Providence City Council Meeting | June 5th, 2025

June 05, 2025

Call to Order and Roll Call

05:33 - 06:29

Council President Miller called the Providence City Council meeting to order. The clerk conducted the roll call and confirmed that a quorum of 14 members was present.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

06:29 - 08:58

Councilwoman Ryan delivered the invocation reflecting on public service, justice, and compassion for the community. Majority Whip Sanchez then led the council and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Recognition of Mount Pleasant Kilties Unified Basketball Team

08:58 - 11:32

Councilwoman Ryan honored the Mount Pleasant Kilties unified basketball team and Coach Sachs Pinto for winning the 2025 state championship. Superintendent Javier Martinez and the team were recognized in the council chamber.

Item 3

11:32 - 11:51

The council moved to waive the reading and approve Item 3. The motion passed without discussion by voice vote.

Item 4

11:51 - 12:07

The council waived the reading of Item 4 and approved it by voice vote. The clerk noted the item as received.

Items 5 through 7

12:07 - 12:31

The council voted to waive the reading and pass Items 5 through 7. Item 5 was referred to the Committee on Finance, while Items 6 and 7 were noted as received.

Items 8 and 9 (CDBG Budget and Housing)

12:31 - 16:15

Chaired by Pro Tempore Pichardo, the council held a roll call vote on Items 8 and 9 following remarks celebrating investments in health and supportive housing. Item 8 passed with 14 ayes, and Item 9 passed with 12 ayes and two recusals.

Item 10 (Noise Ordinance Discussion)

16:15 - 22:57

Council members discussed proposed amendments to the noise ordinance, citing concerns regarding its enforcement and fines issued to striking healthcare workers at Butler Hospital. Council President Miller and fellow councilors advocated for reviewing equity in ordinance enforcement in committee.

Items 11 through 18 (Student Housing and Right of First Refusal)

22:57 - 46:55

Council members debated multiple ordinances, including measures regulating off-campus student housing impact in residential neighborhoods and right of first refusal protections for tenants and workers. The council voted to approve the items and referred them to the Finance, Ordinance, and HOPE committees.

Items 19 and 20

46:55 - 48:14

The council considered and voted to refer Items 19 and 20 to the Board of Contract and Supply. A roll call clarification noted 13 ayes and one nay on Item 19.

Items 21 and 22

48:14 - 49:45

The council approved a motion to waive the reading of Items 21 and 22. Both items were subsequently referred to the Committee on Finance.

Items 23 through 27 (Support for Striking Butler Hospital Workers)

49:45 - 56:05

The clerk read Item 24 into the record, a resolution expressing city council solidarity with striking healthcare workers represented by SEIU 1199NE at Butler Hospital. Council members spoke in support of the resolution, and Items 23 through 27 were approved by voice vote.

Items 28 and 29

56:05 - 56:55

The council voted to waive the reading and approve the disposition of Items 28 and 29. Item 28 was referred to the Committee on Finance and Item 29 to the IRB.

Items 30 and 31 (Support for Seekonk Wampanoag Tribe Recognition)

56:55 - 01:01:44

The clerk read a resolution urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass H5733 to grant state recognition to the Seekonk Wampanoag Tribe. Council members voiced strong support for the resolution, which passed by voice vote.

Items 32 and 33 (Camp Cronin Property and Waste Management Amendments)

01:01:44 - 01:20:27

Councilman Oscar Vargas introduced resolutions regarding the potential sale of city-owned property at Camp Cronin and proposing contract amendments for municipal waste collection. After extensive debate regarding city assets and trash services, both items were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Items 34 through 37

01:20:27 - 01:21:30

The council moved to waive the reading and pass Items 34 through 37 for the first time. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Items 38 through 40

01:21:30 - 01:21:53

The council approved a motion to waive the reading and adopt Items 38 through 40 on a voice vote. The motion passed without opposition.

Item 41

01:21:53 - 01:22:17

The council waived the reading and approved Item 41 by voice vote. The item was referred back to the Board of Contract and Supply.

Item 42 (Waste Management Five-Year Contract Approval)

01:22:17 - 02:06:31

The council engaged in extensive debate over a proposed $57 million, five-year waste management contract and associated accountability amendments. The amended contract was approved following a roll call vote of 10 ayes and 4 nays.

Item 43

02:06:31 - 02:06:49

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 43 and approve it by voice vote. The motion passed without discussion.

Items 44 through 47

02:06:49 - 02:07:23

The council waived the reading of Items 44 through 47 and voted to approve their disposition. Item 44 was referred to Claims and Pending Suits, and Items 45 through 47 were noted as received.

Item 48 (Board of Canvassers Appointment)

02:07:23 - 02:08:14

Councilman Gonsalves recognized nominee David Leach for his attendance and willingness to serve on the Board of Canvassers. Item 48 was approved by voice vote.

Item 49

02:08:14 - 02:08:35

The council waived the reading of Item 49 and approved the item by a unanimous rising vote.

Motions to Suspend Council Rules

02:08:35 - 02:09:17

The council suspended Rule 2B to reschedule the regular meeting from July 3, 2025, to July 8, 2025. Council members also voted to suspend Rule 16B to introduce an off-docket matter.

Item 50

02:09:17 - 02:09:39

The council waived the reading of Item 50 and approved its referral to the Committee on Finance.

In Memoriam and Adjournment

02:09:39 - 02:11:02

The council adjourned in memory of Joel Cohen, Luisa Herrera, former Congressman Charles B. Rangel, and young community member Jaylee with a moment of silence. Council President Miller shared a brief congratulatory staff announcement before closing the meeting.

Unknown

05:33 - 05:42

Good evening, everyone, and I am calling this, Providence City Council meeting on 06/05/2025 to order. Madam clerk, please call the roll.

Unknown

05:42 - 05:54

Council president Miller, present. Deputy majority Wip Vanderbois, councilwoman Anthony, majority leader Espinal? Present. Senior deputy majority leader Gonzales? Present.

Unknown

05:55 - 06:02

Councilwoman Graves? Present. Majority deputy majority leader Harris? Present. Councilwoman Peterson?

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06:02 - 06:05

Here. Council president Pro Tempur Pichardo?

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06:06 - 06:07

Present.

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06:10 - 06:18

Councilor Royas? Present. Councilwoman Ryan? Present. Majority Whip Sanchez?

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06:18 - 06:26

Present. Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Anna Vargas? Councilman Oscar Vargas? Here.

Unknown

06:26 - 06:29

You have 14 present, one absent. You have a quorum.

Unknown

06:29 - 06:36

Thank you, madam clerk. This evening, the invocation will be given by councilwoman Ryan. Will everyone please stand, including our guests?

Unknown

06:59 - 07:25

I'll take Is it on now? Thank you. Thank you, councilman Goncalz. Tonight, I ask for your blessing on my colleagues elected to serve the greats the people of the great city of Providence. Remind us because we all forget from time to time, especially in the noisiness of what passes for the political debate.

Unknown

07:25 - 08:26

They were not only leaders but also servants, and that it is our responsibility to humbly serve the common good of all. Remind us that no matter where we live, everyone is our neighbor, our sibling, and that throughout the ages, prophets have called the leaders of the people to respect and protect the least of those among us, our children, the elderly, the poor, those who are hungry, those who have no homes, those who are ill in body, mind or spirit, the strangers and immigrants in our midst, those who live on the margins, and those who are alone, those who are forgotten. Grant us the wisdom and courage to know and to do what is right and good and true to our charge. May we speak out when it is time to speak out and listen patiently and receptively when it is time to listen. May we always be guided by the spirit of community, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of love.

Unknown

08:27 - 08:34

Dear lord, may your light unfold us, may your spirit guide us, and may your grace abound in us. Amen.

Unknown

08:35 - 08:41

Thank you, counselor. This evening, the pledge of allegiance will be led by councilman Miguel Sanchez. One

Unknown

08:48 - 08:54

nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Unknown

08:58 - 09:01

Thank you. Councilwoman Ryan.

Unknown

09:03 - 09:47

Thank you, madam president. It is my absolute honor to welcome the Mount Pleasant Kilti's unified basketball team, our twenty twenty five state champions to the people's house. Let's give them a round of applause right now. I'd like to also recognize that superintendent Javier Martinez is with us as well. Thank you very much for your leadership and support always.

Unknown

09:52 - 10:16

As we all know, any athletic pursuit requires hard work, determination, and most importantly, teamwork. But this unified team is special. It is made up of Mount Pleasant students with developmental disabilities and students without disabilities. As coach Pinto says, when they play together, those differences dissolve. They are just athletes trying to move the ball down the court.

Unknown

10:16 - 11:05

This team is an inspiration to all. Their positive spirit of inclusion, acceptance, and respect, and, yes, great coaching results in setting a school record. They have taken the big prize, the unified basketball state championship for the first time in the school's very long history. It is quite it is quite it is quite an accomplishment, and we are very proud of each team member. We also extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to coach Sachs Pinto for his leadership in support of the Mount Pleasant High School Little, School athletic director Paul Reo, who is not with us tonight.

Unknown

11:05 - 11:27

I wanna particularly thank council president who has graciously treated you all to a wonderful pizza party in the Alderman's Chamber. Thank you. Thank you very much, and congratulations on your win. Thank you, council president.

Unknown

11:32 - 11:38

Thank you very much, counselor, and congratulations to everyone. Item three, please.

Unknown

11:38 - 11:42

Madam president. Majority leader. I wish you to weigh the reading of item three and move approval.

Unknown

11:42 - 11:48

Second, madam president. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item three? Hearing none. All in favor.

Unknown

11:48 - 11:52

Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Item four.

Unknown

11:52 - 11:53

Madam president.

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11:53 - 11:53

Majority of

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11:53 - 11:55

the year. To weigh the reader of item four.

Unknown

11:55 - 11:57

Second, madam president.

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11:57 - 12:01

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item four? All in favor?

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12:01 - 12:01

Aye.

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12:01 - 12:07

Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Please note item four as received. So noted.

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12:07 - 12:08

Item five.

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12:08 - 12:09

Madam president.

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12:09 - 12:10

Majority leader.

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12:10 - 12:12

Push it to weigh the reading of item five through seven.

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12:12 - 12:13

Second, madam president.

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12:14 - 12:21

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items five through seven? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?

Unknown

12:21 - 12:28

Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam clerk, please refer item five to the committee on finance and note six and seven as received.

Unknown

12:28 - 12:31

So noted. And before item eight, I

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12:31 - 12:35

would like to ask pro tem Pichardo to chair items eight through 10.

Unknown

12:51 - 12:57

Thank you. Item number eight. Mister president. Majority leader. Motion Mister Kenal.

Unknown

12:57 - 13:03

Motion to weigh the reading of item eight and nine and pass for the second time on a roll call vote.

Unknown

13:03 - 13:04

Second, mister president.

Unknown

13:04 - 13:10

The motion has been made and second. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? Discussion on number eight.

Unknown

13:12 - 13:35

I know I've rose before on the same issue, but I have to rise again to just say how proud I was of and just thinking about all our work that we do here in this council. On Monday, I was able to join Crossroads as they ground did groundbreaking Madam President. For the first time yes, sir?

Unknown

13:35 - 13:42

This is item number eight. I think you would refer to item number nine. Not Not number nine, sir.

Unknown

13:42 - 13:43

It's eight and nine.

Unknown

13:43 - 13:48

It's and 9. I'm discussing nine. Alright. Sorry about that. Yeah.

Unknown

13:48 - 13:49

I just wanna make sure

Unknown

13:49 - 14:13

that Item number nine is passing of the CBDG budget. You voted on it the last time, but I also wanna rise and tell you how proud I am of this council for really taking houses really, really serious. I'm also proud of the award this council received also last week as well. Right? This week as well.

Unknown

14:14 - 14:57

I'm rising because this first these houses were the first ones around health and housing. A lot of people we heard a testimony on majority leader and I, of a lot of people who are scheduled for operations because they are homeless, they cannot be scheduled for operations simply because they don't have a place to return to in recovery. So that's 35 units will be built on Pine Street, Ward 11, and we welcome these houses to the community to serve the people who are marginalized and underserved. So, again, I wanna thank you, and congratulations on the award. Thank