March 28, 2024

EP City Officials - Thoughts on 2013

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Mayor James Briden: In an end of year conversation with East Providence Ward One Councilman, James Briden, The Mayor says "2013 was a good year for East Providence." The soft-spoken councilman has the ceremonial title of "Mayor" and prefers a low key approach to governance. By charter, the five elected members of the city council elect one of their own to preside over meetings and be a spokesperson for the council. The title of Mayor goes with the duty. Past "Mayors" have used the ceremonial title almost as if they were a full time elected Mayor like Providence, Warwick, Cranston, etc. Some in the past would so fervently covert the job as Mayor that they would "trade" city appointments to peers on the council in exchange for a vote as Mayor. Others opted to give away the Mayor's vote in lieu of appointments as city lawyers, judges, zoning members, etc. James Briden seems content to sit back, away from the limelight and preside softly at council meetings. Yet he speaks his mind when needed as his recent sole dissenting vote to suspend a search for a new permanent city manager.

"This The City Council has worked well together over the past year. We have prioritized so as to devote more time to important issues, promoted an environment of civility and professionalism, and been able to disagree on issues while maintaining the ability to work collaboratively on other matters. Briden was especially proud in how he sees the city climbing out of bond rating difficulty since the city was essentially taken over by the state budget commission: "This good working relationship (council members) was best exemplified in October during the budget process. The Council remained true to the five year plan and highlights of the 2013-2014 East Providence budget included freezing the phasing out of the Homestead Exemption and Early Pay Incentive, cutting approximately 900k in expenditures, reducing the proposed tax rate increase to .75 (below the 1% proposed in the 5 year plan) and setting aside approximately $3.7M for the future tax year alignment synchronization bond," he said. "During this same period, Standard & Poor's increased our City's bond rating five levels higher from 'BB+' to 'A'. This means that the City of East Providence now has an investment grade credit rating. We have achieved these important objectives and in September the State of Rhode Island officially made this determination of fiscal stability for East Providence," Briden points out.

Briden also was proud of the city's work in winning the $60M Google settlement and how that was managed. "Some $49M was allocated to our police pension liability." The Mayor also pointed to several other key headlines for 2013: "The opening of Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Rumford, completion of Tockwotton on the Waterfront which was a $52.3M project and truly a paradigm addressing the needs of our seniors, Kettle Point Development approval which will represent approximately $75M of investment in East Providence, CME Energy's construction of the solar electric field at the former Forbes Street landfill, Dorm-to-Apartment conversion project on Taunton Avenue which will create 75 units, Eaton Aerospace which has created approximately 200 high paying manufacturing jobs and invested millions of dollars in upgrading a long vacant factory space to a state of the art facility, and the approval of the site and plans for the future construction of an East Providence Community & Teachers Credit Union branch." Briden continued in his statement": "It is no wonder that the Providence Business News featured a series on the East Providence Waterfront which included an article entitled "City Seen As Model For Permitting". Most recently, the Council enacted significant changes to the City's Tax Stabilization Ordinance which will serve as a catalyst for even more capital investment in the future." Yet the Mayor acknowledges the need to keep the city council working hard in the new year. "Notwithstanding the very important issues that the City Council must work on in 2014, East Providence residents can take pause and feel proud of the great accomplishments of the past year."

Other Officials Comment:

Joel Monteiro, School Committee Chairman: Monteiro and the school board have faced a number of key issues relating to a school system with many staff turnovers and many infrastructure problems. "Well, the completely new School Committee voted in place by the residents of East Providence has completed a very busy first year. I think it’s safe to say that we were immediately faced with more critical issues than the average School Committee faces in multiple terms. Right out of the gate, we walked into an administration being run by a very loyal interim superintendent, Dr. John DeGoes, with a Budget Commission very much entwined in our every action. Our first task was to carry out a state directive to close one of our elementary schools (Oldham)." Although public hearings were held and many people wanted Oldham to remain open, Monteiro and the committee were facing a directive from the state department of education and the budget commission to close down Oldham school in Riverside. "Our first task was to carry out a state directive to close one of our elementary schools. As difficult as this was, the process showed just how strong our community is, as we refused to be victims, but instead, manage the transition to deliver a nice new home for our Oldham students and families. A generous corporate donation from a local business topped it off very nicely."

"We then hired a new superintendent, Kim Mercer. She staffed her administration, and for the first time in a while we have a fully staffed team. Their goals, among many, have been to bring our district up to date on curriculum and other standards, in all departments, to ensure we are delivering the best possible education to ALL of our students. Our teachers and building administrators have been a very big part of this process. It has been very challenging, but the progress is refreshing," stated Monteiro. He was hopeful that the high school pool could reopen but noted that the school gym was rejuvenated by a school alumnus. "While we closed the pool our community, with the direction of John Carnevale (2000 EP Grad) and D’Amour Step (volunteer organization) brought the great City of East Providence together to raise the funds to completely renovate the gymnasium. When you walk into that gym, you can’t help but feel that Townie Pride. We have a new softball field thanks to Mr. (Rob) Traverse and all those that rallied around him for that cause, and we are currently working to build a lacrosse field. Stay tuned for more ideas for the track, and other items."

EPHS accreditation issues: "As we start 2014, we will carry over one large item over from 2013…. East Providence High School. In 2008 NEASC provided a list of improvements that needed to be done to the facility. As those demands were not met, it resulted in our high school being placed on probation for accreditation. Our administration and School Committee has been committed to addressing this issue, and will continue to work to meet the demands of NEASC. It will take a community effort, but we’ve shown we are up to the challenge," said the chairman.

Tim Conley, School Committee Ward Four: "I would consider last year's highlights to include - Hiring of Superintendent Mercer, rebuilding of the central administration, the budget process has significantly improved and was streamlined. The committee also made improvements to special education, improvement and investments made in Oldham School, return of Middle School Sports, budget resources invested in technology and textbooks, improved NECAP Scores throughout the city highlighted by the improvement at Hennessey and East Providence High School," offered Conley. Conley also spoke about the structural needs of the department. "Obviously, the infrastructure needs to the School Department are our greatest challenges. Other priorities include implement of the Common Core and beginning of the preparations for PARC. My primary priority is the development of a facilities/infrastructure plan that ensures the long term growth/prosperity for the high school," added Conley who is in his first term on the school committee.

Tracy Capobianco, City Council-At-Large: Capobianco acknowledged that "I certainly have some of the same concerns of my fellow council members. Let me add that I have always been proud to be a resident of East Providence and this past year proud to have served my community as Councilwoman. It has been a pleasure to work with my fellow Council members. The current Council has demonstrated the ability to work cooperatively and effectively. I believe that with this council working so well together, that things are really looking up! I couldn't be happier with the progress so far," said the Capobianco statement. She, too, is in her first term representing East Providence as the at-large councilperson.

Chrissy Rossi, Ward Four City Council: "My top 3 priorities for next year are A BALANCED BUDGET, PROPER FUNDING OF EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT! Happy New Year!!!!" said the perky Rossi statement. Rossi has also been active in Crescent Park Carousel renovations and activities this past year. "I am loving the positive momentum in this city right now! Recently the kids of EP have done some pretty great stuff! I am constantly impressed by their willingness and drive to succeed. They (EPHS Career Center students) unveiled a scale model of City Hall, catered pastry for public celebrations, played music and sang at the State House, took third place in a National Cheerleading Competition and that's just to name a few. Let's keep it moving forward!" Rossi, formerly served on the school committee and is a first term council member.

Helder Cunha, Ward Two City Council: Councilman Cunha also referred to the city's improvements after working with the former budget commission. "With city finances back in our hands, the council worked together to lead East Providence towards a more fiscally responsible future. We placed a freeze on the homestead exemption and early pay incentive phase outs, reduced the proposed tax increase of 1% to.75%, and trimmed down our expenses by $900,000. In addition, thanks to the $60 million Google settlement, our city's police pension fund received an influx of $49 million, placing it on a sustainable path that has led our bond rating to be upgraded from 'BB+' to 'A'.

Taxpayers deserve quality city services at the lowest possible price. That's why early on in my time holding office, I proposed the idea of the “Quality of life” line, so that residents may have their issues addressed as soon as possible. Residents should always feel free to contact me as well with any questions or concerns at (401)-285-1504 or hcunha@cityofeastprov.com.

Moving into the new year, my top priorities include fostering economic development, making our city services more efficient and improving our schools. We as a council must work to promote a more business-friendly climate. The council has made steps toward this goal with changes made to the tax stabilization ordinance that will offer incentives to investors who were previously ineligible. Most importantly, we have worked to bring confidence back in our city. The future does look bright with the Waterfront district as multi-million dollar companies and projects such as Eaton Aerospace and Tockwotten on the Waterfront are up and running, which have created hundreds of jobs in East Providence.

I have began discussions with the rest of the council and other city officials on moving all streetlights, city buildings, parks, and schools to adopt more energy efficient lighting that will reduce costs. I will continue to push for these changes in upcoming meetings. Lastly, good schools equal a healthy city. Working alongside the school committee, we must find real and long lasting solutions that tackle the problems that are school buildings currently face," concluded Cunha's review of 2013 and look to the New Year. Cunha is a first term councilman.

(The Reporter had some success in reaching other elected officials, but the holiday season made it difficult to hear from many. Reportertoday.com and future articles will feature more comments from others).

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