December 19, 2007 - Property owners reminded to clear sidewalks after snowfall - Mayor Scott Avedisian is asking residents and business owners to make sure that sidewalks in front of their property are shoveled and cleared of ice as soon as possible after any snowstorms this winter.

December 13, 2007 - City's 2008 Calendar Update

December 10, 2007 - Volunteers make 2007 a record year in efforts to clean city’s historical cemeteries – As 2007 winds to a close, Mayor Scott Avedisian and the Warwick Historical Cemetery Commission wish to extend their thanks to the many volunteers who stepped forward to clean and maintain these significant burial sites this year.

December 07, 2007 - City’s 2008 calendars to arrive in residents’ mailboxes next week - The always-anticipated annual City of Warwick calendars will be arriving in residents’ mailboxes by the middle of next week, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today.

November 26, 2007 - Police to hold promotional ceremony tomorrow night - – Mayor Scott Avedisian will administer the oath of office to three police officers at a promotional ceremony tomorrow at 6 p.m. at police headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive. Police officials and the Board of Public Safety will be in attendance at the event, which will also include the recognition of a captain who is retiring from the force and the issuance of commendations and citations.

November 19, 2007 - Changes in Purchasing Department means further savings, Avedisian says - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has restructured personnel duties in the Purchasing Department, a move that will mean annual savings of nearly $47,000.

November 14, 2007 - Avedisian announces restructuring of Human Services, Parks and Recreation departments Changes will realize over $100,000 annually in salaries and benefits – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today the restructuring of several positions and duties in the Human Services and Parks and Recreation departments, a move that will save over $100,000 annually in salary and benefit costs.

October 30, 2007 - Avedisian announces new Restaurant Guide – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today the publication of a new, 23-page Warwick restaurant guide, which is available free of charge to residents and visitors to the city.

October 22, 2007 - Avedisian announces pilot recycling program in three schools Initiative is expected to save money by keeping recyclable material out of trash – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that a pilot recycling program at three city schools – Warren A. Sherman Elementary, Winman Junior High and Toll Gate High – is officially underway.

October 12, 2007 - Avedisian to take part in week-long course at Harvard - Innovations in Governance program explores new ways of working to identify, comprehend and address social problems – Mayor Scott Avedisian is heading to The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government to participate in a one-week “Innovations in Governance” course, he announced today.

October 10, 2007 - Finance, treasury departments earn national recognition, fourth year in a row – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has again awarded the city’s Finance and Treasury departments its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award was given for the city’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

October 09, 2007 - Avedisian announces start of annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors holiday program - Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced the start of the 2007 annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors holiday food 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.” 

October 04, 2007 - Avedisian, students, DEM discuss ways to combat global warming - Avedisian also invites residents to join the Change a Light national campaign - Mayor Scott Avedisian and Terri Bisson, programming services officer with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, joined fifth- through eighth-graders who are members of the Oakland Beach Boys & Girls Club for a discussion about global warming and what residents can do to help combat this environmental concern.

October 02, 2007 - Federal HUD again lauds city for its lead hazard reduction program’s performance - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the Warwick Lead Hazard Reduction Program (WLHRP) has earned another “green” ranking from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The WLHRP is administered by the city’s Office of Housing & Community Development.

September 28, 2007 - Preliminary audit shows surplus, Avedisian says - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that a preliminary audit of the city’s FY07 finances shows that for the eighth consecutive year the city has posted a surplus.

September 26, 2007 - City, Warwick hotels to offer Stay, Park & Fly program - Program offers convenient, stress-free travel option in time for holidays; new Traveler’s Guide provides wealth of information for Warwick’s visitors – The city’s annual Stay, Park & Fly travel package program, meant to help make flying out of T.F. Green more convenient for area travelers, will kick off October 1, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today.

September 24, 2007 - TF GREEN AIRPORT HOSTS HOMELAND SECURITY EXERCISE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 - The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and Rhode Island Emergency Management (RIEMA), working together with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will hold a Homeland Security Exercise at Green Airport on Thursday, September 27th beginning at 10:00 p.m. 

September 13, 2007 - Avedisian announces contributive support allocations – Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced the distribution of a total of $371,075 in contributive support funding to local non-profit agencies. Thirty-two organizations are receiving grant money in various amounts.

August 16, 2007 - Wanted: Photos for 2008 City of Warwick calendar – The deadline to submit photos for consideration for inclusion in the city’s 2008 Warwick calendar has been extended to Friday, September 14. A number of photos have already been submitted, but there is still a particular need for work depicting winter scenes as well as pictures that showcase events and activities that take place in Warwick throughout the year.

July 27, 2007 - COORDINATOR OF YOUTH PROGRAM OFFICE HONORED FOR WORK WITH CHILDREN Gloria Fairbanks of Warwick recognized as “Community Hero” – Today’s youth face many pressures and challenges, and offering them a safe and comfortable environment where they can discuss those issues is key to lending help. Warwick’s Youth Program Office, led by Gloria Fairbanks, has enjoyed great success since its creation seven years ago by Mayor Scott Avedisian.

July 23, 2007 - Across New England, 30 Communities Take Leadership Role on Energy Issues - (Boston, Mass. - July 23, 2007) - Thirty New England communities have joined EPA’s Community Energy Challenge, lining up to work with the environmental agency to improve their municipal energy efficiency.

July 10, 2007 - Avedisian responds to Auditor General’s report on municipal pension plans – Mayor Scott Avedisian today commended Auditor General Ernest Almonte for his report, issued yesterday, regarding Rhode Island’s Municipal Plans, saying it provides valuable information for Rhode Island cities and towns, and supports actions the city has taken to administer its pension plans.

July 09, 2007 - Wanted: Photos for 2008 City of Warwick calendar - Attention photographers: Do you have a photo that you would like to donate that reflects Warwick’s history, beauty or character? If so, Mayor Scott Avedisian and the city’s Recycling and Sanitation Division need your help.

June 01, 2007 - City submits 73-page objection to airport expansion proposal - The City of Warwick has submitted a 73-page response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) draft environmental consequences chapters of the Environmental Impact Statement, reiterating its objections to the proposed runway extension at T.F. Green Airport, Mayor Scott Avedisian said today.

May 25, 2007 - RIRRC awards city nearly $12,000 for new recycling initiative – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city will receive an $11,863 grant from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation in order to offset start-up costs for a new recycling initiative that will be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.

May 18, 2007 - City to fund schools’ intramural sports program, Avedisian says - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city will fund the School Department’s intramural sports program through its Youth Services Division. Approximately 900 junior high students currently take part in the program, which the School Department had considered cutting due to budgetary issues.

April 30, 2007 - Avedisian announces summer Adventure Camp for kids – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that applications are now being accepted for the 2007 Summer Adventure Camp Program. This summer camp is offered by the Warwick Police Department, Youth Programs and Parks and Recreation divisions, in conjunction with the Rhode Island National Guard.

April 25, 2007 - New fire headquarters to be dedicated on Friday. Public is invited to attend ceremony, tour the facility – Mayor Scott Avedisian, Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan and Assistant Chiefs Michael Walsh and Edmund Armstrong will host the formal dedication/opening ceremony for the new fire headquarters, 111 Veterans Memorial Drive, on Friday at 2 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend. Tours of the facility will be held immediately following the speaking program and will be offered until 6 p.m.

April 06, 2007 - Avedisian, SBA, Trinity Rep announce “Fantastick” development for Rocky Point memorabilia- Mark S. Hayward, district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Trinity Rep Artistic Director Curt Columbus announced today an agreement that makes memorabilia from the former Rocky Point Amusement Park a permanent part of Trinity Rep’s collection.

April 04, 2007 - AVEDISIAN ANNOUNCES CDBG AWARDS - Non-profits, neighborhood associations to reap benefits of federal grants - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today the annual awarding of Community Development Block Grant funds to a neighborhood association and non-profit agencies.

March 21, 2007 - Avedisian authorizes RFQ for attorneys with expertise in aviation issues – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has authorized the issuance of a “Request for Qualifications” for attorneys with expertise in aviation.

March 20, 2007 - Avedisian, Tax Review Committee seek to amend circuit breaker tax credit legislation – Mayor Scott Avedisian has introduced, through Council President Joseph Solomon, an amendment that would increase the circuit breaker tax credit range to $600 - $1,000.

March 20, 2007 - Avedisian applauds Hittner’s appointment – Mayor Scott Avedisian today applauded Governor Donald Carcieri’s appointment of Dr. Kathleen Hittner to replace Jim Rosati as chair of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board.

March 14, 2007 - Avedisian to travel to Middle East
He will spend a week through his participation in the Aspen Institute - Mayor Scott Avedisian will travel to the Middle East on Saturday, beginning a week-long trip to the region with 11 other members of the inaugural class of the Aspen Institute/Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership.

March 14, 2007 - Avedisian announces completion of Ives Bluff sale – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city has completed the purchase of nearly 5 acres at Ives Bluff in Potowomut. The land, which will be preserved as open space, is situated on Greenwich Bay waters that are protected by the Coastal Resources Management Council’s highest level of protection – Type I classification.

March 09, 2007 - Two new Transwick buses unveiled - U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Mayor Scott Avedisian and representatives from the city’s Department of Human Services will unveil two new Transwick buses, for which the Senator secured funding, at a press conference at 10 a.m. Monday, March 12 at the Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick.

March 06, 2007 - Celebration of St. Patrick and St. Joseph set for March 16 - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that Jane Hayward, director of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, and Ray Di Pasquale, president of the Community College of Rhode Island, will raise the Irish and Italian flags, respectively, during the city’s annual festivities to celebrate the feast days of St. Joseph and St. Patrick. The event will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 16, on the steps of City Hall.

March 05, 2007 - Warwick earns Tree City USA designation for eighth consecutive year - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the National Arbor Day Foundation has named Warwick a Tree City USA for the eighth consecutive year.

March 01, 2007 - Avedisian proposes amendment to strengthen “junk car” law – Mayor Scott Avedisian, through the City Council president, has introduced an amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances that would help to strengthen the municipal “junk car” law and further help to eliminate neighborhood blight, he said today.

February 28, 2007 - Avedisian’s FY08 budget won’t include beach parking fee program. Avedisian says operating expenses for program double its revenue – Mayor Scott Avedisian said today that his FY08 budget will not include a provision for the annual beach parking fee collection program that has been in place for over a decade, because revenues don’t come close to covering the cost of running the seasonal program.

February 23, 2007 - Audit shows surplus of $2.8 million. For the fifth year in a row, city receives highest mark possible from independent auditors - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the city has received, for the fifth year in a row, an unqualified audit opinion of its finances. The assessment is the highest mark the city could receive, and affirms that the report “presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the city,” as of June 30, 2006, according to Finance Director Ernest Zmyslinski.

February 22, 2007 - City won’t seek waiver of 5.25 percent cap, Avedisian says - Decision is another in a series of measures meant to keep spending in line – Mayor Scott Avedisian said today that he has notified the School Department that under no circumstances would the city appeal to the state for a waiver of the 5.25 percent spending cap mandated for all municipalities.

February 22, 2007 - Avedisian proposes savings through consolidation of health benefits - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that an administrator for the School Department and city officials met today to explore ways that they might mutually benefit from having a health insurance consultant study the consolidation of their health insurance contracts.

February 21, 2007 - Avedisian moving forward to promote Cool Cities initiatives Has asked Council President to introduce a variety of legislation on his behalf – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has asked City Council President Joseph Solomon to docket a variety of legislation aimed at helping the city conserve energy and reduce pollutants – fulfilling a pledge he made during his Inaugural remarks last month.

February 21, 2007 - Avedisian’s FY08 budget proposal won’t include new borrowing, he says - Mayor Scott Avedisian’s proposed FY08 budget will not include any provisions to take on new bonded debt, he announced today.

February 19, 2007 - Refinancing of bonds to save city $500K, Avedisian said – Mayor Scott Avedisian said today that he has authorized Finance Director Ernest Zmyslinski to refinance current bonded debt at a rate that is expected to save the city an additional $500,000 in FY08.

February 14, 2007 - Federal HUD lauds city for its lead hazard reduction program’s performance - Assessment of performance gives Warwick rating 99 out of possible 100 points – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has given the city a rating of green – its highest – for its “overall excellent performance” in administering the Warwick Lead Hazard Reduction Program (WLHRP). The program is part of the city’s Office of Housing & Community Development.

January 29, 2007 - Avedisian seeks appointment of Warwick resident to RIAC leadership post - Mayor Scott Avedisian has asked Governor Donald Carcieri to appoint a Warwick resident as the next chairperson of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) Board, he announced today.

January 26, 2007 - Mayor issues fitness challenge to city youth - The pilot “Mayor’s Fitness Challenge” program, to fourth, fifth and sixth graders, is meant to encourage children to lead more physically active lives – Mayor Scott Avedisian has written to the principals of Warwick’s public and parochial elementary schools, inviting their fourth, fifth and sixth grade classes to take part in a pilot “Mayor’s Fitness Challenge” program, he announced today.

January 10, 2007 - Avedisian taps Russo to develop plan for Sewer Authority - Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has asked retired Warwick Police Sgt. William Russo to assess the operations, policies and personnel at the Sewer Authority and develop a way to reorganize the agency.

January 05, 2007 - Kent HeartSafe Foundation’s new website offers wealth of information - Dr. Joseph Spinale, chairman of the Kent HeartSafe Foundation, announced today that the organization’s new website, www.kentheartsafe.org, is available for public use.