Providence City Council Meeting | October 2nd, 2025

The meeting was called to order, and the clerk conducted a roll call to establish a quorum. Twelve members were present and two were absent.

Majority Leader Pedro Espinal led the invocation, followed by Councilman John Gonsalves leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The council remained standing for both opening ceremonies.

The council moved to waive the reading of Item 3 and approved the motion. The item passed unanimously on a voice vote.

A motion was made and approved to waive the reading of Items 4 through 8. Items 4 through 7 were noted as received, and Item 8 was referred to the Committee on Finance.

The council voted to waive the reading of Items 9 through 23 and passed them for the second time on a roll call vote. The motion carried with twelve ayes and two absent.

The council approved a motion to waive the reading of Items 24 through 27. Items 24, 25, and 26 were referred to the Committee on Ordinances, and Item 27 was referred to the Committee on Public Works.

The council waived the reading of Item 28 and passed a resolution honoring Colonel Sonny Sepeda of the Dominican Republic Police Department for his 25 years of service. The resolution highlighted his role as a liaison strengthening international cooperation and security.

The council engaged in a robust debate regarding an ordinance to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers to address noise and environmental pollution. The ordinance passed for the first time on an 8-3 roll call vote with one abstention.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 30 and pass it on a voice vote. The motion was approved unanimously without discussion.

The council debated and approved a resolution authorizing a $25 million bond to acquire properties at 444 Westminster Street and the WaterFire Arts Building. Proponents argued it was a fiscally sound move to escape an unfavorable lease, and the motion passed 9-3 on a roll call vote.

The council discussed and unanimously approved the appointment of Sean Holley as the Director of the Recreation Department. Council members expressed strong support for Holley and thanked interim leadership for their service.

The council approved a motion to waive the reading of Items 33 and 34. Item 33 was referred to the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, and Item 34 was noted as received.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Item 35 and pass it on a voice vote. The motion passed unanimously without discussion.

The council approved Item 36 on a unanimous rising vote. Following the vote, the Majority Leader expressed gratitude to a departing staff member, Mark, wishing him well.

The meeting was adjourned in memory of Mary Falk, who recently passed away. The council president reminded members of an upcoming meeting on the rise.