City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 129 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, January 29, 2025 at 12:07 PM. President Louijeune in the Chair. Absent Councilor Breadon. Pastor Audi Lynch, Faithful Church of Christ, delivered the invocation and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the January 15, 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 authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00), awarded by the Donor Group to be administered by the Parks & Recreation Department. The grant will fund the maintenance of the City of Boston Animal Shelter, and assistance with medical care for sick or injured animals (whose owners are Boston residents), through donations in an amount not to exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 6 The Committee on Strong Women and Families and Communities, to which was referred on January 29, 2025, Docket #0293, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars and Seventy-Two Cents ($145,687.72) in the form of a grant, for the FY24 Violence Against Women’s Act, a STOP Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Justice, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund a Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate who provide services for victims in Jamaica Plain, as well as for Spanish-speaking victims citywide and also supporting overtime for all Civilian Domestic Violence Advocates citywide, submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 7 On the message and order, referred on January 29, 2025, Docket #0294, 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, from the 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 will fund services to underserved populations in the hardest-to-reach areas, both urban and non-urban, in basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 8 On the message and order, referred on January 29, 2025, Docket #0295, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Boston Tax Help Coalition Santander Bank Grant, awarded by Santander Bank, N.A. to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund the Boston Tax Help Coalition to provide pathways from poverty to financial empowerment by maximizing the impact of tax credits through free tax preparation, financial education, and economic stability opportunities, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 9 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.
- 10 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 11 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 12 Communication was received from the Office of Black Male Advancement of the report entitled "Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement Quarterly Report" October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024.
- 13 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Jerica Bradley as Temporary First Assistant Collector-Treasurer for a period of 60 days, effective January 10, 2025.
- 14 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Tim McKenzie as Temporary Second Assistant Collector-Treasurer for a period of 60 days, effective January 10, 2025.
- 15 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Antonia Edwards as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations, effective immediately.
- 16 Notice was received from Councilor Breadon of her absence from the January 29, 2025 City Council Meeting.
- 17 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 8, 2025.
- 18 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 15, 2025.
- 19 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
- 20 On the council order, referred on January 8, 2025, Docket #0189, a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code regarding the Bulfinch Triangle District use regulations, submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the order was passed in a new draft; yeas 10, nays 2 (Flynn, Murphy).
- 20 Councilor Durkan, on behalf of the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation, submitted the following:
- 21 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 22 Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Authorizing the City of Boston to Increase its Residential Exemption.
- 23 Councilor Worrell called Docket #0270, an order to adopt the Good Landlord Tax Abatement as a local option in the City of Boston from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks. No objection being heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Worrell, Docket 0270 was passed; yeas 10, not present 3 (Breadon, Durken, Mejia).
- 24 On the message and order, Docket #0236, for your approval a new home rule petition to the General Court, “Petition for a Special Law Re: An Act Relative to Residential Tax Relief in the City of Boston,” the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass in a new draft. Councilor Flynn offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy. The amendment was properly before the body; yeas 12, present 1 (Mejia). Councilor Mejia moved to close debate. Motion prevailed; yeas 10, nays 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy). A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), nays 7, present 3 (Breadon, Fernandes Anderson, Mejia). Councilor Flynn offered a second amendment. Seconded by Councilor Murphy. The amendment was properly before the body. Councilor Flynn moved to substitute language. Motion prevailed. Councilor Mejia moved to close debate. Motion prevailed; yeas 10, nays 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy). A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 2 (Flynn, Murphy), nays 9, present 2 (Fernandes Anderson, Mejia). Councilor Mejia offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. The amendment was properly before the body. A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 4 (Breadon, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy), nays 8, present 1 (Fernandes Anderson). Councilor Murphy offered an amendment. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. The amendment was properly before the body; yeas 9, nays 1 (Durkan), not present 2 (Fernandes Anderson, Mejia). A roll call vote was taken; the amendment did not pass; yeas 4 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy, Worrell), nays 5, present 4 (Breadon, Fernandes Anderson, Mejia, Santana). On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the report was accepted; the petition was passed in a new draft; yeas 12, nays 1 (Flynn).
- 25 Order for a hearing to discuss residential property values and the assessing process.
- 26 Order for a hearing to discuss enhanced public safety measures during large events in Boston.
- 27 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 28 On the message and ordinance codifying the Office of Food Justice in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending the ordinance ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the ordinance was passed in a new draft; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fernandes Anderson, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Santana, Weber, Worrell); absent 1 (Pepén).
- 29 Ordinance and amendment to the Boston Municipal Code in regard to measuring racial equity in affordable housing.
- 30 Order for a hearing on health access in Hyde Park.
- 31 Order for a hearing to discuss ways to repair and maintain private ways. On motion of Councilors Pepén and Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor.
- 32 Order for a hearing to improve recruitment of civilian crossing guards to serve Boston families. On motion of Councilors Pepén and Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Weber as an original co-sponsor.
- 33 Order for a hearing to explore the creation of Safe School Zones to improve pedestrian safety around all schools in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Pepén, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors FitzGerald and Flynn as original co-sponsors.
- 34 Order for a hearing to discuss the establishment of a Mattapan Square Task Force for economic and cultural growth. On motion of Councilor Pepén, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Louijeune and Worrell as original co-sponsors.
- 35 Order for a hearing to address the displacement of Bostonians as a result of new and future development.
- 36 Order for a hearing to establish a hometown military hero banner program. On motion of Councilors FitzGerald and Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Murphy as an original co-sponsor.
- 37 Order for a hearing to discuss increasing access to high-quality school options for Boston Public School students in all neighborhoods. On motion of Councilor FitzGerald and Pepén, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Santana as an original co-sponsor.
- 38 Order for a hearing regarding fire emergencies and the creation of a Fire Victim Fund. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Louijeune and Worrell as original co-sponsors.
- 39 Order for a hearing to assess a ban on polystyrene products in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilors Coletta Zapata and Louijeune, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Weber as an original co-sponsor.
- 40 Order for a hearing to discuss a pilot program for waste containerization. On motion of Councilors Durkan and Pepén, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor.
- 41 Order for a hearing to discuss elderly scamming. On motion of Councilor Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
- 42 Order for a hearing to discuss financial literacy programs in Boston Public Schools. On motion of Councilor Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Murphy as original co-sponsors.
- 43 Order for a hearing to discuss the proposed zoning amendment to remove the half mile buffer zone between cannabis establishments. On motion of Councilor Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Worrell as original co-sponsors.
- 44 Order for a hearing to discuss the lung cancer rates among Black Veterans.
- 45 Order for a hearing to discuss the importance of the cruise industry in the City of Boston.
- 46 Order for a hearing to discuss ways to ensure operations of the 911 system and contingency plans in case of a 911 system outage.
- 47 Order for a hearing to discuss the impact of CORI on access to employment and other opportunities.
- 48 Order for a hearing to discuss the notification process for abutters meetings in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Fernandes Anderson and Mejia as original co-sponsors.
- 49 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston's FY26 budget.
- 50 Order for a hearing to examine accountability, transparency, and accessibility in administrative procedures for complying with Boston Landmarks Commission recommendations. Referred to the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation. Councilor Mejia doubted the decision of the chair, recommending that the docket be placed in the Committee on Post-Audit: Government Accountability, Transparency & Accessibility. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. A roll call vote was conducted to determine if the decision of the Chair should prevail. Decision of Chair prevailed; yeas 7, nays 5 (Fernandes Anderson, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy and Worrell). Remains in the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation.
- 51 Order for a hearing to continue exploring strategies for developing Mixed-Income Social Housing to increase housing access and affordability for all Bostonians. On motion of Councilor Santana and Breadon, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor.
- 52 Order for a hearing to discuss the educational and workforce development past successes and future opportunities of Youth Jobs offered by the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Fernandes Anderson and Mejia as original co-sponsors.
- 53 Order for a hearing to explore programs the City of Boston offers or could establish to prevent illegal discrimination by landlords and real estate brokers against prospective tenants utilizing Housing Choice Vouchers. On motion of Councilors Santana and Weber, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor.
- 54 Order for a hearing regarding LGBTQIA+ youth and young adult homelessness in the city of Boston. On motion of Councilors Santana and Breadon, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Coletta Zapata as an original co-sponsor.
- 55 Order for a hearing regarding Boston LGBTQIA+ youth community spaces and their public health benefits. On motion of Councilor Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Fernandes Anderson and Weber as original co-sponsors.
- 56 Order for a hearing regarding Boston's LGBTQIA+ mental health data collection processes, existing services, and further community needs. On motion of Councilors Santana and FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Coletta Zapata as an original co-sponsor.
- 57 Order for a hearing regarding gender-neutral bathrooms in City-owned buildings. On motion of Councilors Santana and Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor.
- 58 Order for a hearing to discuss how Boston Public Schools can expand the use of evidence-based best practices for Inclusive Learning Environments for multilingual and special education learners. On motion of Councilor Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Weber as original co-sponsors.
- 59 Order for a hearing regarding all City of Boston grants administered by the Boston Fire Department. On motion of Councilors Santana and Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Flynn as an original co-sponsor.
- 60 Order for a series of hearings regarding all City of Boston grants administered by the Boston Police Department. On motion of Councilor Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Flynn and Worrell as original co-sponsors.
- 61 Order for a hearing regarding the transition and operations of the new City Planning Department. On motion of Councilors Murphy and Fernandes Anderson, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Mejia as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Councilor Murphy doubted the decision of the Chair, recommending that the docket be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. A roll call vote was conducted to determine if the decision of the Chair should prevail. The decision of the Chair prevailed; yeas 7, nays 4 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy), present 1 (Fernandes Anderson). Remains in the Committee on Government Operations.
- 62 Order to adopt laws concerning the safety of school children embarking and disembarking school buses. On motion of Councilors Pepén and FitzGerald, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. Yeas 12 (Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fernandes Anderson, FitzGerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell, Louijeune).
- 63 Order for the Boston City Council to hold a series of Policy Briefings with Boston Public Schools leadership.
- 64 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F RE: Sidewalk repair deposits and refunds (disaggregated).
- 65 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F RE: Capital Projects in D7 from 2020 to date.
- 66 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F RE: Maintenance and Improvements of streets and sidewalks in District 7 from 2020 to date.
- 67 Order requesting certain information under section 17F RE: White Stadium and Madison Park Technical Vocational High School.
- 68 Resolution celebrating Lunar New Year. On motion of Councilors Flynn and Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Durkan as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Flynn, Santana and Durkan, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 69 Resolution calling for the reinstatement of Eddy Chrispin to the Boston Police Department Command Staff. On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 9, nays 2 (Durkan, FitzGerald), present 1 (Santana).
- 70 Resolution calling for the relocation of Muriel Snowden International school to a modern, fully equipped facility that provides students and teachers with the resources needed for a world-class educational experience. On motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 12.
- 71 Resolution to establish a digital marketplace pilot program. On motion of Councilors Fernandes Anderson and Worrell, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 10, not present 2 (FitzGerald, Mejia).
- 72 Resolution to improve bus monitor pay rates and working conditions in the city of Boston. Councilor Worrell in the Chair. On motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 73 Resolution in support of the "Recover Boston" proposal. Councilor Louijeune in the Chair. On motion of Councilors Fernandes Anderson and FitzGerald, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 11, nays 1 (Flynn).
- 74 Resolution recognizing The National Fitness Campaign. On motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 75 Resolution to support and ensure the Nubian Square Task Force, its goals, vision, plan and composition is in alignment with the principles of equity and recovery. On motion of Councilors Fernandes Anderson and Louijeune, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 12.
- 76 WITHDRAWN
- 77 Resolution in support of the City of Boston fulfilling its promise to meet the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School construction timeline. The resolution was not adopted; yeas 4 (Fernandes Anderson, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy), nays 8.
- 78 Resolution for the timely release and review of final transportation, parking, environmental, and alternative public plans for White Stadium prior to further demolition work. Councilor Mejia moved to substitute language. Motion prevailed. The resolution was not adopted; yeas 6 (Fernandes Anderson, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Worrell), nays 6 (Coletta Zapata, Durkan, FitzGerald, Pepén, Santana, Weber).
- 79 Resolution recognizing January 18, 2025 as "Day of Care" in honor of the life and legacy of Kyre Ambrose. On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 80 Resolution recognizing the 332nd Fighter Group, the “Tuskegee Airmen” and Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse II. On motion of Councilors Durkan and Flynn, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Santana as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Durkan, Flynn and Santana, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 81 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 82 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Durkan offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Samantha Courage in City Council, effective February 8, 2025.
- 83 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Durkan offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Lily Sweeterman in City Council, effective February 1, 2025.
- 84 GREEN SHEETS:
- 85 Legislative Calendar for January 29, 2025.
- 85 Councilor Pepén called Docket #0123, message and order for your approval an Order to declare surplus City-owned computers that are no longer of use to City employees. Once the Department of Innovation and Technology determines that a City-owned computer has reached the end of its useful life and has little to no resale value, the Department wishes to donate the surplus computers to a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 30B § 15. The computers would be sanitized by the Department of Innovation and Technology in accordance with industry standards to remove any City data prior to donation. The computers would then be refurbished by a charitable organization for future use by Boston residents to close the digital divide, from the Committee on City Services & Innovation Technology. No objection heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Pepén, the order was passed.
- 86 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 86 Councilor Murphy called Docket #0121, message and order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expend a donation of a Vectra Fitness Cable Multi Station Weight Machine, valued at Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars ($12,599.00) donated by Fitness Equipment Service of New England. The purpose of this donation is to enhance the fitness program and facilities at the BCYF Roslindale Center for the benefit of the Roslindale neighborhood, from the Committee on Strong Women, Families & Communities. No objection heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Murphy, the order was passed.
- 87 Resolution recognizing Polish Club Boston 2025 Leadership.
- 87 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0120, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirty-Six Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Eight Dollars ($36,638.00) in the form of a grant, for FY23 Mass Trails Grant, awarded by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to be administered by the Transportation Department. The grant will fund the enhancement of trails and trail access in the Dorchester Community, from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks. No objection heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the order was passed.
- 88 Resolution congratulating Presner and Presly Nelson.
- 88 The Chair stated in absence of objection, three late file matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
- 89 Resolution congratulating AccessMA.
- 89 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Charles Yancey in City Council, effective February 3, 2025.
- 90 Resolution congratulating Gloria Bowers.
- 90 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Dorah Pierre Lewis in City Council, effective February 1, 2025.
- 91 Resolution recognizing Brittany Saunders.
- 91 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Nancybella Rago in City Council, effective February 1, 2025.
- 92 Resolution recognizing Gena Mavuli.
- 93 Resolution recognizing James Keenan.
- 94 Resolution in memory of Aphrodite "Ethel" Lambros.
- 95 Resolution congratulating Cleda Barthelemy.
- 95 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 96 Resolution recognizing Maria Fernandes Goode.
- 97 Resolution recognizing Jarred Johnson.
- 98 Resolution Congratulating Tết In Boston.
- 99 Resolution Congratulating Jaely Mỹ Hiền Pereira.
- 100 Resolution Congratulating Anthony Nguyễn.
- 101 Resolution recognizing Holocaust Legacy Foundation.
- 102 Resolution recognizing Timothy Murphy.
- 103 Resolution recognizing Inquilnos Boricuas en Accion.
- 104 Resolution in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- 105 Resolution recognizing Polish American Citizens Club Boston.
- 106 Resolution recognizing Dr. Phyllis Selter.
- 107 Resolution recognizing Joe Burgess.
- 108 Resolution recognizing Reverend Thomas H Lee.
- 109 Resolution recognizing Chinatown Main Street.
- 110 Resolution recognizing Tet Boston.
- 111 Resolution recognizing Boston Lunar New Year Festival Committee.
- 112 Resolution recognizing St Stephen's Youth Programs.
- 122 The Chair stated in absence of objection, five late file matters would be added to the Consent Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
- 123 Resolution recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- 124 Resolution in memory of Kyre Ambrose.
- 125 Resolution in recognition of Rina Ambrose.
- 126 Resolution in recognition of Kyron Smith.
- 127 Resolution in memory of Mary "Mamie" Fenton.
- 128 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 129 Adjourned at 8:53 p.m. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of Richard P. Doyle, Walter Preble, Ameila Aubourg, Vernon Berlin, Jeff Flagg and Aphrodite "Ethel" Lambros, to meet again on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk