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February 28, 2024 ·12:00 PM Final

Council Chambers

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Agenda — 108 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, February 28, 2024 at 12:09 P.M. President Louijeune in the Chair. All Councilors Present. Juan Aurelio Lopez, City Council Central Staff – Director of Research and Policy, 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 February 14, 2024 meeting. Motion Prevailed. ▶ jump to 9:14
  2. 2 ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 9:41
  3. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES ▶ jump to 76:05
  4. 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
  5. 4 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0410 was taken out of order.
  6. 5 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0376, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount Two Million Two Hundred Thirty-Two Thousand One Hundred Fifty-Two Dollars ($2,232,152.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal FY24 Title III-C Nutrition Service Program, awarded by the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund nutrition services for older adults in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0376 Referred to ▶ jump to 76:25
  7. 6 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0377, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Six Hundred Four Thousand Fourteen Dollars and Twenty Cents ($1,604,014.20) in the form of a grant, for the FY24 Hazmat 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 in line item 8324-0000 and 8324-0050 of the FY24 General Appropriation Act, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0377 Referred to ▶ jump to 77:09
  8. 6 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0403 was taken out of order.
  9. 7 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0378, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars. ($1,125,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the FY24 State Training Grant, awarded by 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, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0378 Referred to ▶ jump to 77:51
  10. 8 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0379, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Thirty-Eight Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Three Dollars ($1,038,243.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Title III-B Supportive Services, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund home-based support services for older adults in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0379 Referred to ▶ jump to 78:38
  11. 9 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0380, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Five Hundred Thirty Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars ($530,999.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Title III-E Family Caregiver Support Program, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund Caregiver Services for older adults in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0380 Referred to ▶ jump to 79:10
  12. 10 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0381, 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 Open Data Curriculum, awarded by the MA Department of Education to be administered by the Department of Innovation and Technology, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0381 Referred to ▶ jump to 79:53
  13. 11 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0382, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Four Hundred Sixty-One Thousand One Hundred Forty-Three Dollars ($461,143.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Title III-A Administration, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund the cost for administration of Title III programs, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0382 Referred to ▶ jump to 80:37
  14. 12 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0383, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Seventy-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-One Dollars ($177,271.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Title III- Ombudsman Program, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund consumer protection programs to improve long-term services for older adults in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0383 Referred to ▶ jump to 81:08
  15. 13 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0384, 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 that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0384 Referred to ▶ jump to 81:42
  16. 14 Councilor Coletta called Docket #0385, message and order 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, for the Recycling Dividends Program 23, awarded by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to be administered by the Department of Public Works. The grant will fund investment in local programs including recycling equipment, organics diversion, outreach and education, pilot programs, school recycling, toxic reduction, and more from the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks. Hearing no objection, the matter was before the body. On motion of Councilor Coletta, the order was passed. 2024-0385 Referred to ▶ jump to 82:17
  17. 15 On the message and order, referred on February 28, 2024, Docket #0386, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount Eighty-Four Thousand Fifty-Eighty Dollars ($84,058.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY24 Title III-D Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund services that assist older adults in Boston to prevent illness and manage chronic conditions, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed. 2024-0386 Referred to ▶ jump to 83:00
  18. 16 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Three Dollars and Ninety-Nine Cents ($37,293.99) in the form of a grant for the FY24 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant, awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund the procurement of firefighter safety equipment. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice. Later in the session, Councilor Santana moved for reconsideration of Docket #0387. Reconsideration prevailed. On the motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed; yeas 11, not present 2 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0387 The rules were suspended; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 83:49
  19. 17 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Simoni Foundation grant, awarded by the Frank R. and Elizabeth Simoni Foundation, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund and support the work of the Homicide Unit. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice. Later in the session, Councilor Santana moved for reconsideration of Docket #0388. Reconsideration prevailed. On the motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed; yeas 11, not present 2 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0388 The rules were suspended; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 84:14
  20. 18 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eleven Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Dollars ($11,330.00) in the form of a grant for the MA State Police passed through FY23 Coverdell Formula Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Justice, passed through the Massachusetts State Police / Crime Laboratory, to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund preparation and application process for laboratory accreditation. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice. Later in the session, Councilor Santana moved for reconsideration of Docket #0389. Reconsideration prevailed. On the motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed; yeas 11, not present 2 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0389 The rules were suspended; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 84:35
  21. 19 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00), in the form of a grant, for the FY23 National Violent Death Reporting System, awarded by the MA Department of Public Health to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund data collection by the Bureau of Investigation Services and the Drug Control Unit. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice. Later in the session, Councilor Santana moved for reconsideration of Docket #0390. Reconsideration prevailed. On the motion of Councilor Santana, the rules were suspended; the order was passed; yeas 11, not present 2 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0390 The rules were suspended; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 85:06
  22. 20 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
  23. 21 The Constable Bond of Ron Cobb having been duly approved by the Collector-Treasurer was received and approved under the usual terms and conditions. 2024-0391 Approved under the usual terms and conditions ▶ jump to 85:46
  24. 22 Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 re: action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of February 14, 2024. 2024-0392 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 86:10
  25. 23 Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding "Proposed Minor Modification to the Charlestown Urban Renewal Plan, Project No. Mass.R-55, with respect to Parcel X-28B.” 2024-0393 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 86:26
  26. 24 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 13, 2023. 2024-0394 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 86:47
  27. 25 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 August 9, 2023. 2024-0395 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 87:05
  28. 26 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Byron Rushing, as a member of the Task Force on the Study on City of Boston Reparations, effective immediately. 2024-0396 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 87:21
  29. 27 Communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding "90 Cushing Ave - Chapter 121A Project.” 2024-0397 Placed on file. ▶ jump to 87:33
  30. 28 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
  31. 29 On the message and order, referred on February 7, 2024, Docket #0283, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000.00) in the form of a grant for the FY23 Community Mitigation, awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund investigations that are coordinated between the Boston Police Department Human Trafficking Unit and other law enforcement entities, 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 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0283 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 287:51
  32. 30 On the message and order, referred on February 7, 2024, Docket #0282, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Ninety-Two Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Five Dollars and Fifty Cents ($92,735.50) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY23 Emergency Management Performance Grant, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, passed through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, to be administered by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The grant will fund the enhancement of operational capacity at the Boston Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and promote the professional development of OEM staff, 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 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0282 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 288:29
  33. 31 On the message and order, referred on February 14, 2024, Docket #0344, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Twenty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($23,400.00) in the form of a grant for the FY24 Municipal Road Safety, awarded by the United States Department of Transportation, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund high-visibility enforcement of motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to, speeding and aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving and occupant protection, 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 (Breadon, Mejia). 2024-0344 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 289:22
  34. 32 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
  35. 33 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0143, that will authorize the Boston Transportation Department ("BTD") to enter into two contracts, with terms of up to 10 years, to deploy curbside electric vehicle ("EV") charging stations through a public/private partnership and at no cost to the City with a potential for revenue share. BTD has identified two vendors through the public procurement process that offer different models that address the distinct challenges to locate curbside EV charging, the committee submitted a report recommending that the order should pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 12, nays 1 (Flynn). 2024-0143 The report was accepted; the order was passed. ▶ jump to 88:27
  36. 33 Councilor Santana on behalf of the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice submitted the following:
  37. 34 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
  38. 35 Order for a hearing to explore strategies for developing Mixed-Income Social Housing to increase housing access and affordability for all Bostonians. 2024-0398 Referred to ▶ jump to 100:11
  39. 36 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. 2024-0399 Referred to ▶ jump to 134:15
  40. 37 WITHDRAWN 2024-0400 Withdrawn.
  41. 38 Councilor Murphy called Docket #0401, order for a resolution calling for "Sundays for All," from the Committee on Education. Pursuant to Rule 24, the matter was properly before the Council; yeas 9, nays 1 (Durkan), absent 3 (Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Mejia). On motion of Councilor Murphy, the order failed to pass; yeas 6, nays 2, present 3 (Breadon, Louijeune, Santana), not present 2 (Coletta Zapata, Mejia). 2024-0401 Referred to ▶ jump to 137:10
  42. 38 Councilor Worrell on behalf of the Committee on Ways and Means submitted the following:
  43. 39 Order for a resolution recognizing and celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month. 2024-0402 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 146:36
  44. 40 Resolution to honor John D. O'Bryant Students. On the motion of Councilor Fernandes Anderson, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted; yeas 13. 2024-0403 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 60:59
  45. 41 Resolution to formally support the Roxbury District Increment Financing (DIF) to be utilized in District 7. 2024-0404 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 165:15
  46. 42 Resolution in recognition and celebration of the great abolitionist Harriet Tubman. 2024-0405 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 201:10
  47. 43 WITHDRAWN 2024-0406 Withdrawn.
  48. 44 WITHDRAWN 2024-0407 Withdrawn.
  49. 45 Resolution recognizing the achievements of Black Veterans. 2024-0408 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 214:41
  50. 46 Resolution in support of residents, families and staff at the Edgar P. Benjamin Healthcare Center being impacted by the July 1st, 2024 planned closure. 2024-0409 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 234:39
  51. 47 Resolution recognizing February 29, 2024 as Juan Aurelio Lopez Day in the City of Boston. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune and Mejia, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Flynn as an original co-sponsor. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune, Mejia, and Flynn, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. 2024-0410 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 24:08
  52. 47 On the motion of Council President Louijeune, Docket #0415 was taken out of order.
  53. 48 Resolution recognizing February as Transit Equity Month. 2024-0411 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 245:56
  54. 49 Resolution declaring March 2, 2024 as Burna Boy Day in the City of Boston. 2024-0412 The rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. ▶ jump to 251:21
  55. 50 Order for a hearing to discuss the results of last year's youth summer jobs programs and prepare for this summer. 2024-0413 Referred to ▶ jump to 255:55
  56. 51 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. 2024-0414 Referred to ▶ jump to 262:30
  57. 52 Order for a hearing to discuss the current trauma response resources in the City of Boston and the potential for expansion. 2024-0415 Referred to ▶ jump to 181:51
  58. 53 WITHDRAWN 2024-0416 Withdrawn.
  59. 54 WITHDRAWN 2024-0417 Withdrawn.
  60. 55 Order for a hearing to discuss long-term city job vacancies. 2024-0418 Referred to ▶ jump to 275:26
  61. 56 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
  62. 57 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Edosa Osemwegie in City Council, effective March 4, 2024. 2024-0419 Passed under suspension of the rules. ▶ jump to 305:53
  63. 58 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Caroline O'Neill in City Council, effective March 4, 2024. 2024-0420 Passed under suspension of the rules. ▶ jump to 305:59
  64. 59 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Weber offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Mark A. Cohen in City Council, effective March 4, 2024. 2024-0421 Passed under suspension of the rules. ▶ jump to 306:05
  65. 60 GREEN SHEETS:
  66. 61 Legislative Calendar for February 28, 2024. GS-2/28/24
  67. 62 CONSENT AGENDA: ▶ jump to 307:00
  68. 63 Resolution congratulating Aoife Griffin. 2024-0422
  69. 64 Resolution congratulating Pat Kelly. 2024-0423
  70. 65 Resolution recognizing Seiji Ozawa. 2024-0424
  71. 65 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, two late file matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matters were added:
  72. 66 Resolution congratulating Complex Consulting for Black History Month. 2024-0425
  73. 66 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Fernandes Anderson offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Joy Yamagiwa in City Council, effective March 15, 2024. 2024-0457 Passed under suspension of the rules. ▶ jump to 306:40
  74. 67 Resolution recognizing Gee How Oak Tin. 2024-0426
  75. 67 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Cierra Thompson in City Council, effective March 9, 2024. 2024-0458 Passed under suspension of the rules. ▶ jump to 306:48
  76. 68 Resolution recognizing Chinese Merchants Association. 2024-0427
  77. 69 Resolution recognizing Ni Lun Welfare Association. 2024-0428
  78. 70 Resolution recognizing and congratulating Hannibal Auto Repair. 2024-0429
  79. 71 Resolution in memory of Marilyn Maloney. 2024-0430
  80. 71 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following matters:
  81. 72 Resolution recognizing Boston Praise Radio & TV. 2024-0431
  82. 73 Resolution recognizing Nia Grace. 2024-0432
  83. 74 Resolution recognizing Day of Remembrance for Japanese Americans and their families who were incarcerated during World War II. 2024-0433
  84. 75 Resolution Recognizing Cassandria Campbell. 2024-0434
  85. 76 Resolution in memory of Robert Curran. 2024-0435
  86. 77 Resolution congratulating Tony DeBeneditctus. 2024-0436
  87. 78 Resolution congratulating Tony's Market. 2024-0437
  88. 79 Resolution congratulating The Square Root. 2024-0438
  89. 80 Resolution congratulating Pub Quiz. 2024-0439
  90. 81 Resolution congratulating Torrie Armstrong. 2024-0440
  91. 82 Resolution congratulating Aaron Onyango. 2024-0441
  92. 83 Resolution congratulating Cafe Juice Up. 2024-0442
  93. 84 Resolution congratulating Alex Miselis. 2024-0443
  94. 85 Resolution congratulating Juan Chavez. 2024-0444
  95. 86 Resolution congratulating Wellbi Perez. 2024-0445
  96. 87 Resolution recognizing nine residents for their continued dedication to Caribbean-American people in the State of Massachusetts. 2024-0446
  97. 88 Resolution congratulating Ashton Lites. 2024-0447
  98. 89 Resolution congratulating 8 people for their services and commitment to Temple Salem SDA Church and the Haitian Community. 2024-0448
  99. 90 Resolution in memory of Vincenzo Perrone. 2024-0449
  100. 91 Resolution congratulating Father Daniel Mahoney. 2024-0450
  101. 92 Resolution congratulating Euan Davis. 2024-0451
  102. 93 Resolution congratulating Chef Douglass Williams. 2024-0452
  103. 94 Resolution in memory of Marie Gentile. 2024-0453
  104. 95 Resolution congratulating Larry James Jemison. 2024-0454
  105. 96 Resolution congratulating 10 people for their commitment in fostering excellence in youth through percussion education, and teamwork. 2024-0455
  106. 97 Resolution recognizing Justin A. Petty. 2024-0456
  107. 107 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
  108. 108 Adjourned at 5:15 p.m. on motion of President Louijeune, and in memory of Patricia Granara, Robert Curran, Richard Lewis, Marilyn Maloney, George MacDonald, Kevin P. McGrail Sr., Carol Ann Major, Gregory St. Dick and Marie Gentile, to meet again on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Attest: Alex Geourntas City Clerk