News Summary
The Providence City Council has approved a five-year, $57.6 million waste management contract with Waste Management of Rhode Island. The decision followed a 10-4-1 vote, despite some councilors expressing concerns, particularly regarding yard waste removal services. Councilwoman Shelley Peterson opposed the long-term commitment, advocating for exploring other options. The new contract requires annual reports from Waste Management to ensure transparency. In addition, the Providence School Board has gained approval for its newly mixed board structure, marking a significant governance shift aimed at restoring local control.
Providence – The Providence City Council has approved a five-year waste management contract with Waste Management of Rhode Island, amounting to a total value of $57.6 million. The vote to approve the contract concluded with a tally of 10-4-1. The current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025, urging councilors to act quickly due to the time-sensitive nature of the agreement.
Last week, the Finance Committee reviewed the proposed contract, but did not unanimously recommend its approval. Despite some reservations, council members felt compelled to expedite the decision to ensure continued waste management services for city residents.
In an effort to optimize the services included in the contract, Councilman Oscar Vargas proposed an amendment to eliminate certain services, specifically yard waste removal, arguing that the city could handle this aspect independently of Waste Management. This proposition drew some support but ultimately did not prevail in the final vote.
Opposition to the contract emerged from Councilwoman Shelley Peterson, who voted against it. Peterson voiced a desire for a shorter timeframe that would allow further exploration of other waste management options before making a long-term commitment.
Councilwoman Helen Anthony, chair of the Finance Committee, clarified that Waste Management was the only qualified bidder for the new contract. Anthony indicated that exploring subcontracting for specific services would lengthen the process without necessarily yielding better results. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan defended the awarded contract, noting the city’s thorough analysis of various waste management options. Ryan emphasized that the approved contract is performance-based and enforceable, which is critical for ensuring reliable trash service for the city.
Under the new contract, Waste Management is required to produce annual reports for the City Council, offering transparency and accountability regarding service performance. Mayor Brett Smiley announced plans to sign the contract once it is presented to him formally.
In addition to the waste management contract, the Providence School Board has received approval for all five members appointed by Mayor Smiley. This newly approved board will feature a mix of appointed and elected members—the first such arrangement in 60 years. Following elections in November, where five members were elected, the board is now quasi-elected and appointed.
The appointments arise from interviews conducted by Mayor Smiley in January. After gaining approval, the new members were sworn in by Mayor Smiley along with a Probate Court Judge, with one member set to take their oath separately. Key tasks ahead include the election of a president and vice president, with board members Stephens and Silverio already signaling their interest in the presidential role.
It is important to note that the Rhode Island Department of Education currently governs the Providence Public School District, which limits the new School Board’s authority, particularly regarding budget decisions and staffing. Mayor Smiley’s objective is to restore local control to the school district by July 1, enhancing the governance capacity of the newly established board.
City Council President Rachel Miller emphasized the pivotal role of the new School Board in improving educational outcomes for students and restoring local governance. With pressing challenges at hand, both the waste management contract and the new board’s efforts mark significant steps for Providence as it seeks to ensure essential services and enhance educational oversight.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence City Council Faces Urgent Deadline on Waste Management Contract
Providence Faces Waste Management Crisis Amid Budget Concerns
Additional Resources
- WPRI: Providence City Leaders Approve Trash Contract
- Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: Meet Providence’s New School Board Members
- Google Search: Providence City Council
- Rhode Island Current: Providence City Council Property Tax Hike
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waste Management
- Brown Daily Herald: Alarms Sound at Providence Schools
- Google News: Providence School Board
