E.P. Budget Commission to Reconvene

The East Providence Budget Commission will reconvene Thursday to weigh in on five personnel matters – none of which involves the police chief, who has been placed on administrative leave.

The meeting starts at 3 pm in Room 306 in City Hall.

It was the removal of Police Chief Joseph Tavares from his position by City Manager Peter Graczykowski that sparked a decision by Mayor James Briden to ask that the budget board resume its authority over personnel matters. He has said only that he asked for this step "in the best interests of the city."

Briden said that this request has been his only connection to the investigation of Tavares.

"I have stayed out of this," said Briden.

RI Revenue Director Rosemary Booth Gallogly, who controls the Budget Commission, agreed to reconvene the board for these matters only.

An investigation into complaints reportedly lodged against Tavares by members of his staff was expected to have been completed by the end of last week, according to the city manager. The investigation is being handled by Human Resources Director Kathleen Waterbury and an attorney hired to assist her, said Graczykowski. 

What is the status of the investigation? The city manager has not responded to several attempts to reach him for an update.

The Budget Commission will reconvene with a new member, although hardly a stranger to the board. Christy Healy, a deputy revenue director who has been a fiscal advisor to the board, will take the seat held previously by Michael O’Keefe. He resigned after the board returned day-to-day authority for all matters to East Providence in late March.

Other members of the budget board include the chair, Diane Brennan; Steve Bannon of the RI State Police, Graczykowski and Briden. Here is the complete agenda for the May 2 meeting:

City of East Providence Budget Commission

Working Session Agenda

May 2, 2013, 3:00 PM

City Hall Room 306

Review of City personnel actions – Peter Graczykowski and Kathleen Waterbury.

1. Request to fill Highway Superintendent position and to certify the eligibility list.
2. Request to fill Auto Mechanic I position and to certify the eligibility list. 
3. Request to send two police recruits to the police academy and to certify the eligibility list.
4. Request for interim assistance in the Treasury Department.

Review of School personnel actions – Kim Mercer and Kathleen Waterbury. 

1. Request to post the Director of Pupil Personnel Services position.

Approval of minutes from the March 28, 2013 meeting.
Additional Commission items.

Schedule and agenda for next working group session(s).