Providence City Council Meeting | February 19th, 2026

The meeting was called to order, and the clerk conducted the roll call of council members. A quorum was established with fourteen members present and one absent.

Majority Leader Pedro Espinal led the invocation, asking for guidance and blessings for the council's work. Councilman John Goncalves then led the assembly in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The council considered Item 3, which concerned the approval of the meeting minutes. The reading was waived, and the minutes were approved unanimously on a voice vote.

The council voted to waive the reading of Items 4 through 20 and substitute Item 12. Members congratulated Felix Berrios on his appointment to the ethics commission and thanked other commission appointees.

The council discussed Item 21 and voted to approve the measure for the second time. The motion carried on a roll call vote with fourteen ayes and one nay.

Item 22 was presented for its second reading and approval by the council. The motion passed on a roll call vote with thirteen ayes, one nay, and one abstention.

The council considered Item 23 and voted on its passage for the second time. The motion carried on a roll call vote with twelve ayes and three nays.

Item 24 was introduced for its second reading and final approval. The council voted unanimously with fifteen ayes to pass the measure.

The council voted to waive the reading of Item 25. The item was subsequently referred to the Committee on Finance.

The clerk read a resolution recognizing International Women's Day and announcing an upcoming celebratory event. Council members discussed the importance of the resolution and passed Items 26 through 28 on a voice vote.

The council discussed Items 29 and 30, which addressed RIPTA bus stop maintenance during snowstorms and state funding. The items were referred to the committees on public works and state legislative affairs.

The council debated Item 31, an ordinance concerning lead service line replacements by the Providence Water Supply Board. A friendly amendment was adopted, and the ordinance passed for the first time on a roll call vote.

The council discussed Items 32 through 34, which involved zoning alignments and new design review standards for residential development. The ordinances were approved for the first time on a roll call vote.

The council debated a resolution supporting state legislation to establish the Crook Point Bridge Authority. After extensive discussion regarding potential liabilities, funding, and the bridge's historic value, the resolution passed on a voice vote.

Item 36 was introduced, and the council voted to waive its reading. The motion carried, and the matter passed for the first time on a roll call vote.

The council discussed Item 37, honoring Lisa Ringlin and her organization for their work supporting minority and women contractors. The motion passed on a roll call vote with fourteen ayes and one abstention.

The council voted to waive the reading of Item 38 and pass it on a voice vote. The matter was referred back to the Board of Contract and Supply.

The council considered the nomination of Ryan Holt to serve as the chair of the zoning board of review. The nomination was received and approved unanimously on a voice vote.

Item 40 was introduced, and the council voted to waive its reading. The motion carried, and the matter was passed on a voice vote.

The council took a moment of personal expression to recognize and thank departing staff member Isabella for her policy work. Members praised her dedication to issues like housing and gun violence and wished her well in law school.

The council voted to waive the reading of Items 41 through 49. Item 41 was referred to ordinances, Item 42 to claims, and Items 43 through 49 were noted as received.

The council approved Item 50 and recognized the College in Action and Education collective, presenting citations to education champions. Councilwoman Graves also announced the upcoming Black History Month celebration.

The council passed Item 51 on a unanimous rising vote. Councilman Royas shared a personal expression of condolence and offered prayers for Tom Jeruso, an assistant principal injured in a recent shooting.

The council voted to suspend the rules to introduce Item 52, which did not appear on the printed docket. The reading of the item was waived, and it was noted as received.

Council members shared final personal expressions, recognizing Renee Omizori's reappointment and mourning the tragic deaths of two individuals in the cold. The meeting was adjourned in memory of the victims and Reverend Jesse Jackson.