Providence City Council Meeting | June 5th, 2025

June 05, 2025

Official record

From the minutes filed with the RI Secretary of State on June 27, 2025.

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Attendance

14 present · 1 absent

Present

Council President Miller
Councilor AnderBois
Councilwoman Anthony
Councilman Espinal
Councilman Goncalves
Councilwoman Graves
Councilwoman Harris
Councilwoman Peterson
Councilor Pichardo
Councilor Roias
Councilwoman Ryan
Councilor Sanchez
Councilwoman Vargas
Councilman Vargas

Absent

Councilman Taylor

Also present: Tina L. Mastroianni (City Clerk), Sheri A. Petronio (First Deputy City Clerk), Lauren Gutierrez (Assistant Clerk), Napoleon Askie (City Sergeant), Kenneth Chiavarini (Deputy City Solicitor)

Recorded votes (29)

Journal of Proceedings No. 12 of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held May 15, 2025

APPROVED (WITH VOTE) [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Council President Miller , Councilor AnderBois , Councilwoman Anthony , Councilman Espinal , Councilman Goncalves , Councilwoman Graves , Councilwoman Harris , Councilwoman Peterson , Councilor Pichardo , Councilor Roias , Councilwoman Ryan , Councilor Sanchez , Councilwoman Vargas , Councilman Vargas

Executive Order 2025-1, Display of Flags at City Hall

RECEIVED

Appointment of David Leach to the Board of Canvassers

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

Re-appointment of Akilah Phillip as a member of the Art in City Life Commission

RECEIVED

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 “Administration,” and Chapter 21 “Revenue and Finance”, of the Code of Ordinances

READ/PASSED SECOND TIME [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

An Ordinance Adopting the Community Development Block Grant Budget for Program Year 2025-2026

READ/PASSED SECOND TIME [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (12)

Councilor AnderBois , Councilwoman Anthony , Councilman Espinal , Councilman Goncalves , Councilwoman Graves , Councilwoman Harris , Councilwoman Peterson , Councilor Pichardo , Councilor Roias , Councilwoman Ryan , Councilwoman Vargas , Councilman Vargas

Recused (2)

Council President Miller , Councilor Sanchez

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 16, “Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions”, Article III, “Noise Control”

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Ordinances

An Ordinance Establishing a Tax Stabilization Agreement for 36 Exchange Terrace

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13, “Housing” of the Providence Code of Ordinances to add Article X “Student Impact Fee”

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Ordinances

An Ordinance Approving Improvements to the Providence Water Supply Board Distribution System

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 “Housing”, to add “The Providence Tenant Right of First Refusal Act”

REFERRED

Referred to Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education

Resolution Authorizing Approval of Change Order #2 Contract Award by the Board of Contract and Supply

PASSED [13 TO 1]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (13)

Council President Miller , Councilor AnderBois , Councilwoman Anthony , Councilman Espinal , Councilman Goncalves , Councilwoman Harris , Councilwoman Peterson , Councilor Pichardo , Councilor Roias , Councilwoman Ryan , Councilor Sanchez , Councilwoman Vargas , Councilman Vargas

Nay (1)

Councilwoman Graves

Resolution Authorizing Approval of a Contract Award by the Board of Contract and Supply

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolution Authorizing Approval of a Contract Extension Award to Downes Construction Company

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

Resolutions Celebrating Pride Month, Supporting Butler Hospital Workers, and Urging Passage of Various State Bills

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolution Requesting the Implementation of a Visible Overnight Parking Permit Display System

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

Resolution Establishing an Honorary Street Designation in Tribute to Mattie L. Smith

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal and Planning

Resolutions Urging Passage of House Bill 2025 H-5733 and Celebrating National Immigrant Heritage Month

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolutions Authorizing the Sale of 1399 Ocean Road and Requesting an Amendment to the Waste Management Contract

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

Ordinances Amending Chapters 15, 23, 25, 10, 14, and 4 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Fees and Penalties

READ/PASSED FOR THE FIRST TIME [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolutions Urging Passage of House Bill 2025 H-6272, House Bill 2025 H-6233, Senate Bill 2025 S-0497, and Supporting Tax Exempt Status

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolution Authorizing Approval of Change Order #2 Contract Award by the Board of Contract and Supply

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolution Authorizing Approval of a Contract Award Recommended by the Special Commission for Waste Management Services

PASSED AS AMENDED [10 TO 4]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (10)

Council President Miller , Councilor AnderBois , Councilwoman Anthony , Councilman Espinal , Councilman Goncalves , Councilwoman Harris , Councilor Pichardo , Councilor Roias , Councilwoman Ryan , Councilwoman Vargas

Nay (4)

Councilwoman Graves , Councilwoman Peterson , Councilor Sanchez , Councilman Vargas

Resolution in Opposition to the Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Petitions for Compensation for Injuries and Damages

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Claims and Pending Suits

Communications from George W. Watson, III regarding Narragansett Electric Company and Jane Pellegren regarding resignation

RECEIVED

Resolution Extending Congratulations

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolution Extending Sympathy

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (14)

Resolution Endorsing and Urging Passage of House Bill 2025 H-6135 and Senate Bill S-1018, Relating to Alcoholic Beverages

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Finance

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.

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05:42 - 05:54

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

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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

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08:48 - 08:54

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

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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?

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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.

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12:51 - 12:57

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

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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.

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13:03 - 13:04

Second, mister president.

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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