[Summit] News from the City of Providence & City Councillor Helen Anthony (Ward 2) -- Budget, Voting, Events, Library hours, etc.

Sun Oct 11 01:54:50 UTC 2020

   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Helen Anthony <helen at helenanthony.com>To:Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2020, 9:40:21 AM EDTSubject: Providence Ward 2 Letter, October 9, 2020
   An update from City Councilor Helen Anthony  
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Dear Neighbors, 

This week I'm sharing an important review of our current budget cycle and answering a number of questions about voting. Now more than ever we must actively participate in our democracy.

Please call me at 401-489-2470, visit helenanthony.com or email me at helen at helenanthony.com with questions or comments. Let's take care of one another. 

Helen
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COVID Updates

   - RI Department of Health
   - City of Providence
   - State of Rhode Island
   - RI Governor's Office
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   - Providence Public Schools
   - Commerce RI
   - RI State Police tip line to report violations: 401-764-5554
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|  Brown University   
   - Healthy Brown 
   - COVID Dashboard
   - Report concerns at 877-318-9184, call Brown Police at 863-3322 or online using this form
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|  RI School of Design   
   - COVID Information
   - Report concerns using this form
   - Join monthly community email list at community at risd.edu
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|  Providence City Hall is closed every Friday for deep cleaning, but staff are available by phone or online.  |

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Providence City Council Meetings

Next City Council Meetings: Thursday, October 15 at 5:30pm
and Thursday, November 5 at 7pm

Tune in to council meetings on Zoom -- look for a link at the end of the agenda -- or on the Council's YouTube channel. 
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|  Agendas, minutes and other materials  are posted on the City of Providence Open Meetings Portal. Register to receive notifications (click here and see “register” in upper right corner).  |

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State of the City's Budget 

At a City Council Finance Committee meeting last week, Lawrence J. Mancini, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Providence, reported the completed analysis of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget which ended on June 30, 2020.   

If the State of Rhode Island makes its full PILOT payment to the City of Providence, the budget will balance. The PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program reimburses cities and towns for property taxes which would have been due on property owned by nonprofit educational institutions, nonprofit hospitals, or any state-owned hospital, veterans’ residential facility or correctional facility, which is exempt from taxation by state law. The payment for FY2020 is approximately $34 million. State PILOT payments are typically paid in one lump sum on July 1st and applied to the prior year's budget. Since the State has not passed its budget, the payment is current being paid in monthly installments of approximately $2.8 million.

Mr. Mancini also reported that the City will meet its obligation of contributing approximately $3.7 million to the Mayor’s Rainy Day Fund. That Fund is a cash stabilization and cash reserve account, it is an indicator of the City’s fiscal health, and helps the City obtain favorable bond ratings.

The news for FY2021, which began on July 1, isn’t so favorable. As you may know, the State of Rhode Island has not passed a budget for the current fiscal year. State leaders were hopeful that additional federal COVID relief legislation would offer budgetary options, but that legislation has yet to pass. The City has not passed its FY21 budget because the State has not passed its budget. The City does not know how much it will receive in State PILOT and Distressed Communities Relief Payments, which are currently approximately $39 million. 

The City has seen a significant drop in Room and Meals Tax, Parking Meter Revenue, Court Fees, School and Red-Light Camera fees during the pandemic. As a result, projected revenues are reduced by approximately $5.7 million. Also, the City has not been reimbursed by the State for COVID-related expenses.

On the expense side, the City has done a good job managing salaries in difficult circumstances. Local Union 1033, which represents most of our city workers, has agreed to continue participating in the Work Share Program, in which employees agree to partial furlough days during the week. That program will save the City approximately $1.5 million. It is clear that further cuts will be required to balance the budget. 

I believe the State will pass a budget as soon as Congress passes its next Federal Stimulus Package. Once the State passes its budget, the City will do the same. I anticipate there will be significant movement on all fronts after the election.
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Update: Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub Hearing

On Wednesday October 7th, the Urban Redevelopment, Renewal & Planning Committee (URRP) voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Resolution Opposing RIDOT’s Multi-Bus Hub Proposal. At the September 3 City Council Meeting, I introduced a resolution opposing the RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Multi-Hub Bus System plan with fellow Council members LaFortune, Goncalves, Miller and Kerwin. The matter will be voted on by the full council at Our October 15th meeting.
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Voting Q & A

When are Mail Ballot Applications due? 

   - Mail ballot applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13. If you haven't mailed it yet, you should deliver it in person to the Board of Canvassers inside City Hall on Tuesday.
   - You can download a mail ballot application here.
   - You will receive your ballot at the address you include on your application.
Which polling places will be open on November 3?
The Providence Board of Canvassers reports that polling locations will be finalized by October 16. Last week the RI Board of Elections requested that the Board of Canvassers increase the number of polling locations. In addition some locations are unable to host polling given current health restrictions. I will share the locations in the next Ward Letter.  |

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|  Where is the new ballot drop box?
There is a new secure ballot drop box located outside City Hall on Eddy Street between Fulton and Washington Streets. You can submit your mail ballot by dropping it in this secure box 24 hours a day. No matter where you live in Rhode Island, you can submit your ballot in any secure drop box across the state.   |

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|  What is Early In-Person Voting?
>From October 14 to November 2 you can vote in person at the Board of Canvassers Office on the fist floor of Providence City Hall. City Hall is open Monday-Thursday 8:30am to 4pm. Due to COVID restrictions visitors must enter City Hall from the ADA accessible entrance on Eddy Street. The Board of Canvassers office has voting booths just like those at polling places. There is more information about Early In-Person Voting on the RI Secretary of State's web site.

What does the ballot in Ward 2 look like?
Click here to preview the Ward 2 ballot for the November 3 General Election including candidates and State and Local Questions. You can look up your elected officials, track your mail ballot, preview your ballot and check your polling locations at the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center.

We'll answer more questions about voting in the next issue of the Ward Letter.   |

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RI General Election Calendar

   - October 13 by 4pm: Deadline for Mail Ballot Applications
   - October 14 - November 2: In-Person Early Voting at Providence City Hall
   - Tuesday, November 3: Election Day
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Census 2020 Deadline 10/31

The deadline for the 2020 Census has been moved to October 31, 2020. Census data influences federal funding to our state and our representation in Congress so if you have not filled out a Census form, you can do so here.
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A Bright Light
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|  Fall is here in Ward 2! Enjoy the sunshine and stop by Autumn Air in the Square this weekend in Wayland Square! The Wayland Square Merchants Association, the Wayland Square Neighborhood Association and Councilman John Goncalves have a wonderful slate of activities planned October 9-11.  |

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Good afternoon – here are some updates happening in the City of Providence!

Events and Initiatives in PVD

Calling Community Artists: Submit a Mural Design for Smith Street

All submissions are due 10/31

Grand Prize: $150

2nd Place: $100 

3rd Place: $50 

For more details, see the flyer and forms attached. 

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Autumn Air in the Square 

October 9-11 

   - Outdoor Dining
   - Family Activities
   - Extended Retail Hours
   - Wayland Ave and Angell St road closures for Outdoor Dining

Friday:

 - Outdoor Dining 4-10pm

 - Extended Retail Hours until 9:30pm

Saturday:

- COVID Friendly family activities & FREE photo booth at Paterson Park 10am - 2pm 

- Cider tasting outside of McBrides pub 10am-2pm

- Sweet Treat Stroll 6pm-9pm

- Outdoor Band 3pm - 7pm

- Outdoor Dining 10am - 10pm

- Extended retail hours until 9:30pm

- Wayland Square passport raffle 10am-9pm

Sunday:

- Outdoor Dining 10am-2pm

- Bloomback Flower Popup 10am-2pm

- Discounted self-care treatments and brunch options 

Visit @WaylandSquareRI on Instagram for more details 

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Open Air Saturdays 

During the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Westminster Street will close to vehicle traffic between Eddy Street and Union Street so that you can take to the street for some socially distanced shopping and browsing. The program will continue each Saturday through the fall, allowing you the opportunity to support your favorite local businesses in a safe manner in the comfort of the fresh, open air.

Participating businesses along Westminster Street include Craftland, Queen of Hearts, Modern Love, Small Point Cafe, Sura, Symposium Books, Kleos, The Vault, Civil, Homestyle, Eno Fine Wines, Oberlin, The Salon and The Eddy. Other nearby restaurants offering takeout as well as outdoor and indoor seating include Birch, The Malted Barley, Serendipity Gourmet, Gracie’s, Tori Tomo, Figidini, Bolt Cafe, North, and the newest addition to the neighborhood, Durk’s BBQ, slated to open early fall.

Visitors to Open Air Saturdays are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing while shopping. No-touch hand sanitizing stations will be provided along Westminster Street.

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ArtMart Pop-Up Markets Return to the WaterFire Arts CenterSaturdays in October 10 & 24! 

Join us this Saturday for another October ArtMart, 10:00am - 4:00pm. A dozen local artists will showcasing their work + WaterFire favorite, Saugy's Franks has lunch! 

WaterFire is committed to transforming place and building community. Their staff have been focused on creating new and safe events at the WaterFire Arts Center. ArtMart, a new outdoor pop-up art market, aims to support and connect artists with the community by providing a safe venue to sell their work.

SEE OUR FACEBOOK EVENT MORE »

Fire Flowers and a Time Machine

Flores de Fuego y una Máquina del TiempoOutdoor Performances October 1-17 

A journey through time and space, Fire Flowers and a Time Machine (Flores de Fuego y una Máquina del Tiempo) is a bilingual outdoor production that puts audiences in touch with ancestors from the past, and our future descendants. Together these guides bring forth knowledge and magic through a story that weaves monologues, poetry, dance, and ritual. To share with us the wisdom we will need as we continue the journey through the transformations of our Era.

Directed by Shey Rivera Ríos, Fire Flowers and a Time Machine (Flores de Fuego y una Máquina del Tiempo)is created in collaboration with performing artists Sussy Santana, Saúl Ramos Espola, Maritza Martell, Becci Davis, April Brown, Lilly E. Manycolors, Laura Lamb Brown-Lavoie, Matt Garza, Gina Rodríguez-Drix, Octavia Chavez-Richmond, Eli Nixon, Janaya Kizzie, and Rachel Hughes.

Presented by The Wilbury Theatre Group & WaterFire Providence

Get your tickets here: GET TICKETS

Update from the Mayor’s Office

#RethinkPVD

Providence is known as the Creative Capital in part because of our world-class restaurants, our local creative economy, and the thriving small businesses that serve as the beating heart of our city. Businesses have found creative ways to adapt to the situation and we are reimagining Providence through #RethinkPVD, a campaign to support and uplift our local businesses while redefining how people experience our city.

We know that every dollar spent at a local business is a dollar reinvested in our community. Last week, I announced that we will extend free two-our parking from 10:00AM – 9:00PM in business corridors throughout our city through January 1, 2021. View the full list of participating business corridors here. Businesses wishing to repurpose up to two legal parking spaces adjacent to their business to facilitate streamlined pick-up, take-out, and delivery services can still apply to do so.

Additionally, any establishment applying for a Liquor License renewal of all classes will be afforded a payment plan opportunity allowing them to pay their full license fee over the next 6 months. First payments (half of the total license fee) will be due by December 1, 2020. Full payment must be made by May 1, 2021.

We know that our businesses have gone to great lengths to reopen safely and we want to continue to support them during that process. Whether you are exploring our shops innew virtual ways, or enjoying a night in with delivery and takeout options, there is still so much to do in Providence and across our state this fall. You can also treat yourself to a staycation and book a night at a hotel, or visit the online marketplaces of your favorite galleries, shops and artists. 

Above all else, please continue to support each other during this difficult time and we’ll emerge as a stronger, more resilient city. 

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NEW COVID-19 testing option!

📣New #COVID19 testing offering! 📣You could be eligible for no-cost, contactless test at the #Providence Walgreens located at 456 Branch Ave. Take a quick screening survey to see if you're eligible for testing here:https://bit.ly/2G7rpPP

📣 ¡Nueva oferta de prueba # COVID19!📣 Podría ser elegible para la prueba sin contacto sin costo en #Providence Walgreens ubicado en 456 Branch Ave. Realice una encuesta de detección rápida para ver si es elegible para la prueba aquí:https://bit.ly/2G7rpPP

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 Where We Go From Here - Join African American Ambassadors Group  
We’ve been through so much as a community over these past several months. We’ve stuck together through the ongoing global public health and economic crises caused by COVID-19, as well as the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless others that have spurred social movements worldwide.

One question we have been asked more frequently than any other during this time is,“where do we go from here?” In City Hall, we firmly believe that we cannot move forward to create a more just and equitable society without first understanding where we have been and how we arrived at this moment. We have once-in-a-lifetime moment where our country is taking the time to reflect and collectively come together to acknowledge generations of social injustices. We want to take this moment of reckoning to begin to understand the history of our community and reconcile with the truth of how we got here and heal as a community, together. 

Over the last several months we have worked to elevate the voices of our Black, Indigenous and communities of color beginning with the establishment theAfrican American Ambassadors Group (AAAG)

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. Originally formed to create a direct line of communication between the City and our community to discuss COVID-19, the role of the Ambassadors Group has evolved to help us envision a future where racial, social, and economic equity is achieved and build institutions that represent and empower the Black and African American community.

On the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, we signed an Executive Order removing the term “plantations” from all City documents and oath ceremonies. More recently, we began a process ofTruth, Reconciliation, and Municipal Reparations process for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.The Truth Telling phase of this process will be used to collect and present to the public the history and experiences of Black, Indigenous and people of color within Providence and the state. The information and experiences gained during this process will inform the creation of a final comprehensive narrative that will inform our Reconciliation and Reparations phases.

The strength of a society is a function of how equally its members share in its growth and progress. Together with our community leaders, we are advancing policies that dismantle oppressive systems and extinguish racial, social, and economic equity gaps for African Americans at the municipal level. While we do not yet know what form this system of restorative policies may take, we know that a system of support is required in this work and that the community needs to be involved designing that system.

The City of Providence is always looking for new community members to join us in this conversation.If you are interested in actively participating in the African American Ambassadors Group, please sign uphere. To learn more about this work and the work of our sub-groups, please visitAAAGPVD.com. 

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Mayor's Monster Mash

Please join Mayor Jorge O. Elorza on Thursday, October 29th for the sixth annual Outdoor Mayor's Monster Mash - a free, family-friendly Halloween Celebration for youth and children at Providence City Hall! Trick-or-treating at the four entrance doors outside of Providence City Hall will begin at 5:30PM-7:30PM, and include a spooky appearance by BIG NAZO Creature-Characters and, of course, candy! Mask-wearing and social distancing will be required. This event is free and open to the public.

Additionally, as in years past we need candy donations! ! If you are able to donate, please drop off candy in Office 201 in City Hall or connect with LaJuan Allen atlallen at providenceri.gov 

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Providence Community Library Announces Changes to Hours, Resumption of Public Computer Services

Providence Community Library (PCL) is introducing new, scheduled hours on Monday, October 19.  Knight Memorial, Mount Pleasant and Rochambeau, PCL’s three larger libraries, will close on Fridays but will continue to provide curbside pick-up services during afternoon hours and outdoor WiFi access on that day. On Saturdays, the same three libraries will open for longer hours, in response to a clear public demand expressed during a recent public advocacy campaign. PCL’s six smaller libraries – Fox Point, Olneyville, Smith Hill, South Providence, Wanskuck and Washington Park - will adopt slightly more uniform hours from Monday to Friday, making the schedule easier for library users to remember.  The new hours are viewablehere and will continue through June 30, 2021.

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PCL is also pleased to announce the return of one of its most popular and in-demand services:free access to public computers. The Library has reduced the numbers of computers available, in accordance with current public health requirements and the policy is in line with that adopted by other Rhode Island public libraries, including Providence Public Library, Warwick Public Library and Cranston Public Library.

Here’s what to expect of the revised computer services:

   - Library users may request access to a public computer during scheduled library hours, on a walk-up basis.
   - Patrons are allocated 30-minute computer sessions but may request an extension for up to 30 additional minutes if no other patron is waiting to use a computer.
   - Patrons may request up to one hour of public computer access a day at each Providence Community Library location. Patrons can go to another PCL location and access a computer for up to an additional hour later the same day. 
   - Each library user will receive a fresh keyboard and mouse for use in specially adapted computer stations, fitted with protective plexi screens and subject to strict sanitation protocols. Patrons must wear masks in our indoor and outdoor library spaces, including when seated at computer stations.
   - Each library will maintain two separate areas of computers, one designated for use by adults and the other for children/youth.
   - A new remote request service allows users to send documents for printing by email to their local library. Simply send from home and pick up later! Ask in the library orsee our website for details.   

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PCL currently is unable to provide seating inside buildings for people using their own devices, but they are welcome to bring their own computers and use them under a canopy in our outdoor library spaces. Earlier this summer, a $60,000 Community Development Block Grant enabled PCL to purchase and install Access Point units at all nine libraries to maximize the range of its free public WiFi signals. 

PCL continues to find creative and innovative ways to serve the people of Providence. To learn more about itsvirtual programs , outdoor, in-person programs and hybrid programs offering both in-person and online participation, visitprovcomlib.org. 

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Have a great weekend!

Best,

Alexis E Kievning
Neighborhood Liaison
Preferred Pronoun: she/her/hers

Department of Planning and Development
Joseph A. Doorley Municipal Building
444 Westminster Street 
Providence, RI 02903
Akievning at providenceri.gov
(401) 680-8400 | Ext: 5408
Call to Connect | PVD311

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