OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Providence City Council Meeting – April 16, 2026

City CouncilThursday, April 16, 2026
BodyProvidence, Rhode Island
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, April 16, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
10:09

Tonight as we gather to do the work of the city, the idea, this idea feels especially important.

10:15

We are living through difficult times.

10:17

For many of our residents, the cost of living is rising faster than opportunity.

10:22

In the last few days, the phrase is the phrase, it's expensive to be poor keeps coming up.

10:28

Some are thriving while others are still waiting for their chance.

10:32

And yet all of them, every single one, have placed their trust in us.

10:36

That is both a privilege and a responsibility.

10:44

But our obligation is not to win arguments.

10:48

It's to serve people.

10:49

It's to ensure that the decisions that we make lift those who have been left waiting and create pathways for those still trying to find their footing.

11:14

And to remember that leadership is not about standing above others, but about reaching back and bringing others forward.

11:20

So tonight, and in all the days we have left together, may we measure our time here not just by votes cast or meetings held, but by the lives we touch and the doors we open.

13:18

Escuchar con major attention, acting with more reflexion and record that liderazco no consisted in store of the most, sino in entertain the man at the man atrás para impulsar atrás ascia.

14:14

Thank you, Councillor.

14:16

And tonight the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by President Cartime Manuel.

14:48

Second, Madam President.

14:49

We have a motion and a second discussion.

14:55

The vote is open.

15:22

The vote is closed.

15:25

You have 15 ayes.

15:27

The motion carries.

15:28

The minutes are approved.

15:32

All right.

15:33

Item four, please.

15:34

Madam President.

15:35

Majority leader.

15:36

What's it the way the reader of item four through six?

15:38

Second, Madam President.

15:40

Any discussion on that motion?

15:42

Hearing none.

15:44

All in favor.

15:45

Aye.

15:46

All opposed.

15:47

Any abstentions?

15:48

The motion passes.

15:49

Madam Clerk, please note four through six as received.

15:52

So noted.

15:53

Item seven.

15:53

Madam President.

15:54

Majority leader.

15:55

What should it the way they're reader?

15:56

Item seven and eight.

15:57

Second.

15:59

We have a motion and a second.

16:00

Any discussion on items seven and eight.

16:05

Uh all in favor?

16:06

Aye.

16:07

Aye.

16:07

Any opposed?

16:08

Any abstentions?

16:08

The motion passes.

16:10

Please refer seven and eight to the committee on earth.

16:13

So noted.

16:14

And thanks to the uh folks who are serving on the human relations committee or uh signing themselves up to serve.

16:20

Item nine, please.

16:22

Madam President.

16:22

Majority leader.

16:23

Motion the way the reader or Madam 9 and pass for the second time on a roll code vote.

16:27

Second, Madam President.

16:29

We have a motion and a second.

16:30

Any discussion on that motion.

16:34

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please open the vote and call the roll.

16:40

Oh, Councilman Graves.

16:42

Sorry.

16:44

Your microphone's too high.

16:48

Um I'll be sure.

16:51

I just want to say my can you hear me now?

16:56

Okay.

16:57

I just want to say um I just feel that we need to make sure that we are separating what the rent stabilization is.

17:10

It's some so much misinformation that's out there.

17:15

Um and people are meshing and piecing things together.

17:21

What the mayor has been speaking about and the thing that we talked about and that we signed on with him is this one little measure.

17:31

And it's something more like a band-aid.

17:34

It's gonna stop some of the flow.

17:37

But it is not the rent stabilization.

17:41

And I want to make sure that we are all aware of that.

17:45

And I still think this rent stabilization is the right thing to do.

17:52

And I think it's the best thing to do in the city of Providence because again, is a we are in a city that is our mostly renters, and we really need to do something that's gonna be more sustaining.

18:05

It's gonna go on for a while, and it's gonna help those that need the most help.

18:13

And it's gonna help to keep this city alive and keep our residents here.

18:21

It's not gonna run the people that are already here away.

18:25

So let's please vote for the people.

18:29

Vote for the ones that are already here.

18:36

Thank you, Councillor.

18:42

Further discussion on item nine.

18:47

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please open the vote and call the roll.

18:51

The vote is open.

18:53

Council President Miller.

18:55

Aye.

18:56

Deputy Majority with Andrew Bois.

18:58

Aye.

18:59

Councillor Davidson.

19:01

Majority Leader Espinal.

19:03

Nay.

19:04

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzals.

19:07

Nay.

19:08

Councilwoman Graves.

19:13

Councilwoman Graves.

19:16

Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

19:19

Councilwoman Peterson.

19:22

Aye.

19:24

Council President Pro Tempore Picardo.

19:27

Aye.

19:28

Councillor Royus.

19:30

Aye.

19:31

Councilwoman Ryan.

19:32

Nay.

19:34

Majority Whip Sanchez.

19:37

Majority Whip Sanchez.

19:41

Councilman Taylor.

19:42

Nay.

19:49

Councilwoman Ana Vargas.

19:55

Nay.

20:01

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

20:04

Nay.

20:09

The vote is closed.

20:12

You have nine eyes.

20:16

Oh.

20:17

Sorry, we're missing a vote.

20:18

Can we open that off?

20:22

We have to redo the electronic vote.

20:24

I closed it too soon.

20:26

Can we do that one more time, folks?

20:41

Councilman Espinal and Councilman Vargas.

20:50

Nay.

20:57

So there are nine ayes, six noes.

21:01

The motion carries the matters passed for the second time on a roll of call vote.

21:18

Madam Clerk.

21:24

Madam Clerk, item 10, please.

21:26

Madam President.

21:27

Majority leader.

21:27

Motion the way the reader of item 10 and 11.

21:30

Second, Madam President.

21:31

We have a motion and a second.

21:32

Any discussion on item 10.

21:33

Councilman Anderbaugh.

21:35

Thank you, Council President.

21:36

Just a quick note on item 10.

21:38

First, I want to thank this body.

21:40

Um, for your support on this.

21:42

But previously, uh, this body has passed unanimously both the um building energy reporting ordinance, and then following that a carbon neutral buildings act, which requires all municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040.

21:53

Following the passage of those two ordinances, which you all pass unanimously, thank you so much.

21:57

The city's director of sustainability, Priscilla de la Cruz, and our energy administrator, David Ruggerio, have been doing an amazing job implementing those, and we have already saved seven percent on our energy bills while investing in clean energy across all of our city facilities.

22:12

So thank you for that.

22:13

And we are looking to partner with the mayor and his team to reinvest those savings and other funds into a revolving fund to continue funding the implementation of our carbon neutral buildings ordinance at a time when we're seeing clean energy and climate under attack from a hostile federal administration.

22:29

I'm really proud to live in a city that stands up and continues to invest in our future and in local good green jobs, and so this will help us continue to do that and continue to implement the ordinances that y'all passed um earlier this session.

22:42

So I just want to thank you for your commitment.

22:44

We're already seeing savings while investing in clean energy and investing in our city's future, and uh let's use that to keep going.

22:51

So thank you for your support.

22:53

Thank you, Councillor.

22:54

Uh discussion on items 10 or 11.

22:58

Councilman Gunkoff.

23:01

Thank you, Madam President.

23:02

I'd like to speak on item number 11.

23:04

Uh, this is an ordinance that would do one simple thing, and that is to ensure safety around multimodal transportation.

23:12

I'd like to thank the Providence Streets Coalition for being a major advocate in this.

23:18

Liza Birkin, Dylan Giles, and if this law is passed based on the way it's written beginning in 2027, drivers in downtown Providence, which is in our ward will be required to come to a full stop before turning right on red uh at all intersections downtown.

23:39

So this is about um safety, it's about expanding our project vision um zero, which I know councillor Ander Brah was uh very um much the lead on in this body, so I want to thank her for her leadership and this ultimately ensures that pedestrians, cyclists, drivers have safer streets, and this aligns with uh national safety standards and gives us time to educate our public about uh the proper signage here.

24:12

So uh what we're doing here is ensuring that pedestrians are safe in our city, cyclists are safe in our city.

24:19

It's no secret that I've been a strong supporter of multimodal transportation and expanding bike lanes in the city of Providence.

24:27

Uh and even when we've disagreed with other uh folks on this body or uh the administration, we've stood strong and ensured that uh we're expanding our multimodal transportation specifically in Ward 1, and hopefully we're gonna continue to do that across the City of Providence.

24:45

So thank you, Madam President, and I hope that we can pass this.

24:49

Thank you, Counselors.

24:50

Uh further discussion, 10 and 11 hearing none, all in favor.

24:57

Any opposed?

24:58

Any abstentions?

25:00

Motion passes.

25:01

Madam Clerk, please refer item 10 to the committee, uh, the special committee on environment and resiliency.

25:06

Item 11 to the committee on public works.

25:09

So noted.

25:09

Item 12.

25:10

Madam President, the way the reader 12 and lay it on the table.

25:15

Second, madam president.

25:16

We have a motion and a second.

25:18

Any discussion?

25:19

Here uh Councilman Royus.

25:22

Madam President, I'll just speak quickly on I am 12.

25:25

Um sponsored with my colleague from Ward 14, Councilor Pearson.

25:31

Uh quickly, this the sort of premise of this ordinance is for to allow our seniors in the city.

25:38

When they volunteer in our city, they can uh receive a slight reduction in their property tax bill.

25:46

And so we're santivizing volunteerism.

25:49

And also while giving uh those folks a break in their property taxes.

25:54

So that's the premise of it, and I look forward to getting your support on it.

25:57

Thank you, Madam President.

25:58

Thank you, Counselor, for the discussion.

26:01

Hearing none.

26:02

Oh, Councilman Peterson.

26:03

I just wanted to add thank you for um for your sponsorship as well, Councillor Royus.

26:08

I wanted to make sure that we added that this is already something that's been done in a different municipality in the state of Rhode Island, and I uh the city of Newport has been having really good success on this, so we want to just make sure that we also offer an opportunity to our um to our neighbors because we are listening to the multifaceted approaches of how to be able to reduce um the financial burden from for our neighbors for all of our neighbors as well.

26:31

Thank you.

26:33

Further discussion, hearing none, all in favor.

26:38

Aye.

26:39

Aye.

26:39

Any opposed, any abstentions, the motion passes.

26:42

Item 13.

26:43

Madam President, majority leader the way the reader item 13.

26:47

Second Madam President.

26:48

You have a motion and a second discussion on item 13.

26:53

Hearing none, all in favor?

26:55

Aye.

26:56

Aye.

26:56

Any opposed, any abstentions, the motion passes.

27:00

Uh, Madam Clerk, please refer item 13 to the special committee on the state legislative affairs.

27:04

So noted.

27:05

Item 14.

27:06

Madam President, majority leader.

27:07

What's it the way the reader item 14 through 16 and pass on a voice vote?

27:12

Second, Madam President.

27:13

Any discussion on items 14.

27:15

Madam President, may we have number 16 reading to the regular Absolutely.

27:20

Madam Turk.

27:22

Whereas Davy Lopes, a major league baseball star and world series champion, who grew up in South Providence, passed away on April 8th at the age of 80.

27:32

And whereas, as part of a lengthy career, Loep spent nine storied years at second base for the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he won four All-Star nominations, one Golden Glove Award, and a World Series Championship.

27:49

And whereas long before his major league fame, Lopes grew up in South Providence and a large family of Cape Verdean and Irish descent, led by his mother Mary Rose, after his father passed away when Lopes was a toddler.

28:03

And whereas at LaSalle Academy, Loops excelled in both baseball and basketball, resulting in his recruitment to Iowa Weseland College, where Providence Native and Hope High School alumnus Michael Sarkeesian was a coach.

28:19

And whereas when Sarkeesian moved out onto Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, Loops followed him due to their special relationship.

28:49

And whereas Lopez Loops skipped spring training the following two years to finish his degree in elementary education.

28:58

And whereas Loops became one of the best base dealers in the history of American baseball, he boasted an 83% success success rate, and his contemporaries remember him as having an uncanny ability to identify and exploit face running opportunities.

29:19

And whereas he once stole 38 consecutive bases without getting caught, breaking a 53-year-old record.

29:27

And whereas Lopes had an impressively long career stealing 68 bases after his 40th birthday and hitting more professional home runs in his 40s than in his 20s.

29:39

And whereas, after retiring from playing, Loops moved into coaching, which included stints as the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers and the first base coach for the Orioles, Padres, Nationals, Phillies, and Dodgers, before Lopes retired from baseball for good at age 72.

30:00

And whereas the Davy Lopes Recreation Center on Dudley Street bears the name of this local legend who credits sports with teaching him discipline and keeping him out of trouble.

30:09

And whereas Loopes' siblings Jean John, Judith, Mary, Nina, and Patrick survive him, as well as his daughter Vanessa and his former wife Lynn.

30:19

Loops' mother Mary Rose, a Providence native herself, and a former welder, domestic and early childhood educator, passed away in 2019 at age 98.

30:33

Now therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Providence hereby honors the life and legacy of Davy Lopes, legendary baseball player and native son of Providence, and sends its sincere condolences to the Lopes family.

30:48

And now therefore be it resolved that upon passage a copy of this resolution be sent to Davy Loops' family, the LaSalle Academy Athletic Administrator and the Providence Department of Recreation for display at the Davy Lopes Recreation Center.

31:05

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

31:13

Councilwoman Harris.

31:15

I was actually waiting for the sponsor who created the idea.

31:20

Councilman Gunkoff.

31:22

I just want to thank Councillor Harris for her leadership on this and uh for uplifting the life and legacy of Davy Loops.

31:30

As we know, Davy Loops is this the actual recreation center is in Councillor Harris's ward, but um as a proud Caverdian uh member of this council, uh Davy Loops is someone that my family has always looked up to and just people in the city of Providence.

31:47

So it was actually Secretary uh Amore who reached out to me and said, Hey, uh, I'm sure you heard about the passing of Davy Loops, and it would really be a great gesture to acknowledge his life and legacy.

32:00

So I just want to thank Councillor Harris for collaborating with me on this, and again, I want to wish um the best for him and his family, and in deepest condolences uh as we um think about his life and his legacy and all the contributions he's made for the city of Providence.

32:18

Thank you, Madam President.

32:19

Thank you.

32:20

Uh Councilman Harris.

32:24

Well, I stand in honor of uh David Lopes, especially with the work and the legacy that he left behind.

32:34

One of the things I can say um his dedication to the community and his effort to be a great person in what he's done, have led a lot of children, grown-ups too, uh, to David Lopes Recreation Center, which Councilman Gunkar's have mentioned in my ward.

32:55

These children are very much taken care of.

32:58

I the best thing in my life is to at one point is to visit the kids and visit how they are treated as individuals and how they are encouraged to be really good people and better people.

33:12

Obviously, that is a reflection of who Mr.

33:15

Lopes was in the work that he did and the way he represented all of us because you know we love people that's from Providence, born, native born to be some big superstar because it makes us look good as well, the brag in other cities and states and countries that they were part of Providence.

33:36

So that's really beautiful.

33:38

The second thing is I've witnessed these kids going in and out and being um really um involved in their recreation center, and we want to thank uh Mr.

33:50

Lopes for all his investment that he put into this recreation center for the kids to be able to to be there.

33:57

Um the second thing that I want to bring up is the fact that the city itself have it's a city alone with governor have put 2.8 million dollars in renovating David Lopes, which is well deserved, well needed.

34:12

Like I said, there's adults that are now grown-ups who have had the opportunity to be able to spend time at David Lopes and become uh people that are committed and dedicated to the community.

34:26

And I know the kids in this generation will be the same.

34:30

I really wanted to make you guys all jealous because uh Caleb gave me four years ago a button with uh David Lopes uh picture in him when he was playing for the Dodgers.

34:45

So I wanted to bring it in, show it off because one day it may be very valuable.

34:50

Uh our respect to the family, uh valuable, but I wanted to know that it meant a lot for me to have that and to hold on to it.

35:00

Um thank you, councilman, for allowing me to be a part of this effort as well.

35:06

And we're sharing in um Mr.

35:09

Lopes um honoring honoring Mr.

35:12

Lopes together.

35:14

I asked everyone to please sign on and um uh support this on this resolution tonight.

35:22

Thank you.

35:23

Thank you, Councilwoman.

35:24

Uh Councilman Graves.

35:26

Um, I do want to say something about the center itself.

35:30

This um great man has done a lot of things for the children, but that center has served not only kids but families, um groups.

35:41

At one time, a church had burned down, and the members were able to stay and have service at that church.

35:50

I mean, at that um at the rec for years while they searched for another church.

35:56

So it was a meeting place for a church.

35:59

It was meeting places for different um organizations, so it was adults as well.

36:05

That was in there.

36:06

There also has been um things where they met for um people trying to re-enter society that have gotten out of prison and did all these different things, so it helped not just children, but people transitioning back into society.

36:27

So that place has really done a lot for a lot of people.

36:32

So it's David Lopes came from from here, and he gave back so much.

36:42

That center has really done a lot for the city of Providence.

36:47

Thank you.

36:48

Further discussion, 14 through 16.

36:50

Uh Councilman Godcoff.

36:52

Thank you, Madam President.

36:54

I would like to speak on item number 14 and 15.

36:57

These are both related to higher education uh students in our city.

37:03

The first is to make the Hope Scholarship permanent.

37:06

That's at the Rhode Island College.

37:09

Uh so the Rhode Island College Hope Scholarship has been a lifeline for so many students and families, essentially expanding access to higher education and reducing barriers uh in our city.

37:21

But right now there's a sunset provision that would threaten uh that or um that piece of legislation up at the State House, um, and the goal is to make that permanent.

37:33

So I'd like to thank uh Dante DeGreg uh DGRO who uh brought this to our attention, uh Victoria Adu Gonfi, and all the students at REC who are advocating to ensure that this program could be permanent, uh, and so they have that ability and the stability and and opportunity to pursue their their future and be able to grow and thrive.

37:59

So uh the second um uh resolution is um for in support of the unionization of the graduate fellows at Brown University, so graduate fellows at Brown University, thank you, are our researchers and educators and essential contributors to the people in our city and just in in our ward in general and their intellectual prowess is something that we're so proud of, but so many of them have been trying to organize uh to make sure that they're paid a living wage.

38:34

Brown University, as we all know, has over four billion dollars in assessment.

38:42

Uh they need to pay their fair share, and I think the way that they pay their fair share is by paying their workers a living wage, and I think they have the right to unionize.

38:53

So uh this is pretty important because federal law may lag behind, but Rhode Island actually stepped forward to affirm their rights.

39:02

There's uh a provision up at the State House that allows these fellows to unionize, and ultimately, this is about fairness and transparency and respecting the work that these folks do.

39:16

So I hope that Brown University President Paxon will hear us loud and clear.

39:21

We are urging them to voluntarily recognize these fellows.

39:27

We're standing on the side of workers and labor, and we believe that these uh graduate students, but also uh fellows in general should have the opportunity to unionize.

39:41

So I hope that all of my colleagues will support me in this effort, and ultimately I hope that Brown University will do the right thing.

39:50

Thank you, Madam President.

39:51

Thank you, Counselor.

39:52

Further discussion, Councilman Pacharo.

40:00

I just I rise to on item number 14, the uh resolution uh for Davy Lopes on his legacy.

40:05

Just wanted to uh pay homage to his family and also know that uh as a fan of baseball and growing up in the south side and uh knowing that as a 14-year-old and knowing that someone reached the major leagues was a big thing back in the in those times.

40:24

And so for those of us who love sports, especially baseball, where we all know from the Dominican Republic that Juan Marichal during those times was one of our heroes early on.

40:35

Uh Davy Lopes was that hero for many of uh young men uh of color, and uh just to be from South Side and the struggling families, and uh as a result, knowing some of their family members, uh we pay homage to the family, but also to his legacy, and may he rest in peace.

40:53

Thank you.

40:55

Thank you.

40:55

Further discussion, 14 through 16 hearing none, madam clerk, please open the vote.

41:04

The vote is open.

41:14

Vote is closed.

41:17

We have 15 ayes for items 14 through 16.

41:20

The motion carries the matters are approved on a voice vote.

41:25

Item 17.

41:27

Madam President, majority leader, motion to weigh the reading at 17 and 18.

41:31

Second Madam President.

41:33

Discussion on 17 and 18.

41:38

Hearing none.

41:39

All in favor.

41:40

All right, aye.

41:41

Any opposed, any abstentions?

41:42

The motion passes.

41:43

Madam Clerk, please refer 17 to the committee on public works uh and 18 to the committee on state legislative affairs.

41:50

So noted.

41:51

Item 19.

41:52

Madam President, majority leader.

41:53

Motion to weigh the reading of item 19 and lay on the table.

41:57

Second, madam president.

41:58

We have a motion and a second.

41:59

Any discussion on item 19?

42:01

Councilman Peterson.

42:02

Thank you.

42:03

Um sorry I'm looking for my notes.

42:06

Um thank you for the opportunity to speak on this.

42:09

I um this resolution is essentially just requesting a report on uh organizations that are in our budget.

42:19

Um, and just tell us about the pro the impact on the funds provided um to our providence residents.

42:28

Um we keep hearing from our residents pretty often about how um we need to prioritize our spending, and what I think it is part of our job as well is that we show and foster the opportunity to show our neighbors about the dollars that we expend with organizations that are doing work here.

42:46

So essentially what this is doing is just um asking for a report on anybody that has um uh funding from the budget um on how their funds are used and services that are delivered and residents that are served here in the Providence area, and um we urge the administration to incorporate these reporting requirements to improve um our opportunities for transparency and accountability.

43:09

Thanks.

43:09

Oh, and did we say 22?

43:11

Are we just doing 19?

43:13

We're just doing 19.

43:14

Just kidding.

43:15

I'll come back.

43:17

Thank you, counselor.

43:18

Further discussion on 19.

43:21

Uh hearing none, all in favor.

43:23

Aye.

43:23

Aye.

43:24

Any opposed, any abstentions?

43:25

The motion passes.

43:26

Item 20.

43:28

Madam President, majority leader.

43:30

What should the way the reading of item 20?

43:32

Second.

43:33

Uh motion and a second.

43:35

Any discussion on item 20, Councilman Peterson.

43:38

Um, really quickly, thank you for the opportunity to speak again.

43:41

Um, this resolution supports the state bill.

43:44

I want to thank Senators Basilian, uh, Senator Basillion and also Rep D.

43:48

Simone for submitting it on our behalf.

43:51

Um, essentially, what this does is it supports a state bill that would further our ability to regulate student housing um by our by allowing our city to be able to license exclusive student housing.

44:01

That's it.

44:03

Thank you.

44:03

Uh further discussion.

44:06

Hearing none, all in favor.

44:08

Aye.

44:09

Any opposed, any abstentions?

44:11

The motion passes.

44:12

Item 21.

44:13

Madam President.

44:14

Majority leader.

44:15

Motion to weigh the realm.

44:16

Sorry, can you please refer item 20 to the committee on state legislative affairs?

44:19

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

44:20

So noted.

44:21

Apologies.

44:23

Madam President.

44:24

Motion to weigh the reading of item 21 and pass on a voice vote.

44:28

Second, Madam President.

44:29

We have a motion and a second, Councilman Ryan.

44:32

Thank you, Madam President.

44:33

Um, what is before us is a resolution uh uh lending support from the council on Rhode Island Led Poisoning Prevention Act provides that any water supplier that provided financing to its customers for private side-led service line replacement after January 1, 2018, may be eligible for reimbursement from the state for cost associated with the private side led service line replacement financed by its customers, subject to an appropriation of the General Assembly.

45:05

This is actually asking on the Providence Water Supply Board has already made a request in the General Assembly.

45:12

Mayor of the City of Providence wholeheartedly supports it.

45:16

I am asking on the Providence City Council to lend its voice to this.

45:35

Um to replace the private side lead lines on this appropriation from the General Assembly will uh make them whole and reimburse them for their cost, and then it's consistent with the Providence Water Supply Board's efforts to provide free replacement for all uh users.

45:56

Uh so it's a good thing, and I ask you to support this resolution.

46:00

Thank you, Councilwoman.

46:01

Further discussion on 21.

46:04

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please open the vote.

46:08

The vote is open.

46:17

The vote is closed.

46:19

You have 15 ayes.

46:20

The motion carries the matters approved on a voice vote.

46:25

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

46:26

Item 22.

46:27

Madam President.

46:28

Majority leader.

46:29

What should the way the reader item 22 through 25 and pass for the first time on a roll code vote?

46:34

Second, madam president.

46:36

We have items 22 through 25.

46:38

Any discussion.

46:40

Hang on, Madam Clerk, please open the vote and call the roll.

46:51

The vote is open.

46:52

Council President Miller.

46:54

Aye.

46:54

Deputy Majority Web Amberbois.

46:57

Councilor Davidson.

46:59

Majority Leader Espinal?

47:01

Aye.

47:01

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales.

47:04

Councilwoman Graves.

47:06

Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

47:08

All right.

47:09

Councilwoman Peterson.

47:10

Aye.

47:11

Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo.

47:14

Aye.

47:14

Council Arroyas.

47:16

Aye.

47:16

Councilwoman Ryan.

47:18

Aye.

47:18

Majority with Sanchez.

47:20

Aye.

47:21

Councilman Taylor.

47:23

Councilwoman Ana Vargas.

47:26

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

47:29

Aye.

47:31

The vote is closed.

47:32

You have 15 ayes on items 22 through 25, and they pass for the first time on a roll call vote.

47:40

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

47:41

Item 26.

47:42

Madam President.

47:43

Majority leader.

47:44

What should the way they're reading about 26 and 27 passing a voice vote?

47:48

Second, Madam President.

47:50

Any discussion on 26 and 27.

47:54

Oh, uh Councilwoman Harris.

47:58

I'm rising on item number 27.

48:02

Uh, this have been vetted by the finance committee, and one of the things that uh that is very serious and um for me is this is a uh safe place for women, men, or anybody that's gone through any domestics.

48:22

So we're looking to help this organization, help them like the way we're trying to do with all organizations, give them a jump start so they can have a fair balance of how to get um start their work and start the things they need to do.

48:39

So I ask my colleagues to please support this in honor of women, children, uh especially children who are nowadays we're hearing that are being held.

48:53

Um, in sex traffic and all kind of other things, as unconditional and as bad as that may be.

49:03

This is a world that we're living in.

49:05

And when we live in a world that is not looking out for um vulnerable people, we should be able to be a part of anybody else that's doing that work.

49:16

So I ask again my colleagues to please support this.

49:20

Thank you, counselor.

49:21

Further discussion, 26 or 27.

49:24

Hearing none, madam clerk, please open the vote.

49:29

The vote is open.

49:41

You have 15 ayes.

49:43

Items 26 and 27 are passed on a voice vote.

49:47

Thank you.

49:47

Item 28.

49:48

Madam President, majority leaders.

49:50

What should the way the reader 28 through 30 pass on a voice vote and refer back to the board of contracts and supply?

49:57

Second, madam president.

49:59

Thank you.

50:00

Items 28 through 30.

50:01

Any discussion.

50:04

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please open the vote.

50:07

The vote is open.

50:25

The vote is closed.

50:28

We have 15 ayes.

50:29

Items 28 through 30 are passed on a voice vote and referred back to the Board of Contract and Supply.

50:35

Item 31.

50:37

President.

50:38

Wash it the way the reading of item 31 and 32 and receive and approve.

50:43

Second, madam president.

50:44

We have a motion and a second.

50:45

Any discussion on 31 and 32.

50:49

Councilman Peterson.

50:51

If we could just um congratulate uh Tim Hanlin as our new city register.

50:56

I believe he's still upstairs.

50:58

Um if you want to just wave hello, he has his family all here.

51:01

It's a new position for the city, and it's an exciting opportunity for us.

51:05

So lazy just stay in.

51:14

Thank you, Counselor.

51:15

Uh further discussion, 31 or 32.

51:19

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please open the vote.

51:24

Vote is open.

51:30

The vote is closed.

51:35

You have 15 ayes on items 31 and 32, and they are received and approved.

51:42

Thank you.

51:42

Congratulations to you, Tim, and uh also to the honorable Maria Deaton on your reappointment.

51:52

Item 33.

51:53

Madam President.

51:54

Majority.

51:55

I'm sorry, what's happening?

51:56

Sorry, I have my hand raised.

51:57

I just wanted to say, Tim, you've done an excellent job.

52:00

That's all I want to say.

52:00

Thank you for all that you do.

52:03

Mr.

52:04

Missed it.

52:04

Sorry, uh Counselor.

52:06

Item 33.

52:07

Madam President.

52:08

Majority leader.

52:09

Wash it the way the reader about it.

52:10

33 and passing a voice vote.

52:12

Second, Madam President.

52:13

Any discussion on item 33?

52:16

Councilman.

52:18

No.

52:18

Okay.

52:20

Madam Clerk, please open the vote.

52:22

The vote is open.

52:33

The vote is closed.

52:35

You have 15 eyes.

52:38

Item 33 is passed on a voice vote.

52:42

Thank you.

52:43

Item 34.

52:45

Madam President.

52:46

Majority leaders.

52:47

What should the way the reader and 34 through 41?

52:51

Second, Madam President.

52:53

Any discussion on items 34 through 41.

52:58

Hearing none.

52:59

All in favor.

53:00

Aye.

53:01

Any opposed?

53:02

Any abstentions?

53:03

The motion passes.

53:04

Madam Clerk.

53:05

Please note.

53:14

Okay.

53:15

Thank y'all for being here.

53:19

Thank y'all for being here.

53:20

Madam Clerk, please note 34, 35 as received.

53:25

36, please refer to the committee on ordinances.

53:27

37 to the committee on claims and pending suits.

53:30

38 through 41 note as received.

53:33

So noted.

53:34

Item 42.

53:35

Madam President.

53:36

Majority Leader.

53:37

Wash it the way the reader item 42 and passing a voice vote.

53:40

Second, Madam President.

53:42

Any discussion?

53:42

Councilman's.

53:44

Thank you, Madam President.

53:45

Just uh point of personal expression.

53:47

I know the majority leader is gonna mention this individual, but I I just wanted to uh send my deep condolences to the family of John Fernandez Pereira or Joao uh Pereira.

54:00

He's um longstanding uh member of the Fox Point community uh was someone who immigrated uh to Fox Point from the Cape Verde Islands, one of the very few Cave Verdean families that uh still live in the neighborhood.

54:16

Um but he passed away April 4th, 2026, and he was a food service worker at Brown University for over 33 years.

54:25

Um enjoyed cooking and listening to music.

54:28

He would call me every year to go over property taxes and I know he's survived by his wife uh Candida Pereira and just such a beautiful family in in Fox Point, so I just want to wish them and their family um my my deepest condolences and um uh it's just it's heartbreaking to lose such a a fixture in our neighborhood.

54:52

So I I just wanted uh um say if we could um end the meeting um in his his honor, but also um to have a moment of silence uh for him.

55:06

I greatly appreciate that.

55:19

Thank you.

55:20

Thank you, counselor.

55:21

Further discussion on 42?

55:23

Yes, counselor for the opportunity to give it to me.

55:26

So my family have a couple days, you know, for my auntie gets passed away, so that's the reason yesterday being running late, and today we you know go to the cemetery.

55:38

So I would like to say thank you, my auntie, for be with us for a long time to give it love forever.

55:50

The name is Ine Noboa, and she passed away last week.

55:55

So today was the cemetery or the procedure for yesterday.

55:59

Thank you, my colleague.

56:00

Thank you, Counselor.

56:02

I'm sorry for your loss for the discussion on 42.

56:06

Madam President.

56:07

Counseling to Carol Moment for personal expression.

56:12

Thank you, Madam President.

56:13

I just wanted to uh thank we go ahead.

56:17

Yes, I think item 42, but go ahead.

56:22

We're almost we're almost done.

56:25

Yes?

56:26

Any discussion on 42?

56:28

Let's vote on 42, and then uh I will acknowledge the councilor for open and personal expression.

56:33

All in favor?

56:34

All right, any opposed, any abstentions?

56:36

The motion passes.

56:36

Councilman Picard.

56:39

Thank you very much.

56:40

I just want to take uh a second to thank everyone uh for the uh process that we went through to make uh get us to this point in the historical time in passing red civilization uh as it continues to be an issue that we could deal with and that uh overwhelmingly we passed it uh today, and I hope that everyone continues the fight, and today we made history.

57:05

Thank you.

57:06

Thank you, Madam President, majority leader.

57:10

I ask that we all rise as we prepare to adjourn in the memory of those that have passed away.

57:16

First, I'd like to adjourn in the name of David Lopes, a Southside Facts Point uh Giant who contributed so much to our society.

57:25

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, uh to the council person that represents uh the place where we live and where uh David Lopes Recreation Center is located.

57:40

We also tonight like to adjourn in the name of Joao Pereira, Vicky Jones, Orlando Pazarelli, Morocco, Dequiline Mary, and the aunt of our colleague uh Anna Vargas Inez Navar.

58:00

May they rest in peace.

58:02

Motion to adjourn.

58:04

Second.

58:06

All in favor, any opposed, any abstentions?

58:09

We are adjourned.

58:10

Thank you, counselors.

58:11

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████████████████38%
Community Engagement██████████████████18%
Arts And Culture██████████10%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Energy Efficiency█████5%
Education█████5%
Public Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Providence City Council Meeting – April 16, 2026

The Providence City Council held a regular meeting on April 16, 2026, beginning at approximately 9:53 PM. The meeting included a discussion of a rent stabilization measure, several environmental and transportation ordinances, resolutions honoring local figures and supporting labor and education, and numerous routine approvals. Several items passed on roll call votes, with the rent stabilization measure passing 9-6 on its second passage.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously (15 ayes).
  • Items 4 through 6 were received and noted without objection.
  • Items 7 and 8 were referred to the Committee on Earth.
  • Items 34 and 35 were received; Item 36 referred to the Committee on Ordinances; Item 37 referred to the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits; Items 38 through 41 were received as noted.
  • Items 28 through 30 (contracts) were passed on a voice vote and referred back to the Board of Contract and Supply.
  • Items 31 and 32 (appointments: Tim Hanlin as City Register, Maria Deaton reappointed) were received and approved unanimously.
  • Item 33 passed on a voice vote.

Discussion Items

  • Item 9 – Rent Stabilization (Second Passage): Councilwoman Graves clarified that the measure before the council is a limited “band-aid” and not the full rent stabilization she supports. She urged colleagues to vote for it to help renters in the predominantly renter city. The item passed on a roll call vote of 9 ayes to 6 nays (Council President Miller, Deputy Majority Whip Andrew Bois, Councillor Davidson, Councilwoman Graves, Councillor Royus, Councilwoman Ryan, Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo, Councilwoman Peterson, Councilman Taylor voted aye; Majority Leader Espinal, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales, Councilwoman Harris, Majority Whip Sanchez, Councilwoman Ana Vargas, Councilman Oscar Vargas voted nay).
  • Item 10 – Building Energy Reporting and Carbon Neutral Buildings: Councilman Anderbaugh reported that previously passed ordinances (Building Energy Reporting Ordinance and Carbon Neutral Buildings Act) have already saved the city 7% on energy bills. He introduced a measure to reinvest those savings into a revolving fund to continue implementation of the carbon neutral buildings ordinance, praising the Sustainability Director and Energy Administrator. Referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
  • Item 11 – Right Turn on Red Ordinance: Councilman Gunkoff introduced an ordinance, supported by the Providence Streets Coalition, requiring drivers in downtown Providence to come to a full stop before turning right on red at all intersections, effective 2027. He framed it as a safety measure consistent with Vision Zero. Referred to the Committee on Public Works.
  • Item 12 – Senior Volunteer Property Tax Reduction: Councilman Royus and Councilwoman Peterson sponsored an ordinance allowing seniors who volunteer in the city to receive a reduction on their property tax bill, modeled after a successful program in Newport, Rhode Island. The item was laid on the table.
  • Item 13 – (No discussion) Laid on the table, later referred to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs.
  • Items 14-16 – Resolutions:
    • Item 14 – Honoring Davy Lopes: Councilwoman Harris and Councilman Gunkoff co-sponsored a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Major League Baseball star and Providence native Davy Lopes, who passed away at age 80. Councilwoman Harris noted the $2.8 million renovation of the Davy Lopes Recreation Center in her ward. Councilwoman Graves highlighted the center’s role serving families and re-entry programs. All three resolutions passed unanimously on a voice vote (15 ayes).
    • Item 15 – Permanent Hope Scholarship: Councilman Gunkoff presented a resolution urging the state to make the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College permanent, eliminating a sunset provision.
    • Item 16 – Support for Brown University Graduate Fellows Unionization: Councilman Gunkoff introduced a resolution urging Brown University to voluntarily recognize the unionization efforts of graduate fellows, citing the university’s $4 billion endowment and the need for a living wage.
  • Item 19 – Request for Report on Funded Organizations: Councilwoman Peterson introduced a resolution requesting a report from the administration on organizations receiving city funds, detailing how funds are used and residents served, to improve transparency and accountability. The item was laid on the table.
  • Item 20 – Student Housing Regulation: Councilwoman Peterson presented a resolution supporting a state bill (sponsored by Senator Basillion and Representative DeSimone) that would allow the city to license exclusive student housing. Passed on a voice vote and referred to the Committee on State Legislative Affairs.
  • Item 21 – Lead Poisoning Prevention Act: Councilwoman Ryan introduced a resolution supporting state legislation that would reimburse water suppliers, including the Providence Water Supply Board, for costs incurred in replacing private-side lead service lines. She noted the mayor’s support and the Water Board’s efforts to provide free replacements. Passed unanimously on a voice vote (15 ayes).
  • Items 22-25 – First Passage on Roll Call: Passed unanimously on a roll call vote (15 ayes) for the first time.
  • Items 26-27 – Support for Domestic Violence Organization: Councilwoman Harris spoke in support of an organization providing a safe place for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking, urging colleagues to support it. Passed on a voice vote (15 ayes).

Key Outcomes

  • Item 9 – The rent stabilization measure passed on its second reading by a vote of 9 ayes to 6 nays.
  • Items 10 and 11 – Advanced to committees (Environment and Resiliency; Public Works).
  • Items 14-16, 21, 26-27, 31-32, 33 – Passed unanimously.
  • Items 22-25 – Passed first time on roll call (15-0).
  • Appointments – Tim Hanlin confirmed as City Register; Maria Deaton reappointed.
  • Condolences and Adjournment – The meeting adjourned in memory of Davy Lopes, Joao Pereira, Vicky Jones, Orlando Pazarelli, Morocco, Dequiline Mary, and Inez Navar (aunt of Councilwoman Ana Vargas). A moment of silence was observed.

Meeting Transcript

Tonight as we gather to do the work of the city, the idea, this idea feels especially important. We are living through difficult times. For many of our residents, the cost of living is rising faster than opportunity. In the last few days, the phrase is the phrase, it's expensive to be poor keeps coming up. Some are thriving while others are still waiting for their chance. And yet all of them, every single one, have placed their trust in us. That is both a privilege and a responsibility. But our obligation is not to win arguments. It's to serve people. It's to ensure that the decisions that we make lift those who have been left waiting and create pathways for those still trying to find their footing. And to remember that leadership is not about standing above others, but about reaching back and bringing others forward. So tonight, and in all the days we have left together, may we measure our time here not just by votes cast or meetings held, but by the lives we touch and the doors we open. Escuchar con major attention, acting with more reflexion and record that liderazco no consisted in store of the most, sino in entertain the man at the man atrás para impulsar atrás ascia. Thank you, Councillor. And tonight the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by President Cartime Manuel. Second, Madam President. We have a motion and a second discussion. The vote is open. The vote is closed. You have 15 ayes. The motion carries. The minutes are approved. All right. Item four, please. Madam President. Majority leader. What's it the way the reader of item four through six? Second, Madam President. Any discussion on that motion? Hearing none. All in favor. Aye. All opposed. Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam Clerk, please note four through six as received. So noted. Item seven. Madam President. Majority leader. What should it the way they're reader? Item seven and eight. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items seven and eight. Uh all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

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