City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 98 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, February 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM. President Louijeune in the chair. All councilors present. Father George Zubrowski, Our Lady of Czestochowa, delivered the invocation and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the February 12, 2025 meeting. Motion prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 On the message and order, referred on February 26, 2025, Docket #0526, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million One Hundred Ninety Thousand Seventy-One Dollars and Sixty-Four Cents ($1,190,071.64) in the form of a grant for the Carry-in WIOS Adult Program, awarded by the United States Department of Labor, passed through the MassHire Department of Career Services, to be administered by the Office of Workforce Department. The grant will fund services to help job seekers access employment, education, skills, training, apprenticeships and support services, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 6 On the message and order, referred on February 26, 2025, Docket #0527, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the BPS Sunday’s Phase 2 Grant, awarded by the Pilot House Philanthropy to be administered by the Office of Arts and Culture. The program will fund the learning and evaluation components of the BPS Sundays pilot program, the committee submitted a report recommending that this order ought to pass. The report was accepted, the order was passed: yeas 11 (Breadon, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell), absent 1 (Coletta Zapata).
- 7 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Mayor’s Office of Human Services’ Connect, Learn and Explore Initiative, awarded by Boston Children’s Hospital to be administered by the Office of Human Services. The grant will fund an annual citywide activation summit for youth, hosting recurring professional development sessions and network convening for youth workers and conduct a youth needs assessment.
- 8 On the message and order, referred on February 26, 2025, Docket #0529, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Workforce Training Fund Grant, awarded by MassHire Department of Career Services to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund programming to help address business productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to Massachusetts businesses for training current and newly hired employees, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 9 On the message and order, referred on February 26, 2025, Docket #0530, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($58,000.00) in the form of a grant for the FY19 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund fire prevention education and training, fire code enforcement, fire/arson investigation, firefighter safety and health programming, prevention efforts, and research and development, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
- 10 On the message and order, referred on February 26, 2025, Docket #0531, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty-Eight Dollars and Sixty Cents ($41,828.60) in the form of a grant for the Shelter Supplemental Funding Grant, awarded by MassHire Department of Career Services to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund MassHire career centers with supplemental funding to support emergency assistance (EA) shelters residents with training and employment opportunities, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 11 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 12 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 13 Communication was received from Nicholas Gove regarding the new City of Boston Traffic Rules and Regulations.
- 14 Communication was received from the Commemoration Commission of the report entitled "Commemoration Commission Progress Report" January 2025.
- 15 Communication was received from Scott Finn, City Auditor, regarding the City of Boston's Fiscal 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
- 16 Communication was received from Lawrence S. DiCara, Chairman of the Audit Committee, updating the City Council of their meetings held with independent auditor KPMG LLP for the year ending December 31, 2024.
- 17 Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding proposed minor modification to twelve of Boston's Urban Renewal Plan Areas.
- 18 Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding the Boston Police Department Crime Lab.
- 19 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 re: action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of December 11, 2024.
- 20 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 re: action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of January 29, 2025.
- 21 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 re: action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of February 5, 2025.
- 22 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 re: action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of February 12, 2025.
- 23 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Torres as a Trustee of the Allston-Brighton Community Fund.
- 24 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Audrey Seraphin as a member of the Boston Cultural Council, for a term expiring February 25, 2028.
- 25 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Alison Yueming Qu as a member of the Boston Cultural Council, for a term expiring February 25, 2028.
- 26 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Therlande Louissaint as a member of the Boston Cultural Council, for a term expiring February 25, 2028.
- 27 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Nicole DuFauchard as a member of the Boston Cultural Council, for a term expiring February 25, 2028.
- 28 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Ty-Juana Flores as a member of the Boston Cultural Council, for a term expiring February 25, 2028.
- 29 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
- 30 On the message and order, referred on February 5, 2025, Docket #0396, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seven Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Five Dollars ($775,855.00) in the form of a grant, for the 2025 Community Connections Program Grant, awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, passed through the Boston Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, to be administered by the Transportation Department, , submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 12, nays 1 (Flynn).
- 30 Councilor Durkan, on behalf of the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation, submitted the following:
- 31 On the message and order, referred on February 12, 2025, Docket #0448, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fourteen Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($14,400,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Safe Street and Roads for All, awarded by the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passed through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, to be administered by the Transportation Department, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 32 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 33 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools' FY26 Budget.
- 34 On the message and order for your approval an Order to reduce the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($128,700.00) to provide funding for the Boston Police Department for the FY25 increases contains within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society (BPDBS)-Forensic Group, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 35 On the message and order for a supplemental appropriation Order for the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($128,700.00) to cover the FY25 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Detective Benevolent Society (BPDBS)- Forensic Group. The terms of the contracts are October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2027. The major provisions of the contract include a market adjustment to base wages in FY25, as well as base wage increase of 2% to be given in January 2026 and 2027 and flat amounts of $900 and $800 to be added to annual salaries in January 2026 and 2027, after the percent increases, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 35 Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:
- 36 On the message and order, referred on February 5, 2025, Docket #0407, for your approval an Ordinance for Road Safety and Accountability for Delivery Providers, the committee submitted a report recommending that the ordinance ought to pass in a new draft. Councilor Coletta Zapata moved to substitute language. Motion prevailed. The report was accepted; the ordinance was passed in a new draft; yeas 11, nays 2 (FitzGerald, Murphy).
- 37 Order for a hearing to address the plans underway to do facilities work this summer at several of our buildings that may impact the services we provide.
- 38 On the message and order, referred on January 8, 2025, Docket #0144, Petition for a Special Law Re: Ranked Choice Voting in Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the petition ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the petition was passed in a new draft; yeas 8, nays 4 (Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), absent 1 (Fernandes Anderson).
- 39 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 40 On the motion and ordinance, to which was referred on February 26, 2025, Docket #0548, Amending City of Boston Code, Ordinances Chapter VII Section 7-15, Boston Commemoration Commission, the committee sumitted a report recommending that the ordinance ought to pass.
- 41 Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to Pension Benefits for Firefighter Leo J. Bracken.
- 42 Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Relative to the Pension of Michael Sullivan.
- 42 On motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0556 was taken out of order:
- 43 Order for a hearing regarding expanding internship opportunities for students with disabilities in Boston Public Schools.
- 44 Order for a hearing to discuss current population projections and preparation for the 2030 decennial census.
- 45 Order for a hearing to review capital planning, budgeting, and project management practices in the capital program of the City of Boston. On motion of Councilors Breadon and Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Mejia as an original co-sponsor.
- 46 Order for a hearing to discuss public authority-ordered towing practices in the City of Boston.
- 47 Resolution recognizing and celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month. On motion of Councilors Murphy and Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor FitzGerald as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Murphy, Flynn and Fitzgerald, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 48 Resolution in support of prioritizing funding for the Boston Public Schools Parent Mentor Program operated by St. Stephen's Youth Programs. On motion of Councilors Santana and Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Santana, Flynn and Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 13.
- 49 Resolution recognizing February 27th, 2025 as Dominican Independence Day. On motion of Councilors Mejia and Pepen, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Santana as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Mejia, Pepen and Santana, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 50 Resolution in support of Eve Griffin. On motion of Councilor Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Murphy and Mejia as original co-sponsors. On motion of Councilors Flynn, Murphy and Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 8 present 5 (Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Louijeune, Santana and Worrell).
- 51 Resolution denouncing cuts to personnel and service at the Department of Veteran Affairs. On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 13.
- 52 Resolution condemning federal cuts to National Institutes of Health funding for Boston and Massachusetts. On motion of Councilors Durkan and Breadon, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor FitzGerald as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Durkan, Breadon and FitzGerald, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 13.
- 53 Resolution recognizing March as Women's History Month in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Murphy, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Fernandes Anderson as original co-sponsors. On motion of Councilors Murphy, Mejia and Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 54 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 55 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Briejah Ayers and Isabelle Nelson in City Council, effective February 22, 2025.
- 56 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Julian Viviescas Mejia in City Council, effective March 3, 2025.
- 57 GREEN SHEETS:
- 58 Legislative Calendar for February 26, 2025.
- 59 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 60 Resolution recognizing the Black History Team at Keystone.
- 61 Resolution recognizing Maria McLaren.
- 62 Resolution in memory of Danielle Legros Georges.
- 62 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0296, message and order for your approval an Order extending the City’s acceptance of M.G.L. c.32B, §19, to be effective until June 30, 2027, upon my approval and execution of a written agreement with the Public Employee Committee (PEC), from the Committee on Government Operations. No objections heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 63 Resolution in memory of Stephen W. Powers.
- 63 Councilor Worrell called Docket #0112, message and order for your approval an Order to reduce the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by Six Million Six Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars ($6,637,486.00) to provide funding for the Boston Public Schools (BPS) for the FY25 impact of increases contained with the collective bargaining agreement between the Transdev and its bus drivers, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 64 Resolution in memory of Lauren C. DeMato (D'Ambrosio).
- 64 Councilor Worrell called Docket #0113, message and order for a supplemental appropriation Order for the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by Six Million Six Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars ($6,637,486.00) to cover the impact of FY25 cost items contained within the Collective Bargaining agreement between Transdev and its bus drivers on the City’s transportation contract with the vendor, Transdev. The term of the contract is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028. The major provisions of the contract include a market rate adjustment, an increase for regular wages and an increase in minimum weekly hours from 31 to 35, from the Committee on Ways and Means. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 65 Resolution in memory of William J. Chisholm.
- 65 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0518, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Reginald Stovell as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) Review Board, for a term expiring May 26, 2026, from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks. Objection by Councilor Flynn Committee members polled; yeas 7. The matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the appointment was confirmed.
- 66 Resolution in memory of James A. "Jim" Kearney.
- 66 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0519, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Lori Ferriss as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) Review Board, for a term expiring July 13, 2026, from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks. Objection by Councilor Flynn Committee members polled; yeas 7. The matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the appointment was confirmed.
- 67 Resolution recognizing United in Care Services.
- 67 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0461, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Jessica Boatright as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) Review Board, for a term expiring April 24, 2026, from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks. Objection by Councilor Flynn Committee members polled; yeas 7. The matter was properly before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the appointment was confirmed.
- 68 Resolution recognizing Mattapan BPL Anniversary.
- 68 The Chair stated in absence of objection, two late file matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
- 69 Resolution recognizing Clemacus (Marcus) James.
- 69 Communication was received from Scott Finn, City Auditor, transmitting reports listing transfers made solely for the purpose of closing accounts for Fiscal Year 2024.
- 70 Resolution recognizing Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
- 70 Order for an emergency hearing to discuss the state receivership of Boston's Elections Commission.
- 71 Resolution recognizing Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
- 72 Resolution recognizing J.J. Foley's Cafe.
- 72 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 73 Resolution recognizing Que Shing Chinese Music and Opera.
- 74 Resolution recognizing Wong Family Association.
- 75 Resolution recognizing Franklin Park Coalition.
- 76 Resolution recognizing Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers.
- 77 Resolution recognizing African American Veterans and their families.
- 78 Resolution recognizing Faith Christian Church upon its 45th anniversary.
- 79 Resolution in memory of Police Officer Mark G. Walsh.
- 93 The Chair stated in absence of objection, three late file matters would be added to the Consent Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
- 94 Resolution recognizing Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition.
- 95 Resolution recognizing Jeff Ferris.
- 96 Resolution recognizing Diana Orthman.
- 97 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 98 Adjourned at 4:39 P.M. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of Josephine Bianchi, Stephen Powers, Lauren DeMato, Steven Shea, Roberta Flack, Michael Joseph O'Brien, Leroy Peoples Jr., Detective Mark Walsh and Mia, to meet again on Wednesday, March 5, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk