City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 94 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, April 15, 2026 at 12:13 PM. President Breadon in the Chair. Present Councilors Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell. Rabbi Yitzhak Aharon Korff, Chaplain of the City of Boston, delivered the invocation, and the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the April 8, 2026 City Council Meeting. Motion prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 8, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0792, authorizing the City of Boston, acting through its Mayor’s Office of Housing, to apply for, and to accept and expend, the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Continuum of Care grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in an amount not to exceed Fifty-Two Million Dollars ($52,000,000.00). These funds will be used to support programs that provide services and housing to persons experiencing homelessness, the committee submitted a report that the order ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the order was passed in a new draft: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell), not present 1 (Weber), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 6 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 Earmark for Four Corners, awarded by MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund support of Police overtime for visible patrols in the Uphams Corner, Bowdoin Street, Geneva Avenue, Grove Hall, Washington Street (Four Corners), Old Road, Blue Hill/Columbia in the Dorchester and Roxbury sections of the City of Boston.
- 7 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, FY26 Earmark for Area A-1 District, awarded by MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund the purchase of ADA-compliant barriers within the Area A-1 District.
- 8 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty-Five Thousand Eight Hundred Four Dollars And Thirty-Nine Cents ($45,804.39) in the form of a grant, the FY26 Municipal Road Safety Grant, awarded by United States Department of Transportation, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund high-visibility traffic enforcement of motor vehicles laws, including but not limited to, speeding and aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving and occupant protection, as well as traffic safety equipment.
- 9 On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0796, for the confirmation of the reappointment of David Sampson as an Alternate Member of the Back Bay Architectural District Commission for a term expiring on December 31, 2030, the committee submitted a report recommending that the appointment should be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 10 On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0797, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Robert Weintraub as a Member of the Back Bay Architectural District Commission for a term expiring on December 31, 2029, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 11 On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0798, for the confirmation of the appointment of David Dixon as a Member of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2028, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 12 On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0799, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Kirsten Hoffman 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 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 13 On the message and order, referred on April 15, 2026, Docket #0800, for the confirmation of the appointment of Kirsten Hoffman as a Member of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2026, submits a report recommending that the appointment ought to be confirmed. The report was accepted; the appointment was confirmed: yeas 12 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 14 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 15 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 16 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Danny Best, Darlene Lombos, Erin Travassos, Greg Janey, Harneen Chernow, Jill Reynolds, Joan Phillips, Kenzie Bok, Kevin Churchwell, MD, Kristin Driscoll, Michelle Auchincloss, Michael Firestone, Rory Dugan, Sacha Stadhard, Sharon Scott-Chandler, Eustacia Reidy MacNaught, and Tony Teta to the Boston Private Industry Council, Boston's MassHire Workforce Board, effective April 9, 2026.
- 17 Notice was received from the Mayor of her absence from the City from Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 9:00 A.M., returning Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 5:00 P.M.
- 18 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 4, 2026.
- 19 Communication was received from the City of Boston’s Coordinated Response Team regarding an update on ongoing efforts to end outdoor substance use in Boston and connect individuals to treatment and recovery programs.
- 20 Communication was received from Councilors Murphy and Flynn clarifying their request for an independent performance audit of city operations.
- 21 Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding outgoing ARPA funds to nonprofits and small businesses in the City of Boston.
- 22 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
- 23 On the Petition, referred on January 28, 2026, Docket #0163, for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to Real Estate Transfer Fees and Senior Property Tax Relief, the committee submitted a report recommending that this petition ought to pass.
- 23 Councilor Coletta Zapata, on behalf of the Committee on Government Operations, submitted the following:
- 24 On the message and ordinance, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0755, establishing a revolving fund for Fiscal Year 2027, pursuant to M.G.L. ch. 44 s. 53E1/2, to support the establishment and operation of the bikeshare program within the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report that the ordinance ought to pass.
- 25 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 26 Order for a hearing to review the effectiveness of the Boston Residents Jobs Policy in improving equity and employment standards on projects throughout the city.
- 27 On the message and order, referred on February 11, 2026, Docket #0320, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($577,500.00) in the form of a grant, the FY25 Port Security Grant Program, awarded by United States Department of Homeland Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund the purchase of a new 31' LifeProof boat, the replacement of engines on the 31' Safeboat and 38' Safeboat, and finally, the re-collaring of the Kvichak patrol boat, and ice rescue training, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
- 28 Order for a series of hearings regarding all City of Boston grants administered by the Boston Police Department.
- 28 Councilor Santana, on behalf of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, submitted the following:
- 29 On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Ten Million Nine Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand One Hundred Forty Dollars and Seven Cents ($10,925,140.07) in the form of a grant, FY26 Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, awarded by United States Department of Homeland Security, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund increasing BPD's ability to detect, identify, track and monitor unmanned aircraft systems within the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
- 30 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).
- 31 Dockets #0736-0737, Orders for capital fund transfer appropriations.
- 32 Dockets #0738-0740, Orders for the Capital Budget, including loan orders and lease-purchase agreements.
- 33 On the message and order, referred on April 8, 2026, Docket #0763, for your approval an order authorizing the City of Boston to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) a Statement of Interest for Melvin H. King South End Academy, located at 90 Warren Ave in the South End of Boston. The Statement of Interest describes and explains the deficiencies and the priority categories for which the City of Boston may be invited to apply to the MSBA in the future, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
- 34 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 35 Ordinance to Address Private Way Potholes.
- 35 Councilor Weber, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:
- 36 Ordinance Establishing a Minority Business Enterprise Procurement Readiness Pilot Program.
- 37 Order for a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for residential development.
- 38 Order for a hearing to discuss workforce pipeline opportunities between the Wentworth Institute of Technology and the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department.
- 39 Order for a hearing to review animal control enforcement, leash law compliance, dog licensing, and public safety in the city of Boston.
- 40 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston's alleged noncompliance and lack of transparency in the use of federal funds.
- 41 Order for a hearing to discuss gambling and predatory marketing in Chinatown.
- 42 WITHDRAWN
- 43 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding the release of certain body-worn camera footage from the Boston Police Department.
- 44 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F relative to mopeds and e-bikes in Boston.
- 45 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F relative to the City of Boston's insurance and liability coverage.
- 45 On motion of Councilor Culpepper, Docket #0815 was taken out of order:
- 46 Resolution in support of upholding the democratic principle of no taxation without representation.
- 47 Resolution in support of administrative transparency, equitable student and community representation, and freedom of speech in higher education.
- 48 Resolution recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- 49 Resolution recognizing National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week.
- 50 Resolution recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
- 51 WITHDRAWN
- 52 Resolution in support of renaming Ruggles Station to honor a figure reflective of Boston's values.
- 53 Resolution opposing the proposed $1,000 cap on MassHealth adult dental benefits.
- 54 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 55 Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of central staff employees in City Council, effective April 18, 2026.
- 56 Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Briyana Targete in City Council, effective May 16, 2026.
- 57 Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Andrew Gomes in City Council, effective May 30, 2026.
- 58 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Chrisnel Pena in City Council, effective April 18, 2026.
- 59 GREEN SHEETS:
- 60 Legislative Calendar for April 15, 2026.
- 61 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 62 Resolution in memory of Sonia Lyle.
- 63 Resolution in memory of Tereza Mendes Ribeiro.
- 64 Resolution recognizing the Saint Botolph Neighborhood Association.
- 64 Councilor Weber called Docket #0570, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of Twenty Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($20,200,000.00) for the purpose of paying costs for the window and door replacement projects at the following schools: Adams Elementary School. This includes the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto, and for which the City of Boston may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facilities Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 65 Resolution in memory of Anna Mae Cole.
- 65 Councilor Weber called Docket #0571, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of One Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,100,000.00) for the purpose of paying costs for the heat pump conversion and roof replacement projects at the following schools: Margarita Muñiz Academy, Mildred Avenue K-8 School, and Orchard Gardens School. This includes the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto, and for which the City of Boston may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facilities Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 66 Resolution in memory of Joseph "Joe" Zuccarini.
- 66 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, eight late-filed matters would be added to the Agenda. Objection by Councilor Durkan. Councilor Durkan moved to divide the question. Seconded by Councilor Breadon.
- 67 Resolution recognizing the New England Center for Arts and Technology.
- 67 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, six late-filed matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matters were added:
- 68 Resolution recognizing Boston's Higher Ground.
- 68 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Pepén offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Sean Jacobsen and Kiara Barros Delgado in City Council, effective April 25, 2026.
- 69 Resolution recognizing 826 Boston.
- 69 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Mariana Ocariz in City Council, effective April 18, 2026.
- 70 Resolution in memory of Nancy Metayer.
- 70 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Carly Moran in City Council, effective May 2, 2026.
- 71 Resolution in memory of Claudette Mentor.
- 71 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Danielle Rones in City Council, effective May 9, 2026.
- 72 Resolution recognizing Joey Key.
- 72 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Regan Hegarty in City Council, effective May 23, 2026.
- 73 Resolution in memory of Marie Dumornay.
- 73 Councilor Breadon for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Sarah Foley in City Council, effective June 13, 2026.
- 74 Resolution in memory of Louise Davis.
- 74 A roll call was taken to approve the above Personnel Orders: yeas 11 (Breadon, Culpepper, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), not present 2 (Coletta Zapata, Mejia)
- 75 Resolution recognizing Edner Guerrier.
- 75 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, two late-filed matters would be added to the Agenda. Objection by Councilor Durkan.
- 77 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 92 The items contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 93 Adjourned at 3:27 p.m. on motion of President Breadon, and in memory of Doris Elaine, Adele Barden, Gladys Baptiste Ojimbe, Jie Pan, Andrés Méndez, Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu, Krystle Campbell, Sean Collier, Dennis Simmonds, and Geraldine Miller to meet again on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Dassie Bheecham Assistant City Clerk