[0:21] i'm.
[0:34] I'm sure that you.
[0:38] Good afternoon everyone.
[0:42] I called to order today's uh,
[0:45] meeting of the boston city
[0:47] council.
[0:49] Viewers can watch the the
[0:52] council meeting live on
[0:54] youtube@boston.Gov backslash
[0:58] city council tv.
[1:02] At this time I ask my
[1:05] colleagues and those in the
[1:08] audience to please silence
[1:12] their cellphones and electronic
[1:15] devices including my um also
[1:18] pursuant to rule 42.
[1:22] I remind all in the chamber
[1:25] that no demonstration
[1:28] of approval or disapproval from
[1:31] members of the public would be
[1:33] permitted.
[1:36] Thank you.
[1:38] Mr clerk, will you please call
[1:42] the roll to ascertain the
[1:45] presence of a quorum?
[1:49] Councilor breadon here
[1:52] councilor collette as a further
[1:55] councilor.
[1:57] Culpeper.
[2:00] Councilor.
[2:01] Durkan.
[2:04] Councilor.
[2:06] Fitzgerald.
[2:09] Councilor.
[2:12] Flynn.
[2:14] Yeah.
[2:17] Councilor louijeune.
[2:19] Yeah.
[2:22] Concilor mejia here.
[2:25] Councilor murphy.
[2:28] Councilor vipond.
[2:31] Yeah.
[2:34] Councilor santana.
[2:37] Councilor weber.
[2:39] Thank you.
[2:42] Councilor worrell.
[2:45] Yeah.
[2:48] A quorum.
[2:51] Thank you.
[2:54] >> MISTER.
[2:57] Uh, the truck has informed us
[3:00] that the quorum is PRESIDENT
[3:02] Present.
[3:05] Um, MR. Clerk, uh, if you would
[3:07] do us the honor of some brief
[3:10] remarks as an invocation today,
[3:13] we appreciate it.
[3:16] Thank you so much.
[3:20] And following the invoking
[3:24] following the invocation will,
[3:27] um, have the pledge
[3:31] of allegiance.
[3:34] Good afternoon.
[3:37] Please stand.
[3:39] The ringing of bells calls us
[3:41] to worship.
[3:44] The pounding of the drum calls
[3:47] us to war.
[3:49] The popping of a cork calls us
[3:52] to celebration.
[3:55] What is the sound that calls us
[3:57] to hear one another?
[4:00] Listen.
[4:03] Listen carefully.
[4:06] It is here in the silence.
[4:09] Listen deeply.
[4:12] The beating of our own hearts
[4:15] calls us to ourselves.
[4:18] Call us to be our true selves.
[4:22] Calls us to be our best selves.
[4:25] Calls us to be what we might
[4:28] become.
[4:31] Listen.
[4:34] There is another sound.
[4:37] The breath of our neighbor
[4:40] calls us outside ourselves.
[4:42] Call us to be companions.
[4:44] Call us to be allies.
[4:47] Call us to be partners.
[4:49] Listen.
[4:51] We must heed the call of our
[4:54] own hearts where love and
[4:57] truth, caring and justice are
[5:00] born.
[5:04] Listen.
[5:06] We must heed the call of others
[5:09] to gather together for some
[5:11] great purpose with passion for
[5:14] and fidelity.
[5:17] compassion and equity are
[5:20] nourished.
[5:22] The hammering silence calls us
[5:24] together that we MAY do the
[5:27] work we cannot do alone.
[5:30] Let us heed the calls that come
[5:31] in the silence.
[5:33] That we MAY be well and do good
[5:35] in this world together.
[5:37] Amen.
[5:40] Amen.
[5:42] >> ladies and gents to the flag
[5:43] of the united states of america
[5:45] and to the republic for which
[5:46] it stands one nation under GOD,
[5:48] indivisible with liberty and
[5:50] justice for all.
[5:52] Thank you, MR. Clerk.
[5:55] We have two presentations
[5:57] today.
[5:59] Councilor worrell is
[6:01] recognizing quality homes for
[6:04] humankind.
[6:06] And I will be recognizing, uh,
[6:09] boston to belfast youth.
[6:12] Uh, constable.
[6:14] Well, would you like to come
[6:17] forward with your guests?
[6:19] Yes.
[6:21] And MR. Clerk, could you
[6:23] please, uh, take note that
[6:25] councilor collette as a pastor
[6:28] and councilor culpeper have
[6:30] joined us?
[6:32] Thank you.
[6:35] >> good afternoon.
[6:37] Um.
[6:39] >> first I want to begin by
[6:41] recognizing the students, uh,
[6:43] who are joining us today.
[6:46] Uh, we have michael gillen, uh,
[6:48] brian hodge molina, ander
[6:51] santos, yassir muhammad and
[6:53] muhammad abraham and their
[6:56] advisor doctor bruce potter
[6:59] graham also known as doctor
[7:01] peter.
[7:03] I first met these students
[7:05] nearly two years ago when take
[7:08] boston academy was putting
[7:10] together aspen challenge team.
[7:13] Then they came here to city
[7:16] hall and presented their work
[7:18] to us in the kali room.
[7:20] Their presentation was around
[7:22] raising awareness around gun
[7:25] violence in their community.
[7:27] The following school year they
[7:29] got to work at solving some
[7:31] of the root causes of violence
[7:33] including the lack of stable
[7:35] housing and access to
[7:38] employment.
[7:40] And that's why they launched
[7:42] quality homes for humankind
[7:44] last SEPTEMBER.
[7:47] Since that time they met with
[7:49] countless organizations and
[7:52] research workforce development
[7:54] programs to learn how to turn
[7:57] their idea into something real.
[8:00] Do that work.
[8:02] They have established models
[8:04] with action for equity and
[8:07] netcat to bring vocational
[8:10] training directly to tech
[8:12] boston academy.
[8:14] They held a workforce connector
[8:16] event at tech boston in the
[8:18] spring where they partnered
[8:20] with ibm, ibew local 103, the
[8:22] carpenters union power corp's
[8:24] netcat, boston fire cadets,
[8:26] action for equity level ground,
[8:28] boston public health commission
[8:30] and the election department.
[8:32] They've secured tens
[8:34] of thousands in funding from
[8:36] the trevor foundation and the
[8:38] boston foundation.
[8:40] And they won the city's aspen
[8:43] challenge last year, earning a
[8:45] trip to colorado where they
[8:47] presented in front of about 100
[8:49] nonprofits including the bezos
[8:51] foundation and the mayor
[8:54] of denver.
[8:56] And they also won the national
[8:58] aspen challenge.
[9:01] Some of the students behind
[9:04] sheets started this work as
[9:06] juniors and are now heading to
[9:09] college, but they're not
[9:11] walking away from the mission.
[9:14] The first step is job training
[9:17] .
[9:20] The next step is housing.
[9:22] They've already begun working
[9:25] on that as well.
[9:27] Today is about celebrating and
[9:30] recognizing how far they've
[9:33] come and marking the beginning
[9:36] for their next chapter.
[9:39] We have a resolution which will
[9:40] be voted on later in the
[9:41] meeting, but now like to turn
[9:43] it over to the people to the
[9:45] students behind sheet for some
[9:47] brief remarks.
[9:49] Good morning everyone.
[9:50] I just want to say it's a huge
[9:52] honor.
[9:53] >> to be welcomed by the city
[9:56] of boston city council today.
[9:58] And I just wanted to say that
[10:01] in these past weeks and months
[10:03] me and my peers entered a
[10:05] competition and we competed
[10:08] against almost 20 other schools
[10:11] in the district.
[10:14] We won.
[10:16] We triumphed.
[10:19] We can win and wants to compete
[10:20] nationally.
[10:23] Against other winners.
[10:25] And we also came out on top.
[10:27] So I just want to say and give
[10:29] thanks to brian.
[10:31] Well he's been our angel
[10:33] throughout our journey and I
[10:34] just want to say that I've been
[10:36] able to meet many people like
[10:39] mike bezos and the and and the
[10:41] mayor of denver, mike johnston
[10:44] and I never thought that in my
[10:47] life that I'd be able to meet
[10:51] all these important people or
[10:55] like come face to face with
[10:59] them.
[11:03] But after those encounters i
[11:06] realized that what we're doing
[11:09] has actually become a real
[11:12] thing and this ceremony is
[11:15] proof of that.
[11:18] So I thank you guys.
[11:21] Hello everyone.
[11:25] I'm brian hodge molina.
[11:28] And I wanted to take this
[11:30] opportunity to thank the city
[11:33] council and brian gray's office
[11:35] and martin martinelli
[11:38] especially for all the help
[11:40] they provided us through our
[11:42] journeys from freshman from
[11:43] just junior sorry to now
[11:46] heading off to college.
[11:47] And I wanted to make a
[11:48] commitment to not let the work
[11:49] end, to continue the work and
[11:51] to continue.
[11:53] Pushing up.
[11:55] Boston's youth.
[11:57] >> thank you.
[11:58] Hi, bruce um tech boston
[12:01] academy and I work for the two
[12:03] youth leaders here they are the
[12:05] directors of quality homes
[12:07] humankind.
[12:09] The program director and the
[12:11] outreach director.
[12:13] And just you know, from my
[12:15] perspective this started two
[12:17] years ago with a situation
[12:19] of violence in order to one,
[12:20] two, four you know, tech boston
[12:21] academy we had a shooting we've
[12:23] had violence in our community
[12:26] and these young people had had
[12:29] enough and they did research.
[12:32] We we hit we hit the road
[12:34] outside their peers to find out
[12:38] what's what what's the reason
[12:41] what's going on?
[12:43] Um, they discovered a lack
[12:46] of belonging and a sense of um
[12:49] not no upward mobility or not
[12:51] enough upward mobility in
[12:53] housing that was transitional.
[12:56] We put they put together a
[12:58] class.
[13:01] they came to me and say can we
[13:04] have a class and put together
[13:07] an advocacy class?
[13:11] We did that.
[13:14] They actually wanted to have a
[13:17] nonprofit so that we wouldn't
[13:22] look like a passion project.
[13:25] They did that.
[13:28] They entered the aspen
[13:30] challenge won the city
[13:33] of boston's aspen challenge.
[13:36] They did that.
[13:38] They were invited to the aspen
[13:41] institute and they were
[13:44] informed that the aspen
[13:47] institute and the business
[13:50] foundation they'll be they'll
[13:52] be honored in the basis
[13:55] foundation aspen report is
[13:59] having the most youth impact in
[14:03] their 2026 report reflecting us
[14:06] in boston public school tech,
[14:10] boston academy, the city
[14:13] council and the city of boston
[14:16] they did that.
[14:20] We are grateful to the boston
[14:26] foundation for giving us a
[14:30] planning grant so these
[14:35] students could work over the
[14:40] summer every day for 20 plus
[14:45] meetings from business owners
[14:49] in 02124 clergy members, banks
[14:52] ,um restaurant owners, um
[14:56] people that they met in aspen,
[15:01] the mayor of denver and his
[15:05] staff I could go on.
[15:10] >> and on.
[15:14] And on and I have never seen in
[15:20] the 23 years that I've been in
[15:24] boston with so many people from
[15:29] the community including parents
[15:34] come in to say this is what we
[15:39] want in our community and I'm
[15:44] proud to say and give a shout
[15:48] out to action for equity.
[15:52] Our first mou was signed with
[15:56] action for equity.
[16:01] These young folks wrote not
[16:05] only wrote the grant for um the
[16:08] boston foundation but did the
[16:12] mou with action for equity and
[16:16] they.
[16:19] Will we will be.
[16:23] Co-sponsoring a hvac
[16:25] refrigeration certification
[16:28] course at tech boston meeting
[16:31] every thursday.
[16:35] And five of our graduates are
[16:39] that need a launchpad are going
[16:43] to be in that program and we
[16:46] are going to find jobs for them
[16:51] and we already have potentially
[16:54] jobs lined up with mass safe
[16:58] they did that.
[17:02] I have never in all my years
[17:06] and I've been at tech boston
[17:11] for 23 years.
[17:15] I know why the school was
[17:20] founded with mayor menino.
[17:24] I know why the school was
[17:29] probably with mary skipper and
[17:33] the and the support of the
[17:36] community.
[17:40] I have never seen the
[17:45] leadership of these young men
[17:50] have as much impact as I've
[17:55] seen over the past year.
[18:00] We should all be very, very
[18:05] proud because this is the
[18:09] rising generation of what we
[18:13] want to see in 02124.
[18:18] And on behalf of all of us,
[18:22] just trust us and help us
[18:26] activate this because we need
[18:30] to see this happen.
[18:33] We are we are totally convinced
[18:36] that this model.
[18:38] Of transitional housing
[18:43] belonging, entrepreneurship,
[18:46] asset building that they came
[18:50] up with is the solution
[18:53] of building a safer community
[18:57] in 01202124 and for the city
[19:01] of boston.
[19:06] So I work for these young men
[19:11] it's their idea and they should
[19:15] they should just get a shot up
[19:19] for all this and thank you for
[19:24] action, for equity, for
[19:28] believing in us.
[19:32] you know councilor worrell
[19:37] you're you are you thought we
[19:41] were you never thought we were
[19:45] crazy doing this and he has
[19:50] been an absolute as a kiss an
[19:55] angel supporting us from matt
[20:00] martinelli every single step
[20:05] of the way when he comes into
[20:08] tech boston he's brian okay.
[20:12] And we just we just thank you a
[20:15] great deal and thank you thank
[20:19] you for the city
[20:23] council because this is the
[20:26] type of civic learning that we
[20:31] want as a civics teacher.
[20:36] We want to be partnered with
[20:41] you.
[20:45] We want to be accessible.
[20:49] We want you to be able to walk
[20:53] into the building or pick up
[20:59] the phone like hey we how do we
[21:04] do this grant who do we talk
[21:10] to?
[21:14] And that's what's been
[21:19] happening.
[21:23] It's a whole new view of how
[21:27] we're working with with with
[21:33] you folks and let's just
[21:38] continue this work.
[21:43] Thank you.
[21:47] I would like to.
[21:52] Tax my colleagues to come up to
[21:55] for a group picture.
[21:59] Matt matt, I don't know if you
[22:03] want to.
[22:08] Join too because you had a big
[22:13] role in this matt matt matt
[22:17] matt come on up.
[22:21] Frequently through each other.
[22:24] It's about yeah.
[22:27] Okay I'll show you.
[22:31] Yeah so.
[22:34] Thank you thank you so much.
[22:37] That supports your first matt
[22:40] appreciate you.
[22:43] Oh yeah.
[22:46] Why don't you leave me.
[22:50] >> yeah this needs to.
[22:55] Congratulations.
[22:59] >> what an incredible
[23:03] achievement.
[23:07] I think we look forward to a
[23:11] bright future for all these
[23:13] young men and the great work
[23:16] that they've been doing and, uh
[23:20] ,we look forward to seeing
[23:24] what they're going to do next.
[23:28] So continued success wish that
[23:32] wish you that um our next
[23:36] presentation um is who's my.
[23:39] Get mine.
[23:43] >> it's my uh I'm happy to have
[23:47] the opportunity to introduce
[23:50] another wonderful group
[23:54] of young folks here on behalf
[23:57] of boston to belfast youth
[24:01] empowerment.
[24:03] I understand I just learned a
[24:07] few and an hour ago that
[24:10] councilor murphy's daughter is
[24:13] a coach with this incredible
[24:16] organization.
[24:18] Um, and there MAY there maybe
[24:22] have been a lot of buzz this
[24:25] summer about scotland and the
[24:29] tartan army and our sister new
[24:32] sister city edinburgh.
[24:35] But both boston and belfast
[24:40] have been sister cities for
[24:43] over a decade.
[24:47] The friendship for college
[24:50] hockey tournament is held every
[24:52] year in boston and belfast,
[24:55] featuring american college
[24:59] hockey teams to celebrate the
[25:02] bond between boston and belfast
[25:05] and for the past seven years
[25:09] boston to belfast youth
[25:12] empowerment have provided
[25:15] cultural exchange opportunities
[25:18] for youth hockey players in
[25:22] boston.
[25:26] Every year representatives from
[25:30] boston travel to belfast to
[25:34] play with local teams, take in
[25:37] the culture, build leadership
[25:39] skills and become very more
[25:42] civically minded.
[25:45] Today we joined by members
[25:48] of allston, brighton youth
[25:51] hockey and dorchester youth
[25:53] hockey making this trip making
[25:56] the trip this year um and I
[26:00] think from those of you who
[26:04] know me I've always believed
[26:08] the sports are a very powerful
[26:12] tool in shaping young adults
[26:15] and I want to thank steve and
[26:19] patrice, um and everyone else
[26:23] involved in making this
[26:25] wonderful experience happening
[26:29] happen this year.
[26:33] So I'd like to invite you all
[26:36] up to come up and um, come up
[26:39] and present your story telling
[26:44] us tell us a little more about
[26:47] it and um, wish you all the
[26:52] best for your trip to belfast.
[26:56] Thank you so much.
[26:58] Just hit it around.
[27:01] So we have youth hockey players
[27:03] from alton, brighton and
[27:06] dorchester and sophie and uh,
[27:10] I'd love to hear more about
[27:14] your organization and and the
[27:18] importance of this trip to
[27:22] belfast.
[27:26] Yeah, well, thank you very
[27:30] much.
[27:34] >> in fact, uh,
[27:37] council PRESIDENT You stole a
[27:40] little my thunder there about
[27:44] what it's all about, but, um.
[27:48] Yes, uh, this boston of belfast
[27:52] youth empowerment is a private
[27:56] nonprofit organization that I
[28:00] started uh, several years ago,
[28:03] uh, when mayor walsh
[28:06] established a sister city
[28:10] agreement with belfast and our
[28:14] program uses the sport
[28:17] of hockey really just as a
[28:21] link.
[28:26] To teach kids, um, between the
[28:29] ages of 13 and 15 about, uh,
[28:33] leadership, civic engagement,
[28:37] uh, cultural awareness and
[28:40] learning for respecting other
[28:43] cultures.
[28:46] I've had kids from every
[28:49] neighborhood in the city
[28:53] of boston participate in this
[28:57] year as well as uh, PRESIDENT
[29:01] Brayden said we have youths
[29:06] representing the um uh
[29:11] dorchester in austin bright
[29:15] neighborhoods.
[29:20] The local benefit of that is
[29:23] they get to meet kids from
[29:27] other part of the city, which
[29:30] is great.
[29:34] Uh, the other benefit of course
[29:38] is meeting peer youth over in
[29:42] belfast with the differences
[29:47] there which many of you are
[29:51] aware well aware of uh, really
[29:55] on um mostly religious um and
[29:59] nationalistic grounds.
[30:04] So our job is to try to help
[30:08] them have a broader view of um,
[30:13] building bridges between the
[30:22] two communities.
[30:27] We do get the opportunity.
[30:32] It's great to be here today.
[30:37] Well, we really appreciate the
[30:41] opportunity.
[30:45] We'll have a similar experience
[30:50] in belfast.
[30:56] We will go before the city
[31:02] council as well.
[31:08] We'll meet the lord mayor.
[31:13] Uh the system of government
[31:20] there changes every year.
[31:26] New mayor comes in every year.
[31:32] Um, we'll also get to meet the,
[31:37] uh consul general to the us uh
[31:42] ,from northern ireland as
[31:47] well.
[31:50] So civic is a real big part
[31:55] of what we do.
[31:59] I think the kids don't always
[32:03] get the benefit
[32:07] of understanding how government
[32:13] works for them.
[32:18] Uh, quick little side story.
[32:22] We were at the statehouse last
[32:27] week uh, last month and, um,
[32:32] the house leader mentioned, uh,
[32:35] one inch instance of how state
[32:39] government works for them.
[32:43] many of the hockey rinks in
[32:46] greater boston are still
[32:49] controlled by dcr.
[32:52] And he mentioned if the zamboni
[32:55] breaks down that's a state
[32:57] government issue, which was
[33:00] really an interesting way to
[33:02] put it, but it shows it can
[33:06] really impact um, youth in ways
[33:10] that they never would have
[33:13] imagined.
[33:16] So um, I want to just end what
[33:20] I'm saying here with um with a
[33:23] quote and PRESIDENT Breadon
[33:26] sort of touched on a little bit
[33:29] about the power of sport.
[33:33] Uh, and it's a quote from
[33:37] nelson mandela which is sport
[33:40] has the power to change the
[33:42] world.
[33:45] It has the power to inspire.
[33:47] It has the power to unite
[33:49] people in a way that little
[33:51] else does.
[33:53] It speaks to youth and a
[33:55] language they understand sport
[33:58] can create hope will once there
[34:00] was only despair.
[34:03] So we're not in despair but um
[34:06] we're thrilled to be able to
[34:09] represent the city that's
[34:11] really what we're primarily do
[34:13] we're representing the city
[34:15] of boston, uh, in a very
[34:17] positive way with elected
[34:19] officials over there and peers
[34:21] over there as well.
[34:23] We'll have a new group of kids
[34:25] next year as well from
[34:27] different neighborhoods in the
[34:29] city.
[34:31] So uh, we really appreciate for
[34:33] this opportunity to come before
[34:37] you and talk a little bit about
[34:39] what we do.
[34:42] Thank you very much.
[34:44] I do want to introduce you to.
[34:46] >> your staff.
[34:49] Um.
[34:51] >> you know, I'm just for the
[34:53] benefit of so you know who they
[34:55] are might come on it.
[34:57] Um, I'm going to introduce the
[34:59] folks who are with me today and
[35:01] ask them just to give you a
[35:03] little quick wave so you know
[35:05] who they are.
[35:08] So starting with the youth
[35:10] participants marianne ahern,
[35:12] eli ching, maggie gianola it's
[35:15] rory neil finn peterson,
[35:18] mckenna civic, wyatt young and
[35:21] also with me I have uh one
[35:23] of our program leaders and
[35:26] chaperons patrice girard and
[35:29] also um, mike crowley who was
[35:31] uh, served in a similar
[35:33] capacity on a different year's
[35:35] program and uh teacher in the
[35:37] boston public schools as well.
[35:39] So thanks again for that.
[35:42] Senator, do you want to take a
[35:44] picture?
[35:46] You got us all in with
[35:48] PRESIDENT.
[35:51] Colleagues to come up.
[35:53] Uh, but before they do that I,
[35:56] uh this is a an official
[35:58] resolution, uh, from the city
[36:02] of the boston city council be
[36:04] it resolved that the city
[36:07] of boston boston city
[36:10] council extend this
[36:14] congratulations to boston to
[36:17] belfast.
[36:20] Use of parliament.
[36:23] Program uh, in recognition
[36:27] of their innovative use
[36:29] of sport to instill leadership
[36:32] skills, civic engagement,
[36:35] cross-cultural awareness,
[36:38] community service, friendship
[36:41] and respect uh, between and
[36:44] among boston and belfast teams
[36:47] and be further resolved that
[36:50] the boston city council extends
[36:53] its best wishes for continued
[36:57] success and that this
[37:01] resolution be duly signed by
[37:05] the city council PRESIDENT And
[37:07] attested to and a copy thereof
[37:11] transmitted by the traffic
[37:14] of the city of boston.
[37:17] Congratulations.
[37:21] And uh, thank you very much.
[37:23] Yes, we sure will.
[37:25] Thank you so much.
[37:27] And if anyone is looking for
[37:30] any additional information on
[37:34] the program, matt has my
[37:36] contact info and I'd be happy
[37:39] to talk to any one of you or
[37:42] collectively uh, any time after
[37:46] this.
[37:49] So thanks again.
[37:52] So when I ask my colleagues to
[37:55] come up for a photograph.
[37:58] Oh, beautiful.
[38:01] I'm.
[38:04] >> sure just saw she's because
[38:07] she's.
[38:11] Yes you guys true we're sitting
[38:14] at the bar.
[38:17] Yeah thank come in.
[38:21] Yeah.
[38:24] Sorry I.
[38:27] >> but you get that all the
[38:30] time.
[38:33] But not all right I can't.
[38:36] Thank you thank you.
[38:39] Thank you thank you very much.
[38:42] Appreciate the opportunity to.
[38:46] Express.
[38:49] >> I I mean I had to be.
[38:53] Saved okay.
[38:57] Thank you for the opportunity
[39:01] and for.
[39:05] All I know I I know.
[39:09] Thank you everyone.
[39:13] It's such a pleasure to have
[39:17] our young people in in the
[39:21] chamber this afternoon.
[39:26] We're now on to the first order
[39:30] of business which is the
[39:34] approval of the minutes from
[39:39] the meeting of AUGUST 5th,
[39:43] 2026.
[39:48] All in favor say aye.
[39:52] All opposed say nay.
[39:54] The ayes have it.
[39:58] the minutes of the AUGUST 5th
[40:02] meeting are approved.
[40:07] We now on to communications
[40:11] from her honor the mayor.
[40:15] Mr chair, could you please read
[40:20] docket.
[40:24] 1589.1589 message not
[40:29] authorizing the city of boston
[40:32] to accept and expend amount
[40:35] of $40,000 in the form of a
[40:39] grant the simone foundation
[40:42] charitable donation grant
[40:47] awarded by frank r and
[40:51] elizabeth simone foundation
[40:57] inc. To be administered by the
[41:02] police department to grant with
[41:07] funds supporting the work
[41:12] of the homicide unit.
[41:16] Thank you.
[41:20] >> the chair recognizes the
[41:24] chair of um public safety.
[41:27] Uh, councilor santelli, you
[41:31] have the floor.
[41:35] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[41:40] The bureau of investigative
[41:46] services homicide unit has
[41:51] received.
[41:56] Dedicated funding.
[42:01] >> from a private family
[42:05] foundation to support
[42:08] investigative excellence and
[42:12] enhance operational
[42:16] effectiveness.
[42:19] The grant provides resources in
[42:22] three key areas specialized
[42:26] training, investigative
[42:30] overtime and advanced um
[42:34] investigative technology and
[42:37] equipment.
[42:41] This grant will strengthen the
[42:44] unit unit's ability to solve
[42:48] homicides, identify.
[42:51] Um and I hand offenders,
[42:54] support victims and families
[42:57] and ultimately improve public
[43:00] safety.
[43:03] As chair of the public safety
[43:07] and criminal justice committee,
[43:10] I recommend that this docket
[43:13] number 1589.
[43:16] brought to.
[43:18] >> pass.
[43:21] Thank you.
[43:24] >> councilor santana
[43:27] constantine to seek suspension
[43:30] of the rules and passage
[43:33] of docket 1589.
[43:36] All in favor say aye.
[43:39] All opposed say nay.
[43:43] Um.
[43:47] >> MR. Clerk, could you please
[43:51] take a roll call?
[43:54] Vote on docket 1589.
[43:58] Councilor breadon.
[44:01] Yes.
[44:05] Council.
[44:07] Breadon.
[44:10] Yes.
[44:13] Council.
[44:16] Collette as a partner.
[44:18] Yes.
[44:20] Councilor collette as a
[44:22] partner.
[44:24] Yes.
[44:27] Councilor.
[44:30] Culpeper.
[44:32] Councilor.
[44:36] Culpeper.
[44:39] Yes.
[44:42] Councilor.
[44:45] Durkan.
[44:48] Councilor.
[44:50] Fitzgerald.
[44:53] Yes.
[44:56] Council.
[44:59] Fitzgerald.
[45:02] Yes.
[45:05] Councilor.
[45:07] Flynn.
[45:10] Yes.
[45:13] Councilor.
[45:16] Flynn.
[45:18] Yes.
[45:21] Councilor.
[45:24] Louijeune.
[45:27] Yes.
[45:30] Councilor.
[45:34] Louijeune.
[45:38] Yes.
[45:42] Councilor.
[45:45] mejia.
[45:48] Councilor.
[45:51] Murphy.
[45:54] Councilor.
[45:57] Murphy.
[46:00] Yes.
[46:04] Councilor.
[46:07] Pippin.
[46:10] Councilor.
[46:13] Pin.
[46:17] Yes, councilor.
[46:20] Santana.
[46:23] Yes, councilor.
[46:26] Santana.
[46:28] Yes.
[46:30] Councilor weber and councilor.
[46:32] World.
[46:35] Yeah.
[46:37] Council.
[46:40] World.
[46:44] Yes I can number 1589 as we
[46:48] see.
[46:52] Ten votes in the affirmative.
[46:55] Thank you.
[46:58] Docket one five.
[47:01] Yep.
[47:03] Nine has passed.
[47:06] MR. Clerk, can you please read
[47:07] docket 1590.
[47:10] Doc number 1590 message nine
[47:12] for the confirmation of the
[47:14] reappointment of robin kasper
[47:17] as a member of the building
[47:19] emissions reduction and
[47:20] disclosure.
[47:23] Ordinance review board for a
[47:26] term expiring AUGUST 24th, 2029
[47:28] .
[47:31] Thank you.
[47:34] >> docket 1590 will be referred
[47:36] to the committee on
[47:39] environmental justice,
[47:42] resiliency and parks.
[47:45] Well, you know, on to reports
[47:48] of public officers and others
[47:51] uh, as per rule 39 no remarks
[47:52] or communications from
[47:55] councilors at this time.
[47:57] Mr chair, could you please read
[48:00] docket 1591 through 1596.
[48:01] ducking number 1591 notice I
[48:03] received from the mayor uh, the
[48:05] appointment of anne murray as a
[48:07] member of the chinatown trust
[48:11] fund committee.
[48:13] For a.
[48:16] Term expiring AUGUST 3rd, 2031
[48:19] dorking number 1592 notice
[48:21] received from the mayor of the
[48:24] appointment of helen chan kwong
[48:27] is a member of the chinatown
[48:30] trust fund committee for a term
[48:32] explain AUGUST 3rd 2031 second
[48:34] number 1593 notice received
[48:35] from the mayor of the
[48:37] appointment of adam c to bomb
[48:39] as chair of the boston election
[48:40] commission for a term expiring
[48:42] MARCH 31st 2030 second of a1594
[48:43] notice received from the city
[48:45] clerk in accordance with
[48:47] chapter six of the ordinances
[48:49] of 1979 regarding action taken
[48:51] by the mayor on papers acted
[48:53] upon by the city council at its
[48:54] meeting of AUGUST 5th 2026
[48:56] talking of a1595 communication
[48:58] was received from renato
[48:59] costello, director of the
[49:01] office of participatory
[49:03] budgeting on the report
[49:05] entitled uh entitled ideas and
[49:08] action evaluation and review
[49:10] of the fiscal year 26 cycle
[49:13] 2025 2026 docket number 1596
[49:15] communication was received from
[49:17] the law department regarding
[49:20] the open meeting law complaint
[49:22] filed in city council on AUGUST
[49:24] 5th, 2026.
[49:26] Dog number 1538.
[49:27] Thank you dockets 159131596
[49:28] will be placed on file.
[49:30] Mr chair, could you please read
[49:31] docket 1597?
[49:33] I can have a159 saying
[49:34] communication was received from
[49:35] the city clerk by the front by
[49:37] the city clerk from boston
[49:38] landmarks commission for city
[49:40] council action on the
[49:42] designation of the petition
[49:43] number 305. 26 the folsom house
[49:44] three four folsom avenue
[49:45] mission hill in effect after
[49:46] SEPTEMBER 13th, 2026 if not
[49:47] acted upon.
[49:48] Thank you.
[49:50] >> chair recognizes
[49:51] councilor fitzgerald, the vice
[49:53] chair of the committee on
[49:54] planning, development and
[49:56] transportation.
[49:57] You have the floor.
[49:59] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[50:01] Uh, as.
[50:03] Vice chair.
[50:05] Of the committee, this proposed
[50:07] designation of the folsom house
[50:09] was.
[50:12] Initiated in 2020 2026 after a
[50:14] petition was submitted by
[50:16] registered voters to the boston
[50:18] landmarks commission.
[50:20] I have spoken with both the
[50:23] chair of the committee.
[50:26] Uh.
[50:28] >> as well as members of the
[50:30] community and it is supported
[50:32] throughout and so I'd ask for
[50:33] passage today.
[50:35] >> thank you.
[50:36] Thank you.
[50:38] Uh, the vice chair of the
[50:39] committee on planning
[50:41] development and transportation
[50:42] seeks, uh, acceptance uh,
[50:44] passage of docket 1597.
[50:46] All in favor please say I.
[50:48] Uh.
[50:49] >> all opposed.
[50:50] Say nay.
[50:51] Um, the ayes have it.
[50:52] Docket 1597 has passed.
[50:54] Dunstable councilmember.
[50:55] Thank you.
[50:56] Pardon?
[50:58] MISTER Chair, would you mind,
[50:59] um, taking a roll call vote on
[51:00] docket 1597.
[51:01] councilor breadon.
[51:02] Yes, councilor breadon.
[51:02] Yes.
[51:03] Councilor collette as a
[51:05] partner.
[51:06] Yes.
[51:07] Councilor as a partner.
[51:08] Yes.
[51:10] Council.
[51:11] Culpeper.
[51:12] Councilor.
[51:13] Culpeper.
[51:15] Yes.
[51:17] Councilor.
[51:18] Durkan.
[51:19] Councilor.
[51:20] Fitzgerald.
[51:22] Yes.
[51:23] Councilor for joe.
[51:24] Yes.
[51:26] Councilor.
[51:27] Flynn.
[51:29] Council and yes.
[51:30] Councilor louijeune.
[51:31] Councilor.
[51:33] Louijeune.
[51:34] Yes.
[51:35] Concilor mejia here
[51:36] councilor murphy.
[51:37] Councilor.
[51:38] Murphy.
[51:40] Yes.
[51:42] Council.
[51:43] Pipkin.
[51:44] Councilor kearney has
[51:46] councilor santana.
[51:47] Councilor.
[51:50] Santana.
[51:53] Yes.
[51:56] Council.
[51:58] Weber councilor.
[52:00] World.
[52:01] Talk number 1597 as received
[52:03] nine goals in the affirmative.
[52:05] Thank you.
[52:08] >> docket 1597 has passed.
[52:11] Mr chair, could you please read
[52:13] docket 1598.
[52:16] Docket number 1598 the
[52:18] constable bonds of darius agnew
[52:20] ,yvonne buchanan,
[52:22] kevin castagna, roselyn caso
[52:24] three cote chesterfield daniel
[52:25] copeland, mark and claudia
[52:26] these and saint james, william
[52:27] joyce, manuel mendez, paul.
[52:29] Morelli, john us.
[52:30] Morales, robert.
[52:31] Ryan shannon and joseph segal
[52:33] singletary junior haven't been
[52:34] duly approved by the collector
[52:34] treasurer.
[52:35] We're received.
[52:36] Thank you.
[52:37] >> docket 1598 is approved
[52:38] under the usual terms and
[52:39] conditions.
[52:40] We are now on to reports
[52:41] of committees.
[52:43] Mr truck, could you please read
[52:44] docket 1235.
[52:46] Talking number 123 for the
[52:47] committee on government
[52:49] operations.
[52:51] Two which was.
[52:53] Referred on JUNE 24th 2026 and
[52:55] number 1235 petition for a
[52:56] special law and knack relative
[52:58] to pension benefits for
[52:59] firefighter richard lopez
[53:00] submits a report recommending
[53:02] that the order uh to pass and a
[53:04] new draft.
[53:06] Thank you mr chair recognizes
[53:07] consider committees as part
[53:09] of the chair of the committee
[53:11] of government operations.
[53:13] You have the floor.
[53:14] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[53:16] This matter was originally
[53:17] sponsored by councilor and we
[53:19] that pen and referred to the
[53:20] committee on JUNE 24th 2026.
[53:21] Uh, a summary of this is pretty
[53:23] straightforward.
[53:24] It's seeking to increase
[53:24] richard lopez's accidental
[53:25] disability retirement benefits
[53:26] .
[53:27] He is a retired city of boston
[53:28] firefighter and all this homer
[53:30] petition seeks to do is revise
[53:31] his original um petition uh
[53:33] disability benefits by
[53:34] increasing the annual amount
[53:36] of pension payable the annual
[53:37] amount that MAY be earned in
[53:39] addition to the petitions
[53:41] petitioners annual pensions
[53:43] allowance reimbursement
[53:45] compensation and benefits
[53:47] allowance and disbursement for
[53:49] his beneficiaries.
[53:52] We originally held a hearing on
[53:53] this back in 2024 and heard
[53:55] testimony from the petitioner
[53:57] following the hearing.
[53:58] The petition was passed by this
[53:59] council on AUGUST 7th, 2024 and
[54:01] approved by the mayor on AUGUST
[54:03] 15th, 2024 upon request from
[54:04] the petitioner to make changes
[54:05] uh based on feedback from the
[54:07] state legislature to change it
[54:08] to 80% which is compliance with
[54:09] uh, federal law.
[54:10] Um, this is all uh that this
[54:11] whole petition is doing is just
[54:12] amending it by inserting the
[54:13] words 80% um, as opposed to
[54:14] 100%.
[54:15] There's details from the
[54:16] hearing that we held including
[54:17] uh the information received, uh
[54:18] details of his incident etc. Um
[54:19] ,but based on all of this as
[54:20] the chair of the committee and
[54:21] government operations, I
[54:22] recommend moving the listed
[54:23] docket from the committee to
[54:24] the full council for discussion
[54:25] before my action.
[54:26] And at this time my
[54:27] recommendation is that, uh,
[54:28] this ought to pass in a new
[54:28] draft and now I'll pass it over
[54:29] to the original co-sponsor
[54:29] council.
[54:30] Thank you.
[54:31] >> the chair recognizes
[54:31] councilor pepen council, you
[54:32] have the floor.
[54:33] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[54:34] And thank you to my colleague.
[54:35] For giving that amazing
[54:35] summary.
[54:36] Yes.
[54:36] Just I want to repeat anything.
[54:37] This is very much just a simple
[54:38] amendment to our home in
[54:39] petition that we passed back in
[54:39] 2024.
[54:41] Um well I've been in
[54:41] conversation with the state
[54:42] house and representative robin
[54:43] savo about how we can help this
[54:44] former firefighter get his
[54:45] benefits uh, from 72% to 80%.
[54:47] Given that little has.
[54:48] Changed with his homework
[54:49] petition, I simply asking my
[54:51] colleagues to support this
[54:53] passage immediately to me so
[54:55] that it could be sent to the
[54:56] state house.
[54:57] So thank you to the chair
[54:58] of the gov ops committee and to
[55:00] the PRESIDENT For for this.
[55:02] So I ask my colleagues to pass
[55:03] this to me.
[55:05] Thank you.
[55:07] Thank you.
[55:08] The chair of the committee on
[55:10] government operations seeks
[55:11] acceptance of the committee
[55:13] report and passage of docket
[55:14] 1235 and a new draft.
[55:16] All in favor say I all opposed
[55:18] .
[55:19] Say nay.
[55:20] MR. Clerk, could you please
[55:21] take a roll call?
[55:22] Vote on docket 1235.
[55:23] Councilor brie.
[55:24] Yes.
[55:25] Councilor breadon.
[55:26] Yes.
[55:27] Council colette as a partner.
[55:28] Counselor color as a yes
[55:29] counselor.
[55:30] culpeper.
[55:31] Counselor.
[55:32] Culpeper.
[55:33] Yes.
[55:33] Counselor.
[55:34] Durkan.
[55:35] Councilor.
[55:38] Fitzgerald.
[55:40] Yes.
[55:42] Counselors.
[55:43] Yes, counselor.
[55:45] Flynn.
[55:47] Yes, counselor.
[55:49] Flynn.
[55:51] Yes.
[55:53] Counselor.
[55:55] Louijeune.
[55:57] Yes.
[55:59] Counselors and yes.
[56:01] Councilor me here.
[56:02] Counselor murphy.
[56:04] Yeah.
[56:06] Counselor.
[56:07] Murphy.
[56:09] Yes, counselor pen councilor a
[56:10] pen.
[56:11] Yes, counselor.
[56:13] Santana.
[56:14] Yeah.
[56:15] Counselor.
[56:16] Santana.
[56:18] Yes.
[56:20] Counselor weber and counselor
[56:22] earl talking about 1235 as
[56:23] received nine votes in the
[56:25] affirmative.
[56:26] Thank you.
[56:28] >> docket 1235 has passed and a
[56:29] new draft.
[56:30] Mr drug, could you please read
[56:32] dockets 1401 uh and 1402
[56:33] together.
[56:36] Docket number 1401 the
[56:37] committee on environmental
[56:39] justice resiliency and parks
[56:41] which was referred on JULY 22nd
[56:42] 2026 doc and number 1401
[56:44] message you know approving the
[56:46] receipt of a conservation
[56:47] restriction on land at zero
[56:49] dale street, boston, mass.
[56:51] So 2136 the grant title of the
[56:53] land is located at suffolk
[56:55] county registry of deeds at
[56:56] book number 70459 page 316.
[56:58] That description of the land
[56:59] includes all the land in boston
[57:00] suffolk county, massachusetts
[57:02] containing the entirety of a
[57:03] 44,137 square foot parcel
[57:05] of land which premises is which
[57:07] land is located is unnumbered.
[57:09] Also known as zero dale street
[57:10] in the high park district
[57:12] of the city of boston and the
[57:13] in the records of the assessing
[57:14] department as parcel number
[57:16] 180 819 8000 and in the
[57:17] informally the property of the
[57:19] former boston and providence
[57:20] railroad company for the bond
[57:22] and in described according to a
[57:23] plan of survey made by harry
[57:24] feldman inc civil engineers and
[57:25] land surveyors joseph l calabro
[57:27] jr registered land surveyor
[57:28] number 15998 dated JANUARY
[57:29] 18th, 1993 and recorded at
[57:30] suffolk county registry at this
[57:31] book 24453 page 302 submits a
[57:33] report recommended the order to
[57:34] pass tucker number 1402 the
[57:36] committee on environmental
[57:37] justice resiliency and parks to
[57:39] which was referred on JULY 22nd
[57:40] 2022 and number 1402 message
[57:41] you note approving the receipt
[57:42] of a conservation restriction
[57:44] on land at one 9198 was the
[57:45] street boston, mass 02127 the
[57:46] grant is title of.
[57:48] The land is located at suffolk
[57:49] county registry deeds at book
[57:50] number 71757 page 35 that
[57:52] description of the land
[57:54] includes all the land in boston
[57:55] suffolk county, massachusetts
[57:56] containing the entirety of the
[57:58] parcels of land totaling
[57:59] 4655ft2 of land more or less
[58:01] known as the sister mary
[58:02] veronica park shown as lot five
[58:04] ,lot six seven, flood eight
[58:05] and lot nine on the survey
[58:07] dated AUGUST 12th, 2025.
[58:09] Total plot plan one 9198 west
[58:11] eight streets of boston, mass.
[58:12] And prepared by choice
[58:14] consulting group, braintree,
[58:16] massachusetts submits a report
[58:17] recommending that the order are
[58:19] to pass.
[58:21] Thank you, mr chair.
[58:23] Chair recognizes councilor wu,
[58:25] the chair of the committee on
[58:27] environmental justice
[58:28] resiliency and.
[58:30] Parks.
[58:31] >> you have the floor.
[58:33] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[58:34] On friday, AUGUST 21st we had a
[58:36] hearing in the committee
[58:38] of environmental justice was
[58:40] only seeing parks.
[58:42] This was in conjunction with
[58:43] these two land transfer
[58:44] parcels.
[58:46] The first is a 44,137 square
[58:48] foot parcel at zero daly street
[58:49] that is part of sharon woods
[58:50] and ron rosendale.
[58:52] The second is the 4655 square
[58:54] foot parcel called sister mary
[58:55] veronica park on west eighth
[58:57] street in south boston.
[58:58] We were joined by councilors
[59:00] finn and murphy and we heard
[59:01] from parks director of design
[59:03] and construction kathy baker
[59:05] eclipse.
[59:07] She explained that both parcels
[59:08] were acquired by using cpa
[59:10] funds by the parks department.
[59:12] These dockets about approving
[59:14] the conservation restriction
[59:15] which will ensure that this
[59:16] remains as open space.
[59:18] As chair of the committee on
[59:19] biomet of justice, resiliency
[59:21] and parks, my recommendation is
[59:23] that these matters ought to
[59:25] pass.
[59:27] Thank you.
[59:29] Thank you.
[59:31] >> the chair of the committee
[59:33] on environment.
[59:35] We take these dockets
[59:37] separately.
[59:39] We start with docket 1401.
[59:41] The chair of the committee on
[59:43] environmental justice
[59:45] resiliency and parks seeks
[59:47] acceptance of the committee
[59:49] report porch and passage
[59:50] of docket 1401.
[59:52] All in favor say I all opposed.
[59:54] Say nay.
[59:56] Mr clerk, could you please take
[59:57] a roll call?
[59:59] Vote on docket 1401.
[1:00:01] Councilor breadon yes.
[1:00:03] Council brain.
[1:00:05] Yes, counselor.
[1:00:07] Color as a partner.
[1:00:09] Counselor.
[1:00:11] Classify.
[1:00:12] Yes, counselor.
[1:00:14] Culpeper.
[1:00:16] Counselor.
[1:00:18] Culpeper.
[1:00:20] Yes, counselor.
[1:00:22] Durkan.
[1:00:24] Counselor.
[1:00:26] Fitzgerald.
[1:00:27] Counselor.
[1:00:29] Show.
[1:00:30] Yes, counselor.
[1:00:32] Flynn.
[1:00:34] Counselor.
[1:00:36] Flynn.
[1:00:38] Yes.
[1:00:39] Counselor.
[1:00:41] Louijeune.
[1:00:42] Yes.
[1:00:44] Solution.
[1:00:45] Yes.
[1:00:47] Councilor me here.
[1:00:48] Counselor.
[1:00:50] Murphy.
[1:00:51] Murphy.
[1:00:53] yes.
[1:00:54] Council.
[1:00:56] Pippin.
[1:00:57] Counselor.
[1:00:59] Venus.
[1:01:01] Councilor.
[1:01:02] Santana.
[1:01:04] Counselor.
[1:01:07] Santana.
[1:01:08] Yes.
[1:01:10] Counselor.
[1:01:11] Weber.
[1:01:14] Councilor.
[1:01:16] Earl.
[1:01:18] Yeah.
[1:01:19] Council.
[1:01:21] Earl.
[1:01:23] Yes.
[1:01:25] Talking 1401 has received ten
[1:01:27] votes in the affirmative.
[1:01:29] Thank you.
[1:01:31] The committee report is
[1:01:33] accepted and docket 1401 has
[1:01:35] passed.
[1:01:37] The chair of the committee on
[1:01:39] environmental justice
[1:01:40] resiliency and parks seeks
[1:01:42] acceptance of the committee
[1:01:44] report and passage of docket
[1:01:46] 1402.
[1:01:48] All in favor say aye.
[1:01:50] All opposed say nay.
[1:01:51] Um, mr trayer, could you please
[1:01:52] take a roll call?
[1:01:54] Vote on docket 1402.
[1:01:54] Counselor brain.
[1:01:55] Yes, sabrina has cancer kill as
[1:01:57] a purple.
[1:01:58] Yes.
[1:02:00] Yes, counselor.
[1:02:02] Culpeper.
[1:02:03] Counselor.
[1:02:04] Culpeper.
[1:02:05] Yes, counselor.
[1:02:06] Durkan.
[1:02:07] Counselor.
[1:02:09] Fitzgerald.
[1:02:10] Yes.
[1:02:11] Councilor.
[1:02:12] Fitzgerald.
[1:02:14] yes.
[1:02:15] Counselor.
[1:02:16] Flynn.
[1:02:18] Yes.
[1:02:19] Counselor.
[1:02:20] Flynn.
[1:02:21] Yes.
[1:02:21] Counselor.
[1:02:23] Louijeune.
[1:02:24] Yes.
[1:02:25] Counselors and yes.
[1:02:26] Counselor.
[1:02:28] Mejia.
[1:02:29] Counselor murphy.
[1:02:30] Counselor.
[1:02:31] Murphy.
[1:02:32] Yes.
[1:02:34] Council.
[1:02:35] Pippin.
[1:02:37] Counselor.
[1:02:38] Happiness council.
[1:02:39] Santana.
[1:02:41] Yes, counselor.
[1:02:42] Santana.
[1:02:43] Yes, counselor.
[1:02:44] Weber.
[1:02:46] Counselor a counselor.
[1:02:48] Oh yes.
[1:02:49] Talking of a1402 has received
[1:02:50] ten votes in the affirmative.
[1:02:52] Thank you.
[1:02:53] >> docket 1402 has passed.
[1:02:54] MR. Clerk, could you please
[1:02:56] read docket 1403831409 together
[1:02:57] ?
[1:02:58] Talking to 1403 the committee
[1:03:00] on environmental justice
[1:03:01] resiliency and facts which was
[1:03:02] referred on JULY 22nd 2026
[1:03:03] talks number 1403 message in
[1:03:05] order for the confirmation
[1:03:07] of the reappointment of sameera
[1:03:08] ahmadi as a member of the
[1:03:09] building emissions reduction
[1:03:10] and disclosure ordinance review
[1:03:11] board for a term expiring MAY
[1:03:12] 23rd 2029 submits a report
[1:03:13] recommending that the
[1:03:14] reappointment ought to be.
[1:03:16] Confirmed.
[1:03:17] >> talking about 1404 the
[1:03:18] committee on environmental
[1:03:19] justice resiliency and parks.
[1:03:20] To which was referred on JULY
[1:03:21] 22nd 2026 doc number 1404
[1:03:22] message in order for the
[1:03:24] confirmation of the
[1:03:25] reappointment of jessica
[1:03:25] beauvais as a member of the
[1:03:26] building emissions reduction
[1:03:27] and disclosure ordinance review
[1:03:29] board for a term expiring APRIL
[1:03:30] 24th, 2029 submits a report
[1:03:31] recommending that the
[1:03:32] reappointment to be confirmed
[1:03:32] doctor number 1405 the
[1:03:34] committee on environmental
[1:03:35] justice resiliency and parks to
[1:03:35] which those referred on JULY
[1:03:36] 22nd 2026 messages on a further
[1:03:38] confirmation of the
[1:03:38] reappointment of steven ellis
[1:03:39] as a member of the building
[1:03:40] emissions reduction and
[1:03:42] disclosure ordinance review
[1:03:43] board a term expiring MAY 26th,
[1:03:43] 2029 submits a report
[1:03:45] recommending that the
[1:03:45] reappointment ought to be
[1:03:46] confirmed.
[1:03:47] Docket number 1406 the
[1:03:48] committee on environmental
[1:03:49] justice resiliency and parks
[1:03:50] which was referred on JULY 22nd
[1:03:51] 2026.
[1:03:52] Ducky number 1406 message in
[1:03:54] order for the confirmation
[1:03:55] of the reappointment of hassan
[1:03:56] .
[1:03:57] Farooqi as a member of the
[1:03:58] building emissions reduction
[1:03:59] and disclosure ordinance review
[1:04:00] board for a term expiring MARCH
[1:04:01] 19th, 2029 submits a report
[1:04:02] recommending that the
[1:04:03] reappointment to be.
[1:04:04] Confirmed.
[1:04:05] >> ducky number 1407 the
[1:04:06] committee on environmental
[1:04:07] justice resiliency and parks
[1:04:08] which was referred JULY 22nd
[1:04:09] 2026 as a general for the
[1:04:10] confirmation of the
[1:04:11] reappointment of lori ferris as
[1:04:12] a member of the building
[1:04:13] emissions reduction and
[1:04:14] disclosure ordinance review
[1:04:14] board.
[1:04:15] For a.
[1:04:16] >> term expiring JULY 13th,
[1:04:17] 2029 submits a report
[1:04:18] recommending that the
[1:04:19] reappointment are to be
[1:04:20] confirmed.
[1:04:21] Dorking number 1408 the
[1:04:22] committee in environmental
[1:04:23] justice, resiliency and parks
[1:04:23] which was referred JULY 22nd
[1:04:24] 2026 message in order for the
[1:04:25] confirmation of the
[1:04:25] reappointment of gail.
[1:04:26] Latimer as a member of the
[1:04:27] building emissions reduction
[1:04:28] and disclosure ordinance review
[1:04:29] board for a term expiring APRIL
[1:04:29] 24th, 2029 submits a report
[1:04:30] recommending that the
[1:04:31] reappointment ought to be
[1:04:32] confirmed.
[1:04:33] Ducky number 1409 the committee
[1:04:34] on environmental justice
[1:04:34] resiliency and parks which was
[1:04:35] referred on JULY 22nd 2026
[1:04:36] message in order for the
[1:04:37] confirmation of the appointment
[1:04:38] of camillo as quickly as a
[1:04:38] partner as a member of the
[1:04:39] building emissions reduction
[1:04:39] and disclosure ordinance review
[1:04:40] board for a term expiring JULY
[1:04:40] 20th, 2029 submits a report
[1:04:41] recommending the appointment to
[1:04:42] be confirmed.
[1:04:42] Thank you MR.
[1:04:43] Chair recognizes
[1:04:44] councilor worrell, the chair
[1:04:45] of the committee on
[1:04:46] environmental justice
[1:04:47] resiliency and parks.
[1:04:48] You have the floor.
[1:04:48] thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:04:49] On friday, AUGUST 21st the
[1:04:50] committee on environmental
[1:04:51] justice, resiliency and parks
[1:04:52] held a hearing on the seven
[1:04:53] dockets pertaining to the
[1:04:54] building emissions reduction
[1:04:55] and disclosure ordinance review
[1:04:56] board.
[1:04:57] These dockets include the
[1:04:58] reappointments of six current
[1:04:59] board members.
[1:05:00] It also includes the
[1:05:01] appointment of camillo uh as a
[1:05:01] supporter.
[1:05:02] We testify to a strong
[1:05:03] background in environmental
[1:05:04] advocacy and sustainable
[1:05:05] development.
[1:05:06] We have we also heard from
[1:05:07] diana vasquez, a senior berto
[1:05:08] policy manager on hand from the
[1:05:09] council where councilors flynn
[1:05:10] and murphy uh the terms of all
[1:05:10] these reappointments and new
[1:05:11] appointments are three year
[1:05:12] terms and will expire in 2029
[1:05:13] as chair of the committee on
[1:05:14] environmental justice
[1:05:15] resiliency and parks, my
[1:05:16] recommendation that these
[1:05:17] matters ought to pass.
[1:05:18] Thank you.
[1:05:19] Thank you, councilor worrell.
[1:05:20] Uh, we're going to vote on
[1:05:22] these dockets separately.
[1:05:23] The chair of the committee on
[1:05:23] uh environmental justice
[1:05:25] resiliency and parks seeks
[1:05:26] acceptance of the committee
[1:05:26] report and passage of docket
[1:05:27] 1403.
[1:05:28] All in favor say aye.
[1:05:29] Aye.
[1:05:30] All opposed say nay.
[1:05:31] The ayes have it.
[1:05:32] Thank you.
[1:05:33] The committee report has been
[1:05:34] accepted and docket 1403 has
[1:05:35] passed and the appointment is
[1:05:36] confirmed.
[1:05:37] The chair of the committee on
[1:05:38] uh environmental justice
[1:05:39] resilience in park seeks
[1:05:40] acceptance of the committee
[1:05:41] report and the passage
[1:05:42] of docket 1404.
[1:05:43] All in favor say I all opposed.
[1:05:44] Say nay.
[1:05:45] Thank you.
[1:05:45] The committee report has been
[1:05:46] accepted and docket 1404 has
[1:05:47] passed and the appointment is
[1:05:47] confirmed.
[1:05:48] The chair of the committee on
[1:05:48] environmental justice
[1:05:49] resiliency and parks seeks
[1:05:50] acceptance of the committee
[1:05:51] report and passage of docket
[1:05:52] 1405.
[1:05:52] All in favor say I all opposed.
[1:05:53] Say nay.
[1:05:54] Thank you.
[1:05:55] The committee report has been
[1:05:55] accepted and docket 1405 has
[1:05:57] passed and the appointment is
[1:05:58] confirmed.
[1:05:59] The chair of the committee on
[1:06:00] environmental justice
[1:06:01] resiliency and parks seeks
[1:06:02] suspension of the uh seeks
[1:06:02] acceptance of the committee
[1:06:03] report and passage of docket
[1:06:04] 1406.
[1:06:05] All in favor say aye.
[1:06:06] All opposed say nay.
[1:06:06] Thank you.
[1:06:07] The committee report has been
[1:06:08] accepted and docket 1406 has
[1:06:09] passed and the appointment is
[1:06:10] confirmed.
[1:06:10] The chair of the committee on
[1:06:11] environmental justice,
[1:06:12] resiliency and parks seeks
[1:06:13] acceptance of the committee
[1:06:14] report and and passage
[1:06:15] of docket 1407.
[1:06:15] All in favor say aye.
[1:06:16] All opposed say nay.
[1:06:17] Uh thank you.
[1:06:17] docket 1407 has passed on the
[1:06:18] appointment as confirmed.
[1:06:19] The chair of the committee on
[1:06:19] environmental justice
[1:06:20] resiliency and parks six
[1:06:20] suspend acceptance of the
[1:06:21] committee report and passage
[1:06:22] of docket 1408.
[1:06:23] All in favor say aye.
[1:06:23] All opposed say nay.
[1:06:24] Thank you.
[1:06:24] The committee report has been
[1:06:25] accepted on docket 1408 has
[1:06:26] passed.
[1:06:26] Um, the appointment is
[1:06:27] confirmed.
[1:06:27] The chair of the committee on
[1:06:28] environmental justice
[1:06:29] resiliency and parks seeks
[1:06:30] acceptance of the committee
[1:06:31] report and passage of docket
[1:06:32] 1409.
[1:06:32] All in favor say aye.
[1:06:34] All opposed say nay.
[1:06:35] Thank you.
[1:06:36] The committee report has been
[1:06:36] accepted and docket 1409 is
[1:06:37] passed and the appointment is
[1:06:38] confirmed.
[1:06:39] Thank you.
[1:06:39] Mr clerk, could you please read
[1:06:40] docket 1514.
[1:06:41] Talking about 1514 the
[1:06:41] committee on planning,
[1:06:42] development and transportation
[1:06:43] to which was referred AUGUST
[1:06:43] 5th 2026 talking of a1514
[1:06:44] message in order to declare a
[1:06:45] surplus city owned property
[1:06:46] currently under the management
[1:06:47] of the mayor's office
[1:06:48] of housing and transfer the
[1:06:49] care, custody, control and
[1:06:49] management thereof to the
[1:06:50] public facilities commission.
[1:06:50] The property comprised
[1:06:51] comprises two unnumbered
[1:06:52] parcels located in manila
[1:06:52] castle boulevard in the roxbury
[1:06:53] district ward nine parcel
[1:06:53] number 0222 5000 and 02240000.
[1:06:54] The surplus will will allow the
[1:06:54] city to lead a transfer of the
[1:06:55] land to the boston planning and
[1:06:55] development agency pursuant to
[1:06:56] a 2002 memorandum of agreement
[1:06:56] between the city, epd and
[1:06:57] massdot submits a report
[1:06:57] recommending that the order to
[1:06:58] pass.
[1:06:58] Thank you.
[1:06:59] The chair recognizes uh
[1:07:00] councilor fitzgerald, the vice
[1:07:00] chair of the committee on
[1:07:01] planning, development and
[1:07:01] transportation until you have
[1:07:01] the floor.
[1:07:02] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:07:03] The committee received
[1:07:04] information from the
[1:07:05] administration regarding docket
[1:07:05] 1514 considered a part of what
[1:07:06] is known as the crescent parcel
[1:07:06] .
[1:07:07] The crescent parcel is an
[1:07:07] approximately 70 70 72,905
[1:07:08] square foot site composed
[1:07:09] of eight parcels of vacant
[1:07:09] land.
[1:07:09] The various parcels are owned
[1:07:10] by the bpd, massdot and the
[1:07:10] city of boston.
[1:07:10] Located on a prominent corner
[1:07:10] at the intersection of melania
[1:07:11] castle boulevard and tremont
[1:07:11] street.
[1:07:12] The property abuts the madison
[1:07:12] park housing development to the
[1:07:13] west and saint catherine drexel
[1:07:13] parish church to the southwest.
[1:07:14] The property is located in both
[1:07:15] the campus high school and the
[1:07:15] south in urban renewal areas
[1:07:15] and within a boulevard planning
[1:07:16] district with overlays to
[1:07:17] underlying subdistricts.
[1:07:18] The bpd, massdot and city
[1:07:18] of boston are parties to a
[1:07:19] certain memorandum of agreement
[1:07:20] executed in MARCH of 2002,
[1:07:20] under which the parties agreed
[1:07:21] to designate the bpd to
[1:07:21] establish and implement a
[1:07:22] development and disposition
[1:07:23] plan for the property.
[1:07:23] Since the original tentative
[1:07:24] designation, the bpd has
[1:07:25] acquired the parcel owned by
[1:07:25] massdot at this location.
[1:07:26] The parties agreed that prior
[1:07:26] to awarding final designation
[1:07:27] of the property, the bpd will
[1:07:28] acquire the city of boston
[1:07:28] properties, all of which are
[1:07:29] part of the rfp prior to a
[1:07:29] ground lease.
[1:07:30] These properties MAY be
[1:07:31] consolidated once under the
[1:07:32] ownership of the bre in order
[1:07:33] to define better property lines
[1:07:33] and for legal, regulatory and
[1:07:34] permitting processes.
[1:07:34] Having eight different parcels
[1:07:35] creates additional
[1:07:36] complications that can cause an
[1:07:36] undue burden on the developer.
[1:07:37] The bpa will enter into a long
[1:07:37] term 70 year ground lease for
[1:07:37] the crescent parcel on NOVEMBER
[1:07:37] 18th, 2021.
[1:07:38] The bre awarded tentative
[1:07:38] designation to drexel village
[1:07:39] llc is the developer of the
[1:07:39] crescent parcel and extended
[1:07:39] their tentative designation
[1:07:40] status on JUNE 16th, 2020 to
[1:07:40] DECEMBER 15th, 2020 to JUNE
[1:07:41] 15th, 2023 DECEMBER 14th, 2023
[1:07:41] JUNE 13th, 2024 and DECEMBER
[1:07:42] 12th 2024.
[1:07:42] The developer's proposal was
[1:07:43] designed with input from the
[1:07:43] roxbury strategic master plan
[1:07:44] oversight committee and
[1:07:45] includes the development of 217
[1:07:45] affordable rental units, retail
[1:07:46] and cafe space on tremont
[1:07:46] street and community space
[1:07:46] located in a building on an
[1:07:47] abutting parcel.
[1:07:47] all eight parcels must be
[1:07:48] transferred to the bpa so they
[1:07:48] can officially designate this
[1:07:49] property to the developer.
[1:07:49] The bpa has since acquired the
[1:07:50] parcels from massdot but these
[1:07:50] two parcels remain.
[1:07:50] As vice chair of the committee
[1:07:51] on planning development
[1:07:51] transportation, I recommend
[1:07:52] moving the listed docket from
[1:07:52] the committee to the full
[1:07:52] council for discussion and
[1:07:53] formal action.
[1:07:53] At this time my recommendation
[1:07:54] to the full council will be
[1:07:54] that this matter ought to pass.
[1:07:55] Thank you.
[1:07:55] Thank you,
[1:07:55] councilor fitzgerald.
[1:07:56] The chair recognizes
[1:07:56] councilor culpepper.
[1:07:57] Councilor, you have the floor.
[1:07:57] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:07:57] I am supportive of declaring
[1:07:57] these two city owned parcels on
[1:07:58] mill near cash surplus and
[1:07:58] taking the necessary steps to
[1:07:58] move the crescent parcel
[1:07:58] project forward at a time when
[1:07:59] boston continues to face an
[1:07:59] affordable housing crisis.
[1:08:00] We should be looking at every
[1:08:00] opportunity to use publicly
[1:08:01] owned land to to create housing
[1:08:01] that roxbury residents can
[1:08:02] afford.
[1:08:02] This project would create 217
[1:08:03] affordable rental units in
[1:08:04] roxbury along with retail, cafe
[1:08:04] and community space.
[1:08:04] This is the kind of development
[1:08:05] I want to see on public land
[1:08:05] when the city has property that
[1:08:05] can be transformed from vacant
[1:08:06] land into hundreds
[1:08:06] of affordable homes, we should
[1:08:07] be doing everything we can to
[1:08:07] responsibly move those projects
[1:08:08] forward.
[1:08:08] the crescent party has gone
[1:08:09] through a community planning
[1:08:09] process that included input
[1:08:10] from the roxbury to master plan
[1:08:10] oversight committee.
[1:08:11] We talk frequently in this
[1:08:11] chamber about the need to build
[1:08:12] more affordable housing and
[1:08:12] create opportunities for
[1:08:13] residents to remain in the
[1:08:14] communities they serve.
[1:08:14] This is an opportunity to
[1:08:15] translate that commitment into
[1:08:15] more than 200 new affordable
[1:08:16] homes in roxbury, where those
[1:08:16] residents can call home.
[1:08:16] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:08:17] Thank you, councilor culpeper.
[1:08:17] Um, the vice chair of the
[1:08:17] committee on planning
[1:08:18] development and transportation
[1:08:19] seeks acceptance of the
[1:08:19] committee report and passage
[1:08:20] of docket 1514.
[1:08:20] All in favor say aye.
[1:08:21] All opposed, say nay.
[1:08:21] Thank you.
[1:08:22] The committee report has been
[1:08:22] accepted and docket 1514 has
[1:08:22] passed.
[1:08:23] We're now on to matters
[1:08:23] recently heard.
[1:08:24] MR. Clerk, could you please
[1:08:25] read docket 1391.
[1:08:25] Dog number 1391 message in
[1:08:26] order authorizing the city
[1:08:27] of boston to accept and expend
[1:08:27] the amount of $12,855,000 in
[1:08:28] the form of a grant awarded by
[1:08:29] the bloomberg philanthropies.
[1:08:30] Be administered by the office
[1:08:30] of workforce development.
[1:08:30] The grant will fund the skilled
[1:08:31] trades initiative which aims to
[1:08:31] enhance vocational training,
[1:08:31] expand pre apprenticeship
[1:08:31] opportunities and support
[1:08:32] students participation in
[1:08:33] registered apprenticeship
[1:08:33] programs.
[1:08:33] the initiative focuses focuses
[1:08:34] on student persistence and
[1:08:35] completion, employer engagement
[1:08:35] and program coordination to
[1:08:35] build pathways in the
[1:08:36] construction industry, water
[1:08:36] utility management and others
[1:08:37] skilled trades.
[1:08:37] This will be administered in
[1:08:38] collaboration with the boston
[1:08:38] public schools.
[1:08:38] Thank you mr track.
[1:08:38] The chair recognizes um the
[1:08:39] vice chair of the committee on
[1:08:40] labor and economic development
[1:08:40] councilor.
[1:08:40] Well, councilor, you have the
[1:08:40] floor.
[1:08:41] Uh, thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:08:42] The committee on labor and
[1:08:42] economic development held a
[1:08:42] hearing on tuesday, AUGUST 25th
[1:08:43] to discuss a grant awarded from
[1:08:43] bloomberg philanthropies
[1:08:43] following a panelist testifying
[1:08:44] on behalf of the administration
[1:08:44] chief of worker empowerment
[1:08:44] chen wen deputy chief of work
[1:08:45] permit jody sugarman, frozen
[1:08:45] assistant superintendent,
[1:08:46] office of college career and
[1:08:47] life readiness for brett
[1:08:47] dickens boston public schools
[1:08:48] and madison park technical
[1:08:48] vocational high school leader
[1:08:49] paul neal and on hand from the
[1:08:49] council were cassius flynn,
[1:08:49] murphy, fitzgerald and
[1:08:49] culpeper.
[1:08:50] The administration presented
[1:08:50] the committee with a detailed
[1:08:51] breakdown and overview of how
[1:08:51] the funds will be allocated
[1:08:51] across city departments.
[1:08:52] Bloomberg philanthropies works
[1:08:52] to ensure that students gain
[1:08:52] the skills and opportunities
[1:08:53] needed to thrive in the 21st
[1:08:53] century by centering students
[1:08:54] needs and expanded pathways for
[1:08:54] young people to greater access
[1:08:55] to college and universities or
[1:08:55] stronger career and technical
[1:08:55] training.
[1:08:56] The organization is committed
[1:08:56] to giving more students the
[1:08:56] chance to.
[1:08:57] >> reach.
[1:08:57] Their full potential.
[1:08:58] The investment will support
[1:08:59] four strategies.
[1:09:00] The first is building a
[1:09:00] pipeline toward the skilled
[1:09:00] trades by embedding a built in
[1:09:01] pathways pre apprenticeship
[1:09:01] program at madison part
[1:09:02] vocational tech high school.
[1:09:02] The second is expanding the
[1:09:02] pipeline to grow from 50 to at
[1:09:03] least 100 registered
[1:09:03] apprenticeship seats each year.
[1:09:04] The third is expanding the
[1:09:04] program to provide for pre
[1:09:05] apprenticeship and
[1:09:05] apprenticeship seats to
[1:09:05] students across beeps for an
[1:09:06] after hours program at madison
[1:09:06] park.
[1:09:06] And a fourth is introducing 400
[1:09:06] to 500 and eighth graders to
[1:09:06] opportunities in the building
[1:09:07] trades at madison park through
[1:09:07] targeted recruitment.
[1:09:07] The 2026 cohort will include 19
[1:09:07] students, 15 of whom
[1:09:08] participated in the building
[1:09:08] pathways bootcamp program, 14
[1:09:09] of whom completed the program.
[1:09:10] And the grant period runs from
[1:09:10] 2020 APRIL 2026 to.
[1:09:11] JUNE of 2029 and funds will be
[1:09:11] allocated as follows.
[1:09:12] 90% will go directly toward
[1:09:12] program costs and 6% will go
[1:09:13] toward program coordination.
[1:09:13] We have public testimony for
[1:09:13] the need to have some of these
[1:09:13] apprenticeship programs closer
[1:09:13] to where students live or go to
[1:09:13] school rather than being
[1:09:14] centralized at madison.
[1:09:14] We also heard a desire for more
[1:09:14] work to be done to reach young
[1:09:14] adults between the ages of 18
[1:09:14] and 25.
[1:09:14] At this time my recommendation
[1:09:14] to the full council will be
[1:09:15] that this matter ought to pass.
[1:09:15] Thank you.
[1:09:15] Thank you.
[1:09:15] Council will adjourn.
[1:09:15] Recognizes councilor murphy.
[1:09:16] Councilor, you have the floor.
[1:09:16] Um thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:09:16] And thank you to the chair for
[1:09:16] holding this important hearing.
[1:09:16] And the panelists gave us some
[1:09:17] great information.
[1:09:17] We're in the first of what I
[1:09:17] believe three years of this
[1:09:17] important grant.
[1:09:18] But I do just want to uplift
[1:09:18] the voices of the students.
[1:09:19] So I'm not sure if you
[1:09:19] advocated for that chair, but
[1:09:20] it was good to hear from the
[1:09:20] students directly, especially
[1:09:20] students who don't attend
[1:09:21] madison park and just trying to
[1:09:21] figure out how we as a city can
[1:09:21] make sure that we're giving
[1:09:21] these opportunities to students
[1:09:22] all across the city.
[1:09:22] But I participated in this
[1:09:22] hearing to learn more about the
[1:09:23] $12.85 million bloomberg
[1:09:23] philanthropy grant.
[1:09:23] I've always been a strong
[1:09:24] supporter of vocational
[1:09:24] education because I know
[1:09:24] firsthand how important it is
[1:09:24] to advocate for different types
[1:09:24] of education and training so
[1:09:25] that our students need to
[1:09:25] succeed.
[1:09:25] A traditional four year college
[1:09:25] education is not the only path
[1:09:25] to a rewarding and financially
[1:09:26] secure future.
[1:09:26] This grant will expand pre
[1:09:26] apprenticeship and registered
[1:09:26] apprenticeship opportunities in
[1:09:26] construction, water utility
[1:09:26] management and other skilled
[1:09:27] trades providing our students
[1:09:27] with direct pathways to
[1:09:28] well-paying careers.
[1:09:28] So I am supporting this um
[1:09:29] grant and this important
[1:09:30] investment and look forward to
[1:09:30] following it through.
[1:09:30] I know I um asked questions
[1:09:31] about what are the guardrails
[1:09:32] and how do we check and what
[1:09:32] types of supports are there to
[1:09:33] make sure our students are not
[1:09:33] just getting these
[1:09:33] opportunities, but we're seeing
[1:09:34] them through that.
[1:09:34] They're actually landing the
[1:09:34] jobs that this training will
[1:09:35] provide for them.
[1:09:35] So looking forward to working
[1:09:35] alongside cultural and the
[1:09:36] office of workforce development
[1:09:36] to ensure that our students get
[1:09:36] what they need.
[1:09:36] Thank you.
[1:09:37] Thank you.
[1:09:37] >> councilor murphy.
[1:09:38] The chair recognizes
[1:09:38] councilor culpeper
[1:09:38] councilor you have the floor.
[1:09:39] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:09:39] I support accepting this grant
[1:09:40] from bloomberg philanthropies.
[1:09:40] This is a significant
[1:09:41] investment in vocational
[1:09:41] education, free apprenticeship
[1:09:42] opportunities and pathways into
[1:09:42] registered apprenticeships in
[1:09:43] the skilled trades.
[1:09:43] As mentioned by
[1:09:44] councilor liberal.
[1:09:44] We realize that this grant is
[1:09:44] not just a medicine part
[1:09:44] vocational training under
[1:09:45] objective three it will include
[1:09:45] the ruth batson school, the
[1:09:45] boston collaborative, the
[1:09:45] fenway school and tech boston
[1:09:46] and boston international who
[1:09:47] all participate in this grant
[1:09:47] under objective three.
[1:09:47] Madison park needs and deserves
[1:09:47] this investment.
[1:09:48] For too long we've talked about
[1:09:48] the potential of madison park
[1:09:48] while the school has operated
[1:09:48] in a facility that does not
[1:09:48] reflect the quality
[1:09:48] of vocational education that we
[1:09:49] should be providing our young
[1:09:49] people as we work toward a new
[1:09:49] madison park through the msba
[1:09:50] process.
[1:09:50] We also need to invest in the
[1:09:50] programs and that's exactly
[1:09:50] what this $12 million will do
[1:09:50] to invest in the programs,
[1:09:50] equipment, partnerships and
[1:09:51] career opportunities available
[1:09:51] to the students who are there
[1:09:51] today.
[1:09:51] We also need to recognize that
[1:09:52] success at the high school does
[1:09:52] not have one definition.
[1:09:52] College is an important pathway
[1:09:53] but it is not the only pathway
[1:09:53] .
[1:09:53] We should be exposing our young
[1:09:53] people to careers that MAY not
[1:09:54] always be the most traditional
[1:09:54] path after high school, but
[1:09:54] they can provide good paying
[1:09:54] jobs, rewarding careers and
[1:09:54] opportunities for economic
[1:09:55] mobility without requiring a
[1:09:55] four year degree.
[1:09:55] Chapter 74 programs can provide
[1:09:55] students with extensive
[1:09:56] technical training, industry
[1:09:56] credentials, cooperative
[1:09:57] education and pathways into
[1:09:58] employment and apprenticeships.
[1:09:59] So I strongly support accepting
[1:09:59] these funds, but I also want to
[1:09:59] make sure that this investment
[1:10:00] strengthens the institution
[1:10:00] that's at the center
[1:10:01] of vocational and technical
[1:10:01] education in the city of boston
[1:10:02] .
[1:10:03] If we are serious about the
[1:10:03] future, if we're serious about
[1:10:04] madison park, that commitment
[1:10:05] has to extend beyond rebuilding
[1:10:05] the building.
[1:10:06] It also means investing in
[1:10:06] students, investing in programs
[1:10:07] and investing in careers
[1:10:08] pathways inside the school.
[1:10:09] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:10:10] Thank you.
[1:10:11] >> councilor culpepper.
[1:10:11] The chair recognizes
[1:10:12] councilor flynn.
[1:10:12] Councilor, you have the floor.
[1:10:13] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:10:13] I just want to acknowledge the
[1:10:13] hearing that councilor worrell
[1:10:14] conducted was very informative.
[1:10:14] An hour and 45 minutes, almost
[1:10:14] two hours.
[1:10:15] But we learned a great deal
[1:10:15] about.
[1:10:15] How this grant.
[1:10:15] Can help people access skills
[1:10:15] such as.
[1:10:16] Hvac or culinary arts or in the
[1:10:16] building trades.
[1:10:16] It was very informative and I
[1:10:16] am here to support.
[1:10:17] The the recommended amount and
[1:10:17] want to acknowledge the
[1:10:17] critical questioning important
[1:10:17] questioning from
[1:10:18] council culpeper asking as many
[1:10:18] questions relevant questions
[1:10:19] about what the grant will do
[1:10:19] and how will impact students
[1:10:19] and young people across across
[1:10:20] the city and I agree I believe
[1:10:20] this is about social economic,
[1:10:20] racial justice.
[1:10:20] We want to ensure every child
[1:10:21] especially children and young
[1:10:21] adults uh, communities of color
[1:10:21] have access to good careers and
[1:10:21] the only way you get a good
[1:10:21] career is through education and
[1:10:22] training.
[1:10:22] This will lead us to a path, um
[1:10:23] ,to provide that for
[1:10:23] residents.
[1:10:24] But I also want to continue to
[1:10:24] work on ensuring that we have
[1:10:25] exceptional programing at
[1:10:26] madison park.
[1:10:26] We build a state of the art
[1:10:27] high school madison park high
[1:10:27] school.
[1:10:28] I think it's desperately needed
[1:10:29] um and will support so many
[1:10:29] young people that need to get
[1:10:29] into the trades or want to get
[1:10:29] into.
[1:10:30] Great trades.
[1:10:30] I should say I attended a
[1:10:31] technical high school in boston
[1:10:31] that is closed now it's called
[1:10:31] don bosco high school.
[1:10:31] Um, but many of the fellow
[1:10:32] students that I studied with um
[1:10:32] studied electronics, carpentry,
[1:10:32] printing, woodworking and so
[1:10:32] many other trades but they were
[1:10:32] able to get a significant
[1:10:33] career.
[1:10:33] I talked yesterday for a while
[1:10:33] as as did my colleagues about
[1:10:34] how important it is to learn
[1:10:34] about.
[1:10:35] Hvac training and that's really
[1:10:35] a field for young people to
[1:10:36] master so that they can be
[1:10:36] exceptional on that.
[1:10:37] That's going to be a major a
[1:10:38] major career field uh, for so
[1:10:38] many young people.
[1:10:39] But I do want to acknowledge
[1:10:40] councilor wirral council,
[1:10:40] culpeper um council murphy and
[1:10:41] fitzgerald and the others um
[1:10:41] but especially the the
[1:10:41] questioning from
[1:10:42] councilor councilor um.
[1:10:42] Culpeper because.
[1:10:42] The questioning he was asking
[1:10:43] really provided him with so
[1:10:43] much knowledge, information
[1:10:43] that he's able to learn and use
[1:10:44] that information to help his
[1:10:44] constituents.
[1:10:44] So I would I would encourage my
[1:10:45] colleagues if they if they want
[1:10:45] to watch the video and learn as
[1:10:45] much as they can about
[1:10:45] vocational training in the city
[1:10:46] of boston.
[1:10:46] Um, yes.
[1:10:46] We'll all vote in support
[1:10:47] of the grant.
[1:10:47] It'll be a ten nothing vote but
[1:10:47] it is important to listen and
[1:10:48] watch that video from yesterday
[1:10:48] because it is very
[1:10:49] knowledgeable and it will make
[1:10:49] us better city councilors thank
[1:10:49] you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:10:50] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[1:10:50] The chair of the committee on
[1:10:51] labor and economic development
[1:10:51] seeks acceptance of the
[1:10:52] committee report and passage
[1:10:52] of docket 1391.
[1:10:53] All in favor say aye.
[1:10:54] All opposed say nay.
[1:10:54] Thank you.
[1:10:55] The committee report has been
[1:10:55] accepted and docket 1391 has
[1:10:55] passed.
[1:10:56] We are now on to motions,
[1:10:56] orders and resolutions a
[1:10:56] reminder that under rule 39
[1:10:57] remarks on new matters not up
[1:10:57] for a vote today should be
[1:10:58] limited to three minutes uh,
[1:10:58] for the lead sponsor and two
[1:10:58] minutes for the co-sponsors.
[1:10:58] MR. Clerk, could you please
[1:10:59] read docket 11599.
[1:10:59] Talking of a1599
[1:10:59] councilor colette as a third
[1:10:59] off of the following ordinance
[1:10:59] amending the city of boston
[1:10:59] code section 5-5.20 parental
[1:11:00] paid parental leave for the
[1:11:00] city of boston employees.
[1:11:01] Thank you.
[1:11:01] chair recognizes
[1:11:01] councilor collette as a
[1:11:01] partner.
[1:11:01] You have the floor.
[1:11:02] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:11:02] Um, today is my first, uh,
[1:11:03] official day back in this
[1:11:03] chamber.
[1:11:04] Besides, uh, the budget votes
[1:11:04] after welcoming my son joaquin.
[1:11:05] And taking maternity leave, I
[1:11:05] come back with a new
[1:11:06] perspective as a new mom, um,
[1:11:07] and with an even deeper
[1:11:07] appreciation for what it takes
[1:11:08] to support a family in the
[1:11:09] city.
[1:11:09] Today I'm introducing an
[1:11:09] ordinance to strengthen paid
[1:11:10] parental leave for city
[1:11:10] of boston employees.
[1:11:11] Boston currently provides
[1:11:11] eligible employees with 12
[1:11:11] weeks of parental leave, but
[1:11:11] only the first four weeks are
[1:11:11] paid at 100%.
[1:11:12] The next four are paid at 75%
[1:11:12] and the final four at just 50%.
[1:11:12] If employees need their full
[1:11:12] paycheck and most families in
[1:11:12] boston do, they must surrender
[1:11:13] separately earned sick or
[1:11:13] vacation time to make
[1:11:13] themselves and their families
[1:11:13] whole.
[1:11:13] This ordinance is simple 12
[1:11:14] weeks of parental leave should
[1:11:14] mean 12 weeks at 100% of base
[1:11:14] pay it it preserves the
[1:11:14] existing 12 week benefit and it
[1:11:14] applies to birth, adoption,
[1:11:14] surrogacy and pregnancy loss.
[1:11:14] It preserves equal leave for
[1:11:14] both parents, including when
[1:11:15] both work for the city and it
[1:11:15] modernizes gendered language in
[1:11:15] our existing code.
[1:11:16] This is fundamentally an
[1:11:16] economic issue having a baby is
[1:11:16] expensive.
[1:11:16] childcare is expensive.
[1:11:16] Housing in the city of boston
[1:11:16] is expensive diapers, formula,
[1:11:16] groceries, medical expenses all
[1:11:17] of it adds up at precisely the
[1:11:17] moment when we are telling a
[1:11:17] city employee your paycheck is
[1:11:17] going down and we should ask
[1:11:17] ourselves what message that
[1:11:17] sends to the people we are
[1:11:18] trying to recruit and retain to
[1:11:18] work in the city of boston.
[1:11:18] The city of boston competes
[1:11:19] every day with major
[1:11:19] corporations and institutions
[1:11:19] for talented workers.
[1:11:19] We cannot always compete dollar
[1:11:19] for dollar on salary salary but
[1:11:19] we can compete on values and
[1:11:20] benefits if we want our best
[1:11:20] and brightest to choose public
[1:11:21] service and stay in public
[1:11:21] service, we need to make the
[1:11:21] city of boston a model employer
[1:11:22] chicago, seattle, san francisco
[1:11:22] all pay 12 weeks at 100%
[1:11:22] of their pay.
[1:11:22] New york also 100% of their pay
[1:11:23] at 12 weeks with a separate
[1:11:23] agreement for unions research
[1:11:23] estimates replacing employee
[1:11:23] can cost roughly 21% of their
[1:11:23] annual salary at boston's
[1:11:23] median salary that's
[1:11:24] approximately $17,000 every
[1:11:24] time we lose an employee.
[1:11:24] Research has found that for
[1:11:24] first time mothers who take
[1:11:24] paid leave, they were
[1:11:25] substantially less likely to
[1:11:25] also leave their jobs.
[1:11:25] And this is a fairness issue
[1:11:25] for moms and dads.
[1:11:25] We want fathers and non
[1:11:25] birthing parents home bonding
[1:11:26] with their babies and
[1:11:26] supporting their partners.
[1:11:26] We should not create an
[1:11:26] economic incentive for one
[1:11:26] parent, often the higher earner
[1:11:26] to return to work earlier
[1:11:26] because the family cannot
[1:11:26] afford a reduced paycheck and
[1:11:26] we also cannot separate
[1:11:27] economic security from the
[1:11:27] conversation happening
[1:11:27] nationally right now about
[1:11:27] parental mental health.
[1:11:27] Recent events have forced
[1:11:27] difficult conversations about
[1:11:28] postpartum mental health and
[1:11:28] whether families have enough
[1:11:28] support during an incredibly
[1:11:29] vulnerable period.
[1:11:29] This legislation is not a
[1:11:29] substitute for mental health
[1:11:29] care, but research tells us
[1:11:29] that access to paid leave and
[1:11:29] economic security are
[1:11:30] associated with better maternal
[1:11:30] mental health outcomes.
[1:11:30] No new mother recovering from
[1:11:30] childbirth should spend those
[1:11:30] first few weeks calculating
[1:11:30] whether or not she should
[1:11:31] afford to remain home.
[1:11:31] And I'm getting emotional
[1:11:31] because I know so many of my
[1:11:31] friends that have had this
[1:11:31] conversation with me that feel
[1:11:32] like they are not supported,
[1:11:32] especially during this
[1:11:32] vulnerable time uh, after
[1:11:32] giving birth and unfortunately
[1:11:32] they have to pinch pennies
[1:11:33] during one of the most
[1:11:33] vulnerable times of their lives
[1:11:33] and so I'm open to having
[1:11:34] conversations about a separate
[1:11:34] legislative mechanism to
[1:11:34] identify um, cost offsets.
[1:11:35] Let's not beat around the bush
[1:11:35] here.
[1:11:36] This is going to cost money.
[1:11:36] But I do want to look at the
[1:11:36] data.
[1:11:36] I want to open it up what it
[1:11:36] costs when somebody leaves the
[1:11:36] workforce, what it means to buy
[1:11:37] back uh, vacation and sick time
[1:11:37] .
[1:11:37] And just a note on this to
[1:11:37] three quarters of the folks
[1:11:37] that took paid parental leave
[1:11:37] over the last five years have
[1:11:38] been in both fire and police.
[1:11:39] And so there's something to be
[1:11:39] said here about collective
[1:11:39] bargaining and uh, working with
[1:11:39] our unions so I know my time is
[1:11:39] up so I will cut it short.
[1:11:39] But I just want to thank
[1:11:40] everybody from the bottom of my
[1:11:40] heart for their support during
[1:11:40] these tough few months.
[1:11:40] I love my son, my queen.
[1:11:40] He's out here right now.
[1:11:40] He's with nana and papa.
[1:11:41] Um but I think that this is
[1:11:41] such an important conversation
[1:11:41] to have right now again, based
[1:11:41] on all the conversation that
[1:11:41] we're having nationally about
[1:11:42] postpartum care and postpartum
[1:11:42] support and I think if we're
[1:11:42] serious about supporting
[1:11:42] parents this is the right thing
[1:11:42] to do.
[1:11:42] Thank you.
[1:11:43] Thank you, councilor collette.
[1:11:43] As a partner would anyone like
[1:11:44] to add their name
[1:11:44] councilor culpeper.
[1:11:45] Councilor fitzgerald.
[1:11:45] Councilor flynn.
[1:11:45] Country louijeune contra murphy
[1:11:46] contra pepen conscious santana
[1:11:46] councilor worrell and please
[1:11:47] add the chair thank you.
[1:11:47] Docket 1599 will be referred to
[1:11:47] the committee on government
[1:11:48] operations.
[1:11:48] Mr clerk, could you please read
[1:11:48] docket 1600.
[1:11:48] So ia1600 councilor culpeper
[1:11:49] offer the following ordinance
[1:11:50] to amend the boston human
[1:11:50] rights commission.
[1:11:50] Chair recognizes
[1:11:50] councilor culpeper
[1:11:51] councilor you have the floor.
[1:11:52] Thank you.
[1:11:52] >> MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:11:52] I would like to add
[1:11:52] councilor flynn as a second
[1:11:53] original co-sponsor and request
[1:11:53] suspension of the rules to add
[1:11:53] council as well as a third
[1:11:53] original co-sponsor.
[1:11:54] Councilor uh flynn is added as
[1:11:54] a second and seeing and hearing
[1:11:54] no objections
[1:11:55] councilor williams added a
[1:11:55] third.
[1:11:55] Thank you MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:11:55] When I learned that the boston
[1:11:55] human rights commission had
[1:11:55] been inactive for more than two
[1:11:55] years, I felt compelled to use
[1:11:56] this moment not to simply bring
[1:11:56] the commission back but to ask
[1:11:56] what could we do to rebuild it
[1:11:56] into a stronger institution
[1:11:57] than it was before?
[1:11:57] The need for this commission
[1:11:57] has not diminished during his
[1:11:57] absence.
[1:11:58] Residents continue to
[1:11:58] experience discrimination in
[1:11:58] housing, employment, public
[1:11:58] accommodations and other areas
[1:11:58] of everyday life and they
[1:11:59] deserve an independent local
[1:11:59] adjudicatory body they no exist
[1:11:59] can easily access and can trust
[1:11:59] to fairly investigate and
[1:11:59] resolve complaints when their
[1:11:59] rights have been violated.
[1:11:59] I also want to recognize the
[1:11:59] work the administration and the
[1:12:00] equity cabinet have continued
[1:12:00] to do during the commission's
[1:12:00] absence.
[1:12:00] The equity cabinet and its
[1:12:00] offices play a critical role in
[1:12:00] advancing equity addressing
[1:12:00] discrimination, connecting
[1:12:02] residents with resources and
[1:12:03] improving how the city serves
[1:12:04] as communities.
[1:12:06] but that work and an
[1:12:07] independent human rights
[1:12:09] commission serve different and
[1:12:10] complementary purposes.
[1:12:12] There MAY be circumstances
[1:12:15] where the city itself a city
[1:12:17] department or city policy is
[1:12:19] the subject of a complaint in
[1:12:22] those circumstances especially
[1:12:23] ,residents need an independent
[1:12:25] body with the authority to hear
[1:12:28] the facts, make determinations
[1:12:30] and provide meaningful recourse
[1:12:32] during the fiscal year 27
[1:12:34] budget process, the
[1:12:36] council successfully secured
[1:12:38] $200,000 to preserve funding
[1:12:40] for the human rights commission
[1:12:41] in JULY.
[1:12:43] The civil rights committee then
[1:12:44] held a hearing on the future
[1:12:46] of the commission.
[1:12:47] When we heard from the
[1:12:49] administration, former human
[1:12:50] rights commissioners, civil
[1:12:53] rights advocates and leaders
[1:12:55] of other human rights agencies
[1:12:57] about what worked in the past,
[1:12:59] where gaps existed and what
[1:13:00] have we established a
[1:13:01] commission that should look
[1:13:03] like one of the questions at
[1:13:04] the center of that conversation
[1:13:06] was how we create the
[1:13:08] commission that is not simply
[1:13:10] advisory but that has a
[1:13:12] meaningful and independent role
[1:13:14] in civil rights enforcement.
[1:13:16] I took the feedback and
[1:13:17] recommendations we received at
[1:13:19] that hearing and use them to
[1:13:22] further develop the ordinance I
[1:13:23] am filing today.
[1:13:28] Ultimately, I believe that the
[1:13:34] city has this large and diverse
[1:13:38] as boston is should have an
[1:13:41] independent local institution
[1:13:43] where residents can bring a
[1:13:44] discrimination complaint and
[1:13:46] know there is a fair process
[1:13:47] for determining what happened,
[1:13:49] what recourse is appropriate
[1:13:51] and I look forward to working
[1:13:53] with my colleagues, the
[1:13:55] administration, civil rights
[1:13:57] advocates and community members
[1:13:59] as we continue refining this
[1:14:00] ordinance and move forward to
[1:14:01] restoring the human rights
[1:14:04] commission that is independent,
[1:14:06] accessible and equipped with
[1:14:08] the judicial authorities
[1:14:10] necessary to meaningfully
[1:14:12] protect residents civil rights.
[1:14:13] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:14:14] Thank you.
[1:14:15] Councilor culpepper.
[1:14:15] The chair recognizes
[1:14:16] councilor flynn council you
[1:14:17] have the floor.
[1:14:19] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:14:22] I do want to say thank you to
[1:14:23] councilor culpeper for adding
[1:14:26] me as an original co-sponsor on
[1:14:27] this important ordinance.
[1:14:31] We must always strive to live
[1:14:33] in a city and country with
[1:14:34] civil rights and human rights
[1:14:37] are protected and respected.
[1:14:40] This commission provides a
[1:14:42] critical and important voice
[1:14:44] for those who were
[1:14:45] discriminated against or a
[1:14:47] victim of a hate crime.
[1:14:49] I've worked with the human
[1:14:52] rights commission since I
[1:14:54] started almost nine years ago.
[1:14:57] I'm committed to working with
[1:14:59] city colleagues to ensure we
[1:15:00] remain a city that always
[1:15:01] treats.
[1:15:02] People with respect and
[1:15:03] dignity.
[1:15:05] The human rights commission was
[1:15:08] established under mayor flynn
[1:15:11] and one of my constituents was
[1:15:13] a former was the first director
[1:15:17] a well-respected woman in the
[1:15:20] um lgbtq plus community and
[1:15:24] sanders the commission works to
[1:15:25] ensure full and equal access to
[1:15:27] public services in
[1:15:29] accommodations it receives and
[1:15:30] investigates complaints,
[1:15:33] resolves cases through
[1:15:35] mediation hearings, advocates
[1:15:37] in support of human rights and
[1:15:39] partners with state and federal
[1:15:41] agencies.
[1:15:42] I also want to recognize the
[1:15:44] former commissioners on the
[1:15:46] human rights commission for the
[1:15:48] exceptional work that they did
[1:15:50] for many years.
[1:15:53] I worked, as I mentioned with
[1:15:54] the human rights commission,
[1:15:57] especially after or during the
[1:16:01] pandemic when we saw a large
[1:16:03] anti-asian discrimination,
[1:16:05] anti-asian racism not just here
[1:16:06] in boston but across the
[1:16:10] country and also in support
[1:16:12] of lgbtq plus residents.
[1:16:14] I'm looking forward to a
[1:16:15] future.
[1:16:15] Hearing.
[1:16:17] ,um, a working session to
[1:16:18] discuss this proposal and uh
[1:16:21] again want to say thank you to
[1:16:22] councilor culpepper for the
[1:16:24] critical lead he has provided
[1:16:27] not just on this issue but as a
[1:16:29] civil rights lawyer for many
[1:16:30] years.
[1:16:30] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:16:31] Thank you.
[1:16:32] >> councilor flynn.
[1:16:33] Chair recognizes
[1:16:34] councilor worrell contrary you
[1:16:35] have the floor.
[1:16:36] Uh, thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:16:38] I want to thank
[1:16:39] councilor culpeper, uh, for
[1:16:39] filing this.
[1:16:41] And I also want to thank, uh,
[1:16:42] councilor flynn face continue
[1:16:44] advocacy on this issue.
[1:16:47] Uh, this ordinance responds to
[1:16:48] the advocacy during budget
[1:16:50] season but also to what we
[1:16:52] heard, uh, during that JUNE uh
[1:16:54] ,hearing around uh, the civil
[1:16:56] rights, uh, human rights
[1:16:58] commission um, this ordinance
[1:16:59] gives it to staff in a
[1:17:00] structured need it to meet
[1:17:02] today's challenges and creates
[1:17:03] a more effective process for
[1:17:06] resolving issues at a time when
[1:17:07] civil rights and human rights
[1:17:08] are under attack across this
[1:17:09] country.
[1:17:11] Boston human rights department
[1:17:12] these are tools to protect the
[1:17:14] people right here in our city.
[1:17:16] If someone believe their rights
[1:17:17] have been violated they should
[1:17:19] know where to turn, have
[1:17:21] confidence that their complaint
[1:17:21] will be taken seriously.
[1:17:24] It is time to get this
[1:17:25] department running at full
[1:17:27] strength and living up to its
[1:17:28] full potential.
[1:17:30] Boston cannot sit on the
[1:17:31] sidelines when it comes to
[1:17:33] protecting human and civil
[1:17:33] rights.
[1:17:34] Thank you.
[1:17:37] Thank you thank you
[1:17:37] councilor brown.
[1:17:39] Would anyone like to add their
[1:17:39] name?
[1:17:44] If it's councilor fitzgerald
[1:17:46] cantrell murphy,
[1:17:47] councilor pepen,
[1:17:48] councilor santana, uh, please
[1:17:49] add the chair.
[1:17:51] Thank you.
[1:17:54] Docket 1600 will be referred to
[1:17:55] the committee on government
[1:17:55] operations.
[1:17:59] MR. Clerk, could you please
[1:18:01] read docket 1601.
[1:18:03] So I can have a1601
[1:18:04] councilor worrell uh, for the
[1:18:05] following order for.
[1:18:06] >> a hearing to explore raising
[1:18:09] the percentage of community
[1:18:10] preservation act funds
[1:18:12] dedicated to affordable
[1:18:13] housing.
[1:18:14] Thank you.
[1:18:15] The chair recognizes constable
[1:18:16] country.
[1:18:17] You have the floor.
[1:18:18] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:18:20] I like to, uh, suspend the
[1:18:22] rules and add
[1:18:23] councilor culpeper as an
[1:18:23] original co-sponsor.
[1:18:26] Uh, councilor culpeper so added
[1:18:27] .
[1:18:29] Uh community.
[1:18:29] Thank you.
[1:18:31] The community preservation
[1:18:32] committee has established a
[1:18:34] goal of 50% of funds to be
[1:18:36] devoted to affordable housing
[1:18:39] and 20% each to historical
[1:18:40] preservation and open space and
[1:18:44] recreation, leaving 10% that
[1:18:45] could be directed to any
[1:18:45] category.
[1:18:48] We know that other cities like
[1:18:49] cambridge have opted into using
[1:18:52] the max amount a cpa funding
[1:18:54] allow that translate to 80% for
[1:18:56] the affordable housing bucket
[1:18:58] in 2025 boston using a formula
[1:19:02] that allocated 50% about 19
[1:19:04] million of a total of 40
[1:19:06] million of our cpa funds went
[1:19:08] to affordable housing, leading
[1:19:10] to the creation or preservation
[1:19:12] of approximately 309 unit.
[1:19:15] If we had elected to allocate
[1:19:18] 80% then we could you then we
[1:19:19] could have increased our
[1:19:21] subsidy for affordable housing
[1:19:25] projects by $12 million through
[1:19:28] arpa funding we directed 236
[1:19:30] million to housing supports and
[1:19:30] services.
[1:19:33] Now that arpa money is gone and
[1:19:35] there are no capital funds that
[1:19:36] go directly to affordable
[1:19:38] housing in the city, this
[1:19:39] conversation is about exploring
[1:19:41] how we are allocating our
[1:19:42] funding.
[1:19:43] I do think that amid our
[1:19:45] ongoing housing crunch, it is
[1:19:47] worth considering what it would
[1:19:48] mean to raise raise our
[1:19:50] threshold above the 50%.
[1:19:52] So I'm looking forward to
[1:19:53] discussion and I want to thank
[1:19:54] the boston municipal research
[1:19:56] bureau for the report this
[1:19:58] summer highlighting this issue.
[1:19:58] Thank you.
[1:20:00] Thank you councilor worrell and
[1:20:02] chair recognizes
[1:20:03] councilor culpeper
[1:20:04] councilor you have the floor.
[1:20:06] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:20:07] Thank you councilor wu for
[1:20:10] adding me as a co-sponsor as
[1:20:12] federal resources expire in the
[1:20:15] course of doing affordable
[1:20:18] housing continues to challenge
[1:20:20] our ability to meet the demand
[1:20:21] .
[1:20:22] We should be examining every
[1:20:24] sustainable source of funding
[1:20:26] available to us.
[1:20:27] I look forward to this hearing
[1:20:29] and to hearing from the
[1:20:30] community preservation
[1:20:32] committee, the administration,
[1:20:34] housing advocates and other
[1:20:36] stakeholders about what a
[1:20:38] greater commitment of cpa
[1:20:41] resources to offer affordable
[1:20:42] housing could accomplish.
[1:20:44] The community preservation act
[1:20:46] is one tool we already have
[1:20:47] available.
[1:20:49] Boston currently sets a goal
[1:20:52] of directing 50% of the cpa
[1:20:53] funding toward affordable
[1:20:55] housing, but that allocation is
[1:20:57] not set in stone.
[1:20:59] The boston municipal research
[1:21:01] bureau has estimated that
[1:21:06] directing 80% toward housing
[1:21:07] between 2018 and 2025 would
[1:21:12] have generated an additional
[1:21:14] $65.8 million for housing
[1:21:15] related investments.
[1:21:17] Increasing the housing
[1:21:18] allocation would necessarily
[1:21:20] involve choices about the other
[1:21:22] important purposes supported by
[1:21:24] cpa does so.
[1:21:26] This hearing gives us an
[1:21:28] opportunity to understand those
[1:21:30] tradeoffs and determine whether
[1:21:32] the current allocation reflects
[1:21:34] the urgency of boston's housing
[1:21:36] needs.
[1:21:37] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:21:38] Thank you, councilor culpepper
[1:21:39] .
[1:21:41] Would anyone like to add their
[1:21:42] name?
[1:21:45] Councilor flynn,
[1:21:46] councilor fitzgerald
[1:21:47] council louijeune
[1:21:49] councilor clever sir patrick
[1:21:52] murphy contra pepen
[1:21:53] councilor santana um, please
[1:21:54] add the chair.
[1:21:55] Thank you.
[1:21:58] Docket 1601 will be referred to
[1:21:59] the committee on housing and
[1:22:00] community development.
[1:22:02] MR.
[1:22:05] Please read docket 1602 but beg
[1:22:07] your pardon?
[1:22:08] Uh, councilor pepen, I see you
[1:22:09] have your letter.
[1:22:10] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:22:12] Point of clarification.
[1:22:13] I'm the chair of both the.
[1:22:14] Of the committee on housing and
[1:22:16] community preservation.
[1:22:16] Where this.
[1:22:17] >> be more fitting for the
[1:22:18] community.
[1:22:19] Preservation committee.
[1:22:21] I actually think under these
[1:22:22] circumstances it should go to
[1:22:25] um cpa so yes we will um.
[1:22:30] And again I'm the charitable so
[1:22:31] I'm more than glad to host.
[1:22:32] >> this.
[1:22:33] I think.
[1:22:34] >> it's one of those things uh
[1:22:36] the the can I took a brief
[1:22:38] recess to just consider this
[1:22:40] brief recess.
[1:22:41] >> yeah, yeah, I really yeah.
[1:22:54] Yes.
[1:22:57] >> I think uh, since the the
[1:22:58] entire discussion is around
[1:23:00] cpa, I think and you're the
[1:23:01] chair of both I think we'll put
[1:23:02] it to the, uh, community
[1:23:03] preservation committee.
[1:23:05] Thank you.
[1:23:12] So docket um, docket 1601 will
[1:23:14] be referred to the the
[1:23:15] committee on community
[1:23:18] preservation act cpa thank you.
[1:23:19] Mr chair.
[1:23:21] Could you please read docket
[1:23:23] 1602.
[1:23:25] Doc number.
[1:23:26] 1602 council will offer the
[1:23:27] following order for a hearing
[1:23:29] to explore codifying the office
[1:23:31] of violence prevention and
[1:23:33] establishing a biennial
[1:23:34] violence prevention strategy
[1:23:36] plan in the city of boston.
[1:23:37] Thank you.
[1:23:39] >> chair recognizes constable
[1:23:40] worrell country.
[1:23:42] You have the floor.
[1:23:43] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:23:45] The public is asking for a
[1:23:46] clear process around how the
[1:23:48] city creates a safety plan.
[1:23:50] Residents should have an
[1:23:52] opportunity to help shape that
[1:23:53] plan and understand what
[1:23:55] resources are being deployed
[1:23:57] and know how success will be
[1:23:59] measured.
[1:24:00] We know violence is both the
[1:24:02] public safety and public health
[1:24:04] issue.
[1:24:06] That means our strategy has to
[1:24:07] bring together law enforcement,
[1:24:08] violence prevention, housing,
[1:24:10] health care, youth programing
[1:24:11] and economic opportunity.
[1:24:13] We also need a real focus, a
[1:24:15] real process for evaluating the
[1:24:16] programs we fund and you
[1:24:17] understand what is working, how
[1:24:19] effective this program is and
[1:24:21] whether it is actually helping
[1:24:22] us reduce violence and make our
[1:24:23] neighborhood safer.
[1:24:25] That requires clear goals,
[1:24:26] consistent data, community
[1:24:27] feedback and regular public
[1:24:28] reporting.
[1:24:29] This ordinance is about
[1:24:30] creating a clear process,
[1:24:31] building the plan with the
[1:24:33] community, evaluating the
[1:24:34] effectiveness of our programs
[1:24:36] and making sure we continue
[1:24:37] investing in what works.
[1:24:39] Thank you.
[1:24:40] Thank you!
[1:24:42] Would anyone like to add their
[1:24:43] name?
[1:24:48] Um um are you are you sponsors
[1:24:50] ?
[1:24:50] Thank you.
[1:24:52] Pardon I think.
[1:24:53] I like to uh, council code
[1:24:55] pepper as a original co-sponsor
[1:24:57] .
[1:24:58] Cancer called pepper.
[1:25:00] So at council you have the
[1:25:02] floor.
[1:25:03] And PRESIDENT Thank you
[1:25:05] council for well for having
[1:25:06] me as an original co-sponsor
[1:25:08] even though a little late I
[1:25:10] still thank you.
[1:25:12] As I have said before, public
[1:25:14] safety cannot begin and end
[1:25:16] with law enforcement.
[1:25:17] Some of the most important
[1:25:19] violence prevention work in
[1:25:20] boston happens long before
[1:25:22] police response through
[1:25:24] outreach workers violence
[1:25:26] interpreters, community
[1:25:28] organizations, faith leaders,
[1:25:30] mentors and residents who have
[1:25:33] spent years building trust in
[1:25:34] neighborhoods most impacted by
[1:25:36] violence.
[1:25:37] The city has already taken
[1:25:39] steps towards recognizing
[1:25:40] violence as both a public
[1:25:42] safety and a public health
[1:25:44] issue involving moving the
[1:25:46] mayor's community safety safety
[1:25:48] team into boston public health
[1:25:50] commission's office of violence
[1:25:52] prevention in 2025.
[1:25:55] What this hearing asks us to
[1:25:57] consider is how do we make that
[1:25:58] work more permanent,
[1:26:00] coordinated and accountable
[1:26:03] through a codified office and a
[1:26:04] comprehensive violence
[1:26:06] prevention strategy that is
[1:26:08] revisited on a regular basis?
[1:26:10] I am particularly interested in
[1:26:13] how community organizations fit
[1:26:15] into that structure.
[1:26:17] We should not develop a city
[1:26:18] strategy and then ask the
[1:26:21] people doing this work on the
[1:26:23] ground to react to it.
[1:26:24] Their experience should help
[1:26:26] shape the strategy itself and
[1:26:27] we should also be having a
[1:26:29] serious conversation about the
[1:26:32] sustained funding necessary for
[1:26:35] them to carry it out by any
[1:26:36] strategy could give us an
[1:26:38] opportunity to establish clear
[1:26:41] goals, identify
[1:26:42] responsibilities across
[1:26:43] agencies measures whether our
[1:26:45] investments are working and
[1:26:48] make sure prevention and
[1:26:49] intervention remain priorities
[1:26:52] from one budget cycle in one
[1:26:53] administration to the next.
[1:26:54] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:26:56] Thank you, councilor culpepper
[1:26:57] .
[1:26:57] Would anyone like to add their
[1:26:58] name?
[1:27:00] Councilor flynn.
[1:27:02] Council fitzgerald.
[1:27:03] Councilor louijeune
[1:27:04] councilor murphy.
[1:27:05] pepen.
[1:27:06] Councilor santana and please
[1:27:07] add the chair.
[1:27:13] Um, docket 1602 will be
[1:27:14] referred to the committee on
[1:27:16] public safety and criminal
[1:27:16] justice.
[1:27:18] MR. Clerk, could you please
[1:27:20] read docket.
[1:27:23] 1603.1603 council we're all off
[1:27:25] of the following order for a
[1:27:27] hearing on high energy costs
[1:27:29] and pathways to an equitable
[1:27:31] and environmentally resilient
[1:27:32] energy transition in boston.
[1:27:34] Chair recognizes
[1:27:35] councilor wirral council you
[1:27:36] have the floor.
[1:27:37] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:27:39] The cost of energy is only
[1:27:40] getting higher longer.
[1:27:42] We continue to depend on an
[1:27:43] energy system run by gas
[1:27:45] pipeline networks.
[1:27:47] The worst these costs will get
[1:27:48] they will get worse I
[1:27:50] exponential rate and speaking
[1:27:51] with advocates we learned that
[1:27:53] by some estimates the cost
[1:27:55] of replace a gas pipeline is
[1:27:58] about $7,000,007 million per
[1:27:59] mile.
[1:28:00] It's increasing year over year
[1:28:02] and it's showing up in
[1:28:03] residents utility bills
[1:28:05] disproportionately impacting
[1:28:07] small businesses and residents
[1:28:09] with lower incomes and fueling
[1:28:11] displacement the majority
[1:28:12] of what customers now pay each
[1:28:15] month no longer go towards fuel
[1:28:16] but toward rebuilding and
[1:28:18] maintaining a gas network that
[1:28:19] is larger than necessary to
[1:28:21] meet future needs.
[1:28:23] The problem is right now energy
[1:28:25] providers are incentivized to
[1:28:27] address our system in the most
[1:28:29] costly fashion through the gas
[1:28:30] system enhancement program.
[1:28:33] although otherwise known as uh
[1:28:35] ,gsa providers receive
[1:28:37] subsidies to replace gas
[1:28:39] pipelines even when it would be
[1:28:41] more cost effective to repair
[1:28:42] or retire pipes.
[1:28:44] Oftentimes pipes are replaced
[1:28:46] even when a replacement is not
[1:28:48] needed as we work to
[1:28:49] decarbonize the city in line
[1:28:51] with our vision zero goals if
[1:28:52] we do not work to downsize our
[1:28:54] gas networks, residents will
[1:28:56] continue to face higher bills
[1:28:58] in the years ahead as a network
[1:29:00] utility diminishes while the
[1:29:02] cost of this replacement rises.
[1:29:05] If boston wants to be net zero
[1:29:07] by 2050, we cannot continue
[1:29:09] using the current gas system we
[1:29:12] have in 24 years and we need to
[1:29:13] support neighborhood
[1:29:14] electrification that is
[1:29:16] affordable to all our residents
[1:29:17] ,not just a wealthy few.
[1:29:19] That is why I want to use this
[1:29:21] hearing to dive deeper into the
[1:29:23] city's upcoming gas pipeline
[1:29:25] projects to compare potential
[1:29:27] cost and impact on
[1:29:28] infrastructure and and
[1:29:30] residents livelihood
[1:29:32] of replacement versus repair
[1:29:33] and retirement and to develop
[1:29:36] an energy transition plan that
[1:29:38] prioritizes saving on cost and
[1:29:39] improving the health and
[1:29:41] financial well-being of boston
[1:29:42] residents.
[1:29:43] I want to give a special thanks
[1:29:45] to the team at mothers our
[1:29:47] front advocates who have been
[1:29:48] leading in this space and
[1:29:49] sounding the alarm for some
[1:29:51] time.
[1:29:52] The dedication and expertise
[1:29:53] has been crucial and look
[1:29:54] forward to continuing to work
[1:29:56] alongside them and all my
[1:29:57] colleagues to make our city
[1:29:59] more energy efficient and
[1:30:00] affordable for all.
[1:30:02] Thank you.
[1:30:04] >> thank you councilor worrell
[1:30:05] would anyone like to add their
[1:30:06] name?
[1:30:08] Councilor culpeper
[1:30:08] councilor fitzgerald
[1:30:10] councilor flynn
[1:30:11] councilor louijeune murphy
[1:30:12] councilor pepen concha santana
[1:30:13] and please of the chair.
[1:30:14] Thank you.
[1:30:18] Docket one uh 603 would refer
[1:30:19] to the committee on
[1:30:20] environmental justice
[1:30:21] resiliency and parks.
[1:30:24] Mr truck, could you please read
[1:30:26] docket 1604.
[1:30:28] Ducking number 1604
[1:30:29] councilor worrell uh, for the
[1:30:31] following order for a hearing
[1:30:32] to examine the challenges
[1:30:35] facing independent restaurant
[1:30:36] operators in boston.
[1:30:38] Chair recognizes council rail
[1:30:39] councilor, you have the floor.
[1:30:40] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:30:42] It's been a tough summer for
[1:30:43] many of our independent
[1:30:44] restaurants.
[1:30:46] We saw a lot of economic uptick
[1:30:48] around the world cup and tall
[1:30:50] ships to be very centralized in
[1:30:51] certain neighborhoods of boston
[1:30:54] and once a lot and once a lot
[1:30:55] of the summer buzz ended, a
[1:30:57] number of excellent restaurants
[1:30:59] and bars have announced their
[1:31:01] closing or have closed almost
[1:31:03] reads like a who's who's a
[1:31:04] boston best local
[1:31:05] establishment.
[1:31:07] This is obviously a
[1:31:09] multifactorial situation driven
[1:31:10] in part by our PRESIDENT
[1:31:12] Starting wars and driving up
[1:31:14] the price of gas that then
[1:31:16] spikes runaway inflation.
[1:31:18] But whether or not the city is
[1:31:20] in the main driver behind the
[1:31:21] economic issues, we should be
[1:31:23] trying to do everything we can
[1:31:24] to ensure local independent
[1:31:26] restaurants can survive in this
[1:31:28] environment we are left with
[1:31:30] private equity backed chains
[1:31:31] across the city and we're
[1:31:33] lacking a main cultural
[1:31:35] touchpoint and so I'm hoping we
[1:31:36] can happen here to discuss what
[1:31:38] more can the city do?
[1:31:40] We have made great strides with
[1:31:42] new liquor licenses but there
[1:31:44] are still areas for improvement
[1:31:45] including streamlining the
[1:31:47] permit process, expanding
[1:31:50] commercial acquisition program,
[1:31:51] increasing our culinary
[1:31:53] vocational education and
[1:31:55] expanding the mta's night hours
[1:31:56] service.
[1:31:58] One other possibility that I
[1:31:59] want to call out is creating
[1:32:00] more cultural districts the
[1:32:02] state has restored is cultural
[1:32:03] district program.
[1:32:04] My office is now working with
[1:32:06] carnegie square businesses to
[1:32:08] get one in common square, but
[1:32:09] it leads me to thinking why
[1:32:11] don't we have an arts district?
[1:32:13] Why don't we have a music
[1:32:14] district and what could the
[1:32:17] city do to help those districts
[1:32:20] that already are established to
[1:32:21] improve and activate them even
[1:32:23] more?
[1:32:25] And I think in our theater
[1:32:26] district we should be allowing
[1:32:28] more street performers.
[1:32:30] Can we allow more um their uh
[1:32:32] music can we add more
[1:32:33] activation in our music
[1:32:35] district?
[1:32:36] And so I love to ensure that
[1:32:38] we're thinking beyond simply
[1:32:38] social districts and beyond the
[1:32:40] status quo here in the city.
[1:32:41] We need to be thinking a lot
[1:32:43] more creatively to increase
[1:32:45] foot traffic which ultimately
[1:32:46] will help our restaurant
[1:32:47] restaurants.
[1:32:49] Thank you and I look forward to
[1:32:51] this hearing.
[1:32:52] Thank you councilor worrell
[1:32:53] would anyone like to add their
[1:32:55] name councilor color as a part
[1:32:58] of country uh council culpeper
[1:33:01] councilor uh fitzgerald
[1:33:02] councilor offline cultural
[1:33:04] region patrick murphy country
[1:33:06] pepen contra santana and please
[1:33:08] add the chair.
[1:33:09] Thank you.
[1:33:11] Docket 1604 will be referred to
[1:33:13] the committee on labor and
[1:33:15] economic development.
[1:33:17] Mr chair, could you please read
[1:33:19] docket 1605.
[1:33:20] Talking number 1605
[1:33:22] councilor bray now for the
[1:33:24] following requesting or
[1:33:26] requesting certain information
[1:33:28] under section 17 f relative to
[1:33:30] speed humps installed as part
[1:33:31] of.
[1:33:32] >> the safety surge initiative
[1:33:33] .
[1:33:34] Thank you.
[1:33:35] >> PRESIDENT Council PRESIDENT
[1:33:36] Brennan seeks suspension of the
[1:33:38] rules and passage of docket
[1:33:40] 1605.
[1:33:42] All in favor say aye.
[1:33:43] All opposed say nay.
[1:33:45] The ayes have a docket 1605 is
[1:33:48] passed.
[1:33:50] MR. Clerk, could you please
[1:33:52] read docket 1606.
[1:33:54] So I can have a1606
[1:33:57] council thing off of the phone
[1:33:59] resolution in support of the
[1:34:01] continuing use of shotspotter
[1:34:04] in the city of boston.
[1:34:06] Chair recognizes
[1:34:08] councilor flynn.
[1:34:10] So you have the floor.
[1:34:12] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:34:14] and 20 zero seven the boston
[1:34:17] police department first
[1:34:19] implemented shotspotter, which
[1:34:21] is a collection of sensors that
[1:34:23] detect and locate gunshots in
[1:34:25] seconds using.
[1:34:27] Acoustic gunfire detection
[1:34:29] systems, sending an immediate
[1:34:31] signal and precise location to
[1:34:33] the shots of the shots the
[1:34:34] police.
[1:34:36] Dispatcher recently, many
[1:34:38] massachusetts.
[1:34:39] Cities um have been considering
[1:34:41] banning this technology due to
[1:34:44] concerns um about government
[1:34:45] surveillance.
[1:34:47] A la a live study conducted in
[1:34:49] pittsburgh found that when six
[1:34:52] more senses participate in
[1:34:54] locating a shot, 96% of shots
[1:34:56] could be located within 15m.
[1:34:58] Boston police have reported
[1:35:00] that on average, shotspotter
[1:35:02] alerts arrive 1 to 2 minutes
[1:35:05] before 911 calls.
[1:35:08] This increases the response
[1:35:11] time in MAY, potentially save
[1:35:14] life um through ambulances
[1:35:17] coming helping the victims um
[1:35:20] as well as evidence collection
[1:35:22] in MAY 18th the cambridge city
[1:35:25] council voted to end the use
[1:35:26] of shotspotter against the
[1:35:29] advocacy of the cambridge
[1:35:31] police.
[1:35:33] On JULY 4th, the cambridge
[1:35:35] police department of public
[1:35:37] works employees was fatally
[1:35:39] shot.
[1:35:42] Officials believe if he had
[1:35:44] been shot.
[1:35:45] Shortly before 430 in 9 one one
[1:35:48] had not been called until 5:30
[1:35:50] A.M..
[1:35:53] The cambridge city
[1:35:56] council subsequently voted to.
[1:35:58] Reactivate shotspotter for 90
[1:36:01] days while they reevaluate.
[1:36:03] Reevaluate the implications
[1:36:05] of their policy.
[1:36:07] They know that the system works
[1:36:10] want to acknowledge the
[1:36:12] cambridge city council for, um
[1:36:14] making this change?
[1:36:16] Shotspotter has assisted
[1:36:18] officers in responding to
[1:36:20] shootings, recovering illegal
[1:36:22] firearms ballistic evidence
[1:36:24] including a MAY 9th it MAY 2026
[1:36:27] incident in dorchester
[1:36:29] dorchester in which responding
[1:36:31] officers located ballistic
[1:36:33] evidence.
[1:36:34] Within minutes the boston
[1:36:35] police stopped a vehicle
[1:36:37] matching a suspect description
[1:36:38] ,recovered a loaded firearm
[1:36:40] resulting in an arrest.
[1:36:41] This is a public safety tool
[1:36:42] that gives boston police
[1:36:44] information on potential
[1:36:46] shootings.
[1:36:47] It has historically.
[1:36:49] >> had.
[1:36:51] Offices directly to shootings.
[1:36:53] Victims suspect ballistic
[1:36:55] evidence illegal firearms
[1:36:57] survivors um with boston
[1:36:59] roughly 600 police officers
[1:37:00] shot we are facing significant
[1:37:01] public safety challenges.
[1:37:03] It is especially critical to
[1:37:05] take advantage of technology
[1:37:08] such as shotspotter.
[1:37:11] It provides the ability for
[1:37:14] officers to get to the scene
[1:37:17] more quickly.
[1:37:19] Um respectfully asking my city
[1:37:21] council is to join me in
[1:37:24] suspending and passing this
[1:37:26] resolution.
[1:37:27] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:37:29] Thank you.
[1:37:31] >> councilor flynn.
[1:37:32] Chair recognizes consistent
[1:37:33] time.
[1:37:35] Okay, so you have the floor.
[1:37:37] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:37:39] >> and thank you,
[1:37:41] councilor flynn, um, for
[1:37:42] following this.
[1:37:44] Um, you know, as a chair
[1:37:45] of public safety and criminal
[1:37:47] justice, I believe that this is
[1:37:49] an important conversation, um,
[1:37:51] that we need to have as a as a
[1:37:52] council.
[1:37:54] I think councilor flynn
[1:37:55] mentioned many of our
[1:37:56] surrounding um, cities, um,
[1:37:58] around boston who have had many
[1:38:00] of these conversations and I
[1:38:01] think that we should be having
[1:38:02] that here in the city
[1:38:05] of boston.
[1:38:07] Um, so respects respectfully
[1:38:08] for those reasons, uh, I would
[1:38:10] like to unblock this
[1:38:12] resolution, um, and be able to
[1:38:15] have a hearing on this um, and
[1:38:17] then being done being able to
[1:38:20] bring this up for a vote after
[1:38:21] we have that conversation.
[1:38:23] Thank you.
[1:38:25] >> thank you,
[1:38:28] councilor santana.
[1:38:30] Um, in light of this objection
[1:38:31] ,docket 1606 will be sent to
[1:38:33] the committee on public safety
[1:38:35] and criminal justice.
[1:38:36] Mr trayer, could you please
[1:38:38] read docket 1607.
[1:38:40] Talking number 1607
[1:38:42] councilor fitzgerald offer the
[1:38:44] following resolution
[1:38:46] recognizing SEPTEMBER as
[1:38:48] national recovery month.
[1:38:50] Chair recognizes
[1:38:52] councilor fitzgerald country.
[1:38:54] You have the floor.
[1:38:56] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:38:58] Uh, can I also add
[1:39:01] councilor murphy as an original
[1:39:03] co-sponsor?
[1:39:05] Councilor murphy so added.
[1:39:07] Thank you.
[1:39:09] >> uh, since 1989, SEPTEMBER
[1:39:11] has been recognized as national
[1:39:13] recovery month by
[1:39:15] recovery organizations in order
[1:39:17] to celebrate the positive steps
[1:39:19] made by those in recovery and
[1:39:20] spread awareness of evidence
[1:39:22] based methods of substance
[1:39:24] abuse prevention and
[1:39:26] treatments.
[1:39:29] Uh, we're having an event to
[1:39:31] honor those in recovery on
[1:39:34] SEPTEMBER 3rd SEPTEMBER uh, the
[1:39:36] 17th uh, it's a thursday at 5
[1:39:39] P.M. Uh, at the mass in cass
[1:39:41] connector in collaboration with
[1:39:45] the coordinated response team.
[1:39:49] Uh, so I invite any and all
[1:39:54] of my colleagues here again.
[1:39:57] That's on SEPTEMBER 17th at 5
[1:40:00] P.M. Uh, at the mass cass
[1:40:04] connector.
[1:40:08] Uh, we will do an event, uh, to
[1:40:11] celebrate those who
[1:40:15] recovery because as hard as the
[1:40:18] work is, uh, we should stop and
[1:40:22] take time, uh, to look at the
[1:40:25] accomplishments made by those
[1:40:28] that continue their
[1:40:31] recovery have gotten into
[1:40:35] recovery.
[1:40:39] Uh, and look at the positive
[1:40:42] work we've done and how we can.
[1:40:46] Continue to.
[1:40:49] >> build on it.
[1:40:53] So, uh, thank you very much,
[1:40:57] MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:41:01] Thank you.
[1:41:04] Councilor fitzgerald.
[1:41:08] Would anyone, um, like to add
[1:41:12] their oh, councilor culture
[1:41:16] murphy.
[1:41:19] Counselor.
[1:41:22] Beg your pardon?
[1:41:24] Control, you have the floor.
[1:41:27] Thank you.
[1:41:29] Um, and thank you,
[1:41:32] councilor fitzgerald for adding
[1:41:34] me as an original sponsor.
[1:41:37] I just want to stand and say
[1:41:40] it's always important to be
[1:41:43] recognizing the hard work
[1:41:48] of those in
[1:41:52] recovery themselves, the family
[1:41:55] members who are going along
[1:41:58] this journey with them and
[1:42:01] those we know in this city and
[1:42:05] across this country who support
[1:42:08] those trying to find a path to
[1:42:12] recovery which is the best path
[1:42:15] anyone who is struggling could
[1:42:18] take.
[1:42:21] So someone who knows firsthand
[1:42:23] and who has a son who made it
[1:42:25] through the gavin foundation
[1:42:28] who is now proudly serving in
[1:42:31] the army and in a very healthy
[1:42:33] ,happy place in his life.
[1:42:37] I know firsthand that it works
[1:42:41] and I know many of us have
[1:42:44] family members or ourselves who
[1:42:46] know that this works.
[1:42:50] But it's hard work and taking
[1:42:53] time like you said
[1:42:56] council gerald to celebrate
[1:42:59] those um times when we have
[1:43:01] wins because many times we're
[1:43:05] not winning.
[1:43:08] It's like two steps forward,
[1:43:10] three steps back.
[1:43:14] But like most things in life
[1:43:17] you can't give up.
[1:43:19] You've just got to keep moving
[1:43:22] forward.
[1:43:25] And I just want to make sure
[1:43:28] anyone out there listening that
[1:43:30] I'm here to support in any way
[1:43:31] I can and I know my colleagues
[1:43:34] care about this also.
[1:43:37] So make sure you know that we
[1:43:41] on the council here are
[1:43:44] advocating for this.
[1:43:47] It's not just those struggling
[1:43:50] one just other thing I want to
[1:43:53] add most of the media just
[1:43:57] covers those who are struggling
[1:44:01] down at mass and cast and
[1:44:04] although that is a big
[1:44:06] important thing that we as a
[1:44:10] city have to address, it's a
[1:44:14] public health public safety
[1:44:18] mental health crisis down there
[1:44:22] and as it has spread into other
[1:44:26] areas but many of those who are
[1:44:31] struggling are going to work
[1:44:36] every day are living in houses
[1:44:40] .
[1:44:45] They're not homeless.
[1:44:50] There's just different levels.
[1:44:55] So to just remember that those
[1:45:00] who are supporting know that
[1:45:05] there's just so many different
[1:45:10] people and many of them you
[1:45:15] wouldn't even know are out
[1:45:20] there needing support.
[1:45:24] So thank you.
[1:45:28] Thank you councilor murphy.
[1:45:31] Would anyone like to add their
[1:45:35] name?
[1:45:38] Councilor collette is a part
[1:45:41] of going to culpeper
[1:45:45] councilor flynn,
[1:45:50] councilor division
[1:45:54] councilor pepper and
[1:45:59] councilor santana
[1:46:04] councilor oral and please add
[1:46:08] the chair councilor fitzgerald
[1:46:12] and murphy six suspension
[1:46:15] of the rules adoption of docket
[1:46:19] 1607.
[1:46:24] All in favor say aye.
[1:46:28] All opposed say nay.
[1:46:31] Thank you.
[1:46:34] Docket uh 1617 has been adopted
[1:46:36] 2060 thank you.
[1:46:39] >> pass 60I.
[1:46:42] Don't minarik dyslexia is
[1:46:44] kicking in this afternoon.
[1:46:46] Thank you.
[1:46:50] Docket 1607 has been adopted.
[1:46:53] Thank you, mr cook for the
[1:46:56] correction.
[1:46:58] MR.
[1:47:02] Could you please read docket
[1:47:05] 1608.
[1:47:08] Dukkha number 1608
[1:47:11] councilor breadon now for the
[1:47:15] following resolution calling
[1:47:18] for robust infrastructure
[1:47:21] solutions to protect the
[1:47:25] charles river and other local
[1:47:28] waterways from combined sewer
[1:47:31] overflows.
[1:47:35] thank you.
[1:47:38] >> uh, MAY I ask, uh, MADAM
[1:47:41] Vice PRESIDENT To take the
[1:47:44] podium for me?
[1:47:48] The chair recognizes
[1:47:50] council PRESIDENT Breadon
[1:47:53] council.
[1:47:56] Brian, you have the floor.
[1:47:59] Thank you.
[1:48:03] Uh.
[1:48:06] >> docket 1608a resolution
[1:48:08] calling for a robust
[1:48:10] infrastructure solutions to
[1:48:13] protect the charles river and
[1:48:15] other local waterways from
[1:48:17] combined sewer or sewer
[1:48:19] overflows.
[1:48:21] Uh.
[1:48:23] >> every year millions
[1:48:25] of gallons of untreated
[1:48:27] stormwater are discharged into
[1:48:29] the charles and the mystic
[1:48:31] rivers via combined sewer
[1:48:33] overflows or csos.
[1:48:35] While efforts have been made to
[1:48:37] close these csos and prevent
[1:48:38] sewage from entering our
[1:48:40] waterways, approximately nine
[1:48:42] combined sewage sewer overflows
[1:48:44] outfalls remain along the
[1:48:45] charles river.
[1:48:47] Earlier this year, the
[1:48:49] massachusetts water resources
[1:48:52] authority and cambridge and and
[1:48:54] cambridge and somerville
[1:48:56] released a draft updated long
[1:48:58] term control plan for the
[1:49:00] charles river the alewife brook
[1:49:03] ,the upper mystic river.
[1:49:05] Unfortunately the current draft
[1:49:08] does not does not eliminate
[1:49:10] csos.
[1:49:13] We should not accept a long
[1:49:16] term plan that allows untreated
[1:49:18] sewage to continue entering our
[1:49:20] waterways when there are
[1:49:23] infrastructure solutions
[1:49:25] available to significantly
[1:49:26] reduce these discharges.
[1:49:28] This will require coordination
[1:49:29] between the mwi boston, our
[1:49:31] neighboring municipalities and
[1:49:33] state agencies.
[1:49:34] Tremendous progress has been
[1:49:36] made.
[1:49:37] Discharge volume is down 98%
[1:49:39] since the late 1980s.
[1:49:40] However we shall continue.
[1:49:42] We should continue to aim high
[1:49:43] and demand that the charles
[1:49:45] river be free from sewage
[1:49:46] overflows.
[1:49:49] This will be a pressing issue
[1:49:51] as climate change continues
[1:49:55] with increased rainfall and by
[1:49:59] extension overflows.
[1:50:02] I urge my colleagues to support
[1:50:05] this resolution and join us in
[1:50:08] calling for a stronger final
[1:50:12] long term control plan.
[1:50:15] Uh, we uh, are very proud
[1:50:17] of the fact that we have
[1:50:20] cleaned up boston harbor, that
[1:50:24] the charles river is so much
[1:50:26] cleaner but our the mystic
[1:50:29] river, the charles river and
[1:50:33] the transit rivers are three
[1:50:35] watersheds within our
[1:50:39] boundaries and uh, the safety
[1:50:42] and the health of our water in
[1:50:45] the in the harbor for swimming
[1:50:49] and recreation in the summer is
[1:50:52] greatly impacted by the fact
[1:50:55] that these sewage outfalls the
[1:50:58] continuing into our river ways
[1:51:01] in the city.
[1:51:05] Thank you.
[1:51:07] Thank you, councilor brighton.
[1:51:10] Anyone else like to speak.
[1:51:12] >> on this matter?
[1:51:15] Would anyone else like to add
[1:51:18] their name?
[1:51:20] Um, MR. Clerk, would you please
[1:51:23] add councilor uh, culpeper.
[1:51:26] Councilor fitzgerald,
[1:51:29] councilor.
[1:51:32] Flynn, councilor.
[1:51:35] Louijeune councilor.
[1:51:37] Murphy, councilor.
[1:51:40] Bourbon councilor santana and
[1:51:42] council earl and.
[1:51:45] Please add the chair
[1:51:49] councilor brighton uh speaks
[1:51:51] seek suspension of the rules
[1:51:54] and adoption of docket 1608.
[1:51:57] All those in favor say aye.
[1:52:00] Aye.
[1:52:03] >> all those opposed say nay.
[1:52:06] The ayes have it.
[1:52:08] Thank you.
[1:52:10] Docket 1608 has been adopted.
[1:52:13] Seven.
[1:52:16] >> okay, mr clerk, can you
[1:52:19] please read docket 1609.
[1:52:22] Talking number 1609
[1:52:24] councilor breadon uh, for the
[1:52:27] following resolutions
[1:52:29] celebrating national hotel
[1:52:32] employee day.
[1:52:34] Thank you.
[1:52:36] >> the chair recognizes
[1:52:37] council PRESIDENT Brighton
[1:52:40] councilor you have the floor.
[1:52:42] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:52:45] Hotel employees are an
[1:52:48] important part of boston's
[1:52:51] hospitality industry.
[1:52:53] Every day they welcome visitors
[1:52:55] to our city and provide the
[1:52:57] services that keep our hotels
[1:53:00] operating and make boston a
[1:53:01] welcoming place.
[1:53:03] 13,220 people work in boston's
[1:53:05] hotels, and the hospitality
[1:53:06] industry provides opportunities
[1:53:07] for workers to develop new
[1:53:09] skills, build careers and
[1:53:11] advance within the industry.
[1:53:14] This recognition is
[1:53:16] particularly important this
[1:53:18] year as boston has welcomed an
[1:53:19] increase in visitors with the
[1:53:21] world cup america 250 and sail
[1:53:23] boston hotel employees across
[1:53:24] the city have met that
[1:53:25] increased demand with
[1:53:27] professionalism and continue to
[1:53:29] provide a level of service that
[1:53:31] visitors of boston rely on.
[1:53:32] The success of our hospitality
[1:53:33] industry would not be possible
[1:53:35] without the thousands
[1:53:36] of employees who do this work
[1:53:38] every day.
[1:53:39] National hotel employee day
[1:53:40] gives us an opportunity to
[1:53:41] recognize their contributions
[1:53:43] and thank them for the work
[1:53:44] that they do for our city.
[1:53:45] I want to extend my
[1:53:47] appreciation to all of boston
[1:53:48] sawtelle employees for their
[1:53:50] hard work, dedication and
[1:53:51] service and invite my
[1:53:52] colleagues to join me in
[1:53:54] celebrating them.
[1:53:55] And by recognizing AUGUST 26th
[1:53:56] as national hotel employee day
[1:53:57] in the city of boston.
[1:53:59] Thank you.
[1:54:00] Thank you.
[1:54:01] >> uh, would anyone like to
[1:54:02] speak on this matter?
[1:54:03] Okay.
[1:54:04] >> council louijeune you have
[1:54:06] the floor.
[1:54:08] Thank you.
[1:54:09] Um, um, MADAM Chair, I just
[1:54:11] would be remiss not to stand.
[1:54:12] In support of this resolution
[1:54:13] as someone who has a number
[1:54:15] of my family members or hotel
[1:54:17] employees and, uh, work
[1:54:18] diligently in the hospitality
[1:54:20] industry.
[1:54:21] So I want to thank um,
[1:54:24] council PRESIDENT Breadon for
[1:54:25] filing and just appreciate this
[1:54:26] resolution.
[1:54:28] Thank you.
[1:54:29] Thank you council louijeune.
[1:54:30] Anyone else.
[1:54:31] >> would anyone like to add
[1:54:32] their name?
[1:54:33] Mr clerk would you please add
[1:54:35] councilor culpepper
[1:54:36] councilor fitzgerald
[1:54:38] councilor flynn council.
[1:54:39] Louijeune councilor murphy
[1:54:41] councilor for burns
[1:54:42] councilor santana
[1:54:43] councilor worrell and please.
[1:54:44] Add the chair councilor uh
[1:54:46] brighton six suspension of the
[1:54:47] rules and adoption of docket
[1:54:49] 1609.
[1:54:50] All those in favor say I.
[1:54:52] And all those opposed say nay.
[1:54:54] The ayes have it.
[1:54:55] Docket 1609 has been adopted.
[1:54:57] Thank you, councilor collette
[1:54:58] as a part of.
[1:55:00] Um.
[1:55:02] MR. Clerk.
[1:55:04] Could you please read docket
[1:55:05] 1601?
[1:55:07] It was 1610.
[1:55:09] Duncan number 1610
[1:55:11] councilor flynn, after the fall
[1:55:13] of the following resolution in
[1:55:15] support of a knife collection
[1:55:17] program in the city of boston.
[1:55:19] Chair recognizes
[1:55:21] councilor flynn council.
[1:55:23] You have the floor.
[1:55:25] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:55:27] MADAM Chair.
[1:55:28] At councilor culpeper as an
[1:55:30] original co-sponsor.
[1:55:32] Councilor culpeper so added.
[1:55:34] Thank you.
[1:55:36] >> and I.
[1:55:38] Thank you.
[1:55:40] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:55:42] This summer there have been a
[1:55:43] surge of serious violence and
[1:55:45] stabbings in boston, including
[1:55:47] at south station.
[1:55:49] During rush hour.
[1:55:50] And not station as well.
[1:55:52] Cities across the world have
[1:55:53] enacted knife collection
[1:55:55] programs at local police
[1:55:56] stations in response to public
[1:55:58] safety challenges.
[1:55:59] In 2024 a cleveland, england
[1:56:00] appointed knife surrender and
[1:56:02] collection programs that allow
[1:56:03] residents to anonymously and
[1:56:05] safely dispose of knives and
[1:56:06] other blade weapons through
[1:56:07] dedicated surrender bins.
[1:56:08] Again cleveland, england police
[1:56:09] report that hundreds of knives
[1:56:11] have been voluntarily
[1:56:12] surrendered to these programs,
[1:56:13] helping remove potentially
[1:56:14] dangerous weapons from
[1:56:15] communities and support broader
[1:56:16] efforts to reduce reduce knife
[1:56:17] crime.
[1:56:18] In another city in england.
[1:56:19] Um 350 weapons were handed in
[1:56:20] including knives, machetes, um
[1:56:21] in other and in several several
[1:56:22] guns as well.
[1:56:23] This was in lincolnshire um in
[1:56:24] england.
[1:56:26] Analysis of police reported
[1:56:27] crime data in london found that
[1:56:29] knife related crime declined
[1:56:30] for five weeks following the
[1:56:30] implementation of this program
[1:56:31] in glasgow.
[1:56:32] Studies show that individuals
[1:56:33] in emergency departments what
[1:56:35] stab wounds declined up to ten
[1:56:36] months after the program was
[1:56:37] implemented.
[1:56:38] I think it's critical that we
[1:56:39] put all options on the table to
[1:56:40] reduce gun violence in the
[1:56:42] city.
[1:56:43] I do acknowledge and understand
[1:56:44] that this has never been this
[1:56:45] is not really popular in the
[1:56:47] united states and MAY be having
[1:56:48] a pilot program to see if it
[1:56:49] makes sense or doesn't make
[1:56:50] sense, but maybe it's worth a
[1:56:51] try to reduce violence in the
[1:56:52] city of boston.
[1:56:53] I do know that
[1:56:55] council councilor culpeper
[1:56:56] might MAY offer a change to my
[1:56:56] uh, resolution which I do
[1:56:58] support the change but I do
[1:56:58] want to give um
[1:56:59] councilor culpeper the
[1:57:00] opportunity to explain it.
[1:57:01] but I'm on board with um with
[1:57:02] his recommendation as well.
[1:57:03] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[1:57:04] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[1:57:05] Chair recognizes country
[1:57:06] code pepper.
[1:57:07] You have the floor.
[1:57:09] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[1:57:10] MADAM PRESIDENT, the change in
[1:57:11] the amendment I would offer is
[1:57:11] to establish a broader daily
[1:57:13] weapons collection program that
[1:57:14] includes knives and firearms.
[1:57:15] And I think councilor flynn
[1:57:17] agrees to accept that amendment
[1:57:18] .
[1:57:20] Um, do we have do you have a
[1:57:21] written amendment of we take a
[1:57:22] few minutes.
[1:57:24] I.
[1:57:25] I'll take a brief recess.
[1:57:26] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:06:59] Chair recognizes
[2:07:00] councilor friend council, you
[2:07:01] have the floor.
[2:07:03] MADAM Chair.
[2:07:04] MAY I go on record in support
[2:07:07] of the, um, updated changes
[2:07:09] made by councilor cole?
[2:07:10] Yes.
[2:07:11] >> yes.
[2:07:12] Thank you.
[2:07:13] Flynn, uh, accepts country
[2:07:15] code peppers friendly amendment
[2:07:16] .
[2:07:17] Uh, all of you should have a
[2:07:19] copy of the amended, uh,
[2:07:20] resolution in front of you and
[2:07:22] even everyone got it.
[2:07:23] All those in favor?
[2:07:26] All those in favor of accepting
[2:07:28] this amended version.
[2:07:29] Say I.
[2:07:30] I I.
[2:07:31] Thank you.
[2:07:34] >> this, uh the amended, uh,
[2:07:35] version is in front of you.
[2:07:37] Uh, contra culpeper you want to
[2:07:39] do continue?
[2:07:40] Councilor?
[2:07:41] you have the floor.
[2:07:42] MADAM Chair.
[2:07:44] I am now prepared to support
[2:07:44] this resolution that has been
[2:07:45] amended to create a more
[2:07:47] comprehensive weapons
[2:07:49] collection effort.
[2:07:49] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:07:50] Thank you.
[2:07:52] Would anyone else like to speak
[2:07:53] on this matter?
[2:07:57] Would anyone like to add their
[2:07:58] name?
[2:07:59] Country color dispatcher.
[2:08:00] Councilor.
[2:08:01] Fitzgerald.
[2:08:03] Councilor.
[2:08:04] Uh.
[2:08:06] Pepen can, uh I I'm.
[2:08:08] Yes, I'm.
[2:08:09] Please add the chair.
[2:08:12] Councilors flynn and culpeper
[2:08:14] seek suspension of the rules.
[2:08:19] Adoption of docket one uh
[2:08:20] 601610 in an amended version.
[2:08:22] All those in favor say aye.
[2:08:23] All opposed?
[2:08:25] Say nay.
[2:08:26] The ayes have it.
[2:08:27] Uh.
[2:08:30] Docket 1610 has been adopted.
[2:08:31] Thank you everyone.
[2:08:35] MISTER Chair, could you please
[2:08:39] read docket 1611.
[2:08:41] Ducky number 1611
[2:08:43] councilor thing off of the
[2:08:44] following resolution in support
[2:08:46] of granting city of boston park
[2:08:48] rangers police academy training
[2:08:50] and police powers to enhance
[2:08:52] public safety in boston parks.
[2:08:53] Thank you.
[2:08:54] >> chair recognizes
[2:08:55] councilor flynn so you have the
[2:08:57] floor.
[2:08:59] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:09:00] The boston parks and recreation
[2:09:01] department.
[2:09:06] Um, park ranger division was
[2:09:08] originally formed in 1982 as a
[2:09:09] seasonal program that became a
[2:09:12] year-round program in 1988.
[2:09:15] The three main responsibilities
[2:09:18] for the park rangers uh public
[2:09:20] assistance, public safety, park
[2:09:23] protection park rangers serve
[2:09:26] at the nine emerald necklace
[2:09:29] parks, boston's historic.
[2:09:31] Burying grounds.
[2:09:33] Neighborhood parks playgrounds
[2:09:34] .
[2:09:36] Their training includes park
[2:09:40] management and background um
[2:09:41] recreation, liberal arts,
[2:09:43] environmental studies learn for
[2:09:45] enforcement, first aid, cpr and
[2:09:49] crisis intervention in the los
[2:09:50] angeles city park rangers are
[2:09:52] sworn police officers who
[2:09:55] receive full basic police
[2:09:56] academy training upon hire.
[2:09:59] Like city of boston park
[2:10:00] rangers, they are dedicated to
[2:10:03] ensuring that city parks remain
[2:10:05] safe, welcoming, enjoyable for
[2:10:06] public use.
[2:10:07] However, the law enforcement
[2:10:09] authority also allows them to
[2:10:11] respond to incidents, assist
[2:10:13] with public safety, deter
[2:10:15] criminal activity, work
[2:10:17] proactively to reduce crime in
[2:10:19] city parks.
[2:10:21] The boston police department
[2:10:23] has a long standing issue
[2:10:24] of understaffing, overstretched
[2:10:26] resources, mandatory overtime,
[2:10:28] looming retirements.
[2:10:30] The boston police officers have
[2:10:32] worked more than 16 hours a day
[2:10:34] for years, negatively impacting
[2:10:36] officers physical and emotional
[2:10:37] well-being as well as that
[2:10:39] of their families.
[2:10:41] At one time, the boston park
[2:10:43] rangers had the authority to to
[2:10:45] make arrests they had police
[2:10:47] powers.
[2:10:48] Um this with this resolution.
[2:10:50] Um, although there's more work
[2:10:53] that needs to to be done would
[2:10:56] grant uh police uh, park
[2:10:58] rangers with police powers that
[2:10:59] would provide them with the
[2:11:01] authority and tools necessary.
[2:11:03] To properly respond to
[2:11:05] incidents within boston's parks
[2:11:08] and public spaces while
[2:11:10] allowing them to serve as an
[2:11:12] additional layer of public
[2:11:13] safety.
[2:11:15] This could help address public
[2:11:17] safety incidents more quickly,
[2:11:19] provide additional resources to
[2:11:21] an already strained boston
[2:11:22] police department.
[2:11:24] I met with um residents in
[2:11:26] beacon hill recently in
[2:11:28] downtown boston about how
[2:11:31] critical boston common is and
[2:11:33] how we need more police
[2:11:34] presence in boston common.
[2:11:37] I love the boston common park
[2:11:39] rangers play a critical role
[2:11:40] there but I think we could it's
[2:11:43] hance public safety and
[2:11:45] security make it safer in
[2:11:47] boston common if the park
[2:11:49] rangers has the authority to
[2:11:51] make arrests I think it's
[2:11:54] needed and we did have it at
[2:11:56] one time and let's go to the
[2:11:57] proper steps to get it back
[2:11:58] again.
[2:12:00] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:12:02] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[2:12:04] Would anyone, uh, like to add
[2:12:06] their name?
[2:12:09] Councilor collette as a powder
[2:12:11] councilor pat.
[2:12:14] Oh, councilor culpeper, I beg
[2:12:17] your pardon?
[2:12:19] Do you wish to speak?
[2:12:21] Yes I do.
[2:12:23] MADAM PRESIDENT and.
[2:12:25] Councilor, you have the floor.
[2:12:27] I appreciate councilor frame
[2:12:29] raising the broader issue
[2:12:30] of public safety in our parks
[2:12:32] and the staffing challenges the
[2:12:34] boston police department are
[2:12:35] facing.
[2:12:36] However, I am not prepared to
[2:12:38] support granting police powers
[2:12:39] to the boston park rangers
[2:12:40] without first having a
[2:12:41] committee hearing to understand
[2:12:42] exactly what that would mean.
[2:12:43] The resolution proposes
[2:12:44] providing park rangers with
[2:12:45] police powers points to the los
[2:12:46] angeles police where park
[2:12:47] rangers are sworn peace
[2:12:48] officers who receive full basic
[2:12:49] police academy training.
[2:12:50] And if we are considering
[2:12:51] giving boston police rangers
[2:12:52] law enforcement authority, then
[2:12:53] we need to have a serious
[2:12:55] discussion about what that
[2:12:56] training would require.
[2:12:58] I would have significant
[2:12:59] concerns with granite police
[2:13:02] departments without requiring
[2:13:05] the same appropriate academy
[2:13:07] training, the use of force
[2:13:09] training, civil rights training
[2:13:11] ,accountability training and
[2:13:13] other safeguards expected
[2:13:16] of officers exercising
[2:13:18] comparable authority.
[2:13:20] For these reasons I believe
[2:13:22] this hearing order rather than
[2:13:24] a resolution asking us to
[2:13:26] endorse the policy today.
[2:13:29] So you asking I.
[2:13:31] >> I believe this should be a
[2:13:33] hearing or.
[2:13:35] Are you objecting to the
[2:13:37] resolution?
[2:13:39] Yeah.
[2:13:40] >> and send it to committee.
[2:13:42] MADAM Chair.
[2:13:43] Councilor flynn beg your
[2:13:44] pardon?
[2:13:46] Council if then you have the
[2:13:48] floor.
[2:13:49] Thank you.
[2:13:50] >> let me out of respect for,
[2:13:52] um, councilor culpeper and
[2:13:53] councilor santana, two people I
[2:13:55] greatly admire on the council.
[2:13:56] I would like to ask if we could
[2:13:58] place this in a in the public
[2:13:59] safety committee, but I would
[2:14:01] like to ask if we could maybe
[2:14:03] have a hearing maybe in the
[2:14:04] next 60 days or so and and I
[2:14:06] agree maybe maybe we place it
[2:14:09] in the place it in committee.
[2:14:10] I'm not asking for a vote on it
[2:14:11] at this time.
[2:14:13] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[2:14:17] Council um thank you.
[2:14:19] Docket.
[2:14:20] Does anyone else want to, uh,
[2:14:22] councilor santana, you had the
[2:14:24] floor.
[2:14:25] Uh, thank.
[2:14:27] You, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:14:28] I just wanted to thank
[2:14:29] councilor flynn for setting
[2:14:30] this committee.
[2:14:32] I also believe that this town
[2:14:34] deserves a nuanced conversation
[2:14:36] .
[2:14:37] Um, and I just wanted to also
[2:14:38] just commit to, um, hosting a
[2:14:40] hearing if placed in the public
[2:14:41] safety committee within the 60
[2:14:42] days that, um, the lead sponsor
[2:14:43] requested.
[2:14:45] Thank you.
[2:14:46] Thank you, councilor santana.
[2:14:47] Uh, docket 1611 will be sent to
[2:14:49] the committee on public safety.
[2:14:50] Oh, I beg your pardon.
[2:14:53] This is when we go off script.
[2:14:57] Um, thank you, MISTER Chair,
[2:14:58] for reminding me.
[2:15:00] Would anyone like.
[2:15:01] >> to add their name?
[2:15:03] Councilor coletta zapata,
[2:15:05] councilor.
[2:15:07] Culpeper.
[2:15:09] Councilor.
[2:15:10] Fitzgerald.
[2:15:12] Councilor.
[2:15:14] Murphy.
[2:15:17] Um.
[2:15:19] councilor santana.
[2:15:21] Councilor around.
[2:15:22] Uh.
[2:15:24] Thank you.
[2:15:27] Councilor pepper.
[2:15:29] Thank you.
[2:15:31] Docket 1611 uh, will be sent to
[2:15:33] the committee on public safety
[2:15:35] .
[2:15:37] >> and criminal justice.
[2:15:40] MR. Clerk, could you please
[2:15:42] read docket.
[2:15:46] 1612 talking number 1612
[2:15:48] councilor worrell for the
[2:15:51] following resolution in support
[2:15:53] of head start and early head
[2:15:55] start and the importance
[2:15:57] of their programs in the city
[2:16:00] of boston.
[2:16:02] Thank you.
[2:16:05] >> chair recognizes constable.
[2:16:07] Royal councilor.
[2:16:09] You have the floor.
[2:16:11] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:16:13] I'd like to add
[2:16:16] councilor culpeper as an
[2:16:17] original co-sponsor.
[2:16:19] Councilor culpeper so added.
[2:16:21] Thank you.
[2:16:23] >> headstart is known for
[2:16:25] providing comprehensive health
[2:16:27] care, nutrition and family
[2:16:28] services to low income youth,
[2:16:30] those at risk of homelessness
[2:16:31] and other vulnerable
[2:16:33] populations.
[2:16:35] Head start program serve about
[2:16:37] 2000 boston families across 21
[2:16:39] centers administered through
[2:16:40] abcd and the dimock center in
[2:16:42] roxbury.
[2:16:43] We have spoke to members at the
[2:16:44] massachusetts headstart
[2:16:45] association recently who raised
[2:16:47] the alarm around the federal
[2:16:48] government's proposed rule
[2:16:51] making a head start and early
[2:16:52] head start programs that would
[2:16:54] eliminate a vast majority
[2:16:55] of existing standards that make
[2:16:57] these programs so great for our
[2:16:58] families.
[2:17:00] If passed, this ruling has the
[2:17:02] potential to severely impact
[2:17:04] our headstart resources in
[2:17:06] boston such as increasing the
[2:17:07] average number of children per
[2:17:09] teacher by 16% by reducing
[2:17:10] supply of teachers by
[2:17:11] approximately 13%.
[2:17:12] There's reductions in teacher
[2:17:14] salaries eliminated bilingual
[2:17:15] instructors and other keepers
[2:17:17] key positions and making some
[2:17:18] head start children potentially
[2:17:20] ineligible for the program
[2:17:21] simply because they won't have
[2:17:22] proper documentation.
[2:17:24] We have to end this for a
[2:17:25] reason and especially for
[2:17:26] programs that so many of our
[2:17:28] children and families depend
[2:17:28] on.
[2:17:30] These standards must be
[2:17:31] protected.
[2:17:33] I encourage residents to speak
[2:17:34] up against this ruling and
[2:17:35] uplift support for headstart to
[2:17:37] maintain strong standards in
[2:17:38] massachusetts.
[2:17:40] The federal register is taking
[2:17:41] public comment on the proposed
[2:17:43] rulemaking through OCTOBER 6th.
[2:17:44] To submit comments
[2:17:46] electronically visit federal
[2:17:48] register.Gov follows submit a
[2:17:50] comment instructions remember
[2:17:52] to cite the docket number acf
[2:17:53] dash 2020 6-0595 or feel free
[2:17:55] to reach out to my office
[2:17:56] directly for any assistance.
[2:17:57] A big shout out to mass
[2:17:58] headstart association once more
[2:18:00] for your leadership and the
[2:18:02] work that you do.
[2:18:04] Thank you.
[2:18:06] Thank you councilor worrell
[2:18:08] chair recognizes
[2:18:09] council culpeper council you
[2:18:11] have the floor.
[2:18:12] madam PRESIDENT, I support this
[2:18:14] resolution 100%.
[2:18:16] I think it's important because
[2:18:17] it cannot control every
[2:18:19] decision made at the federal
[2:18:21] level.
[2:18:22] But we can make clear what we
[2:18:24] stand for.
[2:18:26] I'm proud to support the head
[2:18:29] start and early head start.
[2:18:30] The educators and organizations
[2:18:32] that make these programs
[2:18:35] possible and the children and
[2:18:36] families throughout boston who
[2:18:37] depend on them.
[2:18:39] I also encourage residents and
[2:18:40] stakeholders to make their
[2:18:41] voices heard during the federal
[2:18:42] public comment process as this
[2:18:44] resolution calls for.
[2:18:46] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:18:49] Thank you, councilor culpeper.
[2:18:51] The chair recognizes
[2:18:53] councilor murphy country you
[2:18:55] have the floor.
[2:18:58] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:19:01] Thank you, councilor worrell
[2:19:04] for bringing this resolution
[2:19:07] forward.
[2:19:08] As a former k-1 teacher for
[2:19:10] many years I taught our four
[2:19:13] year olds and bffs.
[2:19:15] And as a parent you must know
[2:19:16] it's hard to get one of those
[2:19:18] seats and as we are trying to
[2:19:19] expand and have more universal
[2:19:20] pre-k across the city, we know
[2:19:22] that we don't have a seat for
[2:19:24] every child.
[2:19:25] So it's programs like this that
[2:19:28] are filling in the gaps and
[2:19:31] it's so important that all
[2:19:33] of our children have this
[2:19:35] opportunity because we know the
[2:19:38] data shows those kids who come
[2:19:40] to kindergarten first grade
[2:19:42] without this exposure are just
[2:19:44] so far behind and many we know
[2:19:46] don't ever catch up.
[2:19:48] So proud to support this and
[2:19:50] whatever we can do to advocate
[2:19:52] at the federal level.
[2:19:54] So thank you.
[2:19:56] Thank you councilor murphy.
[2:19:58] Would anyone else anyone like
[2:20:00] to add their name?
[2:20:03] Councilor collette is a powder
[2:20:05] councilor for fitzgerald
[2:20:07] country.
[2:20:10] Flynn country louijeune country
[2:20:12] murphy country pepen country
[2:20:14] santana and please add the
[2:20:16] chair councilors morrell and
[2:20:19] culpeper suspension of the
[2:20:21] rules adoption of docket 1612.
[2:20:22] All in favor say aye.
[2:20:24] All opposed say nay.
[2:20:25] Thank you.
[2:20:27] >> docket 1612 has been
[2:20:28] adopted.
[2:20:30] MR.
[2:20:32] Could you please read docket
[2:20:33] 1613.
[2:20:35] Talking about 1613 council.
[2:20:36] We're all off of the following
[2:20:37] resolution recognizing quality
[2:20:38] homes for humankind.
[2:20:39] Chair recognizes constable
[2:20:40] worrell country.
[2:20:41] You have the floor.
[2:20:42] Uh thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:20:43] Just asking for suspension and
[2:20:44] pass of the recognition that we
[2:20:46] did at the earlier of this
[2:20:47] meeting.
[2:20:48] Thank you.
[2:20:50] Thank you.
[2:20:52] >> uh, would anyone like to add
[2:20:53] their name to docket 1613?
[2:20:54] Councilor, um.
[2:20:55] Uh, councilor fitzgerald.
[2:20:57] Councilor flynn,
[2:20:58] councilor louijeune councilor.
[2:21:00] Murphy, councilor.
[2:21:01] Pepen, councilor.
[2:21:02] Santana, councilor.
[2:21:03] Culpeper.
[2:21:06] And please out the chair,
[2:21:07] councilor.
[2:21:09] What else?
[2:21:11] suspension the rules adoption
[2:21:13] of docket 1613.
[2:21:16] All in favor.
[2:21:19] Say aye.
[2:21:21] All opposed say nay.
[2:21:24] The ayes have it.
[2:21:27] Docket 1613 has been adopted.
[2:21:29] MR. Clerk, could you please
[2:21:31] read docket 1614.
[2:21:33] Talking about 1614
[2:21:36] councilor culpepper offer the
[2:21:38] following resolution in support
[2:21:41] .
[2:21:43] Uh, of.
[2:21:45] Of a south in alleyways working
[2:21:48] group.
[2:21:51] Chair recognizes
[2:21:52] councilor culpeper
[2:21:53] councilor you have country.
[2:21:56] You have the floor.
[2:21:58] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:21:59] I would like to add
[2:22:01] councilor fitzgerald as a
[2:22:03] second original co-sponsor and
[2:22:04] for suspension of the rules.
[2:22:06] Uh, councilor flynn as a third
[2:22:08] original co-sponsor I would
[2:22:10] also if I could I would add
[2:22:12] councilor santana as a fourth
[2:22:14] co-sponsor.
[2:22:15] Yeah.
[2:22:16] Because of all the work he's
[2:22:17] done on this issue.
[2:22:18] Councilor fitzgerald has.
[2:22:20] >> added as a second.
[2:22:21] And councilor flynn.
[2:22:22] Is at an hearing and seeing no
[2:22:23] objections.
[2:22:24] Councilor franzen.
[2:22:25] Does a third.
[2:22:25] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:22:26] I would also request suspension
[2:22:27] of rules to vote on the passage
[2:22:28] of this docket.
[2:22:28] The south end has a unique
[2:22:29] network of historic alleyways
[2:22:30] that residents depend on for
[2:22:31] access to their homes, parking
[2:22:32] ,utilities and other everyday
[2:22:33] needs.
[2:22:34] but because many of these
[2:22:34] alleyways are privately owned,
[2:22:35] residents are often left
[2:22:36] responsible for addressing
[2:22:36] infrastructure issues that are
[2:22:37] difficult and expensive for
[2:22:38] individual property owners to
[2:22:38] solve on their own.
[2:22:39] One issue that deserves
[2:22:40] particular attention is a
[2:22:41] city's roadway and betterment
[2:22:41] process.
[2:22:42] Many of these historic alleys
[2:22:42] simply cannot satisfy the
[2:22:43] dimensional standards currently
[2:22:44] applied to the acceptance
[2:22:44] of new public, new public ways
[2:22:45] .
[2:22:46] Some of the narrow narrower
[2:22:46] than 40 foot minimum because
[2:22:47] they were built long before
[2:22:47] today's roadway standards
[2:22:48] existed even though narrow
[2:22:49] public alleys already exists
[2:22:49] elsewhere in boston.
[2:22:50] We need to examine whether
[2:22:50] there are alternative standards
[2:22:50] or processes that recognize the
[2:22:51] unique conditions of these
[2:22:52] historic alleyways while still
[2:22:52] addressing accessibility
[2:22:53] emergencies, emergency response
[2:22:53] and legitimate public safety
[2:22:54] concerns.
[2:22:54] That is why I am proposing the
[2:22:54] creation of the south alleyways
[2:22:55] working group rather than
[2:22:55] approaching drainage ownership
[2:22:56] ,maintenance, utilities
[2:22:58] funding and public acceptance
[2:22:59] as a separate problem.
[2:23:01] This would bring residents,
[2:23:03] public owners, elected
[2:23:05] officials, city officials and
[2:23:07] other stakeholders together to
[2:23:08] identify practical short and
[2:23:10] long term solutions.
[2:23:12] We MAY ultimately determine as
[2:23:13] some solutions can be
[2:23:15] accomplished administratively
[2:23:17] while others require changes to
[2:23:20] city policy or even state law.
[2:23:21] The purpose of this working
[2:23:23] group is to create a structure
[2:23:24] where we can work through these
[2:23:27] questions together and develop
[2:23:28] recommendations that reflect
[2:23:30] both the realities of the south
[2:23:32] end and the experience of the
[2:23:33] people who live there.
[2:23:35] I look forward to working with
[2:23:37] south end residents, my
[2:23:38] council colleagues, the
[2:23:40] administration and other
[2:23:41] stakeholders stakeholders on
[2:23:42] this effort.
[2:23:43] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:23:44] Thank you.
[2:23:45] >> councilor claude pepper.
[2:23:46] The chair recognizes
[2:23:47] councilor fitzgerald.
[2:23:48] You have the floor.
[2:23:48] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:23:49] I'd like to thank
[2:23:50] councilor culpeper for adding
[2:23:51] me as the second original
[2:23:52] co-sponsor.
[2:23:54] This is a great idea because
[2:23:55] the the the interwoven
[2:23:56] infrastructure of the alleyways
[2:23:57] through the south end is
[2:23:59] inherently what makes the south
[2:24:01] end the south end and gives it
[2:24:02] that that historic feel.
[2:24:04] However, uh, because of that
[2:24:06] historic uh state uh there are
[2:24:07] many complications that come
[2:24:08] with that.
[2:24:09] The council had just mentioned
[2:24:12] ownership uh, cleanliness uh
[2:24:13] and service that is provided on
[2:24:14] those.
[2:24:15] And so uh I think it's a great
[2:24:17] idea to get to this group, uh,
[2:24:19] and figure out what we can do
[2:24:20] and what steps need to be
[2:24:21] taken.
[2:24:22] Uh, perhaps from a legal
[2:24:23] perspective to better service
[2:24:26] clean, maintain uh, these this
[2:24:27] infrastructure in the south and
[2:24:28] so thank you councilor up up
[2:24:29] and thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:24:30] Thank you, councilor fitzgerald
[2:24:30] .
[2:24:31] Chair recognizes
[2:24:32] councilor flynn.
[2:24:33] You have the floor.
[2:24:34] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:24:36] And thank you to
[2:24:37] councilor culpeper for adding
[2:24:38] me.
[2:24:41] Um, proud to partner with
[2:24:42] councilor culpeper
[2:24:43] councilor fitzgerald alleyways
[2:24:45] in the south and provide access
[2:24:48] to homes, businesses, parking
[2:24:51] areas, utilities and other
[2:24:51] properties.
[2:24:53] But many are privately owned
[2:24:55] and have aging infrastructure
[2:24:57] that creates significant
[2:24:59] challenges for residents and
[2:25:00] property owners.
[2:25:05] I worked with then city
[2:25:06] council on working with the
[2:25:07] boston water and sewer
[2:25:09] commission on many issues in
[2:25:10] the south end but especially as
[2:25:13] it relates to um private
[2:25:15] alleyways and how we're able to
[2:25:17] support residents on water and
[2:25:18] sewer related.
[2:25:18] Issues.
[2:25:20] >> residents are facing long,
[2:25:22] long standing infrastructure
[2:25:26] and maintenance issues flooding
[2:25:29] inadequate draining pavement as
[2:25:30] councilor culpeper mentioned
[2:25:32] utility related issues,
[2:25:34] accessibility concerns,
[2:25:38] emergency access many south end
[2:25:39] alleyways were built before
[2:25:41] modern roadway standards in a
[2:25:43] physically too narrow to meet.
[2:25:44] >> the city's current.
[2:25:45] 40 foot minimum.
[2:25:47] We should explore.
[2:25:48] Whether alternative standards
[2:25:51] or process can preserve
[2:25:52] accessibility in emergency.
[2:25:53] Response.
[2:25:54] >> but those are the types
[2:25:56] of questions we can ask at this
[2:25:57] working group.
[2:25:58] >> so I'm.
[2:25:59] Really glad that
[2:26:01] councilor culpeper is leading
[2:26:02] on this.
[2:26:03] A south end working group can
[2:26:05] bring stakeholders together to
[2:26:07] find solutions bringing
[2:26:09] residents, property owners.
[2:26:11] City officials, utility
[2:26:13] companies, engineers, legal
[2:26:15] experts, civic.
[2:26:16] Organizations, neighbors.
[2:26:18] Teachers.
[2:26:19] >> the working group can
[2:26:21] identify funding and
[2:26:22] maintenance solutions.
[2:26:23] Improve coordination.
[2:26:26] Examine opportunities for
[2:26:27] greatest city involvement,
[2:26:29] develop the recommendations for
[2:26:31] both immediate improvements and
[2:26:32] long term.
[2:26:33] Policy changes.
[2:26:34] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:26:35] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[2:26:36] The chair recognizes
[2:26:37] councilor pepen.
[2:26:38] Councilor, you have the floor.
[2:26:39] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:26:42] I wanted to rise to just, um,
[2:26:43] thank the three sponsors
[2:26:45] of this docket and it is great
[2:26:47] that there is an organized
[2:26:48] movement happening in the south
[2:26:49] end.
[2:26:50] I know that council will round
[2:26:50] myself.
[2:26:52] I mean, our respective
[2:26:53] districts have been having a
[2:26:54] lot of conversation about
[2:26:55] private ways, so I'm going to
[2:26:57] be very curious to see how this
[2:26:58] goes and we'll love to learn
[2:26:59] from the three of you of how
[2:27:01] and what is being discussed so
[2:27:02] that we can replicated across
[2:27:03] in other neighborhoods as well.
[2:27:04] Thank you.
[2:27:05] Thank you, councilor pepen.
[2:27:07] Would anyone like to add their
[2:27:07] name?
[2:27:10] Councilor collette is a.
[2:27:11] >> paddle.
[2:27:11] .
[2:27:14] Councilor pepen.
[2:27:17] Councilor louijeune council.
[2:27:17] Murphy.
[2:27:18] Councilor.
[2:27:19] Santana.
[2:27:20] Constable rowland, please have
[2:27:20] the chair.
[2:27:23] Councilors culpeper, fitzgerald
[2:27:25] and flynn seek suspension
[2:27:25] of the rules.
[2:27:27] Adoption of docket 1613.
[2:27:28] All in.
[2:27:29] Favor, say I.
[2:27:36] Yes.
[2:27:37] Start over again.
[2:27:39] Councilors culpeper, fitzgerald
[2:27:39] and.
[2:27:40] Flynn six.
[2:27:42] Suspension of the rules.
[2:27:45] Adoption of docket 1614.
[2:27:46] All in favor say aye.
[2:27:47] All opposed.
[2:27:48] Say nay.
[2:27:49] Thank you.
[2:27:51] Docket 1614 has been adopted.
[2:27:54] Thank you, mr chair.
[2:27:56] Could you please read docket
[2:27:57] 1615.
[2:27:59] Talking number 1615 councilor.
[2:28:01] Flynn offer the following
[2:28:02] resolution.
[2:28:03] In recognition.
[2:28:04] >> of the city of chelsea
[2:28:05] all-america city award.
[2:28:07] Chair recognizes
[2:28:09] councilor flynn council, you
[2:28:09] have the floor.
[2:28:10] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:28:13] The city of chelsea was proudly
[2:28:15] recognized for being an all
[2:28:16] american city for the second
[2:28:19] year in a row and a historic
[2:28:20] fourth time.
[2:28:22] This outstanding achievement.
[2:28:24] Reflects chelsea's strong sense
[2:28:26] of community commitment to
[2:28:27] social, economic and racial
[2:28:29] justice, respect for our
[2:28:31] immigrant neighbors, civic
[2:28:33] engagement, ongoing dedication
[2:28:35] to creating a vibrant and
[2:28:36] welcoming city for all.
[2:28:39] We congratulate the residents,
[2:28:41] community leaders and
[2:28:43] organizations of chelsea on
[2:28:45] this distinguished national
[2:28:48] recognition and wish the city
[2:28:48] success.
[2:28:53] The city manager fidel maltz
[2:28:54] heads.
[2:28:57] Is an outstanding public
[2:29:00] servant whose dedication to
[2:29:02] chelsea and its resident
[2:29:04] residents is exceptional.
[2:29:05] I had the.
[2:29:05] Opportunity to.
[2:29:08] Study with him at a leadership
[2:29:11] program over the last year.
[2:29:13] With a background in civil
[2:29:14] engineering and extensive
[2:29:15] experience in municipal
[2:29:16] government.
[2:29:17] Fidel has demonstrated a.
[2:29:18] Strong commitment to.
[2:29:19] Improving infrastructure,
[2:29:21] securing critical funding.
[2:29:24] Strengthening public safety,
[2:29:25] showing that residents have a.
[2:29:26] Voice in the future the
[2:29:26] community.
[2:29:32] He has also led with energy
[2:29:33] accessibility and a genuine
[2:29:35] love of chelsea, making him an
[2:29:36] exceptional leader and a
[2:29:38] tremendous asset to this
[2:29:38] community.
[2:29:41] And just on a side note I do
[2:29:42] spend a lot of time at the
[2:29:45] chelsea soldiers home which is
[2:29:47] an exceptional residential
[2:29:50] program um, managed by the
[2:29:52] state of massachusetts at the
[2:29:53] veterans department for the
[2:29:54] state.
[2:29:55] I was there a couple weeks ago.
[2:29:56] Going back again.
[2:29:59] Next week for a cookout.
[2:30:02] But this is a program in
[2:30:04] chelsea that veterans from
[2:30:06] across the state are.
[2:30:07] Able to live.
[2:30:09] There and get medical care
[2:30:10] there.
[2:30:12] But it's just one example
[2:30:12] of what makes.
[2:30:13] Chelsea unique.
[2:30:17] Along with their incredible
[2:30:19] contributions to public
[2:30:20] education but also uh.
[2:30:22] Respecting immigrants as well.
[2:30:25] Um, I'm asking my colleagues to
[2:30:28] join me, um, in suspending and
[2:30:29] passing this resolution, MADAM
[2:30:29] Chair.
[2:30:30] Thank you.
[2:30:31] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[2:30:32] Would anyone like to add their
[2:30:33] name.
[2:30:34] Cancer.
[2:30:36] >> colitis about a cancer.
[2:30:38] Culpeper councilor fitzgerald.
[2:30:38] Councilor.
[2:30:39] Louijeune councilor.
[2:30:40] Murphy, councilor.
[2:30:42] Pepen councilor santana
[2:30:42] cultural were.
[2:30:43] Well pleased to have the chair.
[2:30:45] Councilor flynn seeks
[2:30:46] suspension of.
[2:30:48] >> the rules adoption of docket
[2:30:48] 1615.
[2:30:49] >> all in favor say I.
[2:30:51] All opposed.
[2:30:51] Say nay.
[2:30:53] Thank you.
[2:30:55] >> the ayes have it.
[2:30:57] Docket 1615 has been adopted.
[2:31:00] Mr chair, could you please read
[2:31:02] one docket 1616.
[2:31:05] Talking about 1616 council sign
[2:31:07] up for the following resolution
[2:31:10] in support of an investigation
[2:31:12] by the massachusetts secretary
[2:31:14] of state into incorrect ballots
[2:31:15] distributed.
[2:31:17] During early voting in boston
[2:31:18] and maintaining state
[2:31:21] receivership of boston election
[2:31:22] department through the 2028
[2:31:23] election.
[2:31:25] Chair recognizes
[2:31:26] councilor flynn.
[2:31:26] You have the floor.
[2:31:27] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:31:29] There were confirmed.
[2:31:30] Reports of incorrect ballots.
[2:31:33] Distributed at the condon
[2:31:34] community center in south
[2:31:35] boston in my neighborhood.
[2:31:36] The city.
[2:31:37] >> of boston and election
[2:31:39] department officials have since
[2:31:40] acknowledged that on the first
[2:31:41] day of early voting.
[2:31:42] >> the.
[2:31:43] City made a.
[2:31:44] Determination that this in fact
[2:31:45] took place.
[2:31:49] This incident follows the
[2:31:51] NOVEMBER 2024 presidential
[2:31:52] election when poll workers.
[2:31:53] Reported issues.
[2:31:57] Of citywide ballot shortages,
[2:31:58] ballots in the correct language
[2:31:59] and calls to the election
[2:32:00] department.
[2:32:01] They went on and answered.
[2:32:04] This caused unnecessary and
[2:32:06] unreasonable wait time for
[2:32:08] residents in many left of.
[2:32:08] Voting location.
[2:32:11] Voting booth without casting
[2:32:12] their ballot.
[2:32:14] Following an investigation.
[2:32:15] Into these.
[2:32:17] Significant issues, the
[2:32:17] secretary.
[2:32:18] >> of state announced the
[2:32:19] appointment of.
[2:32:19] >> a.
[2:32:22] State receiver to oversee
[2:32:22] boston's.
[2:32:23] Election department through
[2:32:24] 2026.
[2:32:28] Boston's early voting sites
[2:32:28] provide.
[2:32:29] >> the opportunity for any
[2:32:30] registered.
[2:32:32] Voter to cast their ballot at
[2:32:34] any citywide location.
[2:32:35] That's for early voting.
[2:32:37] As a result, poll workers are
[2:32:38] tasked with following.
[2:32:40] Protocols to.
[2:32:42] >> provide 34.
[2:32:44] Different types of ballots
[2:32:46] based on a registered.
[2:32:47] Voters address.
[2:32:49] Especially following the
[2:32:50] serious errors that.
[2:32:51] Boston made.
[2:32:54] In what was widely considered
[2:32:55] one of the most important
[2:32:57] elections of our lifetime in
[2:32:57] 2024.
[2:32:58] I believe.
[2:32:59] >> the city should only.
[2:33:04] Offer in-person early voting in
[2:33:06] one's own neighborhood in
[2:33:06] district.
[2:33:08] Or at city hall when.
[2:33:09] We allow.
[2:33:09] Residents to vote.
[2:33:11] >> at every location.
[2:33:12] Throughout the entire city.
[2:33:13] Again for early voting.
[2:33:17] Um, I think it puts a
[2:33:19] tremendous strain on the system
[2:33:19] .
[2:33:21] I think it's also unfair to our
[2:33:23] poll workers that have to have
[2:33:25] a ballot ready regardless.
[2:33:27] Of where the person is coming
[2:33:28] in from.
[2:33:30] We only increase.
[2:33:31] >> the chances of incidents
[2:33:33] where human.
[2:33:35] Error can occur when a poll
[2:33:37] worker provides the wrong
[2:33:38] ballot.
[2:33:40] Early voting ballots that leave
[2:33:41] city hall should only go to
[2:33:43] early.
[2:33:45] Voting locations within their.
[2:33:46] Appropriate district
[2:33:48] neighborhood.
[2:33:49] I am.
[2:33:51] >> calling for the city
[2:33:52] election department to remain
[2:33:54] at a state received
[2:33:55] receivership for the 2028.
[2:33:56] Election as the right to vote
[2:33:57] is.
[2:33:59] >> both sacred.
[2:34:00] I believe it's.
[2:34:02] >> a civil rights issue as
[2:34:03] well.
[2:34:04] A thorough investigation must
[2:34:06] be conducted.
[2:34:07] To ensure.
[2:34:08] All ballots are counted.
[2:34:09] We must prioritize critical
[2:34:11] community needs.
[2:34:12] Quality of life issues, the
[2:34:13] ability to administer basic
[2:34:14] city services.
[2:34:15] Every vote counts in the
[2:34:16] process must be.
[2:34:17] >> as clear as possible.
[2:34:18] For all including.
[2:34:19] Our immigrant neighbors.
[2:34:21] Public housing residents, our
[2:34:22] seniors and persons with
[2:34:23] disabilities.
[2:34:25] Voting is an important and.
[2:34:25] Critical part.
[2:34:26] >> of society.
[2:34:28] It's how we decide who.
[2:34:29] Represents the people.
[2:34:31] Implementing an effective.
[2:34:33] Transparent and fair election.
[2:34:35] Process is the responsibility
[2:34:36] of the election department.
[2:34:38] We need immediate.
[2:34:39] >> changes to ensure every.
[2:34:40] Vote counts.
[2:34:40] Thank you.
[2:34:42] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[2:34:43] >> uh, councilor burton, you
[2:34:44] have the floor.
[2:34:47] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:34:48] i'm standing.
[2:34:50] Today to vote to voice my
[2:34:51] concern and opposition.
[2:34:52] >> to this resolution.
[2:34:54] The incident referenced in
[2:34:55] which three early voters.
[2:34:57] Received the incorrect ballot.
[2:34:58] Was isolated.
[2:35:00] Immediately corrected.
[2:35:01] And all three voters were
[2:35:02] ultimately able to cast.
[2:35:03] >> the proper ballot.
[2:35:05] There is no evidence of a
[2:35:07] systemic failure or widespread
[2:35:08] error in.
[2:35:09] Boston's early voting systems.
[2:35:12] At a moment when election
[2:35:13] misinformation is rampant, we
[2:35:15] should be careful not to
[2:35:17] amplify false alarms or suggest
[2:35:19] that.
[2:35:21] Boston's elections are in
[2:35:23] crisis.
[2:35:25] The facts do not support that
[2:35:28] conclusion.
[2:35:30] Our election.
[2:35:32] Department has already.
[2:35:35] Taken corrective steps and the
[2:35:38] secretary of state has publicly
[2:35:40] stated that this was a small
[2:35:42] contained mistake.
[2:35:44] Calling for extended state.
[2:35:45] Receivership through 2028.
[2:35:47] Based on a single resolved
[2:35:49] incident is a disproportionate
[2:35:50] and risks.
[2:35:52] Undermining confidence in our
[2:35:53] local.
[2:35:55] Election workers who diligently
[2:35:56] do their jobs.
[2:35:58] We should focus on
[2:35:59] strengthening our.
[2:36:00] Systems.
[2:36:01] >> supporting our new.
[2:36:02] Elections executive director.
[2:36:04] And ensure clear communication
[2:36:05] with.
[2:36:06] Voters rather.
[2:36:07] >> than escalating an isolated
[2:36:08] error.
[2:36:09] into a narrative of systemic
[2:36:10] failure.
[2:36:11] For that reason I will.
[2:36:12] Be voting against.
[2:36:13] >> this resolution.
[2:36:14] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:36:15] Thank you council breadon
[2:36:16] anyone else?
[2:36:17] Uh, councilor louijeune you
[2:36:18] have the floor.
[2:36:19] Thank you.
[2:36:20] Um, I just wanted to say, um,
[2:36:21] that I agree with what, uh,
[2:36:22] councilor breadon just stated.
[2:36:23] I also want to make it very
[2:36:24] clear that I wholeheartedly
[2:36:25] disagree with the idea that
[2:36:25] early voting should be limited
[2:36:26] to ballots.
[2:36:27] Early voting should be limited
[2:36:28] to the areas in which uh that
[2:36:28] uh a vote is happening for that
[2:36:29] district.
[2:36:29] We need to make sure that we
[2:36:30] are doing everything to expand
[2:36:31] voting access.
[2:36:32] We should have same-day voter
[2:36:33] registration.
[2:36:34] We should have make it easier
[2:36:35] for people to vote, let people
[2:36:36] know that they have the right
[2:36:38] to vote um, in in situation.
[2:36:39] So it's really really important
[2:36:40] for us to be doing everything
[2:36:42] we can especially as the right
[2:36:43] to vote is under assault in so
[2:36:44] many ways by the federal
[2:36:45] government.
[2:36:46] We need to be expanding access
[2:36:48] to early voting not not
[2:36:49] retreating from that and we
[2:36:50] need to be making it possible
[2:36:51] for everyone to vote.
[2:36:52] So I just wanted to make that
[2:36:54] very clear because early voting
[2:36:56] is so important and so many
[2:36:57] people have fought for this
[2:36:58] right and are continuing to
[2:36:59] fight as the right to vote is
[2:37:01] under assault nationwide that
[2:37:02] year we should be setting the
[2:37:04] example by extending early
[2:37:05] voting by making it easier if
[2:37:06] someone is running an errand
[2:37:08] they can, you know, vote at
[2:37:10] city hall even if they live in
[2:37:11] hyde park or mattapan.
[2:37:13] And so I just want to just be
[2:37:14] on record and as a strong
[2:37:15] supporter for early voting and
[2:37:16] expanding the right to vote.
[2:37:16] Thank you.
[2:37:18] Thank you, councilor louijeune.
[2:37:21] Uh, does anyone want to add
[2:37:22] their name?
[2:37:24] Mr cook, can you add uh,
[2:37:25] council murphy?
[2:37:28] Uh, mr clerk, would you please
[2:37:29] take a roll call?
[2:37:30] Vote on docket 1616.
[2:37:31] .
[2:37:32] >> councilor breadon.
[2:37:33] No.
[2:37:35] >> councilor breadon no.
[2:37:36] Councilor collette as opposed
[2:37:38] no go to color as opposed to no
[2:37:39] councilor.
[2:37:40] Culpeper present.
[2:37:43] Councilor culpeper present
[2:37:43] councilor.
[2:37:44] Durkan.
[2:37:44] Councilor.
[2:37:45] Fitzgerald.
[2:37:45] Councilor.
[2:37:46] Fitzgerald.
[2:37:47] No councilor.
[2:37:48] Flynn.
[2:37:48] Yes.
[2:37:49] Council.
[2:37:50] Flynn.
[2:37:50] Yes.
[2:37:51] Councilor.
[2:37:51] Louijeune.
[2:37:52] Councilor.
[2:37:52] Louijeune.
[2:37:53] No.
[2:37:53] Concilor mejia here.
[2:37:54] Councilor.
[2:37:54] Murphy.
[2:37:55] Councilor.
[2:37:55] murphy.
[2:37:55] Yes.
[2:37:56] Councilor.
[2:37:57] Vipin.
[2:37:57] Uh.
[2:37:58] Councilor.
[2:37:59] Pin.
[2:37:59] No.
[2:38:00] Councilor.
[2:38:00] Santana.
[2:38:02] Councilor.
[2:38:03] Santana.
[2:38:03] No.
[2:38:04] Council.
[2:38:05] Weber and councilor.
[2:38:06] World council.
[2:38:07] Well.
[2:38:08] No.
[2:38:08] Seven votes in the negative two
[2:38:09] in the affirmative and one
[2:38:10] present.
[2:38:11] Thank you.
[2:38:12] >> docket 1616 has not been
[2:38:13] adopted.
[2:38:28] MR. Clerk, could you please
[2:38:30] read docket 1617.
[2:38:33] Can number 1617
[2:38:34] councilor culpeper oh for the
[2:38:37] following resolution declaring
[2:38:38] AUGUST 24th as elizabeth
[2:38:40] freeman day in the city
[2:38:41] of boston.
[2:38:42] Chair recognizes
[2:38:42] councilor culpeper.
[2:38:43] You have the floor.
[2:38:44] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:38:47] MADAM PRESIDENT, I would like
[2:38:48] to offer a substitute filing
[2:38:51] for docket 1617.
[2:38:54] After doing more research on
[2:38:56] elizabeth freeman, it appears
[2:38:58] that the day elizabeth freeman
[2:39:00] was awarded her freedom in
[2:39:05] damages was AUGUST 22nd, not
[2:39:05] AUGUST 24th.
[2:39:09] Elizabeth freeman, also known
[2:39:12] as bear, was born into slavery
[2:39:14] and later enslaved in the
[2:39:15] household council.
[2:39:18] But before we proceed would you
[2:39:19] have a second for the
[2:39:19] substitution?
[2:39:20] Okay.
[2:39:22] >> you MAY proceed.
[2:39:23] Thank you.
[2:39:26] Elizabeth friedan, also known
[2:39:29] as mom but was born into
[2:39:31] slavery and later enslaved in
[2:39:35] the household of john ashley in
[2:39:37] sheffield, massachusetts after
[2:39:38] the adoption of the
[2:39:40] massachusetts constitution and
[2:39:42] its declaration that all people
[2:39:44] are born free and equal,
[2:39:45] freeman challenged whether
[2:39:47] those principles to coexist
[2:39:49] with her continued enslavement.
[2:39:53] In 1971, freedom and brown
[2:39:55] successfully sued for their
[2:39:57] freedom in brum and that verse
[2:39:59] actually her case became an
[2:40:01] important part of the legal
[2:40:04] struggle that ultimately
[2:40:06] established that slavery was
[2:40:07] incompatible with the
[2:40:09] massachusetts constitution.
[2:40:11] Her story is also an important
[2:40:13] reminder that the rights
[2:40:14] expressed in our founding
[2:40:17] documents did not automatically
[2:40:18] extend to everyone.
[2:40:20] It took courageous individuals
[2:40:22] like elizabeth freeman to
[2:40:24] demand that those promises
[2:40:25] actually be honored.
[2:40:27] Recognizing elizabeth freeman
[2:40:30] day gives us an opportunity to
[2:40:32] honor the courage and to
[2:40:34] recognize the role of black
[2:40:35] americans have played
[2:40:37] throughout massachusetts
[2:40:39] history and pushing our
[2:40:41] commonwealth closer to its own
[2:40:44] ideals of freedom, equality and
[2:40:45] justice.
[2:40:47] I hope my colleagues will join
[2:40:49] me in supporting this
[2:40:51] resolution and recognizing
[2:40:53] elizabeth freeman's enduring
[2:40:54] contribution to the
[2:40:56] commonwealth of massachusetts.
[2:40:57] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:40:59] Thank you, councilor culpeper.
[2:41:00] Would anyone like to.
[2:41:01] >> add their name?
[2:41:03] Councilor color disappeared a
[2:41:03] counselor fitzgerald.
[2:41:04] Councilor.
[2:41:05] Flynn.
[2:41:05] Counselor.
[2:41:05] Murphy.
[2:41:06] Country.
[2:41:06] Pepen.
[2:41:07] Counselor.
[2:41:09] Uh santana comes from the
[2:41:10] region.
[2:41:11] Councilor worrell.
[2:41:12] >> and please of the.
[2:41:14] Chair councilor culpeper.
[2:41:15] >> seeks suspension.
[2:41:15] >> of the rules and.
[2:41:16] Adoption of.
[2:41:17] >> docket 1617.
[2:41:18] All in.
[2:41:19] >> favor say aye.
[2:41:21] All opposed say nay.
[2:41:22] The ayes have it.
[2:41:23] Thank you.
[2:41:26] >> docket 1617 has been adopted
[2:41:26] .
[2:41:29] We're now moving on to
[2:41:29] personnel orders.
[2:41:31] Mr turk, can you please.
[2:41:32] Read the.
[2:41:33] Personnel orders?
[2:41:35] Personnel those docket number.
[2:41:37] 1618 councilor.
[2:41:39] Brain for council a call for
[2:41:41] 1619 councilor brading for
[2:41:44] councilor culpepper 1620
[2:41:45] councilor breadon for
[2:41:45] concilor mejia here.
[2:41:49] 1621 councilor.
[2:41:51] Breen for councilor murphy and
[2:41:53] 1622 councilor breadon for
[2:41:54] councilor santana.
[2:41:55] Thank you.
[2:41:57] >> the chair moves to passage
[2:41:57] of the personnel orders.
[2:41:59] All those in favor say.
[2:42:01] i thank you.
[2:42:01] The ayes have it.
[2:42:02] The personnel.
[2:42:04] Orders have been passed.
[2:42:06] Uh, before we move on to green
[2:42:07] sheets.
[2:42:07] >> is there.
[2:42:09] Anyone who wishes to, uh, would
[2:42:10] .
[2:42:11] Like to add.
[2:42:11] >> their.
[2:42:12] Name to a docket that.
[2:42:13] They MAY have missed?
[2:42:15] Councilor.
[2:42:15] >> uh, culpeper.
[2:42:17] Are you leaving?
[2:42:18] No, no.
[2:42:20] I'm good.
[2:42:21] >> you're good.
[2:42:21] Thank you.
[2:42:24] Anyone else add their name to a
[2:42:25] docket they MAY.
[2:42:25] >> have missed?
[2:42:26] Okay.
[2:42:29] Um.
[2:42:32] >> so now moving on to green
[2:42:33] sheets.
[2:42:34] As anyone looking.
[2:42:35] >> to take a docket from the
[2:42:36] green sheets.
[2:42:37] Councilor pepen, you.
[2:42:37] Have the floor.
[2:42:40] The chair of the committee on
[2:42:41] housing and community
[2:42:41] development.
[2:42:42] Yes.
[2:42:43] >> thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:42:43] Yes.
[2:42:46] I am looking to pull um from
[2:42:47] committee on housing community
[2:42:49] development docket 1552
[2:42:51] of which is on page 16.
[2:42:52] Of the green sheets.
[2:42:56] Uh, councilor.
[2:42:57] Uh, mr chair, could you please.
[2:42:58] >> read that docket into the.
[2:43:00] Record from the committee on
[2:43:00] housing and.
[2:43:03] Community development number
[2:43:05] 1552 resolution calling for an
[2:43:07] immediate housing stabilization
[2:43:09] response system for boston
[2:43:09] residents.
[2:43:12] Who involuntary lose work
[2:43:13] authorization due to federal
[2:43:15] changes in immigration policy.
[2:43:17] Thank you.
[2:43:18] >> chair recognizes country and
[2:43:18] country.
[2:43:19] You have the floor.
[2:43:21] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:43:22] Yeah I'm pulling this out
[2:43:23] of committee just because
[2:43:24] of the importance and
[2:43:26] timeliness of the topic of this
[2:43:28] resolution, the time right now
[2:43:30] where a lot of our um, migrants
[2:43:32] especially those with the
[2:43:33] status of being revoked are
[2:43:35] going through a lot of hardship
[2:43:37] and do not know about their
[2:43:38] future and the uncertainty
[2:43:39] of their placement here not
[2:43:41] only in the city of boston
[2:43:42] across the state
[2:43:42] of massachusetts.
[2:43:44] So I would like to pull this
[2:43:45] out of committee and bring it
[2:43:46] to the floor for a vote today.
[2:43:49] Absent objection, the motion
[2:43:49] of the committee.
[2:43:50] >> chair is accepted and
[2:43:51] docket.
[2:43:53] 1552 is properly before the
[2:43:53] body.
[2:43:54] You MAY continue.
[2:43:56] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:43:58] As I said, this is a very
[2:44:00] timely matter.
[2:44:01] It's a matter of great
[2:44:02] importance in my district
[2:44:03] across the city.
[2:44:05] A lot of people are living in
[2:44:06] fear.
[2:44:07] I know that council councilor
[2:44:08] at large which louijeune has
[2:44:10] been working adamantly on this.
[2:44:12] So I actually want to if she
[2:44:13] has.
[2:44:13] Anything to say on this I would
[2:44:15] like to, um, yield my time.
[2:44:16] To her.
[2:44:17] Thank you.
[2:44:18] >> chair recognizes
[2:44:19] councilor louijeune councilor.
[2:44:20] You have the floor.
[2:44:20] Thank you.
[2:44:21] >> councilor benton, I just
[2:44:23] wanted to say, uh, thank you to
[2:44:26] all of the incredible, um,
[2:44:28] advocates who are working on
[2:44:28] this issue.
[2:44:31] I want to say thank you to I
[2:44:33] have been peppering them the
[2:44:34] state and the city who are
[2:44:35] working adamantly on this as we
[2:44:38] continue to, uh, ensure that we
[2:44:40] have a plan for those who are
[2:44:41] boston residents who are
[2:44:44] suffering from harm as a result
[2:44:45] of this administration's
[2:44:47] attacks on our immigrant
[2:44:48] communities.
[2:44:48] Thank you.
[2:44:49] And I know that you, uh,
[2:44:50] councilor council PRESIDENT
[2:44:51] Biden are also second on this.
[2:44:53] So I just want to thank you for
[2:44:54] your partnership and your work
[2:44:55] on this as well.
[2:44:56] Thank you.
[2:44:57] Thank you both.
[2:44:59] Um, councilor pepen, MR.
[2:45:01] Passage of docket 1552.
[2:45:02] All in.
[2:45:03] Favor say aye.
[2:45:04] Aye.
[2:45:05] All opposed.
[2:45:05] Say nay.
[2:45:08] MISTER Chair, could you please
[2:45:10] take a roll call?
[2:45:12] Vote on docket 1552.
[2:45:13] Councilor breen.
[2:45:14] >> yes.
[2:45:15] Councilor breadon.
[2:45:16] Yes.
[2:45:17] Councilor collette as opponent
[2:45:18] councilor let us put a yes.
[2:45:19] Councilor.
[2:45:19] Culpeper.
[2:45:20] councilor durkan.
[2:45:21] Councilor fitzgerald.
[2:45:22] Yes.
[2:45:23] Councilor.
[2:45:23] So yes.
[2:45:25] Councilor.
[2:45:26] Flynn.
[2:45:27] Yes.
[2:45:28] Council.
[2:45:29] Flynn.
[2:45:30] Yes.
[2:45:31] Council.
[2:45:32] Louijeune.
[2:45:32] Yes.
[2:45:33] Councilor louijeune.
[2:45:34] Yes.
[2:45:35] Councilor mejia.
[2:45:36] Councilor.
[2:45:36] Murphy.
[2:45:37] Councilor.
[2:45:38] >> murphy.
[2:45:39] Yes.
[2:45:40] Council.
[2:45:40] Pippin.
[2:45:41] >> yes.
[2:45:42] Councilor.
[2:45:43] Pen.
[2:45:43] Yes.
[2:45:44] Councilor.
[2:45:45] Santana.
[2:45:45] Yes.
[2:45:46] Councilor.
[2:45:46] Santana.
[2:45:47] Yes.
[2:45:48] And councilor weber.
[2:45:49] Councilor.
[2:45:50] World.
[2:45:50] Yes.
[2:45:52] Councilor.
[2:45:52] Well, yes.
[2:45:53] Nine votes in the affirmative.
[2:45:54] Thank you, mr crack.
[2:45:55] Docket 1552.
[2:45:55] >> has passed.
[2:45:56] Any other.
[2:45:56] Dockets from the green sheets?
[2:45:56] Good.
[2:45:57] That's it.
[2:45:57] And we're now on to.
[2:45:58] Late files.
[2:45:59] um, I'm informed by the work
[2:46:00] that there.
[2:46:02] Are 6.56.
[2:46:03] >> late files.
[2:46:06] We have four.
[2:46:07] Is.
[2:46:08] >> uh.
[2:46:09] >> for absence letters.
[2:46:11] Three absences.
[2:46:13] Yeah.
[2:46:16] >> there's three, uh, letters
[2:46:17] from councilors.
[2:46:18] There's a letter of absence
[2:46:19] from the mayor.
[2:46:20] There's some.
[2:46:23] >> uh, personnel all across the
[2:46:24] boards.
[2:46:25] Councilor constable.
[2:46:26] Bonds and one personnel.
[2:46:29] Or two um, absent.
[2:46:30] Objection, these late matters
[2:46:31] uh, will be added.
[2:46:36] Uh, MR. Clerk, could you, uh,
[2:46:37] maybe start with.
[2:46:38] >> the personnel orders?
[2:46:42] Firstly file a personal order.
[2:46:45] Councilor breadon on behalf
[2:46:46] of central staff and city
[2:46:48] council staff.
[2:46:49] Thank you.
[2:46:50] >> the chair moves should
[2:46:51] passage.
[2:46:53] >> of these late fund matters.
[2:46:54] All in favor.
[2:46:55] >> say aye.
[2:46:56] All opposed?
[2:46:57] Say nay.
[2:46:58] Thank you.
[2:46:59] >> the personnel.
[2:47:00] Orders have passed.
[2:47:01] And then we will if you could
[2:47:02] read.
[2:47:03] The letters of absence.
[2:47:04] MR. Clerk.
[2:47:06] .
[2:47:07] >> second late file absence
[2:47:09] letter.
[2:47:10] Uh, dear clark churches please
[2:47:11] note that I'll be out of town
[2:47:11] on monday, AUGUST 24th, 2026
[2:47:12] from 9 A.M. Returning sunday,
[2:47:13] AUGUST 30th, 2026 at 4 P.M..
[2:47:14] Thank you.
[2:47:15] Uh, mayor will.
[2:47:19] Third file matter uh, absence
[2:47:22] from councilor uh mejia.
[2:47:24] Dear PRESIDENT Brain, I'm
[2:47:26] writing for my absence at city
[2:47:28] council meeting on AUGUST 26th,
[2:47:29] 2026.
[2:47:30] My staff will be listening and
[2:47:33] informing about the meeting and
[2:47:34] actions taken by the body.
[2:47:35] Sincerely, council me.
[2:47:38] Uh fourthly file matter
[2:47:41] councilor uh, weber, I regret
[2:47:42] to inform you be unable to
[2:47:43] attend today's council meeting
[2:47:44] .
[2:47:45] Please note my staff will be in
[2:47:47] attendance and keep me informed
[2:47:48] of actions during the
[2:47:49] council meeting.
[2:47:52] Thank you, councilor weber and
[2:47:56] the late file letter from uh
[2:47:56] councilor durkan.
[2:47:57] Councilor, PRESIDENT.
[2:47:58] Council.
[2:47:59] PRESIDENT Breadon.
[2:48:01] Colleagues, I am unable to
[2:48:03] attend today's council meeting
[2:48:05] due to a fever and flu like
[2:48:06] symptoms and I want to ensure
[2:48:08] the safety of my colleagues and
[2:48:08] staff.
[2:48:11] So, uh, special thank you to
[2:48:12] vice chair john fisher for his
[2:48:14] support with matters relating
[2:48:16] to planning, development and
[2:48:16] transportation.
[2:48:18] Sincerely, councilor durkan.
[2:48:20] Thank you.
[2:48:21] >> those absence letters will
[2:48:23] be placed on file.
[2:48:25] And now we're on to, um.
[2:48:27] The commissioner.
[2:48:28] Constable.
[2:48:29] >> MISTER Degrees to read those
[2:48:30] into the record.
[2:48:32] The consequence of cleveland
[2:48:35] burden colin farrell and ian
[2:48:37] randall having been duly
[2:48:39] approved by the collector.
[2:48:39] >> treasurer were received.
[2:48:41] In the clerk's office this
[2:48:41] morning.
[2:48:50] Uh, let's see, mr clerk to
[2:48:50] those need to vote.
[2:48:53] Yes.
[2:48:56] Um, the the constable bonds
[2:48:57] will be approved under the
[2:48:58] usual terms and conditions.
[2:49:03] All those in favor say I thank
[2:49:03] you.
[2:49:03] Yeah.
[2:49:06] All those all those opposed say
[2:49:07] nay.
[2:49:07] Thank you.
[2:49:08] The ayes have it.
[2:49:13] We here.
[2:49:17] Now we're on to move.
[2:49:18] Thank you, mr truck.
[2:49:21] I'll just find my way in this
[2:49:21] pile of papers.
[2:49:26] Uh, we're now on to moving on
[2:49:28] to the consent agenda.
[2:49:29] I've been informed by the clerk
[2:49:31] that there are no new additions
[2:49:32] to the consent agenda.
[2:49:34] The question now comes on
[2:49:35] approval of the various matters
[2:49:37] contained within the consent
[2:49:37] agenda.
[2:49:39] All those in favor say aye.
[2:49:40] All right.
[2:49:41] Thank you.
[2:49:42] The consent agenda has been
[2:49:43] adopted.
[2:49:45] We're now on to announcements.
[2:49:47] Please remember that these are
[2:49:49] for upcoming events and dates.
[2:49:51] Uh, does anyone have
[2:49:51] announcements?
[2:49:54] Councilor flynn.
[2:49:54] Um.
[2:49:58] Councilor flynn, you have the
[2:49:58] floor.
[2:49:59] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:50:02] MADAM Chair MAY MAY I briefly
[2:50:05] mention a upcoming veterans
[2:50:07] city council hearing meeting
[2:50:08] that's taking place on friday?
[2:50:11] It's certainly you're drawing.
[2:50:13] Um, yes.
[2:50:13] Go ahead.
[2:50:14] Okay.
[2:50:14] >> um.
[2:50:15] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:50:17] I do want to invite my
[2:50:18] council colleagues friday
[2:50:21] morning to a very important
[2:50:23] city council hearing on
[2:50:24] veterans.
[2:50:26] Um, it's it's a hearing on
[2:50:28] supporting black veterans.
[2:50:30] It's a it's a hearing on
[2:50:32] supporting women veterans.
[2:50:34] And I really want to ask my
[2:50:36] city council colleagues to
[2:50:39] please be there, um, for the
[2:50:40] important hearing.
[2:50:42] I have been disappointed.
[2:50:43] I'll be honest with you.
[2:50:45] Um, I had a city
[2:50:47] council hearing that I chaired
[2:50:49] last week on the water and
[2:50:51] sewer related issues for, uh,
[2:50:54] discounts and the city
[2:50:55] administration was here, but
[2:50:58] not one city council attended
[2:50:59] my hearing that I chaired.
[2:51:02] Um, I do want to respectfully
[2:51:04] ask if you could be here for
[2:51:05] the entire meeting.
[2:51:07] Be here on time, ask questions.
[2:51:08] It shows me that you are
[2:51:10] committed to veterans and
[2:51:11] military families.
[2:51:13] Sometimes I get the feeling
[2:51:17] that we as a city are not as
[2:51:18] supportive of veterans and
[2:51:20] military families as we could
[2:51:23] be, but your presence at this
[2:51:24] important hearing would
[2:51:26] demonstrate that you do care.
[2:51:28] You do care about veterans.
[2:51:30] You do care about military
[2:51:31] families.
[2:51:32] And I do think it's an
[2:51:34] important subject that warrants
[2:51:34] your time.
[2:51:35] Thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:51:36] Thank you, councilor flynn.
[2:51:37] The chair recognizes
[2:51:38] councilor collette as the
[2:51:39] pathway constable.
[2:51:39] You have the floor.
[2:51:40] Thank you so much, MADAM
[2:51:41] PRESIDENT.
[2:51:41] I just want to say happy
[2:51:42] birthday to my incredible
[2:51:43] mother.
[2:51:44] Um, she just recently retired
[2:51:46] from after decades of service.
[2:51:48] She helped, um, homeless kids.
[2:51:49] >> and their families and I can
[2:51:50] say this now because she's
[2:51:51] retired, but sometimes she
[2:51:53] would take in kids when they
[2:51:54] didn't have anywhere else to go
[2:51:55] including their families.
[2:51:57] And um, that is just an example
[2:51:59] of her selflessness and she's
[2:52:01] um she's deserving of all
[2:52:02] of the beautiful things in her
[2:52:03] retirement and again just happy
[2:52:04] birthday mom.
[2:52:04] Love you.
[2:52:07] I hope she gets an opportunity
[2:52:09] and your beautiful grandson as
[2:52:09] well.
[2:52:09] Yes.
[2:52:11] Happy birthday to your mom.
[2:52:13] Uh, councilor.
[2:52:14] Uh, pepen, you have the floor.
[2:52:16] Thank you, MADAM PRESIDENT.
[2:52:18] Um, and thank you to the vice
[2:52:19] chair of the veterans affairs
[2:52:20] committee because I know that,
[2:52:22] malika whitley and another shaw
[2:52:23] to appreciate the work you do
[2:52:24] in hyde park.
[2:52:27] Um, but I wanted to give a
[2:52:30] public thank you to my summer
[2:52:30] associates.
[2:52:31] We call them associates in my
[2:52:32] office, not interns.
[2:52:34] Uh, they do amazing work.
[2:52:38] Uh, I'm kiara delgado, kiara
[2:52:41] barros delgado, matt arnold and
[2:52:42] natalie puff tac who did
[2:52:44] amazing work in my office.
[2:52:45] They came up with events.
[2:52:46] They did policy work.
[2:52:48] They did a lot of constituent
[2:52:49] services and it's just a
[2:52:50] blessing to be able to see just
[2:52:53] city kids work in my office
[2:52:54] throughout the summer all the
[2:52:56] time and just I'm so thankful
[2:52:57] for the work that they did so
[2:52:58] publicly thanking you all.
[2:53:01] I wish you luck in your next
[2:53:03] year in college so shout out to
[2:53:04] all the interns.
[2:53:04] Thank you.
[2:53:07] Thank you chair recognizes
[2:53:08] council division council you
[2:53:09] have the floor.
[2:53:09] Thank you.
[2:53:10] And I guess I'm going to steal
[2:53:12] a page from the books of two
[2:53:12] of my colleagues.
[2:53:15] I also we had fantastic summer
[2:53:16] associates we call them summer
[2:53:16] as well.
[2:53:18] So um, just want to thank them
[2:53:19] for the incredible work that
[2:53:20] they did in our office.
[2:53:23] And I also want to give a big
[2:53:25] happy birthday shout out to my
[2:53:27] younger sister who is two years
[2:53:30] my junior but is um incredible
[2:53:31] broadly and I want to just say
[2:53:33] happy birthday to her and I
[2:53:35] have a lot of SEPTEMBER uh,
[2:53:37] friends I want to say a happy
[2:53:39] birthday to, uh, justine and a
[2:53:40] happy birthday to gilda.
[2:53:42] We won't meet again before
[2:53:43] their birthday, so I just
[2:53:44] wanted to give a big shout out
[2:53:45] to all of the folks who have
[2:53:47] birthdays and, um, in SEPTEMBER
[2:53:49] and all of the virgos in this
[2:53:49] world.
[2:53:50] Thank you.
[2:53:50] Thank you.
[2:53:51] >> chair recognizes
[2:53:52] councilor mercury council.
[2:53:53] you have the floor.
[2:53:54] Thank you.
[2:53:56] Also want to as we said goodbye
[2:53:58] last friday to our last intern
[2:54:00] had seven of them this summer
[2:54:02] and they always just bring such
[2:54:04] joy to the office and just help
[2:54:04] immensely.
[2:54:07] But I did also want to give a
[2:54:09] shout out to paul chang and the
[2:54:10] boston registrar a few weeks
[2:54:11] ago.
[2:54:12] I did just want to say thank
[2:54:14] you to kristen and jessica
[2:54:14] downstairs.
[2:54:16] They just did something above
[2:54:19] and beyond and they went to a
[2:54:21] constituents home after work to
[2:54:23] do something that was important
[2:54:25] to get done and I just want to
[2:54:26] publicly thank them for doing
[2:54:26] that.
[2:54:28] They didn't need to but they
[2:54:28] really helped someone that
[2:54:29] needed their help.
[2:54:30] So thank them.
[2:54:32] Thank you.
[2:54:38] >> that's good.
[2:54:41] Uh, we are wishing a very happy
[2:54:41] birthday.
[2:54:42] Uh, between now and the next
[2:54:43] council meeting to
[2:54:44] councilor collette as a matter.
[2:54:47] Um, lots of SEPTEMBER
[2:54:48] birthdays.
[2:54:51] Uh, jordan frias of councilor
[2:54:51] webber's office.
[2:54:55] Rob cobb of central staff,
[2:54:58] jessica carrera of councilor
[2:54:58] fitzgerald's office.
[2:55:01] Uh, we also want to wish, uh,
[2:55:02] happy christmas to all the
[2:55:03] folks in allston.
[2:55:05] It's right around the corner
[2:55:07] SEPTEMBER 1st stop by and find
[2:55:08] some pre-loved treasure.
[2:55:10] And remember, uh, to schedule
[2:55:12] your mattress pickup with the
[2:55:15] city by using the 311 app.
[2:55:15] Very important.
[2:55:17] it's going to be a lot
[2:55:18] of activity.
[2:55:19] Uh, it's going to be a very
[2:55:20] busy day.
[2:55:21] And allston and brighton on
[2:55:22] SEPTEMBER 1st.
[2:55:25] Not only is election day but it
[2:55:26] is allston christmas.
[2:55:29] We're now moving on to
[2:55:29] memorials.
[2:55:31] Uh, would anyone like to
[2:55:34] uplifting them a, uh, ask my
[2:55:35] colleagues I have some hearing
[2:55:38] loss so please speak up nice
[2:55:38] and loudly.
[2:55:39] Thank you.
[2:55:41] Um.
[2:55:44] Councilor division.
[2:55:45] Thank you.
[2:55:47] Um, I'd like to, um.
[2:55:48] End today's meeting in honor
[2:55:50] of, um, four individuals, all
[2:55:52] three of whom and whose names
[2:55:52] you should have.
[2:55:54] Uh, denise washington, who's
[2:55:56] the founder of pop up poetry?
[2:55:59] Um, and resident in roxbury.
[2:56:01] She also was, uh, promoters uh
[2:56:03] ,creator behind kwanzaa crawl
[2:56:04] .
[2:56:06] Uh, she does uh she did so much
[2:56:07] work here in the city and
[2:56:09] supporting arts and creativity
[2:56:11] not only in the city but in
[2:56:11] hollywood.
[2:56:13] And so I just wanted to uplift
[2:56:14] denise washington and her
[2:56:15] memory.
[2:56:16] Um, I was able to go to our
[2:56:18] home in DECEMBER with a had no
[2:56:19] idea that she was sick and
[2:56:21] presented her with citations
[2:56:23] for her work both in poetry and
[2:56:25] in the arts and in kwanzaa.
[2:56:26] So I just wanted to lift up.
[2:56:29] Um, denise washington, also the
[2:56:31] father of dana roumania, uh,
[2:56:32] high park community leader, uh,
[2:56:34] john pierce, rumania passed
[2:56:34] away.
[2:56:36] um MAY his memory be a blessing
[2:56:37] to all of those who know him
[2:56:39] who's a sailor and a gift to
[2:56:40] his family.
[2:56:42] And, um, so many showed up to
[2:56:43] mourn him and I just wanted to
[2:56:45] pay my respects to the roumania
[2:56:46] family.
[2:56:48] And last but not least, um,
[2:56:49] matthew saint mark is a
[2:56:50] firefighter here in the city
[2:56:52] of boston and he recently
[2:56:54] tragically lost his nephew who
[2:56:56] often spends a lot of summers
[2:56:57] in boston with him.
[2:57:00] He was only 15 years old and um
[2:57:01] ,uh, died.
[2:57:02] Uh, the unfortunate hands
[2:57:04] of gun violence down in florida
[2:57:05] and was his namesake.
[2:57:07] So I want to give my
[2:57:08] condolences to matthew saint
[2:57:09] mark on the passing of his
[2:57:12] nephew, uh, matthew saint mark
[2:57:13] and to the entire saint mark
[2:57:14] family.
[2:57:14] Thank you.
[2:57:17] Oh, and last but not least, the
[2:57:19] fourth one was, um, someone who
[2:57:21] meant a lot to many of us here.
[2:57:22] Uh, but dolly parton, who
[2:57:24] passed away yesterday obviously
[2:57:26] meant a great deal to so many
[2:57:27] in this country.
[2:57:29] Um, she did a lot of work for
[2:57:31] not only in her talent but, um
[2:57:33] ,in promoting workers rights.
[2:57:35] I remember working on past um
[2:57:36] campaigns 9 to 5 being a
[2:57:37] soundtrack to so much of the
[2:57:38] work that we did in trying to
[2:57:39] support workers.
[2:57:41] Um, and she's just been such a
[2:57:42] was such an ally to so many
[2:57:43] people.
[2:57:44] So you know, to make sure that
[2:57:45] we honor dolly parton as well.
[2:57:46] I think I.
[2:57:46] Absolutely will.
[2:57:49] Uh, chair recognizes
[2:57:49] councilor flynn.
[2:57:50] Councilor, you have the floor.
[2:57:51] Um, thank you, MADAM Chair.
[2:57:54] I want to, um, acknowledge the
[2:57:56] passing of a neighbor in south
[2:57:57] boston, jack bolger.
[2:57:59] Jack bolger.
[2:58:02] Both belgium, belgium.
[2:58:04] Walter bolger.
[2:58:06] Thank you.
[2:58:08] I appreciate your help.
[2:58:11] Anyone else?
[2:58:21] So on behalf of councilor pepen
[2:58:24] the, uh, we have george
[2:58:27] mitchell on behalf of councilor
[2:58:28] britain.
[2:58:31] We have richard, jesse, rita.
[2:58:32] For those who are familiar with
[2:58:35] the allston community, uh, we
[2:58:37] recognize her is a very feisty
[2:58:39] 97 year old who's a lifelong
[2:58:41] resident of allston, a very
[2:58:43] dedicated member of uh, saint
[2:58:45] anthony's parish, uh, church
[2:58:45] and parish.
[2:58:49] Uh she was a uh supporter
[2:58:51] of the honan allston library.
[2:58:52] Friends of the library.
[2:58:53] She served on the harvard
[2:58:55] allston task force.
[2:58:58] Uh, she lost her life partner
[2:58:59] carol a few years some years
[2:59:00] ago.
[2:59:02] Uh, they had, uh, a life
[2:59:04] partnership and, uh, carol was
[2:59:06] her beloved spouse of 60 years.
[2:59:10] We also want to, uh, remember,
[2:59:13] um, denise, uh, washington on
[2:59:16] behalf of councilor louijeune
[2:59:17] john.
[2:59:20] Uh, pierce wrote room here
[2:59:23] matthew saint mark, behalf
[2:59:25] of councilor uh flynn, we have
[2:59:25] jack.
[2:59:29] Balter and on behalf of all the
[2:59:31] city council we, uh, give
[2:59:33] thanks and remember the
[2:59:35] remarkable life of uh and
[2:59:36] service of dolly parton.
[2:59:39] Her impact extends far beyond
[2:59:40] music and entertainment.
[2:59:42] Through her imagination library
[2:59:42] .
[2:59:44] She had made early literacy a
[2:59:45] major part of her legacy
[2:59:46] through providing books to
[2:59:47] children regardless of family
[2:59:49] income not only in the united
[2:59:51] states but across the world.
[2:59:53] Since starting the program in
[2:59:54] 1995, the imagination library
[2:59:56] has grown from her home town in
[2:59:58] tennessee to now serving five
[3:00:00] countries and helping millions
[3:00:01] of children build home
[3:00:03] libraries and creating a love
[3:00:05] of late reading at a very early
[3:00:06] age.
[3:00:09] We give uh she was one of a
[3:00:11] kind and was an incredible
[3:00:12] human being.
[3:00:15] The chair moves that when the
[3:00:17] council adjourns today it does
[3:00:18] so in memory of the
[3:00:19] aforementioned individuals.
[3:00:22] A moment of silence, please.
[3:00:34] The council is scheduled to
[3:00:36] meet again on the enola chamber
[3:00:38] on wednesday, SEPTEMBER 16th,
[3:00:39] 2026 at 12 P.M..
[3:00:41] Thank you to my colleagues,
[3:00:43] central staff, the church
[3:00:45] office and to the consisting
[3:00:46] of uh griffith.
[3:00:47] Thank you alan.
[3:00:48] Uh, all in favor of adjourn,
[3:00:49] please say I.
[3:00:51] I thank you.
[3:00:53] The council is adjourned.