VOTES
Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild Resolution: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilors O'Malley & Arroyo in support of inclusion and preservation of 108 Walter Street, a private parcel that is up for sale within the Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild. The LAND Program was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for natural resources protection and passive outdoor recreation purposes. The City of Boston applied for a LAND grant on July 15, 2020 for the purchase of land to be part of the Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild area.
Boston Black Hospitality Coalition Resolution: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilors Janey & Mejia highlighting the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition's work to help impact black business throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. This coalition, founded by Nia Grace of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Restaurant and Royal C. Smith of District 7 Tavern, has magnified and amplified the need for resources to ensure that black-owned restaurants can stay afloat during the pandemic and beyond.
Homeless Youth Awareness Month Resolution: The Council voted to adopt the resolution filed by Councilor Essaibi-George recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.
NEW FILES
Gender Inclusivity on City Forms: Councilor Breadon & I filed an ordinance requiring language on City Forms to be inclusive of all gender identities and families, following the experience of constituents having been confronted with forms and applications without a non-binary or gender non-conforming designation at City Hall. The LGBTQIA+ community continues to face marginalization, discrimination, and violence, especially toward trans and non-binary community members. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Government Operations.
Conservation Corps: Councilor Bok called for a hearing on a city-level Conservation Corps for Boston, which could allow Boston to complete more capital projects that are environmentally focused, including retrofits of municipal buildings to reduce emissions and construction and installation of green infrastructure, as well as employ and train Boston residents, and allow Boston to meet its sustainability goals. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Environment, Sustainability & Parks.
FY 2021 Tax Classification: Councilor Bok filed an order for Boston’s annual approval of a residential property exemption at the maximum level of savings for homeowners, 35%. This action must be taken prior to certification of the tax rate by the Department of Revenue. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Ways & Means.
Resolution Opposing MBTA Service Cuts: The Council voted to adopt the resolution I filed to officially oppose MBTA service cuts and urge implementation of essential public health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the period of the first surge of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, the MBTA implemented rear-door boarding and suspended fare collection to ensure safety and health for drivers and all riders commuting during the public health crisis, but the agency rescinded these measures after case counts decreased. COVID-19 positivity rates are now accelerating as a second surge, but the agency has proposed cutting service, which would increase the risk of infection for riders and drivers. Given the potential for new federal resources starting in 2021, the MBTA should not enact permanent service cuts in 2020.
Flu Clinics: Councilor O'Malley called for a hearing to discuss access to the flu vaccine in the City of Boston. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as the flu is urgently important. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Health.
Access for Minority Business Enterprises to High-Volume Commercial Centers: Councilor Mejia called for a hearing to discuss addressing commercial segregation through focusing on access for MBEs to the high-volume commercial centers such as the Seaport, Newbury Street, and Faneuil Hall marketplace. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business & Workforce Development.
BPD Gang Database: Councilors Campbell and Arroyo called for a hearing regarding the Boston Police Department's Gang Database. The Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) of the Boston Police Department (BPD) maintains a database of suspected gang involved persons in the City of Boston. The sponsors noted the lack of transparency and accountability with regards to publicly available data, the inability to request personal information from BRIC, information sharing with other law enforcement agencies, and the need to separate federal, state, and local law enforcement. Council President Kim Janey noted the alignment between this hearing order and the motivation behind the Community Control of Surveillance Ordinance that she, Councilor Arroyo, and I have filed. This matter was assigned to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice.
Restaurant renewal fees: Councilor Flynn called for a hearing to discuss waiving restaurant renewal fees for various permits and licenses given the tremendous financial stress on restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The matter was assigned to the Committee on Small Business & Workforce Development.
GRANTS
$457,671.85 FY21 State 911 Training Grant, awarded by the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the Police Department to fund the training and certification of Enhanced 911 telecommunications. This matter was referred to the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice
$9,781,393 CDBG FY20-Cares Supplemental grant, awarded by the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development to be administered by the Department of Neighborhood Development to fund programs to help alleviate housing and economic crisis conditions caused by COVID-19. (Passed)
$182,841,467 for the purpose of paying costs of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new six story Josiah Quincy Upper School building at 900 Washington Street in the City of Boston; and $8,550,000 for the purpose of paying cost of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new six story Josiah Quincy Upper School building at 900 Washington Street in the City of Boston including the payment of costs incidental or related thereto. (Passed)
APPOINTMENTS
Boston Landmarks Commission: Diana Parcon, David Berarducci, John Amodeo, Justine Orlando and Felicia Jacques confirmed as members
Beacon Hill Architectural Commission: Joel Pierce and PT Vineburgh confirmed as members
Zoning Board of Appeals: Eric Robinson confirmed as a member & Hansy Better Barazza confirmed as an alternate member; Sherry Dong nominated as a member & Bethany Patten nominated as an alternate, pending Council confirmation
Our next City Council meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 12PM.
Tuesday, November 24th at 4:30PM: Hearing to review the Melnea Cass Blvd Design Project (Planning, Development & Transportation)
Monday, November 30th at 10:30AM: Hearing on Grants to fund various Transportation Projects in the City of Boston (Planning, Development & Transportation)
Tuesday, December 1st at 12:30PM: Working session regarding an ordinance establishing a Civilian Review Board in Boston (Government Operations)
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