Welcome everyone.

Madam Clerk.

Please call the roll call.

Council President Miller is absent.

Acting Council President Picardo.

Present.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Present.

Council Aroyus.

Present.

Councilwoman Lyon.

Present.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Present.

According to your own tradition, spirit or way of making meaning in this world to join them in prayer, uh, meditation, reflection or simply a moment of silence.

I offer I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus who taught us that whatever we do for the least among us, we do for him.

Jesus proclaimed good news to the poor.

And so in that spirit, let us uh be guided in this chamber tonight.

So let us pray.

God of the weary tenant, God of the bus stop and the night shift, God of the triple deckers, the bodegas, and candles burning in kitchen windows.

God who walks broad street and Charles Street alike be with us tonight because the rent keeps rising like a tide that never retreats, and too many people in this city are standing ankle deep in uncertainty, wondering how much longer they can hold on to home.

And last week, when many prayed for relief relief, that prayer met a view.

But God, you have never confused legality with justice.

There was a law for Pharaoh too, and there was a law for the money changers too.

There were officials as signatures and procedures when they nailed Jesus to the cross.

So save us tonight from the temptation to mistake power for righteousness and disturb every politic that protects property more fiercely than people.

Disturb every comfortable lie that tells work and families displacement is just a price of progress.

In the name of Jesus, homeless Messiah, table turner, enemy of indifference.

Give us the courage to build a province where the lights stay on, where the doors stay open, and where the people who carry the city on their backs are not sacrificed to the altar of Prophet.

In Jesus' name, amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Item number three is election of one member to the Providence External Review Authority.

Are there any nominations?

Mr.

President.

I nominate Rebecca Bucci for a member of Providence Ethereum Review Authority.

Second, Mr.

President.

There is a second.

Any discussion?

Are there any nomin any further nominations?

Are there any further nominations?

There being none, Madam Clerk.

Open the vote and call the roll.

The vote is open.

Council President Miller is absent.

Acting Council President Pichardo.

Present.

Yes.

Deputy Majority Whip Anderba is absent.

Councilor Davidson.

Aye.

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales is absent.

Councilwoman Graves.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Aye.

Council Arroyas.

Proud aye.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Majority with Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Taylor.

Councilwoman Anna Vargas.

Aye.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Aye.

Councilman Vargas, can you put your electronic vote in?

Aye.

Your electronic vote.

Thank you.

That is 12 ayes and three absent.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk, please cast one ballot for Rebecca Bucci as a member of the Providence External Review Accord.

So noted.

Thank you.

Item number four.

Mr.

President.

Want you to weigh the reading of item four and move approval.

Second, Mr.

President.

There is a second.

Madam Clerk, open the vote.

The vote is open.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Vote is closed.

That is 12 ayes and three absent.

The motion carries and the minutes are approved.

Thank you.

Item number five.

Mr.

President.

Motion to weigh the reader of item five and six.

Second, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Any uh discussion?

Seeing none.

The motion carries.

Uh please note the items we uh received.

Five and six.

Item number seven.

Mr.

President.

Motion to weigh the reading of items seven through eleven.

And pass for the second time on a roll code vote.

Second.

There is a second any discussion.

Seeing none, Madam Clerk, open the vote and call the roll.

The vote is open.

Council President Miller is absent.

Acting Council President Picard.

Yes.

Deputy Majority with Andrew is absent.

Councillor Davidson.

Aye.

Majority Leader Espinal.

Aye.

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonçalves is absent.

Councilwoman Graves.

Aye.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

Aye.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Aye.

Council Arroyas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Majority with Sanchez.

Councilman Taylor.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas.

Aye.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Vargas.

Can you put in your electronic vote?

Thank you.

That is closed.

You have 12 eyes and three absent.

The motion carries the matters are approved for the second time on a roll call vote.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Item number 12.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reading of item 12 and pass for the second time on a roll call vote.

Second.

The motion has been moved and second.

Any discussion chairwoman Mary Kay Harris.

I want to rise the second time around this um urban redevelopment and the funds that went out the door.

I want again thank the city for being able to put 5.4 million dollars into the um into the community and into organizations that definitely definitely need it, especially with the struggle and the things that we are here have happened.

I want to thank everybody who participated.

I want to thank uh Emily Freeman and Alyssa McDermott, get it out in a second.

Just trying to remember, and all the committee members for all their dedication.

Most of all I want to thank uh Cal and uh Carl Delgada and Robert Baptista from the private perspective of the council.

I also want to thank the mayor's office for um how we collectively work together with the uh vice chairman who we all decided what was priorities for this uh funding that needed to go out into the community.

To me, this was the best process that have taken place.

It was done smoothly, I think, for the for the urgency and for the things that the community need.

I think it was done really great, and I just want to thank uh my colleagues here as well because you got your projects in on time, so we were able to deliver this uh budget to our planning back to our planning department on time, and I just want to thank you again.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Any further discussion?

Councilman uh Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I just want to quickly rise and give uh chairwoman Harris um a huge amount of gratitude and recognition.

Uh Chairwoman Harris has been leading this committee for a couple years now.

Um and it's not an easy task.

There is uh a high need, a high demand uh for CDBG dollars in all of our communities in this whole city and this committee uh alongside all the partners um that uh the chairwoman mentioned um work uh very uh committed uh very thorough.

Um I see Alyssa here from the housing department.

Thank you for for all your work um around this.

Um but we're definitely gonna miss uh your services uh as a city as a whole, chairman, but especially uh in this committee.

Uh you you led uh with your heart uh at the forefront of of everything that you do.

Um but we're definitely gonna miss uh your services uh as a city as a whole chairwoman but especially uh in this committee uh you you led uh with your heart uh at the forefront of of everything that you do uh so I'm just wanna give you your your flowers in recognition and thank you uh very much for everything uh that you've done around CDBG thank you thank you any further discussion seeing none all those in favor any opposed the measure passes however council president it's gonna be a good madam clerk open the vote call the roll would you like to speak on the matter no madam clerk open the vote and call the roll the vote is open council president miller is absent acting council president Pichardo Deputy Majority with Andrew Bois is absent councillor Davidson accused majority leader Espinall aye senior deputy majority leader Gonçals is absent councilwoman graves aye deputy majority leader Harris aye councilwoman Peterson Council Arroyas aye councilwoman Ryan Majority with Sanchez aye councilman Taylor Councilwoman Ana Vargas aye councilman Oscar Vargas aye voting is closed we have eleven ayes one recused and three absent the motion carries the matter is passed for the second time on a roll call vote thank you madam clerk item number 13 Madam President uh Mr.

President motion to weigh the reading of item 13 and pass for the second time on a roll call vote second motion has been second any discussion seeing none madam clerk open the vote and call the roll the vote is open council president miller is absent acting council president Picciardo deputy majority whip and derbois is absent councilor davidson aye majority leader espinal aye senior deputy majority leader gonzals is absent councilwoman graves deputy majority leader harris aye councilwoman peterson councillor Royus aye councilwoman Ryan Majority with Sanchez Councilman Taylor Councilwoman Ana Vargas that an aye aye councilman Oscar Vargas aye uh the vote is closed and we have 12 ayes and three absent the motion carries the matters proof for the second time on a roll call vote thank you madam clerk uh item number 14 mr president motion to weigh the reading of item 14 pass for the first time on a roll code vote and refer to the committee on ordinance second there is a second any discussion yes discussion is the president you're a leader has been thank you okay thank you for the opportunity as you know we now have um uh an ordinance uh which we will be voting on shortly uh which will allow for the expansion of incidental entertainment uh so this is more like the companion bill which will allow for the enforcement of licensee when it comes to extended uh incidental entertainment so we like to vote it on tonight and send it to a committee so that we can uh come back in June at the same time thank you thank you councilman any further discussion uh councilman vargas thank you mr president I raised to to support these ordinance because the constituents and the people are being waiting for more than I will say more than a year and this will be a perfect time to work on it I I uh ask humbly to all those members of the hub committee to please make a consideration and pause it thank you thank you any further discussion uh seeing none madam clerk open the vote and call the roll the vote is open council president miller is absent acting council president Picardo yea deputy majority with ander bois is absent councillor Davidson aye majority leader espinal aye senior deputy majority leader gonzalves is absent councilwoman graves aye deputy majority leader harris aye councilwoman peterson council arroyas nay councilwoman Ryan stay majority with sanchez councilman taylor councilwoman on oscar Vargas aye the vote is closed we have ten ayes one nay one abstention

Council Arroyas.

Nay.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Stay.

Majority with Sanchez.

Councilman Taylor.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas.

Aye.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Aye.

The vote is closed.

We have 10 ayes, one nay, one abstention, and three absent.

The motion carries the matters passed for the first time on a roll call vote and referred to the committee on ordinances.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Item number 15.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reading of item 15.

Second.

There is a second.

Any discussion.

See a none.

All those in favor.

Any abstentions?

Any nays?

The A tablet.

The item number 15 is referred to special committee on hope.

So noted.

Thank you.

Item number 16.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reading.

Through 18.

And passing our voice vote.

Second, Mr.

President.

The motion has been second.

Any discussion?

An item 16.

May I have the resolution back, please.

Councilwoman Davidson would like the resolution read.

Madam Clerk, please read.

Whereas Janice O'Donnell, a cherished community leader and an enduring advocate for the children of the state of Rhode Island, passed away on May 10th, 2026.

And whereas, through her ardent advocacy for free play rather than structured activities and screen time, O'Donnell saw in every child an agent of their own learning, their own growth, and their own fun.

And whereas during her 29-year tenure as executive director of the Providence Children's Museum, O'Donnell created and supported a haven for wonder, imagination, and play.

And whereas, with lines for the museum wrapping around the block, O'Donnell oversaw its relocation to the jewelry district and the successful expansion of original exhibitions, innovative programming, and collaborations with local artists.

And whereas O'Donnell also helped launch and lead Play Corps, a parks department program that encouraged children to get outdoors and direct their own play at more than a dozen parks across the city.

And whereas, through collaborations with community partners and programs, including Head Star and DCYF, O'Donnell always ensured that children's programming and free play was available for the children who need it most.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I just wanted to add a few words.

First of all, I want to warmly welcome Janice O'Donnell's family and friends tonight.

Thank you so much for joining us.

And you know, my own thoughts are in the we moved here in the very cold and snowy winter of 2005 at a five-year-old and a two-year-old, and a kind friend gave us one of the best gifts we ever received, which was a family pass to the Providence Children's Museum.

We soon added a kid, and all three spent many, many happy hours playing and learning at the museum with us.

They're grateful, tired, but happy parents.

At the time, I didn't know who Janice O'Donnell was, nor did I yet know how grateful I would be to Janice for playing such an instrumental role in creating this iconic space for our city's young people.

Time marches on.

Many of the kids who grew up playing and learning in that wonderful space that everybody knows because Nori the Dragon is on the outside.

Now bring the kids in their lives to play and learn.

So thank you, Janice.

We're creating so many hours of delight and fun for all of us.

Janet was a smart, thoughtful, and equity-focused innovator.

She opened the Providence Children's Museum to all families, not just those who could afford to pay.

During her leadership, the Providence Children's Museum built a partnership with DCYF to bring families separated by court order to the museum for visitation.

The museum employed its own social workers to run this program and it served more than 10,000 families.

After her time at the museum ended, Janet worked with the city with the Providence Parks Department and created Play Corps, a free summer play program.

To this day, that program is still activating parks across the city with free play, art, and creative exploration while providing access to free summer meals.

I was really fortunate to meet Janice when we both wrote for the online publication kiddo info, and it's fitting to conclude this recognition of her life here with her own words from that she published there in 2014.

This is what Janice said.

Children's free play has declined alarmingly in the past decade or more.

Affluent children are sent to after school and weekend lessons and organized sports.

Poor kids are in structured out-of-school time programs with high stakes testing.

Schools emphasize academics and homework has expanded.

The ubiquitous screen claims huge amount of kids' time.

Days with free play with neighborhood kids till the street lights come on are over, and that's a tragedy.

Free play is so critical to children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

I want to give free play free play back to kids.

You did, Janice.

On behalf of grateful Providence families, thank you for your work, your passion for play, and for your legacy.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Uh seeing none.

Madam Clerk, open the vote on items uh 16, 17, and 18.

The vote is open.

We have 12 ayes, three absent.

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

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Uh item 19.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reader of item 19 and 20.

Second.

Motion has been second any discussion.

See a none.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Any obsession, any nays?

Please have it.

Item 19 is referred to special committee on hope.

Item number 20.

Item 20 was included.

Item number 20 is included also.

Uh item number 20 is referred to committee on city trump.

So no.

Item 21.

Mr.

President motioned to weigh the reader, right on 21 and pass on a voice phone.

Second.

The motion is on the floor and the second and the discussion.

Any discussion?

Uh Councilman Oscar Vargas.

I would like this resolution to be sent to public works committee.

I don't have no information on this.

One and a phone call.

Everybody in the city has a cell phone that is being banned by the taxpayers.

And they didn't pick up the phone to let no chair of public works.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Uh majority leader.

Um this item uh the councilman uh asked that referred to public works.

Uh no objection.

So you would have to withdraw your uh your motion.

Make a motion to withdraw the motion and then it has to be seconded.

So motion to withdraw.

Withdraw my second.

The motion has been uh made to withdraw item twenty one on the voice vote, and it has been seconded in the discussion.

See a none.

Mr.

President.

Uh discussion.

Uh councilwoman uh join Ryan.

Who is the uh sponsor of this?

Can we have an explanation as to what it is?

Majority.

Who sponsored it?

Sponsor who is the sponsor.

One second.

Councilwoman Grace is the sponsor.

Madam Clip.

It is in um Councilwoman Graves Ward.

Correct.

And that's how it was sent to us with you as the sponsor.

Just asking Mr.

President, the sponsor for an explanation of what it is, what it does, and why it's before us.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Grace, if you could please use the uh microphone.

I'm sorry.

Is it this is for the school for the easement?

I apologize.

Yes, this is for the school.

I did so yes.

And you are the sponsor?

Yes, I am.

All right.

And I do I think this is something that they say they need done while they repair the school um f um.

Um I might say five minutes part.

Harry Kazarian school.

All right.

My understanding, thank you.

Excuse me very much.

Mr.

President.

One second, please.

Councilwoman Graves.

I you know Councilwoman uh thank you, Councilman Graves.

I understand it's a transformer, it's a matter of urgency because they're in the middle of construction.

I was just trying to give the sponsor an opportunity to articulate that it is a matter of urgency versus sending it to committee.

I think that the request is to pass it on the floor.

If if I'm wrong, I yield to the sponsor's request.

Thank you.

Thank you for that clarification.

So the motion on the floor right now is uh that was moved by majority leader was to withdraw his motion uh to pass on a voice vote.

Um so the question uh at this time and there was a also discussion of uh member asking for it to be referred to public works.

Would the majority leader how would you like to proceed?

Apologies for that.

So the motion now would be motion to weigh the original Adam 21, and then you will make a determination as to where it goes.

Seeing any uh further clarification on that.

Um sorry.

This is in my ward, and I and I this is something that needs to be done, and it's kind of at the urgency because as you know, those monies will go back if they don't complete these schools at a certain amount of time.

So this is an urgent thing, they shouldn't be going back and forth through different committees.

So this is something that really needs to be done.

All right.

Thank you.

Uh Mr.

President, I understand the discrepancy and uh and uh in the need with all respect to my colleagues.

That's why we have a process to follow.

A phone call will make the difference.

As a chair of DPW, I don't know anything about these uh resolution, and I've been doing a lot of easements with for the Rhode Island Energy on the Raganset Electric Company.

I've been doing a lot in the last four years.

By doing this is going over the the committee, no respect, no less if that's the case, we can invent every resolution and yes send it to the floor, and we can have a discussion here.

We can be here until midnight discussing all the changes and whistles what we can do, but it's a process to follow.

It's a process.

I didn't I don't know anything about these, and I'd be glad to to work.

That's why I have a committee, and I we go through there every time that we have a committee.

And that's the reason I I'm I'm opposing to this way that to do business in this chamber.

Thank you, Consulman uh Oscar Vagas.

Uh Consulman Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um Chairman, just to be clear, this is uh a request from the administration.

Um so the administration should uh give you uh a call uh beforehand.

Um but just to also add my voice on this um I think this is something that we should uh pass on the floor with with regards to the concerns uh that the chairman has.

I fully respect and understand.

Um as uh as members of of committees, we we definitely want the uh the right process to to take place.

Uh but I would urge uh the chairman to allow this exception because this has to do with school construction and school construction is uh uh tied with uh very uh tight uh schedules in terms of reimbursement, so uh to not have uh the potential of losing uh millions of dollars in in reimbursements.

I I would ask the committee and the the president uh to please allow this exception and and pass this on the floor um uh today.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Um you make the motion to withdraw your motion.

Uh we already made a motion to withdraw, and then the second motion was to weigh the reading of item 21.

But presently you made another motion, so right now we have to vote on the second motion that you made, which was to uh determine if it was going to be referred to a committee.

So at this time, uh make the motion to withdraw the motion, and then we can you can restate again the motion to waive the reading of the uh of the uh item we could probably do a roll call at this point.

Yeah, right after that.

So all right, so motion to withdraw.

There's second second second.

Uh there is a second on withdrawing the motion.

Uh any discussion?

Seeing none.

Madam Clerk, uh no need for a roll call on that one.

Uh all those in favor.

Aye.

Any nays?

Yes.

Have it.

Now on item.

No.

To waive the reading.

All right.

Now that that needs to be revisited.

I don't think there was any clarity on what everyone was voting for.

Can we please revisit that item?

Madam Clerk and Council.

The motion that was made and that you just voted on was to withdraw the motion that was the second motion to withdraw the to waive the reading on item 21 and pass on a voice vote.

No.

Clarify that.

Mr.

President, if you are give me one second.

If you allow me, okay.

One second.

Madam Clerk.

So there was the initial motion was to waive the reading and pass on the voice vote, and that was withdrawn.

The second motion was to waive the reading, and that was withdrawn.

So now there is no motion before the council as of yet.

Mr.

President.

Give me one second, madam.

There's no motion.

Is that correct?

Councilwoman.

Mr.

President.

Councilwoman.

Thank you.

I'm gonna I'm going to clarify.

I would like to rise.

If you don't mind, after the explanation from the clerk, there is no motion on the floor, and the majority leader can make the motion again, and then we'll go uh proceed with it.

Mr.

President, I would like to make the motion to pass item 21 on a voice vote.

Mr.

President.

I think the woman I do that motion.

Give me one second.

There is a motion.

Usually the motions are made directly on these items by the majority leader.

But the motion is on the floor.

Second, Mr.

President.

I was recognized, sir, and I made a motion.

So there's a motion on the floor.

Please correct me, Madam Clerk, if I'm wrong.

Madam uh Councilwoman Gwen Ryan, if you let me finish.

I was in the process of recognizing the fact that you've made the motion.

So therefore, the motion on the floor is to waive the reading of item 21 and pass on a voice vote.

Second.

And so the motion is on the floor, and there's a second.

There's a second.

Councilwoman Harris.

Any discussion?

Mr.

President.

Councilman Vargas.

Mr.

President, I know who dropped the ball, but somebody dropped the ball in this resolution.

It's respectful that the administration didn't make the phone call or anybody else.

To the chairperson.

I don't have anything against the school against easements because last week we met to do the people's work to pass the breach.

The black bridge that we have in the round the river.

And if this resolution wasn't the floor or was before us, why didn't bother resolution to me that day?

And nowadays want to pass it like overnight, like right-by.

Something's wrong here with this process.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Uh councilwoman uh right.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

This I am supporting this because my councilwoman from the area that this impacts has put it before us for a vote.

I'm supporting the ward request.

There's no cost to the city of Providence that's is free.

As on my other colleague had commented, school of construction, as we know is a tight timeline.

Very tight time frame.

This impacts our kids, and I know, and I can go to bank on this, that every single one of us, when we dis we may disagree on a lot of things, but when it comes to our kids, we're all spot on.

This is about turning on electricity in the school, and Councilwoman Graves Ward on I wasn't challenging you, Councilwoman.

I just wanted you to speak to the attributes of it.

It's about installing a transformer, not costing the city a dime.

I am putting that testimony before you all and on the record.

Councilwoman Graves is asking for a vote tonight in affirmative to pass this thing so that construction can go forward.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Uh seeing none.

Madam Clerk, open the vote.

The vote is open.

The vote is closed.

We have 11 eyes, one abstention.

The motion carries in the matter is passed on a voice vote.

Item number 22.

Mr.

President.

Motion to weigh the reader matter 22 through 24.

Second, Mr.

President.

The motion has been uh second.

Any discussion?

Seeing none, or those in favor?

Aye.

Aye.

All those opposed.

The A's have it.

Item 22 will be referred to committee on city property.

Item 23 referred to committee on city property.

Item 24 refer to special committee on state legislative affairs.

So noted.

Thank you.

Item 25.

Mr.

President, uh motion to wear the reader.

Item 25 and passing our voice vote.

Second.

There is a uh a second.

Any discussion.

Madam Clerk, would you mind uh reading this uh resolution?

Whereas the history and perseverance of the Seacon Wampanoag are inextricably tied to the history of Providence and of Rhode Island with significant portions of the land upon which the Seacon Wampanoag historically resided and the towns and cities of the East Bay were founded, conveyed by deed to or due to the negotiation of Roger Williams, founder of Providence and of Rhode Island.

And whereas the Seekong Wampanoag tribe is part of the larger Wampanoag people, including the Aquina, Mash P, Harrington, Asanet, Chappaquitic, and Picasso communities, and descended from Anawan, a chief and war leader of the Wampanoag, executed at the end of King Philip's war, a war that saw the Wampanoag and other allied nations dispersed, enslaved and suppressed.

And whereas, as with other Wampanoag communities, the Seacon Quampanoag were dispersed, enslaved, enslaved both in what became the United States and elsewhere, and were some other identities with their identity and culture suppressed.

And whereas on October 1st, 1996, the descendants of Anawan having survived centuries of oppression and discrimination and recognizing their heritage and traditions, convened and formed the Seaconk Wampanoag tribe.

And whereas the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs recognized Singhok Wampanoag in 1997 due to the advocacy of Chief Willie Eaglehart Green, a South Providence native and dedicated leader.

And whereas the Seacong Wampanoag have persisted in their revival of their culture, traditions, and beliefs, as well as their struggle for recognition by the state of Rhode Island.

And whereas the Providence City Council wishes to honor the indigenous indigenous peoples whose presence on the land constituting Providence and Rhode Island generally endures.

Now therefore be it resolved that the Providence City Council honors the Seacon Wampanoag, their continuing presence in Rhode Island, and their enduring legacy.

Be it further resolved that upon passage copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Seconk Wampanoag tribe, the Rhode Island delegation to the United States Congress, Governor of Rhode Island Daniel J.

McKee, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island Sabina Matos, and Secretary of State of Rhode Island, Gregory M.

Omori.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk, open the vote.

The vote is open.

Vote is closed.

We have 12 eyes, three absent.

The motion carries the matter is approved on a voice vote.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Item 26.

Mr.

President motion to weigh the reader of item 26.

Second.

The motion has been uh second.

Any discussion?

Seeing none.

All those in favor.

Any abstention?

Any nays?

Yes have it.

Item 26 referred to the committee on urban.

So noted.

Thank you.

Item 27.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reader.

Item 27 passing a voice.

Second.

Motion has been second.

Madam Clerk, can you read uh item 27?

Whereas National Military Appreciation Month was established by the United States Congress in 1999 to ensure the nation collectively pauses to honor, remember, and appreciate profound sacrifices made by those who protect American freedoms.

And whereas the City of Providence is home to a proud community of veterans, active duty service members, and military families whose contributions are vital to the fabric safety and character of our capital city.

And whereas the month of May serves as a dedicated period to unite the citizens of Providence in a shared expression of gratitude, encompassing several pivotal military-centered observances that highlight distinct areas of service and sacrifice.

Military spouse appreciation day, recognizing the provocate strength, resilience, and daily sacrifices of military families and spouses who support the backbone of our armed forces.

And Armed Forces Day, celebrating and honoring the men and women who currently serving on active duty across all branches of the United States military.

And Memorial Day, a sacred and solemn day dedicated to remembering and honoring those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in service to their country.

And whereas meaningful support for our military community can be demonstrated locally through volunteerism at Veterans Affairs Hospitals, contributions to accredited military charities like the Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Stand Down, and utilization of research and educational resources provided by institutions.

And whereas the Providence Business Community can further acknowledge the service by offering specialized military discounts, promotions, and community outreach initiatives throughout the month of May.

And whereas simple acts of personal outreach, such as extending a direct thank you or sending a message of gratitude, remain powerful ways for individual residents to show their appreciation.

Now therefore, be it resolved that Councillor Juan M.

Pichardo, the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs, and the Providence City Council do hereby officially recognize the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month in the City of Providence, and call upon all residents, businesses, and community organizations to actively participate in honoring our active duty personnel, veterans, and military families through service outreach and remembrance, and be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to local veteran organizations, Governor Dan McKee, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, the members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, the Rhode Island House Veterans Affairs Committee, the Rhode Island Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services on behalf of Councilman Juan M.

Picchardo and the entire Providence City Council as a token of our enduring respect and gratitude.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk, open the vote.

The vote is open.

The motion carries the matters approved on a voice vote.

Thank you.

Item 28.

Second.

Motion has been seconded.

Any discussion.

No discussion.

All those in favor?

Any abstention?

Any nays?

Yes.

Have it.

One abstention.

Councilwoman uh Dwen Ryan.

The item passes.

28 and is referred to referred to special committee on ways and means.

So no, thank you.

Thank you.

Item 29.

Mr.

President.

At this point, I'd like to make a motion to continue this matter.

Um the reason is that we have an amendment.

Um a friendly amendment, I believe it is.

And I think that uh with this amendment, um, I believe uh it would probably most likely be passed by uh unanimously by the uh members.

Um also uh I want to say councilman.

I want to make a motion to continue this item.

I have not recognized you.

Okay.

I have not recognized second the motion, Mr.

President.

Item 29, majority leader.

Espinal.

Well, here we are.

I mean the uh motion was made and second.

Madam Clerk, how do we proceed?

May we have an opinion from the solicitor?

There's a motion that's been seconded on the floor.

Mr.

President.

According to the rules, the member has to be recognized and recognized at this time, Mr.

President.

Majority.

Well, I I uh can certainly understand uh the importance of this.

You have a motion or a discussion.

Uh point of breakfast.

What was that, Madam Clerk?

I called I called on uh you for item twenty-nine motion to weigh the reader of item twenty-one and pass for the first time in a local twenty-nine.

Twenty-nine.

Second.

The motion has been made and second.

Any discussion?

Yes.

Councilman S Pinon.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

And I can certainly understand uh my colleague and and others that has pressed uh strong interest in having this item continue, and perhaps that's what caused some confusion.

Uh last week uh we had um committee on ordinance with this item was in the process of being vetted.

Uh we had public comments, which actually took about two hours.

Everybody had an opportunity to uh take as long as they could, because I truly understand and I appreciate the people that come forward and I want to be heard and especially uh items that are this important.

Uh normally we don't take a vote right after uh discussion, uh right after public uh hearing.

Uh because that produces a lot of data.

That produces a lot of information.

Uh we get calls, we get uh letter sent in and people's testimony.

We feel that that is extremely important.

So uh there was letters send, one of the letters was from uh police department, the chief of police Oscar Perez, who could not be here because it was on our personal uh duty with his family.

Um and there were things on there that caused pause and concerns.

So I say, well, why don't we continue understanding how important this is?

Why don't we continue this meeting to a date that it's certain?

And what I proposed at our time and committee was that we continue to the twenty-six, which would have been next week.

Unfortunately, uh members are the majority of the members of our committee felt that they were ready to send it to the floor.

Well, today I still need more information.

I feel that it's uh premature to be on the floor because of the volume of concerns.

Uh so my members be were begun being crafted that make a lot of sense.

Because you see, I think that we all want to get there.

I personally support civilian oversight.

But we can make it where it works for everyone.

When you when you govern, you can't just one side something that is so critical and so important.

Especially if you have to work collectively with that department.

We could pass it here today, we could patch it next week, then may you consign it.

But is it gonna be sustainable?

Is it going to work?

And this is we want to pass something that works.

And most people here are uh support it and understand it.

So because I feel that I need more information, I feel that it could be better.

Uh I will be abstaining.

And it hurts me because I really want to vote for something like this because it's something that I believe on, but I will not be myself considered responsible legislator if I'm lacking information and I'll be vote on something that I cannot fully explain because there's still concerns about this.

So therefore, when it comes to a vote, I will be abstaining.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Uh Chairman.

Mr.

President, Consulman uh James David.

Okay, I'm acknowledged.

All right.

So the reason I made that motion was before any motion was made, because I believe there is an amendment that is in.

I read the amendment and I was happy with that amendment.

I don't believe, unfortunately, the president's not here, and half of the leadership isn't here.

So I wanted to address them, but without them being here.

Um that's why I wanted to make the motion to continue, but was shot down.

So I will also be abstaining, even though I think it should be done.

But I think this amendment, like I stated, would be unanimous decision of the council instead of splitting the council yet again on a vote for no reason when um everything seems to be rushed.

I understand it came out of committee.

I wanted to talk to the president.

Unfortunately, she's not here.

The senior majority leader is not here, the deputy majority leader.

Um, and I just don't think that we should be uh voting on this, but whatever happens, I will be abstaining as it is written right now.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any further discussion, Considentman Sanchez.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

Um, with all due respect to my colleagues, Mr.

President, this ordinance and all these uh collaboration conversations have been going on for over a year.

Uh there's members of the community here, uh paradirector have been more than willing to collaborate uh for over a year.

Um in the fact that some folks have an amendment that I haven't been sent.

If folks wanted to push an amendment forward today, it should have been sent to commit to the counselors.

Counselors, raise your hand if if you have an amendment in your inbox.

Point of order, Mr.

President, please.

Uh, right.

I don't think any counselor needs to be put on the spot.

So back to what I was saying, Mr.

President.

I think there is uh fundamental difference on uh opinion on this ordinance.

Um at the end of the day, this is bare minimum transparency for our community.

This isn't taking any powers away from the police department.

This isn't uh giving uh constitutional powers to an external board.

All it's doing is allowing uh uh a board of uh citizens of the city of Providence to be able to access uh records and files uh to possibly uh give a recommendation to the police department.

The police department doesn't have to do anything with that recommendation if they don't want to.

At the end of the day, all this is doing is giving uh a board that we all have elected to to put members on, uh, to hold uh our city uh officers um accountable if there is an unjust.

Um there was more uh than enough testimony last week.

I wasn't here, but I I heard it.

Um and even the representative from the police department uh seemed to not be fully aware of what was in the ordinance.

Uh this doesn't allow para to run a parallel investigation as the police department.

All this is doing is once the police investigation is done, then the para can do what they need to do.

Um at the end of the day, uh I'm not sure what's going on here.

Uh it seems uh a little shady, but that's neither here or there.

Um what we need to do as elected officials that are here uh is move this piece of legislation forward uh because our community uh is demanding it from us.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Any further discussion, Councilwoman Ryan, Councilwoman Harris.

Councilwoman Ryan.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

It's been years and years and years and years of Providence City Council trying to get this right.

We have a body who have been working for quite a while on what is the problem that is prohibiting them from doing the work that they need to do to be able to get uh their investigation, their material and stuff that they need to be able to do a proper investigation.

I believe the City of Providence does not want power to go away.

If that was the case, there was lots of opportunities for that to happen way before today, where people continue to throw stumbling blocks, and I just don't understand the Providence police have been offered to sit at the table to also be a part of para and the voice that needs to be uh whatever needs to be happening, whatever communication they need to have.

The AG's been at the table around this same issue, parallel um investigation.

That's not the case.

That was what was presented to us in the ordinance meeting, and we said no, that's not what the ordinance is saying.

I am upset tonight.

I can't I'm very upset because the way this was done is similar to what Councilman Vaugus was saying about the issue earlier of the easement.

This was brought to me just a little before lunchtime.

I was a part of the committee.

I sit there and I listened, I understood what was going on in the committee.

I also understood that majority leader and the council president have been working both with police and paraboard to bring these issues to the table.

I also understand that a lot of other things have been changed and a lot of amendments have gone into this.

Minneapolis do not have a civilian oversight.

Minneapolis is like a hell that's burning right now because of the all the unrest of the people that keep going through the issues.

I can say that our Providence Police Department have become a better from the issue in the time that I've been working on police accountability and police complaints, a better department because they all compliment each other.

I believe Parra compliments the police department, police department compliments para.

And I believe they can work together.

But the city council gotta stop uh interfering in ways that they are not being very proactive towards what really needs to happen.

You need to listen to the director.

Quite a few people who have went through this whole process long before the director came.

So these issues that they're bringing to you are really concerns.

I can't say any more than I don't like the idea how this just happened tonight.

All of a sudden, this change came about and how it was brought about.

Thank you for allowing me to speak.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilwoman.

Well, thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh, thank you, Councilwoman Harris, and thank you for your work on this topic for so many years.

I've listened to you, I've worked with you, and I hear your passion.

Quite honestly, I'm confused.

We had the majority leader stand up and call for a vote on this, but then stood up and asked for it to be continued.

So I guess I want to start out by saying, does the majority leader want to change his motion and ask for this matter to be continued?

Um, I'm speaking to you, Mr.

President, as the rules provide, but that's my first point.

My second point is is the lead sponsor isn't here, it's the council president.

I think when there's so many of us that are asking for a continuance on such an important matter, the lead sponsor has a duty and an obligation to be here and speak to the council, speak to the body that needs to make decisions.

I would love to have that happen tonight.

I'm also concerned about this because I know that the input that the police department provided was not incorporated in this version.

I am not disparaging, I will never disparage my uh colleagues as others have intend to do.

But I want to say, I want to go on the record, I support strong civilian oversight.

I stand with my colleague Harris on that.

Increased transparency and efforts to strengthen public trust and policing.

At the same time, several serious concerns raised by the police and the city solicitor remain unresolved in the current version of this ordinance.

And that's why we're hearing people say let's have a continuance.

Why?

Because it's important that we get it right.

The ordinance raises questions about access to seven sensitive investigative information involving victims, witnesses, and ongoing investigations.

Those issues carry real safety, legal, and operational implications for the city.

Because it is being handled separately.

Leadership may not be able to respond appropriately or take necessary action.

I believe the additional amendments and continued collaboration are necessary, not only necessary, but essential.

So that the final ordinance is legally sound, operationally, operational, workable, and capable of achieving intended goals.

Let's put something together that this whole body can stand behind and feel good about.

Thank you just for clarification.

I think that the point of clarity is the chairman.

The chairman can clarify.

I believe that he also displayed that he was going to be abstaining not to continue.

I'd like to clarify.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Any further discussion.

Um I think I'm a little bit confused.

Um there was information that came out later today.

I was in meetings all day today, so I did not get anything that came out this afternoon.

Um I don't think that was fair to the rest of us.

Um to not get that, and I understand because like I said, I didn't get a chance to open it up.

So I'm, you know, I think we maybe we will have to continue because I do want to know what's going on.

And if there is something that um legally we cannot do that is in the ordinance, I want to know what they are and how we how we can change the language.

I just want to make something really clear.

I support Para.

I think we all need every city needs something, you know, somebody uh uh um a private citizen thing to oversee some things.

I I also support our police department because we all know we need them, and we all know that all of them are not bad.

And and I'm gonna be truthful with you.

Um I think on the whole Providence Police Department is good.

Because I've been into some in some cities where it's been horrible.

So I was gonna say yes and and let you guys work on changing the wording to this because before, but if there's something that came out after in the afternoon, I I cannot wholeheartily say yes that I'm I'm gonna vote on that.

I would I think we should um continue to I too will have to abstain because I don't and I never abstain.

But if I don't have the information before me, I can't vote honestly.

Point of clarification.

Thank you, Councilwoman Grays.

Um thank you.

The councilwoman alluded to the city solicitor's office having um remaining questions, and I'd actually like to to confirm that that's actually the case.

We didn't hear that when we had committee previously, so I'm uncertain if that's actually true.

While I've heard from our police um in regards to what's happening, I do have the question with regards to the city solicitor's office since it was stated here.

Can you restate your clarification?

Is uh for the for the city solicitor before us is the resolution that came out of committee chaired by Chairman Espinal.

Yes, which you're also a member, and if you could just uh clarify your question to be clarified by the in discussion, thank you.

Uh Mr.

President, in discussion, it was it was referred to that the city solicitor's office also had remaining questions, and I'd like to actually confirm that that's the case because that was not conveyed during our public hearing, and if that's actually something that's still pending, I would like to know as we made a decision based on the full clarity of what was presented to us at during committee, which that was not.

Thank you.

I know there was concerns in several of the drafts.

I don't know if there was specific concerns of the final uh iteration that is not in the hearing again.

Um I don't know what the specific questions do if they were yet.

I don't know.

Mr.

Chairman, would you like to information is still in vi uh involved is still coming in.

Uh there's been back and forth.

Uh so it's just very uh overwhelming confusing at this point uh with the volume of information coming in.

So at this point, continue the conversation.

Uh Councilman Royus.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Uh, just a few points of clarity here.

First point is that we are falling for a phone here by the administration at the 11th hour again, and four years we have been through this, and I'm tired of it.

Point number two is before the ordinance committee heard this initially.

We have promoted this for two weeks.

I want my colleagues to know that.

Two weeks to the administration knew about this ordinance.

Then we meet as an ordinance committee.

I don't know what this amendment says, but that should have been brought before the ordinance committee.

What we did spend a lot of time on was this um this question of uh can we can this can we run parallel investigations?

That was the main point of contention that the administration had.

And what was verified and clarified in committee was that and it says explicitly in ordinance colleagues, that that is not possible under this law.

This is an absolute ploy at the 11th hour.

I respect members of the administration, I respect the chief.

And I don't know who's behind this, truly.

I don't think it's him.

But this is not okay, and we are falling for it.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Mr.

Kirk.

Uh any further discussion?

Uh Chairman.

Yes.

I I you know hearing the level of confusion and discussion.

I I think is only proper for me uh to withdraw my motion.

At this time.

At this time, uh the mo the motion was to waive the reading or writing 21 and pass for the first time on a roll code vote.

I am waiting for the first time.

One second, Mr.

Chairman.

No sir.

Mr.

Chairman, yes.

You would have to um before that question is posed.

Any other uh discussion?

Discussion.

Consulman Sanchez.

No?

All right.

Um at this time, at this time, the chairman and majority leader uh made a motion to withdraw the item 21 as it was presented.

29.

As it was presented.

I will withdraw my second.

Consulwoman Harris also withdraws her second.

So therefore at this time.

It has been second and we and uh withdrawn.

Any discussion?

Any discussion?

Is there any clarity that uh needs to be made in order for you to make a vote on the withdrawal?

Councilwoman Ryan.

I'm gonna sit on the withdrawal already.

Thank you.

So uh all those in favor?

Aye.

Any abstention?

Any nays?

And the withdrawal.

So everybody by now voting.

All right.

So the the motion has been withdrawn.

Mr.

President.

Mr.

President.

One second.

Mr.

President.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I would like to make a motion to approve as is item 29.

Mr.

President.

Is there a second?

There is a motion on the floor.

Mr.

President.

Second.

Why are you not yielding to the majority leader?

It is the motion.

There is no difference.

So we just withdrew a motion.

So my colleague gets to make the same motion.

Are we just going to go around and around?

One second.

A motion is on the floor.

I recognize uh Consulman Sanchez for discussion.

He made a motion based on the rules and based on protocols.

Once a motion is made, it's either going to be second or not or not seconded at all, and then it dies.

The same motion just was defeated.

The motion was defeated.

Point of order, point of order.

The motion was not defeated.

Then we asked the city service.

The motion wasn't defeated.

Right, but my just a point of clarification.

What is in question here is that the motion that I made was withdrawn.

Correct.

And that passed.

It was withdrawn.

But my colleague has made the same motion that I that I just withdrew.

Is that proper?

Mr.

President.

So one second.

So there's a motion on the floor.

Is there a second?

Second.

Mr.

President.

One second.

The motion has been seconded by Councilman Justin Royce.

And Councilwoman Harris.

Mr.

Councilman Vargas.

Thank you.

For clear clarification, I want to ask the solicitor what happens with a motion of Consulman or my colleague Taylor to continue.

Thank you.

Further discussion on the motion.

On 29.

Any discussion?

Councilman.

I um it it's I think it's let me just get up.

Because I I think what is developing here and what's going on here is completely very uh although democratic, very unnecessary.

I mean we've been here for three and a half years in this term.

We work together on so many items.

Uh look at the agenda tonight.

I don't know, 39, 40 items.

This is one.

But it's one that is further creates issues among colleagues.

We'll be here tomorrow.

We'll be here next week.

We have to work together.

Why is it wrong that we give ourselves a little bit of time to make sure that everyone's concern is addressed and is heard?

What is the royal?

What is the why are we tearing this up?

If if we if we just take uh if we come back next week, yeah, we come back next week.

But we come back with all the answers.

I'm not gonna come back next week and say, well, I still have questions, I still have this, it's like it this is the way the democratic process works.

There is no need to leave tonight uh was so much that had not been said.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

Uh Councilwoman Harris.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I would agree with majority leader if the process would have been done right.

I believe that we have enough discussion in committee.

I show up at committees and I give my time in committees, and I put my interest in committees, and I try to figure out what is going on in the committees to make decisions out of the committees, not to make a phone call to the majority leader only to find out these amendments were taking place.

This is not the way democracy, this is not what democracy is.

I don't believe it is.

So I strongly um oppose the amendments the way they came to the floor.

If we open up the floor to do that, every vote that we take out of committee, this this is gonna happen all the time.

And uh again, I just don't like the process and the way it was done.

I feel like it was a lot of back room deals that was taking place right there.

To me, I'm only speaking about how I'm feeling about the issue because I don't get upset over things unless it's worth getting upset over.

So thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Thank you.

Um I just want to echo the sentiment of uh my fellow councilwoman here.

I think what we have today is a lost opportunity to continue working together when we were done where we put when this was all put in front of us at the 11th hour.

We had an entire week, week and a half between committee and now to be able to continue discussing what potentially could be happening today, and it all came today.

That's unfair, it's unfair to the process, it's an unfair to the people, as councilwoman Harris has mentioned, that dedicated their time to listening for hours for the public hearing and the and the testimony of people on both sides of the situation.

Not only that, but it becomes as we're continuing to do this process.

This is only gonna continue happening because what I find is is that it's now becoming disrespectful to the colleagues that are here.

When we agree on something, it's fine, but when we disagree on something, or perhaps the administration disagrees on something, we're getting something at the 11th hour that becomes something that becomes unfair to us.

So while I understand the point and I appreciate the point, what happens is is that when we have to make decisions like this, then none of us can get anything done.

And that's not fair to the external review board that has been working on this for over three years.

This has been presented to me three years ago with the possibility of an opportunity, and now we're here.

And to belabor this any longer is just unfair to the to the system that we have of democracy, but also to the people that have put the work in.

Thank you.

Any uh further discussion?

Councilwoman Ryan.

Question, please, for the chair of the ordinance committee.

Um at the public hearing, sir.

I'm sorry.

You may proceed.

Thank you very much, Mr.

President.

Um was this voted on the evening of the public hearing?

Uh yes.

Yes.

Okay.

So but the volume of concerns were raised during that hearing, and I asked for time during that hearing.

Point of order.

This the this amendment was not put on put forward in the public hearing.

I'm not referring to amendments.

I'm referring to amendments.

Order.

Order.

Point of clarification.

You address you address the the chair.

Mr.

Chairman.

No.

One second.

I would recognize everyone.

Everyone has the authority to speak.

We set rules.

Please recognize and not speak over each other.

Wait until I recognize individual to answer.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

Just for clarification, then Mr.

Chairman.

You probably stated or restated that the hearing that was taken that took place.

So if you could just restate what was before you.

Correct.

And now it came out.

Correct.

I was just uh my colleague Ryan made reference uh as he asked if this was voted on.

What I understood was that this was voted out of committee, and it was, but it was there was no amendments that we voted on and and uh that came up new or any of that.

Uh and at that time I did express the uh concerns that we had.

I asked for extra time.

Uh I put out a date, but that did not go anywhere.

So those concerns were raised during committee.

I did that.

Is on it's live on YouTube.

You can watch it, and uh so that to I'm deeply offended uh when references are made of backroom deals because that's not who we are and that's not what we do.

Thank you.

Thank you for that clarification.

Um council president, just I that was my one second councilwoman right on it.

One one second uh further clarification from the uh clerk's office.

Just to clarify, when this matter was voted out of committee, it was at a regular committee meeting, not a public hearing, but public comment was allowed.

I misspoke.

May I continue, Mr.

President?

Thank you, Madam Clerk, for that clarification.

We're woman thank you.

I just wanted to hear from the chair because as I understood there was public comment at a committee meeting on my concern and my question to the chair through the council president is did the items that were raised in public comment and otherwise get entered into the ordinance that is sitting before us on a vote.

That's all I'm asking.

Thank you.

Uh any subway, any thing that was before us were legitimately entered into the records.

Thank you.

Any further comments?

So the motion, Mr.

President.

Councilman Vargas.

Thank you very much.

I feel the pain, and everybody feels the pain.

Like the easement that we as pass.

It looked like that we get an resolutions in the last minute.

And we don't follow the process.

I understand that we got this amendment today.

And I understand my colleagues that they need more time and they they want to to pass this tonight.

But is it like in the I was there in that committee?

And I hear the chair saying that he needs more time to make another meeting.

But my colleagues decide to send it to the floor.

We respect that, and that's why we have it here.

Now we're asking for more time to continue.

But all depends on my colleagues who make the motion and who second it.

My confusion is are we voting without the amendment or are we born with the amendment?

Question goes to my colleague who made the motion.

Thank you, Councilman.

Um I made the motion.

Oh, the president, Councilman Sanchez.

Thank you.

Um can I address my colleague?

Maybe to approve as is.

So no amendments, not uh nothing as is as you heard it in your committee last Wednesday.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you very much.

Mr.

Chair.

Thank you.

Any further discussion?

Seeing no further discussion.

Madam Clerk, open the vote and the role and the roll call and call the roll.

And I've 29 with no amendments.

Council President Miller is absent.

Acting council president Picardo.

Yay.

Deputy Majority Whip Anderbois is absent.

Councilor Davidson.

Aye.

Majority Leader Espinal.

Abstain.

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonzales is absent.

Councilwoman Graves.

Abstain.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

Aye.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Aye.

Councilor Royus.

Aye.

Councilwoman Ryan.

No.

On this ordinance.

Majority Whip Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Taylor is absent.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Vote is closed.

Point of order, Council President.

Why is the Chief of Staff at the Rostrum?

Why is the Chief of Staff at the Rostrum during a vote?

Point of order.

You have six ayes, one nay, four abstention, and four absent.

The motion carries the matter is approved for the first time on a roll call vote.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Item 30.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reader of item 30 and pass for the first time on a roll call vote.

Second, Mr.

President.

There is a second.

Any discussion.

See a none.

Madam Clerk, open the vote and call the roll.

Madam Clerk.

Waiting for the vote to open, which is now open.

Council President Miller is absent.

Acting Council President Picardo.

Yay.

Deputy Majority with Androis is absent.

Councilor Davidson.

Aye.

Majority Leader Espinal.

Aye.

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonçalves is absent.

Councilwoman Graves.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris.

Aye.

Councilwoman Peterson.

Councilor Royus.

We're in the middle of a roll call vote.

Okay.

Uh nay.

Councilwoman Ryan is absent.

Majority with Sanchez.

Councilman Taylor is absent.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas.

Aye.

Councilman Oscar Vargas.

Aye.

Councilor Picardo.

Can you put in your vote, please?

Thank you.

The vote is closed.

You have nine ayes.

One nay.

Five absent.

The motion carries the matter is approved for the first time on a roll call vote.

Thank you.

Item 31.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reader.

Adam 31 and 32 and pass on our voice vote.

Second, Mr.

President.

The motion has been uh second.

Any discussion.

Seeing none.

Madam Clerk, open the vote.

The vote is open.

Vote is closed.

We have 10 ayes.

The matters are approved on a voice vote.

Thank you.

Item 33.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the rune or item 33 through 38th.

Second.

There is a second.

Any discussion?

Discussion.

Those also in favor?

Uh Mr.

President.

Discussion?

Consulman Vargas.

Thank you very much, Mr.

President.

This resolution is a I want to say thank you to all my colleagues who support this one.

We're getting a breach by saying all one.

Which one?

Which one?

Which one?

Oh, but I'm so sorry.

Um these are the items 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 30.

Uh 22.

We already did that.

22.

Would you like to read?

Yes.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Just for clarification, this is on 32.

We already spoke.

We already spoke.

We already passed that one.

Uh chairman.

So we're on 33, 34, 35, 36.

Almost done.

Well done.

Yes.

I'm sorry, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Further discussion.

Seeing none.

All those in favor?

Hi.

Aye.

Any abstention?

Any nays?

Yes.

Have it.

Item 33 is received.

Item 34.

Refer to committee on public works.

35.

Refer to committee on public works.

36.

Severely referred to committee on claims and pending suits.

37 is received.

38 is received.

So noted.

39.

Mr.

President, motion to weigh the reader of item 39 and passing our voice vote.

Second.

There is a second.

Any discussion.

Consulman Sanchez.

Just clarity.

Can I use a point of personal expression or after we dispense with this matter?

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

And then we conclude.

On item 39.

Seeing none.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Aye.

Any abstention and nays?

The A's have it.

Consulman Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Thank you, colleagues, uh, members of the public, uh, for this uh very interesting meeting.

Uh but today I want to rise um and recognize someone that's very special to all of us.

Uh this person uh with collaboration with with the rest of the clerks, uh helps us uh keep our meetings uh moving forward, uh, has upgraded a lot of technology, and it's gonna be missed very much.

And this person that it might be the best dressed person in City Hall too.

This person I'm speaking about is Darius um Yeah!

Yeah.

Uh Darius is uh chasing other dreams.

Um, and we have nothing but respect and support.

Uh Darius know that you'll always have friends and and family here in the Providence City Council.

Um, so whenever you want to come back, we're we're more than happy to open you uh with open arms.

Uh but for real, we we really appreciate you, brother, everything that you've done and continue to do to make our job better, but more importantly, uh make uh the meetings that that we do here more accessible with the technology upgrades.

Um I'm always gonna appreciate the the the committee where you were uh documenting our our meetings in a very Netflix style.

Uh I know the the members of the public uh really appreciate that, but for literally two, three hours, uh a couple meetings.

He was moving the camera around manually.

Uh so that's something I always appreciate, brother.

But just to show you uh the gratitude that this body in the city has.

I I want to read uh this uh certificate of recognition.

Uh be here by known that the all the Providence City Council hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Darius Henderson, our special project manager in the city clerk's office in recognition of your outstanding service to the city of Providence, your professionalism and commitment to running council and committee meetings, uh audio visual, and the voting systems uh have been very helpful and have moved our city forward uh with a lot of gratitude.

Uh we thank you for your uh valuable contributions and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Darius, thank you so much, brother.

Thank you, Darius.

Thank you, Consulman Sanchez.

Any further uh comments.

Uh just wanted to thank everyone for their uh diligence tonight.

I also uh in the audience, I know we took a little longer, people wanted to uh leave earlier, but uh there were a couple of people that I wanted to just at least uh shout out that were sitting there uh with uh a Rhode Islander, a Providence, uh a native, uh uh Max Lora, Maximo Lora, as he's known, uh, who lives in Florida now.

He's back uh to celebrate his uh Imam La Juvia 85th birthday.

So I wanted to recognize him and welcome to the uh city council.

So applause for him, yeah, right.

He never forgets his roots.

The other uh young lady that we had here today was a a high school uh uh student um at PCTA, Maria Sical, who is a junior and is rocking it, and she actually uh is a is a welder, but uh really a good one.

Uh she just recently returned from San Diego who uh provided a tremendous opportunity for her to display her talent and she had won uh the uh the the one of the competitions she placed fourth in the in the country uh right here from uh PCTA and uh took first place in 2026 uh Skills USA State Wellbeing Sculpture Competition.

Uh this June she will be uh heading out to Skills USA National Leadership and Skills Conference to showcase her uh sculpture on the national stage.

I know she's also someone that I met in in the schools.

She's also a uh uh resident in in uh uh councilman Oscar Vargas, and uh when she returns with that prize, we're gonna give her the nice welcome.

So just wanted to uh with her.

Uh so uh an applause for her for all her uh dedication and her commitment.

So, with no further uh business, uh Majority Leader Espinal.

Motion to adjourn.

There's a motion.

There is a second, no discussion.

Meeting adjourned.

All in favors.

Happy Memorial Day.

And when it's memorial, but also to recognize the fact that many sacrifice.