Providence Board of Contract and Supply Meeting - December 29, 2025

This meeting of the Providence Board of Contract and Supply was held on December 29, 2025, with nine members present (Sarah Silveria, Elaine Richards, Joseph DePina, Patricia Poinfe, Shamari husband, John Arzuminian, Corey Martin, and two others) and three absent (Tyrell Stevens and two others), achieving quorum. The board opened bids, reviewed and approved a large consent agenda of 39 items, and addressed specific questions on sidewalk funding, asbestos abatement, and a disparity study.

Bid Openings

• Item 1 (Parks): Lease of gondola and block concession at Waterplace Park, 5-year contract with two 5-year extensions – bid of $63,709.63 from Laganda Providence Inc.
• Item 2 (Parks): Building renovation and HVAC installation at Roger Lames Park Gateway Garage – bids received: Demon Mason Reconstruction ($648,000), Bentley Builders ($683,168), EW Berman ($829,000), and Merin Construction ($733,435).
• Item 3 (Public Works): Seasonal maintenance of city fountains for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, with two 1-year renewal options – one bid from Delta Electro Power (unit price hourly rate).
• Items 4, 5, and 6 were extended (likely to January 26, 2026) due to advertisement deadlines. Item 4 (Office of Sustainability, Community Engagement and Equity Consultant) and Items 5–6 (Roofing Repair and Carpentry Services for Providence School Facilities) were noted.
• Item 7 (Public Works): Interest of suppliers for snow/ice control for 2025-26 winter season – no bids received; item remains on the agenda.

All opened bids were referred to the city clerk's office. The board also approved advertisements in Section C of the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Sidewalk Funding Project (Item 1 of Section A): Director Delgado questioned the absence of a representative from the Planning Department for a $23 million sidewalk, rolling, and drainage project. He asked DPW about coordination with Planning and the methodology for fund allocation, referencing equity considerations and the Safe Streets for All initiative. DPW explained that federally funded corridors (e.g., South Main Street, South Water Street) are mapped first, and then local priorities are folded in. Director Delgado requested a presentation on the project's scope and equitable distribution.
• Asbestos Abatement Change Order (Item 16 of Section A): Director Delgado asked about controls for an occupied remediation at a school. Taylor (representative) stated that the demolition area was completely sealed off and that continuous air testing had been completed, confirming the space was cleared after the work.
• City Disparity Study: The treasurer asked for an update on the city's disparity study. A draft was circulated approximately eight weeks ago, and questions were submitted. No final presentation date was available; the team hopes to present at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Election of Chairperson: Director DePina moved, Director Richards seconded, and the board unanimously elected a chairperson.
• Approval of Section A Items (1–39): The board voted by roll call: 8 in favor, 1 opposed, 2 absent. The motion carried, approving all 39 items.
• Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the December 15, 2025 meeting without corrections.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned after all business was completed.