|
|
|
|
The Docket
A Newsletter from the
Providence City Council |
|
|
|
State Legislation Affecting Providence
The City Council is working with state lawmakers to advance legislation that will benefit Providence and the state.
Below are summaries of pending House and Senate bills that are being considered by the General Assembly, as well as information on Council activities related to these proposals, and other state-regulated matters.
The Council website's "Publications" page will be regularly updated to include communications and resolutions to state representatives and senators on bills of interest to the Council.
|
|
Council Continues to Crack Down on the Theft of Public Property
Council members unanimously supported a resolution recommending passage of House Bill 5513 and Senate Bill 0079, which mirror a new city ordinance regarding the theft of metal goods. The legislation was a response to the increased theft of public property such as manhole covers and guardrails. Among the requirements are a new license for scrap vendors, a holding period for such metals, and additional penalties for the acceptance of public property as scrap without a release from the appropriate government agency. Council President Michael A. Solomon and Councilman David Salvatore explained the issue to General Assembly members in this letter.
|
 House Approves State Law to Ban Synthetic Marijuana and Other Synthetic Drugs Sold in Stores
A new law to prohibit the possession and sale of synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs (House Bill 5325 Sub A ) was approved by the RI House of Representatives on March 26, 2013. The measure will move on to the RI Senate for consideration.
Councilwoman Sabina Matos introduced a resolution in support of H 5325 Sub A; the resolution was unanimously approved by the Council on March 21st. Matos noted in the resolution that compounds such as synthetic marijuana and so-called "bath salts" mimic the effect of various drugs, but have been reported to cause serious health problems, and even death. These items are widely available at retail locations throughout the city and state.
Nearly all states have laws on the books banning such substances.
Matos said that she is pleased that the House of Representatives voted to approve the legislation. "Bath salts and synthetic marijuana pose a serious public health and safety risk to city residents," she said. "Hopefully the Senate also will approve this law, which will get these items off the shelves in stores throughout Providence and Rhode Island."
|
|
Tax Revenue from I-195 Parcels
In a resolution last week, City Council members unanimously supported state legislation that would require certain entities to pay property tax on the new I-195 parcels. House Bill 5816 amends the "I-195 Redevelopment Act of 2011" to include language requiring the State of Rhode Island, the I-195 Redevelopment Commission, or any quasi state entity to make property tax payments to the City of Providence on land in their possession. If such property was currently being taxed it would generate approximately $2.3 million in additional revenue for the city.
|
Council Urges Board of Education to Reconsider NECAP Requirement
On March 21st, the Providence City Council passed a resolution, sponsored by Councilman Samuel Zurier (Ward Two), urging the Rhode Island Board of Education to reconsider the "high stakes testing" policy slated to go into effect next year.
The resolution explains that the designers of the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) test never intended for it to be used as a graduation requirement and that no other NECAP participating state uses it as one. The Council expressed its concern that the "high stakes testing" program proposed for next year will not give many students a reasonable chance to succeed and suggested that the Board of Education seek alternative approaches, such as creating a "Board of Education" diploma similar to the "Regents Diploma" program run by the State of New York.
|
HOUSING
This month, the Providence City Council unanimously approved a series of resolutions in support of statewide legislation designed to help keep families in their homes and lessen the effects of the foreclosure crisis.
All four bills would amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. House Bill 5335 would require mortgage holders to take part in a conciliation conference before foreclosing on residential homes. House Bill 5103 and Senate Bill 0362 would amend state law to provide tenants of a foreclosed property with greater protection against eviction. Lastly, House Bill 5332 would limit when foreclosing owners can evict tenants who continue to occupy properties without formal leases.
The resolutions were introduced by Councilman Luis Aponte, Councilman Michael Correia, Councilman Terrence Hassett, Councilwoman Sabina Matos, and Councilman Bryan Principe, and were then co-sponsored by the full council.
|
|
Effort to Reduce Pollution of Providence Rivers and Coastline
The Rhode Island Marine Debris Reduction Act, proposed in House Bill 5264 and Senate Bill 0406, would reduce marine debris, and increase recycling of post-consumer packaging such as cans, bottles, plastic bags, and Styrofoam cups and containers, which often ends up in or along our coastal waterways.
The Council resolution in support of the legislation was unanimously approved on March 7th. Councilman Seth Yurdin said he introduced the resolution in light of the negative environmental and economic impacts of marine debris. "Trash and pollutants in the water can harm wildlife and introduce toxins into the food chain. As well, such debris can hurt local maritime businesses, causing disabled boats, damaged equipment, or contaminated catches," Yurdin said.
Under the proposal, producers of consumer waste that results in marine litter would be responsible for the cost of cleaning, collecting, and recycling their packaging materials. The House version of the bill is scheduled to be heard by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday, April 4th.
|
A Vote to End Straight Party Voting in Rhode Island
A Council resolution approved February 22nd urged state lawmakers to approve legislation to eliminate the straight party voting option (also known as the "master lever") on election ballots in Rhode Island.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Rhode Island is one of only 15 states nationally, and the only New England state, that continues to allow straight ticket voting. Thousands of Rhode Islanders have signed a petition calling for the end of straight-party voting, citing voter confusion and disadvantages for independent candidates. Many elected officials have endorsed the elimination of this antiquated voting mechanism.
The Council is committed to expanding opportunities for Rhode Islanders to participate in the electoral process--both as voters and as candidates--and will continue to advocate for passage of House Bill 5072 and Senate Bill 0044.
|
Upcoming Neighborhood Events
Monday, April 1, 2013
Ward 4 - North End Community Action Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.
DaVinci Center, 470 Charles Street
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Ward 14 - Spring Tree Planting Day, 9 a.m.
Seamans St., College Rd., Devonshire St. and Sandringham Ave.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Ward 2 - Community Meeting, 6-8:30 p.m.
Nathan Bishop MS, 101 Sessions St.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Ward 4 - Neighborhood Clean-up, 10 a.m.
Prete Metcalf Field, Hawkins Street Click here for more information about
Providence Earth Day 2013 Spring Cleaning |
To find out about upcoming Providence City Council meetings, meeting dockets and committee meetings, please visit the link below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
