Mayor’s Office Refuses to Answer Questions on New Parks Director’s Qualifications
Doug MacGunnigle and GoLocalProv News Team
Mayor’s Office Refuses to Answer Questions on New Parks Director’s Qualifications
The posted application for the position includes the requirement of a “minimum of ten years of experience in fields related to park administration or the equivalent in training or experience working with the public sector.” The city charter states that the Superintendent “shall be a person holding at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of five (5) years' experience in fields related to parks' administration or the equivalent in training or experience.”
Nilsson has been Executive Director of the Partnership for Providence Parks, a non-profit that claims it “brings community, business and City resources together to improve the City’s park system,” since January of 2012, and a press release by the city also cites experience with Boston Community Centers and the Rhode Island Department of Education, as well as founding the “Friends of Brown Street Park” in 2006.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment nor would they provide a resume.
The Providence Department of Parks + Recreation oversees the operation of over 100 city parks and employs roughly 170 people. The department is responsible for the operation of the Roger Williams Park Zoo and casino, the Museum of Natural History, the Botanical Center, the Alex and Ani City Center ice skating rink, North Burial Ground, Triggs Memorial Golf Course as well as community parks and greenspace throughout the city.
According to the latest 990 filings of “Partnership for Providence Parks”, the organization had $37,760 on hand. In contrast, the annual budget for the Parks and Recreation Department for FY 2015 was nearly $14 million. The posted yearly salary for the Superintendent of Parks is $102,566.
The City of Providence's job application also requires a “demonstrated experience supervising and managing a large number of employees; experience with a unionized work force a plus” and “demonstrated knowledge of funding park and recreation activities with private and government grants, concessions, and other earned income activities” as requirements for the position.
Nilsson’s predecessor, Robert McMahon, who retired earlier this year, began his tenure with the Parks and Recreation Department as a Deputy Superintendent in 1986, before assuming the post of Superintendent in 2008. McMahon was a graduate of Brown University and held a Master’s Degree in planning from the University of Rhode Island. Nilsson holds a Master’s of Education degree in Education Policy specializing in Community Education from Boston University, and graduated from Wheaton College in 1988.
In a statement, Elorza said “I am pleased to welcome Wendy to her new role as Parks and Recreation Superintendent. Park space and public recreation are critical components of healthy urban communities and I know that Wendy will serve the City of Providence with distinction.”
“I am thrilled to be appointed by Mayor Elorza to this position,” said Nilsson. “Our goal with Providence’s extensive parks and recreation system should be to develop it so that sports, recreation, arts, and play will engage and inspire everyone who lives in the City.”
Nilsson and her husband live on the East Side of Providence.
The City Council must approve her appointment.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story stated that the cash on hand for the Partnership for Providence Parks at the end of FY 2013 was $65,394. This amount was the total gross receipts of the organization. The cash on hand was $37,760.
City Employees with the Highest Salaries
#40 Alyssa B. Deandrade
Department: Police
Position: Police Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $146,690.77
Pay
Base: $77,210.61
Longevity: $7,393.16
Overtime: $22,337.05
Detail: $24,533.14
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $4,219.62
Dental: $421.72
Pension: $10,575.47
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#39 Arianne Lynch
Department: Mayor's Staff
Position: (Former) Deputy Chief Of Staff
Total Compensation: $147,159.76
Pay
Base: $127,507.25
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $5,737.83
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#38 Clarence A. Cunha
Department: Fire
Position: Acting Deputy Assistant Chief
Total Compensation: $147,372.06
Pay
Base: $91,807.36
Longevity: $7,949.52
Overtime: $18,839.30
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,686.83
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#37 Kristopher S. Wright
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $147,585.09
Pay
Base: $58,663.74
Longevity: $4,447.53
Overtime: $48,507.28
Detail: $11,848.81
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,028.67
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#36 Thomas M. Miller
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $147,951.99
Pay
Base: $64,547.59
Longevity: $6,476.44
Overtime: $51,832.96
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,005.94
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#35 Daniel Crowley
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $148,230.56
Pay
Base: $93,692.88
Longevity: $9,855.21
Overtime: $17,904.62
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.6
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,943.51
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#34 Alan N. Lippacher
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $148,783.985
Pay
Base: $63,829.18
Longevity: $6,602.73
Overtime: $53,326.52
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,936.495
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#33 David A. Soscia
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $149,017.14
Pay
Base: $86,012.90
Longevity: $7,577.69
Overtime: $27,426.18
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $11,911.31
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#32 Michael Krasnowiecki
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $149,110.485
Pay
Base: $68,849.54
Longevity: $6,762.06
Overtime: $47,784.88
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,624.945
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#31 Thomas E. Crowley
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $149,965.63
Pay
Base: $69,535.07
Longevity: $7,177.86
Overtime: $47,429.98
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,733.66
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#30 John P. Morgan
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $150,207.15
Pay
Base: $58,102.50
Longevity: $6,116.69
Overtime: $57,905.69
Detail: $3,847.12
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,146.09
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#29 Timothy S. Printer
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $150,731.68
Pay
Base: $58,369.52
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $61,938.32
Detail: $3,847.12
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,219.42
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#28 Adam Chuman
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $151,066.51
Pay
Base: $58,490.27
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $61,915.02
Detail: $7,149.18
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $7,422.98
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#27 Michael E. Correia
Department: Police
Position: Police Captain
Total Compensation: $151,421.89
Pay
Base: $81,206.12
Longevity: $8,538.4
Overtime: $36,811.50
Detail: $1,264.85
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $11,218.06
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#26 Stephany Blackwell
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Technician
Total Compensation: $154,001.24
Pay
Base: $61,045
Longevity: $4,086.68
Overtime: $64,492.87
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,287.63
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#25 David J. Duggan
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $154,416.91
Pay
Base: $59,196.60
Longevity: $5,559.42
Overtime: $55,445.58
Detail: $9,910.95
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,215.30
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#24 Joseph R. Desmarais
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $154,544.52
Pay
Base: $91,623.12
Longevity: $9,079.63
Overtime: $27,402.94
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,604.49
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#23 William R. Kenyon
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $154,611.78
Pay
Base: $83,959.36
Longevity: $7,290.02
Overtime: $35,718.41
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $11,554.93
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#22 Bryan D. Hawkins
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Captain
Total Compensation: $155,608.63
Pay
Base: $69,542.14
Longevity: $6,601.81
Overtime: $41,215.01
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $27,303.36
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,646.56
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#21 Steven Pare
Department: Administration
Position: Public Safety Commmissioner
Total Compensation: $156,147.90
Pay
Base: $149,423.83
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: N/A
Dental: N/A
Pension: $6,724.07
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#20 Eric E. Fallon
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $156,404.55
Pay
Base: $55,236.24
Longevity: $5,829.36
Overtime: $63,076.02
Detail: $8,430.13
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $7,743.74
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#19 Brian R. Chin
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $157,360.51
Pay
Base: $58,983.30
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $84,865.12
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $5,618.60
Dental: $421.46
Pension: $7,472.03
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#18 Carl H. Richards
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $157,878.05
Pay
Base: $57,446.04
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $64,351.37
Detail: $5,808.93
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,067.295
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#17 Fausto G. Garcia
Department: Police
Position: Police Officer
Total Compensation: $158,048.96
Pay
Base: $57,220.64
Longevity: $5,477.53
Overtime: $4,296.80
Detail: $70,833.77
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $7,837.27
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#16 Thomas L. Cassin
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $158,104.17
Pay
Base: $68,755.40
Longevity: $7,305.32
Overtime: $56,308.60
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,645.80
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flick/401(K)2013
#15 Thomas F. Oates, III
Department: Police
Position: Deputy Police Chief
Total Compensation: $158,736.47
Pay
Base: $116,423.81
Longevity: $12,378.08
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $16,100.24
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#14 Michael L. Pearis
Department: Finance Administration
Position: Director of Finance
Total Compensation: $159,370.71
Pay
Base: $139,192.37
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $6,263.66
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#13 Peter A. Tagliaferri
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $159,656.86
Pay
Base: $63,350.24
Longevity: $4,877.01
Overtime: $66,683.79
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,656.76
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#12 Michael A. Legault
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $159,740.28
Pay
Base: $57,446.04
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $72,016.89
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,072.93
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#11 Gregory D. Paolo
Department: Police
Position: Police Sergeant
Total Compensation: $160,715.32
Pay
Base: $70,277.64
Longevity: $6,818.24
Overtime: $30,025.64
Detail: $31,573.87
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $9,636.985
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#10 Andre' M. Ferro
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $162,109.81
Pay
Base: $58,333.41
Longevity: $6,251.76
Overtime: $61,589.16
Detail: $11,668.47
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $8,177.95
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#9 James P. Mirza
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $164,737.13
Pay
Base: $91,623.12
Longevity: $9,722.85
Overtime: $36,888.57
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $12,668.24
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flickr/Tax Credits
#8 J. J. Varone
Department: Fire
Position: Acting Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $165,600.53
Pay
Base: $84,914.32
Longevity: $7,290.02
Overtime: $45,628.29
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $11,678.85
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#7 James S. Bennett
Department: Planning & Development
Position: Director of Economic Development
Total Compensation: $170,061.83
Pay
Base: $149,423.11
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $6,724.04
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#6 Zachariah Kenyon
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $172,514.51
Pay
Base: $63,589.71
Longevity: $4,877.01
Overtime: $79,272.01
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,686.72
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flickr/401(K) 2013
#5 Boyce Spinelli
Department: Water Supply Board
Position: General Manager, WSB
Total Compensation: $177,418.15
Pay
Base: $150,392.56
Longevity: $9,299.47
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $9,159.90
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $7,186.14
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#4 Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
Department: Police
Position: Police Chief
Total Compensation: $180,872.02
Pay
Base: $134,397.90
Longevity: $14,080.04
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $18,559.74
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#3 Luis F. Sanlucas
Department: Police
Position: Police Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $190,234.68
Pay
Base: $77,210.61
Longevity: $8,148.40
Overtime: $9,003.18
Detail: $72,819.67
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $10,669.88
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#2 Michael D'Amico
Department: Mayor Staff
Position: Director of Administration
Total Compensation: $196,086.60
Pay
Base: $174,327.20
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $7,844.724
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#1 Vincent J. D'Ambra
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Captain
Total Compensation: $218,145.27
Pay
Base: $68,762.44
Longevity: $7,290.03
Overtime: $116,356.94
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,646.80
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
