City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 75 items
- 1 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher J. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 12:15 PM. President Louijeune in the chair. Absent, Councilor Durkan. Reverend Dr. Pamela Hailey-Gillard, Children Services of Roxbury, delivered the invocation and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the February 26, 2025 meeting. Motion prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0589, message and order for your approval a revised home rule petition to the General Court entitled "Petition for a Special Law Re: An Act Relative to Creation of a Branch of the Boston Public Library (BPL) within an Affordable Housing Development in the Dorchester Section of the City of Boston," from the Committee on Government Operations. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the petition was passed.
- 6 On the message and order authorizing the issuance of refunding bonds in a principal amount not to exceed Three Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($350,000,000.00). The current conditions in the municipal bond market appears to be favorable for the City to potentially realize significant saving in debt service costs by refunding certain of its outstanding general obligation bonds, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 7 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend an in-kind donation of a set of lockers, three bookshelves, and a desk, valued at $1,800.00, donated by The Winsor School. The purpose of this donation is to enhance the facilities at the BCYF Mattahunt Community Center for the benefit of the Mattapan neighborhood.
- 8 Message and order for your approval an Order accepting a Preservation Restriction on the Shirley-Eustis Outbuilding/W. Elliott Woodward Rental House, 42-44 Shirley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119-2726.
- 9 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Senam Kumahia as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 10 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Lindsey Mac-Jones as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 11 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Fadi Samaha as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 12 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Jeffrey Gonyeau as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 13 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Ameeth Deenanath as an Alternate Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 14 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Linda Neshamkin as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 15 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Intiya Ambrogi-Isaza as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 16 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Julie Hall as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 17 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Ian Urquhart as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 18 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Crystal Galvin as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 19 Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Nancy Johnsen as a Member of the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 20 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 21 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 22 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Sally Glora as a member of the Boston Retirement Board, for a term expiring February 25, 2028.
- 23 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Dr. Elsie Taveras as Chair of the Boston Public Health Commission's Board of Health, for a term expiring January 20, 2026.
- 24 Notice was received from the Mayor of her absence from the City on Monday March 3, 2025 at 6:10 p.m., returning Wednesday March 5, 2025 at 7:59 p.m.
- 25 Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding increasing oversight on TNC rideshares.
- 26 Communication was received from Dr. Samuel DePina transmitting certain information under section 17F re: Boston Public Schools (BPS) Code of Conduct Violations, filed on Docket #0489, presented at the February 10, 2025 meeting of the Boston City Council.
- 27 Communication was received from the City Clerk regarding the 2024 - 2025 University Accountability-Statistical Report.
- 28 Communication was received from the City of Boston’s Coordinated Response Team RE: an update on ongoing efforts to end congregate substance use in Boston.
- 29 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 30 On the message and order, referred on February 12, 2025, Docket #0458, authorizing the City of Boston to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Core Program for Madison Park Technical Vocational High School pursuant to M.G.L. c. 70B, § 5. The Statement of Interest describes and explains the deficiencies within the school facility that prevents Boston Public Schools (BPS) from delivering their desired educational program, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 31 On the message and order authorizing for your approval an Order authorizing the City of Boston to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Statements of Interest for their Accelerated Repair Program for the following schools: Boston Adult Technical Academy, Hurley K-8 School, Mildred Avenue K-8 School, Mendell Elementary School, Mary Lyon Pilot High School, Joyce Kilmer Lower School, Margarita Muñiz Academy, Orchard Gardens K-8 School, Trotter K-6 Elementary School. The Statements of Interest describe and explain the deficiencies and the priority category for which the City of Boston may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Priority 5 - Replacement, renovation or modernization of the school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 12, absent 1 (Durkan).
- 31 Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:
- 32 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools' FY26 Budget.
- 33 Order for a hearing to discuss the preservation of historical artifacts in Boston Public Schools slated for closure or merger.
- 34 Order for a hearing to discuss long-term city job vacancies.
- 35 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 36 Petition for a Special Law RE: An Act Directing the City of Boston Police Department to Waive the Maximum Age Requirement for Police Officers for Gissell Melo. Councilor Louijeune in the Chair. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the rules were suspended; the petition was passed; yeas 11, not present 1 (Pepén).
- 37 Petition for a Special Law RE: An Act Directing the City of Boston Police Department to Waive the Maximum Age Requirement for Police Officers for Jonathan Telfort. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the rules were suspended; the petition was passed; yeas 12.
- 37 On motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0619 was taken out of order:
- 38 Petition for a Special Law RE: An Act Relative to the Zoning Board of Appeal.
- 39 Order for a hearing to establish the Fairmount Avenue Arts and Cultural District in Hyde Park.
- 39 On motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0622 was taken out of order:
- 40 Order for a hearing on regulation of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) by the City of Boston and Boston Police Department.
- 41 Order for a hearing to discuss and establish guidelines for the filing and adoption of Council Resolutions.
- 42 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding TNC Rideshare arrests.
- 43 Resolution designating a Hero Square in Charlestown in recognition of Major General Joseph Warren. On motion of Councilors Coletta Zapata and Breadon, the rules were suspended; the resolution was passed.
- 44 Resolution in support of immigrant's rights legislation, including the Safe Communities Act, the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, and the Dignity Not Deportations Act. On motion of Councilors Weber and Louijeune, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Mejia as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Weber, Louijeune and Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 10, nays 2 (Flynn, Murphy).
- 45 Resolution to embrace and extend heartfelt wishes to the beloved Muslim community in Boston, Massachusetts, throughout the United States and across the globe, invoking blessings upon them as they embark upon the sacred journey of Ramadan, a month revered for its rituals of prayer, fasting, charity, and deep reflection. On motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 12.
- 46 Resolution to support addressing the needs of the Cabo Verdean Americans in Boston. On motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 12.
- 47 Resolution denouncing the rollback of temporary protected status for Haitian, Venezuelan, and other designated communities. Councilor Worrell in the Chair. On motion of Councilors Louijeune and Mejia, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Coletta Zapata as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Louijeune, Mejia and Coletta Zapata, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 48 Resolution recognizing March 5th as Crispus Attucks Day in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 49 GREEN SHEETS:
- 50 Legislative Calendar for March 5, 2025.
- 51 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 52 Resolution congratulating Fabiola Jean-Louis.
- 53 Resolution congratulating United In Care Services.
- 53 The Chair stated in absence of objection, five late file matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
- 54 Resolution in memory of Keith Gloe.
- 54 Communication was received from Councilor Durkan regarding her absence from the March 5, 2025 City Council Meeting.
- 55 Resolution in memory of Josephine Bianchi.
- 55 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Cisnell Baez in City Council, effective March 1, 2025.
- 56 Resolution recognizing Melvin J. Vargas-Tineo.
- 56 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Charles Levin, Melissa Lo, Sydney Scanlan and Vanessa Woo in City Council, effective March 1, 2025.
- 57 Resolution congratulating Jean Esaïe Petit-Homme.
- 57 Communication was received from Boston Housing Authority Administrator Kenzie Bok regarding updates and context to an ongoing maintenance transformation at the Boston Housing Authority.
- 58 Resolution congratulating Hanso Marquis.
- 58 Communication was received from City Clerk Alex Geourntas regarding Dockets #0593 - #0603: appointments to the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee.
- 59 Resolution congratulating Renaldo Estigene.
- 60 Resolution congratulating Verwhens Lise Venoïs.
- 60 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 61 Resolution in memory of Michael Joseph O'Brien.
- 62 Resolution in memory of Papercuts' Beloved Sammy.
- 63 Resolution recognizing Roberta Wiggins.
- 73 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 74 Adjourned at 3:39 P.M. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of Jodi Schmidt, Elaine Gavin Cloherty, Adrienne Morrissey and Yvon “Tiboule” Tersilas, to meet again on Wednesday, March 12, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk