City Council
Council Chambers
Agenda — 139 items
- 1 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Boston was held in the Christopher A. Iannella Chamber, City Hall on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 12:03 P.M. President Louijeune in the Chair. Absent, Councilor Flynn. Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, founding pastor of New Roots African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dorchester, 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 January 1, 2024 meeting. Councilor Coletta moved to amend the January 1, 2024 minutes by referring Docket 0133 to the Committee of the Whole. Motion Prevailed and the Minutes were approved as amended.
- 2 ROLL CALL
- 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
- 4 COMMUNICATIONS FROM HER HONOR, THE MAYOR:
- 5 Councilor Flynn called Docket #0134, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirteen Million Three Hundred Seventeen Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($13,317,200.00) in the form of a grant from the FY2023 Urban Area Security Initiative, awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management. The grant will fund planning, exercise, trainings, and operational needs, that will help prevent, respond to and recover from threats of acts of terrorism, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents, from the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. The matter was before the body with the consent of Vice Chair Worrell (Rule 24). On motion of Councilor Worrell, the order was passed; yeas 11, nays 0, present 2 (Breadon, Mejia).
- 5 On Motion of President Louijeune, Docket #0155 and #0165 were taken out of order.
- 6 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.
- 7 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0136, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Commercial Acquisition Assistance Program (CAAP), awarded by the Barr Foundation, to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. The grant will fund core support to its Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion to grow its impact, the Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure submitted a report recommending the docket ought to pass.
- 8 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.
- 9 On the message and order, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0138, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Forty-Six Thousand Eighty-Nine Dollars and Seventy-Seven Cents ($146,089.77) in the form of a grant for the FY23 Violence Against Women Act, a STOP Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Justice, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund a Civilian Domestic Violence Advocate who provides services for victims in Jamaica Plain, East Boston, and Charlestown, as well as overtime for all civilian domestic violence advocates citywide. The committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. The report was accepted; the order was passed; yeas 9, nays 0, absent 4 (Fernandes Anderson, Mejia, Pepén, Santana).
- 10 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty-Nine Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Eight Dollars ($59,268.00) in the form of a grant, for the FY23 BJA Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, awarded by the United States Department of Justice, passed through the University of Massachusetts, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund the connection of BPD data with data from BMC’s Boston Emergency Services Team so that we can better understand the impact of co-response (mental health and law enforcement) in Boston.
- 11 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the SFY2024 JAG ALERT, awarded by the United States Department of Justice, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund certification of all BPD Police Academy Instructors through the 5 day AAIR Train the Trainer course at the ALERT (Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) Center at Texas State University.
- 12 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($45,000.00) in the form of a grant, for the Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant Program, awarded by the Massachusetts Metropolitan Area Planning Council to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. The grant will fund the acceleration of climate resilience in Boston through the “Building Resilience Through Immersive Education and Training” project.
- 13 Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to Accept and expend the donation of Ten Thousand (10,000) winter coats from Project Warmth in support of the migrant crisis.
- 14 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).
- 15 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.
- 16 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.
- 17 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.
- 18 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.
- 19 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.
- 20 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.
- 21 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.
- 22 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.
- 23 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.
- 24 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.
- 25 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.
- 26 PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND REMONSTRANCES
- 27 REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICERS AND OTHERS:
- 28 Communication was received from City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune detailing the named chairs, vice-chairs and voting members of the Boston City Council's Standing Committees for the 2024-2025 term.
- 29 Communication was received from Congressman Jake Auchincloss urging the Boston City Council to approve the $13.3 million dollar Urban Area Security Initiative funding granted to the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region by the U.S Department of Homeland Security.
- 30 Communication was received from the Police Commissioner in accordance with Section 3 of the Boston Trust Act regarding civil immigration detainer results for calendar year 2023.
- 31 Notice was received from the Mayor of the appointment of Rachel Goldstein as a Trustee of the Make Boston Shine Trust Fund for a term expiring on January 9, 2026.
- 32 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of John Romano as a Trustee of the Make Boston Shine Trust Fund for a term expiring on January 9, 2026.
- 33 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Kevin Tran as a Trustee of the Make Boston Shine Trust Fund for a term expiring on January 9, 2026.
- 34 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Brianna Millor as a Trustee of the Make Boston Shine Trust Fund for a term expiring on January 9, 2026.
- 35 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Trinh T. Nguyen as a Trustee of the Neighborhood Jobs Trust for a term expiring on January 14, 2026.
- 36 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Robert Whitney as a Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust for a term expiring on January 22, 2026.
- 37 Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Janine Commerford as a Trustee of the Boston Groundwater Trust for a term expiring on January 22, 2026.
- 38 MATTERS RECENTLY HEARD-FOR POSSIBLE ACTION:
- 39 MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:
- 40 Order that rules of the Boston City Council be adopted for the Municipal Years 2024-2025. On motion of President Louijeune, the rules were suspended and the order was passed.
- 41 Ordinance Formally Creating the Office of Food Justice and Establishing a Food Recovery Program in the City of Boston.
- 42 WITHDRAWN
- 43 On the message and ordinance, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0168, with respect to Honey Bees, the Committee submitted a report recommending that the Ordinance ought to pass in a new draft.
- 44 On the message and ordinance, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0169, Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to Honey Bees, the Committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass.
- 45 Ordinance Establishing Street Food Enterprises in the City of Boston Municipal Code by Inserting Chapter 17, Section 22, Permitting and Regulation of Non-Motorized Street Food Carts.
- 46 On the Home Rule Petition, referred on January 24, 2024, Docket #0171, To Ensure Future Inauguration Dates Do Not Fall on a Federal Holiday, the committee submitted a report recommending that the docket ought to pass in a new draft. The report was accepted; the petition was passed in a new draft; yeas 11, nays 2 (Flynn, Murphy).
- 47 Order for a hearing to create indoor playgrounds in the City of Boston.
- 48 Order for a hearing regarding equity in city contracts.
- 49 Order for a hearing to address gun violence.
- 50 Order for a hearing to bring the NBA All-Star Weekend to Boston. On the motion of Councilors Worrell and Durkan, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Arts, Culture, and Special Events.
- 51 Order for a hearing regarding the Homeownership Voucher Program.
- 52 Order for a hearing reclaiming the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center for our Boston Public School athletes.
- 53 WITHDRAWN
- 54 Order for a hearing to discuss trash collection in Boston.
- 55 Order for a hearing to discuss city services in regard to composting and the need for increased composting services.
- 56 Order for a hearing to discuss the mental health and wellness resources available to City of Boston employees and new resources implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 57 WITHDRAWN
- 58 Order for a hearing to facilitate a community process to support consumers in District 7 impacted by the impending closure of Walgreens at 416 Warren Street. On the motion of Councilors Fernandes Anderson and Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure.
- 59 Order for a hearing to review the creation of a municipal bus service to provide last-mile service and late night shuttle service for third-shift workers. On the motion of Councilors Durkan and Santana, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Weber as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation.
- 60 Order for a hearing to explore the Summer Community Plan. On the motion of Councilors Worrell and Fernandes Anderson, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice.
- 61 Order for a hearing regarding barriers to business. On the motion of Councilors Worrell and Mejia, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Fernandes Anderson as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Small Business and Professional Licensure.
- 62 Order for a hearing to access expanded Hospital & Community-Centric Violence Prevention & Intervention.
- 63 Order for a hearing to explore scholarships for Boston students to increase access to all forms of higher education. On the motion of Councilors Worrell and Mejia, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Fernandes Anderson as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Education.
- 64 Order for a hearing regarding providing technical assistance to civic associations and outlining best practices for civic associations. On motion of Councilors Worrell and Louijeune, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Coletta as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology.
- 65 Order for a hearing regarding implementing coastal resilience strategies for Boston's waterfront.
- 66 Order for a hearing to discuss the continuity of health care services in relation to the financial challenges faced by the Steward Health Care System. On the motion of Councilors Breadon and FitzGerald, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, and Recovery.
- 67 Order for a hearing to discuss the ongoing modernization of Article 80 in Boston's Zoning Code. Councilor Worrell in the chair. On the motion of Councilor Coletta, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilors FitzGerald and Fernandes as original co-sponsors. Referred to the Committee on Planning, Development & Transportation.
- 68 Order for a hearing to discuss an increase in racist incidents in Boston and the Human Rights Commission’s role in tracking, reporting, and addressing discrimination and civil rights violations.
- 69 Order for a hearing to establish a Climate Change and Environmental Justice Curriculum Pilot Program in Boston Public Schools.
- 70 Order for a hearing on discrimination in lending and appraisals. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune and Fernandes Anderson, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Breadon as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights and Immigrant Advancement.
- 71 Order for a hearing regarding menstrual product accessibility in the City of Boston. On the motion of Councilors Coletta and Louijeune, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Durkan as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Public Health, Homelessness, and Recovery.
- 72 Order for a hearing to address the mental health needs of our students with a focus on guidance counselors. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune and Coletta, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Fernandes Anderson as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Education.
- 73 Order for a hearing regarding technological infrastructure improvements across city departments.
- 74 Order for a hearing to explore municipal bonds and other fiscal options to increase affordable housing, school buildings, and community investments.
- 75 Order for a hearing on the civil rights and liberties of returning citizens and re-entry into their Boston communities. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune and Worrell, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Fernandes Anderson as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights and Immigrant Advancement.
- 76 WITHDRAWN
- 77 Order for a hearing on addressing and improving fair housing practices in the City of Boston.
- 78 Order for a hearing regarding the state of anti-displacement as to Boston’s Acquisition Opportunity Program. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune and Fernandes Anderson, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Breadon as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development.
- 79 Order for a hearing on the needs and services for recent migrant populations. On the motion of Councilors Louijeune and Coletta, Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Fernandes Anderson as an original co-sponsor. Referred to the Committee on Civil Rights and Immigrant Advancement. President Louijeune in the chair.
- 80 Order requesting certain information under Section 17F relative to Boston Emergency Medical Services response times.
- 81 PERSONNEL ORDERS:
- 82 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Cindy Dieujuste, Hodan Hashi, Emily Polston and Jesse Purvis in City Council, effective January 20, 2024.
- 83 Councilor Louijeune offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Cierra Thompson in City Council, effective January 22, 2024.
- 84 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Durkan offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Maccon Bonner in City Council, effective January 8, 2024.
- 85 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Durkan offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Geidy Romero in City Council, effective January 24, 2024.
- 86 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Sofrinia Daley in City Council, effective January 8, 2024.
- 87 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Dulce Bernal-Sandoval, Julisa Curet Rodriguez, Jamie Leveque-Beon and Millie Rivera in City Council, effective January 22, 2024.
- 88 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Isabella Ortega in City Councilor, effective January 29, 2024.
- 89 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Weber offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Melissa Beltran in City Council, effective January 13, 2024.
- 90 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Santana offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Wilmer Quinones in City Council, effective January 22, 2024.
- 91 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Pepén offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Gabriel Cruz in City Council, effective February 3, 2024.
- 92 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Murphy offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Lisa Searcy in City Council, effective January 20, 2024.
- 93 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor FitzGerald offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Jessica Correia in City Council, effective February 3, 2024.
- 94 GREEN SHEETS:
- 95 Legislative Calendar for January 24, 2024
- 95 The Chair stated that in absence of objection, nine late filed matters would be added to the Agenda. No objection being heard, the following matters were added:
- 96 CONSENT AGENDA:
- 96 Notice was received from Councilor Flynn of his absence from the Boston City Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
- 97 Resolution in memory of James F. English.
- 97 Message and order for the confirmation of the renewal appointment of Ron Cobb as a constable authorized to serve civil process upon the filing of their bonds for the period commencing May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2026.
- 98 Resolution in memory of Charles Monahan.
- 98 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Patricia Mullaney in City Council, effective January 27, 2024.
- 99 Resolution recognizing Chinese Women's Association of New England.
- 99 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Breadon offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Patricia Mullaney in City Council, effective February 3, 2024.
- 100 Resolution in memory of Stephen Chen.
- 100 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Durkan offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Lauren Carmi in City Council, effective January 24, 2024.
- 101 Resolution recognizing American Weston Academy.
- 101 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Luz Johanna Perez Borbon in City Council, effective January 15, 2024.
- 102 Resolution recognizing New England Kung Fu Dance.
- 102 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Luz Johanna Perez Borbon in City Council, effective January 20, 2024.
- 103 Resolution recognizing Eleanor Fisher Kaplan.
- 103 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Kori-Reign Tyler in City Council, effective January 29, 2024.
- 104 Resolution in memory of Muhamad Ali Salaam.
- 104 Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Worrell offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Therese Fitzgerald in City Council, effective January 29, 2024.
- 105 Resolution in memory of Frank J. Drogo Sr.
- 106 Resolution in memory of Julia Martin.
- 107 Resolution in memory of Dumas Louis Charles.
- 108 Resolution in recognition of Community Builders.
- 108 The Chair moved adoption of a Consent Agenda containing the following matters:
- 109 Resolution in memory of Destin Durogene.
- 110 Resolution recognizing Jean Claude Charlet.
- 111 Resolution recognizing Arthur Rose.
- 112 Resolution in memory of Robert Mann.
- 113 Resolution recognizing Usope Civilus.
- 114 Resolution in memory of Boston Police Officer Pierce Fitzgerald Norton.
- 115 Resolution recognizing Andrew Pike.
- 116 Resolution recognizing Mary Beth Kelly.
- 117 Resolution recognizing the Coalition of National Asian Elite Leadership.
- 118 Resolution recognizing Detective Larry Ellison.
- 119 Resolution in memory of Lucille Holmes.
- 120 Resolution in memory of Timothy J. Davenport.
- 121 Resolution recognition Alphonse Theodore Firmin.
- 122 Resolution recognizing Flourish & Foundry.
- 123 Resolution congratulating the 2024-2025 Officers of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England, Inc.
- 124 Resolution recognizing eight Elders of Temple Salem SDA Church.
- 125 Resolution recognizing Albert Caldarelli.
- 138 The matters contained within the Consent Agenda were severally adopted.
- 139 Adjourned at 3:28 p.m. on motion of President Louijeune in memory of and in memory of Sister Florence Kahler, Joseph Guilotti, Frank Marino, Evelyn Mottola, Stephen Livingstone, Rita Capuano, Irene “Renie” Murphy, Robert Mann, Maureen Kenny, Alana Greene, James F. “Jim” English, Frank J. Drogo, Sr., Christopher J. Chambers, Nathan Gage Ingram, Diana Criscuolo, Lucille Holmes, Kathy MacKinnon Foley, Jeffrey Moy, Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Eddie Hastings, Jillian Toomey, Rose Anne Duffin Concannon, Reverend Paul T. Ryan, Karen Anastas, Julia K. Fontes-Martin, Brother Muhammad Ali-Salaam and Boston Police Office Pierce Fitzgerald Norton, to meet again on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Attested: Alex Geourntas City Clerk