far beyond her advocacy as she inspired others through her authenticity, grace, and relentless pursuit of justice for those in need. And whereas Ruth's passing on 12/21/2024 leaves a profound void in our community, yet her legacy of compassion, courage, and service will continue to guide and inspire us. Now therefore be it resolved that the Providence City Council extends its deepest condolences to all who were touched by Ruth Diamond Madsen's light and honors her memory by carrying forward her passion for justice, her advocacy for the homeless, and her commitment to uplifting those in need. And be it further resolved that Ruth's legacy will forever remain a part of the fabric of our community, and her work will continue to inspire and guide future efforts toward compassion and justice for all. And be it further resolved that upon passage, a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Ruth Madsen and to the Mathewson Street Church.

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08:58 - 09:00

Madam president Councilwoman.

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09:00 - 09:28

May I stand and have a few comments? Please. A few remarks. I'm gonna try to get through this without a lot of emotions and without tears. I wanna say that, as you all know, this week, there was a action by the council made to make sure that we did not read in the paper the deaths of people who were frozen, the death, in the cold.

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09:29 - 10:10

And so in honor of miss Ruth Diamond Masson, I wanna say that that right there is something that she would have been here today cheering on our leaders. And I wanna take a minute just to say, councilman Miguel Sanchez, councilman Justin Royce. I wanna say how much impact you have made on the city of Providence by showing that we care about people, that we care about the most vulnerable. This woman was homeless herself at one time when I met her. And when I met her, she was also advocating for other people who had the same lived experience.

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10:10 - 10:33

So I want to just make a few points. I know I don't wanna take a lot a lot of times. In fact, I'm a stick to my script so I won't be in off track. First, I wanna talk about why it's important that the the people who worked on this resolution. I wanna give credit to the clerks as well, the clerks and our policy people who definitely seen the need to put this, resolution together.

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10:34 - 11:26

Ruth Diamond Madison was a tireless advocate for people who did not know her, who dedicated her life to standing up for those without a voice. Her work with the voice of the homelessness and the constituents. I received committee ensured this that the struggles and the needs of of these experiencing homelessness were not ignored. My tears are coming because I had a chance to stand here with my colleagues and see the work that they did on Tuesday to make sure that they honored Diamond in this way. Through the volunteering out work at Madison Church excuse me.

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11:26 - 12:00

Please excuse me. By volunteering at Madison Church, prevent relent resent abbacy. Diamond exempt by the spirit of compassion and selfishness. She gave her time, her energy, and her heart to support those in need even while facing challenges herself. Diamond was a guiding light for justice.

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12:00 - 13:16

Diamond, empathy, resilience, and deter and determination inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She stood as a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable and remindful us of all the power of community injustice. This week, when the city council opened City Hall door as a warming center on one of the coldest days of the year, we carried Diamond's legacy forward. Though she wasn't with us in person, her spirit and inspiration were there, reminding us of the importance of taking action, direct action to support those in need, Damon would have been proud to see her fight for justice and compassion living on through us. Diamond Passon leaves a board in our community, but her legacy will remind remind a guiding for is reminded us of a guiding force for all of us.

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13:16 - 13:36

By continuing her work and embracing her passion for justice and service, we honor her memory and ensure her light continuously shine. As John Lewis would say to you too, thank you for making good trouble. Thank you in honor of Diamond.

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13:37 - 13:44

Thank you, councilwoman. Further discussion items, 15 through 17. Thank

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13:47 - 13:47

you.

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13:50 - 13:59

Further discussion? Items 15 through 17. Okay. Further discussion? Councilman Royas.