All fired up

Fire contract to be decided at special meeting on Friday

By ETHAN HARTLEY
Posted 12/19/19

By ETHAN HARTLEY Exercising a provision of their rules allowing five members to call a meeting, the City Council will hold a special meeting this Friday at 5 p.m. to ratify the tentative agreement reached between Warwick Firefighters Local 2748 and the

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All fired up

Fire contract to be decided at special meeting on Friday

Posted

Exercising a provision of their rules allowing five members to call a meeting, the City Council will hold a special meeting this Friday at 5 p.m. to ratify the tentative agreement reached between Warwick Firefighters Local 2748 and the administration.

A vote on the contract was originally scheduled for the Jan. 6 meeting following Monday night’s contentious meeting, which adjourned after midnight without a resolution. The announcement of the special meeting came early Wednesday afternoon as a surprise to finance committee chair Ed Ladouceur and Council President Steve Merolla, who are both opposed to ratifying the contract.

“Nobody called. Nobody called me about it. It’s desperation,” said Merolla on Wednesday. “It just shows who is in charge of the city, and it’s not the elected officials.”

Ladouceur said he was “served” a copy of a docket for the special meeting shortly after noon yesterday. As required by the state’s Open Meeting Law, notice of the meeting was posted on the Secretary of State website within the 48-hour requirement.

In a text sent as he was boarding a plan for a vacation, Ward 2 Councilman Jeremy Rix said the meeting had been scheduled without his knowledge.

“I am unclear on how this meeting was scheduled and hopeful that a vote will not be held until I return,” he wrote.

While not reached for comment Wednesday, Mayor Joseph Solomon reiterated he is “proud” of the agreement. “I don’t think there’s any holdup,” he said. “There were just a couple [Merolla and Ladouceur] who wanted to ask questions.”

Asked what would happen if the council further delayed or rejected the contract, Solomon said, “it would be up to the arbitrator to decide.”

Solomon has touted the agreement as an historic achievement that will save taxpayer dollars and begin to repair relations between the city and the fire department, as well as set up a means to address legacy costs for healthcare down the road. Critics of the agreement, on the other hand, see it quite differently.

A firestorm meeting

During Monday night’s meeting of the Council – in which the finance committee portion that begins at 5 p.m. did not adjourn until 11:03 p.m. and also featured the school department seeking to access another $6.8 million from its first bond to continue fixing school buildings  – the issue of whether or not to approve the tentative collective bargaining agreement dominated all other discussion.

After hours of debate and questioning that took place – primarily between city finance and legal personnel and two councilmen (Council President Steve Merolla and Finance Committee Chairman Ed Ladouceur) – the tentative contract made it out of committee by a 2-1 vote, with Ladouceur voting against it. Rather than proceed to a full vote on the floor, the council went to executive session for about 45 minutes and ultimately held the contract for further discussion, to be heard on January 6.

The discussion was exhaustive, with Ladouceur and Merolla – along with tenured citizen advocates Ken Block, Rob Cote and Bob Cushman – making it clear that they had concerns about the language of the proposed deal in front of them and the specifics of the financial promises held within.

Critics of the deal sparred with the likes of Mayor Solomon’s Chief of Staff Bill DePasquale – who sought to promote the tentative agreement as a landmark accomplishment of Solomon’s mayoral tenure thus far that will usher in a new era of transparent, symbiotic deal making – and financial consultant Michael D’Amico, who staunchly defended the fiscal note prepared by finance director Brian Silvia and the process that went into preparing it.

Evidently there were others who wanted to weigh in. Prior to being informed of the special meeting, Ladouceur reported Wednesday he received an email from a constituent who said he was on the way to the meeting when reached by a neighbor who after finding a parking space at City Hall was politely told by a man at the door the meeting was only for city employees and the council.

When told this, the man turned around and went home.

“Looks like residents didn’t care, we sure did, but we were turned away,” reads the email that Ladouceur has shared with his colleagues.

Proponents of the deal – which include the city administration, firefighter union representatives and at least two City Council members (Ward 3’s Tim Howe and Ward 7’s Steve McAllister, members of the finance committee who voted in favor of moving the agreement forward) – contend that the deal ties up loose ends left open by previous contracts, creates an unprecedented OPEB trust to begin addressing long-term healthcare liabilities for new hires and makes tangible changes that will not only result in a cost-neutral contract, but actually save taxpayers close to $400,000 over the three years of the deal. 

These changes specifically include the rescinding of one holiday, four sick days and two personal days for all firefighters and implementing structural changes for when new firefighters (hired after July 1, 2019) attain certain pay grades, in addition to firmly placing them in the Tier 2 pension plan, which will lessen the long-term pension liability of the city overall. The contract is structured with percent salary increases of 0-2-2 over the three years of the deal.

The OPEB trust would be created from a 2 percent charge on new firefighters’ base pay and would then be used to balance the costs associated with providing them contractually guaranteed healthcare following their retirement. This trust is reported by the administration to cover approximately 30 percent of these new hires’ health care costs throughout the remainder of their retired lives, but does not address existing retirees or those who were hired prior to July 1, 2019 and are poised to retire in the coming years and decades.

DePasquale touted the transparent way in which Solomon sought to present this tentative deal – which is the first collective bargaining agreement that Solomon has fully negotiated and put forth since assuming mayoral duties in May of 2018.

“As you may recall, when Mayor Solomon assumed office, there were many outstanding legacy issues left over from the previous administration…A less than ideal process of merging a ratified TA with a contract document led to the creation of legal instruments of understanding known to the public as ‘side agreements,’” DePasquale said in his opening remarks. “Mayor Solomon recognized the process itself was problematic and acted decisively to correct legacy problems while implementing a new procedure for review and documentation, thereby mitigating the need for side agreements while improving transparency for the public.”

In this tentative agreement, DePasquale noted, the actual changes to the contract were included in a clear and transparent way – “Every word, every line, every page and every appendix, laid out very simply,” he said. “Changes would appear as red, would be underlined as additions and stricken out as a deletion.”

DePasquale also focused on how the fire department and the city came together to craft the agreement.

“Mayor Solomon, along with the firefighters, have bargained in good faith, drafting what we feel is a legal, fair and equitable tentative agreement. One that addresses legacy issues as well as the short and long-term interests of this great city,” he said. “While negotiations at times were demanding, Mayor Solomon’s resolve and the firefighter’s professionalism was truly something to behold.”

Another key for the city in regards to the tentative deal is that it resolves the Tier 1/Tier 2 pension conflict that emerged in March – when it came to light that contractual changes enacted through city ordinance that lessened the long-term burden associated with pension costs by splitting new hires after July 1, 2015 into a less lucrative pension system had not actually been written into the fire department’s collective bargaining agreement (despite being enacted by police and city workers the same year).

The fire union grieved that pension reform when its changes started to take effect on their members. The city fought the grievance, which eventually went all the way to an arbitration award that ruled in favor of the fire department – meaning the city would have to appeal the award if they hoped to reverse it. This agreement, DePasquale said, would end the dispute once and for all, placing all firefighters hired after July 1, 2019 into the Tier 2 pension system and those hired before into Tier 1.

Critics of the deal, like Block, say this course of action amounts to the city waving the white flag on what they believe to be an issue that should be further explored through the courts, and that it results in a massive long-term financial implication to taxpayers, anywhere from $2.8 million to north of $4 million, depending on who you ask. DePasquale spoke to this criticism directly.

“Like it or not, fair or unfair, the city flat out lost this arbitration. This is an important fact,” he said. “[This agreement] stops costly litigation and ends uncertainty. What is certain is that any discussion that a motion to vacate the binding arbitration award would be a ‘slam dunk’ is not being intellectually honest. An award to vacate would at best be a fluke, with the probable outcome being years of costly, needless litigation – offering the same outcome which will only prolong the pension reform savings that the taxpayers deserve today.”

Critics warn of ambiguity

Former Ward 1 Councilman Robert Cushman is no stranger to scrutinizing complex financial information, and he is no stranger to analyzing fiscal models that involve eye-glazing amounts of nuance and variables – he does it professionally. His critiques of city contracts have become well known to Warwick news watchers, and he was front and center Monday night during public comment.

During an inquiry that lasted more than an hour, Cushman expressed strong concern that the language specifically setting up the OPEB trust was too open-ended. He feels it does not express enough details about how the money will be collected, how it will be banked, and how often it will be deducted from paychecks. The contract language merely defers these details to the code of ordinances that dictate how pensions are managed by the city. He worries this ambiguity is setting up for a similar result as outlined above.

“Isn’t that the same situation that this council did back in 2011? They passed an ordinance that said new hires after 2012 were in Tier 2. That’s what you did,” he said. “We hired the firefighters, it was not negotiated into the contract, they grieved it, and you lost the arbitration. They’re telling you to do the same thing with this payment that has financial implications, right?”

Cushman then took issue with the administration’s reporting in the fiscal note that the 2 percent charge from new hires would amount to 30 percent of their lifetime OPEB costs being taken care of, saying his financial models came up closer to 23 percent.

“I can’t find where it’s true,” he said of the 30 percent claim. “And I think somebody needs to prove that to you before you ratify this contract.”

Overall, Cushman said that there needed to be far more foresight into the potential “defects” of the contract language, so they can implement safeguards prior to the contract being ratified and new firefighters being hired.

“All I’m asking is to do your homework,” he said.

Fellow citizen watchdog Rob Cote is also no stranger to taking advantage of the rights afforded to him during open meetings to ask questions. His own inquiries into the contract go into specific language, including what seems to be an important oversight regarding how firefighters are compensated for vacation pay. The contract says holiday pay “shall be one-fourth” of the employee’s weekly salary, only to state (1¼) in parenthesis.

“So, which is it?” Cote asked.

Cote also took issue with a provision that seemingly gives the Warwick Fire Chief unilateral authority to approve sick days above the contractually limited number of 16. He brought up that as of February 2019 (according to a public record’s request) the fire department had banked a total of 22,850 unused sick days.

“Why would we have to have a stipulation in sick time that the chief can allocate more sick time? That sentence needs to go from this contract. It’s ambiguous and has no boundaries,” Cote said. “There is no one on this City Council and nobody in this audience who would enter into a contract with such ambiguous language. It sets you up for failure, and it sets you up for litigation. And this type of sloppiness is exactly why you’re in litigation now.”

What happens from here?

As the council does not have the power to revise the tentative agreement between the firefighters and the administration, Council President Steve Merolla says the council has one of three options – approve the agreement, reject it or continue to hold it.

Merolla questioned on Tuesday, as he did extensively on Monday evening, how the council can approve the contract when it is contains “blank spaces.” Specifically, he is referring to a piece of the contract that remains in arbitration – an undetermined salary increase for the year that began on July 1, 2018 and ended on June 30, 2019.

As part of the tentative agreement, the union reportedly agreed to drop all other arbitration demands (increases to minimum manning and a possible salary increase of as much as 5 percent were two such demands mentioned by D’Amico) so long as the negotiated deal went through and the raise as decided by the arbitrator was between 1.5 and 3 percent.

However, Merolla asked how the projections put forth in the fiscal note could be accurate when they couldn’t accurately account for how much the salary increase would cost.

“Why are we in a rush?” he asked during the meeting.

D’Amico said that the city prepared the note in the most conservative way possible – meaning they accounted for the highest possible salary increase while calculating the lowest amount of savings possible. At the same time, D’Amico said realizing those savings sooner than later was in the best interest of the taxpayers.

“The firefighter contract has expired a year and a half ago. I hardly think signing a new contract a year and a half after the old one has passed is a rush,” he said. “The first year of savings is the most beneficial for the taxpayers, and each day that goes by these savings are lost…There is an urgency to start seeing these savings immediately and not wait.”

Questions asked by council members and members of the public made it clear that there were concerns about language within the contract leading to possible issues down the road. In that respect, taking more time to decide on the contract could be seen as a victory for those who stood opposed to the contract being approved Monday night.

“You are the only tool that the public has to protect our interests,” Block said to the council finance committee, “You are it.”

Both Merolla and Ladouceur opened inquiries through council attorney John Harrington regarding possibly problematic contractual language that implements the new 24-hour shift schedule – a change the administration hopes will reduce the amount of sick time used and, by extension, the amount of overtime required. These issues are likely to come up when the council picks back up the issue on Friday.

Merolla didn’t venture which way the council would decide when the contract does come to a final vote, although Monday evening’s events made it clear he and Ladouceur were the only voting members vocally opposed against ratifying the contract as it was presented.

“I haven’t counted the votes,” Merolla said on Tuesday. He said the tentative agreement fails to address “the big ticket items” of compounded pension cost of living adjustments (COLAS) or lifetime health care.

“Health care is the big elephant in the room,” he said. Merolla noted that the city’s actuaries told the city council during their recent reports that lifetime health care is unsustainable. Further, as he has argued for legislation introduced by Ladouceur to eliminate lifetime health care for new municipal hires, Merolla points out that neither teachers nor state employees enjoy lifetime health care – a fact that undoubtedly contributes to a stark difference in the city’s long-term OPEB liability of about $350 million compared to the school department, which has more employees and yet only around $50 million in total OPEB liability.

Firefighters union president Michael Carreiro and the city administration reasons the tentative agreement at least begins to take steps to address those concerns. “We understand (their) concerns, we are addressing it little by little. We are doing our share to negotiate for the future,” he said.

“This provision also creates a template to forge a new way forward in helping to manage retirement benefit costs in the future,” DePasquale said in a similar vein during his presentation Monday night of the OPEB trust.

Merolla sees the contract as too little too late. As he puts it, the city is headed for a financial cliff and while it has reserves of $22 million, between cost increases from built-in contract increases, a projected additional $8 million needed to maintain school operations and escalating pension and health care costs, the reserves will be rapidly depleted.

He looked at the firefighters’ contract as the place to take a stand. A rejection of the tentative agreement could force the parties to return to the bargaining table, or the breakdown of talks and arbitration.

“I think we might be better off with interest arbitration,” Merolla said. He reasons should the city fail to get a favorable arbitration award, city finances are at a point where the courts would approve the elimination of some benefits as they did in Providence and Cranston and “prevent us from going over the cliff.”

“It’s disappointing that Steve and Ed don’t want to do what’s best for the taxpayers,” Carreiro said. “They would still rather spend the taxpayers’ money fighting this.”

John Howell contributed to this report.

Comments

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  • joemomma

    sup stacia

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Speeding up the vote to a Friday Night is a smart, shrewd political move. However, it is also a lousy way to govern. Any citizen that pays taxes in Warwick (including the WFD), with a brain in their head should call their Council person and ask for the vote to be held January 6th as originally scheduled. Honest question. What is the harm in waiting? Anyone who believes the Council did this to prevent "backlogs on their docket" isn't paying attention. We should be careful to not repeat the same mistakes of the past. I'm sure Scott Avedisian thought he made a great deal for the taxpayers too, until the language never made it into the deal. I would think both sides could agree that rushing is NOT in the best interest of anyone. Measure twice, cut once. I don't understand why this is so hard for our elected representatives.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Scal,

    There is a reason for moving it up. The city implemented a new computer system (to be more transparent) in terms of shift scheduling. It is a vital part of what the city wanted in terms of tracking vacations, sick time, shift changes. It has been programmed to start on 1/1/20. The firefighters are making a huge lifestyle altering move to help the city with 24hr shifts. Even waiting 6 days will screw the system all up as vacation time for the entire year has been picked already. The votes to pass this are there. Merolla knows the need to get it done by 1/1. Yet he is playing games. WITH A COMPUTER SYSTEM HE APPLAUDED. 6 days might not seem like a lot in the new year but it screws up

    Payroll, finance, vacation time, shift scheduling. It’s not a minor issue.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Jimmy - I listened to the meeting for 6 hours. Why didn't anyone mention the need for ratifying this contract before the end of the year because of a new computer system going online Jan 1st? When they tabled it for January 6th - why didn't anyone from the city object and state what you said?

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    It was on the docket to be voted on. Merolla and Ladaceur stalled the entire night. It easily could have been voted on and then Merolla calls an executive session and hides out in the basement for an hour. Then comes up after 12 so the meeting is automatically over. Like a child that goes home with his ball

    If he can’t play. It should have been voted on the 16th.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    By the time we realized what he was doing we couldn’t get a vote.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    I watched the entire stream (both videos) on youtube. Can you point out the time stamps where Steve "disappears".

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    At 11:15 pm, the city council goes into executive session in the basement. Right after the star spangled banner. The council meets in private, I was told most were trying to get back upstairs to the public but steve dragged it out till 12:20...

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    At 2:27:13 in part 3 of the live stream.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Executive Session was on the Council Docket. No surprise there Jimbo. Need to discuss letting you off the hook for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal side deal sick pay schemes that will go away. POOF with the signing of this deal.

    Using the computer system as an excuse to ram through a contract with unclear language and in some cases no language that could have serious financial consequences in the future is laughable.

    Where did Joe Joe in the front office buy this computer system? From the state boys who created the state UHIP system?

    Any computer system worth its weight should be able to handle starting up at any point in time and correctly handling the agreed upon work scheduled, pay and anything else. Sorry don't buy it.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Yes it was on the docket. Who added it at the last minute? Council Pres Merolla as a stall tactic. You obviously don’t understand anything about the computer system so I’ll give you a pass on that one.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Can anyone provide information on the "new" computer system ready for launch on Jan 1st, 2020? Google searches didn't bring up anything.

    One thing I do know... implementation of any new computer software is expensive so seeing that my tax dollars are paying for it, I'd like to see documentation on it.

    Anyone??

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    New Computer System

    No No No. This isn't a state of the art computer system.

    Christ, its firefighter Jimmy in his mom's basement punching out code on his 1987 Radio Shack Model 5 computer with the big vinyl floppy drives.

    I can see it now. Big Joe Joe in the mayor's front office is dialing him up on the rotary phone, "Hey Jimbo they ratified the contract, plug the computer in and see if it works".

    So I get it now, we need to get this contract signed so the home made computer program will work.

    Make perfect sense.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    As usual Captain Blabbermouth and his minions begged, pleaded and demanded that the FD do away from pencil and paper and computerize everything to alleviate mistakes.

    So what does the city do? They purchase software to correct this problem and they still aren’t satisfied.

    Does anyone see the common denominator in all of this ?

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Executive - I went to the city website and downloaded the hand scanned, unsearchable, FY2020 Budget. I didn't see a single line item in the 106 page document that indicated any monies for MIS.

    This city is such a JOKE. I love my house and my neighbors but I wont be here in another 10 years.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    I looked on the council agenda, didnt see anything relative to new computer system for fire dept.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Executive session was posted on the docket as the first order of business.

    https://www.warwickri.gov/sites/warwickri/files/agendas/12-16-2019_regular_public_hearing_amended_agenda.pdf

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Maybe Jimmy or Daydreamer can post a link to the council meeting that indicates new computer software for the fire dept. Better yet, if they do have a point to make, they can post the youtube video link of the meeting that this expenditure was approved. My guess is that they dont.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    After reading the comments I can up with a brilliant idea! I’ve invented a game, it’s called JUMP to conclusions. There is a mat on the floor with pained shoe prints and conclusions on it and you stand at one end and JUMP to conclusions. Whatever you land on you immediately post online. Also there will be a special edition including misinformation along with conclusions. The special edition will also include one white 3/4 zip up pullover and a tube that connects to the tailpipe of your car. I’m going to be rich.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Funny how in August you clowns were crying that we use a pencil and paper so they demanded a computer system. So the city got a computer system... wow... crazy....

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Captain Blabbermouth also said he was moving years ago but yet he’s still living in Warwick so Liberman we’ve gone down this road before.

    See you in 10 years lol

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    http://warwickonline.com/stories/mayor-solomon-announces-initiative-to-automate-scheduling-reporting-of-fire-and-police-depts,141833

    It’s been partially operational. 1/1/20 it should be fully self sufficient.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Jimmy,

    Thanks for the link to the article. Unfortunately, after searching the council agenda, I could not find any vendor with the name CrewSense, that put forth a bid. Where would that be?

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Warwick Taxpayer you win, that got a laugh out of me. Solid reference.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Ask my Buddy Ed Ladaceur. King of Finance. It was approved in the summer

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    https://www.warwickri.gov/sites/warwickri/files/agendas/bid_package_5-20-19.pdf

    Page 88. CREWSENSE BID

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Reality

    To the WFD Union President.....you bet the Warwick Taxpayers want to fight....we are tired of making WFD members MILLIONAIRES in RETIREMENT

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    We have a Stacia siting

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    I am super impressed with this company if they could take the antiquated system of both fire and police departments and completely digitize them both in 6 months for $33,349 for the year is excellent.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Taxpayers please take a few minutes and look over the presentation that Col Rathbun of the Warwick Police Department put forth in a great argument for new software. The documented way the city was keeping records for decades is downright criminal. The col even admits to mistakes (ya think?) I do not blame our emergency services personnel and I'm glad it's finally being upgraded!

    https://www.warwickri.gov/sites/warwickri/files/agendas/bid_package_5-20-19.pdf

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Millionaires! That is laughable. Anyone who believes that is as delusional as you.

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Could someone please stop at the Salvation Army thrift store prior to tomorrow night's meeting and please purchase a couple of newer sweaters for "the captain" and his sidekick Stacia. His white cowl neck and her 3/4 length gray sweater/coat are so worn and soiled, the two of them look like a couple of hobos. While it's understandable that the two of them dress like homeless people hoping to get some sympathy from the public, it's just not a good look, and makes those two clowns look like anything but credible. Can anyone find it in their heart to assist them?

    Thursday, December 19, 2019 Report this

  • FASTFREDWARD4

    allways good for a laugh. some funny saying. who said there going to buy something to were. leave her alone. she the center of all the love in that chamber

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    There goes Merolla talking about fiscal cliffs again and how Warwick could have retiree benefits altered like Cranston and Providence did.

    But Warwicks pension funds are sufficiently funded and the city posts surpluses every year. So Warwick is nothing like those other distressed communities. Just another example of how Merolla is full of crap.

    Everyone expects Merolla and Ladouceur to vote no and grandstand while doing so. Just vote no then. There is no. need to drag this thing out. The other city councilors don’t agree with their games and that is why this special meeting was scheduled. Funny how out of touch the council President is that this had to occur.

    I wonder how long Merolla and Ladouceur will try and filibuster on Friday night?

    All this to appease the three stooges who will never be satisfied no matter what is in the contract (Cushman, Cote, and Block). Funny that all 3 of them seem to have personal grudges against the firefighters. You never see them speak out against the municipal or police contracts.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Keeping payroll records on computer is a great step in the right direction. This is something that everyone should be applauding city wide. Jimmy, you explained the new system better than anyone quoted in ANY story about the contract so far. Isn't that a problem though as far as educating the public? As a taxpayer, I would think this system is a strong selling point in the new contract. Not only because of the reduction in sick/vacation time but also due to better accounting of payroll records. Those 2 things combined SHOULD amount to some type of savings, that is something everyone should get behind.

    A question I have for Jimmy or anyone else with knowledge on the contract is, I know the new contract sorts out the Tier 2 pension debate, and new hires will be paying 2% towards the new OPEB fund. Is there anything in this contract that would prevent new hires from seeking litigation in the future? In other words if John X is a new hire, what would happen if in 3 years from now he doesn't think its fair he's paying a 2% surcharge that older, longer tenured employees are not required to pay? Is there anything in this contract preventing that type of litigation in the future? Appreciate any feedback!

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Thanks Scal, not sure why city hall isn’t using this as a selling point as to the need for a timely vote. Maybe a question to bring up tonight.

    As far as the Tier 2 question, it has been agreed too by both sides, no one came cone back in the future and say it’s unfair. Back 20 plus years ago when pension 2 was introduced that same situation could have occurred. Pension 1 employees paid a lesser percentage into retirement. Pension 2 people could not sue because it was a contractual agreement. Same argument that police and DPW would argue for inclusion into the 2019 Tier 2 date. They can’t because they agreed fully to it in their 2015 contract. The firefighters didn’t. Police and DPW were given something for Tier 2. It was contractual so they have no argument. Same situation here. Police and DPW also are going to get %8.25 over 3 years. Fire is taking %6.25 over 4 years.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • bill123

    New computer system ? No, it appears to be a cloud service. That means you use a standard browser to access, like when you post comments here. (see new comment at: http://warwickonline.com/stories/mayor-solomon-announces-initiative-to-automate-scheduling-reporting-of-fire-and-police-depts,141833 )

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    The OPEB benefits for future firefighter are in fact well over a million dollars in benefits.

    For those in attendance at the meeting the other night, I presented the total cost of a firefighter benefits using the parameters provided by the administration in the OPEB fiscal note.

    Shockingly no one from the administration, not Solomon’s Chief of Staff, DePasquale, not the hired consultant D'Amico, not the finance director, Mr. Silva and none of the hired attorney's for the union or the administration could provide any proof to back up the numbers claiming a 30% savings by setting up the fund or all the other alleged savings.

    DePasquale went so far in his opening statement to claim the OPEB saving was 33% or 3 basis points over what was written in the fiscal note. Where did he pull that out of?

    D’Amico and the other hired guns admitted that the contract language specific to the firefighter pension ordinances governing the OPEB trust fund were insufficient. I detailed ordinance by ordinance how the pension ordinances did not address specif policies on how the OPEB fund wold be governed. No one seemed to care today. But in the future who knows what might happen. Grievance????

    D'Amico admitted that new ordinances would need to be passed by the council specific to policies, for example, as to when payroll deductions should be made. Did Solomon and his crack crew and the firefighter union president and lawyers know this? Did they intentionally withheld it from the council or worse not even think about it? Did they only have to admit the language was missing by me prying it out of them?

    Something is wrong with this picture. What other issues are being hidden from the council and the public intentionally or by mistake?

    This is precisely what got the city in trouble with the Tier II pension language in 2012 not being negotiated into the contract.

    You can't have it both ways. Stating in the contract that contract language supersedes ordinances, except if something is missing then the ordinances take president is nonsense. Then when Solomon and the union are caught, the powers to be state that missing language needs to be contained in new ordinances that the council needs to pass after the contract is signed? Come on.

    But, I get it. There are not many people on the council or in the public willing to actually understand the terms of this agreement. Instead we have 5 spineless council members with Tim Howell leading the charge and the 4 others who sat on there hands not asking 1 question, willing to go to extreme means like serving other council members to appear at a rushed Christmas Eve meeting on a Friday at 5 Pm, to ram through a defective contract.

    I thought the game playing was over when Lloyd was remove and full transparency would be followed. Boy was I wrong. It's as bad as ever.

    It's really simple, prove what is being claimed regarding coat saving is true! That way you shut up the critics and stop people like me from even making a presentation exposing issues. By having solid documentation backed by the math and examples that prove your claims, there would be little for anyone to argue.

    Ramming this contract through in this manner is only going to continue the narrative that the administration and the firefighters are playing games and the so called savings can't be proven.

    So here are the assumptions used to calculate the cost of a single firefighter from the OPEB fiscal note provided by the administration:

    1) Hired at age 25.

    2) 3% annual salary increase

    3) 6.9% investment return

    4) Current est. single premium $800/month

    5) Healthcare inflation 6% per year, projected premium: $4,595 a month

    6) Becomes a Lieutenant at age 35

    7) Becomes a captain at age 45

    8) Retiree at 55

    9) Starting pay levels for contributions

    Firefighter = $72,800

    Lieutenant = $89,000

    Captain = $98,000

    10) 2% of salary contribution to OPEB fund

    11) Mortality rate of 25 years

    Total healthcare cost = $1,835,704

    Taxpayer percent of healthcare cost $1,622,710 or 88.4% of cost

    Firefighter career contributions = $81,697 or 4.6% of cost

    OPEB Trust Fund investment returns = $128,297 or 7% of cost

    According to the contract: “If a retired firefighter should die prior to the funds in ‘his account’ being fully utilized to pay for his share of the healthcare benefits under this agreement, then those funds shall be payable to the retiree’s estate”.

    $561,456 will be paid to the firefighter estate.

    Conclusion:

    1) the OPEB benefit is valued at $1.8 million. If the firefighter lives longer then 25 years the benefit increase to over $2 million.

    2) The overall cost to the firefighter based on career contribution is 4.6%

    3) The overall cost to the OPEB Trust with combined contribution and investment returns (11.6%) doesn't come close to the 30% claim by the administration

    4) Shockingly over $560,000 will be withdrawn from the fund upon the firefighters death

    If someone can show me the math to prove the 30% cost saving from this program, please do. If not, then what is being presented is fraudulent.

    BTW to achieve the 30% cost savings promised, the firefighter would have to contribute 5.15% to the fund, more than double the 2% contribution proposed in the contract.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    I owe my life to the Warwick fire department. They saved my life. They responded with true professionalism and revived me from being clinically dead. They consoled my family and even checked on me in the hospital. They are the best in the business and deserve a contract..

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Bob explain your everyone the crazy numbers you were throwing out the other night. Did you assume that active members would receive a 3% raise? A number you quoted was a captain in 20 years would be making 179,000 in salary and health care would cost $55,000 per person? No one is getting %3 raise for 20 years. Recalculate it all.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Bob is throwing out those big scary numbers again. He fails to mention this contract doesn’t even offer 3% ANYWHERE. It’s roughly 6% over 4 years. 1.5%/year.... BIG SCARY NUMBERS.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Roger, did you read the fiscal note? Do you understand it? Apparently not.

    Typical response from someone who has no idea what they are talking about.

    So let's have a little exercise in basic math. I will go slow. Try to keep up.

    Salary calculation

    1) according to the fiscal note firefighter stating salary is $72,800

    2) 3% annual increase according to fiscal note

    3) That results in the salary growing by 3% per year for the first 10 years.

    year 1 = $72,800 * 3% = $2,184 (add that to $72,800 to get year 2 salary)

    year 2 = $74,984 * 3% = $2,250 ((add that to $74,984 to get year 3 salary)

    year 3 = $77,234 continue compounding for remaining years

    year 4 = $79,551

    year 5 = $81,937

    year 6 =$84,395

    Year 7 = $86,927

    Year 8 =$89,535

    Year 9 = $92,221

    Year 10 =$94,987

    4) firefighter gets promoted to Lt. after 10 years. However the firefighter will be receiving the Lt. salary in year 11 after it also has compounded for 10 years by 3%. (You thinking that he gets the 2020 Lt. salary in 2030 is wrong)

    here is that calculation

    year 1 - $89,000

    year 2 - $91,670

    year 3 -$94,420

    year 4 - 97,253

    year 5 -$100,170

    year 6 -$103,175

    year 7 - $106,271

    year 8 - $109,459

    year 9 - $112,743

    year 10 - $116,125

    at year 11, year is 2030 firefighter gets the promotion and his starting salary becomes $119,609

    and from year 12 - 20 continue to compound at 3%.

    you state "A number you quoted was a captain in 20 years would be making 179,000 in salary and health care would cost $55,000 per person? No one is getting %3 raise for 20 years. Recalculate it all".

    Actually the salary for the captain is $176,999 after 20 years in year 2040. Not my assumptions from the fiscal note. Don't believe it? take the starting captain salary of $98,000 in 2020 and compound it by 3% over 20 years.

    what's the answer genius? $176,999

    and by the way the higher the salary the more money that is being contributed to the OPEB trust fund. If the salary is lower, the 2% contribution is lower the investment return is lower and the average amount in healthcare cost paid from OPEB fund is lower. So your not doing yourself a favor arguing this point.

    one last exercise for you, take the $800 starting single monthly premium in the fiscal note and multiple it by the 6% annual increase in healthcare stated in the fiscal not. let me know what the answer is. Hint the answer is in the fiscal note.

    take that amount multiple it by 12 months to get the annual cost of $55,138 for single healthcare premium. Once again not my assumptions. from the fiscal note

    I'm not going to go over all the calculations on this post. The math doesn't lie, but apparently the folks at that meeting do. Ask DePasquale where he got 33% saving when fiscal notes states 30%.

    Ask any high school kid with EXCEL spreadsheet knowledge to do the calculations.

    Come see me tonight i'll show you them. Ask the administration or anyone else to provide you with the math where the 30% saving is realized. You can't and no one in the council chambers that night could.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Roger so the fiscal note is wrong according to what you are stating.

    If that is the case the 30% saving claim is wrong.

    If that is the case what else in this contract regarding assumed saving is wrong?

    SHOW ME THE NUMBERS!!!

    SHOW ME THE NUMBERS!!

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Where can I access the contract I would like to read it

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Reality

    The fiscal note contains all the numbers Bob refers to. What don't you understand?

    Like usual the WFD doesn t do their homework. Their answer to everything is yell and scream , act like thugs but don't take the time to understand the issue.

    Will members of WFD e.g. Jimmy, Scal get up at tonite's meeting and explain Solomon's fiscal note if they have all the answers?

    The taxpayers can not afford this contract. The council has to vote down so the younger generation has a chance in Warwick. New schools...what a joke. The greedy WFD won't allow it.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Mr. Cushman,

    All your rants keep concerning this Tim

    Howell guy? Who are you talking about. There is a councilman Howe. If you can’t spell correctly I’m guessing math is even harder.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Hi Stacia! You don’t live in Warwick anymore remember?

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • TheDeal

    Bob loves the maths!!

    So tell me, Bob. What is 0% of 0? Because ZERO is what every employee pays towards OPEB right now. That fact that the firefighters are the first to acknowledge this issue and agree at all to this plan is commendable. That’s to say nothing or giving back holiday and sick time, increases time between step increases and agreeing to the city’s ask of switching to 24hr shifts. This contract is a COMPLETE win for the City. Unfortunately, we have some people who make a name for themselves with their bloviating and a couple of people on the council who exploit them for political gain. This contract doesn’t fit into their narrative of the big dumb greedy fireman so what do they do? Grab at straws, spread falsehoods and obstruct, obstruct, obstruct....

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Hopefully there will be some answers at tonight’s meeting. I’m trying to find a copy of the contract so I can evaluate it myself. Mr. Cushman I understand some of your numbers but how can you guarantee or assume a 3% raise every year for the next 10-20 years? It is my understanding that raises aren’t guaranteed, definitely not at 3%.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Taxpayer,

    I believe there is a copy on the Warwick Post online online. And this contract proves that 3% is not guaranteed. This year alone the WFD gets ZERO.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Can someone tell me where this OPEB fiscal note is? If Mr. Cushman is correct, these assumptions are not his. So you blaming him for applying them is wrong.

    Are these the assumptions in the fiscal note?

    If there are and all you guys are stating that they are not realistic, wouldn't that prove Mr. Cushman's point that the fiscal note is not accurate claiming a 30% cost savings?

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • bendover

    LOL...I have watched these type tactics for 50 years...If you think that scheduling a meeting of this magnitude on a Friday, 4 days before Christmas Eve is a mere coincidence, then there is a bridge in Brooklyn I want to sell you. Mr. Cushman, I appreciate your hard work and time put in along with Cote, but I have come to realize it is time to go the other way....Approve all spending on everything...Labor contracts, building projects, schools, recreation, EVERYTHING....That way Chapter 9 comes along more quickly and everything financially finally goes BOOM....You young folks working in whatever department, if you believe that all the things your are being promised is going to be there in 25 years, you better think again...Courts and judges will sift through all of that...and they will decide...examples...West Warwick and Central Falls...Merry Christmas.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Me Cushman I appreciate the work you have done to help people understand. However your condescending tone arrogant delivery of a rebuttal is concerning. When the numbers speak for themselves there is no need to insult or talk down to people. One might wonder what your true motive is.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Cushman a starting firefighter does not make 72k to start that salary is after you become 1st class private and that takes 6 years.

    Use the number 48k to start please that’s what new hires make. Just another reason math wiz Cushman’s numbers are off.

    Historically maybe 10 guys made lieutenant in 10 years the average is more like 15 years to make Lieutenant.

    So maybe your 40 years old now you want to get promoted to Captain it will probably be another 10 years so most are lucky to make Captain at 30 years with some being the exception and making battalion chief

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Anyone notice The great Captain Blabbermouth’s comments have been removed ?

    Way to lose your cool Captain Blabbermouth ❤️

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    amazing that people I guess can't read a fiscal note where all the assumptions are in writing. Does anyone in the fire department have a copy of the fiscal note?

    Hard to believe if you guys can't get a copy.

    Get a copy and post the assumptions.

    Stop making things up. Post the facts from the fiscal note.

    You guys are making cushman's point that the fiscal note is wrong.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    you guys are unbelievable. really just stop posting. your making this guys point that rushing ratification is a mistake.

    if you reduce the salary amount the 2% OPEB contribution will be reduced. That means the cost savings will be reduced.

    that means the 30% saving or 33% depending on who you want to listen to, is less and the saving are wrong.

    what else in this contract isn't correct?

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    Robbie Robbie Robbie

    Now you have been shunned by the Beacon. Tonight hopefully, you will be dragged out of the meeting yelling and screaming. That would make great theatre to go along with the rest of your stellar resume.

    I’ll be watching .

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • patientman

    This is stupid. Why doesn't the city & union hire (share the cost) an objective forensic accounting firm & a law firm to come up with an honest appraisal of the contract.

    The city & union would have cover.

    Taxpayers would be protected.

    Animosity would go away.

    All contracts going forward should be vetted by non partisan forensic accountants & lawyers.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Patient man,

    The city paid $60,000 for an audit 18 months ago. I would demand to see it.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • RichardBurton

    I am sitting at the city council meeting and the disrespect and disregard for the taxpayers on the other side is palpable.

    I am embarrassed for you. What a bunch of bullies!

    Shame on you all.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    Merolla sure is going out of his way to ensure the vote for this contract doesn’t happen.

    Claiming the meeting is invalid because one council member wasn’t served is pretty weak. A quorum is a quorum.

    Why jump through all these hoops to not vote? I don’t get it.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • patientman

    Jimmy what does an audit from 6 months ago have to do with a contract that was ratified in the last few months. You should be happy to have professional actuaries confirm your #'s.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • patientman

    Now everyone can take a breath. Bring in professionals that can establish what the #'s are & the community can move on with confidence.

    Merry Christmas everyone

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • UR2Funny

    Funny Warwick Tax Payer I too was there sitting with the residents and I did not feel as though there was any disrespect of any kind coming from the other side. Definitely would NOT say there were ANY bullies but hey I can see two sides not just one. Happy Holidays!!

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Honestinfo,

    Shunned by the Beacon??? What does that mean. The copy that I got indicates quite the opposite. The showing of the taxpayers that came tonight to watch your slimy move go down in flames, would indicate the contrary. The thuggery of the boys in blue would indicate the contrary.

    By the way, with all of the money that you guys have stolen from the taxpayers, can you take up a collection to buy Nick Varras a suit that does not come from K-Mart? Rule of thumb in terms of fashion, you NEVER EVER wear the same suit twice in a week in public.

    Looks like the gang from Warwick took a hit tonight eh? Your POM POM BOY Mcallister showed tonight why he has no business being in public office. Next November - BUH BYE Stevie !!

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Bobby you have the fashion sense of a 5 year old Richard Simmons. Your fashion card has been revoked on the grounds of wearing athletic wear under a sport coat. I’m mean it says you trying to be professional but your hear to maybe get a light workout in.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    So I watched Mr. Cushmans live feed which can be seen on his taxpayers spin Facebook page. It's pretty sad that when the gentleman who spoke after Mrs. Corrigan was finished, I believe he is a firefighter who said he lives in Ward 8, Mr. Cushman states at 32:25 "I wanna get up there and kill him" or "I'm gonna go up there and kill him".

    Should we really believe that you want to kill this man Mr. Cushman?

    Not cool to threaten people with death just because they disagree with you politically.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Warwick_Resident1998 -

    Brendan Igegneri aka Union Treasurer and co-owner of AVELLINO Property Management has never lived in Warwick. He owns a duplex over on Knight Street. Brendan lives in Providence.

    In my opinion Brendan was clever to say he "owns property" in Warwick because that's technically true, his COMPANY owns property in Warwick but he and his family do NOT live here.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Warwick_Resident1998 - Your attacks against Mr. Cushman are unwarranted. I just listened from Pat the resident through Jimmy... oops I mean Brendan, and did not hear a single outside voice beside those speaking at the podium.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    At the 32:25 mark On the Taxpayers Spin FB page he states “I should go up there and kill him”. As a firefighter was speaking. Then Rob Cote who was next to him says “want me to lump him up for you”. Gotcha boys.... that’s a threat... CLEAR AS DAY. Don’t delete it we already saved the video.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • RichardBurton

    The comment section will be disabled sooner than later. Besides, we know now most of the comments are from the FD.

    BTW, nobody dislikes the FD, we dislike the sneaky way your leadership, in collusion with the mayor and select members of the city council, tried to push this though without proper vetting.

    ...and Brandon.... I didn’t hear anyone say this needed to pass ASAP because of the new software program.

    Friday, December 20, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Looks like "the captain" finally scraped together a couple of dollars and purchased a brown 1970's style cowl neck sweater at the local homeless shelter. While still pretty hideous, at least it's an improvement over that soiled and thread bare white cowl neck that he has been wearing for the past 20 years. And where was his pal Stacia at last night's meeting? Doesn't she live in Warwick? And as far as him threatening physical violence against someone that was caught on camera and microphone, nobody should be surprised-his extensive criminal record speaks volumes about his character and mental instability.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Looks like Bobby Cushman took down his video from he blog. The video where he threatens to kill a firefighter speaking. And his buddy Rob next to him ask if he should “lump him up”. Don’t worry boys we have the video. Who are the real Thugs?

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • patientman

    We get it. The union really like the terms of the contract & their supporters on the city council & Mayor tried to push it through for them in an emergency meeting the Friday before Christmas.

    Considering that Defined Benefit Pensions have obligations that will be paid out 40-50 years from now it is prudent that actuaries conduct a deep dive on the long term consequences of contracts. For the health of the city, solvency of the pensions, and restoring trust & improving relationships between the community and the public servants that provide city services.

    History has shown us that there are many unknown unknowns in long term obligations. Unfortunately the obligation to remedy the consequences of the unknowns largely fall on the taxpayers. Wall Street can't be forced to pay up when assumed returns aren't met. Former politicians can't be forced to make up the difference from pension contributions not made. Yes, to stave off bankruptcy unions have made concessions, but as evidenced by the long history of annual tax increases the great majority of pain is carried by the taxpayers. are obviously Having objective, qualified accountants & lawyers go over the contracts is simply good governance.

    Merry Christmas

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Hearing aids for thugs is having a sale. You guys are pathetic.

    Can’t believe anything you say.

    Keep using the bully tactic of making bogus claims on a business for a fire violation, try to get people fired from their job, boo and hiss at citizens, and now this.

    Tell the truth prove the contract claims are true and stop all this non sense.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Liberman

    Patient Man - I was there last night and you're right - they REALLY want this contract pushed through. It dawned on me this morning the FF filled the room with young, under 35 Tier II employees. Of course they want to go back into the lucrative Tier I system and who could blame them? Can we "trust" the union? I don't.

    Merry Christmas to you too!

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Go to arbitration let them decide but please drag it out until after the school, police and municipal contracts expire.

    You have a TA with the mayor as did police and municipal back in 2018.

    The council can vote it down let them and take it out of there hands.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Daydream,

    I agree now. Vote it down.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    Is this really where members of the WFD want to take this debate? When you start combing through live streams looking for offensive words you can time stamp, that seems a little desperate and away from the original point. If you guys really believe you are on the right side of this argument, stick to the facts! Present your case to the public and win the argument on those terms. When you start picking through others words looking for something to say "gotcha", that is moving away from the debate that we SHOULD be having.

    This to me, seems more like something the Stacia/Cote crowd would do to public employees, and I would gladly call them out if they did. Are Cushman and Cote guilty of having a "fake tough guy" moment caught on a hot mic? Yes, absolutely. However, that is not grounds for ending this debate and passing the contract as is.

    There are good people who really do support the WFD, they just happen to have legitimate concerns about certain parts of this deal. I've even praised parts of this deal as a great first step in the right direction. Don't let your hatred of Cote, Cushman and Stacia allow you to paint all taxpayers with that same brush. I'm sure most members of the WFD pay taxes in Warwick one way or another, just like we all do, so we're all pretty much in the same boat. Nobody wants to see maximum tax increases for life and nobody wants to see a pension system that can't meet it's obligations to life long employees. The difference of opinion is how do we get there? That is where this conversation should be heading. We won't get there calling one another thugs, or making baseless claims about one another.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Scal,

    While I agree 1000%. The point we are making is. If the shoe were on the other foot and the Firefighters filmed Cushman or Cote and said we were going to kill him, or lump him up, would that be plastered all over Dan Yorke, WPRI, the Beacon? Simple question. The facts of the contract speak for themselves. 18 months of negotiating and scrutiny by lawyers and fiscal analysts. Vote yes or now, either way let’s move on. This back and forth isn’t doing anyone any good.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • UR2Funny

    The Warwick Taxpayer who claims to not hear Mr Cushman and Mr Cote making threatening comments while the firefighter is at the podium needs to turn the volume up a little louder. It is definitely there and even in the comments Mr Cushman claims it was not meant towards the speaker but towards Councilman Howe. Everyone complained about being there last evening but I’m why did President Merolla not begin the meeting making sure all requirements were met???

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    Scal I do agree with you 100%. I am a Warwick resident, I raised 2 girls that went through the Warwick School system. I was a Warwick Firefighter for 30 years and retired with a pension.

    The issue I’m having is the relentless continued attack of this profession. It appears and it’s been going on for years that they can’t do anything correct.

    I firmly believe certain individuals go above and beyond to try and attempt to humiliate and embarrass the WFD on a continual basis.

    I don’t see the humiliation, name calling, intimidation with the other unions by certain individuals.

    Human nature for anyone will take over when you feel continual attack.

    I for one served proudly and admirably. I walked away head held I for the service I provided.

    I did my part and I expect the city to do there’s. Yes times have changed and things need to change we all realize this.

    This will not be fixed overnight. This is a long haul recovery but it was a start in the right direction but to some it wasn’t enough.

    Where does it go from here I don’t know but as I said earlier you can only attack and insult for so long before you start retaliating.

    The pot calling the kettle black without looking in a mirror really strikes me with some of them and there antics.

    Before anyone gives me grief I am pension 1 that doesn’t get a compounded cola and I don’t get free healthcare either.

    If pension 1 runs out of money in 10-20 years guess what I probably don’t get paid anymore and that’s the reality of it.

    So stop saying we all retire millionaires when it isn’t true.

    As is said earlier there is a TA in place let the council vote it down.

    Go to arbitration and let it play out.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • patientman

    Cushman needs a lawyer,

    18 months of negotiating and scrutiny by lawyers and fiscal analysts.

    The Mayor hasn't been in office for 18 months. The city council hasn't had more than a few weeks to conduct due diligence nor do any of the council members have the material expertise to conduct due diligence on the contract.

    Arbitration would be fine if the arbiter had the ability to review the assumed long term results of the contract by professionals.

    Let the council hire actuaries to protect the city & taxpayers.

    The more the union & their supporters protest the more it's clear professional vetting is necessary.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Scal1024 I agree with you that we should stick to the facts and work through this like well adjusted adults. However when you have a group of people that continually spread lies, manipulate information, degrade/name call, follow and physically confront people in public this is where we and up. People don't join the fire service on the premise of becoming rich, I can guarantee you that. They do it to help people, serve a community, to be a part of something bigger than oneself and do it with an amazing group of people just to name a few reasons. There is a lot that comes along with being a firefighter, and for those that want to say you know what you signed up for that is just plain ignorant. Truth is you really don't know what you signed up for until you are well into your career. There are things seen and experienced that no one would be able to fully explain to someone just starting out. To be clear firefighters don't want sympathy, they have a passion for and love the job that they do. It would be nice to not be called names, demonized, and be portrayed as something we are not.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    With his sick and perverted obsession with the fire department and city politics, one would think "the captain" would grow a set and run for mayor or city council. But as is typical with a coward such as him, he would rather taunt and harass the firefighters, acting like a 5 year old child who pulls tantrums when he doesn't get his way. Just think, if he spent his time more productively (such as getting a job), he might be able to afford some decent clothes instead of the Salvation Army thrift store wardrobe he wears to the city council meetings. Please captain-get a stylist.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • bill123

    The city administration is a living example of what was originally called “honest services fraud”. This is the city’s modus operandi on too many things, not just the contract. You can’t have a meaningful debate on anything under these circumstances. They will call on surrogates to create distractions, they will pull good-cop bad-cop routines, they will go silent, they will outright lie.

    Regarding the Friday Dec 20 meeting: A citizen uses the word “retarded” in public comment. He complies with the moderator's admonition, and rephrases “retarded” to “it shouldn’t happen”. After this he is told “Don’t challenge me, I’m giving you the courtesy of coming to the mike . . . ” (15:00, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpTXDYaeb9c)

    Do you believe it? The citizen was publicly beat-down, for speaking his truth in a courteous fashion. The citizen has a constitutional right to say “retarded” in the context used, or we don’t have free speech. I understood what was meant by “retarded”, and I took it to mean something related to “honest services fraud”. Publicly demeaning a citizen, treating him like a misbehaving school child, while forcing the citizen to change his original words, is, well, retarded on the part of the moderator. Unfortunately this happens all the time. The reported (Warwick Post) resignation of the city council’s attorney just prior to the meeting should have been followed by certain council member and other resignations, in my opinion.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    You guys are pathetic. Talk about making a spin. The conversation was pertaining to the way in which the meeting was organized and the defects in the contract. You all also need to get hearing aids as my comment to Mr. Cushman was "me too, you want me to warm them up for you?

    Get a life Brandon and stop with your petty pathetic antics. You all conspired with Howe and Pom Pom boy to push an illegal meeting indirect violation of the city charter, knowing damn well that there are multiple language and mathematical issues to this contract.

    No one trusts this department anymore after you all knowingly and willfully engaged in the theft of taxpayers dollars with the schemes concocted by Little Billy Lloyd and Ed Armstrong. Your abuse of the system and the taxpayer has come to a head.

    Nice try calling the state police and making a false report that people in the audience threatened to kill a firefighter. Now you made yourself look like a bigger fool to the state police.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Tough to justify someone using the word "retarded" in a public forum, but here we have it.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    The captain no one trusts you and you long criminal record. If you did say what is alleged it should be taken very seriously given your propensity to physically confront public employees. Also given the fact that you seem to have no issue killing animals in an illegal and inhumane way. Scary

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    To "bill123": Sorry Bill, but this is the year 2019, and disgusting terms such as "retarded", "cripple", "colored", etc., etc., have no place in conversations among civilized members of society. Interestingly, the neanderthal who used that term at the council meeting was forced to retire from his previous job for multiple instances of racism, brutality, and other egregious behavior, and has been the subject of an investigation by his employer's retirement board for possibly receiving a bogus disability pension. No matter what your position on the firefighters contract, for that individual to use the type of language in a public meeting was nothing short of disgusting, and anyone who condones that type of language should not be allowed to speak at public meetings.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    I love the spin that Cushman and Cote are now saying. It’s very clear what you say

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    The captain. Why was the video taken down?

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • patientman

    The firefighters union that threatened to boycott a Fortune 50 company if a critic wasn't fired from his job, is being bullied. Come on guys.

    Instead of engaging each other with unhelpful attacks, work with the city to hire an objective actuarial firm to vet the long term risks and ranges of the proposed contract.

    The long history of Defined Benefit Pensions has been a one sided affair. It is time that professionals are hired to determine what is affordable and appropriate as opposed to what is deserved.

    I feel this is perfectly reasonable.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Everyone should go to the link

    https://www.facebook.com/robert.cushman1/videos/10215985589773155/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

    and listen carefully to the sound bite at 32:25 that this cancerous piece of garbage Brandon Ingegneri is attempting to call a murder threat. What a joke. We were speaking about the documents and the relevance of the math. This clown Brandon contacts the state police and makes a false report that someone made claims to murder him and wants a state police investigation. Then he follows up with a letter to the beacon stating we planed to murder a union "official" . This a guy with serious mental issues and most likely the guy that has been sending the harassing letters to several people that the federal officials are investigating.

    Here is his letter to the Beacon:

    From:brandon.igg85@gmail.com

    Good Morning Mr. Howell,

    Embedded into this email is a link to a video that Robert Cushman and

    Robert Cote posted of last night's City Council Meeting. If you listen to

    the time frame in the area of 32:25 in the video you can clearly hear Mr.

    Cushman and Mr. Cote threaten to "Kill" me as I was addressing the council.

    I have since filed a report with the RISP, but thought it prudent to

    forward this information to you as a credible threat to murder a public

    employee and elected officer of a labor union at a public venue is most

    certainly a serious event. Additionally, I have received a number of

    harassing telephone calls from Mr. Cote and Mr. Cushman following this

    threat.

    I am available for public comment at your convenience.

    Very Truly Yours,

    Brandon Ingegneri

    Treasurer

    Warwick Firefighters, Local 2748

    Oh my God. This deranged individual files a ridiculous report with the state police claiming someone is attempting to murder him when 2 people are speaking in jest about contract verbiage. This man is a danger to the community and just engaged in criminal behavior by filing a false statement to the Rhode Island State Police. And he is a "hero" Warwick firefighter.

    The same guy that continues to post that I have numerous drug arrest and convictions. Brandon, piece of advice - LAWYER UP!

    Listen closely to the audio. Brandon union thug states on numerous social media sites that I said "do you want me to go "lump him up" . What I said to Bob, pertaining to the documents was "do you want me to warm them up".

    Brandon, you are a disgrace to the uniform. Stop your nonsense and speak to the issue and the math. When you cant attack the message, resort to attacking the messenger.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    The Captain..

    I went to the timeline and it clearly states...I’m gonna go up there and kill him..with someone else agreeing...I mean that’s seriously messed up..aren’t we all supposed to be adults here

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • joemomma

    no, cote you walking tampon, you clearly said "you want me to lump him up". youve been caught lying a million times, its what you do, its what guys with big mouths and little balls do. you try and talk and act like your raymond patriarca when youre actually a nobody coward that couldnt fight off a cold. youre an easy guy to figure out, you run your mouth and antagonize and threatin people but the second someone slaps the taste out your mouth youll call a lawyer instead of taking your beatin like a man. youre a sheep in the land of wolves

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    You guys are funny, delusional, hearing impaired, and also anonymous. Speaks volumes Brandon.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    It appears "the captain" has once again run afoul of the law, and the sad thing about it is not a single person should be surprised. When your have numerous arrests for harassing a DPW worker, making threatening phone calls, and almost blowing up an entire neighborhood by pouring gasoline down a storm drain, making a death threat against a public official would be a natural progression. Kudos to the firefighter who reported this death threat to the police, and hopefully they will once again arrest "the captain" and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. It's one thing to hide in the bushes and make videos of the firefighters in the performance of their duties, but it definitely rises to the level of criminal behavior when he makes a death threat against a public official. Let's hope an arrest, conviction, and some prison time will make "the captain" think twice about making death threats, and dismissing them as only "joking around". Sorry "captain"-that type of violent threat is not a joke.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    Captain kill a squirrel is backpedaling like a cornerback.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Captain Criminal.

    I spoke at last nights Council meeting. Unlike you WFD cowards, I used my name there and here. I'm sure you know that what you said about me and my career in your post above is ALL LIES. I write here to tell everyone else here that you are a LIAR and a coward snowflake. Their apparently were many people there that were offended by the use of the word retarded. To me, the ONLY one that should be offended are RETARDS. I guess the old saying, if the shoe fits wear it, is therefore appropriate here. I will go one step further and prove my point that YOU are a LIAR and COWARD. If I say anything that isn't true about you, I can be sued, but I give my real name. You know what you say about me is ALL LIES. so you know not to use your real name. I also prove that you are also a coward snowflake because I invite you to pick the time and place, ANY time and place. Bring anyone along to give you the courage if you like to meet me and we can discuss you statements face to face! Now unless you do that here, EVERYONE that knows who you are will know that for sure. Like I do. YOU ARE A FRAUD, LIAR, AND COWARD. Good try SNOWFLAKE!

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    While I agree with not rushing anything...I personally take great offense to your terminology Mr.Simone...if you had a child with special needs or attended the special olympics then and only then could you completely understand how degrading you were..call me a snow flake or coward, but that is uncalled for and your last statement truly shows your ignorance to a great bunch of individuals

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John are you challenging people to a debate or a fight? Just curious

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    If I said it to any mentally challenged person, which I wouldn't do, it would be offensive and wrong. I used to as the common American slang for a description of voting on a STUPID/FOOLISH CONTRACT ... NOT a handicapped person. Words have different meanings depending on context of use.... in the real non-snowflake world. People look to be offended in my opinion.

    Next person....my response is, EITHER WAY WORKS FOR ME. DEBATE OR FIGHT. I LEAVE THAT TO TGE COWARD CALLING THEMSELF CAPTAIN CRIMINAL and SLANDERING ME USING A FAKE NAME!

    They won't take me up on it though. Sounds like you know the person. Try to convince them to do it, and save face, but don't bet on it.

    Saturday, December 21, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    I don't know who anybody is. Do you really think challenging people you don't know to a fight is a good idea. If you want to get you message across there are other ways, your current method is awfully abrasive

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Challenging another poster to a physical altercation on a newspaper website is just about as pathetic and juvenile as using a disgusting slang term to describe someone with a mental disability. No wonder certain individuals were forced to retire from their place of employment with a questionable disability or face the prospect of being terminated. Keep in mind, some cities and towns have an "honorable service" clause in their pension laws, and racism, sexual harassment, and brutality surely do not constitute "honorable service".

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Nothing is more PATHETIC and COWARDLY than hiding behind a fake name and lying about people that use their real name. I didn't challenge anyone to a fight if you could read. I said meet me to discuss their false statements posted here. Then I was asked if I wanted to fight or debate. I then said either is fine with me. LEARN TO READ cowards.

    And my offer stands to any of you COWARDS that hide behind fake names. You post here, the time and place, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, and I WILL BE THERE!

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    If anyone would like to be taken seriously at a city council meeting or any other public meeting, they might want to consider dressing appropriately instead of addressing the council wearing pajama bottoms and refrain from using disgusting neanderthal terms that were used many years ago to describe individuals with a mental disability. It's no wonder not a single person in the city listens to the drivel that spews from the mouths of these fools.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Can’t believe we use to let John Simoneau carry a weapon. Good luck with him.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    Bob Cushman.

    Your number for health insurance for retires in the obep program..is that a family plan?

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    PPD Retired. .... another coward.

    FYI. I still carry a firearm, and I'm licensed to carry in ALL 50 States. If you COWARDLY SNOWFLAKES like, I promise to leave it home when we meet to discuss your slanderous statements. Now grow a set and choose the place and time. If not. I will not reply to your cowardly posts ever again. You have been exposed as Liars, and cowards to ALL reading Beacon posts. SO PUT UP, OR SHUT UP!

    Merry Christmas to all!

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    John..

    are you retired after 20 years of service or early disability..new here and confused on comments

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Reality

    It's amazing to me that the WFD doesn't even know what the fisca notel says regarding OPEB. That fiscal note was presented by Solomon and his advisers to the city council. It's Solomon's fiscal note and Solomon has complete ownership of it.

    The OPEB cost is based upon AN INDIVIDUAL.

    Even with the WFD contribution, an retired firefighter will cost the taxpayer over a MILLION DOLLARS in retiree healthcare. This doesn't include the generous WFD pension. That will also cost the taxpayers' MILLIONS.

    The taxpayers can no longer afford the WFD.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John nobody is going to kick your a** because it would be a felony assault on a senior citizen. Given your mental instability its shocking that you are able to carry a firearm. You are irrelevant and should never speak in public agiain you have made a fool of yourself. Trying to justify using the word retarded just proves you are a clown. I happen to have an aunt with MR and she has more common sense than you. So how did you gain your disability pension anyway, knee right? I also happen to know two of your relatives from the PFD and they think your a head case. Your own family!! Speaks volumes about your character or lack there of.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Adulting is hard

    COWARD, COWARD, COWARD...

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    so how much is your monthly disability check for?

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    REAL NAME AND TIME & PLACE COWARD!

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    buddy you are obviously disabled in more ways than one. Do everyone a favor and do not speak in public. I couldn't take you slurring you way through another unintelligent and offensive statement

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Didn't the poster who wears pajama bottoms to a city council meeting promise he was no longer going to comment? Looks like his promise was just as phony as his disability pension application. And to continue challenging other posters to engage in a physical confrontation simply proves to the world his lack of mental stability. And doesn't the state of Rhode Island require an individual who requests to carry a firearm pass a psychological exam? Looks like this case may have fallen through the cracks.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    REAL NAME COWARD/FAG ....

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • allent

    I flash the money sign whenever i see a fire truck . Nothing much else you can do with these greedy millionaires

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    If a person was new to the city and to this website, and viewed the disturbing posts from a deranged poster using homophobic slurs and threatening physical violence, that person would surely surmise that the deranged poster was an elementary or middle school student in need of a school psychologist. Never would that person believe that the deranged poster was a grown adult who at one time carried a badge and a gun. Once again, sometimes things fall through the cracks, and this sick and twisted poster is the perfect example.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • joemomma

    the whole simoneau family is a bunch of unstable wack jobs. and now using homophobic slurs like his buddy cote. theres a reason providence didnt give you a cola john, its because youre an unstable racist homophobe trailer trash dirtball. and stacia seriously just go away at this point. thank god your womb is so polluted you couldnt have kids. theyd be the spawn of the devil. and have big long horse faces like you.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Daydreambeliever

    I'll say it again the Warwick Police Department have the same healthcare for both active and retired but not one comment how we can no longer afford the Police Department. It's always the Fire Department. Legacy costs are legacy costs so please let's include them in the taxpayers not being able to afford.

    Oh thats right none of you will ever as they have the potential to jam you up.

    We will gladly pay the outlandish benefits to the police that exactly match those of firefighters.

    I'm looking forward to when the PD contract ending and they begin negotiations and let's see if the critics who fight for the taxpayers stand up and say we can no longer afford you.

    They won't lol.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    YOU ARE ALL OVERPAID. People making more than the Mayor in a City is RETARDED .... OH .... I said it again .... Live with it ..... SNOWFLAKES !

    ALL .... WPD, WFD, W-DPW, W-TEACHERS, W-FISCAL CONSULTANTS TO MAYOR, W-CHIEF OF STAFF ..... ALL

    Actually even the JOKE W-MAYOR

    LMFAO

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John you are a piece of work. It’s mind blowing that you feel this way, while you sit home and collect a tax free disability from the providence police

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    REAL NAME COWARDS/FAGS

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John is a fraud, scammer, and half whit. I understand it must be hard sitting around doing nothing but harassing people, while collexting tax free money, but at least change out of your dirty pajamas before going out in public. Why don’t you move to providence and at least help pay for the drain on the system you have been

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    MAN UP COWARDS/FAGS

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • joemomma

    first, id like to apologize to ALL the people i have offended with my hateful comments. i took a step back to think why i was acting this way and then it came to me, the reason i gay bash is because ive been afraid to come out of the closet and let people know that im attracted to men, and i also apologize for using sllurs that offend the mentally ill community, and realized i kept sayin the R word because ive been afraid to admit to myself and others that i myself am infact mentally ill and need help. i HOPE YOU ALL accept my apology and i would also like to make amends by donating some of my unearned disability pension to the local firefighters of the WFD. thank you all,

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    NICE TRY .... COWARDS .... But everyone knows that wasn't me.

    LOL

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    Mr. Simineau,

    Remember when your bosses at Providence Police tried to send you for a psychological evaluation because of your irrational behavior?

    Pepperidge Farm remembers.

    It almost like these new “red flag” laws were passed for individuals like yourself. Threatening people online and bragging about firearms. I’m starting to get concerned.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwick_Resident1998

    https://www.leagle.com/decision/1994957644a2d3131947

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    You're a dope. Again, if you could read, they tried to GET ME for having a Corrupt Major indicted.... But like you COWARDS, I was smarter than all of them, and GOT THEM FIRST. Never saw anyone, and took them to the bank. Like all Municipal agencies, in EVERY CITY, they were/are CORRUPT...

    LMAO

    Get your facts together. Grow a set, and come talk to me with your lies..... COWARD/FAG !

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    John sounds like you had a career laden with issues and finally took the cowards/fraud/schemer's way out with a disability. You should seriously seek professional help, even your chief years ago thought you needed it.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    Wow....:I’m a completely surprised the Beacon has not deleted this entire thread...

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    JOHN SIMONEAU FOR MAYOR....

    Of Butler Hospital Ward 7

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Steve Pare must be thanking his lucky stars he does not have to deal with this psychotic deranged stain on society, but knowing Steve and the way he rules the PPD, he would have fired this nut job long ago. As a matter of fact, the nut job should be thankful he never worked for Steve, as he would have never granted the nut job a phony disability pension, and instead would have fired him on the spot, something the PPD should have done many years ago.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    In all seriousness, if you look back at deadly mass shootings that have taken place all over the country, there is one common thread that always stands out-after the massacre, when the the media interviews the shooter's neighbors, co-workers, etc., the response is eerily similar, with statements such as, "we always knew he was a loose cannon", "it doesn't surprise me", "he had a lot of demons", etc. etc. After some of the blatantly obvious threats of violence on this thread by a certain poster, let's hope someone forwards those threatening posts to the local and/or state police so they can follow up and maybe prevent a tragedy. In today's society, you can never be too careful, and hopefully a tragedy can be prevented before it's allowed to happen. Some of the posts on this page are surely violent in nature, and should the Beacon choose to remove them (which will most likely occur), they should still be forwarded to law enforcement for investigation.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Steve is/was just a political hack. Always was, and always will be. He wouldn't know a cop if he bit him on the nose, and he sure has one of them. Superintendent of worst and most corrupt police agency in RI, the RISP. Now Commissioner of the 2nd most, the PPD.

    It's been fun COWARDS/FAGS, but enough fun for today. I will speak with you again only when you all grow a brain, balls, and set a time and place so we can finish this like the MEN your NOT.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm signing out. My friends on this site, call me when these BOYS/GIRLS use their real names and then I'll be back !

    LMFAO

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Once again, this is 2019, not 1980 or 1960, and in this day and age, when a mentally unstable individual boasts about owning a firearm and threatening other posters with physical violence, it's time for law enforcement to step in. Years ago, this sort of behavior and threats of violence may have been shrugged off or ignored, but in today's society, threats of this nature must be taken seriously. One need look no further than the tragedy that occurred a few days ago in Westerly to see what can occur when a mentally unstable individual has access to a firearm. Hopefully the Beacon and law enforcement will look at these threatening posts closely and will take the steps necessary to insure that the type of horrible tragedy that occurred in Westerly does not happen in Warwick.

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Mathew4278

    This side show seems to taken the attention away from cotes comment on live video...I’m figuring out that John must be there puppet, to draw attention away

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • CAMP2020

    Where is the link to video? I would be more than happy to share it with everyone i know.

    Cote is the biggest coward in warwick. He couldnt "lump up" a bowl of oatmeal. What a joke. He would sh*t his pants if he ever faced any one of those firefighters in a dark ally. He isnt worth the scum on the bottom of their shoes. Such a tough guy...hahahahahhahahahahaha

    Sunday, December 22, 2019 Report this

  • Scal1024

    John S, retired public servant turned self anointed advocate of the taxpayers. Is there anything worse than a career public servant who, once they retire with their full pension in tact, turn their backs on the men and woman they served with? I guess the greed of public servants began the day after John collected his first pension check. Suddenly, they frame all public servants as greedy. John when will you be sending your pension check back to the City of Providence? I won't hold my breath. The language used here is absolutely disgusting. My first thought was the comments should be removed but you know what? Let the entire city know the type of language this guy thinks is acceptable. Total unfiltered garbage!

    The Cote/Cushman video clip is a big swing and a miss in my opinion. As I've stated before, are they guilty of having a fake tough guy moment on a hot mic? 100% yes! Someone also asked what would happen if the situations were reversed? That is a fair point and Rob probably would try to embarrass the person who said it but I don't think he would refer it to the State Police, just my opinion as a frequent Cote critic. If time, money or resources are spent on this it feels like we're getting off track from where we need to be. If the contract is as good as promised, win the argument on those merits alone!

    Whether intentional or unintentional the move to speed up the contract vote was just bad optics. The 5 Council members who called for the meeting cast doubt on the whole process, even for people like me who had very few objections to begin with. It just makes you stop and ask yourself why change the voting date? I also think its important to note that rank and file members of the WFD had no control over when the Council voted, retirees had no control over when the Council voted so laying blame at their feet for the dealings of the Council seems disingenuous to me as well.

    Some of the language used on here by a very select few is nothing short of embarrassing. You can dislike someone/have disagreement without being lousy in the process. We are all guilty of it at one time or another. At the end of the day are interests should be aligned. When a new commenter comes in here and immediately uses foul language in support of their argument, their agenda is crystal clear. Both sides have been guilty of it, myself included. We should all think about being better! Don't let anonymity embolden you to say sh*tty things or in the case of John S, don't think just because its a comment section these things don't reflect poorly on you!

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Very well put Scal and very well written. People may disagree on things, and while there are many who may not like or agree with Ed Ladoceur, he absolutely did the right thing at the meeting when he severely admonished the speaker who used a terrible offensive term describing someone with a mental disability. Agree or not with Ed, it was a courageous and proper thing when he put the obnoxious speaker in his place. Also, it will be interesting to see if Stacia comes to the defense of the speaker who used that slur, as she has a niece with Down Syndrome. While she can agree with that speaker's political beliefs, she should condemn the hurtful words he used both at the meeting and on this blog. And while his classless and homophobic slurs have no place in civilized society, the larger story here should be his public threats of violence. Our country has seen far too many instances of violence with tragic consequences and many lives lost, and that speaker/poster has shown pretty much every "red Flag" warning. Let's hope law enforcement takes notice, and maybe a tragedy can be prevented.

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • Cat2222

    Well, have all the adults left the room? I have had more intelligent (and less offensive) debates with college students.

    Now, I know my opinion doesn't really matter in the long run, but I figured I would get my 2 cents in as everyone else has something to say. I think the timing of the meeting was shady. Purposely done so that it could be pushed through. I am all for waiting and giving everyone time to review and reconvene at a less hectic time.

    Jimmy, your point to software is noted but I don’t think it should be something that should push through the decision. I would like to think that the software purchased would have the ability to be flexible, allowing for the first few weeks of the year to be inputted retroactively. But I think that it is time to seriously get the matter resolved in a way that is satisfying both sides. The WFD deserve a contract just as the other departments. Firefighters are not the enemy.

    Bob_Cushman, I think that your numbers are valid based on what is public knowledge at this point. It may be true that not everyone gets 3% raise or that everyone is promoted in the same time frame but it is at least a solid starting point for discussion. When dealing with millions of dollars, I highly doubt a few percentage points are going to change the big picture. I would almost rather start at a higher dollar amount and then be pleasantly surprised if it is lower. Hopefully, we will have some solid information to base it on fact rather than projections.

    Scal1024 , always the voice of reason. I appreciate it.

    The rest, well, I am not a fan of trading insults. It lacks maturity and the ability to debate the facts. Credibility is zero as soon as it starts.

    I understand that as you get older, you may not like how things change, however, change does come. I don't think it is acceptable to call people Fags or retarded. We are at a place in society where we acknowledge that people have been wronged in the past and we can start to make a positive change. To call someone a fag or retarded is a negative connotation and a statement that those that identify with those two categories are less than. That is far from the truth. I don't really care if I am called a snowflake. I would like to think that each year we progress farther than the last and we are shaping a better place for all.

    Warwick is a great city but has some very bad practices that need to change. The turnout from taxpayers was really good to see. People are paying attention and getting more information. That is due, in part, to Cote and Block being outspoken. Now, you don’t have to believe what they are saying is true, but you have to acknowledge that it has helped our community to be more active. Hopefully, misinformation will be corrected in a public forum in a transparent manner. Isn’t that what both sides really want?

    May 2020 be a year that is productive, positive and peaceful.

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • Straightfactshomie

    This thread has devolved into absurdity. Lets try to get back on topic here.

    Obviously the major issue people are arguing over the OPEB trust fund.

    Firstly, I am curious about Mr. Cushman's life time retiree healthcare assumption of $1.8 million dollars. Is this number listed in the fiscal note or was it calculated solely on the assumptions posted above? Sorry, but I haven't seen the fiscal note. I only ask because using the assumptions Mr. Cushman posted above (employee hired at 25, 30 year career, 25 year retirement life expectancy, 6% healthcare cost growth...) and with the employee transitioning to medicare at age 65 I calculated a lifetime healthcare cost closer to $1.3 million. That is a significant discrepancy. I'm just curious how you arrived at that number, or if the city arrived at that number and I'm open to the possibility that I'm wrong or have incomplete information. I just want to get real numbers.

    Secondly, I must be interpreting the language of the OPEB trust differently than Mr. Cusman. The key language appears to be in bullet point 6 of the redline version of the TA. Bullet point 6 of the OPEB trust section says “at retirement, the funds attributable to the employee will remain in the trust and continue to earn income that will be used to pay for a portion of the retirees healthcare costs until those funds have been exhausted or the retiree passes away.”

    Using Mr. Cushman's numbers this hypothetical employee retirees after 30 years with a principal "account" balance of $209,994. With a life expectancy of 25 years this account will be responsible for $8399 payment on behalf of the retiree every year for 25 years. At that point the account will be $0. Bullet point 6 then states whatever income is earned by the retirees "account" after retirement will be used to offset a portion of the retirees healthcare cost. After 25 years the retirees account will have generated an additonal $173,875 of interest income during the employees retirement for a total OPEB trust contribution of $383,869.

    Third, in the event that a retiree dies prior to the life expectancy calculation the retirees estate is simply being reimbursed for their portion of the retirement health benefits they were were projected to recieve and for which they "prepaid" while employed but did not receive. For example if the hypothetical employee these assumptions are based on died 20 years into retirement their estate would recieve a check for $41998.($209,994 starting "account" balance minus 20 years of $8399 yearly contribution).

    Essentially, when an employee retires they are taking their money and buying future healthcare rights. In this example the retiree is essentially paying the city $8399 a year every year for a projected 25 years of health coverage. However the employee is paying the full $209,994 up front so that the city may invest the money, in the form of the OPEB trust, in order to generate more income to further offset the city's end of the cost. And in the event that the retirees dies before utilizing all their upfront payment their estate gets reimbursed any years they prepaid but didn't receive coverage.

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    straightfacts that was a great post and these are those of us out here who benefit from posts like yours and dont read the junior high level attack ones.

    I wonder what is your conclusion about the fairness of this current proposal, using your assumptions? also, what kind of lifetime health insurance benefits are provided from regular jobs as a norm? (My company does not provide them, but thats just one example)

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    At this point let’s just wait till the January 6 meeting., Vote yes, vote no, let’s move on. We need to move on. I hope this same amount of scrutiny goes into every department just not Fire. Lots of accusations and ZERO charges.

    Monday, December 23, 2019 Report this

  • bill123

    These attacks on a private citizen, apparently based on innuendo and misrepresentation, are intended to be hurtful and humiliating, and are intended to show one kind of punishment would-be whistleblowers can expect. If the anonymous people doing this are found to be city employees, their employment should be terminated, in my opinion.

    Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Bill123 says people should be terminated for telling Mr Simoneau to not use derogatory/hurtful words. Let that sink in.

    Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Report this

  • WarwickFreemason

    God I love the comment section of the Beacon... Since I moved out of Warwick, I no longer read the article, I just read the comments while eating a bowl of ice cream!! You folks make my Tuesday and Thursday afternoons!!

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Florida Freemason fka Warwick Freemason

    The Taxpayer's Freemason

    Veritas Junix Mors Non Separabit

    Thursday, December 26, 2019 Report this

  • jimmy2times

    The city of Warwick’s own lawyer said this was a good deal and they should take it. One of the most experienced labor lawyers in the state. Vilifying the fire department got you people no where.

    Tuesday, January 7, 2020 Report this