City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone and welcome to the Providence City Council on uh this Thursday, February 19th. Madame Clerk, please call the role. Council President Miller, present. Deputy Majority Whip Anderwis, present. Councelor Davidson, present. Majority Leader Espanol, present. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez, present. Councilwoman Graves, Deputy Majority Leader Harris, present. Councilwoman Peterson, Council President Prompor Picardo, present. Councelor Royas is absent. Councilwoman Ryan, present. Majority Whip Sanchez, present. Councilman Taylor, present. Councilwoman Anna Vargas, Councilman Oscar Vargas,

present. You have 14 present and one absent. You have a quum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. This evening, the Invocation will be led by Majority Leader Pedro Espanel. Will everyone please rise, including our guests? Thank you, Madam President. Dear Lord, we come to you tonight together to ask for your blessings, to ask that you guide us as we prepare to do the people's business. In you, we trust. Amen.

Thank you. And the pledge of allegiance will be led by Councilman John Gonhouse. I pledge of 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. Madame Clerk, item three, please. Madam President, majority leader, motion to wait the reader of item three and move approval. Second, Madam President,

we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Uh, Madam Clerk, please open the vote. Councilwoman Graves and Councilwoman Peterson, can you please vote? The vote is now closed. You have 15 eyes. The minutes are approved. Madam clerk, please note that Councilman Royes has joined us. So noted. Item four.

Madam President, majority leader. Motion to w the read of item 4 through 20 and substitute item number 12. Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items 4 through 20? Councilwoman Peterson.

Thank you. I just wanted to take a quick minute to congratulate award 14 member um Mr. Felix Berios is going to be a part of the once he's sworn in be a part of the ethics commission and I'm really proud um to be able to garner that to provide that support for him. He is a um born and raised Providence constituent and a member of the Mount Pleasant High School kilties and he is um one of those people that you know that wants to contribute back because he received so much and he wants to pay it forward and I'm just really happy to be able to support the community members that really want to come back and do more for for our community again. So, um congratulations Felix. We're going to take a quick picture at the end so I hope that everybody stays and does it. Thanks.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Further discussion on items 4 through 20. Councilman Gonovs.

Thank you, Madam President. I just I wasn't prepared to speak, but I I do want to just thank everybody who is here um and who is going to be serving the city of Providence. I know we have many people that are going to be appointed to the art and city life commission as well as the downtown design review committee as well as uh some of the other uh positions that we have available with the historic district commission. And I just want to thank each and every person who is here who's willing to serve in this capacity in the city. And we just want to thank you for all that you'll continue to do. So, uh, if we could just give them a round of applause for their service in advance. And, um, thank you for serving. We can't thank you enough.

Thank you, Councilman. Further discussion items 4 through 20 hearing. None. All in favor? I. I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? The eyes have it. Madame clerk, please note four through 16 as received. Item 17, please refer to the committee on finance as well as 18 and 19 to the committee on finance and item 20 note as received. So noted. Item 21. Madam President, majority leader motion to wave the reading 21 and pass for the second time in a roll code vote. Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 21? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please open the vote and call the role. The vote is open. Council President Miller,

I. Deputy Majority Whip Anderwis, I. Councelor Davidson, hi. Majority Leader Espanol. Hi. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez. Hi. Councilwoman Graves. Hi. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Hi. Councilwoman Peterson. Hi. C council president prompor Petardo I councelor Royas sorry cl just a clarification this is a motion this is a motion to approve the first time nay councilwoman Ryan I majority whip Sanchez I councilman Taylor I

councilwoman Anna Vargas Councilman Oscar Vargas you have 14 eyes and one nay. The motion carries. The matter is approved for the second time on a roll call vote and the vote is closed. Thank you. Item 22. Madam President, majority leader. Motion to wear the reader item 22 and pass for the second time in a roll call vote. Second, Madam President. Any discussion on item 22? Hearing none, Madame Clerk, please open the vote and call the role. The vote is open. Council President Miller. Hi. Deputy Majority Whip Anderis. Hi. Councelor Davidson. Hi. Majority Leader Espanol.

Hi. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez. Hi. Councilwoman Graves. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Hi. Councilwoman Peterson. Wouldn't abstain. Council President Prompor Picardo. I council Royas. Nay. Councilwoman Ryan. I. Majority Whip Sanchez. Councilman Taylor. I. Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Hi. Councilman Oscar Vargas. I.

You have 13 eyes, one nay, one abstension. The motion carries. The matter is passed for the second time on a roll call vote. And Councilman Taylor, can you put in your electronic vote? Thank you. And the vote is closed. Item 23. Madam President, majority leader. Motion to wait the reading of item 23 and pass for the second time and a roll call vote. Second, Madam President. Any discussion on item 23? Council members. No. Hearing none. Uh, Madame Clerk, please open the vote and call the role. Vote is open. Council President Miller. I, Deputy Majority Whip Anderwis. Hi. Councelor Davidson, I.

Majority Leader Espanol. I, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez, I. Councilwoman Graves, Deputy Majority Leader Harris, I. Councilwoman Peterson, nay. Council President Pro Temporardo, I. Council Royas, sorry. Nay. Councilwoman Ryan. Hi. Majority Whip Sanchez. Councilman Taylor. I. Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Hi. Councilman Oscar Vargas. I.

You have 12 eyes and three nazs. The motion passes. The matters passed for the second time on a roll call vote. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 24. Madam President, Majority Leader, motion to wave the reading item 24 and pass for the second time in a roll call vote. Second, Madam President, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 24? Hearing none. Madame clerk, please uh open the vote and call the role. The vote is open. Council President Miller, I. Deputy Majority Whip Andera. Hi. Councelor Davidson. Hi. Majority Leader Espanol. Hi. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez. Hi. Councilwoman Graves, Deputy Majority Leader Harris,

I. Councilwoman Peterson, I Council President Prompor Pardo, I, Council Royas, I, Councilwoman Ryan, I, Majority Whip Sanchez, Councilman Taylor, Hi, Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Hi, Councilman Oscar Vargas. I you have 15 eyes. The motion carries. The matters passed for the second time on a roll call vote and the vote is closed. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 25. Madam President, majority leader motion to weigh the reader of item 25. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor?

I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? The motion passes. Madam clerk, please refer item 25 to the committee on finance. So noted. Item 26. Madam President, majority leader, motion to wave the reader item 26 through 28 and pass on a voice vote. Second, Madam President, we have a motion in a second. Any discussion on items 26 through 28? Madam President, may uh the clerk read the resolution? Item 28, please, Madam Clerk.

28. Whereas throughout the world and throughout the span of history, women have excelled in every vocation and walk of life without regard to race, religion, or background and have invaluably contributed to the welfare and prosperity of their families, communities, and societies. And whereas despite their invaluable contributions, evincing their equal and innate humanity and capacity, barriers persist to true and full gender equality in all aspects of life and across the world. And whereas women have nevertheless persisted in advancement and advocacy, increasing educational, occupational, and political representation while championing their own rights as well as those of all people. And whereas the state of Rhode Island has long been and remains home to women of extraordinary courage, resil resilience, and fortitude who have resisted injustice and striven to realize the possibility of a better world. Among them, Anne Hutchinson, the 102 strikers of the 1824 Slater Mill strike, Mary H. Dickerson, and Mary Anne Santino. And whereas Providence itself has a long has long been and remains home to women of equal character and fortitude who have likewise devoted themselves to the struggle for equality and justice. Among them, Cristiana Cartau Banister, Eleanor Eldridge, Elizabeth Buffam Chase, Grace Lee Bogs, Lesie C. Dunan and the advocates of the women woman XN project. And whereas such a legacy of committed advocacy can be witnessed in the history

of the Providence City Council itself, including Carolyn Brassel, the first woman to serve, Belbina Young, the first black woman to serve, and Carmen Castillo and Sabina Matoss, the first Latina woman to serve, and Evelyn Farnoli, the first woman to serve as council president. And whereas the current membership of the Providence City Council is a living embodiment of that legacy with its female majority, including Council President Rachel Miller, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, and Deputy Majority Whip Sue Andervois. And whereas amid the retrenchments of rights, protections, opportunities, and supports for women and girls both domestically and internationally, such such acts should prompt meaningful reflection on the interconnection of rights and opportunities. And whereas it is incumbent upon people of good conscience to take stock of the present moment and to recommmit themselves to the restoration, advancement, and protection of the rights of and opportunities for women and girls, knowing that all rights and freedoms will prove fragile when they are readily and swiftly rescended from veritably one half of a of society. And whereas the Providence City Council wishes unwaveringly and and an aireringly to honor its forebears in and to acknowledge its vital role in the empowerment of the women and girls of Providence. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Providence City Council hereby recognizes March 8th, 2026 as International Women's Day. Be it further resolved that the Providence City Council will celebrate and honor women and girls during a special event to be held on March 13, 2026 in the City

Council chamber. Be it further resolved that the Providence City Council hereby reaffirms its commitment to the furtherance of social, political, and economic equality for women, the assurance of the safety and welfare of all women, and the pursuit of policies guaranteeing and expanding the rights and opportunity of women and girls. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Discussion. Councilwoman Davidson.

Thank you, Madam President. I am honored to be part of the celebration of International Women's Day. I want to invite everybody to the celebration that we will be having here. Um the city council is very excited to sponsor the celebration. A slight clarification. The date has moved to March 20th. So Friday, March 20th in the evening, we'll be doing a wonderful celebration of the vibrant women of this city put on by the vibrant women and men of this council. And I invite everybody to join us. We'll have fabulous food, local businesses featured, and it really is a moment for all of us to stop, celebrate everything that we have done together, and to think carefully about how to make sure that the future is bright for all of our women and girls. Thank you.

Thank you, counselor. Further discussion, Councilwoman Vargas, thank you for the opportunity to give it. Yeah, I'm be a part of for the woman international. It's my pleasure to be invited for all the community. And that's only for the woman. The men is can come in too and have a see other woman can have a you know very good and go forward. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Thank you further discussion. Councilman Sanchez.

Thank you madam president. On behalf of all the dudes on the city council I just want to [laughter] highlight and and thank you uh all so much. Um it's such a great honor to serve uh with each and uh all of you eight of you guys. Um, this is this is exactly what most legislative bodies should look like across the country. I think we would be in a much better position if the Providence City Council uh representation ratio uh was uh was the the goal across the country because you guys uh lead in a very courageous, transparent uh bold, compassionate, empathetic uh way. and as a mama's boy. I I'll always uh uplift uh the the powerful women in in my life. So, um truly it's an honor. Council President, of course, um all the clerks, uh you guys are in the fight with with us just as much. Uh all the amazing women in our council office. Uh we would not be uh where we are without you guys uh leading the way. So, thank you all very much.

Noted. Thank you, sir. Council Anderwalk. So, I just also want to uh rise and acknowledge Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris who has shephered the celebration of International Women's Day for her whole time on council. And I'm just [applause] I'm very grateful and I think many of us are very grateful for all of your hard work and for including each and every one of us in the celebration over the last several years. Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion items 26 through 28. Hearing none. Uh, Madame Clerk, please open the vote. The vote is open. Council Aoras, the vote is now closed. That is 15 eyes for items 23 26 through 28 which are passed on a voice vote. Thank you madam clerk. Item 29. Madam president.

Majority leader. Motion to wave the read of matter 29 and 30. Second. Madam president. We have a motion in a second. Any discussion on items 29 and 30? Thank you so much uh madam president. Item 29. Uh we just put in this resolution because of the volume of calls uh being that the uh ripped up bus stops were not being uh treated in the right way and uh which endangers our constituents and the people of Providence. So this goes to as a reminder to RIP that that they need to do a better job uh when it snows this much. Thank you. Further discussion 29 and 30s. And

I would also like to add so thank you for putting this in um majority leader um and prom um and also if we could include in it asking the um state government to fully fund RIPA because I think that's been part of the problem with their ability to actually do the work. I know in my neighborhood there were like RIPA workers out there themselves just shoveling who weren't part of the crew just trying to make the bus uh stops accessible. So I think asking the the state government to fully fund our bus system is an important part of that as well. Thank you. Further discussion hearing none. All in favor? I.

Uh, any opposed? The motion passes. Uh, madame clerk, please refer item 29 to the committee on public works and item 30 to the special committee on state legislative affairs. So noted. Item 31. Madam President, Majority Leader, motion to wave the reader of Madam 31, substitute and pass for the first time in a row co vote as amended. Second, Madam President. You have a motion and a second. Councilwoman Andrew. Thank you, Council President. Um, I rise both to speak on this, but also to offer an additional friendly amendment um that I think is gerine. Um, should I read that into the record right now or ask the clerks to That would be great if you would like to. Sure.

Um, and then I'll explain what has changed since the last. But um, you have it before you council folks. Um, section 8 is the new um, and it's just, so I'll read it out loud and then I'll explain what it is. The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to the state and fally funded lead service line replacement programs of the Providence Water Supply Board or a successor entity created by law provided that it shall obtain a permit to alter, install, or upgrade equipment located upon or under any public street or upon uh any private property and pays the applicable permit fee. Um, and I offer this friendly amendment as well as uh would like wait, do I stop there? Okay, then I'll just rise and explain some of these other things. Um that is um to acknowledge that um the replacement of our lead service lines um I believe constitutes kind of an emergency and emergency repairs have been exempted from this ordinance overall. And so, um, at the request both of Providence Water and also some of our, um, fellow council people, um, Pro Tempachardo and Councilman Vargas, Chairman Vargas, um, really wanted to make sure that we weren't hindering the ability for us to replace these lead lines, which we have federal funding to do and will be done in kind of a time limited way and is a public health emergency. Um, I also just want to note a few other things that have changed about this ordinance since we last saw it and since it was passed by the committee, and I'm grateful to the members of the special committee on the environment for reviewing this with me. Um, and also to members of the mayor's team and the many folks who work for public utilities for their thoughtful engagement. Um, our neighbors really deserve transparency and accountability when their streets are torn up. And I think most of us, hopefully all of us can agree that that's currently not happening. And this is really just trying to address that. provide more transparency and openness um and accountability that they have uh that they're both they have plans for what they're going to do to clean up at the end of every day and that they're um giving a heads up to our neighbors when they'll be tearing up pardon [clears throat] me the streets that our residents own. Sorry, like choking on my own my own business

here. Um [snorts] and so the other things that were updated, we um we're just going to receive these plans. We don't have to approve them. We wanted to avoid any delays in getting important work done. And then Providence Water will not experience any fines or fees since they're a quasi um city agency, but also other um non other corporate entities will receive fines or fees if they do not comply, which I think is important. Um and we also updated the implementation timeline so that DPW would have the appropriate amount of time to update their permitting process. They can actually implement this because there's no point in us doing this if they're not going to actually implement it. So, um I'm really excited about where this stands. I think our neighbors really need it um and have been asking me for this for a long time and I think we've heard a lot and made adjustments to make it um implementable and fair to our utilities.

Thank you, councelor. Further discussion on item 31. Madam President,

I just want to rise uh and commend uh chairwoman Suanda for her work. I know this has been uh for a couple of years uh a lot of meetings and also to be amendable to this uh resolution as we as you uh pointed out that when we're driving through our streets and uh uh the repair crews are out there. We just want some proper notification. But also in addition to that, we know that Providence Water is one of our entities that we appreciate particularly when it comes to our water. uh but uh to create less barriers when we're and they are uh providing uh the lead replacement of of uh of the water lines in the city of Providence. So, thank you for your leadership and uh thanks to my colleague Oscar Vagos. We we sit on the Providence uh water board and uh we're here to make sure that uh things flow the right way and create a better city. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Any further discussion? Councilman Goss.

Thank you, Madam President. I also just want to echo those remarks and thank uh Chairwoman Andrew Bo for her leadership. Uh this is something that we often hear about particularly on places like South Main Street in our ward where those streets are constantly uh undergoing work and we hear from our businesses and our local constituents there about how that can be such a disruption. So shooting for that transparency and making sure that uh people are notified well in advance is the right thing to do. And I just want to thank you again, Councilwoman Ander Bro, for your leadership. Thank you. Further discussion hearing? None. Madame Clerk, please open the vote and call the role.

Vote is open. Council President Miller, I. Deputy Majority Whip Vanderbis, I. Councelor Davidson, I. Majority Leader Espanol. I, Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Gonzalz, I, Councilwoman Graves, Deputy Majority Leader Harris, I, Councilwoman Peterson, Council President Prompor, Pardo, I, Council Royas, I, Councilwoman Ryan, I, Majority Whip Sanchez, I, Councilman Taylor, I, Councilwoman Anna Vargas, hi, Councilman Oscar Vargas, I

you have 15 eyes. The motion carries. The matter is approved for the first time on a roll call vote as amended. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 32. Madam President, majority leader. Motion to w the reader item 32 through 34 and pass for the first time and a roll call vote. Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items 32 through 34?

Yes. Uh Madame President, thank you so much. Uh this uh item returning from committee on ordinance. Uh and I just want to thank my committee members for the due diligence and uh such a great job that they did on vetting each one of these items. Uh one of them is just the uh realignment of zoning with the state laws and we also have the design review uh which is a great uh piece of legislation. Thank you.

Thank you councelor Council Ryan. Thank you council president. I'm pleased to have sponsored this important legislation. I'm rising to speak on item 34 along with my colleague Councilman Gonz. Providence wants and needs new development, especially new housing to meet the needs of current and future residents. As the city continues to grow its housing stock, it is essential, reasonable, and responsible to ensure that new development fits within our existing neighborhoods and complements the built environment that our residents care so deeply about. Scale, massing, and architectural details matter. They shape how buildings relate to the street, to nearby homes and businesses, and to the overall character of a neighborhood. These design standards directly implement a clear and d u excuse me a clear directive in the city's comprehensive plan which calls for new design regulations in residential and neighborhood commercial areas that improve design quality without unnecessarily increasing construction costs or extending review timelines. The comprehensive plan also called for the creation of an ad hoc committee for developers, architects, designers, preservationists, and community stakeholders to help guide this work. That committee was established and its important, excuse me, and its input meaningfully shaped the standards that are before us this evening. The planning department fulfilled the goals set out in the comprehensive plan and produced practical, predictable rules that address common design concerns while still supporting housing production. The standards focus on fundamentals such as

building entries, facades, proportions, and materials for both small and large projects with the intent of discouraging lowquality design choices that do not serve our neighborhoods well. These standards were discussed extensively during the comprehensive plan process and were identified by residents as a priority as Providence grows. The ordinance has been reviewed by the city plan commission and received positive feedback as a balanced approach that supports development while improving design outcomes. Importantly, the standards are structured to maintain affordability, provide clarity for applicants, and avoid unnecessary delays in the review process. This proposal is the result of the city's inclusive stakeholder engagement and responds directly to the residents concerned about design quality and many of our concerns as well. while remaining aligned with the city's housing and growth goals. I urge my colleagues to look favorably on this ordinance and support its adoption as it is a thoughtful plan-driven step forward for Providence. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion, Councilman Gonzos.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to echo those remarks and really thank Councilwoman Ryan for her stewardship and leadership of this particular ordinance. Thank you, Councilwoman Ryan. you have worked incredibly hard on this and many of us have historic um districts in our ward and for our neighbors to have something that is tangible but also allows them to have a seat at the table and a voice when it comes to these design standards is something that I know my constituents are going to be incredibly incredibly excited about. And I just also want to thank um also Councilwoman Anthony. I think we heard a lot about this issue during the comprehensive planning process and she took the ball and ran with it. And I think that um Councilwoman um Councilwoman uh Ryan uh also took the ball and ran with it even further and we got to a a a solution that works for everyone. And I just I'm I'm really excited to share this with all my neighbors and uh to thank you for your leadership. And I I can tell you definitively there are so many Eastsiders who are going to be so so grateful that this piece of legislation was passed hopefully if everyone votes in support of it um due to your leadership. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Ryan.

Thank you. Further discussion council. Thank you, Madam President. Yeah, I just wanted to briefly um echo what my colleague said um in my conversations with Councilwoman Anthony. I know this is very important to her and I was very pleased to share um information about it in my ward letter last week and got several notes back saying thank you. So, I'm passing on the thank you of my constituents and I think constituents all over Providence who care deeply both about development and making that our city retains its charm and beauty for decades and centuries to come. So, thank you all for all of your work. We're going to really benefit from it. Further discussion, Councilman Vargas.

Thank you very much. I echo my colleagues about these new changes. We we're not going to have those boxes anymore. They're going to be a different approach when you see them. Might be more expensive, but it's going to look better than the one that we have now. And basically in the toilet tree is the the most important one where we change a bunch of zoning where people can will be easy for them to build and to do changes in their properties without going to the hassle with uh the inspection building. So I urge I urge uh the the community to to to study these new changes so they won't be uh treat or or they won't or people won't lie to them about the new changes. Uh please get advice and we doing these changes for the better of the for the city and make it more easy for the construction and the development people. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion hearing? None. Madame clerk, please open the vote and call the role. The vote is open. Council President Miller, I. Deputy Majority Whip Andervois, hi. Councelor Davidson, I. Majority leader Espanol. I, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez, Councilwoman Graves, Deputy Majority Leader Harris, I. Councilwoman Peterson, Council President Prompor Pardo, I. Council Royas, I.

Councilwoman Ryan, hi. Majority Whip Sanchez. I, Councilman Taylor. I, Councilwoman Honor Vargas. Hi, Councilman Oscar Vargas. I, that's 15 eyes. The motion passes. The ma matters 32 through 34 are passed for the first time on a roll call vote and the vote is closed. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Item 35. Madam President, majority leader. Motion to w the reading of item 35 and pass on a voice vote. Second, Madam President. Any discussion on item 35? Hearing none. I do. Oh,

please. Um, [clears throat] I rise on the uh 35 is uh establishing the authority for the bridge, the uh uh Crook Point bridge, the famous point uh bridge. and and uh I just rise in essence that I know this was uh vetted through committee but I also know that the state owns this uh bridge and this is authorizing uh the authority so if the legislature passes the uh the transfer of that bridge to the city of providence is that correct I just have that that's the intent And then my question is, is this the appropriate time to ask in essence, you know, we're going to own a bridge? Do we have a fiscal note on this? How much is actually going to cost? And I get it. It may have some historical value and so forth. But we continue to struggle as a city with many things. and we all make arguments uh of financial uh standing uh for our city but also for our residents. And I just think that receiving an an entity like this is ownorous. At a certain point, the cost of doing something with it, whether it's knock it down or create a historical something with it, is going to be another cost uh to our city. So I am while I I am fond of also historical um

monuments and and the beauty of our city, I find it very difficult to support an initiative like this. And so I will be voting no on this. um not just because it's establishing that uh that authority um but I just think that I cannot uh move forward and vote in favor of this um resolution. Thank you. Thank you. Further discussion on item 3, Councilman Taylor. Oh. [clears throat] Oh, you go ahead.

Uh no, go right ahead, sir. I'll wave the floor to you. No, go ahead. Okay. So, I echo those uh sentiments. Um, five years ago, I know I can say that Councilwoman Harris was in the P and that came up as far as um taking taking the bridge at that time and I was against it then and um the reason I'm against it now, I'm not I'm a big historic buff, believe me. But I don't think that the city should be taken a liability. Number one, because we all know there's been fires on that bridge. It's not a safe bridge and god forbid if there's anybody in a canoe or boats or anything going underneath it. If we own it and the bridge collapses now the city's in another lawsuit. So, I don't think um I'll be voting no for this as well because like I said, I'm a history guy, but I just I think this there's too many questions on the safety of the bridge. If someone could tell me that this bridge was safe, I heard that the Coast Guard deemed it unsafe, I don't know that for a fact. But um until I can get proof that it's a safe bridge, which I don't believe it is, I think we're only opening up oursel for a lawsuit down the road either to a fix it or b, god forbid, if something happened to it. So, thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councilwoman Peterson. No. Okay. You want to go first? Uh yes, please. I I uh sorry about that. Go ahead.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you so much. I just want to um clarify that I I chair the committee on ordinance and this is one of those items that was uh introduced and and vetted during my absence and uh but I do trust uh the committee members that were there uh that they done their due diligence and they did pass it and send it over to us. I have full faith in and the work that they did and uh I also uh understanding that the administration was present uh uh that they were questioned that they had a presentation on it and that it all checked out. So I'll just defer to my vice chair who ran the meeting. Councilwoman Peterson, thank you.

Vice Chair Peterson,

I apologize. My memory is not that great. So I'm going to try and remember everything that happened in that moment. Um if I am not mistaken um as part of the the presentation um the administration had come forward requesting support for the resolution um up at the general assembly to build a body that would help us mayoral appointments of three I believe um to establish a group of people that are going to help us decide what's going to happen with the bridge. Um, that money has already been, if I'm not mistaken, appropriated, please don't quote me. You have to go back and look at the video because I can't remember what I did yesterday. But, um, this money, whether or not it's being used for the if it wasn't going to be used for the bridge, it was going to be then, um, supported with another project at India Point Park. So regardless of anything, um there was going to be an uh an opportunity to have something funded um within the city of Providence, whether it be the authority that um whether it be this project or something else over at India Point Park. So I want to make sure that um you know a little bit more context is given to this but from my understanding this in very specifically was just supporting the opportunity to create a body to then discuss what's going to happen with the cripoint bridge.

Thank you councilwoman. Further discussion counciloman Ryan

please. Thank you very much council president. Um I was at that meeting. Um and Crook Street, Crook Bridge is um Cook Point, can't even say it. Bridge is a historic landmark for the city of Providence. I support this um resolution and I support encouraging a commission to take uh responsibility for figuring out the best way to um manage um and handle the bridge going forward. The monies that were transferred or allocated uh to that um from the state was uh upwards of $6 million transferred uh to uh uh I think you had mentioned uh India Point uh park. Uh so those funds basically $6 million came into the city of Providence from the state. I'm welcoming those funds. I think we all are. Um but the important thing is this is just creating an authority. It is not we're not talking about spending any money or any you know expense expenses. We're actually earning money. There's no fiscal note responsed or required for this resolution because it's not impacting our budget. It's positively impacting our budget. There's not an expense to our budget. So that's what we're voting on tonight. It's keeping a historic um structure in our city alive and uh giving it the opportunity, this authority will have the um ability to make decisions and put together a plan for the future that we'll have an opportunity to vote on and if there's a cost there'll be a fiscal note associated with that. Um but I think it's a good thing and I support it.

Uh Council Vargas, did you have your hand up? Did I miss you before? Yeah. Um, you want to go first? Uh, councilman Sanchez. Um, I just have a question, Madam President. Being very polite tonight. Yes. Councilman Sanchez.

We we like uh polite Councilman Vargas. Um, just a question. Um, and I'm sorry that I uh was not in attendance of this uh committee hearing, but I think the only question that really uh needs to be answered for myself to support it or not is um and it sounds like we don't uh assume any liabil uh by supporting this legislation. I don't know if anyone can answer that though, but it seems like that's the case because I think that is a valid concern that uh my colleague uh Councilman Taylor brought up is we don't really want to assume any unnecessary possible uh liabilities uh by taking this project on anyone I can answer.

I can also but go ahead council but also the other two people that were there can chime in any at any time. Um, based on what I'm recalling from that meeting, um, there was no additional fiscal responsibility on behalf of the city for this. Um, this was literally just to create an authority to figure out what we're going to do going forward. Councilman Gunov,

thank you, Madam President. And I can also, uh, provide some context here. So, if we go back to the last administration when Allorsa was in office, there was a design review uh competition where we were trying to reinvision what the point uh the Kirk Point bridge would look like. If you go into any coffee shop or any local store, um this uh bridge is really a landmark for the city of Providence. You see it on mugs. You see it on uh memorabilia that is basically um celebrating our city. And uh to councelor Peterson's point, this is just creating a commission. It's uh similar or analogous to like the I95 um commission which is u quasi public which would give them the authority to review what would happen next. Ultimately uh similar to what Dorso was trying to do uh last term when they were trying to reinvision what that could look like. There are a lot of great ideas about how to reactivate that space to make it more welcoming. And uh our federal delegation actually had earmarked $6 million to demolish the bridge. Um but after a lot of push back and also just the the interest of trying to reinvision that space, maybe making it a kayak launch or maybe lighting it up. Um there there this is the the best mechanism to consider what the next steps would be. And we all know again this is a landmark um in the city of Providence. I know for people in Fox Point who can see this in their backyard, this is something that's very nostalgic for them. I remember even when I was a kid, I always used to relish it like what is that thing and why is it like in the position that it's

in and similar to us not wanting to lose the Superman building. Uh it would be a really, you know, it'd be like missing a a front tooth if if the Crook Point bridge was demolished. So again, this is just establishing an authority to kind of look at what the next steps are and uh everything else that my colleagues mentioned um I think very much clarifies that. So I I hope that's also uh helpful for you uh prompur. Thank you council. Thank you my president. So talking about the crook point bridge that's what it is. It's a piece of metal the middle of the river. So this

[clears throat]

uh authority is yes to to hold off on the $6 million because if we don't create the they will demolish the bridge. That's according to the information that we got from the administration when she testified. If we don't get this, say goodbye to the $6 million. That's the only reason that we getting this and we need approval from the state to to have the to then from there we're going to start again thinking what we can do with the bridge if we want it or we give it back to them. We know we don't want to own a piece of metal. Maybe we can settle it for junk. But has different vision for the FS point community and we're looking for the vision. We're looking for the $6 million because we can do a lot with it including we can decorate the bridge, put some lights on, put some American flag and it we can use it for different flags. It's a good idea, you know. So I ask my my colleagues to support this. This is not to own a bridge. is just to start a new vision, a group of people with new ideas how we can create and do with $6 million. Thank you.

Further discussion on item 35. Councilman Ryz, Madam President, I feel like I have to speak now because everyone has spoke on this. No, just uh just kidding. I just uh want to add small one small detail as we try to recall that meeting that $6 million. um uh if it's Ry dot will uh transfer it to I don't think this was mentioned to to the cruise infrastructure in that area and so that's where it will go. I just wanted to add that detail.

Thank you Councilman Taylor. Just want to clarify because I'm going back five years and I know that in the P it was mentioned um because he actually clicked a button that I remember it was the um the city wanted to buy it for a dollar. Is that part of this authority at all? You're making me want to go back and

because I I remember the lighting thing because we were voting at the time we were voting on um the uh Lamar lighting, you know, for the signs, if you can remember. And there was a big thing and I'm like, well, we want the big one of the big things that they did was we wanted to buy the bridge for a dollar and then light it up with a lum uh you know uh LED lights. And I'm like, well, what's the difference between an LED light on a bridge and an LED light on a sign? and but we were going to buy it for a dollar. I'm against that because we're buying into liability. But if that's not part of this, then I'm going to change and I'll vote for it. But I want to make sure that we don't end up with the responsibility of a piece of junk and then the thing falls in and kills somebody and then we own the uh lawsuit. I just want to make sure that's not part of this authority.

Council President, if I could just answer that. I'm so sorry. Um, Councilman Taylor, I do not There was no discussion of purchasing this for a dollar in any context at the time that we had this meeting. All it was was addressing the establishment of a commission to figure out what we're doing going forward. Thank you, Councilwoman. I was trying to refer Maybe we do. Maybe it is time to go to iPads. I was trying to refer to the resolution to pull that out for you. It is absolutely is a fundamentally different proposal than the one that you referenced that I remembered as soon as you said it.

Okay. Well, I just wanted then I will change my vote to a yes because as long as that is uh I'm not we haven't voted yet, but I I will be voting for it as long as that is not in there where we buy it for a dollar and take on the responsibility of that. So, thank you. Thank you everyone for clearing that up. Proton Purto.

Uh thank you for that clarification and also again because uh we rely on committees and and we um sometimes we can't make those committees. So just inquiring um just to add in essence that while I recognize uh the information that's been provided I mean at the end of the day one the liability uh if this is being transferred over through the piece of legislation because that's what we're um the resolution says says the city council um urges passage of this legislation creating you know Cook Point bridge uh authority that would be responsible for the development and maintenance of this city landmark in the public interest. So all I highlight is this again thank you is that at certain point that entity is going to be transferred over to the city. That's correct. That's a fact. two, the authority would have that responsibility to look at what the options are once it gets uh transferred over is an entity that we're going to own the liability. We know we are self uh self-insured and so the other is yes there's a caveat to that that as has been presented that the state ry dot is going to send to the city 6 point $6 some million dollars to work within within those parameters in that area. So all my argument is that here we go, you know, we're taking on another asset uh for the city for whatever reason it is. It is for historical purposes, but I

bring it to the floor is that we make the arguments that we are um you can't find funds for for schools. we can't find, you know, we complain about the taxes along the line in order if if that commission, if that authority decides that we need to demolish that bridge, it's going to cost us money or even the development is going to cost us money. That's my argument and I still not convinced that uh we should go that route. Thank you.

Thank you for uh hold on one second. Do you want to clarify any anything in this discussion, please? Okay. And I'll be clear, I'm not weighing in on the policy discussion being had of whether taking the bridge itself is is good or not. But the what is before the council tonight is a resolution in support of state legislation. And that state legislation would not be to transfer the bridge. would be to establish an authority that could then assume ownership of the bridge if other steps are taken. But it's just this this legislation is merely to create an authority which could subsequently um be able to take possession of the bridge. Of course, there would there would have to be steps in between this legislation and that happening. It's not.

No, it does. It does not transfer the this this is again just to support state legislation and that state legislation that you'd be encouraging the assembly to support does not result in a transfer of the bridge's ownership there. There's steps removed in between that that legislation and the bridge being transferred.

Thank you, Madam President. And solicitor Dana, if I can ask you another question that I think would help everybody here. So when we have a a quasi public authority, so for example like the I95 redevelopment district commission which is established by the state um that's an independent authority from the city of Providence. Correct. Yes. It's created by statute and it is independent of the city.

Exactly. So this authority would be quasi public in a similar vein. It's not the city per se. It's a separate authority. Correct. Well, yes. It's different from the I195, but it would be a quasi municipal authority established by state statute. Correct. And as a result uh the it it's it's it's separate from let's say the city as a as an entity. It's a it's it's it's an independent authority. Correct. Yes. It would be its own unique authority.

Yeah. So I I I'm just sharing that to clarify because it's it's it's independent from the city and it's not like transferring everything all the liability to the city. So, um, thank you for for clarifying that, you Councilman Taylor.

I feel like I'm in a court and I'm confused here. But, uh, okay. So, if we say I vote yes, am I voting that this is going to end up in our hands that we own the bridge and if something happens or is there I I understand there's steps each way. Well, I'm going by what Councilman Pachado maybe he knows something more that I don't know because that that's how I read it was eventually and I'm going back five years it was like we're going to buy it for a dollar. Well, it sounds like now we might get it for free. I don't want to pay a dollar or get it for free until we find out if it's safe because we're going to get a liability. But now I'm like I'm confused on with all this back and forth and I apologize. Maybe I'm just

It's okay. I think um why don't we actually without again without opinion fundamentally when the state legislature if the state legislator passes this bill can you speak to exactly what that means for the ownership of the bridge if this if this bill passes technically nothing the the legislation just creates an authority that could potentially theoretically assume ownership of the bridge that would require It would require further steps. So this is this is No, this is not an ordinance.

No, no, but does it require further voting is what I'm saying. In other words, it goes to the general assembly. The general assembly says, "Providence wants it. Get rid of that thing. We don't want it because it's not safe." And we're like, "Oh yeah, we got a bridge. We can put lights on it." And then all of a sudden the bridge falls off into a cruise ship or a boat and the people get killed. And we're like, "Oh geez, what do we do?" Like, you know, that's where I'm going with this. I don't I'm confused. I apologize, but I'm I'm muddied the water here.

That's very descriptive. But it's it's no, it's just again creating an authority. So, a quasi municipal authority that could subsequently decide to take ownership of the bridge, but there would be further steps that it would need to take to be able to do that. This legislation that you further steps that would come back to us that we vote on or the general assembly just goes, "Oh, they want it. Give it to him. No. Sorry. Go ahead. Would you be able to read the resolution in Thank you. that that way. No, I read the resolution and that's just as muddy. That's just as muddy as everybody here. But it's not It doesn't

No, but I was saying that when it goes to the general assembly, it seems like we want to get the $6 million. We need that six million. We got to get the six million. Now, we get the six million. Let's say it does transfer it to us. We get the six million. We want to do all these nice little benches and trees and everything over there. Well, we got this big bridge there. So, we bring all the people and we have this big festival and the bridge falls and kills everybody. Well, that's what I'm thinking in my head. Like, what because it's not safe. That's my thing. Let's take a Let's just take a brief I apologize. I apologize, but I want to before I vote on something, I want to kind of be

Council Peterson and Thank you. No, I just I We don't even have to jump to that. That's literally all we're doing is saying, "Hey, three people that are appointed by the mayor. You get to figure out what's going to happen here, make recommendations, and then you have to bring them back." There is nothing here in this resolution that says anything about establishing additional things that are going to happen. So, I do ask that we just Oh. Um, if you could just please read this resolution just so that we're all on the same page because I don't necessarily know that everybody has the resolution. Madam clerk, please read the resolution into the record. Whereas the Crook Point bridge, which spans the Secon River, is an iconic feature of Providence skyline as it has famously been fixed in the upright position since its last usage in 1976. And whereas the Department of Transportation's plan to plans to demolish the bridge were halted six years ago after overwhelming community feedback asked for the bridge to be maintained and preserved. And whereas community affection for the Crook Point bridge has led to its image appearing on merchandise representing the city of Providence, much of it sold by local artists and vendors and even the logo logo of a local youth baseball league. And whereas the Crookpoint Bridge is a historic landmark in its own right as the only remaining bridge of its type in Rhode Island and one of the only remaining bridges of its type in the country. And whereas the Crookpoint Bridge is located next to important outdoor community amenities such as Gano Park, the Fox Point Community Garden, and a paved path for walking and biking.

And whereas the pedestrian bridge was built uh bridge across the Providence River was similarly preserved by the city with great success and utility to local residents. And whereas five years have passed since the Department of Transportation announced a preliminary agreement with the city of Providence to transfer control over the bridge. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Providence City Council hereby supports and urges passage of legislation creating a Crook Point bridge authority that would be responsible for the development and maintenance of this city landmark in the public interest. And now therefore, be it further resolved that upon passage, a copy of this resolution be sent to President of the Senate Valerie J. Lawson, Speaker of the House Joseph Shakarti, and the members of the Providence and East Providence delegations.

Okay, Councilman Ryan,

just a point of clarification if I may on I was at that meeting. I did listen intently. I was very excited on about this resolution. And just to go back in time and not as far back as five years as my colleague has, um there was $6 million in the state budget to demolish this bridge. The administration went and uh built an agreement uh and put a plan together to save the bridge and establish an authority that is going to um oversight this bridge. That's it. It's a separate entity. It's not us. There's no fiscal note because it isn't an expenditure to the city. We got $6 million that was going to be used to demolish the bridge given to the city of Providence. It's going to be directed as my colleague aptly uh noted to the cruise ship on the area. Um it be well utilized. So this is a win-win. It preserves a historic uh piece of property that there's a lot of passion. We heard my colleague from the east side speak to it. U he grew up there. Um I'm certainly well aware and and uh feel strongly about the the historic value of this bridge. So all this does is create an authority as the vice chair of ordinance stated. Um it was vetted in committee and that's what we're voting on tonight. Should this authority at some point down the road make a plan or put a plan together to do something with it that is going to impact the city of Providence or require funds from the city of Providence, we'll have the opportunity of voting on it then. Then there'll likely be a fiscal note, but that's not what we're voting on tonight.

It is simply a resolution to create this authority. That's all. and the agreement was made on that gives us the $6 million that were going to be was going to be basically used to demolish the bridge. That's it. Thank you, Counciloman Graves. Okay. Any further discussion? Any further questions?

Don't I know questions are great. Any further any further discussion? Why am I asking? Here we go. Madam clerk, [laughter] please open the vote. The vote is open. The vote is now closed. You have four 14 eyes's one nay. The motion carries. The matter is passed on a voice vote. Thank you counselors. Item 36.

Madam President, majority leader. Motion to w the read of item 36 and it passed for the first time in a roll call vote. Second. Madam President, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 36? Hearing none. Uh madame clerk, please open the vote and call the role. The vote is open. Council President Miller. Hi. Deputy Majority Whip Vanderba. Councelor Davidson. I. Majority leader Espanol. I. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalez. Hi. Councilwoman Graves. Hi. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. I. Councilwoman Peterson. Hi. Council President Prompor PCardo.

I. Council Royas. I. Councilwoman Ryan. Hi. Majority Whip Sanchez. Councilman Taylor. Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Hi. Councilman Oscar Vargas. I.

You have 15 eyes. The motion carries. The matters passed for the first time on a roll call vote. Councilman Gonzalez and Councilman Espen. someone who has been a part of her organization or has been a beneficiary of her organization, they always sing her praises and and are just so grateful for the ways that they've been able to develop and contribute to our community. So, I just want to thank Lisa for her leadership because I just feel like you deserve more and more praise for all the ways that you empower people and again I want to thank Councilwoman Graves for being a strong steward of this and making sure that this got across the finish line. So, thank you Councilwoman Graves. Thank you Lisa Ranglin for all that you do.

Thank you Councilman. Uh further discussion on item 37 hearing none. Madam clerk, please open the vote and call the role. Madam President, I think uh Councilman Graves wanted to speak. Oh, please. Yeah, of course.

Okay. I just want to say that this has been a long road. Um, and I think that um, John, I'm sorry, Councilman Men Gonz [laughter] said it all. Um, Lisa has been fighting this fight for a long time for so many people, not just blacks, but just people in the community. um the minorities, the um people that are struggling, the young people, the um people that um the small businesses. She has always been out there. She volunteered her time for 10 years not getting paid doing this job, you know, and she has a staff that is fabulous and they struggle each and every day. and they're struggling now, but they make sure that they do the best that they can for as many people as they can. And their integrity is is phenomenal. They they do it out of not just for the money. They do it because of they they know the need that is out there. They do it because they want to see the people do better. They want to see people make it and they see it all the way through from the beginning to the end. They're there with those people all the way. So, all I can say is I am proud of her and I'm proud of my colleagues that have stuck by me throughout the whole time fighting to get this through. So, thank you, Lisa, for being here. Thank you to her staff if they're here. and thank you through the board because she has a fabulous board also. And that's all I have to say.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Vargas, thank you for the opportunity. I want to say thank you, Lisa. When I have my business, I knock it to Lisa. She helped me very very well. So, I only want to say thank you. Thank you. Further discussion item 37. Counciloman Peterson.

I just also want to echo the um all everything that everybody's saying, but also just talk a little bit on a personal note of what I've seen um the staff at um the Lisa's staff and everybody do that was transformational for for families and for businesses here. um often we don't get a chance to see um the individual successes of our small businesses and I was able to see that firsthand with um so many of Lisa of the members in in the uh in the organization. So I just wanted to just draw attention to just the amount of work that's done with a really small staff and a lot of hope and a lot a lot of perseverance. Um, it's unmatched is really what it is. And I'm really really happy that I've been able to see that flourish. Um, not only with where they started over at Regency, but now with their building. Um, it is it's the example that we need to be showing the rest of our city of how we can continue to to help each other grow. So, thank you, Lisa and

thank you. Further discussion, C. I'll keep it quick. I just I saw Lissa Span too here. So, I want to say thank you to her. Uh because it's a team effort. And uh Lisa, is there anybody else I'm missing? Yeah. I don't know your Yeah. Can we all just stand because I think like it's a Where are they? All right. Yeah. Like Yeah. Let's give it up for them. Sorry. Not trying to make it longer, but thank you. [applause] That's it. Thank you. Further discussion. Not anyone. Okay. Madame Clerk, please open the vote and call the role. The vote is open. Council President Miller.

I. Deputy Majority Web Anderwis. Hi. Councelor Davidson. Hi. Majority Leader Espanol. I. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzalz. Hi. Councilwoman Graves. Hi. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Hi. Councilwoman Peterson. Council President Prompor Picardo I. Council Royas. I. Councilwoman Ryan. Majority Whip Sanchez. Councilman Taylor. I. Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Hi. Councilman Oscar Vargas. I.

You have 14 eyes, one abstension. The motion carries. The matter is passed on a roll call vote. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Um, and please counselors allow me to take a moment um of personal expression. Uh, I'm not as the chair um meant to be in the debate. So, just let me take a moment. because of my day job, I get to work I have like the great honor of working with men and women across the city of Providence who are building businesses from the ground up uh as minority and women contractors in an industry that is very difficult is very challenging and there's very few resources available to them. Um and I know that that Reeba has been there uh for many many many of our graduates. I hear it firsthand. I see it in their success stories. So I want to just also lend my voice in thanking you for the work you do every day. And item 38,

Madame President, Majority Leader, motion to wave the reading of item 38, pass on a voice vote and refer back to the board of contract and supply. Second, Madame President,

we have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 38? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please open the vote. Council Roy Graves. The vote is closed. 15 um eyes. The motion carries. The matter is passed on a voice vote and will be referred back to board of contract and supply. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Item 39. Madam President, majority leader.

Motion to wave the reading of item 39 and receive and approve. Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 39? Thank you, Madam President. I rise in a to support and I very proud uh that he got choose to keep serving the community. I know Ryan Hall for more than I think more than five years now. He's a great asset to this special department and he will do a great job there. Congratulations.

Thank you counselor. Further discussion item 39. Madam Presidential, I too uh rise in support of uh Ryan Halt um as an attorney and also at the state house for many years and and really involved in in the community. Um really a smart person especially uh being in the zoning board here will be a tremendous asset. So congratulations and we look forward to your continued service in our capital city Providence. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Gonhouse.

Thank you. I just want to be the third person to echo this and I also just want to acknowledge Mr. Greenfield who has done an extraordinary job um is the chair of the zoning board of review and Ryan Halt is a perfect person to be a successor and to continue that work. So, we're so grateful for your service. Ryan, thank you for all that you do. Madam President, thank you. I also rise in support of the nomination of Ryan Holt uh to be the chair of the border review. Uh knowing his quality of work, I think it'll be a great asset. It'll do well for our city. Thank you.

Thank you. Further discussion. All right, madam clerk, please open the vote. Vote is open. The vote is closed. You have 15 eyes. The motion passes. The matter is received and approved. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Mr. Hall, thanks for joining us tonight. Congratulations. Thanks for your service. Item 40. Oh, please. Yes. [applause]

Item 40. Madam President, majority leader. Motion to wave the reader of item 40 and pass on a voice vote. Second. Madam President, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion on item 40? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please open the vote. The vote is open. The vote is now closed. You have 15 eyes. The motion carries. The matter is passed on a voice vote.

Uh, thank you, Madam Clerk. Before we move to item 41, um I would like to take a moment of personal expression with some bittersweet news that I think most counselors know already, but one of our staff is uh moving on. This is her last meeting with the council. She'll be here with us for another week. um is going on to Isabella, sorry, not to keep everyone in suspense, is going on to law school and to get to live abroad, which uh more importantly, I really just want to take a moment to thank you and recognize you for the remarkable work you've done for the council. I'm sure that your uh brain and fingers were part of many more um pieces of legislation than I'm aware of, but got to work with you on the CP and many other things. that work was invaluable, right? Like this is a moment when city government is standing um on the side of our residents in the face of really horrific consequences. And so uh I was so proud to work with you on that. I was so proud to have your help. Uh we and the council are grateful to you. And I just want to let everyone know um that uh you're going on to good things and you better stay in touch.

Thank you. [applause] Councelor Sanchez.

Thank you, Madam President. Uh I also just want to echo um everything that you said about Isabella. Uh Isabella definitely set the bar very high uh for our policy team, our our wonderful team obviously led by uh Aaron. Uh Isabella worked on so many different things and just the amount of attention and detail and compassion as as a staffer uh to every issue from homelessness to gun violence to immigration. Literally all of the priorities that we care about everything with the the the CP um yeah I'm so proud. Um obviously it it hurts a little bit Isabella but as as younger people um I'm excited to see all the contributions that you're going to keep continue uh to provide to to our society. Of course, I'm sure to speaking for for all of us if there's anything that we can do uh for you ever uh please don't hesitate to to reach out. Thank you.

Thank you, Madame Clerk. Item Oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Gos.

Thank you, Madam President. I really want to stop talking, but it's like so hard not to uh to to to what's that? You're you're distracting me here. Um, [clears throat] so it's uh but it's really hard not to say thank you to Isabella for just all that she's done throughout this term. And you know, I have the wonderful honor of knowing her brother Dominic who has been so helpful and instrumental and like they're just her family is so wonderful. Like everything I know about them is just so amazing and we're just so so grateful for all the work that you've done for this body and just wishing you the best as you move on to your next journey. And I'm sure all 15 members of the body would be happy to write letters of recommendation for whatever you decide to do. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. Madame Clerk, item 41, please. Madame President, majority leader. Motion to weigh the reader of item 41 through 49. Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? The motion passes. Uh, madame clerk, please refer 41 to the committee on ordinances, 42 to claims and pending suits, and 40 3 through 49, note as received. So noted. Item 50. Madam President, I'm sorry, Councilwoman Vargas, did you want to speak? Right after. Right after. Okay. Item 50. Thank you. Motion to the reading of item 50 and pass on a voice vote.

Second, Madam President. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Council Vargas. Thank you for the Thank you for the opportunity tonight for the give it to the personal expression. I do right. So tonight we have the special guest for the college and action and education. I bring in my t-shirt because I support that. But when you have education is the kids can open any door can you study. So that's the reason I bring in my t-shirt. I have a um citation for the beautiful people. Can have it here. You can stand up, please.

Wow. Oh, they're all here. [applause] I want to say congratulation all and continue to education and you know be a proud for your kids and your families and also the organization can do with that so we can go forwards and the the the nights please college don't go we can have some pitch for the group and then we can continue thank you for the opportunity thank you council council Please get up. Okay. I don't usually stand anyway. So, um I I also have a point of expression

personal whatever it is. [laughter] Um next Wednesday, as you know, is going to be Black History um month celebration here in the chambers. Next Wednesday night. It starts at 5:30 downstairs with the mayor and then we're going to boogie on up here and we're going to finish it off here in the chambers. We're going to have a couple of speakers um couple of singers and we're going to have a lot of fun. So, I hope you're all going to come and and celebrate with us. We decided to do it at the end of the month because last time we just had so many things going on. We want to get all the rest of that stuff out the way so we could really end it with a bang. So, please come out and join us.

Looking forward to it. Uh, councilors, I'm sorry. I think I jumped the gun. Did we vote on item 50? Okay, so I apologize for that. Not yet. Okay. Um, any further discussion on item 50? Hearing none. All in favor? Oh, go ahead. No,

I I just like to uh briefly also rise and thank uh councilwoman Vargas for being so thoughtful about the Rhode Island education and uh the program that we have on Champ. I'd like to personally thank each and every one of them for the time that they take uh to prepare today for the future of tomorrow. Uh and Mr. Victor Capayan who is also here. So, thank you so much and I looking forward to the Black History Month celebration. Thank you. Likewise, prom president expression. All right. Okay. Any further discussion on item 50? All in favor?

I oppose. Any abstensions? The motion passes. Proto.

Uh, thank you, Madam President. And I'm going to combine a couple since we're uh almost finishing up. First uh congratulate um my good friend Victor Capayan uh with his education collective for being here and also championing uh bringing parents together to really for be the forefront of education. We've been doing that for over now 40 years. Um, and I know that education is a a big item for us in in our chambers and uh is part of that mix to make sure that our kids get uh the first class education in our city of Providence. I also want to congratulate all the educants uh from the collective uh teachers and leaders in the community that are personal uh people and and people that I know that are teachers in in our public schools like M Pleasant High School and even in charter schools. So congratulations for completing uh your um and being educ education champs uh here in our capitol city. So congratulations. Um, second is to Lisa. Uh, Lisa, you know, uh, your passion has always, uh, transcend uh, communities. Uh, because we all know that in the city of Providence, we are like 97% micro businesses and that that's what fuels our our economy and with your leadership uh, at REBA along with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce uh, with Urban Venture, that's the engine that actually keeps our neighborhoods really um in the forefront and we we have to continue to support um our micro business that we call small business. But the reality is that we're all in that mix of uh entrepreneur micro businesses and we don't use that term but the reality is that um businesses are five employees or less and are struggling and so we have to make sure

that we pay attention to that. And then lastly, and I also want to uh recognize Andy Mc Mcmanis who's back there too, who's also worked with uh uh Victor Capayan and his team to ensure that parents are engaged and and showing up at the state house and here. And so uh we are uh grateful for your service. And lastly, I don't know if uh as we conclude, we want to ensure that at least we remember an icon uh that just passed away and that is I'm sure

that is uh the bishop and activist and um a person that really mocked our our history to give us that hope that our voice uh uh really matters. and I know perhaps my colleagues are going to speak and that is uh the Reverend Jesse Jackson. So with that said, I hope that we can um I'm not sure if it's on the on the roster to make sure that we have it. All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Uh Council Noah, item 51, please. Madame President, majority leader, motion to weigh the reader. Item um 51.

That's right. We have a misprint. Apologies here. So, it's motion to weigh the reader item 51 and pass in a unanimous rising vote. Second, Madame President.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor? I Any obstensions? Yes. So, sorry. I was uh gonna request a point of personal expression when it was uh

Now is the time. Thank you very much. I before we conclude and uh this may have been in the uh majority uh leaders remarks, but I just wanted to make sure that uh I pay my condolences um and use this platform uh to uh keep in mind the folks who were impacted um in the recent mass shooting in Pucket. Um, and so my my thoughts are with the victims and um I especially want to um you know just publicly state that um I I work this is public now so I feel comfortable sharing but I've worked closely with one of the victims impacted um by the shooting. His name is Tom Jeruso and he happens to be my assistant principal at Shea High School uh where I work as a as a social worker and um Uh Tom is currently receiving medical care. Um and I just want to uh just state publicly uh that I am uh rooing for him and I hope he pulls through. Uh Tom is a dedicated educator in Pucket. Uh amazing principal leader. He has poured so much into the into the students in Pucket, beloved by everyone, and I just have the honor of uh working with him every day. And so, um I I'm praying for him every day, and I I hope uh for a full recovery. Thank you.

Thank you. And we all are, counselor. Thank you. Um, Madame President, motion to suspend room 16B of the rules of the city council in order to take a matter not appearing on the printed docket. Second, Madam President. Any discussion on that motion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstension? The motion passes. Item 52. Madam President, majority leader. Motion to w the reader of item 52. Second, Madam President. Any discussion? All in favor? I any opposed? Any abstensions? The motion passes. Please note 52 as received. So noted madam president at the appropriate time. Personal expression real quick. Sure.

I I I was admissed that uh also in our audience is uh Renee Missouri uh who was also reappointed to the board of canvases. She's been uh honorably serving our city of Providence. So congratulations to her and uh and her husband Harrow Missouri. Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations, Madame President.

Councelor Andrew. Yes. Sorry. Very quick point of personal expression. Um, and I'm sure this is in um the majority leader's final remarks, but I also just want to take a moment to recognize the two individuals, a mother and son who passed away in my ward um who froze to death in the cold outside of Miriam Hospital about two blocks from where I live. Um, surrounded by homes that were warm and welcoming and about 100 feet from the entrance of Miriam. It breaks my heart and it breaks the heart of many of the folks in my neighborhood. Um, and these are preventable deaths and I think I join all of my colleagues in um, committing ourselves to working harder to ensure none of our neighbors die on the street. Thank you,

Madame President. Uh, it is has been a tough uh, week uh, as we mourn the loss of that terrible tragedy on our nearby and beloved sister of Kentucky. uh we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and everyone involved and also with the loss of our giant that many of us stand on miss the Reverend Jesse Jackson. So to their family our condolences and under their name want you to adjourn. Second madam president. Any discussion? All in favor? I.

Any opposed? Any abstensions? Uh we are adjourned. There's a lot of guests here uh to take some pictures. So I know uh we want to bring Felix forward to take