News Briefs

City Council Approves Budget
(Mayor lets budget stand without his signature)
After several lengthy public budget hearings, the city council voted 3-2 to approve a $163,567,855 operating budget plan. Although council members were in unanimous agreement on almost all aspects of budget discussions and adjustments, in the end council members Bob Rodericks, Nate Cahoon and Ricardo Mourato voted to approve with council president Bob Britto and councilwoman Anna Sousa voting against. Britto and Sousa said they were looking for more budget cuts.

The council conducted an exhaustive process of going through the proposed budget line by line, page by page. Veteran city budget watchers said that they hadn't seen such budget scrutiny in years. As the council legal deadline approached there were still some 30 capital expense projects to be voted on. The council approved an initial Looff Carousel "structural stabilization repair phase I" for $50,000. The council also approved some emergency police and fire projects. But as the mandatory deadline approached, at-large councilor Bob Rodericks asked why the capital projects couldn't wait for the next meeting. "If these items are not tied into the tax rate and can be done at subsequent times, isn't it better to consider these at another meeting? Let's not rush tonight as we won't have time anyway. Let's give these items more thought," said Rodericks. City solicitor Dylan Conley agreed that the items could be brought up later. The council quickly agreed and voted unanimously to do so. There is just under $4M dollars held aside for capital projects throughout the city. The projects don't have to be done but if approved will diminish the account balance but won't increase taxes as set now.

At press time the council has scheduled a meeting to discuss these and other matters that couldn't be addressed during the budget deliberations due to time constraints. The ReporterToday will update results online.

Mayor Bob DaSilva's initial budget requested a tax increase of 2.6% but was whittled down to a 2.3% increase in the council version. The council was advised by finance director Malcolm Moore that the tax increase would amount to an average of $94. annually or $7.83 per month.

The Mayor had an option to veto the council's budget action which would have caused the council to vote on overriding that veto with a super majority of 4 votes. Late last month the Mayor sent the council a letter which stated that the "council budget appropriation shall become effective without my signature." The move means the budget remains approved as the council voted.

The Mayor's office issued a statement which said, "Mayor Bob DaSilva, after careful consideration, has decided to allow the first budget under the new Mayor-City Council form of government to become law without his signature. The FY 2019/-2020 budget included two new lines of funding including $1.4 million in debt service payments for the new high school and $950,000 for school construction, maintenance and repairs. An additional $700,000 was allocated to the police and fire pensions to ensure the fiscal stability of the pension fund.

"The budget is a 2.3 percent increase over the previous year and sets the city’s operating expenses, including the school department, to $188 million. A new tax rate will be set in the spring."

“While I have the utmost respect for the City Council and the budget process, I could not in good conscience approve this budget.” Mayor DaSilva said.

The Mayor's press release went on to say: " In spite of the care and effort during this budget process, some actions taken on the last day of the City Council’s hearings were made without a full understanding of the challenging impact those cuts will have on a well-functioning government. Some of those actions include:

• Drastic cuts to the Human Resources budget, cutting essential funds for employee training, recruitment and retention, postage and even everyday office supplies
• Elimination of mayor’s proposal to increase the homestead exemption from 13 percent to 13.5 percent.

“The most valuable resource that any employer has are its employees,” DaSilva said. “When we invest in our employees, we gain positive workforce morale and ultimately greater service to our community,” said DaSilva.

Nature Conservancy and RIDEM put Artificial Reef at Sabin Point
The RIDEM issued a press release on October 23rd in which they described a plan to improve recreational fishing at Sabin Point in Riverside. "The Nature Conservancy and the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are constructing an artificial reef near Sabin Point Park in East Providence to improve bottom habitat for fish. The reef will consist of 64 cement Reef Balls, arrayed in four clusters on the Bay floor, roughly 100 feet from a public fishing pier at the park," said the RIDEM statement.

The location was approved by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council last June. Most local reaction has been positive although some residents who frequent Sabin Point question the proximity of the reef to their "casting area as located to the fishing docks." City at-large councilman Bob Rodericks expressed a mild concern about the project. "It sounds like a good idea but I wish the RIDEM had officially informed the city council. I support the project and I don't intend to micro-manage, but I only found out about this through a press account. I would like information on these things so I can be responsive to constituent questions or concerns. But it does sound promising," he said.

The new artificial reef will be the first of its kind in Rhode Island waters. By adding complex structure to the Bay floor, the reef system will create habitat for juvenile and adult sport fish, and. Target species include tautog, black sea bass and scup. It will also advance research on the impact of artificial reefs in Rhode Island and may serve as a model for future reef projects in upper Narragansett Bay.

"Specialty Diving" loaded the Reef Balls onto a barge at their bulkhead at Quonset Business Park. On October 24 the Reef Balls were transported via barge from Quonset to Sabin Point in the morning. Reef construction will begin in the afternoon. A crane will lift 8 Reef Balls at a time and place them on the Bay floor. On October 25, Specialty Diving completed reef construction in the morning and return the empty barge to Quonset in the afternoon," described RIDEM.

The project is co-led by scientists at The Nature Conservancy and the DEM Division of Marine Fisheries. It is funded largely through the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program, administered by DEM, with additional funds raised by The Nature Conservancy, including a grant from the RI Saltwater Anglers Association. Total construction cost is $47,000.

BCWA Pipeline Repair Nearing Finish
The problematic cross bay pipeline repair by the Bristol County Water Authority is finally moving and expected to be finished by Thanksgiving said authority press statements. "We started to pull the PVC liner pipe on Wednesday, 10/23. The pipe is being pulled from the insertion point in East Providence through the 24” steel main under the Providence River to the Port of Providence. The liner pipe pull should be completed by Friday (10/25). The new pipe is still scheduled to be in operation by Thanksgiving."

School Committee Approves Administrative Raises in Closed Session
At its October school committee meeting, the committee deliberated in closed executive session on recommendations for administrators salary increases. Superintendent Kathryn Crowley submitted a report which recommended contract extension and salary increases for most administrators. Central office administrators and all school principals were involved. School Committee chairman Charles Tsonos said that "three votes were taken in executive session, 5-0, 3-2 and 5-0." After voting 5-0 to seal the session's minutes, Tsonos said the votes related to a one year rollover of administrative contracts and salary increases.

No specifics were announced but later Tsonos would only say that most approved administrative increases were below 2%, with some receiving zero increase. Tsonos acknowledged the "good work of our staff, but we can only afford so much."

Plastic bag ban to go into effect on November 7
The city of East Providence has instituted a plastic bag ban to go into effect on November 7, 2019. Councilwoman Anna Sousa introduced an amendment to the city’s 1998 health and sanitation ordinance that would ban single-use plastic checkout bags used by retail businesses in East Providence, curb litter in the streets, protect marine environment, waterways, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and solid waste while also encouraging the use of reusable carryout bags.

“A clean ocean and marine life are of the utmost importance for us in Rhode Island being that we are the Ocean State,” Sousa said. “Finally banning plastic bags is just one of many actions needed to protect our environment and the animals that live in it."

“I am proud of Senate President Ruggerio who sponsored legislation, which was later unanimously approved by the Senate, to ban single-use plastic bags,” Sousa added. “I’m also thankful for Barrington Town Council Vice President Kate Weymouth for her passion and dedication in creating and passing the first plastic bag ban legislation and the additional 11 Rhode Island communities who have seen the same value as I do.”

“Single-use plastic bags not only have a negative impact on our environment because they clog drains causing flooding and are the main component of landfill litter, but they also kill wildlife and cost cities millions in recycling fees,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “I applaud the City Council on its decision to vote in favor of instituting the ban.” Should you have any questions, please call the City of East Providence Mayor’s Office at 401-435-7500.

Dr. Isadore Ramos to Receive HOF Induction
On Saturday, November 9, 2019 the Cape Verdean Museum will be honoring Dr. Isadore Ramos for his many contributions to the community as well as inducting him into the Cape Verdean Hall of Fame. The event will take place at the Riviera Restaurant on N Broadway, East Providence, Rhode Island 02914.

"We will be honoring Dr. Isadore Ramos for his many contributions to the community. The Cape Verdean Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of Cape Verde and Cape Verdeans in the United States," said a statement from the group.

Dr. Ramos, of East Providence, RI, was recently honored by the Cape Verdean consulate office in Quincy, Massachusetts. Dr. Ramos received the Presidential commendation award for his service to both Cape Verde and the United States. The award was presented during a special ceremony honoring the 200th year Anniversary of the relationship between the two countries. Dr. Ramos is a graduate of East Providence High School and the University Southern Illinois and the University of Connecticut where he earned a Ph. D. While in high school he was a three-sport athlete, excelling as one of the state's best wrestlers. He went onto an All-American wrestling career at Southern Illinois. He is an EPHS Hall of Famer, Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Famer and a former East Providence School Committee and City Council member, serving as Mayor of the council. Dr. Ramos is a former physical education teacher, EPHS vice-principal and Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the city. He is currently a member of the Rhode Island State Board of Elections.

EPHS Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations
The East Providence Hall of Fame Committee is accepting nominations for 2020 inductees. Nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2020. The East Providence High School Hall of Fame was established in conjunction with the East Providence High School 1984 Centennial year. Created by former Superintendent of Schools Myron J. Francis, Class of 1947, and others, in an effort to promote Pride in city schools, the purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize Townie graduates who have brought honor to themselves and to the high school.

During the course of the school’s existence, many EPHS graduates have distinguished themselves in high school, and in all walks of life following graduation. Consequently, the selection process is difficult. Nevertheless, a nomination procedure was adopted, criteria for selection were established, and a broadly-based selection committee makes the final decisions.

The initial group of HOF inductees consisted of twelve. The HOF committee continuously seeks nominations from the general public in seeking to identify and expand a focus on the many meritorious Townie graduates throughout the land.

In addition to honoring new members with certificates and pins at an Induction Ceremony, plaques bearing the likeness of each inductee will be enshrined in a prominent place in the high school.

Selection is based upon achievements which shall include a meritorious record in at least one - and preferably more - of the following areas:

• Job-related achievements; one who excels in their chosen field after graduation.
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications.
• Civic or community involvement.
• Extraordinary contribution to society.
• Positive impact on the East Providence community.
• Exceptional and documented individual athletic accomplishment(s) during one’s high school, college, or beyond.
• Exceptional dedication as a staff member to the students of East Providence High School for a minimum of 10 years with a significant and direct impact on students and the community.
• Other appropriate qualifications which the committee believes merit consideration.

"The East Providence High School Hall of Fame is not a one-time effort to honor successful graduates. Rather, it is a lasting memorial to Townie Pride, which will purposely serve as an inspiration for future generations of High School students. Nomination forms can be picked up in the high school main office or by emailing bobrodericks@gmail.com." Completed nomination forms can be sent to EPHS Hall Of Fame, PO Box 16571, Rumford, RI 02916 or returned to the high school main office.

East Bay Bike Path Bridges Closed for Safety Concerns
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has announced the closure of the Barrington River and Palmer River bike path bridges, which carry the East Bay Bike Path, starting Friday, November 1. The two bridges will be replaced.

RIDOT has inspected these wooden deck bridges every three months. Both bridges are structurally deficient and have advanced deterioration of structural elements. Originally used by the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad, the bridges date back to 1900 and were repurposed in 1990 as part of the original construction of the bike path. Two years ago, RIDOT closed the sidewalks on both structures because of the deteriorating condition of the bridges.

"It's no secret that our bridges are suffering from years of deterioration and lack of proper funding for repairs. Unfortunately, that is true when it comes to these two bike path bridges," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. "Based on the level of deterioration we're seeing, we must close them for the safety of all path users."

"Our scenic bikeways add to the beauty and quality of recreating and living in Rhode Island," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Although it may pose an inconvenience for East Bay Bike Path users, performing repairs and maintenance are necessary in order to ensure public access and enhance enjoyment of these recreational assets. There are more than 60 miles of bike paths in Rhode Island that are used by nearly two million people each year."

As part of the recently approved major amendment to the state's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), RIDOT moved up the funding to replace these bridges by three years. RIDOT will begin design work shortly, and that work will be ongoing next year. As design advances, RIDOT will create a construction schedule. The bridges will remain closed during this process. $10 million has been allocated for this work.

RIDOT Reopens the Gano Street Off-Ramp
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has reopened the Gano Street off-ramp (Exit 3) on I-195 West. It is now ready for traffic in time for the morning commute but its future remains unclear.

The ramp will remain open as RIDOT conducts traffic studies of the immediate area as it develops a project to perform a much-needed rehabilitation of the nearby Washington Bridge. That project envisions a design that will offer better routes to the same destinations on the East Side of Providence while improving safety and traffic flow on I-195 West, which experiences lengthy delays each day.

The pending Washington Bridge project includes a new interchange leading directly to Waterfront Drive in East Providence. The project schedule will be coordinated with improvements at the Henderson Bridge which will tie in with Waterfront Drive, together providing an improved connection to the East Side. A preliminary traffic review found that two-thirds of traffic using the Gano Street exit is bound for destinations closer to the South Angell Street and Wayland Square areas – parts of the East Side directly connected to the Henderson Bridge.

RIDOT closed the Gano Street off-ramp in August 2018 for construction on the substructure of the Washington Bridge. The Department completed paving work on a section of Gano Street right at the base of the off-ramp. This is a separate $3.2 million project to improve the connection with Gano Street and India Street, and to develop a new bike path under the Washington Bridge that will connect the park to the Blackstone River Bikeway. The Gano Street project will be complete next summer.

RIDOT's Washington Bridge project represents a $70 million investment in the area. The Department is awaiting word on a $25 million federal build grant application it submitted this summer and hopes to learn about this coming winter. The Henderson Bridge project represents another $88.5 million investment in the area, which includes $54.5 million of federal funds as part of a new spending law authored by Senator Jack Reed.

Construction of the two projects would be coordinated to minimize traffic disruptions for both highway and local traffic. Work on the Henderson Bridge is set to begin in Spring 2020 and will take approximately three years. A construction schedule for the Washington Bridge has not been determined.