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January 15, 2025 ·12:00 PM Final

Council Chambers

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Agenda — 87 items

  1. 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 15, 2025 at 12:07 PM. President Louijeune in the Chair. Absent Councilors Breadon, Fernandes Anderson, and Pepén. Father Paolo Cumin, Sacred Heart Parish, delivered the invocation and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the January 8, 2025 meeting. Motion Prevailed. ▶ jump to 2:42
  2. 2 ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 3:05
  3. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
  4. 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
  5. 5 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). 2025-0236 Referred to ▶ jump to 10:21
  6. 6 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. 2025-0237 Referred to ▶ jump to 10:47
  7. 7 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. 2025-0238 Referred to ▶ jump to 11:11
  8. 8 Councilor Santana called Docket #0239, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the FY25 Training Academy Earmark, awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund the purchase of equipment and supplies, and to fund training initiatives for the Boston Fire Training Academy to ensure the department remains current in the firefighting services. No objection heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Santana, the order was passed. 2025-0239 Referred to ▶ jump to 12:25
  9. 9 Councilor Santana called Docket #0240, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend for the benefit of the City of Boston, a donation from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS) of 2024 GMC Sierra 4WD Crew Cab Pickup valued at Sixty Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Dollars ($60,233.00). The truck will be used as a Radiological Security Awareness and Response (RSAR) support truck and will allow the Boston Police Department to continue the sustainment of RSAR training programs. No objection heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Santana, the order was passed. 2025-0240 Referred to ▶ jump to 12:54
  10. 10 On the message and order, referred on January 15, 2025, Docket #0241, an order temporarily extending Urban Renewal Plans in the City of Boston until March 31, 2027 or passage of a proposed relevant Home Rule Petition, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 11, not present 2 (Fernandes Anderson, Mejia). 2025-0241 Referred to ▶ jump to 13:44
  11. 11 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
  12. 12 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
  13. 13 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Midori Morikawa, as a member of the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel, effective immediately. 2025-0242 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 14:10
  14. 14 Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding discrepancies in the 2024 Boston Detainer Requests. 2025-0243 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 14:21
  15. 15 Communication was received from Councilor Flynn regarding the Boston Crime Lab Director. 2025-0244 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 14:30
  16. 16 Communication was received from Councilor Breadon regarding her absence from the City Council meeting on January 15, 2025. 2025-0245 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 14:38
  17. 17 Communication was received from Councilor Breadon regarding the passage of Chapter 360 of the Acts of 2024, An Act increasing the maximum amount of‬ ‭penalties which may be imposed for violations of ordinances in the City of Boston‬. 2025-0246 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 14:48
  18. 18 Communication was received from Kenzie Bok, Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority regarding an update on the elevator situation at several Boston Housing sites. 2025-0247 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 15:18
  19. 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 4, 2024. 2025-0248 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 15:30
  20. 20 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
  21. 21 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. 2025-0112 Remains in ▶ jump to 16:00
  22. 22 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. 2025-0113 Remains in ▶ jump to 16:27
  23. 23 On the message and order, referred on January 8, 2025, Docket #0114, to reduce the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by Four Hundred Twenty One Thousand Three Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($421,318.00) to provide funding for the Mayor’s Office of Housing for the FY25 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and SEIU Local 888, Mayor’s Office of Housing, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 10. 2025-0114 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 21:15
  24. 23 Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:
  25. 24 On the message and order, referred on January 8, 2025, Docket #0115, for a supplemental appropriation for the Mayor’s Office of Housing for FY25 in the amount of Four Hundred Twenty-One Thousand Three Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($421,318.00) to cover the FY25 cost contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and SEIU, Local 888 Mayor's Office of Housing. The terms of the contracts are October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2027. The major provisions of the contracts include base wage increases of 2% to be given in January of each fiscal year of the contract term and flat amounts of $250.00, $500.00, $900.00, and $800.00 to be added to annual salaries in January of each fiscal year, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 10. 2025-0115 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 21:41
  26. 25 On the message and order, referred on January 8, 2025, Docket #0116, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eight Hundred Sixty Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Nine Dollars and Seventy Cents ($860,169.70) in the form of a grant for the One Stop Career Center grant, awarded by MassHire Department of Career Services to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund comprehensive career services and resources to unemployed job seekers such as reviewing job postings, career counseling and job coaching, education/skills training, and job placement assistance. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 10. 2025-0116 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 26:48
  27. 26 On the message and order, referred on December 4, 2024, for your approval an Order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of One Hundred Ten Million Dollars ($110,000,000.00) for purposes of funding the Housing Accelerator Program. The expenditures related to the program are one-time in nature and are assumed to be non-recurring costs of the City, therefore, are appropriate to be funded with non-recurring revenue. Filed in the Office of the City Clerk on December 2, 2024. Councilor Mejia moved to postpone the vote until the January 29, 2025 meeting. Seconded by Councilor Flynn. Motion failed; yeas 2 (Flynn, Murphy), nays 7, present 1 (Mejia). The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 10. 2025-0108 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 32:14
  28. 26 Councilor Weber, on behalf of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, submitted the following:
  29. 27 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
  30. 28 Ordinance amending City of Boston Code 18-1.2B to make certificates of birth and death free. On motion of Councilor Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Coletta Zapata and Louijeune as original co-sponsors. 2025-0249 Referred to ▶ jump to 89:52
  31. 28 Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following:
  32. 29 Order for a hearing regarding the feasibility and impact of a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax in Boston. 2025-0250 Referred to ▶ jump to 97:11
  33. 30 Order for a hearing to investigate the use, impact, and potential ban of algorithmic price setting in the Boston rental housing market. On motion of Councilor Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Santana and Louijeune as original co-sponsors. 2025-0251 Referred to ▶ jump to 106:57
  34. 31 Order for a hearing to discuss expanding the urban tree canopy in District 2. 2025-0252 Referred to ▶ jump to 109:30
  35. 32 Order for a hearing to discuss the goals and priorities of the City of Boston's Office of Veteran Services. 2025-0253 Referred to ▶ jump to 111:56
  36. 33 Order for a hearing to discuss long-term city job vacancies. 2025-0254 Referred to ▶ jump to 114:58
  37. 34 Order for a hearing to discuss new cancer presumptions announced by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. 2025-0255 Referred to ▶ jump to 116:35
  38. 35 Order for a hearing to discuss discrepancies in Boston's 2024 detainer requests. 2025-0256 Referred to ▶ jump to 120:02
  39. 36 Order for a hearing to discuss accessibility in Boston City Hall. 2025-0257 Referred to ▶ jump to 123:14
  40. 37 WITHDRAWN 2025-0258 Withdrawn. ▶ jump to 132:11
  41. 38 Order for a hearing to discuss the status of the elevators at the BHA Ruth Barkley apartments. 2025-0259 Referred to ▶ jump to 132:20
  42. 39 Order for a hearing to discuss the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the City of Boston. 2025-0260 Referred to ▶ jump to 138:04
  43. 40 Order for a hearing to address programming needs for older adults in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Weber, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Fitzgerald and Worrell as original co-sponsors. 2025-0261 Referred to ▶ jump to 139:21
  44. 41 Order for a hearing to discuss the creation of a Parks Administrator for Downtown Parks including the Boston Common, Public Garden, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Copley Square and Christopher Columbus Park. On motion of Councilor Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Coletta Zapata and Louijeune as original co-sponsors. 2025-0262 Referred to ▶ jump to 144:02
  45. 42 Order for a hearing to explore the creation of a citywide merchandise licensing program. 2025-0263 Referred to ▶ jump to 150:26
  46. 43 Order for a hearing regarding strategies to expand homeownership programs in Boston. 2025-0264 Referred to ▶ jump to 160:41
  47. 44 Order for a hearing to discuss the preservation of historical artifacts in Boston Public Schools slated for closure or merger. 2025-0265 Referred to ▶ jump to 152:35
  48. 45 Order for a hearing to discuss pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and expanding the safety surge program in the City of Boston. 2025-0266 Referred to ▶ jump to 165:00
  49. 46 Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools transportation for student athletes. 2025-0267 Referred to ▶ jump to 171:36
  50. 47 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. 2025-0268 Referred to ▶ jump to 181:47
  51. 48 Order for a hearing to discuss residential property values and the assessing process. 2025-0269 Referred to ▶ jump to 186:32
  52. 49 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). 2025-0270 Referred to ▶ jump to 195:41
  53. 50 Resolution in support of the replacement of concurrent traffic signals in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 10. 2025-0271 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 201:33
  54. 51 GREEN SHEETS:
  55. 52 Legislative Calendar for January 15, 2025. GS-1/15/25
  56. 53 CONSENT AGENDA:
  57. 54 Resolution recognizing Maura Doyle. 2025-0272 ▶ jump to 278:20
  58. 54 On motion of Councilor Worrell and pursuant to Rule 16, Docket #0282 was removed from the Consent Agenda.
  59. 55 Resolution congratulating Evangeline Roussel Lucien. 2025-0273
  60. 56 Resolution recognizing Nakama Kamara. 2025-0274
  61. 56 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0143, Petition for a Special Law Re: An Act Relative to Senior Homeowner Property Tax Exemption, from the Committee on Government Operations. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the petition was passed; yeas 10. 2025-0143 The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
  62. 57 Resolution congratulating The Chery Family. 2025-0275
  63. 57 Councilor Santana called Docket #0117, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Hundred Ninety-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($593,750.00) in the form of a grant, for the FY25 Hazmat Earmark grant, awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund the needs of the hazardous materials response teams, as specified the line items 8324-0000 and 8324-0050 of the FY25 General Appropriation Act, from the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice. On motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. 2025-0117 The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
  64. 58 Resolution congratulating Samuel Luxama. 2025-0276
  65. 58 Councilor Coletta Zapata called Docket #0110, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), awarded by the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to be administered by the Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will fund the prospect of cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes, from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks. On motion of Councilor Coletta Zapata, the rules were suspended; the order was passed. 2025-0110 The rules were suspended; the order was passed.
  66. 59 Resolution congratulating Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts. 2025-0277
  67. 59 The Chair stated in absence of objection, six late file matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
  68. 60 Resolution recognizing Flynn Foley. 2025-0278
  69. 60 Councilor Louijuene offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Cisnell Baez in City Council, effective January 18, 2025. 2025-0283 Passed under suspension of the rules. ▶ jump to 272:36
  70. 61 ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR MATTERS PRESENTED TO THE CITY CLERK PRIOR TO 10:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT A REGULAR MEETING IN THE CHRISTOPHER IANNELLA CHAMBER ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 AT 12:00 P.M.
  71. 61 Notice was received from Councilor Fernandes Anderson of her absence from the January 15, 2025 City Council Meeting. 2025-0284 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 272:44
  72. 62 Resolution recognizing the National Asian Women's Association. 2025-0280
  73. 62 Notice was received from Councilor Pepén of his absence from the January 15, 2025 City Council Meeting. 2025-0285 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 272:59
  74. 63 ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR MATTERS PRESENTED TO THE CITY CLERK PRIOR TO 10:00 A.M. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT A REGULAR MEETING IN THE CHRISTOPHER IANNELLA CHAMBER ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 AT 12:00 P.M.
  75. 63 Communication was received from Council President Louijeune to address the Open Meeting Law complaint and respond accordingly on behalf of the Boston City Council. Referred to the Law Department. 2025-0286 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 273:45
  76. 64 Resolution recognizing January 20 as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the City of Boston. On motion of Councilors Worrell and Santana, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 10. 2025-0282 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 218:27
  77. 64 Communication was received from Councilor Durkan regarding Docket #0127, the designation of Boston City Hall as a Landmark. 2025-0287 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 276:29
  78. 65 Message transmitting certain information under section 17F re: new City workforce headcount and funding, filed on Docket #1565, passed by the City Council on October 23, 2024. 2025-0288 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 276:39
  79. 69 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
  80. 77 Resolution recognizing Xiamen University Alumni Association in New England. 2025-0279
  81. 79 Resolution recognizing PN Transportation 2025-0281
  82. 80 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:
  83. 81 Resolution celebrating, honoring and designating January 18, 2025 as Charlotte Golar Richie Day. 2025-0289
  84. 82 Resolution in memory of Raymond M. Arthur. 2025-0290
  85. 83 Resolution recognizing Craig Richard Cemate. 2025-0291
  86. 84 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
  87. 85 Adjourned at 4:48 p.m. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of Raymond Arthur, Barry M. Anderer, Margaret C. "Peg" "Hon" Rooney, Christian Barros, Mary-Jo Arn, and Keith Gloe, to meet again on Wednesday, January 29, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk