City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 118 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, March 27, 2024 at 12:09 P.M. President Louijeune in the Chair. All Councilors Present. Pastor Franklin Wendell Hobbs, Global Ministries Christian Church, delivered the invocation and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. President Louijeune moved to adopt the minutes from the March 20, 2024 meeting. Motion Prevailed.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 4 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0598 was taken out of order:
- 5 Councilor Breadon called Docket #0102, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Harvard Allston Brighton Fund grant, awarded by the Harvard Business School to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The grant will fund the creation of affordable homeownership, affordable rental housing in the Allston-Brighton neighborhoods, from the Committee on Housing and Community Development. No objection being heard, the matter was properly before the body.
- 6 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal FY24 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The grant will fund housing, economic development and social service programs. The award amount is estimated from prior years.
- 6 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0596 was taken out of order:
- 7 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Home Investment Partner, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The grant will fund the production of new and affordable housing, and also provide operating support for community development corporations. The award amount is estimated from prior years.
- 8 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) in the form of a grant for the FY24 Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The grant will fund services for income-eligible individuals and families affected by AIDS. The award amount is estimated from prior years.
- 8 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0593 was taken out of order:
- 9 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal FY24 Emergency Solution Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The grant will fund street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing assistance and shelter services. The award amount is estimated from prior years.
- 10 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars ($84,000.00) in the form of a grant for the FY24 CISM Grant, awarded by the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund access to critical incident stress management and peer support programs to address mental wellness and suicide prevention for BPD officers.
- 11 Message transmitting certain information under section 17F relative to Sundays for All (Docket #0489), passed in City Council on March 4, 2024.
- 12 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 13 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 14 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 March 13, 2024.
- 15 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Ed Rich as a Member of the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation for a term expiring on March 21, 2028.
- 16 Communication was received from Councilors Murphy and Flynn regarding Docket #0401.
- 17 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
- 18 On the message and ordinance, referred on January 31, 2024, Docket #0257, creating the Planning Department in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending the ordinance ought to pass in an amended draft. Councilor Mejia offered an amendment; seconded by Councilor Fernandes Anderson. On motion of Councilor Mejia, the amendment did not pass; yeas 2, nays 9 (Breadon, Coletta, Durkan, FitzGerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber), present 2 (Fernandes Anderson, Worrell). Later in session, Councilor Mejia moved return Docket #0257 to committee; seconded by Councilor Murphy. Motion did not prevail; yeas 5, nays 8 (Breadon, Coletta, Durkan, Louijeune, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell). On motion of Councilor Coletta, the report was accepted; the ordinance was passed in an amended draft; yeas 8, nays 3 (FitzGerald, Flynn, Murphy), present 2 (Fernandes Anderson, Mejia).
- 19 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 20 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0144, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Felicia Jacques, as a member of the South End Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 21 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0145, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Thomas Rodde, as a member of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 22 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0146, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Catherine Hunt, as a member of the South End Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 23 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0147, for the confirmation of the reappointment of John Freeman, as a member of the South End Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 24 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0148, for the confirmation of the reappointment of John Amodeo, as a member of the South End Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 24 Councilor Coletta, on behalf of the Committee on Government Operations, submitted the following:
- 25 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0149, for the confirmation of the appointment of Terri North, as a member of the Back Bay West/Bay State Road Architectural Conservation District Commission for a term expiring on January 15, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 26 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0150, for the confirmation of the appointment of Christopher DeBord, as a member of the South End Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 27 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0151, for the confirmation of the appointment of Pamela Beale, as a member of the Back Bay West/Bay State Road Architectural Conservation District Commission for a term expiring on January 15, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 27 Councilor Durkan, on behalf of the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation, submitted the following:
- 28 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0152, for the confirmation of the appointment of Ruel Longfellow, as a member of the Bay State Road/Back Bay West Area Architectural Conservation District Commission for a term expiring on January 15, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 29 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0153, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Lynn Smiledge, as a member of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 30 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0154, for the confirmation of the appointment of Jeffrey Heyne, as a member of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission for a term expiring on January 20, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to be placed on file.
- 31 Councilor Durkan called Docket #0292, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Craig Douglas as a member of the Bay Village Historic District Commission, for a term expiring April 1, 2026, from the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation. On motion of Councilor Durkan, the appointment was confirmed.
- 32 On the message and order, referred on February 7, 2024, Docket #0293, for the confirmation of the appointment of Lora Shea as a member of the Bay Village Historic District Commission, for a term expiring April 1, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 33 On the message and order, referred on February 7, 2024, Docket #0294, for the confirmation of the appointment of Katherine Sikora Nelson as a member of the Bay Village Historic District Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 34 On the message and order, referred on February 7, 2024, Docket #0295, for the confirmation of the appointment of Steven Dunwell as a member of the Bay Village Historic District Commission, for a term expiring April 1, 2026, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 35 Councilor Durkan called Docket #0534, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Senam Kumahia as a member of the Bay Village Historic District Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2025, from the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation. No objection being heard, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Durkan, the appointment was confirmed.
- 36 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0535, for the confirmation of the appointment of Franklin Ross as a member of the Back Bay Architectural District Commission, for a term expiring March 18, 2029, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed in a new draft.
- 37 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0536, for the confirmation of the appointment of Fadi Samaha as a member of the Highland Park Architectural Conservation District Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2025, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 38 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0537, for the confirmation of the appointment of Celina Barrios-Millner as a member of the Highland Park Architectural Conservation District Commission, for a term expiring February 5, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed in a new draft.
- 39 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0538, for the confirmation of the appointment of Lindsey Marie Mac-Jones as a Commissioner of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring March 18, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed in a new draft.
- 40 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0539, for the confirmation of the appointment of John Amodeo as a Commissioner of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2024, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 41 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0540, for the confirmation of the appointment of Fadi Samaha as a Commissioner of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2025, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed in a new draft.
- 42 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0541, for the confirmation of the appointment of Celina Barrios-Millner as a Commissioner of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring February 5, 2027, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed in a new draft.
- 43 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0542, for the confirmation of the reappointment of Michael Woodall as a member of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, for a term expiring January 3, 2028, the committee submitted a report recommending the reappointment ought to be confirmed.
- 44 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0567, for the confirmation of the appointment of Susan Goganian as a Commissioner of the Boston Landmarks Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2024, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 45 On the message and order, referred on March 20, 2024, Docket #0568, for the confirmation of the appointment of Susan Goganian as a Member of the Fort Point Channel District Commission, for a term expiring June 30, 2024, the committee submitted a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.
- 46 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0135, 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 Aquatics Facilities Grant, awarded by the United States Department of the Treasury, passed through the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, to be administered by Property Management. The grant will fund the repairs and maintenance of aquatic facilities, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
- 47 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0137, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Six Hundred Fifty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Dollars ($659,990.00) in the form of a grant, for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Energy to be administered by the Environment Department. The grant will fund State and Local Governments and Tribes, in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions and to improve energy efficiency, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
- 48 On the Home Rule Petition, referred on February 28th, Docket #0399, for a Special Law re: An Age Waiver for Alex Guzman to join the Boston Police Department, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass.
- 49 On the message and order, referred on March 6, 2026, Docket #0467, authorizing the City of Boston to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Core Program for The Boston Community Leadership Academy 7-12 School (BCLA) pursuant to M.G.L. c. 70B, § 5. The Statement of Interest describes and explains the deficiencies within the school facility that prevents Boston Public Schools (BPS) from delivering their desired educational program.
- 50 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 51 Home Rule Petition For A Special Law Re: An Act to Amend the Training Requirement For the Fire Department Cadet Program in Boston.
- 52 Order for a hearing to audit mental health curriculum and services in Boston Public Schools.
- 53 Order for a hearing to audit government transparency and accountability towards surveillance equipment.
- 54 Order for a hearing to audit the City of Boston's hiring, firing and promotion policies, practices and procedures.
- 54 Councilor Coletta, on behalf of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks, submitted the following:
- 55 Order for a hearing to discuss a statewide right to repair to protect consumers and foster a culture of repair in Boston and beyond.
- 56 Order for a hearing to examine and address issues surrounding residential parking in District 7.
- 57 Order for a hearing to discuss services for women veterans.
- 57 Councilor Coletta, on behalf of the Committee on Government Operations, submitted the following:
- 58 Order for a hearing to review the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program in the City of Boston.
- 59 Order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston's current investments in and policies for using Gunshot Detection Technology.
- 59 Councilor Worrell, on behalf of the Committee on Ways & Means, submitted the following:
- 60 Order for a hearing to discuss the alignment of the Reparations Task Force process, its request for proposals, and community inclusion efforts with civil rights.
- 61 Resolution in support of "The Early Ed Act."
- 62 Resolution in support of Boston University Graduate Workers.
- 62 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0594 was taken out of order:
- 63 Resolution in support of S.864 and H.4360, An Act Promoting Access to Counsel and Housing Stability in Massachusetts.
- 64 Resolution recognizing March as National Social Worker Month.
- 65 Resolution recognizing March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility.
- 66 Resolution reaffirming the City of Boston's support for developing Affordable Housing and enabling Senior Property Tax Relief by utilizing Real Estate Transfer Fees.
- 67 Resolution to name March 27th as Cabo Verdean Women's Day or Kriola's International Day.
- 68 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 68 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0588 was taken out of order:
- 69 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Julisa Curet Rodriguez in City Council, effective March 30, 2024.
- 70 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Fernandes Anderson offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Jacob DeBlecourt in City Council, effective April 27, 2024.
- 71 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Gabrielle Waiter in City Council, effective March 30, 2024.
- 72 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Pepén offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee James Davis in City Council, effective April 6, 2024.
- 73 GREEN SHEETS:
- 74 Legislative Calendar for March 27, 2024.
- 75 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 76 Resolution recognizing Kriola's International Day.
- 77 Resolution recognizing Carmella's Market.
- 78 Resolution recognizing Fran Riley.
- 79 Resolution recognizing Carmela "Millie" DiStefano.
- 80 Resolution in memory of Officer Andrew Patrick O'Connor.
- 81 Resolution recognizing Salvaged Roots Hair and Beauty.
- 82 Resolution recognizing Alice Gillis.
- 83 Resolution honoring and celebrating the life of Detective Scott Conley.
- 83 Councilor Coletta called Docket #0256, message and order for your approval an Ordinance amending City of Boston Code, Ordinances, Chapter 12, Section 12-3.5, Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement, from the Committee on Government Operations. Hearing no objection, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta, the rules were suspended; the ordinance was passed.
- 84 Resolution recognizing Tricia Fitzgerald.
- 85 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Grace Fox.
- 86 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Tanoshi Inomata.
- 87 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Coach and Teacher Tyrone Figueroa.
- 87 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following matters:
- 88 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Kathleen Pedersen.
- 89 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Michelle Sanders.
- 90 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Annmarie Quezada.
- 91 Resolution recognizing the Chinese Progressive Association.
- 92 Resolution recognizing Marilyn Foreman.
- 93 Resolution recognizing New York Sam Yick Association.
- 94 Resolution celebrating Charles William Lowney.
- 95 Resolution recognizing Commissioner Eneida Tavares.
- 96 Resolution recognizing Leslie Credle.
- 97 Resolution recognizing Thien Simpson
- 98 Resolution recognizing Sharon Keyes.
- 99 Resolution recognizing Cleane Cazeau.
- 100 Resolution recognizing Marcia Kimm-Jackson.
- 101 Resolution recognizing Malika Whitley.
- 102 Resolution recognizing Lokita Jackson.
- 115 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, twelve late-filed matters would be added to the Consent Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matter was added:
- 116 Resolution recognizing twelve Cabo Verdean Women in Boston and Abroad.
- 117 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 118 Adjourned at 6:10 p.m. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of Bob O'Brien, Patricia A. Kelleher, Sarah-Ann Shaw, Boston Firefighter John Maguire, and the 10th anniversary of the passing of Fire Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy, to meet again on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk