City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 79 items
- 1 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 12:12 PM. President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell. Absent Councilor Coletta Zapata. Reverend Kaitlin Ho Givens, Resurrection Church of East Boston, delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the May 13, 2026 City Council Meeting. Motion prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MAY 13, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1030, authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Forty-Seven Million One Hundred Twenty Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Two Dollars ($47,120,292.00) for purposes of funding the Snow & Winter Management appropriation to meet operating expenses of the fiscal period commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
- 6 On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1031, authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Twenty-Two Million Eight Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Two Dollars ($22,845,672.00) for purposes of funding Boston Public Schools to meet operating expenses of the fiscal period commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. This appropriation request was approved by the Boston School Committee on May 6, 2026, and is intended to cover projected deficits in health insurance ($18,087,750.00) and utility spending ($4,757,922.00), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
- 7 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Million Five Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($2,520,000.00) in the form of a grant, YouthWorks Grant, awarded by MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund a Summer and School Year jobs program that will provide leadership development, skills training, and career exploration for low-income at-risk youth ages 14-25 years old.
- 8 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Seventy-Eight Thousand Dollars ($178,000.00) in the form of a grant, the RAY Fellowship grant, awarded by the Barr Foundation to be administered by the Environment. The grant would fund a two-year, paid fellowship that provides recent college graduates from historically underrepresented communities with the professional experience, mentorship, and leadership development needed to launch careers in the environmental sector.
- 9 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) in the form of a grant, Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant, awarded by MA Executive Office of Economic Development to be administered by the Office of Tourism. The grant would fund the City’s plans to activate neighborhoods through watch parties that reflect the diversity and spirit of our communities. Each will feature a live match broadcast, family and youth-oriented programming, and opportunities for local small businesses to participate as food vendors. Watch parties are tentative pending match-up finalization. All watch parties will be held on City of Boston property. The City plans to host 6 watch parties, supported by this grant.
- 10 Councilor Santana called Docket #1035, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty-Four Thousand Ninety-Five Dollars ($24,095.00) in the form of a grant, FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement, awarded by United States Department of Justice, passed through the Massachusetts State Police / Crime Laboratory, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund training and continuing education for forensic examiners, criminalists and laboratory personnel, from the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 11 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend an in-kind donation valued at Four Hundred Twenty-Eight Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents ($428.67), representing the cost of tabling at the Boston Pride for the People Pride Festival to the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement by Boston Pride for the People. The purpose of this donation is to support the City’s participation in the 2026 Boston Pride for the People Celebration. This table will enable the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement to promote City programs and events, distribute resources, and directly engage with residents during Pride.
- 12 On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1037, for the confirmation of the appointment of Vineet Gupta as an Alternate Member of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2026, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 2 (Coletta Zapata, Mejia).
- 13 On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1038, for the confirmation of the appointment of Susan Goganian as a Member of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2026, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 2 (Coletta Zapata, Mejia).
- 14 On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1039, for the confirmation of the appointment of Susan Goganian as a Member of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2026, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 2 (Coletta Zapata, Mejia).
- 15 On the message and order, referred on May 20, 2026, Docket #1040, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Kathleen Connor as a Member of the Back Bay Architectural District Commission, for a term expiring December 31, 2026, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 2 (Coletta Zapata, Mejia).
- 16 Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F relative to BPS student-athlete school transfer policies, Docket #0698, passed by the City Council on April 1, 2026.
- 17 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 18 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 19 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Erika Chen as a Member of the Commemoration Commission effective immediately.
- 20 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Katherine Davis-Wheeler as a Member of the Commemoration Commission effective immediately.
- 21 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Kay Schlozman as a Member of the Commemoration Commission effective immediately.
- 22 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of May 6, 2026.
- 23 Communication was received from the Boston Air Pollution Control Commission regarding the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Regulations and the Statements of Fiscal Effect and Small Business Impact report.
- 24 Communication was received from Timothy J. Smyth, Executive Officer of the Boston Retirement Board, regarding a Notice of a Retirement Board Election for vacant Retirement Board seats.
- 25 Communication was received from Councilor Murphy regarding the selective blocking of late file matters.
- 26 Communication was received from Councilors Miniard Culpepper and Brian Worrell regarding their absence from the May 15, 2026 Blue Hill Avenue Bus Ride-Along.
- 27 Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding a recent violation on the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) from the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board.
- 28 Communication was received from Councilor Weber regarding initial thoughts from the Chair on how the amendment process could work.
- 29 Communication was received from MassDOT regarding temporary closures of Summer Street.
- 30 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 31 Dockets #0733-0735, Orders for the FY27 Operating Budget, including annual appropriations for departmental operations, for the School Department, and for other post-employment benefits (OPEB).
- 32 Dockets #0736-0737, Orders for capital fund transfer appropriations.
- 33 Dockets #0738-0740, Orders for the Capital Budget, including loan orders and lease-purchase agreements.
- 34 Docket #0747, Message and order approving an order authorizing a limit for the Boston Center for Youth & Families (BCYF) revolving fund for Fiscal Year 2027 to pay salaries and benefits of employees and to purchase supplies and equipment necessary to operate the City Hall Child Care. This revolving fund shall be credited with any and all receipts from tuition paid by parents or guardians of children enrolled at the center. Receipts and resulting expenditures from this fund shall not exceed One Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,100,000.00).
- 35 Order for a hearing to review funding, reimbursement, and accountability for police overtime details in the City of Boston.
- 36 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Police Department staffing levels.
- 37 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 38 Petition for a Special Law re: An Age Waiver for the Maximum Age Requirement for Jorge Enriquez to Join the Boston Police Department.
- 39 Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to 17F Reform.
- 40 Order for a hearing regarding immediate replacement funding for Boston firefighter cancer screenings, health screenings, mental health supports, and safety, health, and wellness programming before the FY27 budget vote.
- 41 Order for a hearing to examine FY26 snow and winter management costs.
- 42 Order for a hearing regarding cancer-causing chemicals in Boston Fire Department turnout gear and the transition to PFAs-free replacement uniforms.
- 43 Order for a hearing to examine FY27 property tax rates.
- 44 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding new City positions created since January 15, 2025.
- 45 Resolution recognizing National Emergency Medical Services Week 2026.
- 46 Resolution recognizing May as Bike Month.
- 47 Resolution recognizing June 2026 as Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of Boston.
- 48 Resolution commemorating Memorial Day and honoring our Gold Star Families and those who made the supreme sacrifice for our country.
- 49 Resolution calling for the rescission of elected official salary increases and the redirection of savings to essential City services.
- 50 Resolution recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the Boston Debate League.
- 51 Resolution in support of 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and increasing the COLA base for retirees in the Boston Retirement System.
- 52 WITHDRAWN.
- 53 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 54 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Kilee Simon in City Council, effective May 23, 2026.
- 55 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Kristen Ransom and Dylan Ferguson in City Council, effective May 23, 2026.
- 56 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Alexa Santana and Ayanna Hines in City Council, effective May 23, 2026.
- 57 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Culpepper offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Jaden Smith in City Council, effective May 30, 2026.
- 58 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Megan Lovett in City Council, effective May 30, 2026.
- 59 GREEN SHEETS:
- 60 Legislative Calendar for May 20, 2026.
- 60 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0919, message and order authorizing the City of Boston Procurement Department to enter into a contract for a period of up to 5 years for the purchase of Biodiesel, ULSD, Octane, and #2 Heating Oil. The contract term would begin in 2026. The City Council’s permission to enter into a contract of this type for a period of more than three years is required by section twelve of chapter 30B of the General Laws. A term longer than three years will enable the City to ensure that it gets the best price on purchases of Biodiesel, ULSD, Octane, and #2 Heating Oil by allowing the City to lock in lower costs for a longer period, from the Committee on City Services. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 61 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 61 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0920, message and order authorizing the City of Boston Procurement Department to enter into a contract for a period of up to 5 years for the purchase of Harbor/Boat Fuel. The contract term would begin in 2026. The City Council’s permission to enter into a contract of this type for a period of more than three years is required by section twelve of chapter 30B of the General Laws. A term longer than three years will enable the City to ensure that it gets the best price on purchases of Harbor/Boat Fuel by allowing the City to lock in lower costs for a longer period, from the Committee on City Services. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 62 Resolution recognizing the Fenway Civic Association.
- 62 Councilor Worrell called Docket #0762, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) in the form of a grant, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, awarded by the United States Department of the Treasury to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund services to underserved populations in the most difficult-to-reach areas, both urban and rural, through free basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals, from the Committee on Labor and Economic Development. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 63 Resolution recognizing The Neighborhood of West Roxbury's 175th anniversary celebration.
- 63 Councilor Santana called Docket #0979, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars ($49,476.00) in the form of a grant, the FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, awarded by Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant would fund the purchase of the necessary personal protective and safety equipment to comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to enhance firefighter safety, from the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 64 Resolution recognizing Eagle Scout Matthew Ethan Bareng.
- 64 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, one late-filed matter would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matter was added:
- 65 Resolution recognizing Mandy Bass.
- 65 Councilor Breadon for Councilor FitzGerald offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Amanda Curley, Jessica Correia, Liam Rimas, and Julie Ryan in City Council, effective May 30, 2026.
- 66 Resolution recognizing Glenway's Group of Musicians.
- 67 Resolution recognizing Mothers Against Drugs Inc. (MADMOMS).
- 67 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 68 Resolution recognizing the Emerson College UnCommon Corner.
- 69 Resolution recognizing Copley Square Farmer's Market.
- 70 Resolution recognizing Dr. Imari K. Paris Jeffries.
- 77 The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 78 Adjourned at 4:17 p.m. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of World War II Veteran John Bernard Arnold III, Roscoe Baker, Nerva Desir, and Congressman Barney Frank, to meet again on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk