Providence City Council Meeting | April 16th, 2026

April 16, 2026

Official record

From the minutes filed with the RI Secretary of State on May 08, 2026.

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Attendance

15 present · 0 absent

Present

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

Absent

No absences recorded.

Also present: Tina L. Mastroianni (City Clerk), Sheri A. Petronio (First Deputy City Clerk), Yuly Polanco (Second Deputy City Clerk), Napoleon Askie (City Sergeant), Jeffrey Dana (City Solicitor)

Recorded votes (24)

Journal of Proceedings No. 7 of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held April 2, 2026

APPROVED (WITH VOTE) [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

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

Executive Order 2026-2 regarding civil immigration enforcement and Executive Order 2026-3 establishing a task force

RECEIVED

Appointment of Felisa Alonzo as a member of the Providence Human Relations Commission

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal and Planning

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 "Housing" of the Code of Ordinances to add "The Providence Rent Stabilization Act"

READ/PASSED SECOND TIME [9 TO 6]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (9)

Council President Miller , Councilor AnderBois , Councilor Davidson , Councilwoman Graves , Councilwoman Harris , Councilwoman Peterson , Councilor Pichardo , Councilor Roias , Councilor Sanchez

Nay (6)

Councilman Espinal , Councilman Goncalves , Councilwoman Ryan , Councilman Taylor , Councilwoman Vargas , Councilman Vargas

An Ordinance in Amendment of Chapter 5 "Buildings and Structural Appurtenances" to Add Article XIII, "Green Revolving Fund"

REFERRED

Referred to Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency

An Ordinance in Amendment of Chapter 15 "Motor Vehicles And Traffic" to Add Sections 15-18 - 15-20 to Article I

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Public Works

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21, "Revenue and Finance", of The Code of Ordinances of The City of Providence

LAID ON TABLE [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Resolution Endorsing and Urging Passage by the General Assembly of Senate Bill 2026 S-2039

REFERRED

Referred to Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs

Resolutions supporting the RIC Hope Scholarship, Brown Graduate Fellows unionization, and honoring Davey Lopes

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into Construction and Maintenance Agreements with RIDOT

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Public Works

Resolution Supporting and Urging Passage of Legislation Exempting the RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce from Taxation

REFERRED

Referred to Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs

Resolution Requesting Impact Reporting from City-Funded Organizations

LAID ON TABLE [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Resolution Endorsing and Urging Passage by the General Assembly of House Bill 2026 H-8363 and Senate Bill 2026 S-3161

REFERRED

Referred to Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs

Resolution Supporting Private Lead Line Loan Reimbursement Program

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Ordinances Relating to Article IV, Chapter 17, Section 17-189(f) of the Code of Ordinances (Disability Waiver Requests)

READ/PASSED FOR THE FIRST TIME [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Resolution Endorsing and Urging Passage of House Bill 2026 H-7122 and Granting Tax Exempt Status to Blackstone Valley

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Resolutions Authorizing Approval of Contract Awards by the Board of Contract and Supply

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Communication from the Mayor appointing Tim Hamlin as City Registrar

RECEIVED AND APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Resolution Requesting an easement for Verizon Conduit Placement Job #4A0WS8R

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Communication from the City Clerk of all monies received, transmitted to and credited by the City Collector

RECEIVED

Petition from AGM Holdings, LLC requesting to Change the Official Zoning Map for 149 Governor Street

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Ordinances

Petitions for Compensation for Injuries and Damages

REFERRED

Referred to Committee on Claims and Pending Suits

Communications and Reports from Leandro Castillo, the City Solicitor, Traffic Engineering, and Providence Water

RECEIVED

Resolution Extending Congratulations

PASSED [UNANIMOUS]

Moved by Councilman Espinal · Seconded by Councilwoman Harris

Aye (15)

Shelley Peterson

10:07 - 10:28

Tonight, I've gathered to do the work of the city. The idea this idea feels especially important. We are living through difficult times. For many of our residents, the cost of living is rising faster than opportunity. In the last few days, the phrases the the phrase, it's expensive to be poor keeps coming up.

Shelley Peterson

10:29 - 10:50

Some are thriving while others are still waiting for their chance and yet all of them, every single one have placed their trust in us. That is both a privilege and a responsibility. We may not always agree in this chamber. In fact, disagreement is part of this work. But our obligation is not to win arguments, it's to serve people.

Shelley Peterson

10:50 - 11:35

It's to ensure that the decisions that we make lift those who have been left waiting and create pathways for those still trying to find their footing. We represent a city that is beautifully diverse, diverse in background, in perspective, in experience, and in opportunity. That diversity is our strength but also calls on us to lead with intention, to listen more closely, to act more thoughtfully, and to remember that leadership is not about standing above others but about reaching back and bringing others forward. So tonight and in all the days we have left together, may we measure our time here not just by votes cast or meetings held, but by the lives we touch and the doors we open. May God continue to protect our beautiful city.

Shelley Peterson

11:35 - 11:45

May we lead with conviction and with values that strengthen our communities, reduce division, and ensure that opportunity is not reserved for a few but extended to all. Thank you.

Shelley Peterson

11:47 - 11:47

Thank you.

Shelley Peterson

11:53 - 11:54

Seasons of love.

Rachel Miller

14:15 - 14:22

Thank you, counselor. And tonight, the pledge of allegiance will be led by president pro tem one, Manuel Pajardo.

Juan M. Pichardo

14:23 - 14:25

I pledge allegiance to the flag of

Pedro Espinal

14:25 - 14:30

The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands,

Juan M. Pichardo

14:30 - 14:33

one nation under God, indivisible,

Pedro Espinal

14:33 - 14:35

where liberty and justice is for all.

Rachel Miller

14:41 - 14:43

Madam clerk, item three, please.

Pedro Espinal

14:43 - 14:45

Madam president. Majority leader Eskenau.

Pedro Espinal

14:45 - 14:48

Washington to waive the reading of item three and move approval.

Mary Kay Harris

14:48 - 14:49

Second, madam president.

Rachel Miller

14:49 - 14:54

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please open

Tina L. Mastroianni

14:54 - 15:28

the vote. The vote is open. The vote is closed. You have 15 ayes. The motion carries.

Tina L. Mastroianni

15:28 - 15:29

The minutes are approved.

Rachel Miller

15:33 - 15:34

Alright. Item four, please.

Pedro Espinal

15:34 - 15:36

Madam President. Majority Leader.

Pedro Espinal

15:36 - 15:39

Watch it the way the reading of item four through six.

Mary Kay Harris

15:39 - 15:40

Second, madam president.

Rachel Miller

15:40 - 15:47

Any discussion on that motion? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. All opposed?

Rachel Miller

15:47 - 15:54

Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam Clerk, please note four through six as received. So noted. Item seven.

Pedro Espinal

15:54 - 15:55

Madam president.

Rachel Miller

15:55 - 15:55

Majority leader.

Pedro Espinal

15:55 - 15:58

Motion to weigh the reader out of seven and eight.

Rachel Miller

15:58 - 16:07

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items seven and eight? All in favor?

Pedro Espinal

16:07 - 16:07

Aye.

Rachel Miller

16:07 - 16:13

Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Please refer seven and eight to the committee on Earth.

Rachel Miller

16:13 - 16:22

So noted. And thanks to the folks who are serving on the human relations committee or signing themselves up to serve. Item nine, please.

Pedro Espinal

16:22 - 16:23

Madam president.

Rachel Miller

16:23 - 16:24

Majority leader.

Pedro Espinal

16:24 - 16:28

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

Rachel Miller

16:28 - 16:42

Second, madam president. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on that motion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please open the vote and call the roll. Oh, councilman Graves.

Rachel Miller

16:42 - 16:49

Sorry. Your microphone is too high. I'll

Althea Graves

16:49 - 17:15

be sure. I just wanna say, Mike, you have some Can you hear me now? Yes. I just wanna say, I just feel that we need to make sure that we are separating what the rent stabilization is. It's some so much misinformation that's out there.

Althea Graves

17:16 - 17:51

And people are meshing and piecing things together. What the mayor has been speaking about and the thing that we talked about and that we signed on with him is just one little measure and it's something more like a band aid. It's gonna stop some of the flow, but it is not the rent stabilization. And I want to make sure that we are all aware of that. And I still think this rent stabilization is the right thing to do.

Althea Graves

17:53 - 18:32

And I think it's the best thing to do in the city of Providence because again is as we are in a city that are mostly renters and we really need to do something that's gonna be more sustaining, it's gonna go on for a while, and it's gonna help those that need the most help. And it's gonna help to keep this city alive and keep our residents here. It's not gonna run the people that are already here away. So let's please vote for the people. Vote for the ones that are already here.

Rachel Miller

18:37 - 18:50

Thank you, counselor. Further discussion on item nine? Hearing none, madam clerk, please open the vote and

Tina L. Mastroianni

18:50 - 18:58

call the roll. The vote is open. Council President Miller. Aye. Deputy Majority Whip Anderbois.

Tina L. Mastroianni

18:58 - 19:04

Aye. Councilor Davidson. Majority Leader Espinal.

Pedro Espinal

19:04 - 19:04

Nay.

Tina L. Mastroianni

19:05 - 19:19

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonsalves? Nay. Councilwoman Graves? Councilwoman Graves? Deputy Majority Leader Harris?

Tina L. Mastroianni

19:20 - 19:30

Councilwoman Peterson. Aye. Council President Pro Tempur Pichardo. Aye. Councilor Royas.

Tina L. Mastroianni

19:30 - 19:37

Aye. Councilwoman Ryan. Nay. Majority Whip Sanchez? Aye.

Tina L. Mastroianni

19:38 - 19:43

Majority Whip Sanchez? Aye. Councilman Taylor?

James Taylor

19:43 - 19:43

Nay.

Tina L. Mastroianni

19:49 - 19:51

Councilwoman Anna Vargas.

Ana Vargas

19:55 - 19:56

Nay.