Public Meetings - Providence, Rhode Island

The Providence Committee on Ordinance met on September 14, 2026, at 5:37 PM. Two items were on the agenda: Item 2 (zoning map change) was taken out of order and continued; Item 1 (billboard removal incentive) received extensive discussion and testimony. The meeting adjourned at approximately [unknown time] after both items were continued to October 13, 2026. Item 2: Zoning Map Change (Continued) - Petition from Jeffrey Mark Aude, owner of JC 131 Realty LC and President of EW Auda and Sons Inc., requesting to change zoning from M-MU to M-1 for various properties and to amend section 1202H of the zoning ordinance. - The committee voted unanimously to continue this item to October 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM to avoid re-advertisement. Item 1: Billboards Removal Incentive (Digital Conversion) - Presentation by Deputy Director Robert Azar (Department of Planning and Development): - The petition from Lamar seeks to convert existing static billboards to electronic digital message signs. - Original proposal: 2:1 exchange (2 sq ft static removed for 1 sq ft digital) plus an impact fee – but the Law Department deemed the fee illegal contract zoning. - City Plan Commission (CPC) recommended a 10:1 exchange rate, citing rates up to 13:1 in other jurisdictions. - CPC’s seven conditions: (1) permit required; (2) comply with federal/state regulations and RIDOT approval; (3) located in commercial/industrial districts, ≥250 ft from residential; (4) oriented toward I-95; (5) digital face area ≤ existing face; (6) permanent removal of static signs (10:1 ratio) prior to installation, including structures and footings; (7) status as non-conforming sign unchanged. - Azar noted that state regulations cover glare and illumination, and that the program could reduce visual clutter and potentially free up lots for housing. - Petitioner’s Attorney Dylan Conley (representing Lamar): - Stressed that no new billboards are proposed – only conversion of existing ones. - The specific billboard in mind faces the Providence-Cranston line near Good Fortune Asian supermarket. - Agreed with all CPC changes except the 10:1 exchange rate; requested 2:1 as previously advanced to the council. - Argued that other jurisdictions with high ratios have many more billboards (e.g., Tampa/St. Petersburg 4,000; LA 15,000), while Providence has 161 total. - Claimed that even at 2:1, 12-20 static billboards would be removed, improving safety (citing FHWA finding that digital vs. static has no safety difference, but removal does). - Mentioned community benefits: Amber Alerts, community messages. - Addressed prior failure in 2020 due to unanswered question about union labor; now resolved with union construction team. - Public Testimony (opposed to digital conversion): - Steven Alquist: Criticized Lamar’s past tree cutting (dozen trees in South Providence) and minimal penalty. Called the proposal self-serving; suggested taxing billboards per square foot to generate revenue for beautification and blight reduction. - Linda Perry (Ward 10 resident): Noted Lamar cut down 110 trees on Aldrich Street. Cited safety concerns on I-95 at Thurbers Avenue, light pollution, and the 10:1 ratio as insufficient. Stated that digital billboards are unsightly and dangerous. - Aubrey Pleneth (Ward 10 resident): Raised light pollution in South Providence, which already has port-related burdens. Requested a complete inventory of billboards and clarity on which would be removed. Noted that digital billboards are cost-prohibitive for small businesses (Lamar CEO reports $15,000/month digital vs. $3,000 static). Asked about zoning of billboard lots after removal. - Ron Carlson: Expressed concerns about visibility, light pollution, and that the signs would impact disproportionately impacted neighborhoods. - Richard Stang (Conservation Law Foundation): Argued that electronic billboards are not part of the city’s 2024 comprehensive plan vision for livable streets and walkable neighborhoods. - Committee Discussion: - Councilors Peterson and Royas expressed need for more data on which neighborhoods are disproportionately impacted and what the full effects would be before sending to the full council. - Chairman initially moved to send Item 1 to the full council without recommendation, but withdrew after hearing concerns. - Instead, a motion to continue Item 1 to October 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 2: Continued to October 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM. - Item 1: Continued to October 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM, with the expectation that concerns about neighborhood impact and data will be addressed before the next hearing. - The meeting was adjourned.

This meeting of the Providence City Council took place on September 8, 2026. Eight members were present (Courtney Hawkins, Sarah Silveria, Joseph DePina, Dante Bellini, and others) and four were absent (Council President Miller, Councilman Gonzales, Councilman Ryan, and Tyrell Stevens), establishing a quorum. Deputy City Solicitor Michael Pelec was also present. The agenda included the opening of bids, approval of advertisements, and approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was explicitly referred to as such; routine approvals were handled through motions and roll-call votes. Discussion Items - Bid Openings: Multiple bids were opened for several city contracts: - Item 1: Department of Farm, Rate Management and Water Quality Controls, one-year contract with two one-year options (one bid received). - Item 2: Department of Public Works, snow and ice control supplies for 2026-2027 (no bids received). - Item 3: Department of Public Works, on-call heavy snow clearing and removal services, one-year term (bids received from True North Civil LLC, Richie Trainway and Company, Division One Landscaping, J.R. Fenagra Corporation, Leaves, Companies, Greenville Tree Company). - Item 4: Office of Sustainability, dewatering and cleaning of a 38-inch storm water pipe at Public Street between Allen and Father David (bids: $7,900 and $134,860). - Item 5: Water Supply, procurement (McGovern M.H. Q: $55,931.58 and $60,989). - Item 6: Department of Public Property, minor construction renovations and trade services for two one-year terms (no bids received). - A motion was made and seconded to refer all bids to city departments. - Advertisements: A motion to approve the advertisements in Section C was made and seconded, and passed unanimously. - Section A Items (1-3): A roll-call vote was taken to approve items 1 through 123 in Section A. The vote was 7 in favor (Sarah Silveria, Elaine Richards, Joseph DePina, Patricia Coinfae?, Shamari Husband, John R. Zimanian, Dante Bellini), 1 opposed, and 4 absent. The items were approved. - Approval of Minutes: The board had copies of the minutes from the August 24th meeting. A correction was noted ("deputy superintendent" instead of another title). The minutes were approved as amended by a vote (all in favor). Key Outcomes - All bids were referred to city departments for review. - Advertisements in Section C were approved. - Items 1-123 in Section A were approved by a roll-call vote of 7-1-4. - Minutes from August 24, 2026 were approved as amended. - The meeting was adjourned following a motion.

The board met to review the retirement system portfolio performance for July 2026 and discuss trust fund performance. The meeting included financial reconciliations and a decision to defer rebalancing. Discussion Items - Retirement System Portfolio Performance (Item 1): Staff presented a review of the portfolio for July 2026. Markets were modestly negative: the US aggregate bond index returned -1.3% for the month and -0.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 returned over 10% year-to-date. The retirement system portfolio's index was negative, but the actual portfolio returned +0.3% due to outperformance of public equity managers and a hedge fund. The portfolio market value was approximately $636.6 million as of July 31, 2026. One-year return: 8.4%; three-year: 14.5%; five-year: 13.3%; eight-year: 8% (as stated). Fixed income allocation was 2.1% of assets vs. 24% target, within range. Hedge fund year-to-date returns were 8% and 4.6% for different periods. Financial reconciliation: total plan began at $652 million, payroll distributions of $8 million, net result $637 million. No rebalancing was recommended. - Trust Fund Performance (Item 2): Staff reviewed the various trusts. Returns for July were negative 1.1%, in line with benchmarks. Active management had a slightly negative impact. Long-term returns (1, 3, 5, 7, 10 years) far exceed typical trust needs of 2-7% annually. No cash needs were identified. Trust total market value was approximately $39 billion (stated in transcript, likely a transcription error). - Rebalancing (Item 3): No recommendation for rebalancing. The board voted to continue the item to the next month's agenda. - Handout: A motion was made to enter a handout from Sarah regarding cash flows into the record. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Item 1 (Retirement System Performance Report): Approved unanimously (voice vote, ayes heard, no opposition). - Motion to approve Item 2 (Trust Fund Report): Approved unanimously. - Motion to continue Item 3 (Rebalancing) to next meeting: Approved unanimously. - Motion to enter the cash flow handout as an exhibit: Approved unanimously. - Motion to adjourn: Approved unanimously. Note: The transcript contains some garbled numbers (e.g., "39 billion dollars" for trust value). The meeting date is confirmed as August 27, 2026.

The Providence Board of Contract and Supply met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 5:49 PM, with ten members present, two absent. The meeting was called to order, a chairperson was elected, and the Deputy City Solicitor was noted. The board opened bids, reviewed several agenda items, and approved a block of contracts and an amendment. No public comments were made. Bid Openings & Advertisements - Four bids were received for Item 2 (Department of Housing and Human Services, Design and Social Media Content Development Services), including Visual Brand at $20,000 and Archipelago Strategy at $19,880. - An unmarked bid from the previous meeting was read into the record for Item 6 from the July 29 meeting: Department of Recreation, Health Workforce and Education Programming, vendor 120 Compressions, $25,000. - Two walk-on advertisements were approved: (1) Classical High School electrical upgrades, and (2) bundled school construction (Classical High School chiller, reservoir, and several elementary school RTU replacements), both to be opened on October 5, 2026. Discussion Items - Item 1 (Commissioning Services): Director Delgado asked about the role of Sustainable Engineering Solutions. Representatives clarified they serve as a third-party commission to verify contractor work quality, and will remain on-site through the project’s end, including phase four. - Item 20 (Change Order – Roof Replacement at 552 Atwells): A nearly $700,000 change order due to hidden structural decay in the roof deck. Delgado asked about the conditions; staff explained that original assessment missed heavy timber deterioration, requiring partial structural replacement. Timetable to be determined. - Item 31 (Request to Pay – Ken Roe Collision): A parking meter maintenance van accident in June. The driver over-corrected to avoid a bus and hit an unoccupied parked car. No injuries. Approved. - Item 5 (Wayfinding Signage – College Hill Conservancy): A request from Councilwoman Anna Vargas. Parks department was not previously aware; the board agreed to continue the item for further review and coordination. Key Outcomes - Election: A motion to elect a chairperson was approved unanimously. - Amendment: Item 28 was amended to include three vendor names: Aero Mechanical Inc., Butler & Sons Plumbing and Heating, and R&D Engineering Constructors LLC. - Block Vote: Items 1–9 and Item 28 (as amended) were approved via roll call: 9 ayes, 1 nay, 2 absent. - Minutes Approved: The minutes of the Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Board of Contract and Supply meeting were approved without corrections. - Adjournment: Motion carried, meeting ended.

The Board of Contract and Supply met on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:02 PM, with President Courtney Hopkins presiding. Eight members were present, four absent. The meeting included the opening of bids, discussion of a change order for the GPW complex, and approval of items and minutes. Consent Calendar - A motion to approve the meeting and record the presence of Senior Assistant City Solicitor Etty Lee Show was approved unanimously. - The board opened bids for eight items (covering housing information and fair housing, street tree pruning, street tree planting site prep, electrical upgrades at fire stations, parking signs, recreation center programming, tax assessor software, and on-call trade services) and referred them to committee. - The board approved items 1 through 36 under Section A (consent agenda) with a vote of 8-0-4 (eight ayes, zero nays, four absent). - The board approved the minutes from the July 27, 2026 meeting without correction. Discussion Items - Item 25: Change Order No. 3 for GPW Complex Construction Management Services – Director Delgado reviewed a $3.2 million change order to finalize the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for trade packages and incorporate changes. Finn Lobas, project manager from the Department of Public Property, explained that the change order includes the final base bid (approximately $3 million) and additional change orders under $2 million, the largest being the addition of a truck wash bay, which was a budget deferral decision. Lobas confirmed there is no further base GMP amendments, but contingency and allowances remain for the remaining eight months of construction. The board discussed that the truck wash bay addition was possible because the project remained within budget. Key Outcomes - Vote on Section A Items: Motion to approve items 1–36 passed 8-0-4. - Vote on Minutes: Motion to approve July 27, 2026 minutes passed unanimously. - Referral of Bids: All opened bids were referred to committee. Note: No public comments were heard. Some portions of the transcript were unclear, but the summary reflects the main actions taken.

The Providence City Council held a ceremonial session on August 5, 2026, to raise the Dominican flag and launch a 10-day celebration leading up to Dominican Restoration Day on August 16. The event highlighted the contributions of the Dominican community in Providence and featured remarks from elected officials and community leaders. Consent Calendar - No routine approvals or unanimous actions were taken. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment period was held. Discussion - Mayor Brett Smiley welcomed attendees and emphasized that Providence is a welcoming city for all, noting the contributions of Dominican Americans in every facet of city life. He expressed pride in the upcoming Dominican Festival. - Council President Rachel Miller thanked the community and recognized the importance of the Dominican heritage celebration, stating that the city is stronger together. - Congressman Gabe Amo praised the 10-day celebration as one of the best times of the year in Providence and highlighted the impact and traditions of the Dominican community. He stated, "we are stronger when we're together." - Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos shared a personal story about inspiring young people and reminded attendees that the work done today is about the collective future of the community. - State Representative Grace Diaz announced that Rhode Island will become the first U.S. territory to issue a special Dominican heritage license plate, featuring the Dominican coat of arms and colors. She also invited everyone to a bill signing on August 14 at Juan Pablo Duarte Monument in Williams Park. - Historian Adán Tanán delivered a brief history of the Dominican Republic, covering its independence, the dictatorship of Trujillo, the 1963 coup, the 1965 U.S. intervention, and the restoration of independence in 1863. He noted that the Dominican Republic has had 67 presidents in 180 years and remains a country with a positive future. - Marilyn Cepeda, president of Kisqueya in Action, thanked the community for 39 years of support and announced the Dominican Festival and Parade on Sunday, August 9, 2026, starting at 6:00 AM on Broad Street and the festival from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. - Jose Dominguez of Nueva Generación Duarteanos emphasized the 39th anniversary of the Dominican Festival and Parade, calling it one of the oldest such festivals in U.S. history, and urged planning for the 40th anniversary next year. - Councilman Pedro Espinal introduced the keynote speaker and recognized community leaders including Every Pérez of the Dominican Independent Heritage Award Committee, Margaret Basel of Fireworks Water Fire, and Rosana of Kisqueya in Action's youth group. - A youth folkloric dance performance concluded the ceremony. Key Outcomes - The City of Providence raised the Dominican flag to initiate a 10-day celebration (August 5–16) honoring Dominican heritage. - The Dominican Festival and Parade will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026 (39th consecutive year). - A bill signing for the first Dominican-themed Rhode Island license plate is scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Juan Pablo Duarte Monument in Williams Park. - No formal votes or resolutions were adopted; the meeting was ceremonial in nature.

The Providence City Council convened a special meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with 10 members present and 5 absent, constituting a quorum. The council handled routine approvals, received a City Solicitor's explanation, and took roll-call votes on two items. Consent Calendar - Items 1 and 2: Council voted unanimously to waive reading and receive the items. Councilman Oscar Vargas expressed concern that new appointees no longer give courtesy phone calls to council members, citing an appointee he did not know, and asked that appointees notify them; the Council President noted this as a point of personal expression. - Item 3: Council voted to waive reading and receive and approve the item; the motion passed. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Item 4: The City Solicitor explained that a proposed ordinance from petitioners was received but not enacted by the council, and that the City Clerk had received a notarized referendum petition. The Board of Canvassers certified that signatures from an additional 5% of qualified electors were obtained within the required time. The Solicitor stated that the council's vote was ministerial under the City Charter and did not express support or opposition to the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Items 1 and 2 were received. - Item 3 was received and approved. - Item 4 was approved by voice vote, submitting the proposed ordinance to the voters. - Item 5 was approved on a roll-call vote: 10 ayes, 0 noes, 5 absent. - Item 6 was approved on a roll-call vote: 9 ayes, 1 no (Councilwoman Peterson), 5 absent. - The council adjourned in memory of Fernando D. Valiente Valiente and Judy Crank; Councilman Oscar Vargas added condolences for Isidore Ramos, former mayor of East Providence. - Members were invited to remain for a Peruvian Independence Day celebration.

Date: July 27, 2026 Presiding: Chairperson (name not specified) Attendance: 9 present, 3 absent (Councilman Gonzalves, Councilwoman Ryan, Tyrell Stevens absent). Consent Calendar - Approval of Items 1–47 in Section A: Approved via roll call, with 8 ayes (Hawkins, Delgado, Silveria, Richards, De Pina, Queen Fake, Husband, Arzumanian, Bellini) and 1 nay (not identified). - Approval of Minutes from July 13, 2026 Meeting: Motion made by Director De Pina, seconded by Director Richards; approved without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded. Discussion Items - Bids Opening (Section B): Several bids were opened: - Housing Information Education Outreach and Fair Housing Services – no bids received (re-advertised). - Hope High School Demolition and Abatement (Department of Public Property) – Construction Junction ($85,130) and AA Asbestos Abatement Company (amount not specified). - Commissioning Agent for Phase 4 of Providence Public School Projects – Catalyst Commissioning Group ($575,600), Sustainable Engineering Solutions ($575,600), BES Engineering Services ($620,310). - Scenographic Services – Mirandi Court Reporting (unit price bid). - Parking Signs and Related Materials – no bids received (re-advertised). - Minor Construction Innovations and On-Call Trade Services – no bids received (remains advertised). - All bids were referred to the Clerk’s Office. Key Outcomes - Bid Referrals: All submitted bids referred to the Clerk’s Office for review and award processing. - Re-advertising: Items 1 (Housing Information Education Outreach) and 6 (Parking Signs) from Section B to be re-advertised due to no bids. - Advertisements Approved: Advertisements in Section C approved; items 1 and 6 from Section B to be re-advertised. - Section A Approval: Items 1–47 in Section A approved with one nay (roll call vote). - Minutes Approved: Minutes from July 13, 2026 meeting approved. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned after motion by Director Richards, seconded by Treasurer Husband, passed unanimously.

The Providence Retirement Board convened on July 23, 2026, to review investment performance reports for the city's retirement system and trust funds. Representatives from Siebel, Peter and Julian, presented the analysis. The board approved both reports and deferred a discussion on portfolio rebalancing to the next month. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (Investment Performance Analysis for the Retirement System): Approved. Motion by Councilwoman, seconded. All in favor. No opposition. - Item 2 (Trust Funds Performance Report): Approved. Motion by Councilman, seconded. All in favor. No opposition. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Retirement System Investment Performance: Peter and Julian presented that in June 2026, markets were mixed. Inflation ran at 4.2% in May, driven by energy prices. The retirement system portfolio returned 0.9% for June, slightly ahead of its index, helped by diversification across small-cap, international, and large-cap stocks. Calendar year-to-date return was 8.1%; fiscal year (July 2025–June 2026) return was 14.9%. Three-year annualized return: 14.2%; five-year: 8.1% (ahead of benchmark). Fund market value: $652.9 million at month-end. Monthly financial reconciliation showed the fund began June with $646 million, received net contributions of $10.8 million, and generated $875,000 in income and $5.2 million in capital appreciation. Over the trailing 12 months, the fund grew from $526 million to $652 million, generating approximately $85 million in total investment gains ($75 million capital appreciation + $10 million income). The board noted that cash from city contributions is expected in July and August to bring the portfolio to its target allocation. - Item 2 – Trust Funds Performance: The trust funds (city and Providence trusts) all posted monthly returns between 1.6% and 2.8% in June. One-year returns exceeded 21.6% (approximately 22% or more). Performance benefited from an overweight equity position relative to fixed income. Active management, particularly by act and banning (likely a manager), added value over the month, quarter, and fiscal year. Cash holdings were minimal and aligned with trust needs. - Item 3 – Portfolio Rebalancing: No discussion or vote this month. The board continued the item to the next meeting. A motion to continue was made by John and seconded by the councilwoman; all approved. Key Outcomes - Item 1 and Item 2 approved. - Item 3 deferred to next meeting. - The finance team confirmed that the full pension contribution for the fiscal year will be made in July following receipt of the state reimbursement (pilot fund), and early payment will earn interest before first-quarter tax receipts in August. - The board noted that a cash flow document was not provided this month because there were no changes; one will be provided next month.