Press Releases and Headlines Archive - 2005

December 20, 2005 - Avedisian announces opening of therapeutic pool – Mayor Scott Avedisian hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony this afternoon to open the city’s new therapeutic pool at McDermott Pool on Sandy Lane. The pool is the first municipally-owned facility of its kind in Rhode Island.

December 13, 2005 - City celebrates opening of dog park – Mayor Scott Avedisian, Councilwoman Donna Travis, several police officers, residents and their pets celebrated the opening today of the city’s new dog park – the state’s largest – at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Warwick City Park. Helping to cut the ribbon were two of the nation’s most famous canines, Snoopy and McGruff the crime dog, courtesy of MetLife in Warwick and the Police Department, respectively.

December 12, 2005 - Colonel Stephen McCartney of the Warwick Police Department announces the findings of a Victim/Witness Survey conducted by the department on September 6-9, 2005.

December 12, 2005 - Pending Congressional approval, grant for Conimicut Lighthouse is second early holiday gift to residents - Mayor Scott Avedisian and Councilman Joseph Solomon announce that nearly $560,000 in federal funds has been earmarked for restoration of historic structure – Mayor Scott Avedisian and Councilman Joseph Solomon, chairman of the Conimicut Lighthouse Foundation, announced today that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved a grant request of $559,900 to help restore the historic structure.

December 6, 2005 - Participation in RI League of Cities and Towns program ‘REAPing’ financial benefits for Warwick – Thanks to participation in the Rhode Island League of Cities and Town’s (RICLT) Rhode Island Energy Aggregation (REAP) program, the city has realized savings of nearly $800,000 in a little over six years, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today.

December 5, 2005 - Police Department’s Operation Cooperation program to hold forum December 7 – Mayor Scott Avedisian and Police Col. Stephen McCartney today announced the department’s continued effort in Crime Prevention with the latest forum of “Operation Cooperation.”

November 30, 2005 - Warwick 2006 calendars to arrive in residents’ mailboxes within the week -  Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the City of Warwick 2006 calendars will be mailed to approximately 30,000 households within the week.

November 28, 2005 - Mayor Scott Avedisian to make a Holiday Donation to the Westbay Marketplace - Instead of sending out his annual holiday cards this year, Mayor Scott Avedisian will instead make a donation to the Westbay Marketplace, he announced today.

November 21, 2005 - Avedisian re-elected secretary of Ocean State Charities Trust - At a recent meeting of the Ocean State Charities Trust board of trustees, Mayor Scott Avedisian was renamed secretary of the board. Helen Marandola will serve another term as president, and John Partridge was renamed treasurer.

November 16, 2005 - Mayor Scott Avedisian's Commentary for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement of T.F. Green Airport is now available online. -"The City of Warwick is preparing a detailed technical response for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will be submitted prior to the November public comment deadline. Presently, however, I would like to speak to the City’s initial review of the technical memoranda, which presents a general lack of understanding and/or consideration of community concerns and the role of T.F. Green Airport within the City of Warwick."

November 14, 2005 - Avedisian announces Phase IV of the automated refuse and recycling collection program - In the summer of 2006, the City of Warwick will be introducing the final phaseof the automated refuse and recycling collection program to your area. This collection system is designed to improve the efficiency of the Recycling & Sanitation Division.

November 09, 2005 - Avedisian announces recommendations to Charter Review Committee - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today a number of changes that he will ask the Charter Review Committee to recommend in its final report.

November 08, 2005 - Olsen named to national financial committee – City Treasurer David Olsen has been named to the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Committee on Cash Management, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today.

October 27, 2005 - Department of Tourism, Culture and Development picks up three awards at national convention – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city’s department of Tourism, Culture and Development received three awards at the recent Northeastern Economic Development Association’s (NEDA) 49 th annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

October 11, 2005 - Warwick FOP not involved in fundraising campaign - In response to a complaint/inquiry to his office, Mayor Scott Avedisian today said that neither the Warwick Fraternal Order of Police nor the Warwick Police Athletic League are currently fundraising through a telephone solicitation campaign.

October 06, 2005 - Mayor Avedisian Announces Full Revaluation Process to Begin - Tyler Technologies, Appraisal Services (CLT Division), the revaluation firm that conducted the full revaluation in 1996 and the statistical revaluation in 2003, has been retained to assist the City Assessor in completing a revaluation of all real and personal property for the December 31, 2006 tax roll. The main purpose of a revaluation is to establish fair market value on all property to maintain an equitable distribution of property taxes.

October 05, 2005 - Avedisian announces start of holiday food program
This year, the city will partner with Westbay Community Action to increase efficiency, reach of program – Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced the start of the 2005 annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors “ HOLIDAY BASKET PROGRAM”. The Department of Human Services is seeking the assistance of the Warwick community to help needy families this holiday season by making donations to Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

September 27, 2005 - Warwick Katrina relief fund raised total of $37,190 - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city’s Hurricane Katrina relief effort raised a total of $37,190. Though the city is no longer collecting funds earmarked for agencies dedicated to assisting those affected by the hurricane, Avedisian strongly encouraged those who would still like to donate to contribute directly to The American Red Cross or other reputable organizations.

September 17, 2005 - Avedisian announces intention to expand tree planting program - Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced his intention to expand the city’s tree planting program and has asked City Councilors Sue Stenhouse and Tim Lee to docket legislation to that effect at the next council meeting.

September 15, 2005 - Avedisian says median tax bill would reflect change in spending accountability - A day after he proposed that the School Committee and the Warwick Teachers Union get back to the negotiating table, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian began to detail the changes that Warwick taxpayers would see in their tax bills if the School Committee were to send their own tax bills and be responsible and accountable for the 63.39% of Warwick’s budget it oversees.

September 15, 2005 - Avedisian announces creation of HeartSafe Warwick Task Force - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today the creation, by executive order, of the Warwick HeartSafe Task Force, which is charged with studying and improving upon how the city responds to a sudden death.

September 14, 2005 - Calling Process Broken, Avedisian Suggests Changes, Legislation Aimed at Ending Labor Dispute in School Department - Stating that the recently-begun study of school funding and priorities to be undertaken by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council will “put educational and municipal funding on a five year plan for budgeting,” Mayor Scott Avedisian today unveiled a series of changes that would resolve the current contract dispute and labor situation in the Warwick School Department.

September 7, 2005 - Avedisian announces that Katrina relief effort’s raised nearly $18,000 so far – Mayor Scott Avedisian said today that, in the week since he and City Council President Donald Torres announced that the city would collect donations for five agencies actively involved with hurricane relief efforts, a total of $17,905 has already been received.

September 6, 2005 - Avedisian announces open house, program registration at Buttonwoods Community Center - The city will hold an open house and open registration for fall programs at the Buttonwoods Community Center on Wednesday, September 14 from 4 to 8 p.m., Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today. Residents of all ages are cordially invited to attend.

September 1, 2005 - Avedisian, Torres announce Warwick response to Hurricane Katrina - Mayor Scott Avedisian and City Council President Donald Torres today announced that the city will collect money to assist five agencies that are working to provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

August 26, 2005 - Police Department to conduct victim/witness survey - Colonel Stephen M. McCartney, chief of the Police Department, announces the department’s intentions to conduct a Victim/Witness Survey from September 6 through 9.

August 25, 2005 - Avedisian announces municipal website promotion of athletic, recreational groups – As part of an ongoing effort to promote recreational and athletic programs available throughout the city, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with the MIS Division, will offer free space at warwickri.gov for any qualified Warwick group.

August 23, 2005 - Avedisian appoints Corley to Zoning Board - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has appointed Richard Corley, a resident of Algonquin Drive, to the Zoning Board. Corley, whose appointment must be confirmed by the City Council, replaces Robert Fraser.

August 15, 2005 - Avedisian announces Villella’s appointment as interim Sewer Authority director - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that Bill Villella, the city’s assistant engineer, will serve as the interim executive director of the Sewer Authority. He will take the helm today, overseeing day-to-day operations of the agency until a permanent replacement can be found for Juan Mariscal, who has resigned to take a job with the state Water Resources Board.

August 10, 2005 - Warwick continues to lead state in recycling efforts – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced that the city is once again the state’s recycling leader, receiving a check this morning for over $116,000 from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation for its efforts.

August 8, 2005 - Compost facility to be closed temporarily to landscape contractors – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that effective October 31, private landscape contractors will be temporarily unable to use the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) compost facility to dispose of yard waste, in order to give DPW time to reduce the amount of composting material and upgrade the facility to bring it back into compliance with Department of Environmental Management (DEM) regulations.

August 05, 2005 - Avedisian announces voluntary water ban for City of Warwick water customers - Citing the recent heat wave, lack of rain this summer and concerns regarding the state’s overall water supply, Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced a voluntary water ban for City of Warwick water customers, and strongly urged residents to conserve water by following a customary odd/even system.

August 05, 2005 - Fire Department promotional ceremony is Tuesday night. - Nineteen individuals will be promoted, and seven recognized as they retire from the department  – Mayor Scott Avedisian will administer the oath of office to 19 members of the Fire Department who have been promoted, and will recognize seven retiring department members, at a promotional and awards ceremony Tuesday, August 9, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall.

August 03, 2005 - Avedisian announces tightened regulations regarding use of city autos  - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today a more stringent policy relative to employees’ use of city-owned vehicles and said that, at his direction, a study is being conducted to examine what municipal positions actually require an employee being allowed to use a vehicle during off-duty hours.

July 11, 2005 - Coyote Locator Database Summer Sample Collection Underway - Sightings from June 15, 2005, provided by the City of Warwick’s Coyote Locator Database, are now available online. Please click the link above for the most recent map available illustrating clusers of coyote sightings. (PDF Viewer is required)

June 30, 2005 - Mayor Avedisian’s statement regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision on LNG facility - Mayor Scott Avedisian today lauded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision to deny an application for an expanded liquefied natural gas facility in Providence.

June 28, 2005 - As Beach Season Heats Up, Governor Carcieri Receives $213,140 EPA Grant to Monitor Rhode Island Coastal Beaches - At Warwick City Hall , Governor Donald Carcieri accepted a $213,140 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will assist Rhode Island ’s efforts to improve and expand water quality monitoring and public notification programs at state coastal beaches. Presenting the check was Ira Leighton, Deputy Regional Administrator of the EPA’s New England office. Also participating in the press conference were Dr. David R. Gifford, director of RI Department of Health, and Mayor Scott Avedisian.

June 27, 2005 - Avedisian named to St. Elizabeth’s board of trustees – Mayor Scott Avedisian has been named to the St. Elizabeth Community’s board of trustees, it was announced today. Avedisian, who was named to a one-year term, will help oversee the policy and operations of St. Elizabeth’s, which includes four facilities throughout the state.

June 06, 2005 - City to hold Armed Services Appreciation Day - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that Tuesday, June 14, will be observed as Armed Services Appreciation Day in the city, and will be commemorated that day with a noontime ceremony near the 9/11 memorial at the Oakland Beach Commons. All members of the public are cordially invited to attend. A centerpiece of the event will be the raising of an American flag, which has flown over the nation’s Capitol and will soon be flying over a military base in Iraq. 

May 15, 2005 - Buttonwoods Center now for the entire Community - The Buttonwoods Community Center in Warwick now offers exciting recreational and educational programs for residents of all ages. Centrally located on West Shore Road, the center has recently added a wide variety of classes for toddlers, children, adults, teens and seniors, and will continue to expand programming opportunities as it grows into its new role in the Warwick community.

May 10, 2005 - City to offer rental property owners free lead hazard awareness class – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the Warwick Lead Hazard Reduction Program (WLHRP), in cooperation with the Childhood Lead Action Project, will offer a free, three-hour lead mitigation class to owners of rental property.

April 27, 2005 - RI Watershed Stewardship Program to be held throughout May - The Rhode Island Rivers Council announces the first offering of its RI Watershed Stewardship Program. Learn about the best ways to protect and restore our rivers and their watersheds in partnership with your fellow citizens. Learn about how to make all of our rivers fishable and swimmable in your neighborhood and throughout our state. Our first spring session is proudly being hosted by the Buckeye Brook Watershed Council in Warwick on May 2, 2005 (6:30PM - 9:00PM). CLICK HERE to learn more.

April 27, 2005 - Comprehensive Recreational Land Use Committee Information Now Available - The Comprehensive Recreational Land Use Committee was established by the Warwick City Council to focus on evaluating the City’s recreational facilities and identifying potential resources for upgrades in an effort to prioritize health and fitness programs for Warwick ’s residents. All existing recreation lands not already earmarked for upgrades in the next fiscal year and those within the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department and the School Department are under consideration for recommendations.

April 25, 2005 - Avedisian establishes committee to review fire service in Potowomut, Bay Ridge areas - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has established, by executive order, a seven-member commission to review a variety of issues related to contracted fire and rescue services provided to Potowomut and Bay Ridge residents by the East Greenwich Fire District.

April 25, 2005 - Commercial, industrial property owners to receive surveys this week  – Approximately 1100 commercial and industrial property owners will be receiving surveys in the mail this week as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain and market a comprehensive listing of all space in the city available for lease and/or purchase, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today.

April 18, 2005 - Avedisian to join in observance of Armenian Genocide in Washington , DC - Mayor Scott Avedisian will travel to Washington , DC on Wednesday to participate in the 90 th Anniversary Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide.

March 30, 2005 - City’s Interagency Council on Homelessness surveys meant to gauge severity of problem in Warwick - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city’s Family Support and Human Services Department, on behalf of the Warwick Interagency Council on Homelessness, has mailed surveys meant to provide a clearer picture of homelessness in the city.

March 28, 2005 - Avedisian, Kent Hospital and ER Card officials unveil new medical information technology - The collaborative effort is the first of its kind in Rhode Island - Mayor Scott Avedisian, Kent Hospital President Dr. Robert Baute, Emergency Department Director Dr. Robert Dinwoodie and Maria Gil and Janice Gil, co-owners of ER Card, joined Warwick Fire Department and MIS officials this morning to unveil and demonstrate state-of-the-art technology that will further enhance emergency medical treatment for patients.

March 17, 2005 -City of Warwick Celebrates St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day - Warwick residents joined Mayor Scott Avedisian and several other prominent individuals in celebrating St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day. Under crystal clear skies, those in attendance were treated to Irish dancing, Irish and Italian songs, and a special flag raising ceremony. If you did not have the opportunity to attend this wonderful event, the City of Warwick has developed an online scrapbook filled with pictures of our celebration.

March 11, 2005 - Coyote Sightings Map Update - Data provided by the City of Warwick’s Coyote Locator Database is now available online. Please click the link above for the most recent map available illustrating clusers of coyote sightings. (PDF Viewer is required)

March 07, 2005 - Avedisian announces implementation of Phase III of automated trash system - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that Phase III of the city’s automated trash collection system will begin the week of April 25. Approximately 8,000 homes will be included in this phase, bringing the total number of residences in the program to roughly 15,000 – about half of all Warwick households.

March 03, 2005 - Town meeting announced to present T.F. Green Air Monitoring Study - Representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and members of the Air Monitoring Advisory Committee will discuss the upcoming EPA-funded air monitoring study around T.F. Green Airport at a meeting at City Council Chambers in Warwick City Hall at 7 p.m. on March 10.

February 23, 2005 - Avedisian announces three-year agreement with Fire Union; City to save more than $150,000 in new contract; includes co-pay for health care; other management rights approved – Mayor Scott Avedisian, Warwick Firefighter Union President Warren Wright and Assistant City Solicitor Diana Pearson today announced a new three-year labor agreement that sets forth, among other things, a co-payment policy for health insurance, new cost sharing requirements regarding other health benefits and changes to policies in how personal leave is calculated.

February 17, 2005 - Avedisian, West Bay Community Action Promotes Earned Income Tax Credit benefits- Mayor Scott Avedisian and Jeanne Gattegno, executive director of West Bay Community Action, today held a press conference in an effort to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program to Warwick residents, and to announce West Bay’s free tax preparation service.

February 14, 2005 - Avedisian announces further reorganization of Tourism office, implementation of new grant program - As part of ongoing efforts to restructure municipal departments to increase efficiency and effectiveness, Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced in further detail changes to the city’s tourism division.

February 10, 2005 - City of Warwick Releases Official Statement Regarding the T.F. Green Airport Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - Read the entire document which states that the "City of Warwick considers the master planning process that has led to this 'supplementary scoping' session flawed."

ATTENTION: Public comments are an integral part of the scoping process for the Environmental Impact Statement. However, if you were unable to attend the meeting on February 8th, you may use the following form to make your voice heard. PLEASE PRINT THIS FORM

February 07, 2005 - DelGiudice Announces Website to Record Coyote Sightings - Councilman John DelGiudice, chairman of the newly formed Coyote Commission, is pleased to announce the development of Warwick’s Coyote Locator Database at the City of Warwick’s website. This new online resource was created to assist Warwick residents in reporting any coyote sightings throughout the city.

February 04, 2005 - T.F. Green Airport Public Scoping Meetings for EIS Announced for February 8, 2005 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is restarting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for the T.F. Green Airport Improvement Projects. In order to provide public input, a supplemental scoping meeting for federal, state, and local governmental agencies will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2005, (agency
meetings 1pm and public 5-8pm) at the Radisson Airport Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island.

January 26, 2005 - Avedisian, Stenhouse announce
“Think Snow: Ticket and Tow” campaign - Mayor Scott Avedisian and Councilwoman Sue Stenhouse, together with police officials and the Department of Public Works, announced today a “Think Snow: Ticket and Tow” campaign aimed at raising public awareness of city laws and policies meant to ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists and municipal employees, as well as protection of property, during inclement weather.

January 26, 2005 - Avedisian announces partnership to bring low-cost Canadian prescriptions to retirees, city workers - Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced a partnership aimed at allowing retired city employees and current municipal workers to voluntarily purchase low-cost Canadian pharmacy prescriptions. Avedisian estimates that this initiative would result in city budget savings of up to 40 percent on current prescription drug costs.

January 13, 2005 - City Opens Rebuild A Village Campaign Partnership With Bang Tao Announced by City of Warwick - With city officials, school students, business community leaders, representatives of the faith community, and the media all present this morning at Nelson W. Aldrich Junior High School, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian announced the city’s “Rebuild A Village” campaign that will partner Warwick with Bang Tao, a fishing village in Thailand that was devastated by the recent tsunami.