Everett City Council
Monday January 22, 2024
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.
Item 1.
At a public hearing, Robert Van Campen, as President, introduced a petition from National Grid, represented by John Jankowski. National Grid sought permission to install around 6 feet of underground conduit alongside 373, 375 Broadway in Everett, which would involve work from the sidewalk but not affect the road. The installation, anticipated to take one day, prompted inquiries from Everett City Council members regarding the timing (day or night work) and whether the infrastructure would be above or below ground. Following procedural calls for public opinion which yielded no objections, the City Council moved to vote, ultimately approving the petition unanimously.
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Item 8.
Martins initiated a motion to suspend the general order of business to prioritize item number 8, which Van Campen seconded, and the assembly approved. Cornelio revealed item number 8 to be President Van Campen's request for confirming Kevin Ferreira-Pereira's appointment to the Everett Police Department. The vote concluded with a unanimous 10-0 in favor of the appointment, after which Van Campen humorously acknowledged Pereira's near absence at the critical moment of confirming his new position.
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Public Participation
At a public hearing, residents of the city presented various concerns and queries to the council. Wendy Post questioned the financial aspects of litigation and insurance cost breakdowns, and highlighted the significance of policies to combat sexual assault, sharing her personal connection to the issue as a survivor. Peggy Serino criticized financial decisions related to tax increases, the reappointment of board members, and the mismanagement of a former school building. Bonnie Lemagne, a homeless resident, called for the establishment of shelters instead of sober houses. Benevolent Gill voiced frustrations about the condition of Thorndike Street, requesting it be repaved due to safety concerns. Rajish Kashan supported the item regarding the street's condition, emphasizing its importance to the temple attendees. James Lemagne raised concerns about traffic hazards on Church Street. Paula Sterite sought clarity on legal fees for an EOCC investigation and expressed skepticism towards board appointments and their qualifications. The residents' testimonies reflected a spectrum of community concerns, from infrastructure and safety to governance and social welfare, urging council action and accountability.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Stephanie Martins from the Everett City Council initiated a motion to approve the minutes from previous meetings held on December 11 and 26, 2023, and January 8, 2024. The motion was seconded and subsequently put to a vote. Van Campen confirmed that the motion was unanimously approved with all members in favor, indicating that the minutes from the specified dates were accepted without objection.
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Items 2., 3., & 4.
During a public hearing, motions were presented to approve three donations. One donation of $25 from Cheryl Cole for the fire victims fund, $115 from city employees for the city's annual toy drive, and $5,000 from Schnitzer Steel Industries for the same toy drive. A question was raised about the use of the fire victims fund, leading to an explanation by Erin Deveney, the Mayor's chief of staff, about the fund's purpose in assisting residents displaced by fires with temporary assistance. It was clarified that the fund could also benefit landlords living on the property, but it mainly aids renters. Following this discussion, motions for the donations were unanimously approved 10-0.
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Items 5., 6., & 10.
During a public hearing, a motion was made by Smith, and seconded, to collectively address items 5, 6, and 10. Despite an initial suggestion to include item 9, it was decided to handle that item separately. The motion to combine the three items for discussion was approved. The items in question involved the reappointments of Rebecca Edmondson Korom, Derek Shooster, and James Booker to the zoning board of appeals and the disability commission, respectively, with terms expiring in January 2027. A motion to suspend rule 16 to allow these matters to proceed without automatic referral to a committee was made, seconded, and approved. However, a question was raised by Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin about the process for reappointments and querying nominees, which led to a clarification that the current vote was for favorable action without committee referral. A vote was taken, resulting in the reappointment of the individuals with a vote of 6 yeas to 4 nays.
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Item 7.
In this section of the public hearing, an ordinance proposed by the President to amend parking requirements, use regulations, and dimensional standards in Section 30 of the Lower Broadway Economic Development District in Everett was introduced as item number 7. The temporary clerk expressed confusion, and there was a brief interjection acknowledging the clerk's first night. The discussion quickly moved to the matter at hand, with no debate occurring on the ordinance, leading to a unanimous decision to automatically refer the item to the planning board. A motion was made, seconded, and approved without opposition, demonstrating procedural efficiency and agreement among the members present.
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Item 9.
During a public hearing, a motion was made to postpone the confirmation of Philip Colameta's reappointment to the Everett Housing Board until the next meeting, sparking a discussion about the importance of verifying the residency of board members, particularly to ensure they live in Everett as required. Some council members highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, suggesting that appointees should provide proof of residency, such as a license, and possibly have their resumes reviewed for new experiences. There was a consensus on the importance of appointees being present to demonstrate commitment and for new appointees to appear before a committee with their resumes. Ultimately, the motion to postpone was withdrawn in favor of referring the matter to the Committee on Legislative Affairs for further examination.
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Item 11.
The discussion involves a request for the allocation of $150,000 from the general fund's budgetary balance to the litigation professional services account to manage costs associated with an EEOC inquiry. The motion, introduced by the president of the meeting, seeks to ensure that any related invoices, whether settled or pending, are presented for review. Subsequently, it was motioned and seconded to refer the matter to the committee on ways and means, stipulating that appropriate administrative officials must provide documentation of all relevant financial transactions. This motion was unanimously approved by the attendees.
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Item 12.
The section discusses Order Item Number 12, presented by Council President Robert Van Campen, seeking approval to allocate $270,000 from the general fund's budgetary balance to the general fund compensation liability account. This appropriation aims to address the increased insurance costs associated with an old high school and a new fire boat. Council member DiPierro motioned to refer the matter to the ways and means committee, seconded by Smith, with an additional request by Marchese for all outstanding invoices to be made available. Following agreement and a prompt confirmation of consensus, the motion to refer the order to the committee was approved unanimously.
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Items 13., 15., 16., 17., 18., 19., 20., 21., & 22..
During a public hearing, a motion was made and seconded to consider collectively the renewal of various petitions and licenses, all offered by council president Robert J. Van Campen, for items numbered 13, and 15 through 22, which included several renewals of class 2 motor vehicle dealer licenses for various automotive businesses, a class 3 motor vehicle dealer license, and a redemption center license. Clarification was provided on the process for handling new petitions versus renewals, with detailed information on how completeness of applications is ensured through various checks and the requirement of upfront payments. The procedures for existing businesses under new ownership versus completely new businesses were also explained, highlighting the streamlined process for renewals being actioned in the current session. The motion for favorable action on these items was made, seconded, and passed unanimously after a roll call vote.
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Item 14.
In a discussion regarding the renewal of an in-holder's license for Encore Boston Harbor, council members explored the relationship between the license, room taxes, and the potential impact of tax increases highlighted by recent talks with the Governor. Clarifications were made distinguishing between in-holder and lodging house licenses, highlighting Encore's substantial license fee and the separate, additional income from room taxes. Questions were raised about the fairness and structure of the fee formula, leading to an explanation that charges vary based on the number of rooms, with different rates for smaller establishments versus larger hotels like Encore. The conversation also touched on revenue from room sales tax, with officials clarifying the local versus state revenue collection mechanisms. The council ultimately decided to grant the petition for license renewal, with the motion passing unanimously.
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Item 9. - Motion to reconsider
In a public hearing, there was a discussion on reconsidering item number nine regarding the Everett Housing Authority Board. Mr. Colameta, the person in question, was present to answer queries, leading to a motion to reconsider the previously made decision to send the item to committee. The members debated the process and justification for reconsideration, with some clarifications about previously held votes. Mr. Colameta addressed the council, apologizing for his earlier absence and explaining his long-term residency and commitment to the city, hoping to be considered for an additional five years at the Everett Housing Authority. Doubts were raised about his current residency in Everett, which he addressed by detailing his family's housing history in the city and offering to show his driver's license as proof of residency. The council moved for favorable action on his reappointment, which was unanimously approved.
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Item 23.
Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin proposed a resolution to request the creation of a program for subsidizing air conditioners for Glendale Towers and other Everett Housing Authority (EHA) properties residents, highlighting the quality of life issue for vulnerable residents. The resolution aims for the EHA to apply for a grant with city administration support, using over $4,000,000 of ARPA funds designated for public health. Several councilors voiced support, mentioning the increasingly unbearable temperatures in the upper levels of the buildings. The motion was made to have the administration collaborate with the EHA on obtaining grant funds to improve residents' living conditions and was favorably acted upon, with additional support to include Councilor Rogers as a co-sponsor.
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Item 24.
Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin presented a resolution (Item number 24) aiming to evaluate the current ARPA programs for seniors to ensure the allocated budget is being utilized effectively and appropriately. The resolution stresses the importance of providing essential services to vulnerable senior residents and debates whether the administration should run these programs directly or outsource them to external parties to optimize the use of surplus budget funds for enhancing senior services. During the discussion, Alcy Jabouin moved to refer the resolution to the Ways and Means Committee, inviting the CFO and the Mayor's office to delve deeper into the issue. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved, with an emphasis on having relevant documentation ready prior to the committee meeting to facilitate a productive discussion about the ARPA program expenditures and effectiveness.
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Item 25.
Councilor Stephanie Smith introduced a resolution for a representative from National Grid to attend the first meeting in February to discuss street lighting concerns in Everett, noting the darkness in comparison to neighboring cities and expressing a desire to explore LED lighting options. The motion was made to refer this issue to the committee on community and business development and utilities, with an additional request to inform the wire department about the upcoming meeting and the subject matter, emphasizing the importance of discussing which lights are owned by the city versus National Grid. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The procedural rule was highlighted that prohibits other city council members from speaking on an issue once the lead sponsor has referred it to committee.
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Item 26,
The Everett City Council discussed a resolution, proposed by Councilor Stephanie Smith, to send a formal request to the Boston City Council, urging them to revisit their decision not to accept a $13 million federal counterterrorism grant, which affects funding for Greater Boston cities including Everett. The motion to include Councilor DiPierro as a co-sponsor was approved, and further amendments were made to include the entire Everett City Council as co-sponsors of the resolution. The discussion highlighted the significance of the grant for local counterterrorism efforts and the need for collaboration among the cities. The council unanimously agreed to draft and send the formal communication to the Boston City Council, demonstrating unity and concern over the loss of crucial federal funding.
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Item 27.
Item number 27, introduced by Councilor Stephanie Smith, involves a resolution that mandates the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to present the quarterly financial reports to the Ways and Means Committee within 45 days following the close of each quarter. Smith explained that this procedure had been followed during the past year, and the motion to formally adopt this practice into the new term was proposed and then referred to the CFO. The council voted in favor, with no opposition, effectively passing the resolution.
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Item 28.
Item number 28 involved a resolution proposed by Councilor Stephanie Smith, suggesting the city council establish an annual performance review for their employees. During the discussion, Smith requested to add Councilor Martins as a co-sponsor to the resolution. This motion was approved. Subsequently, Smith proposed to send the resolution to the committee on legal and legislative affairs for further examination, a motion that was also seconded by Martins and unanimously passed by the council.
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ITem 29.
Councilor Stephanie Smith introduced a resolution for the administration to schedule and host a neighborhood meeting to gather ideas on the development of a city-owned plot of land on Summer Street, across from Buchees, which had previously experienced a fire and has been fenced in for years. She had previously discussed this matter with attorney Slattery and requested the motion to be referred to the city solicitor's office, which was seconded. The motion to refer the matter to the city solicitor's office was made and passed amid discussions about the motion's specifics, including inquiries about the exact location on Summer Street.
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Item 30.
Councilor Stephanie Smith presented a resolution, item number 30, requesting the appointment of representatives by the city council President and administration to establish the periodic charter review committee, as mandated by Section 9-6 of the city charter in years ending in a four. Smith emphasized the necessity of reviewing the city charter, marking this meeting as the initiation of the process and referring the action to the city council president and the Mayor's office. The motion to refer the item was made, seconded, and passed with approval from those present.
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Item 31.
During a city council meeting, Councilor Stephanie Martins presented a resolution requesting an update on the selection process for a new permanent fire chief, noting that unlike the police chief, this position is filled through a test or assessment center and expressing concern over the prolonged interim arrangement. Martins proposed inviting administration officials and fire department or union members to discuss the matter at the next meeting on February 12th. Although Councilor DiPierro suggested the item might be better suited for the Public Safety Committee, Martins decided to keep her motion for it to be addressed at the full council meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Pietrantonio and, following a voice vote, was unanimously referred to the February 12th meeting for further discussion.
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Item 32.
Item number 32, presented by Councilor Stephanie Martins, concerns a resolution for a representative to discuss the supplemental final environmental impact report (SFEIR) for the Encore Boston Harbor project and its impact on Everett. The discussion highlights concerns about the bridge connecting Encore to Assembly Row, emphasizing Everett's significant impact and the perception that Encore may not be contributing fairly to the project. Martins advocates for a thorough discussion involving members of the administration or planning board to provide detailed insight. The motion to refer the item to the committee on government operations for further discussion is unanimously approved, with specific invites suggested for administration officials, including Mr. Lattanzi, to participate in future discussions.
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Item 33.
Councilor Stephanie Martins offered resolution #33, requesting an update on the renegotiation process of the Encore host agreement. Highlighting that discussions began a few months prior, Martins sought clarity on progress and proposed inviting a member of the administration to either speak at the next city council meeting on February 12 or submit a communication detailing current status. The motion to defer item #33 to the specified meeting and request the mayor and administration officials to provide an update was made, seconded, and unanimously approved by the council.
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Item 34,
Councilor Stephanie Smith presented a resolution for the city council to send a letter of support to the state delegation, backing bills aimed at rectifying issues with the "Retirement Plus" program for teachers which began in 2001. The issue revolves around teachers who mistakenly did not opt into a more beneficial pension calculation due to confusion over contribution percentages on their paychecks. Smith urges Representatives McGonagle and Garcia, alongside others who have yet to sign, to support these bills. She calls for the entire state delegation's endorsement and for the Everett City Council to officially voice support for a just resolution to the retirement benefits confusion, listing several key figures to be informed of this stance. The motion was seconded, and without any discussion, it swiftly passed with majority approval.
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Item 35.
During a session addressing order item number 35, the council discussed a resolution by Katy Rogers concerning National Grid’s failure to grant 24-hour public access along the River Green Walkway in Everett, Massachusetts, as mandated under Chapter 91. The discussion highlighted the significance of the walkway that connects Everett with neighboring cities and the obstruction caused by National Grid's non-compliance. Despite alterations to their property triggering Chapter 91 requirements, National Grid has not fulfilled its obligation, hindering the completion of a multimillion-dollar pathway and limiting residents' access to the waterfront. Rogers emphasized the importance of holding National Grid accountable and proposed actions, including drafting a letter urging compliance and postponing further discussion to invite National Grid and legal representation to a future meeting for a more comprehensive resolution. The council agreed to these motions, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring public accessibility to the waterfront and holding National Grid accountable for their role in completing the pathway.
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Item 36.
Katy Rogers proposed a resolution for adding coyote awareness signage in Ward 3 and other affected areas, emphasizing the importance of coexisting with coyotes due to their role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. She outlined several preventative measures for avoiding conflicts with coyotes, such as not feeding them, supervising pets, securing trash, and employing hazing techniques during encounters. Rogers also recommended incorporating informational content on the city's website and identified eight specific locations for signage installation. The council agreed to forward the item to the administration for action by the next meeting on February 12th and to include the information on the city website.
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Item 37.
Item number 37, concerning a resolution by councilors Anthony DiPierro and Wayne Matewsky, addresses the consideration by the administration to repave Thorndike Lake Street in response to long-standing requests from members of the Sikh temple community. DiPierro emphasized the urgency of the matter and suggested a postponement to discuss a meeting on February 12th, where a definitive timeline for the repaving could be provided by the administration. Despite acknowledging potential long-term plans for the area, DiPierro highlighted the feasibility of interim measures to improve road conditions. The motion to refer item 37 for administration's response by the next meeting was unanimously approved.
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Item 38.
The resolution discussed in item number 38, proposed by Councilor Anthony DiPierro, urges the administration to take necessary steps for the construction of speed tables on Fullest Street to begin once the weather permits. DiPierro highlighted that the funding for this project was approved during his previous term and mentioned a conversation with Mr. Monty, indicating that the project had been planned for a late fall start but was possibly delayed by other work on Elm Street. DiPierro requested a postponement of this item to the February 26th meeting to involve Engineering and Transportation in determining a start date. This motion to refer item 38 to the specified meeting for further discussion and a response from engineering was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved by the council.
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Item 39.
Item number 39, introduced by Councilor Anthony DiPierro, requests an administrative update on the reconstruction of the Arthur Nelson AKA Fuller Street Playground, noting it as potentially the last city playground pending renovation in the past 10-20 years. DiPierro proposed postponing further discussion to the February 26th meeting to allow time for the administration to outline their plans and the project commencement timeline. Following a motion made by Van Campen and seconded, the item was referred to the administration for a detailed update to be provided at the specified February meeting, with unanimous agreement from the council members present.
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Maintenance Requests
Van Campen concluded the meeting by addressing the final agenda items, which were maintenance requests set to be forwarded to the appropriate committees. He took a moment to congratulate the new council members, including himself, on their first official meeting and their inaugural agenda items. Acknowledging his own performance, Van Campen admitted to some rustiness in his role but expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations with both the new and returning councilors.
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