City Council - Regular Meeting

I'm going to write a thank you. Oscars not coming, right? This person's voice is actually just a little gruff. But you're not. And so...

break it break it

How to break it.

What I love about it is that they always come back and talk to me.

When you wake up, they're like, no, no, no. You need to close your eyes like right after.

Thank you. Are we here? We're ready? We're online? All right, welcome to this regular city council meeting on Thursday, July 2nd. Thank you, everyone, for accommodating our strange new days. But the city council chamber, while beautiful, is extraordinarily warm. So this is slightly, not slightly, much, much more comfortable for everyone. So thank you. Madam, please call the roll.

Council President Miller? Present. Deputy Majority Whip Angerbois? Present. Councilor Naganson? Present. Majority Leader Espanol is absent. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales?

Present.

Councilwoman Graves is absent. Deputy Majority Leader Harris?

Present.

Councilwoman Peterson? Present. Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo?

Present.

Councilor Royas is absent. Councilwoman Ryan is absent. Majority Whip Sanchez? Present. Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas? Present. Councilman Oscar Vargas is absent. You have nine present and six absent. You're dismissed.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. This evening, that invitation will be given by Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Thank you.

I have a son, and I also I pass that up because this is what we have to be thankful for. When you have it to be thankful for the God to give it to you, everything is open. Don't be afraid. You are the way he wants you to be because we have a million people over here. There's only one you choose, and he chooses us. And that's what I think. I want to put this on song and I want to interpret it. It's not too long because I put it in half and you can listen. My heart is always open with love. I don't have a big world. Only with growth in myself. Thank you for my house. Thank you for my family. Thank you, because you never, nothing can happen for me. Only you about me. You are, yes, yes, yes. You're always good for me now, for everybody who is here. Thank you, Jesus. How I can't cope alone. See, everything I have is because you give it to me. All you give is to love, thank you, thank you, thank you, love. Thank you so much. Thank you so much all my colleagues. Thank you all the people who are working very hard every single day. Thank you because I want you so much because you put me in this position to be the eye for my world, seven. In any destination, you have everything in your hands, no matter what, because I trust you. You'll never, never, never lose anyone. You'll never abandon your family and your kids. Only, only, I wanna say thank you For everything that you give us today. And today. Thank you God. Because you carry this all the time. And I want to say bless everybody. To say thank you to the Jesus. Because it's only the one who can give it to you. Can bring. Because when we go. We go. And now we have the powers. To help you to the people. And the others community. Thank you Jesus. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Second Madam President.

Second Madam President.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items 4 through 11? Hearing none, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion passes 9-3. We can now move to board for 11. Address the meeting. So moved. President Montero, point of personal discretion.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Madam President. At this time, I would like to take a moment to share with the committee and welcome someone to the stage. For the safety complex, a special need, welcome everyone. I was going to say the chambers, but I do want to first introduce a special guest of mine and of ours to introduce you, and that is Lerone Myrick. If you could please stand. Thank you. For those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Myrick, Laron Myrick, he is the Executive Director of the Division of Youth Development under the Department of Children, Youth, and Family, known as DCYM, but also AKA the training school. And so we've been doing, through the leadership of the council, Constance Sanchez, and many of you, knowing that our kids are a priority, our families are a priority, and we keep quoting how our kids can and should deserve a second chance. And over the years, since 2008, we know that under the leadership of the state and so forth and also on the past eight years Mr. Merrick has been the executive director comes all the way from Ohio but now he claims just like everyone when they come to province Rhode Island this is their home and so since that time eight years and all this time the rate of children and young people being passing through the training school has been reduced by 80%. So at any given time, there's less than 50 kids in the training school system. And as the director was indicating, that's only because sometimes kids just I'll remain there for a month or two. But through the work that we've been doing, hopefully more kids are going to be diverted and not end up in his facility. And as I said before, and I reiterated to him, is that our goal is to put him out of business. And so he's fine with that. He has a tremendous experience working in the correctional facilities, adult, youth, and through the leadership of the past eight years, he's been really making a significant contribution to the families and the kids that are finding themselves through that channel. So with that said, again, I would say, put your hands together again for Mr. Jerome Henry. Resound throughout Rhode Island, but also in the nation. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Pro Tem, and thank you for joining us tonight.

Item 12. Madam President, I motion to read the reading of item 12. Substitute and pass for the first time on a roll call vote as amended.

Second, Madam President.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 12? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council President Miller? Aye. Deputy Majority Winvanderbaugh? Aye. Councilor Davidson? Aye. Majority Leader Espanol is absent. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales?

Aye.

Councilwoman Graves is absent. Deputy Majority Leader Harris? Aye. Councilwoman Peterson? Aye. Council President Pro Tempore-Chicago?

Aye.

Councilor Reyes? Aye. Councilwoman Ryan is absent. Mayor Elias Sanchez?

Aye.

Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas? Aye. Councilman Oscar Vargas is absent. You have ten ayes, five absent. The motion carries. The matter is passed for the first time on a roll call vote as amended.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 13. Madam President, motion to waive the reading of items 13 and 14.

Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on 13 and 14?

I request that the items be taken.

Thank you. Any further discussion?

All in favor?

Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam Clerk, please lay item 13 and 14 on the table. So moved.

Item 15. Madam President, motion to waive the reading of item 15, substitute, and pass for the second time on a roll call vote as amended.

Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?

Thank you, Madam President. Yeah, so we all know what this ordinance is. I'm extremely proud. to get to this point. For folks in the audience, this is making the eligibility process for our youth that have had interactions with law enforcement to get referred to the Juvenile Hearing Board. This is something that I'm extremely proud of, of this council, to get to this point. There was a recent op-ed in the Round Current. I encourage you all to check it out. But this is speaking on this type of work on a statewide. And they mentioned, they used this as a reference to encourage the rest of the state to follow suit. Because at the end of the day, we want to make sure that every child in the city of Providence is given an equitable, fair process when it comes to second chances. I spoke about second chances last time, so I'm going to go ahead. too much into it, but this is really gonna hopefully help people, help kids make better choices and receive the support and love that they deserve from our community. So I'm extremely proud. The only slight amendment to this ordinance is that we are putting an implementation period of 90 days to make sure that the juvenile hearing board is fully prepared to start receiving more cases of being referred to them. And I do want to give a shout out to Eliza. She is here. Eliza is here. And without her and Mellie Cruz, we would not be able to do this. So big shout out to her.

President's question on item 15.

If I may add, Madam President, just as a piggyback on Chairman Sanchez, as we stated before in the first passage, these are such an important time for our kids and our young men, as we all know that And most of the kids that actually end up in this killing board are young men, but also families that also are impacted. And so I wanted to commend the work that has been done by the committee, but also to remind everyone that all these kids also need this type of support and mentorship. That's why I found that the director be here. So I hope that we can step up as a community. And then lastly, There was a workshop or a conference around brotherhood and about men receiving some assistance, especially around, as I like to call, brain health or mental health, because we're all going through issues and tribulations at the community level, whether it's economics, whether it's putting food on the table. And our kids are continuously being impacted through these social services that perhaps are lacking the support. And I just wanted to commend this entire council for really passing this and making this moving forward. So thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Registration Councilman Gattas.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank Councilor Sanchez for his leadership on this, and thank you for your remarks, Pro Tem. As you mentioned, there are several youth particularly young men who are impacted by the juvenile hearing board or to your point these kids deserve a second chance but also to add on to your remarks these kids are disproportionately kids of color and so i'm so grateful for your leadership for seeing this through and looking forward to passing it for the second time tonight and i just want to thank everyone who had a deep commitment to this work and everyone who was working on this throughout the process. I think it's going to be a game changer and I want to thank everyone who's involved here on out and doing everything that we can to make sure that our youth, particularly our youth of color, have a second chance. So thank you. Thank you, Chancellor. First discussion?

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Council President Miller. Aye.

Deputy Majority Whip Anderbois.

Aye. Councilor Davidson. Aye. Majority Leader Espinal is absent. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales.

Aye.

Councilwoman Grace is absent. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Aye. Councilwoman Peterson. Aye. Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo.

Aye.

Councilor Royas. Aye. Councilwoman Ryan is absent. Majority Whip Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas. Aye. Councilman Oscar Vargas is absent. You have 10 ayes, 5 absent. The motion carries. The matter is passed for the second time on a roll call vote as amended. Thank you.

Thank you all the counselors and staff and our many, many allies on the city and our kids, so thank you.

Item 16. Madam President, motion to waive the reading of item 16, pass for the first time on a roll call vote and refer to a special committee on health, opportunity, prosperity, and education.

Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Discussion?

Councilor Lupita.

Thank you, Madam President. And audience, I apologize that my back is to you. Seems weird, but I'm just going to go for it.

So today, July 2, is the second full day of the Providence Public Schools' return to local control. And I'm gratified to introduce this ordinance that's collaboratively designed to simplify procurement so that educators and students can more efficiently receive the supplies and services that they need. This ordinance that I'm introducing tonight establishes that a school department purchasing agent, which is a new position appointed by the mayor with council approval, will be responsible for awarding all PPSD contracts under $500,000 or that aren't multi-year or not from a single source award. That's most of them, the vast majority of them. All other contracts will still need Board of Contracts and Supply approval, but this is a really significant change. It reduces the number of contracts subject to box review from several hundred to around three dozen. this ordinance change was crafted with support from the mayor and the school board president with close consultation with providence public schools leadership big thanks to all involved for your time and collaboration and i also want to thank the city solicitor's office for their close attention and support i just want to like very quickly say how we got here in march i could meet a working group that was focused on the ways that the city council could support the school's return with a real focus on sustaining the kind of teaching and learning that will serve all students as well as possible. This group, called the PPSD Local Governance Working Group, met five times, and it included representatives from the Providence City Council, City Administration, Providence Public School District, Providence School Board, Rhode Island Department of Education, organized labor, parents, and students. And people gave a lot of their time, so I really want to thank them by name. I want to thank Councillor Royas, Representative Nathan Beah, who is also the principal of Alvarez High School, Providence School Board President Tyrell Stevens, and school board members Heidi Silveiro and Dr. Steven Williamson, Sheila Normandy from the City of Providence Mayor's Office, Paula Dillon and Zach Scott from the Providence Public Schools, Drew Eccleson from the Rhode Island Department of Education, Cindy Robles, Linda Paiva, and Carol Pagan from the Providence Teacher's Union, Melissa Hughes and Aubrey Johnson, who are PPSD parents, and Kingsley Dye, who is a PPSD student and member of the Providence Student Union. This group, again, met five times, also coordinated with the school board's Ad Hoc Committee, which was designed to handle issues related to the school's return to local control, and I really thank the school board for that collaboration. The issue of procurement really quickly emerged as an area that we could and should improve, Prior to the state takeover, purchasing most goods and services required contracts to move through multiple levels of review, could take more than 90 days for any single contract to be completed, and too frequently, and I think any of us who have anything to do with schools can remember this prior to the takeover, students and teachers often didn't have what they needed. This was like a no-no, and I'm really glad that we identified that this was something that we could address. We didn't want to replicate the old process when the schools came back, but we did agree that recruitment decisions should remain publicly accessible and subject to meaningful oversight So at that point, we requested legal guidance, as Jeff well knows. We made a lot of requests regarding procurement authority and procurement thresholds. The city solicitor's office advised that the reform could be implemented by ordinance rather than actually having to change the charters. So that's what we're doing now. So just so you know what's coming up, this ordinance will require a two-thirds vote following a public hearing. The public hearing will take place on June 13th at 5.30 p.m. And then at our second June meeting, we'll vote. I also want to note, sorry, July 13th at 5.30 p.m. And at our second July meeting. It is July now. I know that. In the weeks of this month, prior to the ordinance passing, the city is prepared to expedite any contracts essential for the start of school. And I also want to note that PPSD leadership worked really closely with right ahead of the school's return to make sure that that was really already taken care of. So the school's in really good shape, although this is not happening coincident with the school district's return. We're in no way in crisis, and it's okay that we're taking this one to do this. And I'm very grateful to Zach Scott, Deputy Superintendent of Operations in particular, did really great work to make sure the district would be ready for action on August 1st. So I hope that all of you will support this important change that preserves accountability and increases efficiency. Thanks. Thank you, Chancellor. Thank you very much.

From my understanding, this working group was started in anticipation of local control. Not July 1st, local control. So I definitely want to give a huge shout out to all the members of this group to do this hard, due diligent work. Obviously, we're involved in lawyers. We wouldn't be able to do this without you guys, so we appreciate you guys as well. But this is a very powerful moment, I think, because what we're doing here, essentially, is something that a lot of politicians don't do, and I think it's important to recognize this moment and show it as an example of true leadership, not just here in Providence, but across the state. We are giving a little bit of power up in exchange for a more timely process for our students and that's why we do this work to improve the support and resources that our students receive so I just want to highlight that point that this isn't the end of it it seems like there's a lot more work to do but the fact that we're doing this now while the schools are coming back is a huge step in the right direction and I just want to give the flowers to the folks that brought us to this point. I'm proud to be here as his colleague. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Gosselin.

Thank you, Madam President. I also just want to commend Councillor Davidson for your leadership on this. Thank you for taking the bull by the horns literally and figuratively on this one. We know that this has been a big issue for province public schools for a very long time. I think as we retain local control, This is now day two of us having local control and we're able to now pass this ordinance thanks to your leadership and I want to commend you for that. I also want to thank Councilor Royas and everyone else who was on this as a co-sponsor. I think the important thing to acknowledge here is For many years, we were not able to legislate on Providence Public Schools. When I go back to my first term, this was something that was particularly frustrating for me, where when the state had taken over, we still were introducing resolutions. I personally was trying to legislate on this very issue around making sure our kids were getting the remote support and their families were getting the remote support when COVID struck and they were getting that kind of training, especially when they were doing that remote learning. And then also prioritizing COVID-19 access for some of our educators and that was something that was transmitted to the state during that time. But as you know, our hands have been tied for many years because we haven't had local control. And I'm looking forward to now being able to legislate on our schools. As someone who was a 4th grade teacher for over 10 years, education is obviously one of the most important things to me. As someone who went to Providence Public Schools from K-8, and also has a master's of arts in teaching, I think that we need to be doing more to advance education, and this is the first step. I do want to point out something here that, to your point, is very, very fundamental, which is we've got, traditionally, we've got the Board of Contract and Supply, and we've heard it time and time again. When you think about the John Hopkins report from 2019, the bureaucracy was the issue. There were too many chefs in the kitchen trying to manage how spending was happening in our public schools, and teachers were simply trying to buy goods and materials to make sure that their kids could be centered in the classroom. And this changed from Striking out board of contract and supply to purchasing agent is a huge change. And again, I wanna thank you for your leadership. I wanna thank everybody involved, the Providence Public School Teachers Union for their work on this and our city solicitor's office to bringing this across the finish line here. So that way we can finally start addressing some of the needs in our school. And again, I just want to thank everybody who's been a part of that process and really excited to start legislating again so we can finally start centering the interests and needs of our kids and our families. So thank you very much, Councilor. Thank you, Councilman White.

Thank you, Madam President. Also, I will say But my remarks won't really differ from what my colleagues just said. But I do want to shout out my brilliant colleague, Consular Davidson, who immediately joined this council, took on this issue, and was just an excellent facilitator of this working group, which many stakeholders, I would say, had very strong opinions, very different perspectives. and I think we were able to arrive to something really tangible for students and staff at our public schools. I just want to take a ground level approach and think about the difference this will make. I too work in schools and when teachers and students don't have the resources, the material resources they need, to do their job, to learn. It's like screaming in a void. You feel so alone. You feel like no one is on your side. No one cares. And so when you have something as simple as pencils and toilet paper, it makes a difference. And so to my colleague's point, we are trying to make sure that your orchestra is not standing in the way of our students and staff who are... who are trying to do the hard work of preparing young people for their next phase of life and so um yeah i think this is out of my four years in the council this is one of the most tangible things that will make a real difference for students and teachers so thank you counselor and thank you to my councils who will support us thank you council member oh thank you

Thank you for the opportunity to talk about education. For me, education is the key to open so many doors. But what door are you teaching to the kids to open the bigger door? We go back the same thing, or we doing it different? Because that's all I want, is come back, you have to make it different. What's the difference? For the uniform, what's the difference? for after-school program. What's the difference can the kids have a support when they have? What's the difference when they're nine to 12 having buses to go to the school because sometimes the kids not go to school because they have to fully around, you know, taking one bus, another bus, another bus, and also not having very close to high school vendors. for the, you know, better clothes to her home, because Mojave has to go fully around to the city. We need to address that. Because that kid, you want to give him a successful university, you have a good job, you have everything, but you're not giving it to him. If he goes back and does the same thing, we lose so many kids. Because one day I listened to one guy who said, We don't have more school here in Providence. We have to have more jail. And I say to my kids, you're not going to the jail. You're not going to the jail. You need to have a better education and focus. I can bring it to you.

I can, you know, I have a neighbor.

Neighbor, please drop me off my kids in there because we need help. Not only come back to the city, but what do we do for better futures? We can be the small state, but we have big issues. for the education. That's awesome.

Thank you, councillor. Further discussion?

Thank you. First, I'd like to commend Councilwoman Davidson for her passion and her leadership. She's no stranger to education as herself, being such a talented and has a higher education and involvement in the public school system. And so I really appreciate your leadership and stepping forward. ensuring that the work that we as a city council were doing and continue to do with the administration to ensure that we were guaranteeing a smooth transition to self-control and we finally got it with local control and we got it and through your leadership and seeing the need that the top issue for us as a city and for the public school system was this contracting quagmire that we had not going backwards and sort of that control and through your leadership we're going to be passing this legislation this ordinance first of all and then going to the committee because we know that we need that smoother smooth transition and it's about collaborative work respectful work that we're sending a message to the state I'm sending a message to the leadership of the province public school system, their leadership, that we are and will be a continuous presence at the table to discuss the education of our kids. For me, it's been, with everything, full circle as a student myself, in the school system, and then as a parent and advocate, to know that a system was failing a lot of our kids, and now we are making that much progress. But for us, it's not to accept what we just made progress on, whether it's that 2% or 3%. We need to take it to the next level. This is a historical time and a leadership time for us to step forward and lead with passion, but respect our own legislative responsibilities, but also to maintain our presence at the table along with other teachers union, teachers, parents, because they're also so important to the discussion. I hope that on July 13th at 5.30 at city hall, we can hear from the community to ensure that their voices are heard. Because I know that this city council has been about that, has been about having these workshops throughout the years engaging parents to make sure that their voices are heard. And I hope that we continue doing that and that we call upon our parents and our teachers and students to voice their opinion on July 13th at 5.30. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion on item 16? Hearing none, may I please call the roll?

Council President Miller? Aye. Deputy Majority with Vanderbilt? Aye. Councilor Davidson? Aye. Majority Leader Espanol is absent. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonsalves?

Aye.

Councilwoman Graves is absent. Deputy Majority Leader Harris? Aye. Councilwoman Peterson? Aye. Council President Pritchard and Board Pichardo? Aye. Councilor Ruiz? Aye. Councilwoman Ryan is absent. Majority Wood-Sanchez? Aye. Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas? Aye. Councilman Oscar Vargas is absent. We have ten ayes, five absent. The motion carries. The matter is passed for the first time on a roll call vote and refers to the committee on hold.

Thank you. Madam Clerk, congratulations to Councilman Davidson and to us all. I don't mean to thank us for doing our work, but it's a record, a record key way of going. It's the eve of the 250th anniversary of this country. Congress would have said to postpone or cancel this meeting. We did not because we want to move this forward now, right, as soon as possible. And so I just want to thank you. all of you for being here and doing this vote and moving this forward so that we can have our two-thirds on vote one. I really appreciate it. Madam Clerk, item 17.

Madam President, motion to waive the reading of item 17 through 20. Second.

We have a motion and a second. Special Counsel Anna Watt. I'm incredibly excited about and I know that Chairman Sanchez will receive it well when it comes to ways and means.

The tool design group contract is to do significant design engineer work or planning for North Main Street. And this has been a long time coming and a lot of hard work to get the state to, this is being funded by state transportation improvement plan funds. And it's been a hard process to get this part moving and we'll make some really substantial changes on the street. In addition to all the things we've already been doing, but we really need a big road design. So I'm just really excited about this. He's not here, but Kyle has been, Kyle on our staff has just been indispensable in getting all this through. And it's been a labor of love. I just wanted to acknowledge that that's what this is.

Can't wait for it to come to committee and when it passes, I will cry.

Thank you, Madam President. Item number 17 is a small amendment to Chapter 15, Code of Ordinances. So one of the things that we often hear from our neighbors is that people park very close to the curb. And what that does is it limits the visibility from cars that are trying to turn left or right or even stop at a stop sign. So this is a simple amendment that would extend that distance so you can park as close to the curb. And this is in line with our best practices that we see nationally. Actually, this was a good suggestion that came from our curbside minister to extend the distance that you can park next to someone's driveway or a curb cut. It's about pedestrian safety, just safety in general as people are trying to have more visibility as they're utilizing a vehicle. But it's a very simple amendment, and I hope that I can earn your support and your co-sponsorship on item number 17. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Madam President. Provided Discussion 17 through 20, Council on Bargains.

Sorry, I keep turning this thing off.

Very good point, because I have these shoes. And my history is very narrow. It's too big. But Yuna can go to the left, and Yuna can go to the right. And he also said, you want to go to the chronic chair? You can go because we have the parking lot and we have flat issues. And so you talk to the people, people say, oh, I don't have a parking lot. Well, the city have to address that. And I hope in my history, not having one more issue because last time, the buses come for many kids that day. And he said I can go back because that's dangerous. And he has to wait to the police to come out. to say, hey, we said we love this car. We knocked all the doors, and we found out that the guy who's parking over there, he was in the car. So this is, we have to, I am, I am, because this is the issue that we right now, we have it. We live in New York right now, or Boston, people parking no matter what. Thank you. Thank you, Catherine. Great discussion. Thank you. All in favor?

Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. I commend Clerk Cleaver v. 17 to the Committee on Ordinances 18 through 22, especially on Ways and Means. So moved. I would like to entertain a motion to take Item 35 out of order. So moved.

Madam President, a motion to hear Item 35 out of order.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?

Thank you very much for this quick change. I wanted to have this heard. We have a lot of members from the Rhode Island School of the Deaf here who are here to listen and see if we support and approve this. And I'm hoping, because we're also very engaged on all the things that we have in this in our docket today. I'm hoping that we can just, ahead of time, be able to support this, or pass this, crossing my fingers, and support them by being able to finalize this now. I'm done.

Yes. All right.

I don't think I need a mic. I just want to say.

Video. Video? Yeah.

For the video.

Okay.

So people can hear it online.

Yeah.

I want to read the audience first.

Resolution first.

All right. Thank you. Madam Clerk, take it away.

Madam President, motion to pass item 35 on a voice vote.

after the . Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. Oh, yay.

Whereas Jenny Lippitt, having been weaponed from sclerotic fever at the age of four, lacked an equal and accessible opportunity for a comprehensive education,

And whereas, Rhode Island had no school for the deaf prior to and following initial demographic and educational reporting on the deaf community in Rhode Island in 1836, with the state instead subsidizing education for deaf students at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, and at the Horace Mann School in Boston, Massachusetts. And whereas, determine that Jenny learned to speak Mary Ann Lippitt developed a method of teaching both lip reading and speech for Jenny, with later teachers including Harriet B. Rogers, Mary C. Wheeler, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Alexander Graham Bell furthering the education of her daughter. And whereas, in recognition of the unmet needs of the deaf and hard of hearing children in Rhode Island, Mary Ann Lippitt founded the Rhode Island School for the Deaf in 1876. And whereas, through the diligence and commitment of Lippitt and that of her husband, Governor Henry Lippitt, the Rhode Island School for the Deaf became a state public school the following year. And whereas, the Rhode Island School for the Deaf is a public school providing an expansive bilingual and bicultural education to students from the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, and fostering academic and personal growth from preschool through high school. And whereas, in the 150 years since its founding, the Rhode Island School for the Deaf has incorporated the linguistic, pedagogical, and social-emotional advancements made by and in support of deaf and hard of hearing people, and in the furtherance of the empowerment and inclusion of its students. And whereas, the life of Jenny Lippitt and the ensuing work of her mother, Mary Ann, influenced innovative and progressive education for both deaf and hearing students generally, with Mary C. Wheeler going on to found the Wheeler School and Harriet B. Rogers going on to found what later became the Clark Schools for Hearing and Speech. And whereas, the Providence City Council wishes to convey its gratitude for and support of an abiding institution that has educated and empowered deaf and hard of hearing children for 150 years. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Providence City Council hereby honors the life and legacy of Jenny Lippitt, whose life inspired tireless advocacy for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing people And be it further resolved that the Providence City Council hereby officially rename the street known as Corliss Park to Jenny Lippitt Circle, ensuring the abiding presence of the name and legacy of Jenny Lippitt and the continued inspiration toward advocacy for the empowerment and inclusion of all people. And be it further resolved that upon passage, copies of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Jenny Lippitt, the Lippitt House Museum, the Rhode Island School of the Deaf, the United States Postal Service Postmaster for Providence, the Office of the City of Providence Director of Public Works, Patricia A. Coyne-Fay, and the Office of the Mayor of Providence, Brett B. Smiley. Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Councilor Sanchez, do you have a motion?

Yeah, the motion was to approve item 35 on the voice vote. Thank you.

Thank you. Madam President, thank you for the opportunity. Fellow counselors, today I'm filled with tremendous pride to recognize the students of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf for an accomplishment that extends far beyond a street name. This is a story about civic engagement, advocacy, and the power of young people to create meaningful change. These students recognized a real issue. With two streets in Providence named Corliss, they understood that the duplicate names could create confusion for visitors, emergency responders, deliveries, and members of their school community. Instead of simply accepting it, they decided to do something about it. They learned how local government works. They researched the issue, offered solutions, organized their petition, contacted their elected officials, and brought their proposal before the IRC committee and finally the city council. They didn't wait for someone else to solve this problem. They became part of the solution. And this is exactly what civic engagement is about. This moment is especially meaningful to me because it reminds me of where my own passion for civic engagement began. As a student, I had an incredible teacher in Greg Amore who taught me that government, I told him that I would say his name in this, so if he's watching. Who taught me that government isn't something we simply observe. It's something we all have a responsibility to participate in. He challenged his students to understand how government works, and more importantly, to believe that our voices could make a difference. Today, as the Rhode Island Secretary of State, he has made civic education and engagement a cornerstone of his work, inspiring a new generation to become active participants in our democracy. Those lessons have stayed with me. They helped shape my decision to run for office, and they also continue to guide how I serve every day. One of my personal goals as a counselor has always been to encourage residents, especially our young people, to recognize that government belongs to them too. These students have demonstrated exactly what that looks like. They identified a problem, built consensus, engaged with these elected officials, specifically me, so thank you, and created meaningful change. Frankly, many adults could learn from this example. I also want to recognize the thoughtful name that they selected. They chose Jenny Lippitt Circle to honor Jenny Lippitt, the school's very first student. Her family's determination to ensure she received an education led to the establishment of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, creating opportunities for generations of students who followed. It's a beautiful way to honor the school's history while looking towards its future. To the students that are here, Today isn't simply about changing the name of a street, it's about proving that your voices matter. You saw a problem, you worked together, and through perseverance and collaboration, you made your community better. You have shown all of us what active citizenship looks like. I also want to recognize that this achievement is especially meaningful because it comes from the students specifically. Too often, people focus on barriers instead of possibilities. And today, you students have shown that determination, leadership, and civic responsibility is louder than any barrier ever could be. Your actions are an inspiration to all of us. I want to thank your teachers, your administrators, your families, and everyone who encouraged you to put forward this effort. Most importantly, I want to thank you for reminding us that democracy is strongest when everybody has an opportunity to participate. I respectfully ask my colleagues for their full support of this resolution. Today, we're here honoring both the legacy of Jenny Lippitt and the extraordinary group of students who have demonstrated that leadership has no age limit and every voice has the power to make a difference.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Harris.

Thank you, and thank you, Councilwoman Peterson, for this wonderful, wonderful effort that you have made to bring this resolution before us. I will be supporting this, fully supporting this today. One of the things that I really have been appreciative of serving as the chair of the Urban Redevelopment, Planning and Redevelopment Committee, along with the committee members that I serve with, is I get a chance to hear about all the rich history in Providence. And one of the things I wanna say that was so amazing about the committee meeting that happened with the school, with the students that came here to present their presentation, it was a great presentation, well done, very, a lot of information, I mean, very thorough, done by great students who were really concentrating on the purpose of being here and the purpose of being able to pass this resolution. And as a former organizer, I get such a kick out of people who take an aggressive move towards let's do this. It's a purpose, it's a reason, and it's a purpose for us to do that. And so I appreciate you. I appreciate how you brought it to us through your partnership, either with my council colleague, how you was able to reach out and make this worthwhile. I just want to say that this was one of the best presentations that has been working for the Earth Committee, although we serve a lot of people and a lot of people come in to tell us about different parts of the city of Providence. I appreciate you and thank you for being here tonight again, just being in the present of what we do here. Thank you.

President Scott, item 35.

I just want to thank Councilor Peterson for collaborating with the students to pursue this. I'm inspired right now and just simply want to say that you all will always have, you always will be seen and heard by the Providence City Council and you always have a seat here. And may you one day be the a seat of leadership and power because your experience and your advocacy, just like on this issue, you all deserve a seat right here because of that. So thank you all.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Go ahead.

Go, go.

I really can't thank you enough enough. I really could not thank you enough, you know, because that was a break, and we said thank you. And I really love it. They make it for you now because they make a history. We go back to the history, and then that history, you know, maintained. they believe that we can, you know, do this. So I want to say thank you all for the presentation. I hope that the delivery, when it goes there, it's not new, it's not going to another place. And, you know, we can go forward. I hope that we can have a little ceremony and can be there to say, you know, we made it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chancellor, for the discussion on item 35. Amen. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Thank you all so much for being here. I'm very pleased. All right, I'm clerk. Item 21. Item 21, right? Yes. All right, item 21.

Madam President, motion to waive the reading of item 21 and pass on a voice vote.

Second, Madam President.

Thank you. Any discussion on item 21? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Item 22. Tina?

I think it's... Did you get me on that? I don't know if I'm supporting this. I'm going to abstain from 21. Item 21. Thank you.

If you'd like, can we take a picture with all of us? Would that be okay?

Sure.

Are we going outside for that? Go outside? Right in front of you guys. Tina, I'm sorry.

I thought this was something different. I had no idea.

Yeah, I haven't.

Sorry. I just, I was confused about what it was. Okay. You want this on the floor? I'm just...

Okay. Where are we going?

Right where you are.

Oh, okay. Okay.

Shelly! Shelly! Shelly!

Cheers.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Enjoy your summer, and thank you all.

We're ready.

Okay, we're at item 22, please.

Madam President, motion to waive the reel. Item 22.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 22? Hearing none, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed, any abstentions? The motion passes. Final clerk, please refer 22 to the Special Committee on Ways and Means.

So moved.

Item 23. Madam President, motion to waive the review of item 23 through 25 and pass on a voice of vote. Second.

Any discussion on item 23 through 25? Hearing none, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

The motion passes.

Item 26.

Madam President, motion to waive the reading of items 26 and 27.

Second.

We have a motion and a second.

Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam Clerk, please refer 26 to Public Works, 27 to the Special Committee on Ways and Means.

I just want to give a huge shout out to Alec and Emily for writing this resolution. It's wonderfully written, but what it is speaking about is celebrating and recognizing the amazing groups of the Target Army and the Ghana Black Stars who have been wonderful guests and visitors in our city and are welcome back at any time. They obviously were here for the FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, our Scottish friends are not participating anymore, but the Ghana Black Stars are still in play in the tournament. I believe they played tomorrow, but this type of support and involvement from all city officials and public safety department has been doing a tremendous job. These celebrations have brought communities together to celebrate are very diverse cultures here and in Providence, but the diverse cultures of the visitors that have been here. I don't know if folks have been to the PVD Fan Zone or participated in any of the activities, but I have, and it's been a really fun time. There hasn't been really any issues, so definitely just want to highlight these two groups in specific, but as a whole, There's been so many different groups of folks with all types of backgrounds and experiences that have visited or that are province residents and have participated in these very festive and very celebratory activities. So I want to give a quick shout out to all the city folks that have made this a wonderful experience. And it's going to be active fan zone until July 19th. So thank you for your support on this resolution.

Thank you, Councillor. Councillor McAdams.

I can't miss a good opportunity. Thank you, Madam President. I want to say thank you to Alec and Emily for putting this together as well. And you know that I might come back with one for Team K for Viva Campo Verde. We're playing in the fan zone this Friday. And no offense to the Tartan Army or the Ghana Black Stars, but Team Cape Verde, let's get it. Or the plane. Or Argentina. So we'll see. Just got to make sure you're black and messy, and I think you should be okay. No problem. Got it.

I will be there.

Further discussion on 28. When you're done, all in favor. Aye. Any opposed, any abstentions? Motion passes. Councilman Harris, point of first participation.

Yes, I'd like to take a moment, thank you, Madam President, and revisit item 24, which is honoring the Liberian Independence Day in the city of Providence. One of the things that we have been doing that I have been appreciative of since I've been in council is celebrating the culture of different nationalities and different people and different things that it's very important to us to be able to have knowledge around. So the Liberian Independent Day is going to be July the 26th. We have our city spodgen we all love, who is Liberian. Thank you for being here. We're excited to celebrate you again this year. You have the council president and I speaking. So we're very happy to do just that. Thank you. Thank you, .

Thank you, Councilor. It's also a big element to point out that we do not have tonight our co-sponsor sheets. So after the meeting, you can send the co-sponsors any co-sponsors from tonight's meeting. As I'm sure you will want to on April 24th. All right, where are we? April 29th?

Madam President, motion to waive the reading of items 29 through 32 and pass for the first time on a full call vote.

Fuck him. Thank you. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 29 through 32?

Councilwoman Adams. Thank you, sir. Thank you, ma'am. I just wanted to say a quick note on item 32, and thank everyone in advance for their vote in support. This is going to change the zoning for 163 North Main Street, which is currently a vacant parking lot, and they're going to be able to build a mixed-use building on it with housing and businesses, and I'm just really excited to see multiple North Main things happening in one Agenda tonight, because there's some real progress happening, is really gratifying to see. So I thank you in advance for helping to turn what is now a naked parking lot into a beautiful mixed-use building on Lord Main. Thank you. Councilor McEwen?

Thank you. I don't want to belabor that point, but I also just want to thank Councilor Anderblad for her support on that. I know how big a priority transit-oriented development and multimodal transportation are for you. So this is a huge win for the city and it's going to be a huge catalyst for all the transit-oriented development that is here to come on North Main. So thank you for all your efforts.

Thank you, Councilman Peterson. Thank you. I wanted to just speak really quickly on 131. You are all strangers to the work that I've been trying to do in my neighborhood with regards to the issues that surround our neighborhood as a result of student housing and the college itself. While I am supporting this particular ordinance, I do want to make sure that we put on record that the reality of what we need to be doing with our specifically in their institutional zones is actually being a little bit more present and aware of what's coming forward and making recommendations as to what should be done when they're looking to expand. So with that being said, the main committee spoke and I said again there that I would hope that going forward the college, local college, province college, look to prioritize building another dorm when they're looking to make amendments to their iZone, to their institutional zone, and I want to make sure that I post that here. So I do, I am supporting this, but my goal and I would hope that their goal is that they prioritize dorm building within their campus. So, thank you. Thank you, Councilor.

Further discussion, 29 through 32. There are none. I don't think there's one more.

Council President Miller.

Aye.

Deputy Majority Leader Vanderbilt. Aye. Councilor Davidson.

Aye.

Majority Leader Espanol is absent. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez. Aye. Councilwoman Graves is absent. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Aye. Councilwoman Peterson. Aye. Council President Pro Tempore-Pichardo.

Aye.

Councilor Royas. Aye. Councilwoman Browning is absent. Majority with Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas. Aye. Councilman Oscar Vargas is absent. You have 10 ayes, 5 absent. The motion carries. The matters are approved for the first time on a roll call vote.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Item 33. Madam President, motion to read the reading of items 33 and 34 and pass on a voice vote.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 33 or 34? Pro Tempore Charter.

Madam President, on number 33, the resolution honoring William J. Rose and ceremonially renaming Burnett Street. to William J. Roseway, is a gentleman who served in Vietnam and has been supporting and giving back to the community for the past 50 years, I would say, and is a part of the West End legacy and supporting those men and women and families with their recovery and returning back to no more life, as we call it. And so this will be a tremendous honor for them, and I hope my colleagues can also do the honors and promote the paper of this resolution. Thank you. Thank you, Counselor.

Further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes.

Thank you. I just wanted to do a quick point of personal expression. We actually put into resolution recognizing Peruvian independence. To our friends from the Liberian community, one of the things that I often look forward to is actually being able to share that Peruvian independence is on the 28th of July. And so our events happen to be back to back every single time. And I just want to thank you, but also recognize that there's a Peruvian community here where we share in a lot of our cultural opportunities as well. And we welcome you to join us. Our event will be on July 30th this year. And typically what we do is myself and we now have a representative in the up in the General Assembly that's also Peruvian and so we usually try to do back and forth one year in the State House and one year in the City Council. So this year we get to host. So I welcome everybody to that opportunity. And then the second thing that I have to speak on is we had a member of our community, of the Ward 12 community here today wanting to speak on a community-like day. And he wanted to speak directly to the counselors. And I said I'd happily address and see if I can offer my support in this way. So the program called Wayne's Mentorship Through Sports is having a community bike day, which is going to be on July 25th. It's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it starts over at the State House, and it ends over at Davis Park. And one of the things that he wanted to do was invite all of the counselors. If you don't have a bike, it's okay. He will find you one. But he wanted to make sure counselors were aware and could actually enjoy this opportunity. So... When he looks back and sees the recording and sees that I did it, please make sure Community Bike Day, July 25th, sponsored and offered by the Wings Vendorship through Providence, I'm sorry, through Sports. And it'll happen, it starts at the State House. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hi, guys.

Who has the mic for? Hello, okay, I am 36.

Madam President, a motion to wait for reading of items 36 and 37, sub 2, and have the first time on our roll call vote as amended.

Second, Madam President.

Any discussion on items 36 or 37? Hearing none, a matter of third, please call the roll.

Council President Miller? Aye. Deputy Majority Whippendorff? Aye. Councilor Davidson? Aye.

Aye.

Aye. Aye. Councilwoman Ryan is absent. Majority of it, Sanchez? Aye. Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Hanna-Vargas? Aye. Councilman Oscar-Vargas is absent. We have 10 ayes, 5 absent. The motion carries. The matters are passed for the first time on a roll call vote as amended. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Item 38. Madam President, motions with reading of item 38 and passed for the first time on a roll call vote.

Second, Madam President.

Item 38. I'm here to speak on the rules.

Council President Miller.

Aye.

Deputy Majority Leader Vanderbilt. Aye. Councilor Davidson. Aye. Majority Leader Espinosa is absent. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Hemsworth. Aye. Councilwoman Graves is absent. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Aye. Councilwoman Peterson. Aye. Council President Kershner-Ford. Aye.

Councilor Reyes.

Aye. Councilwoman Ryan is absent. Majority with Sanchez. Aye. Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas. Aye. Councilman Oscar Vargas is absent. We have 10 ayes, 5 absent. The motion carries. The matter is passed for the first time on roll call vote.

Madam President, point of personal expression. Thank you. I know, guys, it's hot, but I have full intention in sharing what I'm about to share at today's meeting. Even though this incident didn't happen in Providence, it happened over in Pawtucket, it's something that I think touched and broke down the hearts of the Rhode Island community And that's a very unfortunate incident that happened, I believe it was Sunday into Monday, where a family, a mom, her daughter, and a granddaughter drowned in a car, unfortunately, did not make it. So I just wanted to take a quick moment to share my thoughts and prayers and strength and love. to that family in the Pawtucket and Rhode Island community as a whole. It's something that, you know, definitely has been on my mind all week. It's a reminder on how precious this life is to do the best thing that we can do on a day-to-day basis because we don't know that tomorrow's going silence. If you guys allow me 10 seconds to honor the family and also share that there is a co-funding going around on social media to raise funds for that family. Thank you, Mr. President. Motion to read the reading of item 39.

Aye. Any opposed?

Any abstentions? The motion passes. Item 40.

Madam President, motion to read the reading of item 40 and continue indefinitely. Second, Madam President.

I need a special on item 40. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Item 40 is continued indefinitely. Item 41. Madam President, motion to agree to items 41 through 47. Second, Madam President. Any discussion on items 41 through 47? Hearing none, all in favor? Aye.

We're going to finish the vote.

Any opposed? Any abstentions? I'm pushing that you got that information, Counselor. The motion passes. Counselor, please refer item 41 to the Committee on Ordinances, 42, the claimant pending, please.

43 through 47, please note that was received. Counselor Morales. I just, before we conclude, I want to thank our amazing Avery for her contributions. Avery, I was talking to her the other day, and I just, you know, prior to her coming, I think that, well, let me just say, she has made government more accessible through her graphics, through her talents, and We will miss her so much. And I just want to say thank you, Avery, for being you, for serving all 15 counselors. And I know I personally have probably driven you crazy more than Avery.

We will miss you, and we wish you the best.

Thank you.

Avery, I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Council President. I just want to say thank you as well. I know I probably annoyed you, too, just like everybody else. I didn't.

I didn't have a lot of change.

This is my constituents. They're always like, oh, can you add this graphic with this thing in it? And I'm just like, OK, all right, like six different changes. But she always kept a smile on her face. And I appreciate all that you do, despite all the annoyances of trying to change the logo or the graphic or something like that. But truly, I think the reason why so many people know what's going on in this city is because of the great work that you do. And I think oftentimes people don't realize all the amazing people behind the scenes that allow the city to run and function and do all the great things that we do. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Council Member Vargas.

Wow, wow, wow.

The good people, that's not good. I want to say something to you. Continue you. Be you. Because when I came to you, you opened. And I feel so comfortable to say something Because you and I can make it. So we do the mistake. But the mistake that you have, never say no. Always say yes. I can do that. Oh, I can change it. Oh, you know, continue in your passion. No matter where you go, you'll never stop.

I like that.

Thank you. I'll start off with Avery. I thought I was the only one. But no, sincerely, I know the city council puts the best foot forward, makes it look even better in the world of our constituents. And as has been said before, we are the voice of the people of our constituency. And you have made it very palatable for them, but also visually. And I know it takes a team, and I know through Katie and Gabby and the whole administration. But it is... A tremendous loss for the state of Providence to lose you for your great talent, especially on the communication side, the graphics and so forth, and we wish you the best. I tried, guys, to keep her without the permission of the president or even anybody. I was like, okay, what am I going to do? You know, it's heck of a work. But thank you for being here with us and supporting us. So thank you. And the last two things I wanted to just add was that we lost a dear person in our community, and that was the former executive director for International Institute, William Howard Shuey, which is called Bill Shuey. And tremendous loss. I know that... Many of us immigrants and family members went to that agency along with the board. He was a wonderful man, passionate, and we lost him. So I would certainly like to just mention him and also that we can adjourn after his name, too, and take a moment of silence. In addition to that, There's a lot of tragedy and wars going on in the world. We live in a very chaotic world right now. But just remembering Venezuela, who just went through a tremendous earthquake that killed so many people. And the people are being, have been responding at the local level, the state of Providence, state of Rhode Island, to help the Venezuelan people. I know on Broad Street and Wolf Theater this past weekend, there were tons of stuff being delivered, and I encourage everybody to Continue to be compassionate and making sure that our prayers, whatever religion we come from, whether you're Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, we all know we want peace. And when these type of tragic incidents take place, that's sort of God will sustain. Let's reflect. Let's be good human beings. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Pro Tem. Before we wrap up, I just want to thank, of course, my friends, Senator O'Mara for their hospitality tonight. Also, you know, I think we all recognize how much work goes into having a city council meeting happen and all of our communities happen. is much more apparent when we all have to move. And so I know that all of the staff and the clerk's office and our council staff and our public safety staff did a lot of work to accommodate this move tonight to make it a more healthy meeting for the public and for us. And I just want to really sincerely thank every one of you for making that happen. and I'm not going to go ahead and read until 5, but thank you. All right, my friends.

Item 48. Madam President, motion to waive the reading of item 48 and pass on a voice vote.

Second, Madam President.

Any discussion? All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Item 49.

Madam President, motion to waive the reading of item 49 and pass on a unanimous right-wing vote.

Second, Madam President.

Any discussion on 49? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes.

Madam President, if there's no further business, I will make a motion to adjourn this meeting.

Second. And thank you. We'll adjourn in honor of Bill Shue's memory. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? We are adjourned. Thank you. Thank you.