Providence City Council Meeting | May 15, 2025

Council President Miller called the Providence City Council meeting to order on May 15, 2025. The city clerk conducted the roll call, confirming 14 members present and a quorum established.

Councilor Justin Royes delivered the evening invocation. He offered reflections on justice, marginalized residents, and the responsibility of leadership.

Councilwoman Ryan led the chamber in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Members and guests stood to participate.

Councilwoman Anthony rose on a point of personal expression to discuss the raising of the Palestinian flag at City Hall. She emphasized the importance of civic trust, inclusivity, and maintaining focus on municipal responsibilities.

The council moved to waive the reading of Item 3 and approve the measure. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Councilman Taylor spoke on a point of personal expression regarding communication, council representation, and recent flag-raising actions. Council leadership and members discussed council rules regarding floor expressions.

Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo and fellow councilors presented a citation recognizing Providence boxer Victor Reynoso. The council commended his athletic success, academic achievements, and dedication to the local community.

The council considered an ordinance banning algorithmic software used to coordinate and inflate residential rental prices. Following discussion on technical amendments, the ordinance passed for the second time on a 14-0 roll call vote.

The Majority Leader moved to waive the reading of Item 5 and approve it on a roll call vote for the first time. The motion was approved unanimously with 14 votes in favor.

The council reviewed Items 6 through 8, engaging in an extended debate on Item 8 regarding the creation of a design standards committee and Item 7 regarding charter school lease studies. The motion passed, and the items were referred to the Committee on Ordinances and the Committee on Finance.

The Majority Leader moved to waive the reading of Items 9 and 10 and adopt them on a voice vote. The council approved both items without opposition.

The council moved to waive the reading of Item 11. Following approval on a voice vote, the item was referred to the Committee on Finance.

A motion was made and seconded to waive the reading of Item 12 and approve it on a voice vote. The council voted in favor and the motion carried.

The council approved a motion to waive the reading of Item 13 on a voice vote. The item was subsequently referred to the Committee on Public Works.

Councilman Goncalves introduced a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Providence. The resolution was read into the record and passed unanimously by the council.

The Majority Leader moved to waive the reading of Item 15 and approve the item on a voice vote. The motion was seconded and approved without objection.

The council voted to waive the reading of Items 16 and 17. The matters were officially referred to the Committee on Finance for review.

Council members considered a resolution expressing municipal support for state legislation to add a 3% tax on incomes over $625,000. Councilors discussed revenue needs for local infrastructure and services before passing the resolution.

The Majority Leader moved to waive the reading of Items 19 through 22, pass them on a voice vote, and refer them back to the Board of Contract and Supply. The council adopted the motion unanimously.

The council approved a motion to waive the reading and pass Item 23 on a voice vote. President Miller then recused herself from the following agenda item.

Under the leadership of President Pro Tempore Pichardo, the council considered the allocation of $5.34 million in CDBG grant funding. Councilors commended committee members and staff before passing the measure on a 13-0 roll call vote with one recusal.

The council reviewed honorary street naming resolutions, including designating Laura Street as Algonquin Way and Camp Street for former Councilman Danny Lopes. The resolution recognizing Algonquin House was read aloud, and the items were approved on a voice vote.

President Miller commended the members and leadership of the CDBG committee for their public service. Councilman Sanchez shared a personal expression honoring his father's 25th anniversary of sobriety.

The council moved to waive the reading of Items 28 through 31. The items were referred to Public Works, Claims and Pending Suits, and Finance.

The council moved to waive the reading of Item 32 and approve it on a voice vote. The motion carried without objection.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 33 and pass the measure by a unanimous rising vote. The council stood in favor and the motion was approved.

The Majority Leader moved to suspend Council Rule 16(b) to introduce a matter not appearing on the printed docket. The council voted unanimously in favor of the rule suspension.

The council considered unprinted Item 34 following the suspension of council rules. The measure was approved and referred to the Committee on Public Works.

The council moved to adjourn the meeting in memory of Adiz Orgin and Melba Arias. Following brief remarks, the council voted in favor and adjourned the session.