East Providence News Briefs

Auditor General gives City date to improve audit timeline
In an April 17, 2023 letter from Rhode Island Auditor General David A. Bergantino, the City was given to May 1^st, 2023 to reply to the Auditor General’s concern on financial reporting.  “I confirm receipt of the City of East Providence (City) audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. The report was received on April 14, 2023 – almost a year after the statutory deadline of April 30, 2022. We note the City has not submitted the audited financial statements on time since fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, and in the last seven years, the reports have been submitted seven to twelve months after the statutory due date,” wrote Bergantino.  Members of the City Council, led by recent stern questioning from Ward One Councilor Frank Rego, have raised the issue of tardy audit reporting from the City financial department.  “I’m concerned that continued problems with meeting reporting deadlines will hurt our bond ratings going forward,” said Rego.  “As interest rates go up, our bonded indebtedness is a concern,” Rego added.

The letter from the Auditor General to Mayor Bob DaSilva went on to say “… my office has met frequently with the City, School Department, and your auditors over the past few years, as well as in recent months. We are mindful of the challenges to allow the City to complete its fiscal annual audits; however, returning to timely financial reporting must remain one of the City’s highest priorities.  Without a new approach, I am concerned the City’s cycle of late financial reporting will continue to repeat. I am requesting the City, in coordination with the School Department, submit a corrective action plan on efforts to return to timely financial reporting. The City should seek input and assistance from their auditors to ensure that the schedule is complete and attainable,” continued Bergantino’s letter.

At the April 18^th council meeting, City Finance Director Malcolm Moore said he was surprised when receiving the state’s letter.  “We have a new Auditor General and we’ve spoken to him and to previous Auditor Generals, that as of 2015, things changed and they (state) want pension information.  We need that information from the Municipal pension system first and since 2015 our audit is due in April.  We don’t normally receive that pension information until September or October, almost six months late,” said Moore.  “Once we get that to the auditors it’s another couple of months for them to finalize.  If we filed (before that) on time, we could be rated insufficient with a big red flag,” explained Moore. 

“If the state knows why were late and with our different fiscal year, etc., why did they send the letter,” asked Ward Four councilor Rick Lawson.  “We weren’t too happy when we got the letter,” replied Moore.  “We met with the Auditor General and his staff last month and they knew about our position.  They probably forgot,” added Moore.

Mayor DaSilva was quick to respond to the Auditor General in an April 18^th letter. “The City concurs that it would be in the best interest of all parties to submit the annual audit in a timely manner. As you are aware, beginning in fiscal year 2015, the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) enacted GASB 68. This standard requires that governments providing defined benefit pensions recognize their long-term obligation for pension benefits as a liability on their annual audit,” wrote DaSilva. “For us to report more timely and accurately, we need the Municipal Employee Retirement System (MERS) information as provided by the state. Historically, this data has been provided to the city in the September-October timeframe. Because the city's fiscal year ends October 31st, the city is not able to provide the information needed for the audit by the April deadline,” reasoned DaSilva.  “The delay in the MERS reporting has caused the city's audit to be late. Our finance director explained this to you during a Teams meeting on March 17, 2023. During that meeting, we reiterated that the major delay with the audit was due to the fact that we received the pension data from the state in the September/October timeframe,” wrote DaSilva.

City Council president Bob Rodericks also responded to the Auditor General.  “Members of the City Council have been regularly inquiring about our audit status and assign the highest priority to our financial statements being filed correctly and timely with your office.  The East Providence City Council takes this matter very seriously and will do all we can to bring about corrective action,” wrote Rodericks.  The council has requested that the city auditing firm, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), attend the council’s May 16^th meeting to discuss the Auditor General’s letter and answer questions from the council.  “In addition to recently issued financial statements, the Council has some questions regarding the letter received from the Rhode Island Auditor General.”

Proposed Community/Rec Center Discussions
The mayor’s proposal to build a comprehensive Community Center is beginning to take focus, with City Council members agreeing that something less than the suggested $45 million complex is more realistic.  The council is homing in on how much of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are available and might be used for the new center.  Ward four Councilman Rick Lawson stressed that “this council has to authorize the remaining amount of ARPA funds and decide on what can be allotted for the community or rec center.” Lawson wants the Council to set aside at least a "few million dollars” towards the continued revitalizations of the city's parks, playgrounds and fields.  “We can use this funding to improve things without affecting the tax rate.  It’s an opportunity to really transform our public spaces,” added Lawson.  The council continues to seek areas which can benefit from the infusion of ARPA funding.  “This truly a chance to upgrade our infrastructure across the city without raising budget line items to do so,” added Council president Bob Rodericks.

Other Council Business

Water Pollution Control Facility improvements
The council authorized the Mayor to enter into a contract between the City of East Providence and Hart Engineering, Corp. for the East Providence Water Pollution Control Facility improvements and concrete lining project.  The measure was sponsored by Council president Bob Rodericks.  “The continued attention given to our aging infrastructure is much needed,” he said.   Detailed scope of services includes shop drawing and submittal reviews, construction progress meetings, contractor requests for information, change order negotiations, site visits, development of record drawings, part time, on-site resident inspection services, payment application reviews, inspection of work progress to determine whether the work is proceeding in general compliance with the Contract Documents and coordination between the Contractor, Veolia, Department of Environmental Management and the City of East Providence.

The cost for the project is $3,850,500 of which the Town of Barrington will contribute 40%.  East Providence’s share is then $2,310,300 and Barrington will pay $1,540,300.  Also, Arcadis's engineering fee for the scope of services for a 15-month project duration is $540,000.  “The town of Barrington will contribute 40% of the cost as a user within the system, bringing the EP share to $324,000 and Barrington’s cost is $216,000,” noted Rodericks.  Funding will come from ARPA.

Fire Department Replacement Gear
The City Council also approved authorizing the purchase of replacement turnout gear for the Fire Department at a cost of $57,409.  The funding is from the Uniform Apparel Supplies budgeted account.  It is for replacement of special safety equipment to be worn by firefighters.  “I certainly support our first responders and this is needed,” added Ward One Councilman Frank Rego.

The council also gave final passage to an ordinance which imposes a fine against a person or entity who transfers or assigns a facility permit granted by the recreation or parks division, in violation of city rules.  The ordinance was introduced by Ward One Councilman Frank Rego to “enforce rules overseeing field and parks use by groups outside of city programs.”

Exterior lighting improvements at the Senior Center
The council approved a resolution authorizing a contract with RISE Engineering for installation of exterior lighting improvements at the Senior Center, sponsored by Councilwoman Anna Sousa.  “In 2022, significant landscaping, walking paths, and a pickleball court were completed which included conduits placed under the paths and other areas to facilitate the lighting project as well as receptacles for the walking paths to accommodate the Christmas tree display event in the winter,” stated Sousa’s resolution.  “We’ve been doing a lot of work at our senior center and lighting is an important safety measure,” said Sousa.  “This is lighting that is aesthetic and also practical,” she added.  The lighting will be LED and on timers. Walking path lighting will be colonial style and the pickleball lighting will be streetlamp style.  The lowest bid was RISE Engineering in the amount of $115,812.00; and the project is being funded by Community Development Block Grant funds.

Ailanthus Avenue parking lot and playground project
The council also approved a contract with Johnson Landscaping, Inc. for the Ailanthus Avenue parking lot and playground project sponsored by Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson.  “This is where the former rec center was, now EBCAP.  There is little to no parking in the area,” said Councilman Lawson.  “This will also alleviate traffic and parking congestion for residents in the area,” Lawson added.  The project consists of the construction of a parking lot and playground on a vacant City-owned parcel of land located on the corner of Ailanthus Avenue and Pawtucket Avenue which will alleviate the congestion of parked vehicles in the neighborhood due to insufficient parking at the 100 Bullocks Point Avenue public service facility run by the East Bay Community Action Program. There will be 26 parking spaces including two handicap spaces, and a minimum of 14 spaces will be leased to the East Bay Community Action Program.  A playground will be located at one end of the parking lot.  Landscaping will include the planting of 10 trees and small bushes The lowest bid was submitted by Johnson Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of

$489,674.00; and is being funded by Community Development Block Grant funds.

City Opens New Public Safety Communications Center
The East Providence Public Safety Communications Center, a state-of-the-art space, opened at its new location on April 10, 2023 and celebrated its opening during a ribbon cutting on April 26, 2023 with local, state and federal officials.

The opening comes after the site remained vacant for 20 years. The site was built in 2001 and completed in August of 2002 with the purpose of moving the public safety communications from its former location at the East Providence Police Department to this new, current location. After more than 20 years, the site will now be used for its intended purpose and to its full potential.

“This is an exciting day for the city’s public safety departments,” Mayor DaSilva said. “After nearly two decades, the city’s IT, Police and Fire Departments have completed the task of creating a state-of-the-art communications center as originally intended 20 years ago.

“We are thankful to our federal delegation including Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline and former Congressman James Langevin for working to provide American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support this project,” Mayor DaSilva added.

“Public safety communications staff are a critical link in our emergency response network.  Giving dispatchers more room, updated equipment, and technology enables timely, efficient communication with our police, firefighters, EMTs, and emergency crews.  Ultimately, it helps keep citizens safe and also protects our first responders.  A strong, dependable communications network is vital and I am pleased to help make federal funds available to enhance East Providence’s public safety communications and capabilities,” said Senator Reed, who spearheaded efforts in the U.S. Senate to include ARPA funding resulting in nearly $500,000 for this project.

“Our first responders deserve the tools and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively while doing the important work of keeping Rhode Islanders safe,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.  “I was pleased to help secure federal funding to support long-overdue improvements at the East Providence Public Safety Communications Center, and I thank the entire public safety team for their dedicated service to the city’s residents.”

“I’m grateful to Mayor DaSilva and our congressional delegation for ensuring that our first responders have the cutting-edge tools that they need to keep our communities safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “As Chair of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Advisory Council, I hope that this state-of-the-art facility can be a model for other communities upgrading their emergency communications infrastructure.”

The communications center’s move from the city’s police station, will now create additional space for our police department staff. The police department will be gaining back critical space, which will be repurposed to alleviate current overcrowding conditions.

“This modern, state-of-the-art public communications center provides our dispatchers with the necessary tools and technology to provide the very best emergency services to our community,” East Providence Police Chief Chris Francesconi said. “It is a very worthy investment in the safety and welfare of our citizens, police officers and firefighters.”

The new center is equipped with the latest technology and communication systems, including advanced computer-aided dispatching and mapping software, a new phone system, cutting-edge radio equipment, and command console furniture.

“The new Public Safety Communications Center is an important addition to our city and will provide us with the resources we need to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently,” East Providence Fire Chief Glenn Quick said. “I am confident that this new center will serve us well for years to come, and I am proud to be a part of a community that values safety and security above all else.”

The latest in technology was at the forefront of the communications center design. All physical servers have been transitioned from physical to virtual, utilizing the Microsoft Azure infrastructure as a service (IaaS) platform. This provides direct protection and disaster recovery services, greatly reducing the possibility of disruption, and ensures maintaining continuity of services to the public by both fire and police personnel. It also features protective construction and video surveillance consistent with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements and is fully protected throughout, by compliant fire alarm and fire sprinkler protection. Combined, these protections offer unprecedented protection and safety to our communications specialists and the continued continuity of providing public safety services. The center is also arranged and equipped to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for accommodation of future communication specialists in need.

Police Establish Anti-Graffiti Task Force
The Police Department and City of East Providence officials are taking a proactive stance against graffiti vandalism by establishing a Graffiti Eradication Task Force. This task force, composed of representatives from the East Providence Police, Public Works, Parks and Buildings Departments, will work together to combat graffiti vandalism and encourage residents to report incidents for swift removal and investigation.

"Graffiti vandalism has been a growing concern in our community, defacing public and private properties, causing economic costs, and impacting the overall aesthetic appeal of our city. The establishment of the Graffiti Eradication Task Force is part of the city's commitment to ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe, clean, and visually appealing for all residents and visitors," said a police statement.

“We understand the negative impact of graffiti vandalism on our community and are taking proactive measures to combat it,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “The establishment of the Graffiti Eradication Task Force demonstrates our commitment to keeping our city clean and safe, and we urge our residents to report any incidents of vandalism to assist us in our efforts.”

The task force will work in close collaboration to investigate and prosecute those responsible for graffiti vandalism. Additionally, the city will deploy resources for prompt removal of graffiti from public properties, such as parks, buildings, and sidewalks, to deter further vandalism and maintain the city's aesthetics. In addition, the Administration hopes to work with the East Providence City Council to create an ordinance to address and prevent graffiti.

“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach, utilizing a variety of resources to thoroughly investigate instances of graffiti,” Chief Chris Francesconi said. “Those responsible for defacing our parks and other property throughout the city will be arrested and charged.”

The City of East Providence encourages residents to play an active role in the eradication of graffiti vandalism by reporting any incidents they come across through the city’s Request for Service reporting tool. Prompt reporting will enable the task force to take swift action in removing the graffiti and investigating the responsible individuals. Property owners, requesting the city to remove the graffiti from their properties, will need to fill out a graffiti removal consent form available here:

https://eastprovidenceri.gov/form/graffiti-removal-consent-form-property-owners.

“Our city has a lot of good aesthetics going on, as we improve our quality of life as much as possible. Senseless vandalism and graffiti should concern every resident,” said City Council President Bob Rodericks. “I urge everyone to report acts of “graffiti” as soon as it is noticed. Graffiti is not art, it is vandalism and cheapens our appearance. I applaud our city departments for working together on this problem,” added Rodericks.

City Council Close to Hiring a City Clerk
The City Council has been reviewing over 75 applications received for the position of City Clerk.  “This is the first time since the inception of a City Clerk position in this city, that a formal hiring procedure has been established,” said Council President Bob Rodericks.  “There have been two rounds of interviews and reference checks and a background check inquiry or B.C.I. will be conducted through the Attorney General’s office.”  A council sub-committee chaired by Ward Two councilor Anna Sousa, paper screened the list of applicants to six finalists which were then interviewed by the City Council.  The sub-committee also included Ward Four Councilman Rick Lawson and former City Clerk and councilwoman Valerie Perry.  “They (sub-committee) did a good job narrowing the list from 75 to 6 people and the full council interviewed and selected two finalists who were interviewed twice.  The council should make an appointment by the May 16, 2023 council meeting.    

EPHS Recipient of U.S. Green Ribbon Award
“A Rhode Island high school and district were named recipients of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Honors on Thursday, April 20, 2023,” said the press release from the U.S. Department of Education.  That high school was East Providence High school – the only Rhode Island school named.  U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said the 2023 awards, “have raised the bar for sustainable practices, energy efficiency, health and wellness, and hands-on learning experiences that enhance students’ problem-solving skills and foster a sense of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility.”

The honors were only awarded to 26 schools, 11 districts, and four postsecondary institutions in the country.  They are given out to honor efforts to lower environmental impact and utility costs.

“The new East Providence High School construction program is a culmination of a five-year effort by the entire East Providence community to transform one of the state’s oldest and most

impaired facilities into a modern, 21st century learning environment and community asset.  After receiving RIDE approvals, the district and school building committee embarked on rapid team selection and commencement of design. Construction began in 2019. The new, state-of-the-art 306,562 sq. ft., comprehensive high school officially opened in the fall of 2021.  Career technology pathways, academic space and state-of-the-art athletic and performing arts are integrated throughout the four-story building and surrounding athletic fields.

The report went on to say that one failure in the 70-year-old building’s electrical, HVAC or sewage system would have led to a closure of weeks or months.  The extensive windows were not energy efficient.  The administrative offices were located for 1952 needs when there was minimal concern for security.  The sewage system, which traversed the quarter-mile length of the building, was close to failing, which would have created a massive hazardous waste issue.

The HVAC system was antiquated, was not energy efficient and lacked appropriate controls.

The award also stated that “the brand new comprehensive state-of-the-art high school is the first of its kind in the State of Rhode Island. The new school, benchmarked for the EPA Portfolio Manager, features LED fixtures, daylighting, efficient HVAC systems, bioretention areas, and pervious surfaces. Meters were incorporated into the design of the school to provide students and staff real time energy and water consumption data which is displayed through an interactive panel in the main entry corridor. The cafeteria uses locally sourced vegetables and fruits, which are highlighted on Apple Crunch Day, Harvest Meal Day, and incorporated into the monthly menu at all schools. The school features one outdoor and two indoor greenhouses.

They provide science students with an opportunity to cultivate a variety of crops that are harvested by our CTE culinary students.  Indoor greenhouses utilize soil, hydroponic and aquaponic systems. Fish waste products from the aquaponic system act as a fertilizer for all the crops. The produce is used by our CTE students in the culinary program to create quality meals for purchase by staff and the residents of East Providence.”

Water Utilities Division to begin Water Pipe Flushing Program
The Department of water Utilities commenced its 2023 water pipe flushing program late last month.  The program will start from Warren Ave to Forbes St , Wampanoag Trail ,Boyd Ave ,Tripps Lane Catamore Blvd and surrounding areas.  According to the Water Department, “this is for flushing or cleaning in water distribution systems and is the process of expelling water through fire hydrants to remove sediments that may have built up over time.  Hydrant flushing is performed within water distribution systems on a semi-annual basis to remove sediment build-up and thereby improve the water quality. Customers in flushing may experience discolored water and lower than-normal water pressure. Allow your cold water to run for a short time to clear lines. Crews will perform flushing during normal business and evening hours.  For questions or more information, please contact the East Providence Water Utilities Division office (401) 435-7741.”