News Briefs

$45 Million Community Center Proposed
The East Providence City Council received a presentation, including a video walk-through simulation, of a proposed new Community Center.  The proposed $44.7 million project is slated to be built on the grounds of the Rock Senior Center at the corner of Pawtucket and Waterman Avenues.  Mayor Bob DaSilva made a strong pitch for the center saying that “I am committed to getting this done for our community.”  The proposal was described in detail by David Andrade of Starck Architects.  Andrade said that his firm designed the project to be built in stages in case the city didn’t want to complete the project all at once.  “However, it’s like kicking the can down the road.  Remember that the more a project is put off the higher costs rise.”  A complete review of the proposal with project renderings can be found elsewhere in this issue of The Reporter.

School Department News

Cold Spell Causes Damage
During its early February meeting, the School Committee was informed of damage to four schools.  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sandra Forand reported that “recent severe weather negatively impacted four of our schools.  We had burst (water) pipes at Waddington, Whiteknact and Martin.  For the most part, things have been repaired but we still are working on some of the heating issues,” explained Forand.  “Unfortunately, our systems are so old and when they go, we have to have them (parts) rebuilt.  This has slowed down some of the repairs.  Kent Heights School had minor roof damage with shingles blown off.  That roof is under warranty and has been repaired,” added Forand.

School Projects Underway
The current school administration building, the former Vocational School, has roof work almost complete.  The Riverside Middle School (RMS) window replacement project has been re-bid.  Five bids have been received by the department and are under review for approval.  “Every exterior window at the school will be replaced,” said district financial officer Craig Enos.  RMS will also see a library upgrade to more of a media center and a science lab upgrade.

Eight new AED’s or automated external defibrillators are being purchased for use by the district’s athletic department.  “Our new Athletic Director, Alex Butler, was concerned after the widely publicized NFL incident, that all outdoor fields were covered,” said Dr. Forand.  While the inside gymnasiums may be covered the concern turned to the outside.  “Five AED’s will be provided for our newly opened outdoor fields and three units will travel with Middle School teams to away games.  We will have good coverage,” said Forand.

Bids are also being readied for work at Silver Spring and Hennessey Schools.  The two schools will have rooftop smokestacks and bricks removed and repaired.  The work will begin in the summer when all students are not present.

Financial Update.  Good News / Bad News:
The school committee received a report last month which shows a small surplus but also declining state funding.  “We have a small surplus of $300-$350,000 this year.  In an almost $90 million budget that is small but still good news,” said Superintendent Forand.  “A couple of weeks ago we were notified of the Governor’s budget proposed aid.  This is the first step as the General Assembly next must approve a final budget.  The first shot from the Governor has us losing approximately $600,000,” said schools Finance Director Craig Enos.  Enos said one reason for the decrease in state aid is because overall school enrollment is down to under 5,000 students.  Another factor is because “fewer families take advantage of the free and reduced school lunch program and don’t apply.”  For years, schools have encouraged families to apply for free/reduced breakfast and lunch eligibility.  The more families who are enrolled, the more state aid the school department would receive.  “The state will revisit our census numbers which now show an increase of about 100 students and that may help a little,” said Enos.

As the city as a whole improves its economic standing, the schools don’t fare as well with the state education funding formula.  Enos explained that the medium family income in East Providence has increased as well as average property values. Also fewer East Providence families categorized by the state as low-income impacts the state funding allotment.  “This is good for families but not good for funding,” mused Enos.  “We are in a holding pattern until the General Assembly acts on the state budget,” added Enos.  “But we’re probably looking at some decrease next year.”

Kindergarten Registration
The district’s kindergarten registration is underway and has changed a bit from past procedures.  The city previously had a week or so window to conduct registrations.  Currently the department keeps the registration open continuously as an on-going process.  About 200 children have been registered to date. To be eligible for Kindergarten, children in RI must turn 5 years old on or before September 1st of this year. RI state policy does not permit early entrance and East Providence abides by this policy and a Parent/Guardian must register child with the following documents:  Birth Certificate, Health Records (Proof of Immunizations), Prior School Transcripts - Report Card - IEP – 504.  Three Forms of Proof of Residency and Driver’s License (Lease/Mortgage Statement, Utility Bill, Pay Stub/Bank Statement.  For further information please call the attendance/registration office at 401-270-8276 or email:  mrodrigues@epschoolsri.com.      

City Council to Fill Vacant City Clerk Position
The City Council continued to debate how to fill the vacant position of City Clerk.  The previous council agreed to wait for the current council to select a new clerk as they would be the council to work with him or her.  “I’ve sent out a proposed job description to the last council and to this council.  The last council unanimously approved that description but deferred the appointment to this council.  This council hasn’t objected to the job description to date.  I’m ready tonight to vote to advertise and move forward,” said Council President Bob Rodericks.

“This job and office is vital to City government and I think we should hire a full time clerk and find someone who can work with the Mayor and administration,” said Ward 4 Councilman Rick Lawson.  “Let’s set the salary range and I’m a believer in you get what you pay for,” added Lawson.  Lawson then made a motion to proceed with advertising the position and Councilman Frank Rego seconded the motion.  The salary range has already been set in the approved budget for “up to $70,000.”

However, Councilwoman Anna Sousa did not want to proceed yet.  “What is the process, who has input into the job description, how will we interview, etc.” asked Sousa.  “I put together a job description which the last council approved without objection and so far this council hasn’t had a problem either,” replied Rodericks.  “If this council wants to wait further, okay by me, but I’m ready to go,” Rodericks added.  “The clerk’s office with the Deputy Clerk supervising, is working well.”  In the end Rodericks said he would send out the proposed job description once again and have the solicitor review it.  The matter was put off to the March meeting.

Speed Camera Review
The council held a discussion in a review of its speed camera and red-light camera policy at the request of Ward 3 Councilman Frank Fogarty.  Speed cameras have been installed in front of five school locations throughout East Providence.  Riverside Middle School on Forbes Street, Kent Heights School on Pawtucket Avenue, St. Margaret’s School on Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence High School on Pawtucket Avenue and St. Mary’s Bay View Academy on Pawtucket Avenue.  “Each year, too many families are impacted by crashes caused by people speeding or drivers failing to stop at red lights. Speed was a likely factor in more than 45 percent of all traffic fatalities in Rhode Island, according to the most recent data available. Improving traffic safety is one of the strategic goals of the East Providence Police Department. After receiving consistent resident concerns about speeding on our city streets, we will be installing a traffic enforcement system in East Providence,” reads a statement from former police chief, William Nebus on the city web site.

Since implementing the program in October of 2020, East Providence has received $9,066,020 in fines.  “The original discussion is based upon feelings from many constituents who are not in favor of the speed cameras from 9am to 4pm,” began Councilman Fogarty. “Even before I put this on the docket, the concern is more about the timing, if this is an issue about school safety.  Some schools have crossing guards and red lights.  There are a lot of speeders, I got one on Pawtucket Avenue.  I know we’re in an agreement for five years, with three years left and it could be costly to end the program early.  The red-light camera (going through a red light) is not an issue for me,” continued Fogarty.  Fogarty asked why regular speed limits differed at different schools.  “As soon as you leave Kent Heights school and head North, the limit changes.”

“The speed limits are set by the state and prior to the camera implementation, we did approach the state to ask them to make the limits the same.  But it’s a very long stretch of road with many different features, and they turned down our request (for uniformity),” said Police Chief Francesconi.  “Can we get the limits set to 30 (MPH),” asked Fogarty.  “We would have to present that to the state traffic commission with some good reasoning I imagine,” said the Police Chief.

“I would support a change in times,” said Council President Rodericks.  “A 7am to 9pm and a 2pm to 4pm policy would cover all schools.  The Forbes Street camera may not be needed as Riverside Middle School is set back from Forbes and walkers use the back Recreation Field area.  But I am concerned with excessive speeding throughout parts of our city,” he added.  “I do acknowledge, however, that overall, drivers have slowed down.”

Fogarty also asked about the often-stated fact that some 80% of those ticket come from outside of East Providence.  “That’s correct.  In a snapshot of the last 6 months of 2022, it was 21% of tickets issued were city (EP) residents and 79-80% were out of the city,” said the Police Chief.  “Is there a line item for expenditures using this camera revenue,” asked Fogarty.  “That’s above my involvement,” said the Chief.  “For me, it’s about safety.  I’d be happy if we issued no tickets.”

For his part, Mayor DaSilva supports the current set-up.  “I’m in favor of keeping it on (7 to 4) the whole school day.  We get - and so do you too (council), complaints on a regular basis of how people are speeding through their neighborhoods.  People are slowing down throughout the city.”

Council Again Tackles Mutual Aid / Additional Rescue Truck in Rumford
The issue of manning a rescue vehicle full time in the Rumford fire station has been brough up at various council meetings through the past several years.  Ward 1 Councilman Rego brought it to the February 21^st city council meeting for further discussion.  “I want to see the numbers of mutual aid for rescue and regular fire department runs in a year to year comparison,” said Rego.  “I need more information on providing a 4^th City rescue vehicle which would be housed at the Rumford fire station,” he said.  “Let’s look at mutual aid numbers going out of the city and those coming into East Providence,” Rego continued.  “I want Rumford to be covered.”

Fire Chief Glen Quick presented a report to the Council which indicated that 80% of all mutual aid (fire assistance from other communities) happens between the hours of 9am to 5pm on Mondays through Fridays.  “In 2021, there were a total of 9,362 EMS calls.  Of that, 5,298 were from 9am to 5pm.  Mutual Aid received were 579 and we provided 292 calls to other communities,” explained Chief Quick.  “About 85% of EMS mutual aid received was between the hours of 9am to 5pm and 73% the same time frame for mutual aid going out of the city,” explained the Fire Chief.

“How far away are some mutual aid trucks coming from,” asked Rego.  The chief responded that help can come from Attleboro, Swansea, even the Warwick area.  “Our trucks with EMS staff arrive to a call within 3 or 4 minutes.  They attend to patients.  It may take up to 30 minutes for a transport vehicle to arrive,” said Quick.  However, it was pointed out that no one can be transported to an emergency room before 30 minutes anyway.  “A protocol and treatment must occur before someone is transported.  Fire trucks cannot transport, only rescue vehicles.”  It was also pointed out that every responding vehicle has EMT/S staff available.

The council was given statistics which showed that 81% of all rescue runs, including mutual aid, occurs between the hours of 9am - 5pm, Mondays through Fridays.  “In the last five years we have transitioned from a significant provider of mutual aid to now being more a consumer of mutual aid,” said Quick.  “Numbers don’t lie.  In conclusion our peak demand for EMS services is clearly during the hours of 9-5.”

Mayor Bob DaSilva suggested that instead of staffing a 4^th rescue truck around the clock, seven days a week, the city may be better served adding a 5^th rescue between the proven peak time for rescue needs of 9-5 Monday-Friday.  “The reality is that even with a 4^th rescue around the clock there is no guarantee we won’t still need mutual aid.  We have a 4^th rescue working now, during the busiest peak time.  Our residents would be better served if we put on a 5^th rescue 9-5, because that’s where most of mutual aid calls come from,” said DaSilva.  “We can look at the whole picture to best serve our residents.  Is it beneficial to staff a rescue unit, at a cost of $1million, between the hours of midnight to 8am when calls are negligible?”

Councilwoman Sousa asked the Chief, “what (laws) require mutual aid?”  “The problem is, we all (communities) need each other. If we could regionalize it would solve all our problems,” said Quick.  “But we won’t see that in my lifetime.”  Sousa also asked how long rescue staff stay at the hospitals before returning to East Providence.  It was noted that rescue staff can be at the hospital for an hour or so. “Can their paperwork be done back in the (fire) station?” Sousa asked.  “No, all rescue run reports have to be completed at the emergency department and signed off by a nurse.  This is a health department requirement.  Sometimes they have to wait in lines to see the charge nurse,” said Chief Quick.

“I agree that the peak hours are 9-5,” added Councilman Frank Fogarty.  “They saved my life from a heart attack.  I appreciate what you (fire department) do.”  

Council President Cites Zero Tolerance for Racist Activity
“This will be quick statement.  I’ve had at least a half dozen families contact me and show me racist, discriminatory material which has been thrown on their property.  This has been happening increasingly and will not be tolerated by this City,” said Council President Bob Rodericks.

Police Chief Chris Francesconi addressed the council and said his department is aware and has been investigating.  “There is an organized group that is involved in this activity and our police have made prior arrests,” added Rodericks.  “In the first instance about a year ago, we were called and actually caught the persons involved with doing this,” said Chief Francesconi.  “They were putting items on telephone poles around Gordan School.  The latest incidents, we have not been able to identify culprits who have been throwing bags with messages weighted down by sand, from moving vehicles, in persons yards.  We’ve sent these bags out for possible finger printing.  We don’t want this element driving around our neighborhoods,” said Chief Francesconi.  “We will do everything in our power to prevent this.”

“These incidents have been occurring in neighborhoods where many families of color reside and therefore, I believe that they (residents) were targeted.  I appreciate the police response and this is one councilman who will not tolerate this,” added Rodericks.

Field Conditions, Water Tower, Six Corners Traffic
Other items of discussion were brought up in the meeting.  Councilman Frank Rego requested more attention be given to athletic fields and parks, especially Kim Rock, Glenlyon, Lyle Bourne and Freedom Green.  “Spring season is right around the corner and I want to make sure that everything is in place.”  Rego also pointed out that organizations must understand that the City is the only one to issue field permits. “Organizations cannot re-issue their permit to anyone, that is for the City.  This is not against local organizations, we had some bad practices going on, groups letting outside groups use their permits.”  Rego also discussed the need to make some repairs and sprucing up of Freedom Green Park.  He also requested a net be placed upon poles at Glenlyon for the protection of the neighborhood during games at the field.  “We can do that,” said DPW Director Dan Borges.

Councilman Fogarty asked for a report on the appearance of the Kent Heights Water Tower.  “I’m glad to follow up on (former) Councilman Cahoon’s interest in the appearance of our water tower.  Constituents have asked for an update.  Maybe we can have a better design painted on it,” Fogarty asked.  DPW director Dan Borges told the council that the city has been working on a plan to address the tower’s appearance.  “It’s been in the works to develop specifications to get that tank cleaned up.  We’re getting pricing on two different cleaning technologies, traditional power washing or a robotic system which is more expensive.  Water towers are best kept white or light in color.  Fuel from aircrafts, moisture, mildew all contributes to the deterioration of appearance.  It’s very common with water towers across the state,” said Borges.

Councilwoman Sousa asked to have a stop sign and other measures to help with traffic concerns on Lyon Avenue and also a school bus stop at Waterman and Hall Avenues.  “Residents would like to see more signs, etc. to help in that area.  Director Borges responded that DPW would get signs installed in the area.

Rabies Clinic Scheduled for March 12^th
The City Clerk’s office will hold a Rabies Clinic and licensing on Sunday March 12, 2023, from 9am to 12pm at the Fuller Learning Center on Dover Avenue.  Dog license fees:

• Spayed or neutered $13 (need proof)
• None spayed or neutered $33
• Senior spayed or neutered $5 (need proof)
• None spayed or neutered senior $15
• Rabies fees are $10 each

According to the Center for Disease Control, “rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, although any mammal can get rabies.”

Keeping your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination will prevent them from acquiring the disease from wildlife, and thereby prevent possible transmission to your family or other people.

East Providence Rec offers Babysitting Certification class
The City of East Providence Recreation Department will host “How to be a Great Babysitter!” on Saturday March 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the East Providence Recreation Center, located at 610 Waterman Ave. This six-hour course is recommended for youth ages 11-16. The program is fast-paced, interactive and designed to be a FUN learning experience. Students will receive training in the American Heart Association CPR, choking and (automated external defibrillators (AED) techniques for saving a life. The course includes elements of First Aid, child safety, changing and feeding a baby, how to handle an emergency, getting your babysitting business started and secrets to being known as the best babysitter on the block! The class is taught by Catherine Alexander DNP, MPH, RN, a certified instructor through the American Heart Association with over 30 years of experience in healthcare and a passion for empowering teens to learn these lifelong skills.

Class fee is $75.00 per person and includes certificate of completion and a t-shirt. Preregistration is required. Registration is available online @ eastprovidence.recdesk.com. Students should bring a bagged lunch, water bottle and snacks. For more information, please call the Recreation Center at 401-433-6360.