Public Meetings - Providence, Rhode Island

The Pathways and Gun Violence Advisory Council convened on October 22, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: amendments to the Rhode Island Safe School Act and a proposed tax on guns and ammunition to fund community violence intervention (CVI). The council also heard presentations from Dr. Dexter Moore, Chief Operating Officer of Providence Public Schools, and State Representative Jennifer Boylan. No formal votes were taken, but next steps were identified. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim, a member of the public, announced the publication of an article in the Providence Journal titled “Why Can’t We Know About Gun Crime and Community Violence Intervention in Providence?” The article highlights the council’s work and includes links to Save Communities for Justice and the Nonviolence Institute. He encouraged readers to support CVI funding. Discussion Items - Rhode Island Safe School Act Amendments: Council members discussed strengthening the existing statewide bullying policy by extending protections to cover commuting to and from school, including Kennedy Plaza, and during school hours. Lisa Pina Warren (Executive Director, Nonviolence Institute) reported that her organization has been assisting three families with Uber gift cards due to safety concerns during school commutes, calling it a temporary band-aid. Dr. Dexter Moore shared his experience from Oakland, California, where a similar three-tier Violence Interruption and Prevention (VIP) team model (violence interrupter, life coach, gender-based violence coach) was implemented at six high schools at a cost of $250,000 per school, funded initially by the city and later by federal grants. He noted that sustainable funding remains a challenge. - Proposed Tax on Guns and Ammunition: Representative Boylan discussed a potential state-level excise tax on guns and ammunition, similar to a California model that funds CVI and school safety. She estimated revenue could be $1.2–3 million annually. Council members raised concerns about funds being diverted to the state general fund and emphasized the need for a detailed plan, coalition building, and early engagement with the governor and attorney general. Representative Boylan noted that bills must be filed by mid-to-late February 2026. - Funding and Coordination: The council debated the need for a dedicated city office or department for CVI coordination to manage grants and funding, rather than relying on existing departments. Councilmember Sanchez supported this idea, while Detective David Perez cautioned against diverting police resources. The council acknowledged the current low homicide rate (one homicide in 2025) but emphasized that violence extends beyond homicides. - Technology and Surveillance: Discussion touched on the use of real-time crime centers, drones, and data analytics. Councilmembers expressed concerns about privacy and guardrails, while police representatives noted strict auditing protocols (e.g., FBI oversight). Lisa Pina Warren suggested that different agencies (e.g., health department, police, CBOs) might use data differently with appropriate guardrails. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The council agreed to follow up via email on scheduling and next steps. - The council will continue exploring amendments to the Safe School Act and will work with Representative Boylan to develop a detailed proposal for the gun and ammunition tax, including a fiscal analysis of current state spending on violence. - Discussion of creating a dedicated CVI office at the city level will be revisited, with potential inclusion in the next budget cycle. - The council will circulate the published article to all members.

The Committee on Finance held a public hearing on October 21, 2025, to consider an ordinance approving the financing of the Mile of History Project through the issuance of appropriation obligations not to exceed $6.2 million. The project aims to restore historic sidewalks along Benefit Street (Wards 1, 2, and 3) to improve safety, accessibility, and tourism. City officials and the Mile of History Association presented the proposal, followed by public testimony. No vote was taken; the hearing concluded for further committee consideration. Presentations by City Officials and the Mile of History Association - Chief Financial Officer Mancini outlined the financing: $6.2 million total ($5.5M project, $700K for debt service reserve and issuance costs). Borrowing through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank's Road and Bridge Fund provides a 33% interest rate subsidy, reducing rates to an estimated 2.33%–3% over 20 years. The FY26 budget already includes $412,000 annually for debt service. Recent state legislation allows the bond to be treated as a general obligation, potentially lowering the annual payment to $375,000–$385,000. - Mile of History Association President Liz Marancy and Dan Bowden described the street's historic significance and the association's six-year effort to develop a streetscape plan. They noted that 40% of sidewalks are in poor or impassable condition, and over 60 individuals and 17 organizations, including disability advocacy groups, support the project. - Planning Director Joseph Mulligan emphasized Benefit Street as a critical public space and connector, highlighting the need for special attention due to its historic character and the existing unorthodox conditions. - Economic Development Director Ted Carr linked the project to tourism growth, citing the return of American Cruise Lines (200 guests per week, 27 weeks, over $1 million annual spending) and the importance of pedestrian infrastructure for economic vibrancy. - Chief Engineer Craig Hawkins detailed the 1.2-mile corridor with 2.2 miles of sidewalks in varying states of disrepair, including a planned safety improvement at Waterman and Benefit Streets. - Go Providence President Kristen Adamo presented visitor data: 294,600 non-residents visited Benefit Street last year (50,000 from Massachusetts, 20,000 from New York), and the street is a key tourism asset. She also noted that ADA compliance is an equity issue, citing wheelchair bowlers who could not access the street. Public Comments & Testimony - Supporters (majority): Over 20 residents, business owners, and organization representatives spoke in favor. Key points included: - Safety hazards from broken sidewalks (tripping, impassable for strollers, wheelchairs, and seniors). - Economic benefits: tourism drives local business, tax revenue, and jobs. Benefit Street is a "linear park" and "living museum." - Equity: improving accessibility serves all residents and visitors, including those with disabilities. - Personal stories: a resident whose wife was injured in a crosswalk and could not use Benefit Street for rehabilitation; a theater manager noting 5,000 annual patrons facing hazards; a woman who broke her arm on a similar sidewalk. - Organizations supporting: AARP Rhode Island, Governor's Commission on Disabilities, College Hill Neighborhood Association, Fox Point Neighborhood Association, Jewelry District Association, Tockwotton Fox Point Cape Verdean Heritage Place Project, and others. - Opponent (one speaker): Joanne Rich testified against the bond, arguing it is inequitable to spend $6.2 million on one of the wealthiest areas while other neighborhoods also have bad sidewalks and residents face affordability crises. She suggested the Mile of History Association should raise more private funds and that sidewalk repairs should be part of a citywide comprehensive plan, or funded by a new lodging tax. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was concluded by Chairwoman Joanne Ryan. No vote or action was taken during the meeting. The matter remains pending before the Finance Committee for further consideration.

The Board of Contract and Supply of the City of Providence convened on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:02 PM. Nine members were present, three were absent. Kyle Delgado was elected Chair for the meeting. The meeting included the opening of bids, discussion on several contract items, votes on continuations, and approval of multiple items and minutes. Roll Call and Opening - Roll call showed nine present (Kyle Delgado, Robert Baptista, Sarah Silveria, Elaine Richards, Joseph DePina, Patricia Planfei, Shamari Husband, John Arzimanian, Dante Bellini) and three absent (Mayor Smiley, Councilman Gonçalves, Cyril Stevens). - Motion to elect Kyle Delgado as Chair passed unanimously. Opening of Bids (Section B) - Numerous bids were opened, including: - Item 12 – Sale of Mester Street School: Three bids received – K&F Development ($1,025,000), Eric Edelman ($1,500,000), and a third bid of $350,000. - Item 10 – Roof replacement at 552 Academy Ave: Two bids – Sheep Metal and Roofing ($1,734,400) and Commercial Roofing and Contracting ($1,386,000), plus a breakdown from JD Rivett and Company totaling $2,254,000. - Items 8 and 9 (municipal red light/speed camera systems and parking enforcement management system) were extended to November 2025 and November 2025 respectively. - Item 11 – Lease land for sodium chloride storage: No bids received; item dropped. - Other items for snow ice control, appraisal services, data destruction, timber harvesting, and various contracts. - Bids referred to the clerk’s office by unanimous vote. Advertisements (Section C) - Motion to approve the advertisements and re-advertise item 2 from Section B passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 16 – Construction management services: A director explained that the contract would be converted to a design-build approach, with costs reduced by $1.6 million and total digital costs of $70 million. - Item 20 – Quarterly report question: Director Shamari Husband asked when the last quarterly report for this item was submitted to the city council. No answer was available. A motion to continue item 20 to the next meeting was made by Director Baptista and seconded by Director Delgado. The motion failed (2 ayes, 6 nays, 3 absent). Director Sarah Silveria explained her nay vote: “I voted nay because I don’t want to hold up work in the city to find out if we have a quarterly report submitted.” - Item 21 – City fleet manager awareness: Director Husband asked whether the city fleet manager was aware of the item. The board requested that the fleet manager attend the next meeting to answer questions. - Board independence: Director Husband commented on the split vote on the continuation motion, stating, “I think that sort of validity of this board, there should be some independence for everyone’s vote.” He noted votes appeared to follow administration lines. Key Outcomes - Motion to continue item 20 failed: 2 ayes (Husband, Arzimanian), 6 nays (Silveria, Richards, DePina, Planfei, Bellini? – note: Bellini not recorded aye/nay in call but listed later as aye on final vote), 3 absent. The item remained on the agenda. - Approval of items 1 through 27, with item 28 withdrawn: Passed (8 ayes, 1 nay, 3 absent). The items cover contracts and purchases from the agenda. - Minutes from October 6, 2025: Approved without amendments. - Adjournment: Motion passed unanimously. Note: The transcript did not provide a formal agenda or minutes; the summary is based solely on the recorded proceedings.

The Providence City Council convened on Thursday, October 16, 2025, with 11 members present initially, later reaching 13 for key votes. The meeting featured significant debate on amendments to the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA) and a new trash barrel ordinance, alongside routine approvals and resolutions. Public testimony from prior committee hearings was referenced by multiple council members. Consent Calendar - Items 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 were passed without substantive discussion. These included routine approvals, referrals to committees (Finance, Public Works, Claims and Pending Suits), and receipt of documents. Discussion Items Amendments to the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA) – Item 12 Council President Miller recused herself, and President Pro Tempore Pichardo chaired the discussion. Technical amendments were introduced to clarify that organizations may seek injunctive and declaratory relief but not compensatory monetary damages. Councilman Sanchez expressed strong support, emphasizing the need for accountability and trust between residents and police, citing recent ICE enforcement actions. Councilman Royus detailed nationwide ICE abuses and argued the amendments provide enforcement mechanisms, including allowing organizations to sue if the city violates the ordinance. Councilman Espinal praised the collaborative process and called the amendments necessary. Councilman Gonçalves stated, "Trust between residents and law enforcement is built on fairness," and condemned ICE actions as "fascism." Councilwoman Graves said she had concerns about language but voted for the final version after clarifications, urging care not to vilify police. Councilwoman Peterson framed her support in terms of constitutional rights and human dignity. Councilwoman Vargas shared a personal story about the border. Councilwoman Harris highlighted the historical roots of community policing and expressed pride in the community testimony. The vote resulted in 13 ayes and 1 absence, passing the amended CPRA on first passage. Trash Barrel Ordinance – Item 15 Councilman Vargas sponsored an ordinance to enforce timely removal of trash barrels from sidewalks. The ordinance establishes a process with four citations over several months before DPW may remove barrels. Councilman Sanchez expressed support for intent but raised concerns about tenants losing barrels if landlords are unresponsive. Councilwoman Anderbois similarly worried about unintended consequences for renters. In response, the sponsor changed the language from "shall" to "may" to give DPW discretion and stated DPW would contact property owners and provide plastic bags if needed. Councilman Espinal supported, saying it starts a conversation. Councilwoman Peterson supported but wished for a quicker process. Councilman Royus acknowledged the effectiveness of similar enforcement in his ward. Councilwoman Ryan supported, noting it codifies existing practice. Councilwoman Harris questioned whether fines would still be collected; the sponsor confirmed they would. The final vote was 10 ayes, 3 nays, passing on first passage. Resolutions on Virtual Court Hearings, Land Acknowledgement, and Recognition – Items 8-11 Councilman Sanchez spoke strongly in support, focusing on item 9, which urges state courts to offer virtual hearings and directs Providence Municipal Court to do so. He cited community testimony about ICE detentions outside district court, arguing virtual hearings prevent families from being torn apart. President Pro Tempore Pichardo supported, noting the impact on blended families. The clerk read item 11, congratulating Dr. Eric J. Richie for his dental service, and item 10, a land acknowledgement recognizing Narragansett, Pocanet, Nipmuc, Niantic, and Manisian tribal nations. All four resolutions passed together on a voice vote. Ordinance Consideration – Item 6 Councilman Vargas moved to table an ordinance concerning technology readiness, stating, "We don't have technology yet." The motion passed. Key Outcomes - CPRA Amendments (Item 12) passed 13-0-1 on first passage, strengthening the Community Police Relations Act with clarified enforcement mechanisms and protections for immigrants. - Trash Barrel Ordinance (Item 15) passed 10-3 on first passage, creating a process for DPW to enforce timely barrel removal with landlord accountability. - Resolutions (Items 8-11) passed, supporting virtual court hearings, recognizing indigenous lands, and honoring Dr. Eric J. Richie. - Other Items were approved or referred as noted. - The meeting adjourned in memory of Sandro Mastanza.

The Public Works Committee of the Providence City Council held a special meeting on October 8, 2025, to consider utility easements, an ordinance strengthening trash enforcement, and a resolution on traffic signage inspection. Committee members present: Chairman Oscar Vargas, Councilman Pedro Espinal, Councilwoman Ana Lagas. Members Miguel Sanchez and Justin Bryas were absent. Chair Vargas swore in attendees before proceedings. Consent Calendar - Utility Easement for Waterman Street Development (Item 1): The developer, 159 Going Associates LLC, requested a permanent underground easement to allow Rhode Island Energy to install electrical infrastructure serving the development and adjacent properties. The committee approved the easement unanimously after a routine presentation. - Ordinance Amendment – Trash Container Removal (Item 2): The committee considered amendments to Chapter 12 (Health and Sanitation) to allow the city to remove trash containers from properties with unpaid violation fines. After a 14-day notice, the city may remove containers; for subsequent violations, removal may proceed without notice. Council Policy Advisor Aaron Segarla explained the provisions. The ordinance was approved as amended, with added flexibility for the department, unanimously. - Easement for Narragansett Electric at 675 Main Street (Item 3): A resolution granting an easement for a transformer pole relocation at the Iglio Z Rec Center was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Citywide Traffic and Parking Signage Inspection Resolution (Item 4): The committee discussed a resolution directing the Traffic Engineering Division and Office of Curbside Management to inspect all city traffic and parking signage. Councilman Espinal, the sponsor, proposed an amended version adding requirements for inspections during rainy weather, a status update within six months, a second update within twelve months, completion of repairs within eighteen months, and annual inspections thereafter. Director of Public Works expressed significant resource concerns, citing over 10,000 signs in the city, a small crew (one sign maker, four sign installers, six traffic analysts), and a heavy workload. Traffic Engineer Nate Urso and Curbside Administrator Melanie Jewitt detailed their reliance on a new digital work order system and the challenges of tracking work by ward. Council members debated the feasibility and suggested narrowing the scope to stop, one-way, and do not enter signs, and allowing DPW time to assess needs. The committee voted to continue the resolution for further evaluation. Key Outcomes - Items 1, 2, and 3 approved unanimously. - Item 4 continued to allow the Department of Public Works to evaluate staffing and resource requirements.

The Ordinance Committee convened at 5:52 PM on October 6, 2025, to discuss and vote on amendments to the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA). The amendments aim to strengthen prohibitions on Providence Police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, expand protected spaces, limit data collection, and establish an organizational private right of action. After a presentation by Chief of Staff June Rose, remarks from Councilman Royus, and extensive public testimony, the committee voted to advance the amendments to the full City Council. Public Comments & Testimony - Dozens of community members, representatives from organizations (including Prism, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Rhode Island Center for Justice, Amor, and others), and legal experts testified overwhelmingly in support of the amendments. Speakers shared personal stories of fear, ICE surveillance, and documented violations. - Key statistics cited include: nearly 72% of detained undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration have no criminal convictions (Councilman Royus); over 500 deportation orders in Rhode Island since the beginning of the year (Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice); and a 180% increase in detainments in Rhode Island in 2025 (Pamela Montez). - Many speakers called for additional measures such as virtual court hearings, stronger accountability mechanisms, and an outright ban on ICE presence. One speaker, Alan Waters, opposed the amendments, arguing that illegal immigration strains city finances and that police should enforce immigration law. Discussion Items - Chief of Staff June Rose outlined five categories of amendments: (1) expanding types of prohibited contact; (2) clarifying that only signed judicial warrants authorize cooperation; (3) designating schools, courts, and non-public police areas as protected spaces; (4) limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive data from surveillance technologies; and (5) allowing organizational standing to file civil actions for violations. - Councilman Royus made a motion to vote the amendments out of committee, stressing the urgency of protecting vulnerable residents. - Council members Vargas, Peterson, Harris, and Sanchez expressed strong support, emphasizing community trust and the need for enforcement. Councilman Pro Tempore Picharo noted the importance of local control and accountability. - Chairman Espinal stated he agreed with 99.9% of the amendments but abstained because he needed clarification on one provision. He affirmed the amendments would go to the full council. Key Outcomes - The committee voted 3-0-2 (three in favor, none opposed, two abstentions) to move the amended CPRA to the full City Council for a first passage vote on October 16, 2025, followed by a second passage in November 2025. - The mayor will then decide whether to sign or veto the amendments.

On October 6, 2025, the Providence Board of Contract and Supply convened with eight members present and four absent. The meeting focused on opening bids for various city contracts, including a technical proposal for the Providence Public Schools project, and discussion of a sustainability electricity supply program. Opening of Bids - Item 1 (Postpartum Care): No bids received; will be readvertised. - Item 2 (Police Department Dog Trainer): One bid received. - Item 3 (Police Ammunition): Five bids received, ranging from $112,409 to $157,480. - Item 4 (Roof Replacement): No bids received; item extended. - Item 5 (Owners Project Manager for Schools): Nine bids received as technical proposals (no pricing included). A board member asked for clarification on the evaluation process; staff explained that an evaluation committee will assess qualifications, portfolios, and prior work. - Item 6 (Salt Storage Lease): No bids; will be readvertised. - Item 7 (Screen Sand): One bid from G Lopes Construction at $30/ton. - Item 8 (Sodium Chloride): Four bids; noted one bidder declined. Lowest bid from Minicare Mid-American Salts LLC at $65.63/ton. - Item 9 (Sustainability Decarbonization): One bid from Power Options, Inc. at $224,980. - Item 10 (City Solicitor Appraisal Services): One bid; item remains on agenda. - Item 11 (Snow/Ice Control Suppliers): Two bids received; item remains on agenda. Discussion Item: Community Choice Aggregation Program (Item 21) A sustainability staff member explained that Item 21 seeks approval to enter into a five-year electricity supply agreement with NextEra Energy for the city's community choice aggregation program. The program provides an alternative to Rhode Island Energy's default supply, typically offering lower rates and additional renewable energy. The procurement was managed by Good Energy, and all seven participating towns agreed that NextEra remains the best option. The board approved the item. Key Outcomes - All bids from Section B were referred to the City Clerk's office. - Items 1 and 6 from Section B will be readvertised. - Advertisements in Section C were approved. - Item 1 in Section A was continued (bid protest entered into record). - Items 2 through 22 in Section A were approved on a roll call vote (8 ayes, 0 nays, 4 absent). - The minutes of September 22, 2025, were approved. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Providence City Council held a meeting on October 2, 2025. The following summary is derived from the meeting’s raw transcript, which captures the roll call, a discussion regarding a potential executive session, and a debate on a concession-related matter. Discussion Items - Roll Call: The council president initiated a roll call. Council President Miller, Deputy Majority Leader Andrew Boyle, Majority Leader Espinal, Councilwoman Graves, Councilman Aroyus, and Councilwoman Ryan were recorded as present. Councilwoman Peterson, Council President Pro Tempore Picchardo, Councilman Taylor, Councilwoman Anna Vargas, and Councilman Oscar Vargas were recorded as absent. The transcript notes a total of eight members present and six absent, which does not fully align with the number of individually named members. - Prospective Business Discussion: A discussion was held regarding “work concerning a prospective business or industry locating in the state of Vermont when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the interest of the public.” This closely mirrors the standard justification for entering an executive session under the Rhode Island Open Meetings Act; the mention of “Vermont” rather than “Rhode Island” is likely an automatic transcription error. - Concession and Internet Discussion: Council members debated a topic described as involving “the receiver of the current small and maybe books to end the concession.” The Council President Pro Tempore called for a second on an internet discussion, characterizing it as an “important conversation.” Key Outcomes - The meeting proceeded with the discussions as outlined. No formal votes, motions, or resolutions were captured in the provided transcript.

The Providence City Council convened on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at City Hall with 12 members present and 2 absent. The meeting began with roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members addressed a number of routine items, two major ordinances, and several appointments. Key actions included passage of a phased ban on gas-powered leaf blowers (first passage) and authorization of $25 million in bonds to purchase two city-occupied buildings. Consent Calendar - Items 3 through 27 were approved en bloc via voice votes or unanimous roll calls, including several routine resolutions and ordinances. Items 4–7 were noted as received, and item 8 was referred to the Committee on Finance. Items 9–23 passed for the second time on a roll call vote (12 ayes, 2 absent). Items 24–27 were approved and then referred to the Committees on Ordinances (24, 25, 26) and Public Works (27). - Items 30, 33, 34, 35, and 36 were approved without debate. Item 33 was sent to the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits; item 34 was noted as received. Discussion Items - Item 28 – Resolution Recognizing Colonel Sonny Cepeda: Majority Leader Espinal introduced a resolution honoring Colonel Sonny Cepeda of the Dominican Republic Police Department for 25 years of service and his role as a liaison with Providence and New York police. The resolution was read into the record and passed unanimously. - Item 29 – Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ordinance (First Passage): Councilwoman Anderbois, the sponsor, presented a revised ordinance phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers to reduce noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions. Key changes included clarifying the definition, allowing gas blowers only during the fall leaf season, moving fines from businesses to property owners (with a warning first), and working with the state Office of Energy Resources to improve incentive access. Several council members spoke: - Councilman Taylor opposed, arguing enforcement is lacking, the ordinance burdens small landscaping businesses (mostly in his ward), and the cost of electric blowers and batteries is high. He characterized it as a “feel-good” ordinance. - Councilman Gonzalez supported, citing public health benefits for workers (gas blowers emit toxins equivalent to driving 1,100 miles) and quality of life for residents, noting the city is behind other municipalities. - Councilman Oscar Vargas opposed, saying workers in his community depend on gas equipment and cannot afford electric alternatives; he predicted property owners will get fined and then withhold payments to landscapers. - Councilman Sanchez supported, stressing environmental and health benefits, arguing most concerns had been addressed in the revised ordinance, and calling it a “common-sense” bill. - Councilwoman Peterson initially on the fence but ultimately supported, praising the long lead time (2033) and asking for education on battery disposal. - Councilwoman Anderbois responded to concerns, highlighting that other cities of all sizes have enacted similar bans and that constituents with respiratory issues feel “prisoners in their homes” due to gas blowers. - Item 31 – Bond Authorization for Building Acquisition (444 Westminster Street and Waterfire Arts Building): The council considered a resolution authorizing up to $25 million in bonds for the Providence Public Buildings Authority to purchase two properties: 444 Westminster Street (currently leased at $1.7 million/year for 10 city departments) and the Waterfire Arts Building. Key comments: - Councilwoman Graves opposed, arguing the original 25‑year lease on 444 Westminster was a “worst lease” that should never have been signed, and she voted no as a protest against past practices. - Councilwoman Ryan, Finance Committee Chair, supported, stating the purchase is fiscally sound—replacing the $1.7 million annual rent with a bond payment well within debt capacity, providing control over the building, and including $2.75 million for renovations. - Councilman Sanchez initially skeptical but supported after committee review, noting the city spends over $250,000 annually on maintenance and repairs on top of rent, and the purchase frees up future CIP capacity. - Councilman Gonzalez added that the average debt service is about $300,000/year, making the deal prudent. - Item 32 – Appointment of Sean Holly as Recreation Department Director: Multiple council members welcomed Sean Holly, praising his holistic vision for recreation centers, commitment to youth, and partnership with the council. Councilman Sanchez thanked interim director Jackie for his leadership. The appointment was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 29 (Gas Leaf Blower Ordinance): Passed on first reading by roll call vote – 8 ayes (Miller, Anderbois, Espinal, Gonzales, Peterson, Royus, Ryan, Sanchez), 3 nays (Graves, Taylor, O. Vargas), 1 abstention (Harris), 2 absent. The ordinance will return for second passage. - Item 31 (Bond for Building Purchase): Approved by roll call vote – 9 ayes (Miller, Espinal, Gonzales, Harris, Ryan, Sanchez, Taylor, O. Vargas), 3 nays (Graves, Peterson, Royus), 2 absent. - Item 32 (Sean Holly Appointment): Approved on voice vote. - The council also adopted a resolution honoring Colonel Cepeda and processed numerous routine matters.