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A New Term Begins
Inauguration Day events at City Hall on January 3, 2011 created bustling activity in the Council Chambers, as seven Council members took the oath of office for the first time, along with eight returning members. After the swearing in, the Council unanimously elected its new President, Councilman Michael A. Solomon, and its new Council President Pro Tempore, Councilman Terrence M. Hassett. The Council offered special recognition and a standing ovation to Councilman Hassett, who was present in the Chambers for the first time since being critically injured in a hit-and-run accident last October. The Council also re-elected City Clerk Anna M. Stetson during the meeting.
The new members, elected in November, collectively represent almost half of the 15-member City Council. Below are biographical briefs describing their backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
Samuel D. Zurier, Ward Two
Councilman Zurier currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Finance, and also serves as a member of the Committee on Ordinances. An attorney engaged in the private practice of law in Rhode Island since 1990, he is employed as of counsel to Oliverio & Marcaccio LLP in Providence. Councilman Zurier previously served on the Providence School Board, as well as on numerous boards and committees relating to public education. He represents the Blackstone, College Hill, and Wayland neighborhoods.
Michael J. Correia, Ward Six
Councilman Correia serves as a member of the following committees: Claims and Pending Suits; Public Works; and Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning. He also is a Council representative on the Water Supply Board. He is President of the Providence Crime Watch Association, and has led the Annual Night Out Against Crime rally since 2005. He is a member of the Sixth Ward Working Committee, and has been involved in numerous neighborhood beautification projects throughout his ward, as well as various community building events. Councilman Correia represents Manton and Mount Pleasant.
Wilbur W. Jennings, Ward Eight
Councilman Jennings serves on the Committee on Claims & Pending Suits, the Committee on Public Works, and the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning. A lifelong resident of Providence, Councilman Jennings is a retired employee of the City of Providence Department of Public Works, where he was Deputy Superintendent. He has been actively involved in community organizations, serving on the Providence Community Action Program (ProCAP) Board of Directors for eight years. Councilman Jennings ran for elected office 12 times in 24 years before his election to the City Council. He represents Reservoir and the West End.
Davian Sanchez, Ward 11
Councilman Sanchez is the youngest Dominican-American elected official in the United States, as well as the youngest member ever elected to the City Council. Born and raised on the Southside, he attended Mary E. Fogarty Elementary School and Providence Academy of International Studies High School (PAIS). He is enrolled at Johnson & Wales University, and is studying Financial Service Management.
Bryan Principe, Ward 13
Councilman Principe previously served for 10 years as a member of the Providence City Plan Commission. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association for six years. Councilman Principe has led the movement to re-open the West Broadway Elementary School, and is an active participant in community volunteer efforts such as tree plantings, clean-ups, and festivals. He represents Federal Hill, and sections of the West End and Downtown.
David A. Salvatore, Ward 14
Councilman Salvatore is Vice-Chair of the Committee on Ordinances. He also is a member of the Committee on Finance, and the Committee on Claims & Pending Suits. A lifelong resident of Elmhurst, and active in his community, Councilman Salvatore is a member of Friends of Elmhurst, and the District 6 Crime Watch Association, and is a friend of the Wanskuck Branch Library. He serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the La Salle Alumni Association Board of Directors, and is employed in the Office of the General Treasurer. Councilman Salvatore represents Elmhurst, Wanskuck, and Mount Pleasant.
Sabina Matos, Ward 15
Councilwoman Matos currently serves on the Committee on City Property. She is the first Dominican-American woman elected to the Providence City Council. A resident of Olneyville for 10 years, Councilwoman Matos is a member of the Board of Directors for the Olneyville Housing Corporation, and is president of Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund's Latina Leadership Institute, of which she is a graduate. She is Associate Director of New Roots Providence. Councilwoman Matos represents Olneyville and Valley, as well as parts of Silver Lake and the West End.
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Council Passes Budget, Restores 15% Homestead
In February, the City Council voted to adopt a $639 million budget for the 2011 fiscal year, completing a process begun last summer. Included in the newly approved budget is a reinstatement of the non-owner-occupied homestead exemption at a rate of 15%.
"Completing the budget was the top priority of the new Council," said Council President Michael A. Solomon. "The approved plan maintains the highest level of city services despite large cuts from the State, and a nationwide recession."
This year, Providence faces more than $36 million is cuts from the State of Rhode Island, including the elimination of revenue sharing, and a significant reduction in the motor vehicle tax reimbursement. To make up for these losses, the Council's budget removes a pay raise for non-union employees that was scheduled to take effect in January this year and limits the creation of new positions to only those that are federally funded or designed to save the City money.
"Our city still faces many tough financial choices," said Finance Committee Chairman John J. Igliozzi, "but this budget shows that the City Council is dedicated to making conscientious decisions and will take the biggest issues head on."
Last July, as required by State law, the Council approved the revenue half of the City budget, but questions about the expenditure half lingered. "After a lot of hard work and careful deliberation, I believe we have passed a financial plan that is fair for all of Providence's residents," said Ward One Councilman Seth Yurdin, who also serves as Majority Leader.
The newly approved budget reinstates the non-owner-occupied homestead exemption, a tax abatement for those who own a residential property but do not live in it, which had been eliminated in the tax levy passed last year. "Over the last few months, my colleagues and I heard from a number of constituents about the need for a non-owner-occupied exemption," said Solomon. "Balancing those concerns and the financial issues facing the City, we felt the right choice was to restore the homestead at 15%." In past years, the non-owner-occupied exemption had been as high as 33%.
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Council Members Hold Neighborhood Meetings
Several members of the City Council kicked off the new term by hosting a series of neighborhood meetings to discuss issues affecting their constituents.
On January 19th, Ward 10 Councilman Luis A. Aponte and members of Providence Sports & Leadership met at the South Providence Recreation Center to discuss the growing needs of the organization. Providence Sports & Leadership is a baseball program concentrating on boys between the ages of 13 and 18. While there are numerous Little Leagues and adult baseball leagues, there are not many baseball programs available for boys in that critical age group.
The main topic of discussion was identifying a field to accommodate the league. The current facility, Richardson Field, requires a number of improvements to adequately serve the group. Councilman Aponte informed those in attendance that he is working with the Parks Department to undertake the needed renovations that will include new restroom facilities and a concession stand. The councilman also noted that in 2014, Johnson & Wales University will complete a new sports facility at Fields Point, including two softball fields, which will be available to local leagues.
On January 25th, two community meetings were held. The first session, jointly organized by the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation and District Seven Commander Lt. David Gannon, was held at the Smith Hill Library. A number of issues were discussed including police response to area crime, an increase in graffiti, snow removal, and recreational opportunities. Several residents noted that there has been a dramatic increase in graffiti. Lt. Gannon and district patrol officers acknowledged the problem, and noted it was most likely neighborhood youth and not organized street gangs. Other residents expressed concern with the City's snow removal efforts and enforcement of the law requiring property owners to remove snow from in front of their home or business. Councilman Terrence M. Hassett, who was still recovering from injuries sustained by a hit and run driver, was unable to attend but sent staff from the City Council office to represent him and report back on matters requiring his attention.
Later the same evening, Councilman Michael Correia hosted a well attended meeting at the George West Elementary School. Like the earlier gathering, discussion focused on police issues including an increase in abandoned motor vehicles; speeding traffic; and home burglaries. District Six Commander Lt. Patrick Reddy and other Providence Police Department officials were on hand, and assured the residents that they will address their concerns and report back at a subsequent meeting. Councilman Correia announced that roadway improvements to portions of Glenbridge Avenue and Manton Avenue are in the planning stage. Traffic calming measures on Chalkstone Avenue near Obadiah Brown Road are also being considered. He also pledged to hold regular community meetings to keep area constituents informed on matters affecting Ward Six.
Councilman Wilbur Jennings hosted a meeting on February 8th at the Roger Williams Park Casino. Over 30 South Elmwood residents braved extremely cold weather to voice their concerns on several subjects. One of the main topics had to do with the ongoing issue of illegal "hand to hand" drug sales. District Three Commander Lt. Alyssa D'Andrade assured the residents that the police are aware of the problem and are working to resolve it. Some residents suggested the possibility of enlisting the assistance of the RI State Police to augment local police enforcement in this effort. Other attendees noted that street lights along the Elmwood Avenue on-ramp to Rt. 10 are not lit. They questioned whether this situation is intentional by the state to save money, and observed that it presents a serious public safety hazard. Additional items discussed included re-establishing a neighborhood crime watch, and sponsoring community beautification projects. Councilman Jennings pledged to hold another meeting in the near future to report the results of his efforts to address the issues discussed, and any new matters requiring attention.
For information on upcoming neighborhood meetings in your area, please see the calendar (link) or call the City Council office at 521-7477.
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Providence City Council Launches New Website
On January 1st, the Providence City Council's new and improved website went online. The revamped website will give the public easy access to their elected officials and provides important information about City departments and services.
"With easy access to meeting dockets, a calendar of upcoming events, the complete Code of Ordinances, and the Home Rule Charter, the Council website is a one-stop shop for the information our constituents need," said Council President Michael A. Solomon.
The new website also has links to the Council's press releases, an archive with more than four years' worth of Docket e- newsletters, and information about elections and voting, as well as a page for submitting constituent requests, and other tools for contacting the members of the City Council.
The City Council website can be found at http://council.providenceri.com.
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A Conversation With Council President Michael A. Solomon
In each issue, The Docket poses the
same ten questions to one of the fifteen members of
the City Council and presents these
conversations as a way to provide insights into
the respective backgrounds, thinking, and
values of each Council member.
In this newsletter, we present Councilman Michael A. Solomon
who was elected Council President for the term that began
January 3, 2011. President Solomon was first elected in 2006.
He represents the fifth ward of Providence which includes
Elmhurst and Mount Pleasant, and is the proprietor of Wes' Rib House in Olneyville.
*********
1. How do you
define public service?
I define public service as looking after the best interests of the
people of the fifth ward, and the entire city.
2. Who are the
public servants who have had the most profound
positive influence on your choice to join their ranks?
My father, Anthony Solomon, had the biggest impact on my decision to run for elected office. He served as the General Treasurer of Rhode Island from 1976 to 1984,
and from 1988 to 1992-a total of six terms. During his very first campaign, I was in charge of hanging campaign signs. When he ran for Governor, I was his
campaign manager. His love of public service, and his dedication to the people of this state, inspired me from a young age. I learned then that serving the public
selflessly is a true honor, and I am now experiencing that firsthand.
3. What are your
top three priorities for City Council initiatives during
the next year?
My top three priorities for the City Council are: 1) Continuing pension reform-it's one of the most significant things we can do to get budget costs under control; 2)
Finalizing the Comprehensive Plan and enacting amendments to the Zoning Code based on the City's new comprehensive plan; and 3) Adopting a balanced and
sustainable budget, and closing the City's budget shortfall.
4. How do you
communicate directly with your constituents?
How does this interaction inform your work as a
Council member?
I communicate with constituents by holding neighborhood meetings, and through phone calls at my home office and the City Council office. I also maintain a
presence on Facebook and Twitter to maximize accessibility and communication with constituents. Through these types of outreach, I am able to be responsive to
residents, and expedite City services, as needed.
5. What are some
of your favorite films, books, and/or plays? What
kinds of music do you most enjoy?
[Laughing] I sleep through movies! But I do enjoy all kinds of music.
6. In your opinion, what is
the biggest challenge or opportunity facing
Providence today?
The biggest challenge and opportunity facing Providence is balancing the budget. The City has a significant budget shortfall, and we are going to have to make tough
decisions. But difficult choices can often lead to unseen possibilities, and I believe we have a real opportunity to do things more effectively and efficiently in Providence,
and to better serve the people who live and work in our capital city.
7. How would you
describe the unique responsibilities of the
legislative and executive branches of our city's
government? What is the ideal working relationship
between the two?
The ideal working relationship is to have open lines of communication, with the understanding that the executive and legislative are equal branches of city government.
The legislative branch has the unique responsibility of being the "enabling" branch of government; that is, through the ordinances we adopt, we enable the executive
branch to implement initiatives, programs, and guidelines.
8. Imagine that, for
one day only, you were given the power to make
this world a better place; what would you do?
I would work for world peace. There is nothing more important than that.
9. On what criteria
would you ask the people of Providence to judge
your performance as a City Council member?
I would ask that they judge me by my accomplishments, by my willingness to make decisions-whether popular or unpopular, successful or not-and by whether I
have consistently been there for my constituents.
10. Finally, the
quintessential Rhode Island question: Red Sox
or Yankees?
Red Sox, of course!
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Season of Snow: 2011
A snowy January results in hazardous sidewalks
Heavy snowfall throughout January left Providence's streets and sidewalks covered in snow and ice. This terrain, along with the possibility of more snow throughout the remainder of winter, posed a dangerous risk to pedestrians. As a result, Council members took to the streets to assess the situation and notify the appropriate authorities.
Snow and ice covered sidewalks in front of businesses along Plainfield Street jeopardized the safety of customers and residents in Ward Seven's Silver Lake neighborhood. Councilman John J. Igliozzi noted the hazardous conditions and dangerous consequences in a letter to the Director of the Department of Public Works. Urging immediate action, Igliozzi wrote, "I have received calls from constituents who report children walking in the street to and from school because the sidewalks are impassable. As such, I am requesting that you send inspectors out to businesses along Plainfield Street and nearby areas."
Clear sidewalks were also a concern on Smith Hill, where Council President Pro Tempore Terrence M. Hassett fielded concerns regarding oversight of the City's snow removal ordinance. In his communication with constituents and officials in the Public Works Department, Hassett asked for further oversight, "Another issue is the fact that Providence has a very high elderly population which poses a challenge for compliance. Obviously, this year's unusually high volume of snow makes compliance even more necessary."
The City Council is asking property owners to heed the City's regulations concerning snow removal. Section 23-13 of the Code of Ordinances requires that within eight hours of daylight following a snowstorm, property owners or designated responsible parties remove:
· snow and ice on sidewalks in front of their property
· snow from fire hydrants on the sidewalks in front of their property
· snow from the opening of any catch basin in the sidewalks around their property
· snow from pedestrian-access ramps cut into the curbs bordering their property
Deputy Majority Leader requests inspection of city school roofs
Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. recognized another safety hazard incurred by January's inclement weather. In a letter to City officials, the councilman from Ward 4 urged officials to examine the flat roofs of city schools, which can collapse due to excessive snow accumulation. Narducci warned, "We must take any and all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our school children. Dense snow and ice still cover the roofs of city schools, and these roofs must be inspected to ensure they are sound."
Now, as we prepare to send out "The Docket," temperatures have risen and much of the snow and ice is melting. And while we hope this weather lasts, we encourage residents to take advantage of this thaw and remove any remaining snow and ice. Thoroughly cleaning our steps, walkways and sidewalks is the best way to prepare for when the next snowstorm comes--and it most certainly will--this is New England after all!
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"The Docket" is all about making city government
accessible to everyone. The Providence City Council
provides this newsletter as an information resource
for residents, business owners and everyone
interested in making Providence a great place to live,
work and visit. Please join us in our work to make
Providence the best city it can be -- subscribe
to "The Docket" today!
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