Providence City Council Regular Meeting - October 2, 2025

The Providence City Council convened on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at City Hall with 12 members present and 2 absent. The meeting began with roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members addressed a number of routine items, two major ordinances, and several appointments. Key actions included passage of a phased ban on gas-powered leaf blowers (first passage) and authorization of $25 million in bonds to purchase two city-occupied buildings.

Consent Calendar

• Items 3 through 27 were approved en bloc via voice votes or unanimous roll calls, including several routine resolutions and ordinances. Items 4–7 were noted as received, and item 8 was referred to the Committee on Finance. Items 9–23 passed for the second time on a roll call vote (12 ayes, 2 absent). Items 24–27 were approved and then referred to the Committees on Ordinances (24, 25, 26) and Public Works (27).
• Items 30, 33, 34, 35, and 36 were approved without debate. Item 33 was sent to the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits; item 34 was noted as received.

Discussion Items

• Item 28 – Resolution Recognizing Colonel Sonny Cepeda: Majority Leader Espinal introduced a resolution honoring Colonel Sonny Cepeda of the Dominican Republic Police Department for 25 years of service and his role as a liaison with Providence and New York police. The resolution was read into the record and passed unanimously.
• Item 29 – Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ordinance (First Passage): Councilwoman Anderbois, the sponsor, presented a revised ordinance phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers to reduce noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions. Key changes included clarifying the definition, allowing gas blowers only during the fall leaf season, moving fines from businesses to property owners (with a warning first), and working with the state Office of Energy Resources to improve incentive access. Several council members spoke:
  • Councilman Taylor opposed, arguing enforcement is lacking, the ordinance burdens small landscaping businesses (mostly in his ward), and the cost of electric blowers and batteries is high. He characterized it as a “feel-good” ordinance.
  • Councilman Gonzalez supported, citing public health benefits for workers (gas blowers emit toxins equivalent to driving 1,100 miles) and quality of life for residents, noting the city is behind other municipalities.
  • Councilman Oscar Vargas opposed, saying workers in his community depend on gas equipment and cannot afford electric alternatives; he predicted property owners will get fined and then withhold payments to landscapers.
  • Councilman Sanchez supported, stressing environmental and health benefits, arguing most concerns had been addressed in the revised ordinance, and calling it a “common-sense” bill.
  • Councilwoman Peterson initially on the fence but ultimately supported, praising the long lead time (2033) and asking for education on battery disposal.
  • Councilwoman Anderbois responded to concerns, highlighting that other cities of all sizes have enacted similar bans and that constituents with respiratory issues feel “prisoners in their homes” due to gas blowers.
• Item 31 – Bond Authorization for Building Acquisition (444 Westminster Street and Waterfire Arts Building): The council considered a resolution authorizing up to $25 million in bonds for the Providence Public Buildings Authority to purchase two properties: 444 Westminster Street (currently leased at $1.7 million/year for 10 city departments) and the Waterfire Arts Building. Key comments:
  • Councilwoman Graves opposed, arguing the original 25‑year lease on 444 Westminster was a “worst lease” that should never have been signed, and she voted no as a protest against past practices.
  • Councilwoman Ryan, Finance Committee Chair, supported, stating the purchase is fiscally sound—replacing the $1.7 million annual rent with a bond payment well within debt capacity, providing control over the building, and including $2.75 million for renovations.
  • Councilman Sanchez initially skeptical but supported after committee review, noting the city spends over $250,000 annually on maintenance and repairs on top of rent, and the purchase frees up future CIP capacity.
  • Councilman Gonzalez added that the average debt service is about $300,000/year, making the deal prudent.
• Item 32 – Appointment of Sean Holly as Recreation Department Director: Multiple council members welcomed Sean Holly, praising his holistic vision for recreation centers, commitment to youth, and partnership with the council. Councilman Sanchez thanked interim director Jackie for his leadership. The appointment was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 29 (Gas Leaf Blower Ordinance): Passed on first reading by roll call vote – 8 ayes (Miller, Anderbois, Espinal, Gonzales, Peterson, Royus, Ryan, Sanchez), 3 nays (Graves, Taylor, O. Vargas), 1 abstention (Harris), 2 absent. The ordinance will return for second passage.
• Item 31 (Bond for Building Purchase): Approved by roll call vote – 9 ayes (Miller, Espinal, Gonzales, Harris, Ryan, Sanchez, Taylor, O. Vargas), 3 nays (Graves, Peterson, Royus), 2 absent.
• Item 32 (Sean Holly Appointment): Approved on voice vote.
• The council also adopted a resolution honoring Colonel Cepeda and processed numerous routine matters.