City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 97 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, December 4, 2024 at 12:06 P.M. President Louijeune in the Chair. All Councilors present. Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill, Boston University, delivered the invocation and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance. The Chair moved to adopt the minutes from the November 20, 2024 meeting. Motion Prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 Message and order for your approval an Order to reduce the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Two Dollars ($149,525.00) to provide funding for a City department for the FY25 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Cadets Association.
- 6 Message and order for a supplemental appropriation Order for the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Two Dollars ($149,525.00) to cover the FY25 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreements between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Cadets Association. The terms of the contract are October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2027. The major provisions of the contact include a base wage increase of 2% to be given in January of each fiscal year of the contract term and flat amounts of $500.00, $250.00, $900.00, and $800.00 to be added to annual salaries in January of each fiscal, year, after the percent increase. Members will also receive an increase in uniform allowance. Filed in the Office of the City Clerk on December 2, 2024.
- 7 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.
- 8 On the message and order, referred on December 4, 2024, Docket #0109, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Nazzaro Community Center Renovation grant, awarded by the United States Department of Treasury, passed through the MA Executive Office of Economic Development, to be administered by Property Management. The grant will fund repairs and capital improvements to maintain current functionality and programming at the Nazzaro Community Center, 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 #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.
- 10 Councilor Weber called Docket #1768, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Dollars and Thirty Cents ($195,690.30) in the form of a grant, for the WIOA Adult Activities Administration grant, awarded by the United States Department of Labor, passed through the MassHire Department of Career Services, to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund the creation of a seamless system of adult education, workforce preparation and training services, from the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development. On motion of Councilor Weber, the order was passed.
- 11 On the message and order reoffered on December 4, 2024, Docket #0111, 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 Age Strong Universal Fund, awarded by the Donor Group to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund senior center programs and services for older adults in Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed.
- 12 On the message and order, referred on December 4, 2024, Docket #1770, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Justice passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund the Annual Boston Address Verification procedures mandated by the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 12 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fernandes Anderson, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepen, Santana, Webber and Worrell), present 1 (Mejia).
- 13 Councilor Santana called Docket #1771, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seventy-Four Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents ($74,266.67) in the form of a grant, for the FY2020 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund critically needed resources to carry out fire prevention education and training, fire code enforcement, fire/arson investigation, firefighter safety and health programming, prevention efforts, and research and development, from the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice.
- 14 On the message and order, referred on December 4. 2024, Docket #1772, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seventy-One Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars ($71,335.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Emergency Management Performance Agency, to be administered by the Office of Emergency Preparedness. The grant will fund the enhancement of operational capacity at the Boston Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and promote the professional development of The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 11 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepen, Santana, Webber and Worrell), present 2 (Fernandes Anderson, Mejia).
- 15 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept the donation of Twenty (20) HEPA air scrubber with a fair market value of Twenty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($28,750.00), donated by Distributor Corporation of New England to be administered by Property Management Department. Distributor Corporation of New England is a local HVAC wholesale company who in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission, seeks to improve air quality in office environments and building interiors. This donation will support the Property Management Department's mission to ensure that all City buildings provide a safe and healthy environment for employees and constituents.
- 16 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 17 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 18 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Jakhi Dean as a Member of the Commission on Black Boys and Men for a term expiring May 1, 2027.
- 19 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Bishop William Dickerson II as a Member of the Commission on Black Boys and Men for a term expiring May 1, 2027.
- 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 November 6, 2024.
- 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 November 20, 2024.
- 22 Communication was received from Timothy J. Smyth, Executive Officer of the Boston Retirement Board re: Boston Retirement System CY25 Operating Budget.
- 23 Notice was received from the Mayor of her absence from the City on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 8:00 P.M., returning on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 3:16 P.M.
- 24 Notice was received from the Mayor of her absence from the City on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 12:10 P.M., returning on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 9:12 P.M.
- 25 Notice was received from the Council President Ruthzee Louijeune of her absence from the City on Thursday, November 21, 2024, returning on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
- 26 Communication was received from Councilor Breadon regarding an intention to call Docket #0488, a resolution calling for further measures to supplement inclusionary zoning and advance affordable housing in the City of Boston, from the Committee on Housing and Community Development for discussion and action.
- 27 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
- 28 On the message and order, referred on November 20, 2024, Docket #1760, for a supplemental appropriation Order for the Property Management Department for FY25 in the amount of One Hundred Seventy Thousand One Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($170,118) to cover the FY25 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 173 (NEPBA Patrol Officers). The terms of the contract are July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. The major provision of the contract includes a base wage increase of 2% to be given in October of each fiscal year of the contract term and flat amounts of $500, $250, $900, and $800 to be added to annual salaries in January of each fiscal year; as well increases to the uniform allowance and weekend differential, submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 28 Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Ways & Means, submitted the following:
- 29 On the message and order, referred on November 20, 2024, Docket #1761, for your approval an Order to reduce the FY25 appropriation for the Reserve for Collective Bargaining by One Hundred Seventy Thousand One Hundred Eighteen Dollar ($170,118) to provide funding for the Property Management Department for the FY25 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 173 (NEPBA Patrol Officers), the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 30 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 31 Order for a hearing regarding Boston LGBTQ+ youth community spaces and their public health benefits.
- 32 Ordinance to Establish RISE: Reshaping Inequities through Systematic Empowerment.
- 33 Order for a hearing for the Boston City Council to address next steps after the Failed Property Tax Reclassification Home Rule Petition though Audit.
- 34 Order for a hearing to discuss ways to diversify the City of Boston’s revenue.
- 35 Order relative to the adoption of Tax Classification in the City of Boston in FY 2025. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was passed; yeas 13 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fernandes Anderson, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber and Worrell).
- 36 Order for a hearing to explore how changes to planning, development, zoning, and land use policies in Austin, TX have increased housing production and affordability, and the potential to apply similar policies in Boston.
- 37 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 38 An ordinance codifying the Office of Returning Citizens.
- 39 Order for a hearing to prohibit renter-paid broker fees when hired by a landlord. Councilor Louijeune in the Chair. On motion of Councilors Pepén and Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Breadon as an original co-sponsor.
- 39 On motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #1788 was taken out of order:
- 40 Order for a hearing to discuss efforts to cancel medical debt. Councilor Worrell in the Chair.
- 41 Order for a hearing to discuss the importance of the cruise industry in the City of Boston. Councilor Louijeune in the chair.
- 42 Resolution in support of The Social Security Fairness Act. Councilor Worrell in the Chair. On motion of Councilors Louijeune and Weber, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 43 Resolution reaffirming The Trust Act. Councilor Worrell in the Chair. On motion of Councilors Louijeune and Mejia, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Weber as an original co-sponsor. On motion of Councilors Louijeune, Mejia, and Weber, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 13.
- 44 Resolution affirming core principles of the City of Boston payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program involving tax-exempt institutions. Councilor Louijeune in the Chair. On motion of Councilor Breadon, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors Mejia and Coletta Zapata as original co-sponsors. On motion of Councilors Breadon, Mejia, and Coletta Zapata, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 11, nays 2 (Flynn, Murphy).
- 45 Resolution in support of full funding for the Healthy Incentives Program. Councilor Worrell in the Chair. On motion of Councilors Louijeune and Coletta Zapata, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 46 Resolution recognizing and encouraging the use of Boston Water and Sewer Commission's Lead Replacement Incentive Program. Councilor Louijeune in the Chair. On motion of Councilor Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted.
- 47 GREEN SHEETS:
- 48 Legislative Calendar for December 4, 2024.
- 49 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 50 Resolution recognizing William Epperson.
- 50 Councilor Breadon called Docket #0488, resolution calling for further measures to supplement inclusionary zoning and advance affordable housing in the City of Boston, from the Committee on Housing & Community Development. On motion of Councilor Breadon, the resolution was adopted; yeas 10, nays 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy).
- 51 Resolution recognizing eleven members of Eastie Farm.
- 51 Councilor Worrell called Docket #1619, for your approval an Order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of One Million Five Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($1,515,000.00) for the purpose of paying the costs of a feasibility study through schematic design for the roof, window, and door replacement projects for the following schools: Kenny Elementary School, O’Donnell Elementary School, Adams Elementary School, Chittick Elementary School, Everett Elementary School, Gardner Pilot Academy, Lyndon Elementary School, and Murphy K-8 School, from the Committee on Ways and Means. On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was read a second time and passed in a new draft; yeas 13.
- 52 Resolution recognizing six members of the Veronica Robles Cultural Center.
- 52 Councilor Weber called Docket #1672, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifteen Million Nine Hundred Four Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-Six Dollars and Fifty-Six Cents ($15,904,976.56) in the form of a grant for the EDA Good Jobs Challenge, awarded by the United States Department of Commerce to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund technical training, project planning, and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes, from the Committee on Labor, Workforce & Economic Development. On motion of Councilor Weber, the order was passed.
- 53 Resolution recognizing Derek Gallagher.
- 53 Councilor Fernandes Anderson called Docket #1434, message and order 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 Sundays pilot support grant, awarded by the Boston Foundation to be administered by the Office of Arts & Culture. The grant will fund the BPS Sundays Cultural Museum Access Pilot Program, from the committee on Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism & Special Events. On motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the order was passed.
- 54 Resolution in memory of Lina Capogreco.
- 54 Councilor Durkan called Docket #1762, communication was received from the City Clerk transmitting a communication from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Petition #263.18, The Calf Pasture Pumping Station, 435 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA (in effect after December 20, 2024, if not acted upon), from the committee on Planning, Development & Transportation. On motion of Councilor Durkan, the designation was passed.
- 55 Resolution in memory of Michele Morgan.
- 55 Councilor Durkan called Docket #1705, message and order for your approval an Order to declare surplus parcel of land currently owned by the City of Boston located at Codman Square Park on Talbot Avenue in Dorchester District (Ward 17, Parcel 1704781300), and shown on the plan recorded at Suffolk County Registry of Deeds under Book 2016 Page 513, entitled Parcel Consolidation Plan, Codman Square, Codman Commons, Boston (Dorchester), MA, September 2016; and to transfer the parcel to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the care, custody, management and control of said parcel, from the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation. On motion of Councilor Durkan, the order was passed; yeas 13.
- 56 Resolution in memory of Kathleen Elliott.
- 56 The Chair stated in absence of objection, ten late file matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following items were added:
- 57 Resolution recognizing Marie Simboli.
- 57 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Michelle A.L. Goldberg in City Council, effective December 14, 2024.
- 58 Resolution recognizing Stephen Fabiano.
- 58 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Karishma Chouhan and Shane Pac in City Council, effective January 4, 2025.
- 59 Resolution recognizing Piera Varin.
- 59 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Charles Levin, Melissa Lo, Sydney Scanlan, Laura Toledano, and Vanessa Woo in City Council, effective December 7, 2024.
- 60 Resolution in memory of William Goforth.
- 60 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Skarlett Abreu Martinez, Dulce M. Bernal-Sandoval, Julisa Curet Rodriguez, Elsa Flores, Bolivar Hiciano, Beatrix Knight, Kiara Montes De Oca, Millie Rivera, and Kori-Reign Tyler in City Council, effective December 7, 2024.
- 61 Resolution honoring Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
- 61 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Weber offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Melissa Beltran, Clare Brooks, Mark A. Cohen, Bonnie Delaune, and Jordan Frias in City Council, effective December 7, 2024.
- 62 Resolution honoring Sandra Rosarlo.
- 62 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor FitzGerald offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Jessica Correia, Amanda Curley, Liam Rimas, and Julie Ryan in City Council, effective December 7, 2024.
- 63 Resolution recognizing Chris Cook.
- 63 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Fernandes Anderson offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Tiffany Cogell in City Council, effective December 13, 2024.
- 64 Resolution recognizing Josiah Quincy Elementary School.
- 64 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Coletta Zapata offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Elaine Donovan, Jack Imbergamo, Sebastian Parra, Gabriela Ramirez, and Elizabeth Sanchez, effective December 7, 2024.
- 65 Resolution recognizing Beatrice Busby.
- 65 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Moira Carragee, Matthew D. Costas, Deborah Glennon, Malaya Hayes, and Wayne D. Yeh in City Council, effective December 7, 2024.
- 66 Resolutions recognizing two organizations and eight awardees at the 2024 Hidden Heroes Sheroes Celebration Event.
- 66 Communication was received from the City Clerk transmitting a communication from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the Jewelers Building, 371 - 379 Washington Street, Boston, MA (in effect after January 3, 2025, if not acted upon).
- 67 Resolution recognizing Raquel Ravarro.
- 68 Resolution recognizing Maria Sanchez as a "Pilares de la Hispanidad 2024."
- 68 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following items:
- 69 Resolution recognizing Phillips Brooks House Association for the 20th year Anniversary.
- 70 Resolution recognizing Sociedad Latina for their 55th Annual Celebration.
- 71 Resolution recognizing Service Employment Redevelopment Network of Affiliates for their 60 Anniversary Celebration.
- 72 Resolution recognizing five individuals at the Inspiring Today's Youth (ITY) Event.
- 73 Resolution recognizing six individuals upon Barbados Independence Day.
- 73 Resolution recognizing Derek Gallagher.
- 74 Resolution recognizing Boston Bruins Centennial Game Day.
- 95 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 96 Adjourned at 3:29 p.m. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of David Powers, Juan Garcia, Sheila Lynch, Michael McNally, Mary K. (Fontana) Bailey, Leslie Nilan, Patrick Hardigan, Jack Cantwell, Terri Small-Turner, and Clemson Howell, to meet again at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Attest: Dassie Bheecham Assistant City Clerk