Everett City Council
Monday December 11, 2023
Clickable Transcript Printable Transcript Agenda
The order of items in transcripts appear in the chronological order in which they were taken up. Some Agenda items may have been skipped.
Items 1 & 2
During the city council meeting, a discussion took place regarding National Grid's request for infrastructure upgrades to service a new multi-family building at 260 Elm Street. Two petitions were reviewed: the first to install conduit for underground power leading to a new three-phase pad mounted transformer, and the second to relocate a utility pole for better alignment of overhead lines. Concerns were raised about the impact on newly constructed sidewalks and road surfaces, with assurances given that all affected areas would be restored to their original state. There were questions about the duration of the construction activities and the importance of notifying residents in advance. The council emphasized the necessity of completing sidewalk and street repairs promptly following the installation to minimize disruption.
Show more... Show less
Public Participation
Residents expressed various concerns at the public hearing. Robin Babcock voiced objections to the allocation of ARPA funds towards modular units, citing health and safety issues such as poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, and potential for toxin exposure. Margaret Cornelio advocated for clear parking regulations through visible signage and markings to improve city parking conditions. Sandy Juliano suggested diversifying the use of the $10 million earmarked for modular classrooms to include renovations for Pope John, while Paula Sterite touched on the premature decision to spend ARPA funds on modular classrooms and raised questions about senior meal program costs and city department efficiencies. Concerns were also raised about board appointments not meeting city charter requirements, transparency around cell tower revenues, and management issues within Everett housing. Janice Locke praised the homeowner's exemption for tax relief but noted the need for better communication to ensure eligible residents are aware of such benefits. Wendy Poste emphasized the importance of introducing a new HR policy for non-union employees to ensure safety in city operations, sharing her personal experience with sexual assault by a firefighter to highlight the hypocrisy within the previous administration. Steve Iannaco briefly mentioned the need for accountability regarding the mayor's overpaid longevity money. Various speakers focused on improving city infrastructure, safety, and transparency, each presenting a mix of personal testimony and policy suggestions to the council.
Show more... Show less
Item 37
Councilor Stephanie Martins proposed a resolution for State Senator Sal DiDomenico to discuss the progress of the proposed soccer stadium in Everett before the city council. Senator DiDomenico appreciated the suspension of rules to provide an update outside customary orders and expressed the need to clarify misconceptions surrounding the project. He delved into the legislative process, the inclusion of environmental groups in discussions, and public engagement efforts undertaken to support the project. The senator highlighted the transformative potential of the stadium project on a decommissioned power plant site, emphasizing benefits such as open space, youth facilities, and waterfront access for Everett residents. He addressed inaccuracies and emphasized the lifting of the Designated Port Area (DPA) restriction as crucial for development, outlining the extensive community outreach and negotiations involved, including with environmental groups. The project faced a setback as it did not pass in the conference committee, prompting plans to file a standalone bill. The senator also discussed potential infrastructure improvements, such as transport upgrades, contingent on the project's progress. The discussion concluded with assurances of future negotiations for community benefits and continued updates on the stadium proposal's status.
Show more... Show less
Item 13
The content discusses the proposed appointment of Frank Pockett to the board of assessors for a three-year term ending on December 31, 2026, introduced by Councilor Michael Marchese. Marchese highlights that Pockett is a resident of Everett, specifically from the Woodlawn area, and emphasizes the importance of appointing individuals who are actively present and involved in the city, presenting Pockett as an example of the type of community member desired for such positions.
Show more... Show less
Item 26
In the public hearing, Matt Lattanzi presented as the director of planning and development for the City of Everett. Discussion included a clarification by Cornelio regarding a previous error related to the required votes for zoning changes, identifying that eight votes were needed not at the enrollment stage but at the adoption stage. Lattanzi described the current zoning restrictions in Lower Broadway, explaining why a zoning change was necessary to allow pet grooming or kenneling services in a designated economic development district. This change would not directly approve a project but enable proposals for redeveloping an underutilized site. Martins inquired about existing regulations for kennels, and Cornelio confirmed the involvement of the animal control officer in the approval process. Smith clarified that a special permit, not a blanket approval, was required for opening a pet kennel, expressing concerns that this approach was a short-term solution and advocating for more comprehensive zoning fixes. The conversation highlighted the city's procedural approach to zoning and development proposals, emphasizing individual assessments and approvals for future pet kennel projects.
Show more... Show less
Item 27
The discussion focused on Item 27, an ordinance amendment concerning the removal of short-term rentals from the zoning ordinances, placing them solely under the general ordinances. The amendment specifically entails deleting subsection 34 of section 12 in the zoning ordinances. The control and enforcement of this ordinance will be transferred to the building department, as confirmed during the conversation between participants identified as Cornelio and Marchese. The process of amendment requires a roll call vote for its implementation.
Show more... Show less
Item 3
Martins inquired about the operations of the disability commission, including their meeting schedule, the scope of their responsibilities beyond approving handicapped parking, and how one can express interest in joining. Marchese suggested that the city clerk might have the necessary information. Cornelio responded, stating uncertainty about the full extent of the commission's duties but confirmed their involvement with handicapped parking signs in collaboration with the traffic commission. Cornelio also mentioned that applications for board positions can be submitted through the mayor's office, specifically to Dolores Lattanzi, and highlighted that while the commission's meeting schedule is not fixed, they generally meet during the day and post this information on the city's website. The meetings are usually held in the same room and are scheduled to accommodate the mostly disabled residents who are members.
Show more... Show less
Item 11
Councilor Michael Marchese proposed an order for the city of Everett to accept and expend funds amounting to $767,500, sourced from the city of Chelsea through an inter-municipal agreement focused on a project around Island End, as confirmed by the Everett City Council on August 14, 2023. Eric Demas from the city of Everett highlighted the lack of project specifics but clarified the funding would act as a grant, with Everett being a subrecipient of funds originally allocated to Chelsea. Questions arose regarding an additional cash match of $141,068.50 expected from Everett, with Demas indicating that other grant funds or resources would cover this without necessitating further appropriations from the council. Though specifics were scant, the discussion centered around ensuring compliance with financial commitments between the two cities without additional burdens on council funds.
Show more... Show less
Item 19
The hearing discussed a resolution proposed by Councilors Stephanie Smith and Darren Costa requesting the assessor to provide data on abatements from the past five years and lists of households with and without homeowner exemptions, aiming to identify those eligible but not currently receiving exemptions. The resolution, accepted by the committee, is referred back to its sponsors for further action. Smith encourages residents not on the exemption list to contact City Hall. Councilor Martins highlighted a misconception about eligibility for exemptions, emphasizing they are not limited to seniors. Costa mentioned a senior exemption offering additional savings despite income and asset restrictions, indicating efforts to increase support for residents facing tax increases, despite existing statutory limitations.
Show more... Show less
Item 20
The discussion centered around Councilor Darren Costa's resolution proposing the city evaluate or establish a program to promote residential exemption benefits and review the current exemption recipient list. Costa elaborated on current practices, noting that outreach occurs as homestead applications are processed, indicating new homeowners likely to become residents. He mentioned a suggestion by Mr. Devereux to have all beneficiaries reapply as a means to update and correct the list, but highlighted the challenges of such an approach. Costa concluded by emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance homeowner awareness through data cross-checking, suggesting the motion be sent back to the sponsor for further consideration and placed on file.
Show more... Show less
Item 21
During a public hearing, a proposal to allocate $150,000 from the capital improvement civilization account for improvements to the Webster School roof was discussed. However, there was confusion regarding the requested amount, as the OPM had previously indicated only $47,000 was needed, leading to inquiries by Councilor Costa and Smith about the additional $103,000. Despite efforts to clarify, discrepancies between the school committee's request, the OPM's initial statement, and subsequent explanations, including unexpected HVAC costs, remained unresolved. Smith informed the council of the situation, advising them to vote according to their judgment, given that no further clarification was expected, despite the inconsistencies in the funding request information.
Show more... Show less
Item 22
Councilor Michael Marchese, as president, proposed an order for the city council's approval to appropriate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds according to an attached spending plan, presented on October 10, 2023. During the discussion, Councilor Smith proposed amending the order to remove $10 million allocated to modulus, justifying the amendment by referencing previous council decisions against funding modular projects. The discussion evolved into procedural clarifications on whether items within the spending proposal could be voted on individually. Upon affirmation that they could, motions to divide the question and vote on separate categories or "buckets" of spending were suggested and discussed. Concerns were raised about modular funding specifically, with sentiments ranging from skepticism about the need for immediate funding to considerations about alternative solutions and future planning. The council explored the implications of their decisions regarding modular funding on future fiscal responsibilities and the potential impact on tax burdens. Ultimately, the discussion led to separate motions for different categories of the spending plan, including public health initiatives, education and childcare assistance, economic recovery assistance, and other projects, with an emphasis on ensuring transparency and proper guidelines for organizations applying for ARPA funds.
Show more... Show less
Item 23
Cornelio introduced item 23, a resolution from Councilor Hammond requesting the FY 24 quarter one financials for review. The administration had already provided these through the CFO at the last Ways and Means meeting. Smith thanked the CFO and staff for their diligent work in answering questions and recommended to place the resolution on file, expressing anticipation for the quarter two financials review.
Show more... Show less
ITem 24
Councilor Cornelio introduced a resolution for a petition requested by Councilor Michael for a new open-air parking license for Quick Auto Center Coop at 39 Line Street. The committee had sent this back without a recommendation, suggesting it be referred to the building department for a response within two weeks, particularly to confirm restrictions of uses in the area. Martins moved to refer the matter to the building department, seeking clarification whether this was about a business owner renewing an existing license or a new application. The discussion highlighted confusion over the nature of the petition, before reaffirming the action to seek a response from the building department within the specified timeframe.
Show more... Show less
Item 25
Item number 25, a petition by Councilor Michael Marchese for a new mechanical auto body repair license for Vittoral Mechanic on 39 Street, was discussed. It was noted that there's already an existing license at that location. After convening, the committee reported back with a favorable recommendation regarding the petition.
Show more... Show less
Item 30
The discussion focuses on the status of a public hearing concerning the alcohol nip ban ordinance, initiated by Councilor Stephanie Martins and Councilor Weem. It was mentioned that the last update indicated no meeting had occurred regarding this matter, and despite it being halfway through the month, it seems unlikely that any progress will be made. Martins noted that while some members are conducting research and she had engaged in a few conversations, the decision is to postpone the discussion to the next meeting due to the anticipation that no significant action will be taken until the following year.
Show more... Show less
Item 33
In a public hearing, the Everett City Council discussed several key matters. Councilor Michael Marchese introduced a resolution for the council to enter an executive session to review and possibly unseal the executive session minutes related to the Devon School Lease, with specific council members and officers to be in attendance. It was later confirmed that the council approved the unsealing of the Devon School Lease appraisals but decided to continue sealing the minutes until the legal cessation of use. Following this, Councilor Wayne Matewsky raised concerns about a rodent infestation problem throughout the city, sharing instances from residents and suggesting the need for dedicated rodent control efforts. He proposed that this matter be addressed directly by the mayor's office, highlighting the severity of the rodent problem exacerbated by new construction and demolition projects. Furthermore, Councilor Stephanie Martins proposed revising the guidelines of the Citizens Foundation grant to better support smaller organizations that struggle to compete with larger entities possessing more resources, including grant writers. She advocated for a review of the grant allocation process to ensure equitable support for smaller, local groups that rely on such funding as their primary financial resource.
Show more... Show less
Item 34
During a public council meeting, Councilor Stephanie Smith requested an update on dog monitoring at local parks and a record of all citations issued for dogs off leash in the year 2023. She expressed community concerns about dogs frightening children in parks where dogs are not allowed off leash, given the proximity of dog parks designed for that purpose. Smith sought a written report by the next meeting detailing the Animal Control Office’s (ACO) enforcement actions, including the number of citations or warnings issued. Another council member suggested inviting an ACO representative to a meeting for a direct explanation, but Smith preferred initially receiving a written summary to determine future actions regarding enforcement. The request was forwarded to the ACO with expectations for a written response within two weeks, detailing their monitoring efforts and the enforcement actions taken throughout the year.
Show more... Show less
Item 36
Councilor Wayne Matuszewski addressed a pressing traffic safety concern at the intersection of Avaya Beach Parkway and Lewis Street, proposing the placement of no heavy trucking and directional signs to mitigate a dangerous situation exacerbated by large trucks navigating through the area. He recounted multiple incidents, including a nearly two-block-long truck causing severe disruption and a police response to gridlock, emphasizing the risk to public safety and the urgency for corrective measures. Despite previous requests for signage to guide truck drivers more effectively and prevent gridlock, progress has been slow, leading to frustration not only for Councilor Matuszewski but also for local residents affected by the traffic issues. The proposal was moved to refer the matter to the traffic commission and the mayor's office, seeking prompt action and interventions to address the dangerous traffic conditions.
Show more... Show less
Item 38
Cornelio initiated a resolution requesting a representative from the Davis company to provide an update to the council regarding their plans for the recently purchased ExxonMobil land during the next meeting. Councilor Martins expressed her eagerness to learn whether the company's plans remain as initially presented or if there have been changes since she found out about the finalized sale through a newspaper. She proposed postponing the item to the next meeting to give the Davis company a chance to respond to the council's invitation to present their plans. Marchese supported deferring this matter to the administration and suggested that, given the project's significance, a dedicated meeting might be necessary for a comprehensive presentation.
Show more... Show less
Item 39
Cornelio introduced item number 39, a resolution proposed by Councilor Stephanie Martins requesting that the administration consider expanding city programs to include activities for intellectually disabled and developmentally delayed individuals. However, Martins chose to postpone the discussion to the next meeting, stating that there were residents who wished to speak on the matter. Marchese supported the postponement.
Show more... Show less