City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 80 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 6, 2026 at 12:12 P.M. President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell. Absent Councilor Coletta Zapata. Bishop Julia E. Whitworth, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilor Murphy moved to suspend the regular order of business for limited purpose of addressing overdue Section 17F requests filed by the Council. Recess. The motion was withdrawn. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the April 29, 2026 City Council Meeting. Motion prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 29, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0909, to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 6 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0910, for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Nine Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($1,951,894.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society (BPDBS). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around sick time buyback at retirement, ), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 7 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0911, to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS-SO), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 8 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0912, for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Ninety-Three Dollars ($1,366,093.00) to cover the FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society - Superior Officers Unit (BPDBS - SO). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The major provisions of the contract include a base wage increase of 2% in July of 2025. The contract also contains an update to hazardous duty pay and amended language around paid details and summer vacation schedules, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 9 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0913, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Sixteen Million Eight Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Two Dollars ($16,834,742.00) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund housing, economic development and social service programs. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 10 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0914, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Four Million Eight Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand One Hundred Thirty-Two Dollars And Ninety Cents ($4,825,132.90) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 HOME Investment Partnerships Program Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund the production of new affordable rental and homeownership housing, and also provide operating support for community development corporations. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 11 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0915, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Three Million Eight Hundred Fifty-Nine Thousand Forty-Nine Dollars ($3,859,049.00) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund services for income-eligible individuals and families affected by AIDS. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 12 On the message and order, referred on May 6, 2026, Docket #0916, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Four Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($1,489,616.00) in the form of a grant, the Federal FY26 Emergency Solutions Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance and shelter services. The award amount is estimated from prior years, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 13 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend a grant in an amount not to exceed One Hundred Fifty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($157,650.00) from the United States Department of the Interior, National Parks Service Semiquincentennial Grant. This grant is awarded to the City of Boston through the Parks and Recreation Department for gravestone conservation in Dorchester North Burying Ground located in the neighborhood of Dorchester.
- 14 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend a grant in an amount not to exceed One Hundred Four Thousand Dollars ($104,000.00) from the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Cultural Facilities Fund Grant program. This grant is awarded to the City of Boston through the Parks and Recreation Department for gravestone conservation in Dorchester North Burying Ground located in the neighborhood of Dorchester.
- 15 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.
- 16 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.
- 17 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 18 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 19 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Gregory Hobson as a member of the Residency Compliance Commission, for a term expiring on January 7, 2030.
- 20 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 March 25, 2026.
- 21 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 April 1, 2026.
- 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 April 8, 2026.
- 23 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 April 15, 2026.
- 24 Communication was received from Scott Finn, City Auditor, regarding a list of the Fiscal 2026 reallocations made by the Mayor prior to April 15, 2026, for the purpose of continuing operations.
- 25 Communication was received from Councilor Murphy regarding late files and council process.
- 26 Communication was received by the City Clerk from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #295.25 - Memorial Hall (in effect after June 3, 2026 if not acted upon).
- 27 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 28 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).
- 29 Dockets #0736-0737, Orders for capital fund transfer appropriations.
- 30 Dockets #0738-0740, Orders for the Capital Budget, including loan orders and lease-purchase agreements.
- 31 Docket #0754, Message and order approving an order authorizing a limit for the Transportation Department revolving fund for Fiscal Year 2027 to support the operation of the bikeshare program within the City of Boston. This revolving fund shall be funded by system-generated user revenues, sponsorship revenues, and advertising revenues. The Transportation Department will be the only department authorized to expend from the fund and such expenditures shall be capped at $1,400,000.
- 32 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 32 Recess.
- 33 Order for a meeting to review the Boston City Council rules.
- 34 Order for a hearing to discuss immediately reinstating the $724,000 cut from the Department of Veterans Services from the recommended FY27 Operating Budget.
- 35 Resolution urging support for a budget amendment to fully fund the Office of Veterans' Services.
- 36 Order for a hearing to discuss discounts for seniors and persons with disabilities by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.
- 37 Order for a hearing to examine notice, community engagement, and equity in the siting of transitional housing in the City of Boston.
- 38 Order for a hearing to examine the impact of proposed federal HUD immigration-related eligibility requirements on subsidized housing in Boston.
- 39 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston's implementation of Massachusetts' marijuana regulations.
- 40 Order for a hearing to examine Boston Public Schools' potential participation in nationwide social media litigation.
- 41 Resolution calling on Boston Public Schools to join the nationwide social media litigation seeking accountability for youth mental health impacts.
- 42 Resolution recognizing May as Asthma Awareness Month in the City of Boston.
- 43 Resolution in support of recognizing May 11th as George Greenidge Day in the City of Boston.
- 44 Resolution in support of the establishment of a committee to maintain and attract young adults to Boston.
- 45 Resolution recognizing May as National Preservation Month in the Landmarks Commission's 50th year.
- 46 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 47 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Melvin Brown in City Council, effective May 9, 2026.
- 48 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Pepén offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Matthew Arnold in City Council, effective May 23, 2026.
- 49 GREEN SHEETS:
- 50 Legislative Calendar for May 6, 2026.
- 51 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 52 Resolution recognizing MissionSAFE.
- 52 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 53 Resolution recognizing Kayla Clouden-McGill.
- 54 Resolution recognizing two winners of the Perseverance Into Excellence Award.
- 55 Resolution recognizing The Possible Zone.
- 56 Resolution recognizing forty-eight Boston firefighters as retired members of Local 718.
- 57 Resolution recognizing eighteen young people from the Veronica Robles Cultural Center.
- 58 Resolution recognizing the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England and the 30th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade.
- 59 Resolution recognizing Efthymia "Effie" Anastasiadis and the 11th Anniversary of Effie's Kitchen.
- 60 Resolution recognizing Darlene Williams.
- 61 Resolution in memory of Russell Garrett.
- 62 Resolution recognizing Deputy Superintendent Pam Harris.
- 63 Resolution in memory of James H. Coveney Jr.
- 64 Resolution recognizing Scout Troop 1 of West Roxbury.
- 65 Resolution recognizing The Friends of the Public Garden's Green & White Gala and Co-Chairs.
- 66 Resolution recognizing 75 Chestnut.
- 67 Resolution recognizing Judy Jose Roddy.
- 68 Resolution recognizing Allstonia and nine other winners of the 2026 Allston Village Awards.
- 69 Resolution recognizing Commissioner Rodney Marshall.
- 70 Resolution recognizing Commissioner Paul F. Burke.
- 71 Resolution recognizing Spelman College.
- 72 Resolution recognizing the Greenidge Family.
- 73 Resolution recognizing the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
- 75 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, two late filed matters would be added to the Consent Agenda.
- 76 Resolution in memory of Annie "Nancy" Morahan.
- 77 Resolution recognizing Delmace Mayo.
- 78 The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 79 Adjourned at 3:17 P.M. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Anne M. Galvin, Mary Sexton, James H. Coveney, Jr., Rodney Perez, Marie Edith Timothee-Dubreuil, Jean Marie Dorecant, Annie "Nancy" Morahan, Zakaria Bel Qaid, State Trooper Kevin Trainor, and Juan Carlos Melara, to meet again on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk