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BostonCC_12082021_2021-1146 | Speaker 0: Docket 1146 The Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks, to which was referred on November three, 2021. Docket number 1146 message in order authorizing City of Boston to accept an expanding amount not to exceed $387,164 from the amass Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services for the Park Land Acquisition and Renovation for communities known as the Park Program Grant to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will help fund the acquisition of two parcels on the western shore of Sprague Pond at 024 Lakeside Avenue and Hyde Park. As a permanently protected parkland to be known as the Sprague Pond, Shoreline Reserve submits a report recommending that the order of £2.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Council tells the President. Email you have the floor.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. On Friday, December 3rd, we chair to hear. I chaired a hearing on these two dockets. I wanted to thank councilors Braden, Arroyo, Flynn and Flaherty for their participation. I also wanted to note former councilor and current state representative Rob Consalvo also testified and offered his support. This is really exciting. These are two Park Fund program opportunities or funding fundraising opportunities. What is a $400,000 grant that will help allow for renovations at the Winthrop Park in Dorchester, Roxbury? Eldercare and Garran, the senior planner for Parks and Recreation, noted that the renovations for the playground will include a new basketball and multi-sport sport court, a splash pad and new exercise equipment with a paved exercise circuit, a refurbished lawn area for open play and new tables and benches. The renovations will also improve accessibility by meeting ADA compliance and would include new tree planting and plantings. There will be a net gain of eight new trees. The proposed completion date for this project is June of 2023. Docket 1146 is another park land acquisition grant in just under 400,385 $87,164, which will help fund acquisition of two parcels on the western shore of Sprague Pond at 024 Lakeside Avenue and Hyde Park as a permanently protected park land to be known as the Spragg Pond Shoreline Reserve. This is something that is really, really, really interesting. I think many of you know that this is the site of the encampment of the 54th Massachusetts Voluntary Volunteer Infantry Regiment. I believe it was the first regiment of black Americans who fought and fought in the Civil War. It's a place of incredible pride that it was in not only our city limits, but so close. And we will not only be protecting that space and really giving that space the reverence that it deserves, being almost like an outdoor educational classroom we firmly protect it from development, will make sure that we're able to get resources. And it's a really, really exciting not only environmental justice investment, but also historically historical investment. Joe Bagley, who is our city archeologist, offered testimony to support the historic, historical and archeological sensitivity for the site. This is without landmark designation, the city and state or federal protections. The city cannot enforce archeological preservation without acquiring the lands. One of the reasons why this is so, so important. So a vote on this would be a vote to accept the grant money which would then work towards an acquisition. We will not be voting to acquire the land at this moment. I am very hopeful that this will happen in very short order next year. But both of these dockets are incredibly important, incredibly transformative for our city. And again, I think we all I know everyone in this chamber is a fervent defender and lover of our outdoor space in our Boston parks. There's a renewed sense of importance after nearly whatever. What are we at now? 20, 22 months of pandemic to see how important it is for to protect and grow these outdoor spaces. It's not only an environmental justice issue, it's a public health issue, it's a public safety issue. It's obviously a huge environmental issue. And in this particular case, as it relates to Sprague Pond, it's also a vital part of our history that we need to protect and preserve. So I urge you all through you, Madam Chair, all colleagues, to please vote in support of both of these dockets. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Councilor O'Malley. Anyone else wanting to speak on these dockets at this time? Councilor O'Malley, who's the chair of the Committee on Environmental Resiliency and Parks, seeks not suspension of the rule, seeks passage of docket 1145 and docket one one for six will take them separately. All those in favor of passage of docket one, one, four or five say any opposing nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1145 has been passed. All those in favor of passage of docket 1146. Say I. Any opposing. The ayes have it at 1146 has been passed. Thank you, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Councilor Campbell. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1210? | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on November 3, 2021, Docket #1146, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend an amount not to exceed Three Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand One Hundred Sixty Four Dollars ($387,164.00) from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Division of Conservation Services for the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program grant, to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will help fund the acquisition of two parcels on the western shore of Sprague Pond at 0-4 Lakeside Avenue in Hyde Park as a permanently protected parkland to be known as the Sprague Pond Shoreline Reserve, the Committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12082021_2021-1210 | Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Councilor Campbell. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1210?
Speaker 0: Surely. Docket 1210. The Committee on Ways Means to which was referred on December 1st, 2021, docket number 1210 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to extend the local option first adopted in 2012. It offers members of Massachusetts National Guard and reservists on active duty in foreign countries a real and personal property tax exemption up to 100% of the total assessed. Submits report recommending the order to pass.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Chair now recognizes the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, Councilor Kenzie Bok. The floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you so much, Mr. President. We had a great hearing on this on Friday. Thank you so much to Councilors Flynn and Flaherty for attending. And as it says in the description, Docket 1210 would authorize the city of Boston to accept this local option, which lets us provide a property tax exemption of up to 100% to homeowners who are active members of the National Guard or military Reserve serving in a foreign country during the fiscal year. This was adopted in 2012, and so every two years it's required that we reauthorize it. So the Council has been doing that continuously since the option first was created. I have to say that one of the things we discussed in the hearing is the fact that this is probably too well-kept of a secret. I mean, it's a fairly narrow band of folks as it is. But for instance, like the year before last, we had seven people taking advantage of it. In this past year, we actually didn't have anybody taking advantage of it. So one of the things that Councilor Flynn and I discussed with the assessor and sort of a follow up action step is to go reach out to Commissioner Santiago and think about ways to spread the word about this a little bit more, because through the military channels, there are definitely discreet people who qualify for this in the city of Boston who don't know that it's an option for them. So I think that was a major thing that came out of the hearing. And I'm grateful that Councilor Flynn for his partnership on that. But certainly we want to spread the word, but we need to have the exemption to spread the word about. And so in order for that to happen, as chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I'm recommending today that this this stuck it out to pass, Mr. President.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Would anyone else wish to speak on Docket 1210? Seeing no takers. Kenzie Bok, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1210. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed.
Speaker 2: The President.
Speaker 1: Roll call vote yes. If Councilor Baker is doubting the vote. So, Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll on docket one two, one, zero.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Target 1210. Council Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Baker. Yes. Councilor Baker. AS Council BLOCK. Council BLOCK is Councilor Braden. Councilor Braden. Yes. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Campbell. Yes. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Sabi George. Councilor Sabi George. AS Councilor Flaherty. Council. 30 Years Council Flynn. Councilor for ten years. Councilor Janey. Council me here. Councilor, I'm here. Yes. Councilor Murphy. Councilor Murphy. Yes. And Councilor.
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 0: Yes, Mr. President, do I get number 1210 received a unanimous vote.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Now moving on to the matters recently heard for possible action. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 0221?
Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 0221. Order for a hearing to discuss internal access and digital equity in the city of Boston. | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on December 1, 2021, Docket #1210, authorizing the City of Boston to extend the local option first adopted in 2012 that offers members of the Massachusetts National Guard and reservist on active duty in foreign countries a real and personal property tax exemption of up to 100% of the total assessed, the Committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12082021_2021-0221 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 0221. Order for a hearing to discuss internal access and digital equity in the city of Boston.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Ed Flynn, chair of the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services. Councilor Flynn, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, we held a hearing on digital equity and Internet access this Monday, December six. The matter was sponsored by myself council me here in council. I want to thank councilors Brayden, Murphy, Bach and Flaherty for attending and to the panelists for being there also Alex Lawrence, Michael Lynch, Sarah Segal, Lara Peter for the Reader and from the from the Do It Week team. Margaret McKenna, who is the chair of the Boston Human Rights Commission. Theodora Hannah from Tech Goes On. Stephanie Lee is with Verizon. Angela Holm is with Comcast at the hearing. They do. A team presented their work on digital equity, including their efforts on publicizing the emergency broadband benefit to eligible residents, which gives up to $50 discount a month to qualified residents. And with the new infrastructure bill, there will be a new affordability connectivity program going forward. We spoke about the barriers for families to apply to these programs, since the application itself is in eight pages and the application itself is only in English and Spanish. Two, it is now working to reach out to different communities and help them apply for this important benefit. Margaret McKenna also spoke about the immediate need to address the gap of access for all residents and how broadband is now a necessary. Necessity for everyday life. She suggested having wi fi at bus and street train stations as a way to close the gap. Panelists from Tacos Home, Verizon and Comcast also spoke about the spoke about their programs, including plans to expand that network and current discount programs for residents. We still have a lot of work to do to address this important issue. And with the passage of this infrastructure bill, we have an opportunity to expand resources and take a huge step forward in closing the digital gap. I'm asking that this matter remain in committee so that we can continue the conversation. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Councilor Flynn. Um, would anybody else wish to speak on this docket? I'm sorry I missed your light there. The chair recognizes the co-sponsor. At-Large city councilman. Dorchester councilman here. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you to my co-sponsors, Councilor Flynn and BOC for working to create an incredible productive hearing on a topic that we all deeply are invested in. There seems to be a lot of work going on when it comes to expanding Internet access across the city of Boston. But a lot of this work seems to be happening in silos, and we need to step up to ensure that the work of connecting Boston is unified and intentional about reaching communities that are usually left out of the conversation. I also want to uplift something that the Human Rights Commission chair, Margaret McKenna brought up during the hearing. We already know what we know. We know that communities in Boston, particularly low income black and brown communities, lack access to reliable Internet services and simply by expanding Wi-Fi free and wicked free Wi-Fi isn't enough. We know why these communities are not connected. The question is, what are we as a city going to do about it? I look forward to working alongside Councilor Flynn and Bach to implement short term and long term solutions to ensure that everyone has a stable and reliable Internet connection as a right, not a privilege. And thank you again to my co-sponsors.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Councilor, here. The chair recognizes the district councilor for Beacon Hill, Councilor Kenzie BLOCK. The floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you so much, Mr. President. And I want to also thank my co-sponsors, Councilor Flynn and me here on this. And I just wanted to underscore one thing that came up in the hearing, which is that I really think. We need to be careful. There's a lot of really good, well intentioned efforts to extend Internet access around the city. But when you drill down the quality of the Internet access that a lot of those low income and subsidized programs are providing is just not competitive with what people need for real educational and economic access. And so we're at risk of creating a city where even in the programs that we're extending and frankly, any emergency broadband benefit that the city that the federal government is subsidizing, where we're subsidizing and extending a real kind of second class, class service. And so, for example, right now, 75% of the city in theory, has access to fiber at their household. But only less than 2% of the Bostonians taking advantage of the emergency broadband benefit are getting it through fiber. And what that means is a situation where we're talking about low income Internet programs that might cap out at a 50 megabyte upload five download cap, whereas for folks who are paying for fiber are getting sorry, 50 megabytes versus a gigabyte, right, which is like a 20 x difference. So I just really want to stress because I think it's something that we're going to need to work on in the coming year. But the reason that we get into the conversation long term about municipal broadband and about extending fiber that is more under public control is because the only way you're actually going to shift it into being a utility as opposed to sort of an amenity that's and recognize it's essential ness to people's life is if we're investing in that really high quality product for everybody. So that was just something that alarmed me a bit that came out of the hearing. And I just really want to stress that I think it's going to be an area of council and administration need for action in the coming year. So thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Councilor. Would anyone else wish to speak other than the three co-sponsors on this docket? Councilors Flynn, McKenna and Bach are asking the docket 0221 remain in the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services. And so it shall. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0899? | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | Order for a hearing to discuss internet access and digital equity in the City of Boston. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12082021_2021-0547 | Speaker 0: The grant funded planning and operating a safe and secure election administration in the city of Boston for the 2020 election. And docket number 0547 message in order authorizes the city of Boston to accept and expand reimbursements in the amount of up to $6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for expenses related to the COVID 19 event.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The chair recognizes Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, chair of the Committee and Public Health Council. Arroyo, the floor is yours.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. Chair. These matters were sponsored by the administration, referred to the committee on January 27, 2021, for Docket 0192 and April 14th, 2021 for Docket 0547. The committee held a public hearing on these dockets on December seven, 2021. And I want to thank Councilors Flynn, Councilor, Bach, Councilor, in any sense IP, George and Councilor Murphy for participating in that hearing. These dockets, both of them go towards reimbursements. So this is money already spent. The committee public hearing was attended by James Williamson or Jim Williamson, Deputy Director of Budget of the Officer Budget Management and Anita Tavares was the commissioner of the Boston Elections Department who provided testimony on behalf of the administration. Commissioner Tavares stated that the City of Boston's Elections Department implemented many temporary measures in response to the COVID 19 epidemic. Measures such as expanding voter access and providing a safe voting process. The city was awarded this grant to provide funding for the cost of emergency personnel due to the expansion of mail in voting operations, which includes overtime costs and the costs of printing signage and informational fliers to spread awareness of early voting. The Commission stated that these funds have already been expended. Mr. Williamson stated that the city of Boston received a reimbursement of 6 million to cover the cost of the city of Boston's measures in response to the COVID 19 epidemic. This reimbursement is from FEMA or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and it's administered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This reimbursement will help support additional emergency food access, personal protective equipment, professional cleaning assistance, emergency sheltering, and administrative costs for emergency COVID 19 operations. In total, FEMA has reimbursed the city nine city of Boston 9.5 million, in addition to this 6 million reimbursement for COVID 19 related costs. The committee also discussed the possibility of continuing current mail in voting operations permanently and the prospects of receiving more grants and reimbursements from FEMA to cover emergency response costs in the future. As Chair of Committee on Public Health, I recommend moving the listed dockets from the Committee to the full Council for discussion and formal action. My recommendation to the full Council will be that the matters ought to pass.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor Roy. The Chair recognizes the district councilor from Beacon Hill, Councilor Kenzie Bourque. The floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you so much. Mr. President, I just wanted to add as an addendum, thank you to Councilor for chairing the hearing. I was pleased to be there. I, when I heard the numbers, was a little bit concerned that the the total of the ten that we had gotten before and the six that was coming in now from FEMA seemed low based on what's eligible and 100% numbers. So I did do some follow up, and I'm gratified to be able to share with the council that the Boston Public Health Commission, separately under the same FEMA program, has been authorized for $28.5 million of reimbursement. So when you put those two together, you're up more about 44, 45 million, which checks out better with kind of my sense of what we should be getting through this program. And it's worth the council knowing that now that it's been extended to April ten with the next wave of COVID challenges that we're dealing with, there likely will be further things that will be eligible for reimbursement. But I just because I did that homework, because I was I had some questions about it. I wanted to share with the whole council that the number of plus hours is more in the $4,445 million.
Speaker 1: Great. No, appreciate that. That's great context. Thank you, Councilor Buck. Any further discussion on dockets 0192 or 0547? Saying none. We are going to vote on these separately. So for docket 0192. All those that which is the $69,000 110 grant. All those in favor please indicate by saying I. I posed nine. The ayes have it. The docket is passed. And for docket zero 547, which is the $6 million grant. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose name. The ayes have it. The dockets have passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0861.
Speaker 0: Docket 0861 order for a hearing to discuss predatory lending programs in the city of Boston. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on April 14, 2021 Docket 0547, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend reimbursements in the amount of up to Six Million Dollars($6,000,000.00), from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for expenses related to the COVID-19 event, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12082021_2021-1257 | Speaker 0: Docket 1257. Council Agenda for Councilor Edward.
Speaker 1: Chair Suspension of the roles and passage of docket 1257. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed. Good job, everybody. We're now moving on to late file matters where there will be more in the personnel file. But before it we must allow it. Before that, we have to have a total of eight late file matters in absence. Letter from counselor Janie and absence that are from Counselor Edwards and then six personnel orders. So we are first taking a vote to add these items to the agenda, all those seven seven personnel. I apologize. So we have a total of nine, the two letters and then.
Speaker 0: Two letters.
Speaker 1: And then seven personnel.
Speaker 0: It's. Six seven.
Speaker 1: Okay. So everyone's clear on what we are doing right now, which is just voting to put these matters before us. All those in favor of adding these late files to the agenda, please indicate by saying I oppose nay, the ayes have it. The late file matters have been added. Madam Clerk, would you please read the First Lady file matter in and place it into the record?
Speaker 2: To the clerk. | Personnel Orders | Councilor Janey for Councilor Edwards offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employee Michael Bonetti, Yamina Lachmi-Benbokreta, Theresa Malionek, Ricardo Patron and Jesse Purvis in City Council effective December 18, 2021. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-1208 | Speaker 2: CQ Docket 1208 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept an extended amount of $75,000 in the form of a grant for the federal FBI. 21 hour town grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. The grant will fund planning for the Little Saigon Cultural Center in Dorchester.
Speaker 1: Oh, gee, sorry.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair recognizes Councilor Baker. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Chair. As a chair of Arts and culture, I would like to request that we suspended for the Little Saigon Cultural District, which we've been working on for Feels like my entire life. But it's ten years. And this will go this will go towards signage in and letting people know what we're doing in support for the smiling at me.
Speaker 0: I remember the hearing and feel, are you okay?
Speaker 1: Yes. It's for the Little Saigon Cultural Council and support for whatever whatever they're going to do.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Wonderful. Thank you so much, Councilor. Suspended. Thank you. Councilor Baker seeks to suspend and pass a suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 12 zero eight. All those in favor please indicate by saying i.
Speaker 1: I.
Speaker 0: Any opposed? Nay, the ayes have it. Docket 12 zero eight has been passed. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 12 zero nine. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal FY21 Our Town grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. The grant will fund planning for the Little Saigon Cultural District in Dorchester. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-0967 | Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Dockets 1213 through 1218 will be placed on file. We will now move on to reports of committees. Madam Clerk, could you please read docket 0967 Docket 0967?
Speaker 2: The Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, to which is referred on September 15th, 2021. Docket number 0967 or order regarding civilian review nominations, submits a report recommending that the enclosed nine names be forwarded to the mayor for consideration of the appointment to the Civilian Review Board.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. The Chair recognizes Councilor Campbell, Chair of Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Councilor Campbell, you have the floor. Thank you. Good.
Speaker 3: I'm not on. Oh, there we go. Thank you, Carrie. Thank you, Madam President. And thank you, Madam Clerk. The Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice held a working session on this docket on Friday, November 19th. I want to thank my colleagues for participating during that working session, including Councilors McCarthy, Flaherty, Arroyo, Flynn, Brady, Sobhi, George and also Councilors O'Malley, Baker, Bach, Brayden, Edwards, Flaherty, SLB, George for providing nominations and letters in writing. As a reminder, the legislation charges the city council with nominating three people for each of the three seats that the mayor will fill with. Let me just say that again. As a reminder, the OPA legislation charges the city council was nominating three people that the mayor will then appoint. I'm sorry, nominating nine people that the mayor will then appoint from the city council decided to proceed with an open process, allowing folks in the public to actually provide an application to submit a nomination through this portal. And I want to thank Councilor O'Malley and your team, as well as central staff for helping us set that up and to make it making it really easy for folks to apply. We on July 21st, 2021, the city council opened that process in that portal. It ran from September from then to September 20th. The city council received 81 eligible applications. We actually received more than that, but only 81 were eligible. And the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice held a working session on Friday, November 19th. And I just want to thank the public. A lot of folks took time out of their busy schedules to actually apply for position to serve their community. This is a, um, incredibly response, an incredibly important role for the city of Boston. And so I want to thank all those who put forth their names based on the recommendations from all of you and based on the conversation at the working session and based on the letters you submitted, we actually were able to come up with consensus, to come up with nine names to submit to the mayor for appointment. And so I'm recommending as chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, those nine nominees. The names are in the reports. But I will say for the record, Mona Connolly, Caspar Maria Del Rico and Hernandez, Luis Lopez, Zachary Lyon, Carrie Mayes, Tara Register, Shonda Smart and Benjamin Thompson. And I also want to thank Michelle Goldberg, Allie, my lovely chief of staff, for all of your work in this whole process. Appreciate each and every one of you. And one thing I will add is we're submitting nine names to be ultimately appointed by the mayor, which is, of course, her responsibility. One thing that did come up during the working session that I think is really important when she chooses three of these folks to nominate, to actually let the council know what her decision making was so that we can report that back to folks who were not selected and hopefully they still stay engaged in the process. And if seats open up again, they can reapply and possibly be considered to fill in seats if someone is ineligible. Thank you. And Councilor Mally, I'm sure, will say a few words as well. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair recognizes Councilor O'Malley. Counsel O'Malley.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. And I will be brief. It's been well explained by my dear colleague and friend, the Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. As we know, the open ordinance passed a year ago this month by this body. The ordinance involves two oversight entities, an internal affairs oversight panel, which is responsible for reviewing completed BPD Internal Affairs investigations, as well as the CRB, the Civilian Review Board, which is responsible for reviewing and investigating certain complaints against the BPD and its employees. Now, under the ordinance, as has been said, the mayor will appoint three members from a pool of nine nominees submitted by the city council. Now, the language of the ordinance does not dictate the process by which the City Council must submit its nominations. In fact, it is around June, I think, where I was contacted in my capacity as President Pro Tempore. I could have simply suggested nine names. We could have looked at having every district councilor come up with a name. But in close consultation with the Chair of Public Safety, we put together, I think, as robust and transparent and open a process as humanly available. Not only did we have an online portal, but we made sure that language access was at the forefront. It was translate. The application was translated into Chinese, Cape Verde and Creole, Haitian Creole speaking Spanish and Vietnamese. We had a very open process. I know all of us made a real concerted effort to reach out to our networks, to try to get more folks involved. And the result was not only 80 plus candidates, 80 plus really qualified candidates. The hardest part of this process was trying to winnow that field down to nine. So, again, hats off to the the chair. She really made sure that we took what I think was another good blueprint as it relates to the the Community Preservation Act sort of way of funneling names. But this was as great a process as we've seen, so I'm really looking forward to see what happens. And thank you all for your great interest in this important work. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Councilor O'Malley. Councilor Campbell seeks acceptance of the committee report and recommends that the enclosed nine names before add it to the mayor for consideration of appointment to the Civilian Review Board. All those in favor please indicate by saying i.
Speaker 1: I.
Speaker 0: Any oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. We will now move on to matters recently heard for possible action. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 12 zero five?
Speaker 2: Certainly. Docket 1205 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept an extended amount of $8 million in the form of agreeing to water by the United States Department of the Treasury to be administered by the city. | Committee Reports | On the order, referred on September 15, 2021, Docket 30967, regarding the Civilian Review Board Nomination, the committee submitted a report recommending that the enclosed nine names appointment to Civilian Review Board. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-1205 | Speaker 2: Certainly. Docket 1205 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept an extended amount of $8 million in the form of agreeing to water by the United States Department of the Treasury to be administered by the city. Boston's chief financial officer slash collector. Treasurer. This the grant will fund the communities and families most affected by the public health and economic impact of COVID 19 pandemic, the expansion of the Fare Free Transit Program.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. The Chair recognizes Councilor Flaherty, chair of the Boston COVID 19 Recovery Committee. Councilor Flaherty, you have the floor chair.
Speaker 1: Disaster response is in April 17th, 2021. The committee held a hearing on November 28, 29th, 2021, where public comment was taken. This grant allows the city to accept and expend $8 million under the requirements of ARPA. The grant payment will fund urgent COVID 19 reopening and recovery efforts to address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the disproportionate impact of the pandemic and will provide direct benefits to Boston's communities hardest hit by the pandemic. The funds from this grant will be used to expand the Fare Free Transit Program on Routes 28, 23 and 29. Route 28 bus serves Mattapan Square through Grove Hall through Nubian Square and connects to Ruggles. Route 23 Bus begins in Dorchester from Peabody Square at Ashmont through Washington Street, Warren Street to Main Square and connects with Ruggles Route 29 Bus Services, Mattapan Square, Ceiba Street, Columbus AV in connection with Jackson Square. After hearing Vineet Gupta on behalf of the Administration, Director of Planning in Boston Transportation Department and KC Brock Wilson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Administration Finance level, provided testimony on behalf of the administration, describing the bus routes, reviewed the benefits and operational aspects of the program. Also explained the city estimated over two years of what the potential cost of the expansion of the fare free transit program would be made. Assumptions based on the Route 28 pilot program and its ridership numbers. They also stated that the 8 million allocated will be used to fund the fare free transit program in respective marketing and evaluation efforts of the Fare Free Programs Impact on Boston. During the hearing, several counsels inquired about how these routes were selected, the funding and sustainability of the program, as well as managing people's expectations at the end of the two week two year period, as well as the limitations on ARPA funds, which must be used by the end of December 2024, and whether the city has current plans on funding sources at the end of the appeal funds, as well as from language access standpoint and advertising. And noticing in multiple languages. As part of the line of questioning about funding and sustainability, there were great questions raised about managing people's expectations and making sure that if we were going to staff this program, that folks have an answer for year three. In response, the administration explained the city is starting with a pilot using the ARPA funds to determine the long term cost analysis and that the city will examine a sustainable funding source using outside partners and available subsidies, including infrastructure legislation and the build back better legislation. In summary, passage of this DOC will authorize the use of these funds to expand free fair program for routes 23, 28, 29 in order to serve communities most impacted by the pandemic. This two year investment will assist in reopening and recovery efforts consistent with the goals of ARPA and allow City to measure the benefits of fare free services, including increased ridership, faster bus service, less traffic and business development. And I've said it once. You've heard me say it a thousand times, we're a city that's rich with opportunity. We've got the best colleges, universities in the world. We've got the best hospitals, a network of community health centers. We've got financial services, life sciences, CEOs talking about moving their companies to Boston every single day. The problem we have is connecting folks to those valuable resources in an effort to close those gaps that were widened through COVID. So as chair of Boston's COVID 19 recovery, I recommend that target 1 to 0 five ought to pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you so much, Councilor Flaherty, having launched the free bus pilot, the number 28, I am super excited about this. Councilor Flaherty seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket. Yes. Oh, sure. Before we move on, Councilor Baker would like to speak.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Chair. It was a good hearing the other day, and I don't discount the the good that this will will have for the citizens along those routes. But as someone that was laid off ten years ago, 11 years ago, actually over million dollars, we have to take seriously what this is going to look like in year three. I personally don't think I'm going to be here for that vote, but we have to really think about do we want to pay $12 million for three, three feet free lines or do we want to lay people off? Because when we go into city budgets with that much money, that's a liability that we have no idea what how we're going to pay it. Because I'll say on the floor here today, the state with its however many members, I think it's 175 in the House of Representatives. We're not going to get a majority to subsidize the city of Boston any further. So with that being said, I plan on voting no today. So in case anybody on Twitter wants to start attacking me, let's get it going. But this is this this needs to be taken for real here. This is city finances. I care about the city operations first. That's our job, to care about the city operation, city finances. First again, year three is going to be a very difficult vote for this party, whoever's sitting here.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you so much. Again, Councilor Flaherty seeks acceptance of the committee report. I'm not used to these red lights.
Speaker 1: I apologize.
Speaker 0: Last time I was here, it was a zoom. The chair recognizes counsel O'Malley. Counsel O'Malley, you have the floor and I see you, Counselor Campbell.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I certainly appreciate all the comments have been said. I rise in full support of this initiative. The benefits to fair, free and expanding the fair free program is not only about moving people around, it's also access. It's also opportunity. It's also fewer cars on our road. It's good for the environment. It's good for public health. It's good for addressing disparities. It's good for helping folks get jobs. The benefits are more than just simply allowing for fair free T on three different bus routes. This is something that we should be exploring. You are seeing more and more cities doing this to her credit. Mayor Rue has been very upfront that this was a key tenant not only of her mayoral campaign, but something she's been working on as a councilor, as a member of this body. I am proud to support it and urge my colleagues to support it as well. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Councilor O'Malley. The chair recognizes Councilor Campbell. Councilor Campbell, you have the floor.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Madam President, I was going to say anything until Frank brought up Twitter attacks, but so I'll just say I stand in full support of this initiative as well. And thank Councilor Flaherty in administration for actually having the hearing and allowing folks to not only ask questions and believe it or not, there were a lot of questions at the hearing, but also for the public to participate. But I can't stress this enough. I was really surprised at the body was willing to pass this with a suspension in a passage, not only given the amount, but most importantly that we're using COVID dollars. And clearly, I will not be here in January. I think really important that when it comes to COVID dollars in particular, that the public have an opportunity to weigh in on how those resources will be used. Many, of course, were in support of this initiative. That makes total sense, given it is an equity initiative, it's an environmental justice issue, and it is an initiative that many support. But at the end of the day, these are precious dollars are once in a lifetime dollars that city of Boston residents will get. These are the people's money. They should have an opportunity to weigh in. So encourage the body to hold at least one hearing before passing these large measures, but look forward to supporting.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Is anyone else looking to speak? Thank you so much. The chair recognizes Councilor Roy. A councilor. Roy, you have the floor.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam President. And I'll be brief, because everybody has essentially said everything. I fully support this. I rise to stand in full support of this. The 28 bus, which was free and this is part of the plan we've seen the success that we got with that in terms of ridership. We know this is an equity issue, but we also know that it works and that public transportation should be treated as a public good, the same way we treat our parks, the same way we treat our libraries. This is something that we should look at funding as something that is more than just a mode of transportation, but actually something that serves the public and is a public good necessity. And so I stand in full support of this, and I look forward to seeing the results of the pilot with the larger window. Thank you, Madam President.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Closing discussion at this time Council Flaherty Seeks Acceptance of the Committee Report Passage of Docket 12 zero five. Madam Cook, I'm. And ask you to call the roll, please.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Docket number one to oh five. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Baker. Councilor Baker. No. Councilor. Yes. Slovakia's Councilor Brady. Councilor Braden. Yes. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Campbell. Yes. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Edwards. Yes. Councilor Sabby. George. Culture savvy. Georgie is counsel clarity. Counsel clarity as counsel of Flynn. Counsel Flynn yes. Counselor Janie. Yes, counselor Janie. Yes, counselor. Me here? Yes. Counsel. I'm here. Yes. Councilor Murphy. Councilor Murphy. Yes. And Councilor O'Malley. We have 12 votes, an affirmative.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Dark at 12 zero five has been passed. Before we move on in the agenda, Madam Clerk, if you could please update the attendance report to reflect that Councilor Edwards is, in fact present.
Speaker 2: Great.
Speaker 0: Madam Clerk, when you are ready, if you could please read Docket 1166 into the record. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on November 17, 2021, Docket #1205, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000.00) in the form a grant, awarded by the United States Department of the Treasury, to be administered by the City of Boston's Chief Financial Officer/Collector Treasurer. The grant will fund the communities and families most affected by the public health and economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion of the fare free transit program, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-1166 | Speaker 0: Madam Clerk, when you are ready, if you could please read Docket 1166 into the record.
Speaker 2: Dockets 1166 message in order for your approval, an order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate an amount of $1,202,000 for the purpose of paying costs of the feasibility study and schematic design associated with the boiler and window and door replacement projects at certain Boston public schools. This includes payment of all costs, incidental or related thereto, and for which the city of Boston may be eligible for. Grant for the Mars excuse me, Massachusetts School Building Authority known as the MSB, a set amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facilities Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Madam Clerk, that you are recognized as Councilor by Chair of Ways and Means Council. You have the floor.
Speaker 7: Thank you so much, Madam President. And yes, on yesterday we held this hearing on docket 1166. As folks are familiar, the Massachusetts School Building Authority provides partial reimbursement for school building projects. There are two types of projects. What are these core buildings? So things like the Carter and Vaya the desired ones, the upper school. But the AARP program or an accelerated replacement program is for specifically wind windows, boilers and roofs and school buildings that have that are nearing the end of or have passed the end of their sort of functional life. And unfortunately, we have a backlog of those in the city. And we're very glad that over recent years there's you know, there was a shift in the Walsh administration that continued through the Janie and administrations now of really trying to pursue as many of these dollars as we possibly can. And so this docket is to authorize the money for a feasibility study and schematic design for the four that were approved in the last round, the last the October hemisphere meeting. So this is related, as you can see on your docket to Boston Day and Evening Academy, Henderson, Upper Rafael Hernandez and William Russell. The reimbursement rate for these projects is 6.42%. So that's if you any any of these sums this on for this design later on the sum for actually executing the work. If you look at that 40% of that the city of Boston is going to pick up, but 60% of what we're appropriating today will be reimbursed to us by the state and we're very grateful for that support. I want to thank my colleagues, Counselor Flynn, Flaherty, Braden and SRB George for joining yesterday's hearing. And the and also I want to thank Councilor Flaherty for the question, sort of to give us some context about what the benefit has been from the MSB funds in the last few years. So from 2015 to 2020, we've had just in these this HRP category, never mind the core projects, projects adding up to about $71.6 million, for which we've gotten $41.4 million of reimbursement. So I think it all it became clear to all of us in COVID how critical window projects are certainly, but also boilers to keep our schools warm and roofs to keep leaks out. And so in order for this docket to be passed in full before the end of the council's legislative session, it's important for there to be a vote today and then because the capital docket another vote in two weeks. So, Madam Chair, I'm requesting today that this docket ought to be read for the first time and assigned for further action.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you so much. Councilor Bach has requested that Docket 1166 be read for the first time and assigned for further action. All in favor, please indicate by saying I am any opposed. Nay, the ayes have it. Docket 1166. I'm going to do a rock roll call vote, Madam Clerk.
Speaker 2: Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you.
Speaker 2: But the first reading on docket number one one. City. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Baker. Councilor Baker I. Councilor Bach. Councilor Bach Council Braden's. Councilor Brady no. Councilor Campbell Councilor Campbell Years Councilor Edwards Councilor Edward G as Councilor Sabby George Councilor Sabby Giorgi as counsel clarity counsel clarity as counsel Flynn Counsel Flynn Yes. Councilor James. Yes Councilor Janey of Councilor Me here. Councilman here. Yes. Got the order straight now. Councilor Murphy. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor O'Malley. Yes. Councilor O'Malley. Yes. I think we.
Speaker 6: Have. The 1166.
Speaker 2: Has received a unanimous vote for its first.
Speaker 0: Reading. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Dock at 1166 has received its first reading and will be assigned for further action. We'll move on to docket 1182. Madam Clerk. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | Councilor Bok called Docket #1166, message and order for your approval an order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of One Million Two Hundred Twelve Thousand Dollars ($1,212,000.00) for the purpose of paying the cost of a feasibility study and schematic design associated with the boiler and window and door replacement projects at certain Boston Public Schools. This includes the payments of all costs incidental or related thereto, and for which the City of Boston may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facilities Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools, from the Assignment sheet.
Hearing no objection, the matter was before the body.
On motion of Councilor Bok, the order was read a second time and again passed; yeas 13. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-1182 | Speaker 0: Reading. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Dock at 1166 has received its first reading and will be assigned for further action. We'll move on to docket 1182. Madam Clerk.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Docket 1182 order. Relative to the adoption of classifications in the City of Boston Fiscal Year 2022.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. The Chair recognizes Councilor Bach, Chair of Ways and Means. Councilor, you have the floor.
Speaker 7: Thank you so much, Madam President. We also heard this docket in the same hearing yesterday. And so I want to again thank my vice chair, councilors Harvey George, Councilors Flynn, Flaherty and Braden for joining this short docket description. And it seems sort of arcane, but it is probably one of the most important and impactful things that we do each year on the Council for many of our constituents. Because what this order does is adopt classification in the city of Boston, which means that we set a different tax rate for residential property as opposed to commercial property. And I'll use round numbers here for people's reference. Our tax rate for residential property last year was a little bit north of $10 and for commercial property was a little bit north of $24. If we did not adopt this order today and we did not adopt classification in the city of Boston, that would be one uniform tax rate across the city of $14, which for the residential taxpayer would be a one third increase in their property taxes. So I just want to emphasize that this is quite a significant thing that we, the city of Boston, has historically done each year. But it takes an act of the council to shift the tax burden off of our residential payers and onto the commercial property tax base. And it's actually the ability to even do this is something that the residents of Boston fought for decades ago, a law, and then subsequently they also fought for the residential exemption, which also exempts a certain amount of residential value from the tax levy. So I think it's a it's a very important order. We discussed at the hearing the fact that because residential property values have risen at a much faster rate in recent decades than commercial property values, a dynamic which is exacerbated given the uncertainty about the future of the commercial market under COVID. And even though we make this change, we still see a slightly higher increase in the residential tax rate than the commercial one like each year, because the overall value is increasing faster and there's only so much the state allows us to shift. But in adopting this order today, the city of Boston will be adopting the maximum shift of 35% over to help provide relief for our residential tax payers. And so although I know that at each of the hearings we have on this, the City Council discusses the fact that, you know, we still feel as though there are taxpayers , especially elders on fixed incomes who are house rich and cash poor, who need more relief. And that, you know, these are programs we may want to pursue further relief for at the state right now. This is the biggest thing that we can do, um, for those residential tax payers. And I would like to recommend, Madam Chair, that today this order ought to pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Councilor Bach. Request acceptance of the Committee Report and passage of Docket 1182. All those in favor please indicate by saying I any oppose say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please call the rule?
Speaker 2: Certainly. Docket 118 to counsel. Arroyo.
Speaker 3: Yes.
Speaker 2: Counselor Arroyo. Yes. Counselor Baker. Counselor Baker. Counselor. Bar. Counselor Barca. Counselor Brady. Counselor Braedon. Counselor Campbell. Counselor Campbell. Yes. Counselor Edwards. Counselor Edwards. Yes. Counselor Sabby George. Counselor Savvy George is counsel clarity. Counsel Clarity as counselor Flynn. Counselor Flynn? Yes. Counselor Jane. Yes. Thank you. Looking the wrong way.
Speaker 0: Yes.
Speaker 2: Counselor. Me here. Counselor here. As counselor Murphy. Counselor Murphy? Yes. Encounter O'Malley? Yes. Counselor O'Malley? Yes, Madam President. 1182.
Speaker 0: Wonderful. Thank you so much. Docket 1182 has passed. We will now move on to docket 1079. Madam Clerk. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on November 17, 2021 Docket #1182, relative to the adoption of classification in the City of Boston in Fiscal Year 2022, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-1221 | Speaker 2: Thank you, Madam President. Docket 1219. Councilor Savi charge are for the following petition for a special law regarding an act regarding the disability pension of Matthew Morris. Docket 1 to 2 zero. Councilor Sabby Georgiou for the following petition for a special law regarding an act regarding the disability pension of Richard Santillo and docket number one 2 to 1 Councilor Sabby George for the following special petition for a special law regarding the act regarding the disability pension of Scott O'Brien.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. The Chair recognized this Councilor Sabi George. Councilor Sabi George, you have the floor.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for. My colleagues indulgence with these three orders that are before you. You may recall several years ago, we had a number of police officers before this body who were either retired or on the way to be retired because of the the injuries that they sustained during several different incidents. These two here, Rich and Matt, were injured in East Boston in 2016. Gravely injured. They have now been retired and I am seeking additional retirement benefits for them as well as Scottie O'Brien, who was shot and injured in 2004. These three police officers have been before us before. We will have, I hope, a quick hearing in the next week or so, ten days to hear from these three police officers who have served this city and have been injured in service during service to this city. They will hopefully be before you and back before this body in the next few weeks. Thank you, Madam President.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Anyone looking to speak on these dockets? Anyone else add their name? Show of hands, please. Madam Clerk, if you could please add. Councilor Arroyo. Councilor Baker. Councilor. Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flynn. Councilor me here. Councilor Murphy. Council Malley. On the chair.
Speaker 1: Barry was asked, what would you be on all three?
Speaker 0: Yes. Thank you so much. These three dockets will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Will now move on to the next docket. Docket. 1222 Madam Clerk. | Committee Reports | On the petition, referred on December 1, 2021, Docket #1221, for a special law re: An Act Regarding the Disability Pension for Scott O’Brien, submits a report recommending that the home rule petition ought to pass in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_12012021_2021-1223 | Speaker 2: Thank you. Do I get one, two, two, three. Counter O'Malley. O'Malley for counsel. Flynn.
Speaker 0: The chair seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket 1223. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll? I'm sorry.
Speaker 2: Dr.. 1223. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Baker.
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 2: Councilor Baker. Yeah, that's Councilor Barclay of Council Brains Council. Read me as Councilor Campbell. Councilor Campbell. Yes. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Savage. George. Councilor Savage. George is counsel of Clarity. Councilor Clarity, yes. Councilor Flynn. Council. Flynn. Yes. Councilor Janey.
Speaker 0: Yes.
Speaker 2: Councilor. Genius. Councilor. Me here. Yeah. Councilman here? Yes. Councilor Murphy. Councilor Murphy, yes. And Councilor O'Malley?
Speaker 1: Yes.
Speaker 2: Councilor O'Malley. Yes. 1223.
Speaker 0: Thank you for the next personnel order. We won't do a roll call, so don't worry. Just don't worry about it.
Speaker 6: Thank you, sir. It is.
Speaker 3: It is.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much.
Speaker 6: Exactly.
Speaker 2: Exactly, exactly.
Speaker 0: Now that we're back in.
Speaker 2: Person, I was going to.
Speaker 0: Say I appreciate that. We will now move on to docket 1224.
Speaker 3: Excuse me.
Speaker 2: The state did require under exactly.
Speaker 0: Ma Healey. Right. So we're going to move on to docket 1224. Madam Clerk, if you could please read that.
Speaker 2: Thank you so much. Docket one, two, two. For Councilor O'Malley for counsel. | Personnel Orders | Councilor O'Malley for Councilor Flynn offered the following: Order for the appointment of temporary employees Ana Calderon, Charles Levin, Melissa Lo, Sophia Wang and Vanessa Woo in City Council effective December 4, 2021. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1167 | Speaker 1: Docket number 1167 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $13,520,000 in the form of a grant for the federal fiscal year 21 Urban Areas Security Initiative awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security, passed through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management. The fund will continue to support planning exercises, trainings and operations that build regional capacities to help prevent, respond to and recover from threats or acts of terrorism, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 1167. We will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr. Clark, would you now please read dockets 1168 through 1177 excuse me through 1171 together.
Speaker 1: Docket numbers. Docket number 1168. Message, you know, authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $2,070,000, $2,070,874 in the form of a grant for the fiscal year 22 Title three C awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on November 17, 2021 Docket #1167, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirteen Million Five Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($13,520,000.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal FY21 Urban Areas 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 fund will continue to support planning, exercises, trainings and operations that build regional capacities to help prevent, respond to and recover from threats or acts of terrorism, including Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive incidents, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1173 | Speaker 1: Docket number 1173 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $92,735.50 in the form of a grant for the fiscal year 21 Emergency Management Performance grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Massachusetts Emergency Agency to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Andre Campbell, Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Chair Campbell, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you. President O'Malley. As a chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice seeking suspension of the rules and passage of this docket, which is a relatively low amount given the other dockets and grants that go to this committee. And so the grant is pretty self-explanatory. It supports renovations and upgrades to the operations center. They'd like to receive this money as soon as possible. And so seeking suspension of the rules and passes today. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Any further discussion on docket 1173? Seeing and hearing No. One. Councilor Andre Campbell, chair of the Committee on Public Safety in Criminal Justice, seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1173. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose name. The ayes have it. The order has passed. Mr. Clerk, would you now please read docket 1174.
Speaker 1: Duck number 1174 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $81,275 in the form of a grant for the federal fiscal year 22 total three d awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to be administered by the Eight Strong | Mayor Order | Message and order 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 FY21 Emergency Management Performance Grant, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, passed through the Massachusetts Emergency Agency, to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1174 | Speaker 1: Duck number 1174 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $81,275 in the form of a grant for the federal fiscal year 22 total three d awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to be administered by the Eight Strong Commission. The grant will fund health promotion and evidence based services for older adults in Boston.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Liz and Chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities. Chair Braid in the floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Docket 1174. Again, this is just very self-explanatory. The the sum of $81,275, which will fund health promotion and evidence based services for older adults. This is critically important work. And on behalf of the Committee of Strong Women, Families and Communities, I move to suspend the rules and passage of these funds. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Any further discussion on Docket 117 for seeing none? Councilor Liz Braden seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1174. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose name. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Mr. Clerk, please read docket.
Speaker 1: 11751175 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $50,000 in the form of a grant for the fiscal year. 22/1 responder Naloxone Administration grant awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to be administered by the police department. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eighty One Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Five Dollars ($81,275.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY22 Title III-D, 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 Health Promotion and Evidence-Based Services for older adults in Boston. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1176 | Speaker 1: Docket number 1176 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $1,000 in the form of a grant for the NASH for the National Arts Program awarded by the National Arts Program Foundation to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilor Frank Baker, Chair of the Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Special Events. Chair Baker, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. President. The grant was awarded by the National Arts Program Foundation to be administered by the arts and culture. The grant will fund event costs for the employee art exhibit and eye moving for suspension and passage of docket 1176. And see that this is just in the amount of probably to have five or six of us go out to dinner. I think we should just pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you. I want to go out to dinner with you, Mr. Chairman. That sounds like a good meal yourself available. Any further discussion? I'm talking 1176. Seeing none. The chair councilor Frank Baker seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket 1176. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose name. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Moving right along to reports of public officers and others. Mr. Clerk, would you please read dockets 1177 through 1180. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in the form of a grant for the National Arts Program, awarded by the National Arts Program Foundation to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-0352 | Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Dockets 117731180 will be placed on file. Moving right along to reports of committees. Mr. Clerk. Could you please read docket 03520352?
Speaker 1: The Committee on City and Neighborhood Services, to which was referred on February 24th, 2021, talking number 035 to petition of a Yankee line for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston. Submits a report recommending that the petition not to be denied.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Ed Flynn, chair of the Committee on City and Neighborhood Services. Chair. Flynn, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. President. This is a petition from Yankee God to establish a bus line from 313 Congress Street, which is across from the Children's Museum to the south shore of between five and ten departures a day. This would mainly serve the South Boston waterfront area to the South Shore. We had a hearing on this petition back in February, and at the hearing, we understand that this petition still has some work to do, including more community outreach to the neighborhood groups and residents about the proposal to gather feedback, as well as some safety and traffic congestion concerns from BTD and the Boston Police Department. We ask the petitioner to provide us with more information as well as to work on these issues that I already mentioned. The petitioner has not submitted the required documents yet, so we recommend that we deny this without prejudice and the petitioner can come back and refile this if they choose. Okay.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilor Flynn. Councilor Flynn, chair of the Committee on City, Neighborhood Services and Veterans and Military Affairs, seeks acceptance of the committee report and recommends that the petition ought to be denied. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has for report has passed. Mr. Clerk, would you now please read dockets 0828 through 0830.
Speaker 1: Lucky number 0828 The Committee on City and Neighborhood Services, to which was referred on June 30th, 2021. Docket number 0828 Petition of We Drive You Inc. for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston. | Committee Reports | The Petition, referred on February 24, 2021, Docket #0352, of A Yankee Line, for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the petition ought to be denied. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-0830 | Speaker 1: Submits a report recommending that the petition are to be placed on file and docket number 0830. The Committee on City Neighborhood Services, to which was referred on June 30th, 2021 to number 0830. Petition of We Drive You Inc. for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston. Submits a report recommending the petition are to be placed on file.
Speaker 0: Take care now once again recognizes Councilor Flynn, chair of the Committee on City, Neighborhood Services, Veterans and Military Affairs. Chair Flynn, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, may I speak on those three dockets at the same time?
Speaker 0: You sure? Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. President. Docket 0280829 and 0830 are also jitney petitions from We Drive You. The petitioner has decided to withdraw their petition and is no longer seeking a license to operate these routes. I'm recommending that we place these dockets on file. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Any further discussion on dockets 828829 or 830. Seeing none. Councilor Ed Flynn, chair of the Committee on City Neighborhood Services, seeks acceptance of the committee report and recommends that dockets 828829 and 830 be placed on file. Mr. Clark, would you now please read docket 0296.
Speaker 1: TUCKER Number 0296, the Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred on February 3rd, 2021, number 0296 petition for a special law relative to an act. An act relative to the Boston Landmarks Commission, submits a report recommending that the home rule petition ought to pass in a new draft. | Committee Reports | The Petition, referred on June 30, 2021, Docket #0830, of WeDriveU, Inc. for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending that the petition ought to placed on file. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-0296 | Speaker 1: TUCKER Number 0296, the Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred on February 3rd, 2021, number 0296 petition for a special law relative to an act. An act relative to the Boston Landmarks Commission, submits a report recommending that the home rule petition ought to pass in a new draft.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Clarke. The chair now recognizes Chair Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Governance Operations. Chair Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. The committee held a hearing on February 8th, as well as working sessions on February 18th and September 8th, 2021. This docket would amend Section two of Chapter seven seven, two of the Acts of 1975, basically a landmark step in defining law of the state of Massachusetts. It would allow for local resources to have historical significance in the community to be designated as landmarks. Right now, it essentially requires a certain significance at a state level beyond our local hearts and minds and significance. And this would allow for us on the ground in our neighborhoods to really identify things that mean something special to us as a landmark. We had a really good hearing, a lot of which was more concerned about whether this could be used as a defensive tool to stop development and reality. We wanted to make sure it was a proactive tool to really celebrate our diversity, celebrate what makes each one of our neighborhoods a little different, and to acknowledge that diversity and to really encourage people on the ground to be part of that conversation celebrating our history. Just wanted to note who some folks who came out to testify and I apologize for not noting this was led by our Councilor Bock, and I want to appreciate her. Not only did she lead this, but she also came up with a compromise legislation that I think everyone could come together on, saying we're going to be able to value our neighborhoods and also still grow our neighborhoods. But just calling out some people who came and testified at all of the hearings called Specter, the Environment Commissioner, Rosenthal , the executive director of the Landmarks Commission, Lynn Millage, who is chair of the Democrat Commission as well. Also, I want to thank Greg Basile from the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. Adam Hundley as well from the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Paul Stankey from the Director of Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia came over to explain some of their landmarks, processes and of course, Greg Geller, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. I'm going to turn this now over to Councilor Bok, but I do recommend that we pass this matter. I think we've had robust conversation and this is a perfect balance of preserving, but also celebrating and growing our city. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Chair. The chair now recognizes the district council from Beacon Hill Councilor Kenzie Box, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you so much, Mr. President. And thank you, Chairwoman Edwards. She summarize it well. But, you know, I think a number of colleagues were at our initial hearing, and one of the balances that we really wanted to strike was this is not aimed at being a sort of cudgel to block development. It is a question of giving Boston the right to protect its history in the way that, frankly, every other major city that we talk to in the in the States and also as close as across the river in Cambridge is able to do. So it's just making that significance level for landmarks able to be related to local stuff. And it was really great to be able to work with them both. Our Greg's Greg Vassell on the real estate board side and Gaylor on the Preservation Alliance side to think about, you know, how do we do this in a way that's meaningful? But that also doesn't penalize sort of projects that are currently underway and put them into any kind of like double jeopardy kind of situation where they thought that they were operating under one set of rules and then it shifted. And so we did end up kind of coming up with a compromise that that will ensure that projects that are already in the process in various ways are not sort of suddenly being subjected to a different standard on the landmarks front. And I'm pleased that at our last working session, all the stakeholders expressed that they were comfortable with where we had landed. So this is definitely one of those like the legislative process. It actually works sort of things. And obviously the next step will be to go up to the State House. But I would be very grateful if colleagues would support this today. And I think it's a reasonable step to take to just make sure that we can we in Boston, when we know something's really significant to us or have all the tools at our disposal. So thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Councilor BLOCK, who would anyone else like to speak on this matter? It's after nine six, seeing no takers. Councilor Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, and Councilor Bock, the lead sponsor. Seek, accept, seek acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 0296 in a new draft. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed. Congratulations. I'd now like to ask Councilor Baker to please take over the rostrum for docket. But as he does that, Mr. Clerk, could you read docket.
Speaker 1: 04410441 Councilor Edwards and who offered the following? The Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred on March 17, 2021. Docket number 0441 ordinance relative to the investments of the City Treasury submits a report recommending that the ordinance to pass in a new draft. | Committee Reports | The Petition, referred on February 3, 2021, Docket #0296, for a special law re: An Act Relative to The Boston Landmarks Commission, the committee submitted a report recommending that the home rule petition ought to pass in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-0441 | Speaker 1: 04410441 Councilor Edwards and who offered the following? The Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred on March 17, 2021. Docket number 0441 ordinance relative to the investments of the City Treasury submits a report recommending that the ordinance to pass in a new draft. Just turn you on, right? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Alex, the chair recognizes Councilor Edwards for for the chair of Committee on Government Operations. Government? Counselor. What? You have the floor.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. It's very I'm very excited as the chair, but also as one of the lead sponsors of this ordinance to put our money where our mouth are. This ordinance, as we have restated many times, a budget, is a statement of our values. And also where we invest our money is a statement of our priorities. And this is following the rich history of this city of saying we will not invest in things that are not helpful, that bring about bring about a more equitable future. And now today, don't bring about a more green future and infrastructure that we need. Currently, the Treasury oversees about $2 billion in investment. More than one third already is managed by the state, leaving about $1.3 billion for the city of Boston's complete discretion. And so currently the city of Boston is already investing more than 10% in environmental social governance. However, this is doing more than that. This is saying we will no longer invest in fossil fuels and infrastructure, and I'm very excited about that. This also gives a realistic timeline for this to happen by 2025. And we estimate right now it's about $65 million that will be moved immediately from fossil fuels. Now, this is different from the retirement divestment hearings we've had, and I want to make that very clear. These are our trust funds. These are not our retirement funds. These are funds that are people donated to the city of Boston for investment around guns, all of those different things. So it does not impact state law and it does not impact people who may be looking to retire and whether the return on investment is as high . This goes to what we have the absolute discretion on, and that's why it's so important we act today. I'm beyond excited because this is this is along the lines that we've done with South Africa. This is the same legislation we did it when it came to tobacco products. So adding in the list of things we are no longer going to be investing in is now fossil fuels with these bonds. This law already exists. This is now adding a different condition as well as as prisons. That's also added in the law or before this. So I'm excited. I hope you guys will also understand that this is this is requires your action. And I hope that you will support this. I'm beyond excited that this is filed with Councilor Woo and the other co-sponsor was Councilor O'Malley. And I think that this is something that I have to say is part of your legacy. Councilor O'Malley. When we look to out, we'll be looking to you. And when we look to divesting and again, I won't steal your tagline, but it has to do with fiscal stewarding being in green infrastructure. But I want to say thank you so much for inspiring for pushing and supporting this as well. So I hope that I recommend that the we vote and pass this. And I would love to turn this over now to my co-sponsor.
Speaker 1: Chair recognizes the co-sponsor. Counsel O'Malley. Counsel O'Malley, you have the floor.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you, Madam Chair, for your great partnership and kind words. I will be brief. It's a it's not only the right thing to do as we talk about investment or divestment, but also we do have to share a responsibility to our pensioners, to our tax payers. And the fact of the matter is, is that the Dow Jones Sustainability Index far outperforms Dow Jones average. This is not only good for the planet, but it is good for our bottom line. And it's really exciting when those two notions converge. Every fiscal conservative should be environmentalist. I have said it time and time again and here's proof positive of that. So this is something that incredibly proud for the partnership with Chair Edwards, incredibly proud for the partnership with Mayor Wu. We did our first resolution on this when she was a freshman councilor back in 2014, and it's exciting to sort of bookend both of our careers on this body with this important step. So urge your passage. Thank you for your partnership and your leadership, particularly you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor O'Malley. Is there anyone else looking to speak on this matter? Not seeing any chair. Edwards and Counsel O'Malley seek acceptance of the committee report and passage of dockets 0441 in a new draft. All those in favor say aye aye high. All those opposing the ayes have it. You can clap. Let's do it.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you all. And thank you, Mr. Chair. We are now moving right along to docket 1023. Mr. Clark, would you please place it before our body?
Speaker 1: Duncan Amber 1023 The Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation, to which was referred on September 29th, 2021. Docket number 1023a Communication Received from Susan L. Sullivan, Executive Director of Newmarket Business Association, regarding the proposed petition for Newmarket Business Improvement District, submits a report recommending the order ought to pass. | Committee Reports | An Ordinance, referred on March 17, 2021, Docket #0441, relative to the investments of the City Treasury, the committee submitted a report recommending that the ordinance ought to pass in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1023 | Speaker 1: Duncan Amber 1023 The Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation, to which was referred on September 29th, 2021. Docket number 1023a Communication Received from Susan L. Sullivan, Executive Director of Newmarket Business Association, regarding the proposed petition for Newmarket Business Improvement District, submits a report recommending the order ought to pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The Chair recognizes, actually our new chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation with, of course, the mayor's resignation. The vice chair has moved up. So Chair Baker, chair of the Committee on Planning, Development, Transportation, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. President. If you don't mind, I'm going to read this committee report, and it's a little bit lengthy, so bear with me. First, I want to acknowledge to Solomon in the work that you've done in all this, I think it was about seven or eight years ago. We first met with Rosemarie Sansone. We were talking about the bid for Newmarket, the Boston City Council Committee on Planning and Development and Transportation, to which was referred the following docket 1023 Communication was received from Susan Sullivan, Executive Director of Newmarket Business Association, regarding the proposed petition for a Newmarket Business Improvement District. This matter was filed with the city, with the council, by the City Clerk upon filing of a petition with the City Clerk seeking the City Council's approval for a proposed business improvement district and was referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation on September 29, 2021. The Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation held a public hearing via Zoom on November 8th, 2021 to take testimony and consider the same. The chairman entered into record formal language requirements outlining by the state according to Mass General Law Chapter 40 oh, which is included, which included a letter from the City Clerk stating the petition to establish the Newmarket Business Improvement District meets all criteria for the establishment of the bid as set forth in general law 40 all and also an assessment certificate from the assessor for the City of Boston certifying that he has received and reviewed the list of fiscal year 2019, assessed real property and real property owners within the proposed Newmarket Business Improvement District, and that stated signatures exceeded 60% of the real property owners within the bid and that they exceeded exceeded 51% of the assessed value of all real property within the bid. The fee structure as set forth and also the fee structure as set forth in general law 40 all documents read into the act into the record . The Council and the Council want to first thank the councilors that were present. Council will chair. I was there. Councilor Frame was there. Council Clarity was there. Council was zero. Councilman He was there. Also in attendance were a State Representative Liz Miranda, State Representative John Santiago, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins and Andrew Grace, the Director of Strategic Planning for the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, attended the hearing and presented testimony in favor of the petition to establish the Newmarket Business Improvement District, citing their familiarity with the mission, the mission, the goals and the aspirations of this project, their long term efforts and commitment to advocating for planning and better future together with residents, leaders, property , property owners, business owners, organizations and institutions in the Newmarket Business Association. They pledged their full support in moving this matter forward and bring it to fruition and urged the Boston City Council to approve the petition in the Newmarket Business Improvement District. Also testifying in favor of Sue Solomon, the executive director of Newmarket Business Association. Ben Murphy, the program manager. And Berke, who's a consultant for Newmark and an expert on bids, also attended the hearing presenting in in favor of. Um, the components of the Business Improvement District and the enabling legislation. Chapter 40 of the Community Outreach Education Partnership Formation efforts. The data substantiate substantiating the well. It well above required legal threshold to establish the Newmarket Business Improvement District and the dist in the description and maps of the proposed boundaries of the New Market Business District. It also stated the mission's goals, the mission and the goal is to better. Have better quality of life, increase safety and security, greater area cleanliness, improve transportation around the district. Advocacy for local business, property owners and residents. And also advocacy for change in the homeless addiction crisis and the promotion of business growth. Growth. The proposed development and improvement plans for Newmarket Business Improvement District. And the overall associated benefits and enhanced programing services and resources and activities brought about by the establishment of the New Market Business Improvement District and is a copy of the whole presentation in the back. I just want to make one point about this. This is this is services that the business community has been looking for from the city for years. This will not be a replacement of the city services. We still need to be down there full time city. That's public works, police, public health, transportation, fire department. We're all still there. This will argument augment the city services that were there it was it will also. It will also augment a transportation plan. It will merge be you South Bay. And I think there's one more transportation plan that will merge there and augment so so the people now that are trying to transit transverse this area will be able to get there safely and securely. And I think it will be a much needed benefit. Just the transportation plan based on the documents, documentation, information and testimony submitted and presented at the hearing and have considered the same. The Committee to determine that the petition seeking the formation of the Newmarket Business Improvement District satisfied satisfies the proposed set the purposes set forth in established criteria of general law. 40 All I respectfully recommend that the City Council vote to approve the petition to establish the Newmarket Business Improvement District that a roll call vote be taken and this matter ought to pass. Signed by Michelle Ward, the Committee Chair. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr.. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And if there is some further discussion, the chair recognizes the District Council from South Boston on docket 01631023. Councilor Flynn, the floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 1: I just want to say thank you to my colleague, Councilor Baker, for his leadership on this, but also to recognize Sue Sullivan and the work she did in the Newmarket area, which also overlaps into my district as well. I want to say thank you to Sue and her team for working closely with the businesses in and around the new market, including residents and businesses in the South End as well, and engaging Steve Fox and other neighborhood organizations. It was a great working relationship that they had and thank you to Sue and her team. We were able to get it done and also obviously our colleague, Councilor Baker. So thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Councilor Flynn, the chair now recognizes the District Council from Mattapan Councilor Andre Campbell. The floor is.
Speaker 2: Yours. Thank you, Mr. President. Of course. Thank you to Councilor Baker. And I also want to thank Sue and her team, because part of this connected to some constituents in the other part of Dorchester in District four. And she was able to navigate some of the constituent cases and concerns with respect to folks who didn't want to be in and who thought about being in it and did it with such grace that it all turned out really well. So thank you for for really pouring in on this. And thank you again to Councilor Baker. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Councilor Campbell, would anyone else wish to speak on docket 1023? Seeing No Takers. Councilor Frank Baker, chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation on behalf of Mayor Woo, who is the past immediate chair at the time of this hearing, seek acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1023. All those in favor please indicate by saying I. I oppose say nay.
Speaker 1: Mr. Chair, the chair did ask for.
Speaker 0: I was waiting for you to yield out the vote. The chairman doubts the vote. Mr. Clark, would you please call a roll call on docket 1023? Well, no, it is the opinion of the chair that the matter has passed, but we will have a roll call on record.
Speaker 1: Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Arroyo. Yes. Councilor Baker. Yes. Councilor Baker. Yes. Councilor book. Councilor. Book. Yes. Councilor Braden. Yes. Councilor Braden. Yes. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Campbell. Yes. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Edwards. Yes. Councilor Sabi George. Councilor Sabi George. Yes. Council. 30 Council 30 years. Councilor Flynn. Yes. Councilor Flynn. Yes. Cancel the Janey. Council on me here. Council on me here. Yes. Councilor O'Malley.
Speaker 0: Yes.
Speaker 1: Councilor O'Malley. Yes.
Speaker 0: The matter has passed unanimously. Congratulations. I it. Thank you all and congratulations. Moving right along to matters recently heard for possible action. Mr. Clark, could you please read docket 0900?
Speaker 1: Duncan Number 0900 Ordinance to Provide for legal legal representation of the Boston Groundwater Trust by the City of Boston Law Department. | Committee Reports | Communication, referred on September 29, 2021, Docket #1023 received from Susan L. Sullivan Executive Director, Newmarket Business Association regarding the proposed petition for a Newmarket Business Improvement District, the committee submitted a report recommending the communication ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-0900 | Speaker 1: Duncan Number 0900 Ordinance to Provide for legal legal representation of the Boston Groundwater Trust by the City of Boston Law Department.
Speaker 0: The chair recognizes Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Governance Operations. Chair Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. I want to thank my vice chair for taking the lead and helping me in this moment to conduct the final hearings on this. I was counselor forces, the lead sponsor of this matter, pushing for making making sure that our grandmother trust has legal representation, which I currently do not. So I'm going to actually turn over to the vice chair or and or the lead sponsor, whoever is more prepared to speak right now to help. But my ultimate recommendation is that we pass this. I think this was an oversight that we had in our legislation. And this is something, again, Councilor Baucus found that we need to just make sure that we are covering all aspects of city workers and people who are doing good work. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Chair. I am quite convinced that both the vice chair and the sponsor are well equipped to speak on this and most things. So I'll start with the Vice Chair of the Committee on Governance Operations.
Speaker 1: And I would like to recognize the lead sponsor for our great work on this. And obviously it's something that is is needed. So through the.
Speaker 0: Chair Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Chair And I recognize of the District Council from Beacon Hill. Councilor Bach, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you so much. And thank you to the vice chair for chairing and to Councilor Edwards, as ever, for her leadership and also to both of them for being my co-sponsors on this matter, and to Councilor Flynn for being the fourth co-sponsor really on this matter and also attending the hearings. You know, I think between our districts, Councilor Flynn's Councilor Edwards and mine, we have the bulk of the area that the groundwater trust covers. And so one of the things that we all know as district councilors and that Councilor Flaherty knows from long experience, is that the groundwater trust is really part and parcel of city government and of the stewardship of a critical public resource, which is the groundwater level, a public resource, I should say, with enormous impact on private property values, because we have a large number of buildings and across all of our districts that, you know, if the groundwater level lowers and the pilings that the buildings are on start to rot, it becomes a very expensive endeavor indeed to try to save them. And so it's one of those things where everyone needs to be proactive. And I think really Boston's laws around this are a model in terms of requiring groundwater recharge, requiring groundwater trust, sign off on people's plans to make sure that we don't have leaks in the system . The strange thing about all of that is that even though we rely on the trust as such a critical piece of our approvals apparatus, the way that the current city law has been interpreted by corporation council is that they're not actually eligible for legal representation or advice from corporation council because of the way that the entity is technically set up. And, you know, that exposes the volunteer members of the groundwater trust who are really, you know, give of themselves for the sake of the city. And its executive director, Christian Simonelli, who again is a ubiquitous presence at city meetings. And and so this was something that, you know, it's not that the law department doesn't want to represent them. It's just that the way it currently reads the statute, it's not authorized to. And so it's an easy fix, but a really important one. And that's the piece of legislation that we have before you today, is just to make sure that if if the groundwater trust finds itself embroiled in any issue and again, when there's money on the line, as there is in development, we all know that lawsuits follow, that they can count on the city of Boston to have their back legally in the same way that they have our back as a city and and frankly, support all the residents in these communities. So it's a it's in the I said to somebody, this is the category of boring but important, but I would be very grateful to everyone for their support today. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilor. But could anyone else wish to speak on docket zero 900? Seeing none. The Chair. Councilor Edwards. The Vice Chair. Councilor Flaherty, the lead sponsor, Councilor Bach, and the fourth sponsor, Councilor Flynn, seek acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 09000. Those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket is passed. Congratulations. Motions, orders and resolutions. Mr. Clerk, would you please read docket 1181.
Speaker 1: Docket number 1181. Councilor Braden offer the following order for a hearing regarding access to low cost veterinary care. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | An Ordinance, referred on August 18, 2021, to provide for legal representation of the Boston Groundwater Trust by the City of Boston Law Department, the committee submitted a report recommending the ordinance ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1182 | Speaker 1: Docket number 1182? Councilor Bullock offered the following order relative to the adoption of classification in the city of Boston in fiscal year 2022.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the District Council from Beacon Hill Councilor Kenzie Box. The floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you so much, Councilor O'Malley. I think as all councilors know, the city of Boston's revenue is mainly based on property taxes, about three quarters of our basis. And and that's obviously very important to funding everything that we do and talk about here. And also, it's something that this body continually discusses, especially with members of our community who might be property rich in the sense of having a house that's appreciated in value, but the seniors on a fixed income and otherwise, you know, have difficulty keeping up with the property taxes. And so that has been an ongoing challenge. And and over time, the city of Boston has taken a number of steps to try to relieve residential tax payers of of an undue burden. And it's really a pretty proud tradition. So actually, you know, originally by the state constitution, we were only able to have one tax rate across all types of property in the city. And it was actually the voters of Boston who led an effort to amend the state constitution to allow for what's called classification, which is the idea that you can have a different property tax rate on commercial as opposed to residential property, and it allows a certain shift of the if you sort of imagines that everything was taxed the same, then you can shift a certain amount such that the commercial rate is higher than the residential rate. And so that was a that was a success of the residents of Boston. Then again, in 2007, under the Menino administration, Boston went back to the state and successfully achieved the residential exemption, which people are probably familiar with, which exempts a certain initial amount of residential property from the taxation. So I just tell that history to say it's something that this body and the residents in leadership Boston's been intimately involved in because property tax law despite the fact it's our taxes is set at the state level. And so that classification capacity that we got ourselves a while back, we have to actually act on every year. And so the order that I have filed is in order to do that maximum shift of the burden away from our residential tax payers and onto the commercial taxpayers, which is something this Council has approved continuously year after year. And so which I am, I'm coming with again, it does need to be approved by early December. So I intend, as the chair of Ways and Means to hold a hearing on this. But I just want people to know that I will also be aiming to move on it at the next session. And so I would urge councilors who have an interest in the topic or questions and such to definitely make sure to attend that hearing. In the meantime, um, I will just say that I know that even with our existing, even with these existing tools, we have residential taxpayers who feel significantly burdened. And it's something I know, Councilor Flynn, that we were holding working sessions about in February, March. And I think it may be that the city of Boston needs to once again pursue tools at the state level to make that better, because the existing programs we have don't serve enough folks. And and I would just say what's going on in terms of why folks feel that the burden is rising, even we make these shifts is that assessed property values are going sat are rising faster on the residential side, in the commercial side, and in many respects the pandemic sort of deep into that because of the uncertainty about sectors of the commercial real estate market. So I say all that to say like there's still a conversation about other tools to have this tool classification is the biggest tool we have to bring relief to our residential taxpayers. And it is critical, in my view, that the city council continue our tradition of of maximizing that shift. So that's what this order would do and we'll discuss it in a hearing. But I do. Mr. President, I hope to be back with a committee report on it by our next meeting. So thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, Councilor Bach. With anyone else wish to speak on Docket 1182. Would any councilors wish to add their name as a co-sponsor to talk of one on eight to Mr. Clarke, please add. Councilor Arroyo. Councilor Baker. Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor B George. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flan Councilor me here please add the chair and docket 118 to will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. Clarke, would you please read docket. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on November 17, 2021 Docket #1182, relative to the adoption of classification in the City of Boston in Fiscal Year 2022, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11172021_2021-1183 | Speaker 0: Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor B George. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flan Councilor me here please add the chair and docket 118 to will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. Clarke, would you please read docket.
Speaker 1: 11831183 Councilor me here offer the following order requesting certain information under section 17 F regarding the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Diversity Cultural Assessment Report.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Clarke. The chair now recognizes the At-Large councilor from Dorchester. Councilor. Me here. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to make a motion to substitute language. There was a little typo.
Speaker 0: Fair enough. The lead sponsor is hasn't made a motion to substitute language, which I believe is technical in nature. Seeing no objection, it is hereby amended as such. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Yeah. It was not that deep. It was just a little typo. Okay. When we talk about creating opportunities for black and brown employees, we're not just talking about the low down entry level positions. We need to see black and brown leadership at every step of the professional ladder. For years, we have seen deep systemic inequities prevent qualified black and brown workers from receiving promotions and moving up in the work place. A study concluded in 2018 found that black professionals make up just 3.3% of all executive and senior leadership roles across the country. And here in Boston, we have an obligation to move beyond those inequities, and we could see that effort being made within the city. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission paid for a report detailing the status of diversity and culture within the Commission, with the hopes of using that data to create more opportunities for employees of color throughout the ranks. And while we celebrate the intentionality of creating such a report, to our knowledge, there has not been shared with the public or with the people who help participate in the study. We're filing the 17 off request in hopes of obtaining that information. We've had the pleasure of working with a number of employees from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and they are incredible. They work extremely hard to serve our city and to prove equity and workforce development opportunities within their commission. And we can all take a lesson from their book. I look forward to obtaining the information requested under the 17th. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Me here? Is anyone else looking to speak on this matter? The chair recognizes the district councilor from Mattapan, Councilor Andre Campbell. The floor is.
Speaker 2: Yours. I just want to thank Councilman here and her team for this. This has been an ongoing issue. One of my neighbors actually works currently for the Boston Water and Sewer Department, and I've been in contact with her and many folks over the years with getting folks in and moving people around within that department. But it's indicative, I think, of larger issues across many departments. So I appreciate I'm trying to get the information. And then, of course, the next step is to implement changes so that folks are actually being promoted. And particularly in this department, you have folks who are dedicated for four decades and they've actually had a lot of losses in that department, folks who have had heart attacks, you know, tough, tough work. So if you work really hard, you deserve to be promoted. And the women and people of color in that department complain for years to hopefully with the new administration, they'll make some meaningful and substantive changes. So thank you to all three here.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Mr. Campbell, anyone else looking to speak on this docket? Seeing none. Councilor Julian here seek suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1183 and which is typically what we do for 17. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The 17 F has passed. Mr. Clerk, would you now please read docket 1184. | Council 17F Order | Order requesting certain information under section 17F: regarding the Boston Water and Sewer Commission Diversity Cultural Assessment Report. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11032021_2021-1146 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 1145 will be referred to the Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1146.
Speaker 1: Docket 1146 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expand an amount not to exceed $387,164 for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Division of Conservation Services for the Parkland Acquisition and Renovation for communities known as the Park Program Grant to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will fund the acquisition of two parcels on the western shore of Sprague Pond Edge 024 Lakeside Avenue in Hyde Park as a permanently protected park land to be known as the Sprague Pond Shoreline Reserve.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Docket one one for six will be referred to the Committee on Environment, Resiliency and Parks reports of public officers and others. Madam Clerk, could you please read dockets 1147 through 1151.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Docket 1147 notices this from the acting mayor of the appointment of Justin Sterrett as trustee of the Boston Common Maintenance Trust Fund. Docket number 1148 notices received from the aftermath of the appointment of Justin Sterrett as trustee to the Franklin Park Maintenance Trust Fund. | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on November 3, 2021, Docket #1146, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend an amount not to exceed Three Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand One Hundred Sixty Four Dollars ($387,164.00) from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Division of Conservation Services for the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program grant, to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will help fund the acquisition of two parcels on the western shore of Sprague Pond at 0-4 Lakeside Avenue in Hyde Park as a permanently protected parkland to be known as the Sprague Pond Shoreline Reserve, the Committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11032021_2021-1152 | Speaker 1: Docket 115 to counsel of Balk offer the following resolution supporting key safety improvements on Massachusetts Avenue Bridge.
Speaker 0: Remember, I will call on your second counsel. If you'd like to speak on this or any other issue, you're going to have to raise your hand so I can alert Kerry, who will then control the microphone. So the chair recognizes the district councilor from Beacon Hill, Councilor Kenzie Bach. The floor is yours on docket 1152.
Speaker 4: Thank you so much. Mr. President, this item concerns the mass average. Folks may also notice the Harbor Bridge or the Emmet Bridge. It it's a really key connector between Cambridge and Boston. It runs into Boston that my district and both our city and the city of Cambridge have on either side of it, implemented substantial new bicycle infrastructure in the last few years. But the bridge itself remains very unsafe for bicyclists, and there's been a bunch of concerning activity and it gets very heavy utilization from bikes. And they did some radar speed measurements and about 100% of vehicles are exceeding the 25 mile per hour posted speed limit on the bridge, with a median speed of 41 miles per hour during daytime hours. So, you know, the cyclists are about 20% of the bridge traffic. For me for a couple of years. This was my sister's route commuting from Boston into Cambridge on her bike. I mean, it was definitely the part of it that we worried the most about. And my walk up the Esplanade regularly takes me by it and I just, I see really scary stuff. And also there's a lot of blue bikes folks who are relatively often like novice bicyclists who they that's the connection they need to make between Cambridge and Boston. But it is quite scary. So the push in the long term is to get massdot. This is a bridge that's in state custody to do more permanent infrastructure. But in the immediate term, this resolution is actually about making a reduction from 4 to 3 general travel lanes and putting up some flex posts just before the construction season . So it's really about doing something for safety right now on the bridge that will carry through the winter, into the spring, and then the state taking a further process. And so it's not something that we can do as BTD. But Cambridge passed a similar resolution last week and I, for one, certainly stand with the advocates and residents who are really looking for a pretty immediate safety fix on this on this bridge. So I would love to have the council support for this asked to them with a frankly, a pretty urgent deadline, since the work would need to be done by before December and then also support, of course, for the longer term vision of of making this critical connection and the regional bike network. So thank you so much, Mr. President.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilor Buck. And just to be clear, you are seeking suspension of the rails, suspension and adoption. Thank you. The chair recognizes the at large costs from South Boston Councilor Michael Flaherty. The floor is yours.
Speaker 5: Please add my name. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Madam Clarke, please. At Council Michael Flaherty's name. Would anyone else wish to speak on this matter? What? Anyone else wish to add their name? Madam Clerk, please add Councilor Baker. Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor B George. Councilor Flynn. Councilor me here please add the chair as well as Councilor Will and Councilor Kenzie. Bark seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 115. To all those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The docket is hereby adopted. Congratulations, Councilor Bach. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1153 Thank you.
Speaker 1: Docket 1153. Councilor Savage, I do offer the following resolution recognizing November 2021 as Youth and Young Adult Homeless Awareness Month. | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution supporting key safety improvements on the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge.
On motion of Councilor Bok, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_11032021_2021-1153 | Speaker 1: Docket 1153. Councilor Savage, I do offer the following resolution recognizing November 2021 as Youth and Young Adult Homeless Awareness Month.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair recognizes the At-Large Council from Dorchester Councilor Anissa Siby George. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Today we are recognizing November as youth and young adult Homelessness Awareness Month. Recognizing this month and raising awareness of youth and young adult homelessness gives voice to the countless young people in our city who are living in some of the most challenging experiences of their lives. It gives us a moment to pause and to see their experience so that we can hold it in our hearts and minds as we move forward and work to address the challenges our city is facing. It is estimated that every year one in ten young people within the ages of 18 to 25 will experience some form of homelessness. And the risk for these young adults to find themselves in this vulnerable situation continues to increase by 2% daily. 74% of young adults experiencing homelessness identify as bipoc and 35% as I'll be LGBTQ. I a plus. These young adults are 87% more likely to drop out of school. Many of these young people have spent time in the foster care system, recognizing this month is also an opportunity to thank the organizations and individuals that do this work every day to end youth and young adult homelessness and support the individuals who are experiencing it. I once again would like to acknowledge the countless groups and organizations and the work that they do every single day to ensure that young adults experiencing homelessness have the access to the resources and the supports they need. But above all, I want to thank them for all of their efforts to end this, especially here in our city . Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Councilor Siby George, would anyone else wish to speak on at 1153? Would any councilors wish to add their name as a co-sponsor on Docket 1153? Madam Clerk, please add Councilor Baker. Councilor Box Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flynn Collins me here please add the chair please add Councilor Wool in cancer any society George is seeking suspension of the rolls and adoption of docket 1153 All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose Nay the ayes have it. The docket is hereby adopted. Congratulations, Councilor Siby George. Moving right along. We have a number of personnel orders. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 115421154. | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution recognizing November 2021 as Youth and Young Adult Homeless Awareness Month.
On motion of Councilor Essaibi-George, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10272021_2021-1010 | Speaker 1: Certainly. Docket 1010. The Committee on Housing and Community Development, to which is referred on September 29, 2021, docket number 1010 in order authorizing City of Boston to apply for and to accept and expand the federal fiscal year 2021 Continuum of care grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount not to exceed $45 million. These funds will be used to support programs to provide services and housing to persons experiencing homelessness. Submits a report recommending the order to pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes Chair Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Councilor Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. I just wanted to first thank my, uh, my, um, vice chair of the, of the committee, Councilor Bach, who helped to hold this hold the ultimate hearing on this money that we've had many years and coming forward. And what the folks who attended included accounts not only Councilor Bach, but also Councilor Flynn, councilor here, and Councilor Braden. Leila Bernstein is a former colleague of mine who also works at the end in support of Housing Division and her work on homelessness and helping to eradicate veteran veterans homelessness. And also making sure that we have a comprehensive plan that is not only regional has been, I think, of an actual lead in the region for how to deal with homelessness. So her coming to testify, I know, was really important for us to hear how the money would be used, especially as we're getting additional funds in ARPA . Ultimately, this is a grant again that we've received before and I just would love to. Ah, excuse me, I am recommending that this ought to pass, but I would prefer that my.
Speaker 2: Vice chair also added.
Speaker 3: Any additional details and and notes from the hearing.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. The Chair now recognizes the Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing Community Development. Vice Chair. The floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. President. And Madam Chair, we did have a great hearing, and I would just say. For the Council to understand. If you want any further details, there is a three page fact sheet on this continuum of care programs in the packet. As Councilor Edwards said, it's mainly a continuation of programs that we do right now, although within that 45, there is about $4 million worth of new funding, about half for domestic violence focused housing programs and and half for folks who are homeless. But I just really want to stress for people, because it's come up a lot in our public conversation, that these really are housing first. These are dollars from the federal government that are very focused on actually providing more housing opportunities to people. And they do come with a supportive service component of the funding, which is critical. We found a lot of times that what people need that low barrier housing first, they don't need housing only. Right? They need to get in and then they need the support. And I just would echo the chair's comments about how much work our our partner neighborhood development, that portion that well runs does on all of this. So I would just say, you know, we asked lots of questions. Councilor here, you know, raised some great points about the sort of people who don't get counted as officially homeless. Under HUD's definition, we're not really able to use these funds for. So, for instance, our young people who might be doubled up, but I think we've got some city focused funds focused on that and that. And I would just say that while it was very open to all the work that needs to be done ahead in this space. So it's a it's an important grant for us to authorize, even though there's lots more work needed and ongoing. So I would join the chair in a recommendation that we pass it today.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Chair Lydia Edwards and Vice Chair Kenzie Bach, Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing Community Development, seek acceptance of the Committee report and passage of Docket 1010. All those in favor please indicate by saying I am opposed. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed. Moving right along, Madam Clerk, two matters recently heard for possible action.
Speaker 1: Docket number 0734 councilor councilors Mejia and Balk offer the following order for a hearing regarding reparations and their impact on the civil rights of black Bostonians. | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on September 29, 2021, Docket #1010 an order authorizing the City of Boston to apply for, and to accept and expend, the Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Continuum of Care grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount not to exceed Forty Five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00). These funds will be used to support programs that provide services and housing to persons experiencing homelessness, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10272021_2021-0734 | Speaker 1: Docket number 0734 councilor councilors Mejia and Balk offer the following order for a hearing regarding reparations and their impact on the civil rights of black Bostonians.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes Chair Julian me here, who is the chair of the Committee on Civil Rights. Consider my hand. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mr. President. Yesterday, the Committee on Civil Rights held a hearing on docket 0734 order for a hearing regarding reparations and their impact on civil rights on black Bostonians. It was a marathon hearing spanning over three and a half hours. We were joined by we were joined by several council colleagues, including Councilor Bach, the co-sponsor of this hearing. In addition to counsel readings, Slim Flaherty Campbell and Representative Brandy Fluker, Oakley also joined us. We structured the hearing into several different panels, starting with an African Libation by Dr. Ben Mer and Atlantic knowledge from Jean-Luc Pigott. Our first panel, consisting of Dr. Ben Damir and Dr. Jamari, come on to discuss the history of slavery and reparations, both not nationwide and in Boston in particular. Our second panel featured a number of amazing advocates, including Imani White. Good night Robinson, Tammy Atai, Tanisha Sullivan, Dr. Attia Martin and Kevin Peterson. The covered subjects range from health and wellness, land in gentrification, education, arts and culture, economic empowerment and more. I want to uplift equal in particular from Armani, who said it's important to recognize that we came here as slaves, we got free and we were able to purchase land. But then that land was taken from us by a city government and used to create a way for business. I wanted to uplift that quote in particular because it drives home that this conversation is not just about slavery. It's about the repeated injustices in policy decisions that have been made specifically to disenfranchize and target black communities. Our third panel consisted of a more this thing summarized and detailed several reparation efforts across the country and across the world, and reminded us that any effort towards reparations reparations here in Boston needs to be guided by a sense of healing and love. We were also grateful to have been joined by the administration who were not only present but listened and learned and moved their schedules around so that they can stay and take part in the conversation. We were joined by Chief Lori Nelson, Chief Salena Barros Miller and Jessica Felipe. During the hearing, several advocates, both on the panel and from those who presented public testimony, voiced their support and urged the council to take up the cause of creating a commission to explore reparations. We will continue to work with advocates to determine the best course of action, implementing a reparations program and process here in the city of Boston. I want to close out by sharing a quote, a quote offered by Dr. Camara. The question is not what needs to be done. The fundamental. Issue is whether we have the political will at this time will be keeping this order in committee. And I also would like to thank Tunisia Sullivan for inspiring us in filing this hearing order and all of the folks who have been doing the work to get us here. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilor Maguire. Did the co-sponsor wish to speak on this? I would just. Thank you. Thank you. The co-sponsor echoes the chair's report on that and docket 073 or anything else that we ought to speak on. Docket 0734 Seeing no takers. Docket 0734 shall remain in the Committee on Civil Rights. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0600? | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | Order for a hearing regarding reparations and their impact on the civil rights of Black Bostonians. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10272021_2021-0600 | Speaker 0: Docket 0734 shall remain in the Committee on Civil Rights. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0600?
Speaker 1: Certainly I could 0600 council zero off of the following wardens to create a task force to address literacy rates in the city of Boston.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair now recognizes the chair of the Committee on Governance Operations, Councilor Lydia Edwards. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank very much.
Speaker 3: I, I unfortunately could not chair this hearing. So I want to thank my vice chair, councilor at large, Michael Flaherty, for doing that. I do know that this is the conversation is to continue, however, and that the matter would stay in committee and work. We would have a working session to talk about the composition responsibilities of the task force. So now I'm going to turn it over to the vice chair and then, of course, the lead sponsor.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Chair. The chair recognizes the vice chair of the Committee on Governance Operations, Counselor Michael and Vice Chair Michael Flaherty. The floor is yours.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. President. This is a very important issue in our city. This will establish this ordinance will establish a literacy literacy task force to examine literacy rates. They will study the rates of literacy across Boston among adults and children, and also help develop a plan that will also put programs and policies in place to address literacy in the city. There's also a task force membership where non city Boston employees would be able to get a $100 stipend not to exceed a certain amount. And we had a great conversation with the administration and with the panelists that the lead sponsor had assembled. And questions remain. Of course, we put to put a series of questions in front of the administration. So we look forward to further discussion with the administration alongside our colleague and lead sponsor, Julie. Me here. Through. Through the chair to the lead sponsor. Sure.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. Chair now recognizes the lead sponsor and the At-Large Council from Dorchester Council. Julie May here. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to Council Clarity for chairing a great hearing. It was incredibly inspiring to be able to sit in a meeting with so many experts in their fields uniting around a common cause. Thank you to the advocates who made their voices heard Edith Bazile, Elizabeth Santiago, Lee Harlan, as well as members of the administration who came to offer their support, including during wind use of valley, Jennifer Viola Wang, Christine Duvalier. And we learned a lot about people. We learned a lot about we learned a lot about people who this ordinance was designed to help and how we can make our efforts even stronger. The first thing we learned is that this is a pathway to literacy is different for everyone. And while some people it may take a matter of months, for others it may be years before they are able to get on that path. This is why it's so important to ensure that one of the responsibilities of this task force is to find ways to make access to services easier for people who cannot read or write in any language. Because while people are learning to read and write, they also still need help with the services that our city provides. The second thing we learned is that people who are relying on these literacy services are coming from all back to all types of backgrounds in need services that are catered to their lived experiences. Some people are coming as doctors and lawyers from their homeland who can read and write in their native language but have very limited English proficiency. Other people have never learned to read or write, even in their native language, because of war, lack of funds, family obligations, physical abilities and more. We need services that cater to each of these groups that allow them to thrive. It seems like forming this task force will be the best way to ensure that we're coordinating and consolidating our services in the best way possible. And I also just want to take a quick moment to acknowledge that, you know, we talk a lot about the school to prison pipeline here in the city of Boston. And I think this is a key opportunity to really look into how a lot of our young people are struggling to read and write and showing up with social and emotional issues in class. And oftentimes they end up in d y. Yes. So if we can tackle the issue of literacy and get a handle of it, we might be able to address the school to prison pipeline. Then we also have our returning citizens who are coming back from incarceration and struggle with reading and writing and are unable to fill out a job application. So I think about those folks. It's a really serious about addressing the issues of violence and poverty. And this will be an opportunity for us to really look at some of the root causes of what some of our returning citizens are experiencing. And then we're thinking about those who are coming to this country and juggling to make their ends meet, who've come here with interrupted education and are struggling to read and write. So I see this task force as an opportunity to address a lot of the issues that we've been talking about here in the city of Boston, and do so in a way that's going to look at some of the root causes. So I'm really looking forward. Or to this conversation. And I'm looking forward to working alongside my partners here to move this as quickly as possible so that we can file this ordinance and get it passed through the council. Thank you very much.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, councilman here. DUCAT 0600 shall remain in the Committee on Government Operations, but motions, orders and resolutions. Madam Clerk, would you please read Docket 1135? | Committee Reports | On the Ordinance, referred on April 28, 2021, Docket #0600, to Create a Task Force to Address Literacy Rates in the City of Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending the ordinance ought to pass in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10272021_2021-1135 | Speaker 0: Thank you very much, councilman here. DUCAT 0600 shall remain in the Committee on Government Operations, but motions, orders and resolutions. Madam Clerk, would you please read Docket 1135?
Speaker 1: Serve me docket 1135. Councilor offered the following resolution supporting House Bill 1339 and Senate Bill 829, an act to guarantee debt free public higher education.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes the At-Large Council from Dorchester Councilor Julian. Here, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: All right. Today's my day was the last one. So thank you, Mr. President. Earlier this year, our body passed a resolution urging the Biden administration to cancel all student debt within their first 100 days in office. Sadly, as anyone burdened with the weight of student debt will tell you, that has not happened. However, thanks to thanks largely to the advocates of the community organizations and advocacy groups such as Zero Debt, Massachusetts and film efforts are underway in our State House to work towards addressing debt free public higher education. 8.1339.8.829. An Act to guarantee debt free public higher education submitted by Rep Higgins and Senator Eldridge is a systemic solution to the crisis of college unaffordability and student loan debt, which will guarantee tuition and fees free public college. It will also award additional cost of living, grant money to low income families to eliminate the need to borrow for housing, transportation, childcare, etc.. This is an incredibly impactful legislation, especially since Boston is home to UMass Boston, the city's only public research university and the third most diverse campus in the United States. UMass Boston is also a school where students are being saddled with debt that impacts their daily lives. Having access to debt free school in Boston would be an amazing opportunity for students who want to go to college but are afraid of taking on a lifelong debt. For those reasons, I move that we suspend and pass the rules to pass this resolution.
Speaker 0: Thank you for asking me here. Would any other councilors wish to speak on Docket 1135? Would any councilors wish to add their name as a co-sponsor to Docket 1135? Madam Clerk, please add Councilors Arroyo, Baker, Balk Parade and Campbell Edwards aside be George Flaherty Flynn please add the chair. Please add Councilor Will and Councilor me here seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 1135. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay, the ayes have it. The the docket is hereby adopted. The resolution is hereby adopted. Thank you very much. We're now moving on to late files and I am informed by the clerk that there is one late file matter which is a personnel order. All those in favor of adding the file matter to the agenda please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. Thank you. To file matter has been duly added to the agenda. And Madam Clerk, would you please read the late file matter into the record?
Speaker 1: Certainly. In the City Council. Oct 27, 2021. Councilor O'Malley for Councilor Edward. | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution Supporting H.1339/S.829 An Act to Guarantee Debt-Free Public Higher Education.
On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1068 | Speaker 1: Thank you. Docket 1067 shall be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Madam Clerk, Docket 1068.
Speaker 0: Docket 1068 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and extend an amount of $425,881 in the form of a grant for the FY 21 Burn Justice Assistant Grant Local allocation awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice to be administered by the police department. The grant will fund a domestic violence management analyst at the Family Justice Center, a hub and center responsibility coordinator and a technical technology coordinator for multiple data collection, reporting and recording management system.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Chair now recognizes the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice Councilor Campbell. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: I thank you. Council President O'Malley seeking suspension of the rules and passage of docket 01068. Pretty self-explanatory. The department's received this in the past. It has to do with obviously solving issues and dealing with issues of domestic violence. It's an analyst position. We obviously want to get the resources to them relatively quickly. It's a relatively small amount when you think about how quickly they get these grants. And so I would love to suspend the rules and pass this today. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Counsel for Campbell Gonzales. Andrea Campbell, chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, seeks suspension of the roles and passage of Docket 1068. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read one docket 1069. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Four Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty One Dollars ($425,881.00) in the form of a grant for the FY21 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant-Local Allocation, awarded by the United States Department of Justice to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund a Domestic Violence Management Analyst at the Family Justice Center, a Hub & Center of Responsibility Coordinator and a Technology Coordinator for multiple data collection, reporting and record management systems. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1069 | Speaker 1: The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read one docket 1069.
Speaker 0: Docket 1069 message in order, authorize the city of Boston to accept an expanded amount of $10,000 in the form of a grant to the FBI. 22 National Violent Deaths Reporting System Grant awarded by the Mass Department of Public Health to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund data collection by the Bureau of Investigative Services and Drug Control Unit.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The Chair once again recognizes the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Councilor Campbell. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you. So I just want to quickly undock at 1068. I mentioned that it funds a domestic violence management analysts, but funds to other positions. So I want to clarify, one is a hub and center responsibility coordinator, and this is a relatively new position to help certain districts actually coordinate the department, working with other social service agencies , other departments to do case management work and to solve specific types of crimes in cases. So want to flag that and a technology coordinator. So I neglected to mention that for docket 1069 seeking suspension of the rules and passage of that docket, it's pretty self-explanatory. It's a really small amount given what this department tends to receive. It's $10,000. It will be.
Speaker 3: Used to support data collection by the Bureau.
Speaker 2: Of Investigative Services and the Drug Control.
Speaker 1: Unit.
Speaker 2: It's a grant we've received in the past. We want to get these resources to them as quickly as possible.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Thank you very much. Once again, the chair of the Committee on Public Safety in Criminal Justice Counsel Andrea Campbell, seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket 1069 $10,000 grant. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 1070. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) in the form a grant for the FY22 National Violent Death Reporting System Grant, award by the MA Department of Public of Health to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund data collection by the Bureau of Investigative Services and the Drug Control Unit. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1077 | Speaker 0: of Labor Relations effective October 4th, 2021. Docket number 171076 notices received from the acting year of the appointment of Canin. There are you then jot down. You'll be proud of me as a member of the Conservation Commission. You'll get number 1077 notices received from the Acting Mayor for absence from the city from 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 9th, 2021, until 4 p.m. on Sunday, October ten, 2021.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Chair now recognizes the District Council from East Boston. Councilor Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you. I just wanted to publicly congratulate Kane on the opening of them. I think I got it. You did? Disappointment to the con com. Many of you know he's already on our committee for his incredible dedication to green space. To a green future. Has is is well known. But more importantly, the fact that he would now be on the con comm and helping us to regulate how we're developing and where development is or isn't going. And honestly, living in an environmental justice community in East Boston, to have his sites to help protect the entire city is something I'm very excited about. So I just wanted to put out there. This Boston is extremely proud of you. CONAN And, of course, all of my colleagues as well.
Speaker 1: Hare. Hare Well said, Councilor Edwards. Madam Clerk, would you please update the attendance record to indicate that Councilor Frank Baker has joined us as well and dockets 1071321077 shall be placed on file. We're now moving on to reports of committees.
Speaker 0: Docket number 0685. The Committee on Government Operations, to which is referred on May 19th, 2021. Docket number 0685. In order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for affordable housing submits, a report recommending. | Report of Public Officer | Notice was received from the Acting Mayor of her absence from the City from 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 9, 2021until 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 10, 2021. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-0685 | Speaker 0: Docket number 0685. The Committee on Government Operations, to which is referred on May 19th, 2021. Docket number 0685. In order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for affordable housing submits, a report recommending. The order ought to pass in a new direction.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Madam Clerk. I now would like to record. Recognize. Councilor Edwards, the chair of the Committee on Government Ops.
Speaker 2: Councilor Edwards, you have the floor. Thank you very much. Again, this is a stock. It is about making sure that we are building appropriately and avoiding frivolous lawsuits as we're trying to house some of our most vulnerable populations. This is not about getting rid of parking. This is about making sure that if we are going to be increasing the affordability in this case, up to 60% of the units having to be at 100% or less that there should be an exchange not just with developers, but also with the neighborhoods. We don't want people to be subjugated or to be prevented from being housed because one person doesn't want those kinds of people in their neighborhood. That's what prompted our colleagues today to push this forward. We believe in affordable housing. We believe in building, and we don't think that we should have. This parking requirement currently is written as an excuse for those who don't want those kinds of people in their neighborhoods. This is a very well crafted ordinance that essentially would only apply to 46 projects in the last two and a half years, and only nine of them actually even needed a variance for parking. Again, the appropriate amount of parking can be built with this ordinance. It is just simply removing it as an opportunity for someone to sue to block a building from being built. I'm excited to support this. And I can tell you, I was one of the first early skeptics about it because parking is a huge issue, especially in East Boston. Majority of these projects that are 60% or more aren't being built right now in Boston. So it wouldn't actually impact a lot of folks in the neighborhoods I represent. But it is as much as there's that wonderful project that comes along that's 100% affordable that is going to house our seniors, house our families and make it a place, a neighborhood, be vibrant and thrive even further. I want to make sure I remove any excuse from those who don't want those people in their neighborhood, including suing over the fact that there isn't enough parking. And that's what this is doing. I want to congratulate the sponsors for this ordinance. I want to thank Councilor Bob, Councilor O'Malley. And I believe this councilor now Councilor Boston Councilor O'Malley, for your leadership. And I will now turn it over to those sponsors. But I do recommend that we move forward, that we build forward for families and we make sure that parking isn't the only thing we're focused on, but housing people. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Thank you. Councilor Edwards, the chair now recognizes.
Speaker 2: The lead sponsor, Councilor Bar Council. But you have the floor. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Thank you so much to Councilor Edwards for her work leading us through the government operations process with this and to my colleague, President O'Malley on it, as well as Councilor Edwards said, this is it's a targeted measure and it's really meant to prevent us from losing and delaying critically needed affordable housing for seniors, supportive housing, etc., on the basis of of these parking minimums in the zoning code. And we have seen a number of lawsuits that have gone that are based on the variances being granted for these projects. And parking is is one of the key components of that. Often I have to say that I was very moved. We there was a protest in Councilor O'Malley's district on September 18th, and we heard from a lot of the folks at Mass Senior Action there. And the number of them came to the hearing and also testified this month. And, you know, when you really put a face to the unit that you're not getting, when we talk about those 38 units at the JP project and you really realize that this is an it's not a theoretical debate. And and I think that, you know, this we we still have to send to the zoning commission. But I think that it would it would reflect a really important update to help us get more of those units through. And I think this is a body that agrees that we need more units like that all over the city as fast as possible. So I, uh, I'm very grateful to the chair for her recommendation today, and I would urge colleagues to join me and President O'Malley in supporting this measure. Thank you so much, Madam Chair.
Speaker 4: Thank you very much, Councilor Bach. The chair now recognizes the co-sponsor.
Speaker 2: Councilor O'Malley. Councilor O'Malley, you now have a. Oh, stop.
Speaker 1: We.
Speaker 2: Can I have the floor?
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. And thank you, of course, to the chair of the Government Operations Committee, Councilor Edwards, and my dear colleague and co-sponsor Councilor. Very simply, there's a old expression many of us know for me once. Shame on you. Fool me twice. Shame on me. I'm not going to let us be fool twice on this. And we actually had two very concrete examples of this weaponization of parking minimums to prevent needed affordable housing in my district, directly across the street from one another, Pine Street, and had a project that was for formerly unhoused individuals. Right across the street, the JPM, DC, one of the premier neighbor development corporations had a heated senior affordable housing. All want both 100% affordable. They went through a robust community process. And I want to be clear, because I think some skeptics may say, well, the community process is sacrosanct. Of course it is. And as a district councilor, I know that better than most, and you know that better than most. Both of these projects had a robust community process where the community came together, hammered out issues around parking, around gentrification, around affordability, around height, around shadows, around environmental ism. You run the gamut. And both projects were almost 100% supported by every neighborhood group, every civic association. That's no small feat in Jamaica Plain, particularly, ladies and gentlemen, both of these were as positive and as supported a projects that I've seen, and both have been held up by the same individual under the guise of parking. And what we're seeking to do here is to have a simple but impactful change to the zoning code that will no longer allow parking minimum minimums to derail otherwise incredibly supported projects. This this text amendment does not change the fact that we do need parking people have cars. This does not change the fact that anything can be built without any community process or any opportunity for folks to weigh in. But what it simply does is it allows a fix of a real problem which is holding up affordable housing units right now. Thank you to the co-sponsor for her great work today, the chair of the committee for her leadership and again to the individuals who came and who testified and who offered their perspective. That was the most compelling reason why we should vote for this. So thank you for allowing me to speak on this and look forward to urge you all to please vote on the affirmative present. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilor O'Malley. The chair now recognizes the District five Councilor Councilor Arroyo.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the sponsors for this ordinance. We in District five had a project. It predates my tenure by just a little bit that was a 100% affordable that was actually killed due to parking concerns prior to getting approval. And we know as district councilors that parking can often be a five letter word depending on who you're speaking to. But we also know in this city we are facing record levels of displacement, the cost of survival and living, and is making it from today to tomorrow in the city rises every day. The cost of living in the city and buying homes or property has drastically increased. If you look at what it cost my parents to move into Hyde Park in 1981 to what it would cost and has cost my siblings to try and continue to live in Hyde Park today. It's it's night and day. And so I see this as dealing with climate change being the other imminent crisis, the crisis of the day, which is affordable housing in the city of Boston. And anything we can do and I and I strictly mean this, I see it as our obligation to do anything we can do to lessen the burden on developers and on communities to welcome and to have affordable housing in their neighborhoods. I will always argue that having that housing for an individual and we heard moving and gripping testimony during the hearing for this makes a world of difference. And if the tradeoff is a parking space so that somebody can leave a shelter, somebody can have a place to call home, somebody can lay down roots in our neighborhoods and be valuable members to us. I would take that a million times to one, and so I hope that this passes. I hope that we as a body put our strength behind this unanimously. But I am thankful that this hit the ground. And I welcome more more ordinances like this that make it easier for affordable housing to be built into existing city. Boston. So thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the makers, Councilor O'Malley and Councilor, but.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilor Arroyo. Anyone else looking to speak on this matter? Councilor Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket number 0685 in a new draft. All those in favor say I'd add. Any opposed? The ayes have it matter has passed.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor Siby George, for taking over the podium. Madam Clerk, we are now moving along to when you please re docket 0958. Sorry if that's.
Speaker 0: Drug it's 0958. The Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities to which is referred in September 15th, 2021, docket number 0958. Message In order authorizing City of Boston to accept and extend in the amount of $100,000 in the forms of a grant for the No Kid Hungry award by sheer strength to be administered by the Office of | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on May 19, 2021, Docket #0685, Regarding a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for affordable housing, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass in a new draft.
The report was accepted; the order was passed in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1001 | Speaker 0: The grant will fund the Long Term Care Ombudsman program for the for the period of April 1st, 2021 through June 30th 22. Docket number 1001 The Committee on Boston COVID 19 Recovery to which is referred on September 22nd, 2021. Docket number 1001 message in order authorizes the city of Boston to accept and expand an amount of $140,121 in the form of a grant for the American Rescue Plan. Title three D awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed by the Mass Executive Office Building, appears to be administered by the H. Drawing Commission. The grant will fund preventative health services for older adults in Boston for the period of April 1st, 2021 through June 30th, 2022.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes Michael and Councilor Michael Flaherty, chair of the Committee on Boston's COVID 19 Recovery. Chair Flaherty The floor is yours if you wish to speak on all dockets, and then we will take individual votes. If that's your prerogative.
Speaker 5: That would be great. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. The committee held a hearing on October the 14th. The following individuals from the administration were present h strong commissioner emily shea. Francis Thomas, the director of ATF and Deputy Commissioner, Programs of Partnerships and melissa carlson. The committee discussed how the funds would be used. Commissioner Commissioner Shea explained that the Commission typically receives these funds every year through the Older Americans Act and that more money is available this year through the American Rescue Plan Act. The services include supportive services, nutrition services, caregiver services, administrative funds and to fund the Ombudsman program. Commissioner Shea explained that some of the funds will be used in-house, but that a majority of the funds will be used for the Aging Services Network. Commissioner Shea explained that there would be an RFP this year and that funds will go out to organizations that are working with the city and that the funds through the APA may be used for outreach communities. Commissioner Shea also explained that there will be an RFP for mental health and wellness services for older adults and there will be an opportunity for smaller businesses as well as NBS, because these contracts will be smaller and the issues that we've been grappling with is taking those big contracts and breaking them down. This may be a perfect opportunity for companies that provide those services. Passage of these dockets will authorize increased funding to enhance the services provided by the Commission. The additional funding will allow the Commission to continue its work with outside community organizations throughout the city to provide supportive services for seniors. Under the opera, the city will use these funds for outreach services in order to ensure that seniors have access to the services network. As chair of the Committee on Boston's COVID 19 Recovery, I recommend that target 0994209952099620997 in docket 099901001. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. Chair Florida, if I may editorialize, I think this is the and demonstrates the importance of having this very specific committee, and I hope it remains with next year's council. So thank you for your work on all these. We will vote on them individually. Councilor Michael Florey, chair of the Committee on Boston's COVID 19 Recovery, seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 099. For all those in favor, please indicate by saying I. I pause name the ayes have it. The docket 99 four is passed. Councilor Flaherty seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 990995. All those in favor please indicate by saying I. I opposed nay. The ayes have it. Docket 0995 has passed. Council Clarity seeks expert acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0996. All those in favor please indicate by saying I opposed nay. The ayes have it. Docket 0996 has passed. Councilor Flaherty seeks acceptance of committee report and passage of docket 0997. All those in favor please indicate by saying I. I oppose name you guys have a docket 0997 has passed council Flaherty seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 0999. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay the ayes have it. Docket 0999 has passed. And Councilor Flaherty, chair of the Committee on Boston's COVID 19 Recovery, seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1001. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose names. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you, Chair Flaherty. Folks, if you will indulge me, I just want to be mindful of our guests here. And, Madam Clerk, we're going to take one item out of order. We will then return to this part of the meeting. But right now, I'd like to ask you to read in place before this body docket 1078, which is under motions, orders and resolutions. | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on September 22, 2021, Docket #1001, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expand the amount of One Hundred Forty Thousand One Hundred Twenty-One Dollars ($140,121.00) in the form of a grant, for the American Rescue Plan Act, Title III-D, awarded by the U.S. Department of Human Health and Services, passed though the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund preventative health services for older adults in Boston, for the period 4/1/21 through 6/30/22, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1014 | Speaker 1: Madam Clerk, we are now moving back to reports of committees. Would you please read Docket 1014?
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. President. Docket 1014 The Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities, to which was referred at September 29th, 2021. Docket number 1014. Message In order authorizing City of Boston to accept and expend an amount of $500,000 in the form of a grant for the FBI. 21 Gus Shoemaker Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program awarded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and USDA to be administered by the Office of Food Access. The grant will fund projects to increase the purchase of fresh, fresh fruits and vegetables by low income SNAP consumers.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The Chair now recognized Councilor Liz Braid and Chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities. Chair Braden, the floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. President. I'm also on Friday, October 1st, we had a committee on the Strong Women, Families and Communities held a hearing on the docket 1014. We were joined by Catalina Lopez Ospina, director of Food Access. The previous common sense talk Feeney has read is pretty self-explanatory. This new funding will also allow for additional store locations to participate in the Boston Double Up Box program. Currently, there are 12 stores participating in neighborhoods across the city with an anticipation of adding another 4 to 6 more stores. With this funding, it is my recommendation that the council to the council that we would accept and pass this docket. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank very much. Councilor Liz Braden, chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities, seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1014. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, we are moving along to docket 1013.
Speaker 0: Docket 1013 message, an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept an amount of $750,000 in the form of the Land Water Conservation Fund. Grant awarded by the National Park Service, passed to the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on September 29, 2021, Docket #1014, 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 FY21 Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, awarded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture-USDA to be administered by the Office of Food Access. The grant will fund projects to increase the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables by low-income SNAP consumers, , the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1013 | Speaker 0: Docket 1013 message, an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept an amount of $750,000 in the form of the Land Water Conservation Fund. Grant awarded by the National Park Service, passed to the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will be used for improvements at Malcolm X Park. It will make parks, entrances and play areas compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Madam Clerk. Chair recognizes President Pro Tempore and Chair of the Committee on Environment and Parks.
Speaker 1: And you, Madam Chair, resiliency advocates. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. You know, I've been around long enough to have seen a number of these park renovations and rehabilitations come to fruition. And it's one of the most exciting things to see. And this one is particularly exciting. Malcolm X Park in the heart of District seven, it's across from the Higginson Louis School, which is a very special bus public school. It's where my mother and my late sister taught for a number of years. And kids love this park. It's a huge park. And it's a park that has not seen a lot of love and TLC through the years until now. This is the there's been a total of, I want to say, a 6.6, $5 million in terms of what's been invested in this park for a full renovation. And this is one of the final large grants, three quarters of $1,000,000, which is going to make it ADA compliant. I think that's particularly important, particularly with the school next door, that does have a number of students who do utilize use wheelchairs. So to allow them to be able to take advantage of this great park and open space is going to be phenomenal. There are some really gorgeous stone walls there, the old fashioned, which are being preserved. This is something this is a park that the Olmstead brothers had designed. And they are keeping very much in the spirit of the Olmstead ian design. There may be some changes, but that's the tradeoff to make it more accessible and is someone who who counts himself a historian. It is more important to have accessibility than historical accuracy. But nevertheless, much of it will be in the vein of the Olmsted brothers, and it's going to have water features, it's going to have the permeated playground surfaces, which which is easier in case a kid falls down now, which is something I'm becoming more familiar with, the frequency that that occurs. And it's just a really great project. So thanks, of course, to Councilor Ed Flynn. First one at the hearing has some really great questions. Not his district, but he knows how important this is for everyone in Boston. So thank you, Councilor Flynn, for your great support on this. Let's vote on this. Let's get this done. The ribbon cutting will be a year from this upcoming summer. So about a year and a half or nearly two years from now, it's going to be a great celebration and I can't wait to attend. So I'm happy to take any additional comments. But I'm asking for passage of this docket. It's going to be absolutely transformative for a really important park in our city. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. President. Would any other councilors like to speak on. Number 1013. Seeing none. The chair moves for adoption of the committee report and passage of Docket 1013. All those in favor say any posting? No, the ayes have it.
Speaker 2: Docket 1013 has been passed.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor Woo! Moving right along to docket zero 8 to 5, I believe. Correct. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on September 29 , 2021 Docket #1013, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00) in the form of a Land Water Conservation Fund grant awarded by the National Park Service, passed through the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, to be administered by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The grant will be used for improvements at Malcolm X Park that will make paths, entrances, and play areas compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-0825 | Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor Woo! Moving right along to docket zero 8 to 5, I believe. Correct.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Yes. Docket 0 to 5. Mr. Schneider authorizing the city of Boston to accept an extended amount of $672,685.60 in the form of a grant for the FBI. 22 Youth Works awarded by the Mass Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, passed to the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Boston to be administered by the Youth Engagement and employment. The grant will fund the summer 2021 Success Link Employment Program.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clark. The Chair now recognizes the chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities, counselor Liz Braid and Floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. President. On Monday, October 18th, the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities heard a hearing on Docket 100825. We were joined by Rashad Kolb, director of the Youth Employment, Engagement and Employment. We provided testimony on behalf of the Administration Youth Works Grant six 672,000 to reimburse the city. This money has already been spent in this past summer on the Youth Success Linked Youth Jobs program from July 25 to August 27th. The Youth Works is Subsidized Youth Employment Program, administered by the Massachusetts Commonwealth Corporation, designed to provide low income teens and young adults 14 to 21 years of age with their first employment experiences, work readiness , training and skills to find and keep an unsubsidized job. In financial year 21, 372 eligible youth were identified as youth work participants and were employed across over 25 community based organizations and 13 seasonal staff were hired in support of this program. It is the recommendation, my recommendation to the Council that this matter ought to pass. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, counselor Liz Braden, chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities, seeks passage of Docket 0825. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. No, the ayes have it. The docket has passed. Moving right along to docket.
Speaker 0: 0826.0826 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expend an amount of $476,666 in the form of a grant for nutrition services for Boston. Elders awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed to the mass executive office of Elder appears to be administered by the Strong Commission. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on June 30, 2021 Docket #0825, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Six Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Five Dollars and Sixty Cents ($672,685.60) in the form of a grant for the FY22 YouthWorks, awarded by the MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, passed through the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Boston, to be administered by the Youth Engagement & Employment. The grant will fund the Summer 2021 Success Link Employment Program, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-0826 | Speaker 0: 0826.0826 message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expend an amount of $476,666 in the form of a grant for nutrition services for Boston. Elders awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed to the mass executive office of Elder appears to be administered by the Strong Commission. The grant will fund the FBI 21 Title three C supplemental.
Speaker 1: The chair now recognizes once again Councilor Liz Braden, Chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities. Counselor Braden, you have the floor.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. President. Also again, we had a hearing that we combined many of these dockets this past Monday. On October 18th, a strong committee on strong women, families and communities heard here had a hearing on this docket 0826. And we were joined by Emily Shea, commissioner of the of Strong and Francis Thomas, director of administration and finance for Age Strong, who both provided testimony on behalf of the administration. The docket includes $476,000 to supplement Title three funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services for the Elderly Nutrition Program. This program provides meals at hundred and 284,000 meals for up to 2700 older adults through congregate nutritional lunch sites and Meals on Wheels program. As we found during COVID, this is a vitally important program and supports not only the cost of meals, but also the cost of delivering meals and providing nutritional assessment, nutritional counseling and nutritional education . At this time, it's my recommendation to the council that we accept and expand this docket out to pass.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. Chair Louise Braden, chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities, seeks passage of Docket 0826. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1011. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on June 30, 2021 Docket #0825, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Four Hundred Seventy Six Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Six Dollars ($476,666.00) in the form of a grant for Nutrition Services for Boston elders, 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 FY21 Title IIIC Supplemental, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1011 | Speaker 1: Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1011.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Do I get 1011 message? An order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and extend an amount of $1,768,378.56 in the form of a grant for the FBI. 22 state elder lunch program awarded by the Mass Executive Office of Elder appears to be administered by the Eight Strong Commission. The grant will fund nutrition services for up to 240 284,394 older adults in the city of Boston at a cost of $6 or $0.24 per meal.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair recognizes a very busy council is Braden, chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities. Chair Berrien, you have the floor.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Mr. President. I think there's a slight correction. It is not 206 elders, individual people, elders. It is that's the number of of lunches that will be delivered, not the number of people we're serving. So I think that's a correction that we should probably.
Speaker 1: Make a fair point. We will, uh.
Speaker 3: That's. Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Thank you for the correction. Thanks for those paying attention. Just to provide a clarity sake that in the packet it says Docket 1011 will find nutrition services for up to 284,000 1390 for older adults. And that is actually about meals.
Speaker 3: Meals rather than individual older.
Speaker 1: Adults. Thank you. But I.
Speaker 3: Think we have ballooned the population of Boston significantly for that.
Speaker 1: Number. Absolutely. Absolutely.
Speaker 2: Thank you.
Speaker 3: So again, we have this hearing on October 18th. And so we were joined again by Commissioner Shea and the administration and finance director Francis Thomas of age strong. And it's sort of self-evident this this these monies were a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, which will also provide funding for the city's elder nutrition program in addition to the previously mentioned Grant. At this time, it's my recommendation to the council that this matter ought to pass. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Chair. Councilor Braden, chair of the Committee on Strong Women, Families and Communities, seeks passage of Docket 1011. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1011 has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0849? | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred September 29, 2021 Docket 1011, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Million Seven Hundred Sixty Eight Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars and Fifty Six Cents ($1,768,378.56) in the form of a grant for the FY22 State Elder Lunch Program, awarded by the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund nutrition services for up to 284,394 meals for older adults in the City of Boston at $6.24 per meal, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-0849 | Speaker 1: Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0849?
Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 0849 Message. In order for your approval of the receipt of a preservation restriction agreement on 41 Melrose Street, Boston, Mass. 02116 by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, DBA, historic New England.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clerk, that you're now recognized as Councilor Michelle Wu, chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Chair. Will you have the floor?
Speaker 3: I want to thank our colleague and the district councilor who represents this area for stepping in to chair the hearing. So we'll defer to him and then ask for to move this forward for passage.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. The Chair now recognizes the District Councilor and temporary chair during this hearing. CHAIR Excuse me, Councilor Ed Flynn. The floor is yours.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, we had a productive and informative hearing yesterday on the stock docket, and I was joined by counsel of Counsel Braden, as well as Joe CORNISH and Rosanne Foley from the Boston Landmark Commission. This is a preservation restriction agreement between a property and the village, which I proudly represent in the historic and historic New England, which is an agreement that outlines what the property can and cannot do in order to preserve its historic elements. This agreement needs to go through city and state to get approval in order for it to be rendered perpetual. This is a private agreement, and once it's approved, the historic details of the property will be preserved and protected. And if there are renovations needed, the owner would need to get approval from historic New England and the Bay Village Historic District Commission. This property was constructed in the 1840s, and this agreement will preserve its preserve its exterior staircase, interior details, fireplace and other features. This is a great way to preserve some of our city's historic properties, and it is supported by all parties involved. I also want to thank and acknowledge Consalvo and her staff. I hope that we can vote to approve this preservation restriction agreement today. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. The chair recognizes the district councilor from Beacon Hill. Councilor Kenzie Bach. The floor is yours on docket 0849.
Speaker 2: Thank you so much, Mr. President. And thank you to everyone for your indulgence. Although this is not in my district, I feel, I think is the only daughter of Bay Village ever to serve on this body. And that I just wanted to say a word about why I'm so excited about this. It's four doors down from the house I grew up in. And, you know, I think a lot of folks don't know that Bay Village was very much built into the name Bay Village like back Bay. It's on Phil and it was when it was first built, it was very much a tradesperson neighborhood and it was inhabited by and these are smaller houses, many of the people who were building the grand mansions of the back bay. And so you have Bay Village kind of come in in the 1830s, 1840s, and then when the back bay gets filled in and you have those buildings in the 1860s seventies, this is really an artisan neighborhood. And so a lot of the interior features that a preservation restriction like this is going to protect are the kinds of hallmarks of that sort of tradesperson housing, smaller rooms like sort of functional approach that often goes kind of unnoticed when again, we focus only on the kind of grand mansions. And there's also some pretty cool built history here. If everyone looks on the very back of the packet, this passageway that runs between two of the buildings, these run along Melrose Street between a bunch of the buildings. And you can see stairs because shortly after they built the neighborhood, it started flooding and they realized they needed to raise the street. And so they actually they actually raised this the street like, I think six or even ten feet and then kept these sunken gardens in the back. And so as a result, there's like a kind of floors worth of difference between the back and the front of the houses. So I just think, you know, it's some it's important it's some important hidden history in the city. And this really does reflect private leadership, both the owner deciding to go for this preservation restriction and historic there and then being willing to steward it. So I do think that the least we can do as the public body that won't be responsible for enforcing it is to give it our go ahead in this moment so strongly endorse the chair and the chair pro tempore is here. So thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. Would anyone else wish to speak on docketed 0849 saying no takers? Councilor Michel Wu, chair of the Committee on Planning, Development, Transportation, as well as Councilor Flynn and Councilor Box. Seek passage. Seek passage of docket 0849. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0638? | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred on July 21, 2021 Docket # 0849, for your approval of the receipt of a Preservation Restriction Agreement on 41 Melrose Street, Boston, Ma 02116 by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities d/b/a Historic New England, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted, the order was passed | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-0638 | Speaker 1: All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0638?
Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 0638 An Ordinance to Create Boston Commemoration Commission.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Councilor Edwards, chair. Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. I'm excited to bring this before the body. Excuse me. We're going to I'm excited to simply say that we had a robust conversation about this. We're going to keep it actually in committee. My apologies to lead sponsor, but this is a conversation that's going exceptionally well about really reflecting and celebrating all of our history. And how many of us were part of building this beautiful city and looking at the diversity that was part of that tapestry. So I'm going to recommend that it stay in committee as we further adjust some language and make sure that this is still done this year. Thank you. Great.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Thank you very much. Chair Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Governance Operations, has asked and we shall remain in committee for Docket 0638. Moving right along to motions, orders and resolutions. For those who may be watching, we've taken docket 1078 out of order. So the first one we will begin to discuss now is docket 1079 Docket 1079. | Committee Reports | On the message and ordinance, referred on May 5, 2021, Docket #0638, to create the Boston Commemoration Commission, the committee submitted a report recommending that the ordinance ought to pass in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1080 | Speaker 1: Councilor Edwards. Councilor Clarity. Councilor Flynn. Councilor Siby George. Beside the chair. Please add Councilor Wu as well and docket 1079 shall be referred to the Committee on Education. And I'm Clark. Would you now please read docket 1080 Docket 1080.
Speaker 0: Councilors Edwards and Arroyo are for the following resolution in support of Senate Bill 874 and House Bill 1435, an act promoting housing stability and homelessness prevention in Massachusetts.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The chair now recognizes the district council from East Boston. Councilor Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much, Mr. President. I was hoping to for 12 and add Councilor Baucus and original co-sponsor.
Speaker 1: Councilor Lydia Edwards seek suspension of Rule 12 and the addition of Councilor Kenzie BLOCK as an original co-sponsor on Docket 1080. Seeing no objection, she is hereby added. Please proceed.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. I'm presenting this resolution today to my colleagues, and I hope that you will support Senate Bill 874 and House Bill 1436. Currently before the Joint Committee on Housing, we provide both low income and vulnerable tenants and owner occupants, also landlords of 1 to 3 family homes at their sole dwelling as their sole dwelling with legal representation. I'll repeat this. This is a bill to provide legal representation to both tenants and landlords, small landlords and low income tenants. Why is it necessary? I come to you as a former tenant and our current landlord. The deals are simply better. The conversations are smoother. People feel more represented and they feel that they are being heard and have access to justice when they are represented by an attorney. 85% of landlords have an attorney. I believe less than 6% of tenants who come before the court trying to fight for their homes have an attorney . That doesn't make sense. I come to you also as a legal services attorney who understands that half the battle is oftentimes helping them navigate the system. Someone who gets an eviction notice, clams up, gets frightened, and may end up doing things that are not necessary, moving fast or signing documents they don't need to don't understand because they are trying their best to get rid of this situation. And what I encourage is for people to talk immediately to either go to mediation. But I can't imagine how frightening it is to show up in court. You don't have childcare. You're there with your child sometimes and you're sitting there waiting for whoever knows how long because everyone is told to show up at 9:00 in the morning and then you're there the entire day. You'll miss your hourly wages. You might end up threatening your job or losing your job. You're having all of these burdens placed on you. I also know the other side as a landlord. I haven't received rent. I'm dealing with difficult tenants and they won't talk to me because they're intimidated. Obviously, I'm their landlord and I own the building that they live in and I want nothing more oftentimes to be able to pick up the phone and negotiate right away with whoever represents them. I want to resolve the issues. And I think most landlords and most tenants want a resolution. But if you are sitting there talking with someone who may not speak English, doesn't have an attorney, how can you honestly say you're giving them a true attempt in a true, honorable way to negotiate for their ability to stay or to leave on dignified terms? You can't. So this right to counsel, Bill, is going to help out those low income tenants. It's going to help out those small landlords who oftentimes cannot afford an attorney either because the rents are paying their mortgage. Right. These are people who are making huge amounts of money. These are people oftentimes who are on Social Security who may have paid off their mortgage, and then that is their only income. I think they should have a right to counsel as well. And I'm happy that this bill does both. This is a moment where we need to really assess honestly how all of our systems are working. The housing system isn't working. It isn't working for a lot of landlords. It certainly isn't working for a lot of tenants. And so I think this is one more tool in the toolbox to help both sides get to resolutions and to really affirm in the state of Massachusetts that housing is a human right. So I am I, I specifically wanted to invite Councilor Arroyo into this conversation and to be a lead sponsor because he already has done the work at CPC. KPCC's Excuse me, and making sure and understanding of the right to counsel oftentimes is a right to literally life. And freedom. And I wanted I wanted his voice and I wanted his perspective. And I thank you for being a co-sponsor for this cancer radio.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The channel recognizes the district council from Hyde Park in the lead co-sponsor, Councilor Ricardo Arroyo. The floor is yours. Thank you. And thank you to Councilor Edwards for your leadership on this. This is not a new issue for you that you've been leading on. And as a public defender, my my job often meant that I was actually in different courts, including house in court sometimes for my clients, where I had to ask for permission to represent them in those spaces. Because the latest, you know, before it was trendy, my big thing was to tell folks that stabilization was the key word in the work that I did that folks were living on stabilized lives. And largely the biggest stabilization factor for them was housing and their lack of housing or the tenuous understanding that they had that the housing could be taken from them in time. This right to counsel for eviction proceedings for housing rights. Most folks do not know their housing rights. Most folks are actively Googling or trying to figure out in some format where you're processing your housing advocacy and that in the system's not built for that. It's systems not built to treat people who are processed respectfully. It's not built to their benefit. It's not built for folks who don't understand the system. There is no doubt in my mind that if we had counsel or right to counsel for housing, housing rights and for folks going through eviction proceedings, we would see very different outcomes . And we would also see a very different approach from landlords and from folks who use this maliciously. And to give you a sense of that, in my district this last year, we had Beacon Properties, which is Georgetown is better known as Georgetown Homes, where they issued hundreds of eviction notices, specifically for the purpose of scaring the residents into applying for at the time rental relief program. I believe they've then rescinded all of that. However, because eviction proceedings are forever on somebody's record, all of them carry that black mark. I think we've been doing some repair work on that, but that is the kind of carelessness and callousness that it leads to when, you know, there won't be a check, when you know that there's not going to be an attorney on the other side of that who says what you're doing is wrong, what you're doing is actually incorrect. And unfortunately, for many folks who find themselves in these situations, they do not have the resources or the ability to hire private attorneys to go to folks for counsel. This is a wildly important thing for residents. It's something that the state is well behind. And I think this bill has been present for a while. They've certainly been advocating for this for a while. And I hope we see this done because exiting this pandemic, we're heading into a time of real financial and fiscal uncertainty where folks need those kinds of resources, folks need those kinds of protections and they deserve them. So thank you to Counselor Edwards for her leadership on sponsoring this. I'm happy to co-sponsor this, and I look forward to eventually seeing real change for these folks on a on a state and city level. Thank you. Thank you, Counselor Arroyo. The chair now recognizes the second co-sponsor, the district council from Beacon Hill, Councilor Kenzie Bok. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you so much, Mr. President. And thank you to Councilors Edwards and Arroyo for allowing me to join. I was proud to testify in favor of this bill at the State House last week. And I just really you know, I want to emphasize the point that, you know, the service that Councilor Arroyo did as a public defender is so critical, as my brother does that now. And and yet we have this split system where we know someone's entitled to that on the criminal side, but on the civil side, they're not. And obviously, the notion there is that something more significant is happening on the criminal side, because you might lose your liberty. Right. And and not on the civil side. But I think we all just have to recognize that when someone is at risk of losing their housing because of a court action that is as fundamental to their life as the as the possibility of imprisonment oftentimes, and it can really derail things in a really fundamental way. So I just think I really commend our Department of Neighborhood Development, and I'm glad that the council has been able to partner with the administration over the past sort of year and a half with COVID to to get ourselves the kind of, you know, right to council style pilot in Boston and to put resources there. But it's just fundamentally different. If we could actually do it at the state level and make it a kind of a real stable commitment that we have to to people's legal rights being upheld. It's just changing the game for tenants so strongly in support of this. And and I hope that the council will join in passing it today. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor. But would anybody else wish to speak on docket 1080 saying none. Would any councilors wish to add their name as a co-sponsor? Madam Clerk, please add Councilor Baker. Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Siby George. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flynn, Councilor me here please add the chair. Please add Councilor Wu. And you're asking for suspension of the rules, right? Sponsors? Yes. So Councilors Edwards, Arroyo and Bok are seeking suspension of the roles and adoption of Docket 1080. All those in favor, please indicate by saying. I suppose the ayes have it. The docket has passed. It's been adopted. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1081? | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution in Support of S.874 and H.1435, an Act Promoting Housing Stability and Homelessness Prevention In Massachusetts.
On motion of Edwards , rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Bok as a co-sponsor.
On motion of Councilor Edwards, Arroyo and Bok, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1081 | Speaker 1: All those in favor, please indicate by saying. I suppose the ayes have it. The docket has passed. It's been adopted. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1081?
Speaker 0: Certainly. Docket 1081 Council planning will offer the following resolution in support of House Bill 3115 an act ensuring equitable representation in the Commonwealth.
Speaker 1: Thank you. The Chair now recognizes the District Council from South Boston Councilor Ed Flynn. The floor is yours.
Speaker 5: Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you to the Council for co-sponsoring this resolution with me and my colleagues in the City Council that have done a lot of work as well on this important issue. This is an issue that both of us and our colleagues have spoken on and supported in the past, and we want to send our support again at this time. We know that different communities have different needs and that there are many different ethnic subgroups within a large racial group. Right now, state agencies are not required to collect. Disaggregated data on race and ethnicity and demographic data often do not reflect the diversity within a racial group. For example, our AAPI residents oftentimes don't have the option to fill out which ethnicity they are, whether they are Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian or other ethnic subgroups. And that data gets swamped together under one racial group. Despite the diversity within the AAPI community. 83115, sponsored by Representative Jackie Chan of Quincy, would require state agencies to collect and publicize data to major ethnic groups within the Asian Pacific Islander, Black or African American, Latino or White Communities groups. However, this bill also clarifies that individuals are not required to fill out this information. It mandates that people cannot be denied services for not choosing to participate. Any personal information is kept confidential and protected by state and federal privacy laws. Data that specifies ethnic subgroups would allow us to better understand the different needs between ethnic groups. And without that data, the needs of the most underserved groups are often rendered invisible. With the rise of hate crimes against the AAPI community throughout the state, but also throughout the country. It is critical that we change policies and support the AAPI community. Communities of color and immigrants. And as many of you know, I'm proud to represent a large AAPI community. This bill would be would be a meaningful step in creating better visibility, insight and understanding into the lived experiences of our diverse communities, which will allow government agencies and health and social service providers to better serve their population. I hope that we can pass this resolution today so that we can send our support for this bill to the State House and ensure that our communities are represented fairly in equitably. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilor Flynn. The chair now recognizes the at large council from Rosendale and co-sponsor Councilor Michelle Liu. The floor is yours.
Speaker 3: Thank you. Thank you to Councilor Flynn, as always, for your leadership on this and for the state representative for moving this forward again. This has been now refiled and truly represents the needs and urgency of community organizations and advocates who have been pushing for the disparities within AP sub communities to be fully transparent and revealed so that everyone's not just hidden underneath and average and invisible. So I look forward to continuing to support this and pushing for this at the State House. Again, I know it has faced some some challenges that are wrapped up in politics, but this is not about politics. It is about collecting the data as a city already does, as other entities already do, that allow us to fully understand and therefore direct resources to our communities in the way that are needed. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Councilor Wu, would anybody else wish to speak on Docket 1081? Would any councilors wish to add their name as a co-sponsor? Madam Clerk, please add councilors Arroyo. Councilor Baker. Councilor Bach Council Braden. Councilor Campbell Councilor Edwards Councilor Siby George Councilor. Flour City Councilor me here please add the chair as well and councilors Flynn and will seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket zero one excuse me 1081 All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay, the ayes have it. The docket is hereby adopted. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1082. | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution in support of H. 3115 "An Act Ensuring Equitable Representation in the Commonwealth".
On motion of Councilor Flynn and Wu, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10202021_2021-1082 | Speaker 1: The docket is hereby adopted. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1082.
Speaker 0: Docket 1082 Counsel offer the following resolution recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month in the city of Boston.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Chair recognizes the at large council from Dorchester Councilor Julian McKeon.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. President. We passed this resolution last year to bring awareness to people experiencing dyslexia, and we're happy to be refiling this resolution again this year. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty, difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. In parentheses, decoding. Also called reading disability. Dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language. It is very common affecting 20% of the population and representing 80 to 90% of all of those with learning disabilities. But that doesn't mean that all of these people will go on to be successful. In fact, many famous people have some form of dyslexia, including Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Aniston, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali and Danny Glover. This is a month for us to not only celebrate the accomplishments of people who live with dyslexia, but to reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces and opportunities for all the different learning backgrounds and styles. And I'm incredibly grateful to parents on Fabian Agle, who was always out in the forefront championing this issue. And for that reason, I move that we suspend and pass the rules and pass this resolution. Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Councilman. Here.
Speaker 3: Would anyone else wish.
Speaker 1: To speak on docket 1082? Seeing no takers when he announced his wish to add their name as co-sponsor. Madam Clerk, please add. Councilor Arroyo. Councilor Baker. Councilor Councilor Brain. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Side B George. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flynn. Please add the chair as well as Councilor Michelle Wolf. Councilor Julian McKissick. Suspension of the rolls and adoption now of Docket 108. To all those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose vote nay. The ayes have it. The docket is hereby adopted. Moving right along to personnel orders. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 1083 Docket 1083. | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10062021_2021-1037 | Speaker 5: Docket 1037 message in order authorize the City of Boston to accept a spending amount of $49,192 in the form of a grant for the FBI. 22. Municipal road safety. What about the United States Department of Transportation? Passed to the mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the police department. The grant will fund high visibility traffic enforcement of motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving and occupant protection.
Speaker 3: Thank you. The chair recognizes Councilor Andrea Campbell, chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice Chair. Campbell, the floor is yours.
Speaker 7: Thank you, Mr. President. At this time as chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, seeking suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1037. It's pretty self-explanatory. We've actually received this in the past. If anything, the department would like more funds for this. It really has to do with helping with traffic concerns, including, of course, enforcement of motor vehicle laws, speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and so much more. It's a relatively small a small grant. So we want to give it to the department as soon as possible. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. Consul Campbell seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1037. All those in favor please indicate by saying I thank all those opposed. Nay, the ayes have it. The order is passed. Moving on to reports of public officers and others, Madam Clerk, would you please read dockets 10383 Excuse me. 103841040 together.
Speaker 5: Thank you. Docket 1038. Notices to see from the acting year of the appointment of Gregory Rooney as Interim Commissioner of Property Management, effective September 27, 2021. Docket number 1039 Notices to see from the Acting Mayor of the appointment of Bradley Garrett as Interim Commissioner of Transportation and Parking effective September 27th, 2021. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Forty Nine Thousand One Hundred Ninety Two Dollars ($49,192.00) in the form of a grant, for the FY22 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 traffic enforcement of motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to, speeding and aggressive driving, distracted driving, impaired driving and occupant protection. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10062021_2021-0957 | Speaker 5: Docket 0957 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and extend an amount of $254,194 in the form of a grant for the challenge grant awarded by the William G. Grant Foundation. Pass through Northeastern University to be administered by the Department of Youth and Employment. The grant will fund research for Northeastern University, Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy that inform the design of a more inclusive workforce development system for the use of Boston.
Speaker 3: The Chair recognizes Councilor Julia Macchia, Chair of the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development. Councilor Councilor, here you have the floor.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. President. On Monday, we held a hearing on docket 0957, during which we discussed a debt awarded to the city of Boston to be administered by the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment. We were joined by Rashad Cope, director of Y E, along with my council colleagues, Councilor Bourque and Flynn. During the hearing, we heard about how we had a lot of stuff. Let me put my pager. We heard the grant will be used to research ways to build equity and youth employment opportunities. In this grant, youth is defined as anyone between the ages of 14 to 24. We also learned that the director will be working to ensure that there is feedback in real time from the young people participating in this research council. Park also advocated that these young people be paid for their role in this research project. Overall, this is a grant that is going towards a good purpose, and at this time I move that we passed this order and accepted the grants.
Speaker 3: Join me here. Chair of the Council on Small Business and Workforce Development seeks passage of Docket 0957. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose any way I have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0567 Docket 0567? | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the message and order, referred September 15, 2021 Docket 0957, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Four Dollars ($254,194.00) in the form of a grant, for the Challenge Grant, awarded by the William T. Grant Foundation, passed through Northeastern University, to be administered by the Department of Youth and Employment. The grant will fund research by Northeastern University Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy that inform the design of a more inclusive workforce development system for the youth in Boston, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10062021_2021-0567 | Speaker 3: Join me here. Chair of the Council on Small Business and Workforce Development seeks passage of Docket 0957. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose any way I have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0567 Docket 0567?
Speaker 5: Councilor Edwards offered the following order for hearing regarding biannual review of the Boston Employment Commission in Boston Residents Job Policy.
Speaker 3: Thank you. The Chair recognizes Chair Lydia Edwards, Chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Councilor Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you very much. We had our biannual our second hearing on the Boston residents job policy as as as is required by ordinance. It was a great hearing, honestly, for many reasons. One, we got some updates on the CECL course and additional pipelines that the city is trying to make. We also heard that they were finally moved formally all of their enforcement to Salesforce, which makes for real time enforcement of folks who are violating the new ordinance or construction companies. I want to thank Councilor me here, Councilor Barr, Councilor Flynn, Councilor Braden and Councilor Clarity for attending the the hearing to really kind of again direct where our concerns are. I also wanted to just use this moment now to really think, um, chair of the back um Travis Watson who came and I think some of the most powerful testimony specifically walking us through the history how we got to where we are and where we still need to go. He is now he is leaving his position as the chair of the of the commission and he will be sorely missed. He did leave us all with a message, however, that is as we go forward as a city, as a city that he hopes that whoever is picked to replace him, that it's a woman that is a woman of color who's committed to racial equity and also able to build within the jobs for, um, within the jobs coalition. We also thank the Boston Jobs Coalition again for coming to testify and echo that history. So it was a great hearing. The next one will be in April. And that's. I ask that it stay in committee and we'll continue on with the conversation. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. You can't say Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, requests that Duncan five, six, seven remains in her committee. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0685 Docket 0685. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | Order for a hearing regarding Biannual Review of the Boston employment commission and Boston Residents Jobs Policy. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10062021_2021-0685 | Speaker 3: Thank you very much. You can't say Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, requests that Duncan five, six, seven remains in her committee. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0685 Docket 0685.
Speaker 5: Councilors Bach and O'Malley are for the following order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for affordable housing.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Chair Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you. And I want to thank the co-sponsors for being there yesterday, especially the lead sponsor and who was able to help conduct the hearing on my behalf, unfortunately, had a conflict and couldn't be there. That being said, I am going to turn it shortly over to one of the sponsors, Councilor Bok. But and in short, we're going to keep it in committee to continue to work on some certain issues. But we hope to move on this shortly.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. Chair now recognizes the lead sponsor of docket 0685 and the chair of the Government Operations Committee yesterday afternoon, Counselor Kenzie Bok. The floor is yours.
Speaker 8: At 1040, which is now passed. Thank you, Mr. President. Yeah, I think Counselor Edwards and her staff was instrumental in the hearing yesterday, although I was holding the gavel. That was a great hearing. Thank you so much to the colleagues who came in addition to yourselves, Mr. President. Councilors Maria Arroyo, Braden Flynn. And we had letters from Councilor Rubin, of course, Councilor Edwards, and it was very productive. We had Dandi and the BPA and BTG there. We had some technical changes to the amendment language that had come from the dandy feedback at the last working session. But in many ways the focus yesterday was on the hearing element and really had very powerful testimony from the folks, particularly members of your action, but also from action for equity, transit matters, global streets, Fenway, CDC and a number of members of the public. So it was a really great conversation. We have a couple of outstanding questions and the speaker is checking on technical thing that we've listed all the right zoning districts. So as the chair said, I'm looking forward to partnering with her to having this out on the floor for a vote soon. But but not today. So thank you so much.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. DUCKETT 0685 shall remain in the Committee on Government Operations Motions, orders and resolutions.
Speaker 5: Docket 1043. Edwards offered the following an ordinance amending the City of Boston Code Chapter 24 Boston Jobs and Living Wage Ordinance. | Committee Reports | On the message and order, referred on May 19, 2021, Docket #0685, Regarding a Text Amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to parking minimums for affordable housing, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass in a new draft.
The report was accepted; the order was passed in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_10062021_2021-1043 | Speaker 5: Docket 1043. Edwards offered the following an ordinance amending the City of Boston Code Chapter 24 Boston Jobs and Living Wage Ordinance.
Speaker 3: Chair now recognizes the district council for me is Boston Councilor Liddy Edwards. The floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you very much. I first like to move to add councilwoman here as a co-sponsor.
Speaker 3: She is hereby added.
Speaker 4: Thank you very much. This is following up on, I think, a continued conversation. We know as a city we have to lead when it comes to living wages and when it comes to people who are getting our city dollars, whether as contractors or subcontractors. And we specifically need to remember all of the workers, including our custodial staff and building security service workers, to ensure that they're paid the prevailing wage as well. We have to continue also to up update and continue to move in the city of Boston as we're looking at our jobs and living wage ordinance. So this is really just making sure it's expanded to all contracts and subcontracts our prevailing wage standards. This was not this is not new. Again, this was introduced. Actually, it was filed on July ten, 2018 by the Walsh administration, but was withdrawn. And then the Janey administration did an executive order on June 10th of 2021 that set forth a prevailing wage for custodial and security, wages and contract services. However, as an executive order it may, we want to make sure that it is. We need to codify it to make sure that it is lasting and forever and continues. So this is what this does. This is a codification of the executive order and of the originally filed ordinance in 2018 to make sure that we codify living wages for our custodial staff as well as our security service workers. This is I want to thank 32 BGA, SEIU, 32 V.J. for their leadership in this. And they're pushing to make sure that we remember all workers. We're going to talk about city wages. So this is exciting. I think this is consistent. It is not at all. I honestly don't think it's really controversial. It's just bringing those workers into the same standards we hold for everybody else. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. The chair now recognizes the At-Large council from Dorchester Councilor Julianne Moore. Here the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to Councilor Edwards for adding me as an original co-sponsor as the chair of the Committee of Workforce Development. It is crucial that we expand the Living Wage Ordinance so that as many people as possible have strong job protections in place. This absolutely needs to include our custodial and security staff members contracted and subcontracted throughout the city. This issue is personal and professional for me. As many of you know, I grew up cleaning offices across the city with my mom to make ends meet. The kinds of jobs we're talking about in this ordinance are the ones that are often taken up by immigrants and undocumented people throughout the city of Boston, people who are some of the least protected by our system. If we had a living wage and prevailing wage ordinance back when I was spending my nights cleaning offices, I would probably be better off today. We are incredibly lucky to have the city of Boston to have so many advocates pushing for us to redefine what a living wage looks like. The Boston Jobs Coalition has been working with our office for months to find new ways to expand the protections offered under the Living Wage Ordinance. They're continuing the work of the late Chuck Turner, whose work to uplift working class people across the city continues to inspire me. We have a lot of work to do to continue his work, and we see this as an opportunity to do just that. Thank you so very much and I look forward to the work ahead.
Speaker 3: Thank you, councilman here. Would anyone else wish to speak on docket zero one for three saying no takers or any councilors wish to add their name as a co-sponsor? Madam Clerk, please add Councilor Baker. Councilor Bach. Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Siby George. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flynn. You already added councilor here. Please add the chair. Please add Councilor Woo and docket 1043 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Now like to invite Councilor Braden to please take over the rostrum.
Speaker 6: Madam Clerk, please read docket number 1044, please.
Speaker 5: Thank you. Docket 1044. Councilors Flynn and O'Malley are for the following order for hearing to discuss investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electrifying the City of Options vehicle fleet. | Council Ordinance | Councilor Edwards called Docket #1043, Ordinance Amending City of Boston Code, Chapter XXIV, Boston Jobs and Living Wage Ordinance, from Committee of the Government Operations.
Hearing no objection, the matter was before the body.
On motion of Councilor Edwards, the ordinance was passed; yeas 13. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09292021_2021-1015 | Speaker 4: Docket 1015 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept equipment valued at $46,725 from the Thermo Environmental Instrument LLC for the purpose of detecting COVID 19 in the air.
Speaker 3: Thank you. The chair recognizes Counsel Ricardo Arroyo, Chair of the Committee on Public Health. Chair Arroyo. The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This grant order would allow the city of Boston to accept five units of aerosols and sampler equipment, which would allow the city to detect the presence of COVID 19 aerosols in the air. The equipment will be part of a pilot program that's being run by the Boston Public Health Commission and will use to test unoccupied office space after they've been deep clean due to confirmed COVID 19 cases in the workspace. The Health Commission is also committed to working with various city departments interested in testing devices. This equipment specifically and this pilot program are an important way for the city to continue to minimize the spread of COVID 19, especially in city hall for our city workers that have returned to work in person. And for that reason, I am asking we suspend the rules and pass this docket today. Thank you very much. Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, chair of the Committee on Public Health six. Suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1015. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket is passed. And thank you to our representatives from thermo environmental instruments for being here today. And thank you for your very generous donation to the city. Before we go to reports of public officers and others, I just wanted to acknowledge two friends we haven't seen in a while. Great to see back in the chamber, of course, our friend Mike. It's always great to be with you, Mike. As well as our old pal Reggie column and James column. And great to see you, Reggie. Thanks for being here. Madam Clerk, would you now please read reports of public officers and others?
Speaker 4: Thank you. Would you like me to read 101631022?
Speaker 3: Yes, please, Madam Clerk. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept equipment valued at Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Five Dollars ($46,725.00) from the Thermo Environmental Instruments, LLC for the purpose of detecting COVID-19 in the air. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09292021_2021-1023 | Speaker 4: Thank you. Docket 1023 Communication was received from Susan El Sullivan, executive director of the Newmarket Business Association, regarding the proposed petition for the New Market Business Improvement District.
Speaker 3: Thank you. And dock at 1023 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. I'm sorry. Oh, I do apologize. Of course, before I remand that to the committee, I will acknowledge the district councilor from Dorchester. Apologies. I did not see your light. But, Councilor Baker, the floor is yours.
Speaker 7: I apologize. It's. You know, that season where the phone is constantly ringing, the ones that we need to get. I know you understand. I apologize again. And we're on the bid here, correct?
Speaker 3: We are 1023.
Speaker 7: So ten years ago, we went through the redistricting process. You were there with me. I ended up with a precinct that had two jails, one jail, two methadone clinics, and all the all the services for pretty much the entire city in at mass in cash. We're all familiar with it. And I one of the things that I noticed was the need for services we had. We as the city will never be able to give the services down there that are needed. And this was eight years ago. It's far worse now. The Business Improvement District is is a program that I've been working on for at least seven years. It's a program in which property and business owners elect to make contributions and add supplemental services to the area for maintenance, development and promotion of the commercial district. There are currently bids in almost a thousand towns and cities in the US and we actually just had it been a little while ago. I don't know if people remember, if they're familiar. For a number of years, new market has been negatively impacted by many issues that make it difficult to conduct business, live or work in the district. That there will be supplemental resources on top of what the city of Boston already has for funds and services in the area. Services like an augmented Newmark Newmarket shuttle services that will run 24 hours a day so people can be able to get to their jobs without being harassed down there. Basically what's happening, we're using the be you in the South Bay BMC shuttles. They're all going to come in under one one shuttle system now. Comprehensive traffic plan, safety and security, clean streets. This is one of the best parts of it. One of the things that I saw when I went to San Francisco. Excuse me, Mr. Mayor. Mr.. Excuse me, Mr. President. I'm a little bit out of breath.
Speaker 3: All right. Quite all right. Take your time.
Speaker 7: Concentrate on one of the things that I thought they did right in San Francisco was they started to set up a series of bids all around the city, especially in the Tenderloin. Look at this. Look at the Tenderloin. People that aren't familiar with it, they have ambassadors on the street. The bid downtown might point you to Paul Revere or another landmark, Fenway Park. Fenway Park. These ambassadors will be there to help clean up needles. They'll be there to direct people to services. So almost be cross trained in eyes and ears of our public health people, our business people, but be able to have resources available to them to direct people into services. I think that's the best one of the best parts of it. And the bid is also financed by annual fees collected from property owners based on their assessed values. I have to really thank Sue Sullivan and all the rest of the businesses down there. First of all, to agree to do this. We've been talking about it for so long, but Sue actually got the plan together and went around and got everybody's signature. You need a percentage of property owners to buy in to be able to agree to do this. And then it has to come through city council because the city acts as a fiscal agent. Our assessing department assesses what the business will, will pay and will pay, and then we disperse the funds to the bid. They all work pretty much the same in Manhattan, Times Square. That's a bit down there. You can model a bid. In whatever way is going to help that area. And this area, like people know, is really different. And. I think that we'll be able to do some will be able to help the situation down. As we saw as I was coming in here today, Doris Wong from the Higher Food Package Express 120 Southampton Street was literally in a stand off with people at her loading dock. The police came, they cleaned it, they moved it to the side so her loading dock could accept a £50,000 trailer truck of flour. That's a big part of her business. £50,000. She couldn't accept she couldn't accept the delivery. So there was a standoff down there today. Police involved people that were on the street involved Doris losing her mind. Rightfully so, I think so. We'll have a hearing. We'll have a hearing on this bid. I know I've had some feedback, but people are horrified by the bid. They should go walk down an Atkinson Street if they really want to be horrified. So thank you, Mr. President. I'm sorry for the mix up there.
Speaker 3: Not at all. Thank you, Councilor Baker. Any further discussion on Docket 1023? Seeing none. Docket 1023 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation Matters recently heard for possible action.
Speaker 4: Docket number 0860 Counsel Arroyo are for the following order for hearing to discuss redistricting process in the city of Boston. | Committee Reports | Communication, referred on September 29, 2021, Docket #1023 received from Susan L. Sullivan Executive Director, Newmarket Business Association regarding the proposed petition for a Newmarket Business Improvement District, the committee submitted a report recommending the communication ought to pass. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09292021_2021-1024 | Speaker 4: Thank you. Docket 1024. Councilors Braden and Edwards offered the following a lot of for a hearing to review rental unit conditions, standards and inspections in the city of Boston.
Speaker 3: Thank you. The Chair recognizes the district councilor from Brighton, Councilor Liz Braden. You have the floor.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move to suspend Rule 12 and add Councilor Baucus, a third original co-sponsor of Docket zero 1 to 4, please.
Speaker 3: Councilor Brayton seeks suspension of Rule 12 and the adoption of Councilor Baucus original co-sponsor. Seeing no objection, Councilor Brock is hereby added. Please proceed, Councilor Braden.
Speaker 0: Thank you and thank you to my colleagues, Councilor Edwards and Bach, for their partnership on this issue. This hearing order is to invite the Inspection Services Department to review and the enforcement to a municipal code covering inspection and re-inspection of rental units and rental dwelling unit standards. We have just concluded the annual rituals around in September, the rental lease renewal turnover cycle and colloquially called Alston Christmas. And I've heard from a significant number of Alston Brighton tenants about rental unit conditions and questionable compliance with city regulations. We must review the city's current property registration and inspection practices, and my concern is not so much with the inspection and registration of exempted property owner occupied units, but particularly with larger corporate and absentee landlords who have become chronic offenders, allowing violations to pile up and having the means to pay off a fine after a fine without actually improving living conditions in their units. Under current rental unit registration practices, larger multi property owners have not are not required to disclose information of all individuals and entities with business ownership interests. The public does not have any meaningful way or convenient access to rental unit registration registry information, making it difficult to hold chronic offenders accountable. This conversation will be an opportunity to check in with ESD on the tools and resources that they need to implement better solutions to effectively rein in bad actors and to take advantage of the current. And they take advantage of the current system in order to improve living conditions. And we really need to use the system to improve living conditions for renters across our city. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. The chair now recognizes the first original co-sponsor, Councilor Lydia Edwards. Councilor Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, Mr. President. This has been one of the most consistent conversations I've had since I've joined this body, and that is where working with Estee to figure out that the laws that we have on the books are actually getting enforced. And I remember and many of the budget hearings, we often ask, Do you have the Resources Council? Flynn asked, Do you have the Resources Council clarity? Do you have the resources to enforce the new laws? And I think this is just a check in about that, especially as we're in the middle of a transition and we're dealing with more and increased rental units. But we also are wondering if they're really complying with the law. I think we recently just had a wonderful conversation or introduced a hearing order for making sure that property owners are being held accountable. We want to make sure that their rental renters are actually being seen and being tenants that we even know where they exist. I think at the end of the day, one of the best things we can do is have a robust list of all the rental units, know the conditions of them in the city of Boston, so that when we go to push new policy, we're able to add one email or one mass mailing, genuinely get to all the tenants and landlords at one time. And having worked at the Office of Housing Stability, oftentimes that was the way in which we used this list. It wasn't just assess fines. It was honestly to communicate. There is a pandemic. There's a new law about how you need to file your notice to quit. All of these different things are more efficient if we have a role. Best list that is up to date. And honestly, I think the ability for ESD or any of the city department to check in and get to all of the all of the excuse me, the apartments in the city is also been a growing not so much concern, but something we still continue to work on. We're still trying to actually get through the first level, I think, of inspecting all of the units in the city of Boston. So we're excited to just not criticize, not throw under the bus, but really figure out honestly, how are we going to do this together as a team? Thank you.
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. The chair now recognizes the third original co-sponsor, the district council from Beacon Hill. Councilor Bach, the floor is yours.
Speaker 6: Thank you so much, Councilor O'Malley. And I'm really proud and pleased to be joining Councilor Brayton and Edwards on this. I think thinking about last week's filing, in this week's filing and sort of taking that two track effort, because on the one hand, I think we would get more problematic property owners attention if we enacted what we talked about last week, which is an increase in municipal fines. But in the meantime, we've got you know, we want to pursue that, but we also want to use the tools that we have to hand now. And I think that, you know, I came from a Problem Properties Taskforce meeting this morning in Mission Hill. And I just think that again and again we run into the issue of, okay, in theory, there's this thing on the books, but has I followed up? Where are we? And I think a lot of the housing inspection materials specifically are still kept on paper in a way that can make it really hard to to have that bird's eye view that helps us get at the bad actors. And and I think we just have to all recognize that it's you know, there's been a lot of conversation about how tenants get squeezed by rent rates. And that's very true and real and real pressure. But also, like tenants get squeezed when, you know, there's lots of hidden fees. They're having to spend a ton of their time to harass their landlord to get a basic thing that's supposed to come as part of their apartment. You know, they're living with the stress, like, you know, the bad health conditions of a substandard unit. So there's a lot of ways that the power imbalance of a landlord tenant relationship can affect the lives of the majority of Bostonians who do rent besides besides just rent. And I think that it gives our our responsible, good landlords in the city. You know, it frustrates them to no end. I know as well, I'm on the property task force call with a number of them in Mission Hill. And I think that, you know, everybody in the community loses when we've got landlords who feel like they can just ignore these complaints and these real, real quality of life issues for Bostonians and and not have it go anywhere. So really looking forward to this hearing and hoping that we can figure out how together we use our existing regulations to escalate things more effectively and solve more of these problems. So just again, want to thank Councilors Edwards and Creighton for their partnership on this.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Councilor Buck. The chair now recognizes the district council from South Boston. Councilor Flynn, the floor is yours.
Speaker 8: Thank you, Mr. President. And please add my name. I just want to say thank you to the Makers for sponsoring this important hearing. I think Councilor Edwards said it best, as we also need to make sure we have the inspectors that will actually go out and do the work and inspect the properties, including Airbnbs. These are a lot of quality of life issues, but I think it's upon us as a city council during the budget process. We just can't we shouldn't accept any more from department heads that they have the necessary funding in their budget. We have to push back a little bit on that. No city department wants to come down here and say they have all the necessary funds to do their job because that's not accurate. We need to be more aggressive as a body, myself included, in pushing back in and saying, No, you don't have enough money to do inspections and that you need more money and to do this job right, we have to make sure the money is in the budget so these inspectors, as inspection inspectors, can go around and do their job, whether it's checking on tenants or doing Airbnb related issues. But at the budget process, process it's critical that we fund. These programs and services. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 3: Thank you, Counselor Flynn. Would any Madam Clerk, please I. Counselor Ed Flynn as a co-sponsor. Any further discussion on docket 1024? Would any councilors wish to add their name? Madam Kirklees at Councilor Arroyo. Councilor Baker. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Side B George. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor me here. Please add the Chair's name to Councilor Wolf and docket 1024 will be referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development. I'd now like to invite Councilor Campbell to please take over the dais. And as she comes up, Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 1025.1025? | Council Hearing Order | Order for a hearing to review Rental Unit Conditions, Standards, and Inspections in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilors Breadon and Edwards , Rule 12 was invoked to include Councilor Bok as a co-sponsor. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-1000 | Speaker 3: Docket 1000. Message. In order authorizing the city of Boston to accept an extended amount of $141,865 in the form of a grant for the federal FBI Title three U.S. Department of Health and Human Services I'm sorry. Title three Expanding Access to COVID 19 Vaccines via aging networks awarded by the U.S. Department. Health and Human Services passed through the mass executive office of Elder appears to be administered by the Aged Drawn Commission. The grant will fund direct services to combat vaccine hesitancy, support vaccine equity efforts and provide transportation stipends, vouchers and other related services.
Speaker 2: Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, Chair of the Committee on Public Health. Chair Arroyo. The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Speaker 4: This grant is a crucial part of ending the pandemic and protecting some of our most vulnerable populations. As a city, we need to be able to overcome vaccine hesitancy, encourage folks to get vaccinated, and ensure that we are doing so in an equitable way. For those reasons, I would like to ask to suspend the rules and vote on this docket today.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. Counselor Arroyo seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket number 1000. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. Docket 1000 has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read Docket 1001?
Speaker 3: Thank you. Docket 1001 message in order authorizing City of Boston to accept an expanded amount of 140 South, $140,121 in the form of a grant of the American Rescue Plan Act. Titled Three D Water by the US Department of Human and Human Health and Services passed to the Mass Executive Office of Elder appears to be administered by | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of One Hundred Forty One Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Five Dollars ($141,865.00) in the form of a grant for the Federal FY21 Title III: Expanding access to COVID-19 Vaccines via Aging Networks, 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 direct services to combat vaccine hesitancy, support vaccine equity efforts, and provide transportation stipends, vouchers and or other related services. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-1002 | Speaker 3: Docket 1002 message in order authorizing City of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $84,918 in the form of a grant for the FBI. 21/4 security awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security to be administered by the police department. The grant will fund Vpd Harbor Patrol Unit vessels and equipment.
Speaker 2: The Journal recognizes Councilor Andrea Campbell, chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice Chair. Campbell, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you, President O'Malley. As a chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. I am seeking suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1002. It's pretty self-explanatory. It's in the amount of $84,918. It's a grant that we get consistently and continually. I think sometimes the department would like more resources, but it's of course to protect our ports, port security. But it's a relatively small amount to purchase certain types of vessels and equipment. We'd like to get it to the department as soon as possible. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. Councilor Andre Campbell, chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1002. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. Now the ayes have it. Docket 1002 has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read Docket 1003. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Eighty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Eighteen Dollars ($84,918.00) in the form of a grant for the FY21 Port Security, awarded by the United States Department of Homeland Security to be administered by the Police Department. The grant will fund BPD Harbor Patrol Unit vessels and equipment. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-1003 | Speaker 3: Docket 1003 message in order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and extend in the amount of $15,763 in the form of a grant for the federal FOIA. Title three Expanding Access to COVID 19 Vaccines. The aging networks awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services passed to the MAX Executive Office of Elder appears to be administered by the H. Strong Commission. The grant will fund staff time to implement expanded vaccine access services to older adults.
Speaker 2: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, chair of the Committee on Public Health. Chair Arroyo, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. Chair. This grant funds for the vaccination efforts for our seniors and adults, older adults who are most vulnerable to COVID 19. For that reason, I would ask that we suspend and pass this docket today.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Counselor Ricardo Arroyo, chair of the Committee on Public Health, seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1003. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed, moving right along to reports of public officers and others. Madam Clerk, would you please read Docket 1004?
Speaker 3: Docket 1004 communication was received from the City Clerk of the agreement between the City of Boston and 140 Clarendon. L l Limited Partnership pursuant to Chapter 121 is Section six eight of the Massachusetts General Law. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Fifteen Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Three Dollars ($15,763.00) in the form of a grant, for the Federal FY21 Title III: Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccines via Aging Networks, awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, passed through the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, to the administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund staff time to implement expanded vaccine access services to older adults. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-0775 | Speaker 3: Docket 0775. The Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred on June 16th, 2021. Docket number 0775 An Ordinance Amending the City of Boston Code Ordinances. Chapter seven, Section seven, Dash 2.1 and seven. Dash 2.2. Building Energy Reporting and disclosure, known as Bourdeaux, submits a report recommending the audit ordinance ought to pass in a new draft.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Madam Chair. No, thank you, Madam Clerk. Chair recognizes Councilor Edwards, the chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Councilor, would you have the floor?
Speaker 1: In a moment. But before we get to the substance of the the ordinance, I'd like to substitute the committee report. There was one passed around earlier to all my colleagues. All the changes, all the amendments are just technical and slight grammatical and just for clarification purposes. So I move to have the new report submitted here.
Speaker 4: Hearing no objections, the substitution of language council. I would you may.
Speaker 0: You may proceed.
Speaker 1: Thank you all. I am excited to bring this this ordinance before the body for a vote. This ordinance has been years in the making, and it's the second version of expanding our building emissions reductions in the city of Boston. This this is after the result of a robust hearing with many, many people in two working sessions where we made sure that we had all of the feedback and the concerns addressed in each one of them. And I want to I want to thank again the advocates who came out. There's just too many organizations to to name. But they were instrumental in this in this moment and in the conversation, which I thought was incredibly respectful, informative and inclusive. It was in three languages, at least two, as all of us really recognize, that we are all stakeholders in our future and an agreement at that. I want to thank Councilor O'Malley for his leadership, and I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to him as a lead sponsor for any further remarks. That's okay with you.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Councilor Edwards. Chair now recognizes the original sponsor. Councilor O'Malley. Councilor O'Malley, you have the floor.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Chair, if you could just press. Thank you very much. You know you're good. I am good. One more time. There you go. Now get good. You got it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. You got it. You know, fatherhood offers one hell of a perspective. Not only does it really make you or parenthood, I should say, offers one hell of a perspective. Yes, I really I just said hell of a twice on the council floor, because I'd be yelling at all of you for doing so.
Speaker 4: I you have a dispensation.
Speaker 2: Thank you. But it really has helped me sort of appreciate the important things in life and also take stock of of of what we should be grateful for. And I am incredibly grateful for standing in front of all of you and having this opportunity to bring this amendment. This we call it an ordinance that's actually technically an amendment. But to bring it to a vote and I'll tell you a little bit story that when I was first elected, 2010, November 30th, 2010 is when I was sworn in. I actually had a really good office for a month and then a month later, as the newest member, I was bumped down to what is now a niece's office and I was there languishing for many years. The other thing in those days, committee assignments were doled out strictly by seniority. Martin can tell you this like no matter how many years you had, if you weren't on the right side of a council presidency vote, you wouldn't get the it didn't matter. You'd get the committee based on your years of service. I mention this to say that the last committee that anyone wanted in 2011 was the Committee on the Environment. So it went to me the most junior member and joke's on all of my colleagues. At the time that was the committee I most wanted and have had every year for the last 11 years. And we've done some great things. We've done some great things together from the plastic bag ban and wetlands, community choice, energy composting, the paperless pay stuff. Did you know that there was no opportunity at the beginning when I was first elected to opt out of getting my biweekly pay stub, our our salary is set by statute. It's not like it's going to change. And I couldn't opt out of it in those days. And I was actually criticized when I said let's let's have an opt out feature like most banks in the 21st century. And I say that to say of everything I've worked on legislative say this is the most proud I've ever been and I am the one who's lucky enough to introduce this. But the fact of the matter is, it is the people behind me. It is the people to our left and to our right. It is the people who couldn't be in this room because I said we're going to limit the crowds because I'm still we're going to be focused on COVID and being safe. This is all of us. This is collectively the work of eight years. We did Burton 1.0 in 2013. Tom Menino deserves enormous credit. This guy had better political instincts than anyone I've ever met and never got the credit he deserves. But he saw this coming. We were the first city in the country to simply say, you have to manage and measure your greenhouse, get your utility usage. That's it. There was no there was a fine associated with not complying. But in eight years, Alison, we've we've assessed how much and fined $0 because people did it and people realized this was the important thing to do, that ordinance, by the way, it passed. But it was a it was a vote of 9 to 4. And it shows how far we've come as a city. It was so it seems quaint now that that there was debate over that. And I don't mean to count my chickens before they've hatched, but I feel pretty good because of the great conversations and leadership of all of you of how we're going to have this vote today . But my point is, eight years ago we started this and this is the culmination. And it's because of the people in this room, the people who have put the blood, sweat and tears, recognizing the fact that climate change is an existential threat and it's up to cities and towns to lead. And we can do that. We have before us the most impactful decarbonization law that I would argue is anywhere in this country. We're going to lead on this. We've done we're not the first, but we are absolutely the best. We are going to decarbonize our large buildings over the next 25 years, full stop. And we're going to work to make sure that all of the work is centered around equity equality, addressing environmental justice communities and working with the institutions to get it right. And we had a question at that little presser earlier about the business community. It was a fair question. Business community has been largely supportive of this. Eight years ago, if you were here, Frank was here at the time. I think you're probably the only one here at the time. Eight years ago, when we were doing the first part of it, you had people actually lobbying councilors saying, you can't do this, you can't move ahead on this. You probably haven't heard from a lot of folks because people recognize the importance of what we're trying to do here. It will be absolutely ground breaking beginning in 2025 and following every five years thereafter. Through this ordinance, we'll be setting aggressive but achievable metrics. And that's the key point. We could have easily passed an ordinance saying we're going to decarbonize all of our buildings by 2030 and it would probably pass, you know, probably signed into law, but there'd be no blueprint to get us there. This actually does get us there. We're going to have aggressive but achievable metrics for buildings to reach a substantial cut in their greenhouse gas emissions. Obviously, we have different classifications and requirements for each building type from our hospitals to our commercial buildings, and we'll work with building owners to help them meet their goals and have already started those converts. With many, many stakeholders who are interested in getting a head start. Now, I'm hesitant to do this because I am sure I will leave someone out, so I apologize ahead of time. But I just needed to thank several individuals, starting with my chief of staff, Jessica morris, who has done such great work on my side on this and everything environmental for. To share. Lydia Edwards, who, you know, gave me high praise indeed, at the last working session, she said, this is the best working session I've done as government office chair, and it's largely because of her. She gets it. She understands it. She dives in the weeds and you facilitate an amazing process. Special shout out to Christine O'Donnell as well from central staff who has been.
Speaker 5: There for some. Thank you, Christine.
Speaker 2: Alison Breezes is our environment commissioner. She has been our quarterback this entire time on behalf of an incredible team. Brenda Pike, Kat Eshel, Hannah Payne, Stasia Shapira, Maurice Lodhi, Ben Silverman. Kathleen Hard, all working and supporting Alison. In this role, you have been marvelous. Thank you so.
Speaker 5: Much. Alison, this. Two, Chief Mariama White.
Speaker 2: Hammond, and before her chief Chris Cook, an unlikely duo as you will meet, but two of the most effective environment chiefs this city has ever said they helped get us here as well. Advocates. My God, many of whom are sitting behind me. Ricky Harvey. Andy Krasner. Anthony Camargo. Andy Wells Been. Dwayne Tindall. Sophia Owen. Michelle Brooks. Mark Lowe. Andrea Ad Carson Atkinson. And the team from one square world are off. Will, Emily, Tim and Larry from the DC special shout out for Tim Sullivan as well, who used to work here, who has been an amazing partner to me through this work as well, Mary Malta and so many stakeholders, especially those who are impacted by this ordinance. We've worked with all of you to achieve the best possible standards so we can all lead and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Our hospitals. Maskell This another instance about, you know, how the business community feeling. Maskell sent all of us a letter of support of this. That was a big gap. And if I may be a bit immodest, I will. I worked incredibly hard this summer working to try to find that common ground with folks without sacrificing what we set to do in this ordinance. And that wasn't always easy, but it was important and we want to get it right. And that's precisely what we are doing here. We're going to vote on this. The mayor is going to sign it, and we are going to cut begin cutting 37 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years. This ordinance affects 4% of our total building stock. That's 3500 buildings. Yet those 4% of buildings account for nearly 60% of all building emissions. I'll be asking for a vote now on this transformative climate policy. I thank each and every one of you, my colleagues, all of you to a person. This is legacy stuff for all of us. This is stuff that we can say we voted on and we got it last time and I'm not going to do it again. But last time I cited all of our children's names. It's going to be these kids and their kids in generations to come that we are absolutely leading. I am enormously proud and grateful for each and every one of you. Now let's get this done. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Count O'Malley. Job well done. Is there anyone else looking to speak on this matter? Not seeing any. Chair Edwards and Counsel O'Malley seek acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket.
Speaker 2: 0775 in.
Speaker 4: A new draft. All those in favor say i. I. All those opposed say nay.
Speaker 2: Doubt the vote. Yes.
Speaker 4: Madam Clerk, will you take a roll call?
Speaker 3: Please be my honor.
Speaker 4: Good job, man. And I had black hair when it was eight years. Well.
Speaker 3: I do. I get 0775. I'm sorry. Counsel Arroyo. Counselor Arroyo? Yes.
Speaker 1: Counselor Baker.
Speaker 3: Counselor Baker. Counselor Bach. Counselor Bach. I Counselor Brady. Counselor, bring Counselor Campbell. Counselor Campbell. Yes. Counselor Edwards. Counselor Edward Diaz. Counselor Sabi George. Counselor Savage. George has. Counsel Clarity. Counsel clarity is. Counsel Flynn. Counsel Flynn is. Counselor me here. Counselor Me here. Counselor O'Malley Yes, I was just wondering about that. Counsel Counselor. Well, yes, Mr. Chair, docket number 0775 just passed unanimously. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you all. Thank you. This is this is incredibly special. Moving right along. That was our only report of committee. So matters recently heard for possible action. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 0398? | Committee Reports | Ordinance Amending City of Boston Code, Ordinances, Chapter VII, Sections 7-2.1 and 7-2.2, Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure (BERDO). | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-0398 | Speaker 3: Thank you. Docket 0398. Order for a hearing on the safety of construction sites and the city of Boston.
Speaker 2: Chair now recognizes Councilor Julia McTeer, chair of the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development. Chair Here, the floor is yours.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to the sponsors of this hearing order. On Monday, the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development held a hearing on Docket 0398 order up for a hearing on the safety of construction sites. We were joined by two of the sponsors of this docket. Counselor Breeden and Counselor Flynn, who also spoke on behalf of our third sponsor, Counselor Flaherty. We were also joined by counsel, not from the administration. We were joined by IAC commissioner Sean Leon. I always. LYDEN Brian Doran, a building inspector with ESD, in addition to superintendents Gerald Bailey and Marcus adding from the Boston Police Department. From the Advocate's panel, we were joined by Myla Perez of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters. The hearing came about as a result of several reports of construction sites, accidents throughout the city, including a worker who was tragically struck and killed in 2019 while setting up our first night celebration. During the hearing. Commissioner. The Lion spelled out the current inspection process to ensure worker safety, which involves several stages of inspection during all phases of construction process. Contracts for contractors were also supposed to sign a marriage health Higgins affidavit, which requires the contractor to disclose any previous OSHA violations. This hearing was a great opportunity to learn about the current standards. But even one death of a construction worker is far too many, and there's a need to revisit the existing inspection process and make changes. For that reason, we are going to keep this hearing order in committee and hold a working session in the future to build upon our existing infrastructure. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much, Councilman. Here, the chair now recognizes the lead sponsor, the district council from South Boston, Councilor Flynn. The floor is yours.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, and want to say thank you. Special thank you to council here for conducting an excellent hearing on this important topic. I also want to say I say thank you to my co-sponsors as well. Counsel of Clarity and counsel of Counsel Braden. And that counselor summed it up best. But one issue I did want to highlight. Was the issue of wage theft that continues to happen in our city. I know it's an issue that Councilor Edwards has worked on for many years. I know it's an issue that the attorney general, Maura Healey, continues to work on as well. But when we're exploiting workers by not paying them a fair wage, that also includes workers that don't have safety in the workplace as well. So not not only are we exploiting workers, but we're putting their health and welfare in danger and their families as well. We have a lot of work to do in this city. It's unconscionable for a construction company to come into Boston, to work in Boston, and to not pay their workers a decent wage. But it's also unconscionable to not provide workers a safe working conditions. So I want to say thank you to my friend Miner Perez from the Carpenters Union, but also the the Boston Building trades as well, who continue to focus on safety in the workplace. That's the number one critical issue, making sure. Workers are safe and protected. And that that also means that pedestrians and cyclists that happened to be in the area, as well as neighbors, are also safe from a construction site. So, again, wanted to say thank you to my colleague, council me here for conducting a very informative meeting. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Counselor Flynn. Docket number 0398 shall remain in the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development. Moving right along, Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0562. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | Order for a hearing on the safety of construction sites in the City of Boston. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-0562 | Speaker 2: Thank you, Counselor Flynn. Docket number 0398 shall remain in the Committee on Small Business and Workforce Development. Moving right along, Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0562.
Speaker 3: Docket 056 to petition for a special law regarding an act providing certain retirement benefits for the widow of a former firefighter in the city of Boston.
Speaker 2: Journal recognizes that Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Chair Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. We had a very good conversation and in that it was heartfelt that we understood the passing of anybody is a love of grief that you must go through. It is is intense. And the widow came and testified about the passing of her husband, a firefighter, after the surgery he had after he had rolled his ankle while coming down the fireplace. We heard from her. And I wanted and I as I explained, we wanted her to have her time, her space and her voice along with the Union of 718 to speak. There was a denial letter of certain death benefits to her. That letter was not part of the packet. And we are waiting for the retirement committee to explain what the denial was. I have committed to Counselor Arroyo that we will move this expediently as possible, and we're waiting for that letter to come in as the full, complete packet. An assessment is why why he was denied. I think it wasn't a misinterpretation of the law, but I would like to see that letter for that reason. I'd like to keep this in committee. And if the letter is delayed in any way, shape or form, we will move forward as soon as possible.
Speaker 2: Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. Penny Communication from the Retirement Board. The chair of the Committee on Government Ops got this letter that Edwards is asking that docket 056 to remain in the Committee on Government Operations. And Clark, now, please read Docket.
Speaker 3: 0953.0953 message in order authorizing City of Boston to accept an expanded amount of $25 million in the form of a grant for the Commonwealth Builder program awarded by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership to be administered by the Department of Neighborhood Development. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | Petition for a Special Law re: An Act Providing Certain Retirement Benefits for the Widow of a Former Firefighter in the City of Boston. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-0859 | Speaker 3: Thank you. Docket 0859 Petition for a special law regarding an act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers. For police officers for Daniel Flores.
Speaker 2: Chair now recognizes Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Chair Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much. We had a incredible conversation with Mr. Flores about his aptitude, about his history, about his dedication and love of the city, his work with young people, and how he would like nothing more than the opportunity to try and serve the city as a Boston police officer. I recommend that we pass this docket. But I also wanted to give the floor to Councilor Arroyo, who is the lead sponsor.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Madam Chair. The chair now recognizes the original lead sponsor, Councilor Ricardo Arroyo. Councilor, the floor is yours.
Speaker 4: So Mr. Flores is a Roslindale resident who was born and raised in Jamaica Plain, has served on the Boston School Police for the last five years. And before that, I worked in a nonprofit dealing with gang involved youth and things of that nature. Over the last couple of years, he believes that there's a place for him in this work. He enjoys this work working directly with youth and minors. Mr. Flores has gone through the process prior to this for official, you know, to get into the cadet program and to get into the police academy. The furthest he has gone in was this time. However, he's coming up on the age requirement and he's I believe we passed it by three months. All this would do, which we've done this I think we did one of these just last year around the same time is give him an opportunity to go through the program. It doesn't make him it doesn't cut him in line, doesn't do anything like that. It just gives him an opportunity to continue to chase that dream. And so I would appreciate folks that votes on this today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Councilor Arroyo. Any further discussion on docket 0859? Seeing none. Councilor Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, as well as the lead sponsor, Counsel Arroyo, seek acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0859. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket has passed motions, orders and resolutions. Madam Clerk, would you now please read Docket 1005?
Speaker 3: Thank you. Docket 1005. Councilors Edwards and Bullock offer the following petition for a special law regarding an act relative to Boston and non criminal disposition of fine. | Matters Recently Heard-For Possible Action | On the petition, referred on July 21, 2021 Docket #0859, a Special Law re: An Act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for Daniel Flores, the committee submitted a report recommending the petition ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the petition was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-1006 | Speaker 3: Thank you. Docket 1006 Councilors Arroyo and Maria offered the following resolution recognizing September as suicide prevention and action month in the city of Boston.
Speaker 2: Thank you. The chair now recognizes the district council from Hyde Park Councilor Arroyo. The floor is yours.
Speaker 4: Thank you, Mr. Chair. September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Suicide is currently the 10th leading cause of death for adults. And when you go to the ages of 10 to 34 years old, it is actually the second leading cause of death, which is heartbreaking. As somebody myself who is struggling with suicidal ideation, as some members of this council shared their own struggles. We know that part of the problem is that mental health and concerns around mental health are stigmatized in a way that prevent people from seeking help and doing that. And so while I have the floor and if anybody is watching this, you can seek confidential emotional support by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 28, which is 24 seven at one 800 273 talk and four for English. And it's actually 18818886289454 for Spanish. This is something that I'd like to. With with this pandemic, we're going to see sort of unseen levels of post traumatic stress disorder, unseen levels of trauma. And I don't think that we have adequately we didn't have the resources, frankly, on the ground to deal with trauma and things like that the way we needed to before this pandemic. And I think this is something that beyond just resolutions and things that we're going to do as we head into this next step of recovery, this is something that simply does just have to be a focus for us and for our city and for the country. And so I'd also like to thank my co-sponsor on this councilman here who has bravely shared her story time and time again. And so I hope to see real assets and real attention on this matter moving forward, because mental health is wildly important to the city and really is wildly important to everything else that anybody does on any given day. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Counselor Arroyo. The chair now recognizes the at large council from Dorchester Councilor. Me here. The floor is yours.
Speaker 6: Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you to Councilor Arroyo for co-sponsoring this resolution with us. I'm going to keep it together. Are you going to keep it together? I would also like to put out a trigger warning for folks listening in that we will be talking about a topic of suicide. And I think people need to acknowledge that that is triggering for a lot of folks. Last year, when we sponsored this resolution, I shared my own story as a survivor. I shared the story because I knew it was important to show. That that anyone could be living their lives with those dark thoughts in their head. And that is why I want to talk about today the fact that anyone could be living with suicide ideations or tendencies. A person experiencing these things may not look like what you expect. They may not resemble what you see in the movies or on TV. Depression and suicide. Suicidal ideation takes on many different shapes and forms that may look completely different from one person to another. That is why it's so important to check in on the important people in your life. To check in on yourself to. Remind the people in your life that no matter that they matter to you, even the people who may make it look like everything is fine in their lives. I also want to talk about what suicide prevention really looks like because contrary to what most people think. Suicide prevention is more than just sharing suicide prevention hotlines. Suicide prevention is food security. Suicide prevention is affordable housing. It's access to affordable health care, de-stigmatizing mental illness, family acceptance of the LGBTQ relatives, financial security and so much more. As an office, we have fought to uplift mental illness throughout COVID 19 pandemic. And all issues and sectors. And we know. That what we have, that what has been top of mind for everyone as well has been mental health and wellness, especially those who are experiencing social isolation. We need to continue that work beyond the pandemic and we look forward to committing ourselves to that work. I move that we suspend the rules and pass this resolution today. And think of all of those who are at home, sitting alone, feeling unloved, unseen, unheard. And for all of those who have lost loved ones by suicide, we send you lots of love. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much, Councilman. Here, the chair now recognizes the At-Large Council from Dorchester Councilor Annie Society. George, the floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you very much, Mr. President. And thank you to the makers, the lead sponsors on this resolution. I think it's so important that we continue to talk aloud about about suicide, about the necessary work that needs to be done to prevent suicide and to support those that have been directly impacted by this. Please add my name and look forward to this passage as well. Thank you, Mr. President.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Councilor Sabi George. Madam Clerk, please add Councilor Ni Sabi George The chair now recognizes the District Councilor from Dorchester Councilor Frank Baker. The floor is yours. Thank you.
Speaker 4: Mr. Chair. First, add my name. December 7th, 1992. Michael Malone, Moldova. He called me on the phone. He was drinking that night. He had been sober for a while. He shot himself over the phone to me. I didn't even realize how much it was going to affect me till I was. Through what I did to to try to numb my pain for those however many years I was numb of my pain. But thank you for. I'm putting this forth when someone. Is in that position and takes themself out. We don't even know how bad it is. And and and also the families and the people that are around them also affected me for years. I still think of him every day. He was my best friend in grammar school and we kind of fell apart a little bit. He went heavy on to one side and I was trying to remain straight in my life. And so it's a way for me to honor a buddy of mine. And I appreciate it. Thank you. Counselor Roy on counseling being a very, very important. So thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Councilor Baker. And I'm quite pleased. Councilor Frank Baker. But any other councilors wish to speak on this. But any councilors wish to have their name. Madam Clerk, please add. Councilor. Councilor. Brain. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Flaherty. Councilor Flynn. Councilor. Me here. Please add the chair and councilor to councilors. Arroyo and me and Baker are seeking suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 1006. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose. Nay, the ayes have it. The docket is passed. Thank you, Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 1007. | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution Recognizing September as Suicide Prevention and Action Month in the City of Boston.
On motion of Councilors Arroyo and Mejia the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09222021_2021-1007 | Speaker 3: Docket 1007 Councilors. Councilor may offer the following resolution calling on Congress to form of I'm sorry affirm reproductive freedom and pass the Women's Health Protection Act.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Excuse me. Thank you. The chair now recognizes the at large council from Dorchester Councilor Julie Amihere. The floor is yours. Season Ticket 1007.
Speaker 6: OC. Grandma I doing here today.
Speaker 1: Okay.
Speaker 6: So thank you, Mr. President. On the first of two December of this year, a bill was sponsored by the Texas state legislator titled SB eight took into effect. This bill restricts any and all abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which may be as early as six weeks before most people even know that they are pregnant. This bill also states that anyone who is known to assist in an abortion, which may even include an Uber driver taking someone to a clinic will be fined $10,000 despite the 1973. Well, Roe versus Wade decision, essentially setting the questions of access to health and to abortion care. Challenges to the Supreme Court decision have been popping up across the country with the most recent anti abortion action in Texas. The Supreme Court refused to strike down the bill, allowing it to go into effect. This bill is already having devastating effects on people across the state, particularly people of color, low income individuals and trans non by binary people who all need access to abortion care. Because let's be clear, abortion will always be legal for people who can afford to travel out of the state or simply pay the $10,000 fine. But for the rest of us, people who are left without options and in the face of a newer and more restrictive abortion access law , Congress has the opportunity and the obligation to protect the abortion care. That is why our congresswoman and colleague Ayanna Pressley filed the Woman's Health Protection Act, which would fight back against these attacks on abortion access and codify the right for doctors to provide abortion care free from unnecessary bans and restrictions. This bill needs our support not only because we need to send a message to cities and states across the country that we stand for a person's right to choose, but that we also. But but because we because also there are still deep inequities in accessing abortion care in Massachusetts that need to be addressed. I want to conclude on a final note. This bill is called the Woman's Health Protection Act. But it is important to remember that not just women access abortion care, trans men and gender non-conforming, non-binding individuals who also rely on access to this level of care. And we need to make space for them as well. This is this is what all means, all looks like. And this is why we are and this is why we were intentional about removing any gendered language from this resolution. It's important that we center everyone in this space. I move that we suspend the rules and pass this resolution. Thank you.
Speaker 2: Thank you. Counsel me here. Anyone else wishing to speak on docket zero 1007, but any councilors wish to add their name. Madam Clerk, please add. Councilor Arroyo. Councilor Baker. Councilor. Councilor Braden. Councilor Campbell. Councilor Edwards. Councilor Savage. George. Councilor Flaherty. Is that the Chair? Councilor Flynn, Councilor Wu and Councilor Julian here seeking suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 1007. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. That is all for, uh, what is before us on today's agenda. We do have one late files who are moving on to the late files. This is a one late file matter. It's a hearing order sponsored by Councilor Olivia Edwards. All those in favor of adding this late file matter to the agenda. Please indicate by saying I. I oppose name. Thank you. The late file matter has been added to the agenda and is before us. Madam Clerk, would you please read the first and last paragraph of the file and place it before us? | Council Legislative Resolution | Resolution Calling on Congress to Affirm Reproductive Freedom and Pass the Women's Health Protections Act.
On motion of Councilor Mejia, the rules were suspended; the resolution was adopted. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09152021_2021-0960 | Speaker 0: The docket has passed. Moving right along, Madam Clerk, to docket 0960.0960.
Speaker 3: Message an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and spend an amount of $32,500 in the form of a grant for a Policy Fellowship Award by the University of Massachusetts to be administered by the Office of Equity. The grant will fund Research Fellow who will assist in tracking a diverse portfolio of policy issues and benchmarking policy trends nationally.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes Councilor Anissa SIBY George, Chair of the Committee on Education. Chair Siby George, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. Mr. President, as you can see in this docket. It is for $32,500. It's a grant. It will fund this particular fellowship program. I request that we suspend and pass this docket.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Concerned Isa. So be George, chair of the Committee on Education. Seek suspension of the rules and passage of docket 0960. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose name. The ayes have it. Docket 0960 has passed. Madam Clerk, up next is docket 0961.
Speaker 3: Docket 0961 message, an order authorizing the city of Boston to accept and expend an amount of $1,000 in the form of a grant for the Youth Poet Laureate program awarded by donor groups to be administered by the arts and culture. | Mayor Order | Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Thirty Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($32,500.00) in the form of a grant for a Policy Fellowship, awarded by the University of Massachusetts to be administered by the Office of Equity. The grant will fund a research fellow who will assist in tracking a diverse portfolio of policy issues, and benchmarking policy trends nationally. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09152021_2021-0549 | Speaker 0: Thank you. Docket 0965 will be placed on file reports of committees. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 0549?
Speaker 3: Ducats 0549 The Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Special Events, to which is referred on April 14th, 2021. Docket number 0549. In order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $2,051,903 in the form of a grant for the Boston Cultural Fund, awarded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority to be administered by the Office of Arts and Culture. The grant will fund cultural spaces, organizations, programs, artists and activities in the South End, with the goal of preserving and enhancing cultural activity. Submits a report recommending the committee report back to pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilor Frank Baker, Chair of the Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Special Events. Councilor Baker. The floor is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Mr. President. A hearing was held on Thursday, September 9th, on docket 0549, and a message authorizing City of Boston to accept and expand the amount of $2,051,903. The matter was sponsored by Mayor Kim Janey and referred to the committee on April 14th, 2021. Chief Cara Elliott Ortega and Director, Director of Policy and Planning for the Mayor's Office was there, and the DIA Ferré, director of Administration Finance from the Office of Arts and Culture, was there and gave the committee an update on the arts and cultural programs in the city. Overview of how these funds will be used. These funds are the result of a zoning code which requires the creation and support of affordable spaces for quality, art and cultural uses. So listen up district councils. The code also has a provision for contribution in lieu of providing a physical space to which this is here. Chief Ortega explained the BDA is expected to receive a certain contribution of funds generated as a result of the Section 29 of Article 64 of the Boston Zoning Code. Projects proposed within planned developing areas in the south and neighborhood district of Boston that incorporates nonresidential uses are required to provide affordable cultural spaces as defined in Section 64 Dash 21.2 of the code under under Section 29 B and C. A proposed project may provide a portion of affordable cultural space as a contribution equivalent to 5% of the total gross floor area allocated to nonresidential uses and to any and all proposed projects within an approved plan. Develop the area above that allowed as of right in the underlying zoning sub district. In layman's term, 5% of this project was a 10,000 square foot space, of which 4000 will be on site and the other 2 million will be able to stay with the project. So we can do the groups can do programing and art uses and spaces in there in the surrounding area. So I view it as a good thing. The grant will fund cultural spaces, organizations, programs, artists and activities in the South End with the goal of preserving and enhancing cultural activities. As Chair of the Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Special Events, I recommend moving the listed docket from the Committee to the full City Council for discussion and formal action. At this time, my recommendation is to. Passed Docket 0549. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Speaker 1: Counselor Roundhill.
Speaker 0: Counselor Baker, chair of the Committee on Arts, Culture, Tourism and Special Events, seeks acceptance of the Committee report and passage of Docket 0549. Seeing no further discussion. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0353? | Committee Reports | On the message and order referred on April 14, 2021, Docket #0549, authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of Two Million Fifty-One Thousand Nine Hundred Three Dollars ($2,051,903.00) in the form of a grant for the Boston Cultural Fund, awarded by the Boston Redevelopment Authority to be administered by the Office of Arts and Culture. The grant will fund cultural spaces, organizations, programs, artists, and activities in the South End, with the goal of preserving and enhancing cultural activity, the committee submitted a report recommending the order ought to pass.
The report was accepted the order was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09152021_2021-0353 | Speaker 0: The docket has passed. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0353?
Speaker 3: I could 0353 The Committee on Government Operations, to which is referred on February 24, 2021, docket number 0353. Communication was received from Anita to virus chair of the Boss, the Board of Elections for your approval. A Citizens Petition. Untitled petition for Eversource substation in East Boston submitted a report recommending that the petition ought to pass in a new draft.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Clerk. The chair now recognizes Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, as well as the District Council from East Boston. Chair Edwards, the floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. It is about a nonbinding question that will be placed before the voters if we vote on it today as a body. This docket was actually created by ten people in East Boston who came forward and presented the question properly before the Elections Department. At Elections Department then had us have a hearing on it. And I conducted the hearing with a question at the time that read, Excuse me, trying to find the question. Do you support relocating an Eversource electric substation now proposed at 400 Condor St East Boston away from nearby homes, parks and flood risk in East Boston to an alternate secure location such as within Logan Airport. Now, ultimately, after the hearing, we decided that the question was a little bit confusing in a lot of conditions. So the hearing then produced an amended question which reads as follows, which I hope that my colleagues will vote to allow for the people of Boston to consider should a high voltage electric substation be built at 400 Condor Street in East Boston along the Chelsea Creek near homes, parks, playgrounds, jet fuel storage and a flood risk area rather than an alternate safe nearby location such as a nonresidential Massport land at Logan Airport. We took Eversource out of it and really wanted to go to the concept for whether this should be located in any neighborhood so that the city of Boston can decide and make a moral statement as to whether we should be building that kind of infrastructure in those kinds of locations. So ultimately, I'm suggesting or asking that my colleagues vote, that this question be approved in the amended version and it would be placed on the ballot for November 2nd. For the people of Boston to do in a non-binding way vote as to whether this is infrastructure that they would like to see continuing in the city of Boston
Speaker 0: . Thank you very much. Councilor Eldridge, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0353 in a new draft. All those in favor, please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The docket is has been passed. Congratulations, Councilor Edwards. Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0481?
Speaker 3: Docket 0481, the Committee on Government Operations, to which is referred on March 31st, 2021. Docket number 0481. Ordinance Amending the City of Boston Code Section five. Dash 5.20. Paid parental leave for the City of Boston employees submit a report recommending that the order ought to pass. | Committee Reports | On the communication referred on February 24, 2021, Docket #0353, was received from Eneida Tavares, Chair, of the Board of Election, for your approval a citizen petition entitled "Petition for Eversource Substation East Boston", the committee submitted a report recommending the petition ought to pass in a new draft.
The report was accepted; the petition was passed in a new draft. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09152021_2021-0481 | Speaker 3: Docket 0481, the Committee on Government Operations, to which is referred on March 31st, 2021. Docket number 0481. Ordinance Amending the City of Boston Code Section five. Dash 5.20. Paid parental leave for the City of Boston employees submit a report recommending that the order ought to pass.
Speaker 0: Thank you. The chair now recognizes Councilor Lydia Edwards, chair of the Committee on Government Operations. Chair Edwards, you have the floor.
Speaker 2: First, I want to thank my co-sponsors, Counselor Michelle Wu and counselor Anita Sobhy George, for their support and upgrading our parental leave policies. This upgrade is essentially a for loss of pregnancy to be part of the reasons that any potential parent can also request leave from the city of Boston. It is a suggestion of compassion. It is a suggestion of acknowledging that many people on this path have encountered difficulties, and it's an acknowledgment in modernizing our parental leave laws. Now, we had a robust hearing about this when we realized many of the regulations that support this also need to be updated, that the language is entirely gendered . It's also oftentimes based off on whether you're married to your partner. And those things are all we found to be no longer relevant and not really reflective of the diversity of the parents that we have in the city of Boston. So we did make several suggestions to the Human Rights Commission excuse me, to the H.R. department of the city of Boston. But today is about the specific language on the ordinance, and there are some changes, including loss of pregnancy as a reason, and also upgrading it to the 12 weeks, making it consistent with what the administration had already done. I also want to thank you, Councilor O'Malley, and help me and my vision in my heart to be open up to the impact on a lot of our male parents who are impacted by also loss of pregnancy. I think your testimony was by far one of the most powerful that day, along, of course, with counselors Abby, George and counselor shows and us and also Councilor Julie me here in talking about their pathways to becoming parents and why this is so necessary to be open to all pathways and all forms of parenting. So I hope that you will my colleagues will vote to pass this amendment. And that is that is all. Thank you. And that's my co-sponsor, 70.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Thank you, Chair Edwards. So no further discussion on docket 0481. Councilor Lydia Edwards in concert with counselor Michelle Will. In Concert Necessity, George seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0481. All those in favor please indicate by saying I oppose nay. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Congratulations, Madam Clerk, would you now please read docket 0773 Docket 0773. | Committee Reports | On the message and ordinance referred on March 31, 2021, Docket #0481, Amending the City of Boston Code, Section 5-5.20, Paid Parental Leave for City of Boston Employees, the committee submitted a report recommending that the ordinance ought to pass.
The report was accepted; the ordinance was passed. | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09152021_2021-0775 | Speaker 0: Nay. The ayes have it. The docket has passed. Now, moving on to matters recently heard for possible action. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 0775?
Speaker 3: Certainly. Docket 0775. Councilor O'Malley offered the following ordinance amending the City of Boston Code Ordinance, Chapter seven, Section seven, Dash 2.1 and seven. Dash 2.2. Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure of Virgo.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Madam Clerk recognizes the Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, Councilor Lydia Edwards. The floor is yours.
Speaker 2: Thank you very much. I think I'm going to be turning it over shortly to you. But I do want to just quickly give a quick summary of the actions we've taken so far. We had a very successful, robust hearing on this, and we had two working sessions thus far. The first working session went literally line by line to essentially pull, I think, any leftover questions or acknowledge any changes that had happened. I do want to thank Alison Brazil and of course, the chair of Environment and Open Space, Councilor O'Malley, for your incredible leadership and preparation for 21 page ordinance to come through and have. And I think one of the best conversations we've had about how we're going to essentially provide for a future for our children. The Bourdeaux legislation essentially is about building emissions reduction and assuring that as we build, we're building for an actual future we can all live in. And so I wanted to thank again and also Chief Mariama White Hammond, program manager Hannah Payne, and as I mentioned, Commissioner Alison Bridges, who were from the administration. I want to thank all the all of my colleagues who I think at one point either attended the hearing or one of the working sessions to make sure that we were steadfast in our commitment to make sure that the Met Bureau 2.0, as is called, will happen this year. So I at this point, I'm going to ask that the matter stay in committee per the request of the lead sponsor and make sure that we finish the conversations and any leftover ideas concerns and make sure that we have the consensus that we need to pass this as soon as as the lead sponsor is ready. I turn it over to you now. Not formally.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Madam Chair. Perfectly said. We'll be calling this for a vote in relatively short order, but did want to appreciate your incredible partnership on this. This is something that will be one of the most impactful things we can do as a body, and I'm really excited about it. So thank you for that talk in 0775 shall remain in the Committee on Government Operations. Now, moving on to motions, orders and resolutions. Madam Clerk, could you please read docket 0966?
Speaker 3: Certainly. Docket 0966 Council of our call for the following order for a hearing to discuss city protocols for providing public records. | Committee Reports | Ordinance Amending City of Boston Code, Ordinances, Chapter VII, Sections 7-2.1 and 7-2.2, Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure (BERDO). | BostonCC |
BostonCC_09152021_2021-0967 | Speaker 2: Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 0967?
Speaker 3: Certainly. Docket 0967 Council male councilors O'Malley and Campbell are for the following order regarding civilian review board nominations.
Speaker 2: Councilor O'Malley, you have the floor.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. On July 21st of this year, Councilor Andre Campbell and I announced the procedure for our civilian review board nominations. As you know, we pass this incredible work from Chair Campbell, as well as Councilors Arroyo and Mekere. And the mechanism begins with the council, president of the council itself submitting nominations to the mayor. So working in concert with the chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Criminal Justice, I think we've done as good a process as imaginable. We've created a portal where we are seeking applications that the end date is September 20th, which is this upcoming Monday, and we have a few more days until then. So please share with your networks the link to the application portal, which can be found on our website, Boston.com City Council. Purpose of this order is to hold a working session to review the application. Applications thus far received of which we will then be submitting our nominations to the acting mayor. The mayor will appoint three members to the Civilian Review Board from a pool of nine nominees who are submitted by us. These nominees will each serve a term of three years, provided, however, that of the members first appointed, three shall be appointed for a term of one year. Three shall be appointed to a term of two years, and three shall be appointed to a term of three years. We've made available a paper copy of the application portal and have translated the application into Chinese, Cape Verde and Creole, Haitian Creole, Spanish and Vietnamese. I want to thank again the incredible work of the Chair, as well as Councilors Arroyo and Mejia, for their great partnership on this. And I look forward to getting more applications in the next couple of days and then having a transparent and open process. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Speaker 2: Do. But the chair now recognizes it. I'll be brief. Thank you, council President, for your leadership on this and again and get this application out. It is a beautiful thing. It's a public process. It's incredible to thank you for your leadership. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to speak on the matter? All right. Docket 0967 will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.
Speaker 0: Madam Chair, maybe councilors who wish to add their name.
Speaker 2: Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. Any councilors who wish to have their name added to the docket. I see. Counselor Arroyo. Counselor Baker, Counselor Braden. Councilors Abby. George Custer Flaherty. Councilor Flynn. Councilor Macchia and Councilor Wu and Councilor Edwards. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilor Edwards. And we referred that, I believe, to public safety. Um, moving right along, Madam Carr, could you please rate Duckett.
Speaker 3: 0968.0968 Councilors Arroyo and Mejia offer the following resolution recognizing September 15th through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of Boston. | Committee Reports | On the order, referred on September 15, 2021, Docket 30967, regarding the Civilian Review Board Nomination, the committee submitted a report recommending that the enclosed nine names appointment to Civilian Review Board. | BostonCC |