City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you. so so Thank you. Thank you.

Good afternoon, everyone. I call to order today's meeting of the Boston City Council. Viewers may watch the council meeting live on YouTube at boston.gov backslash city dash council dash tv. At this time, I ask my colleagues and those in the audience to please silence their cell phones and electronic devices. Also, pursuant to Rule 42, I remind all in the Chamber that no demonstration of approval or disapproval from members of the public will be permitted. Thank you. I also want to give my colleagues a heads up. The FIFA Fan Fest starts today at 2 p.m. and we've been told that they will modify the volume, but if it gets too loud in the Chamber, we will have a recess and take it from there. So hopefully it won't get too loud and we'll be able to proceed through our long agenda in a timely way. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote to ascertain the presence of a quorum?

Councillor Braden. Here. Councillor Calata-Zapata. Here. Councillor Culpepper. Here. Councillor Durkan. Here. Councillor Fitzgerald. Here. Councillor Flynn.

Here.

Councillor Lujan. Here. Councillor Mejia. Here. Councillor Murphy.

Here.

Councillor Pepin. Here. Councillor Santana. Councillor Webber. Here. And Councillor Worrell. Here. A quorum is present.

Thank you. I've been informed by the clerk that a quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, if you would please do us the honour of offering an invocation this afternoon. And then we'll follow that with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Good afternoon. Please stand Blessed are the just for they have their reward and indestructible integrity blessed are They who labor in the vineyards of the public realm for they shall be remembered Blessed are they who love their nation enough to praise its strengths and criticize its weaknesses for they shall be made wise Blessed are public officials who are responsive to the needs of these the least of the people for they shall be deputies of the community Blessed are they who serve the public good, for their reward is in being used. Blessed are the powerful who acknowledge their power as both gift and responsibility, for they know the binding obligations of their bounty. Blessed are they who rebuke narrow self-interest to sustain the common good, for they are the patriots the nation needs. We especially ask your blessing upon the members of the Boston City Council as they continue their good work. on behalf of the people of this city on a hill. Amen.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible,

We are on to presentations. We have one presentation this afternoon. Councillor Santana, are you ready for your presentation? And I'd also like to acknowledge that we've been joined by Councillor Mejia, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Pepin and Councillor Santana.

Okay. It's coming right around.

It's coming around the long way. Councillor Santana is recognizing the Alianza Hispana. You pronounce it better than I do. So welcome your guests up, and do you want to invite them up to the stage?

Good afternoon, everyone. Buenas tardes. I want to say good afternoon to my colleagues, members of the public, and honoured guests. Today we have the privilege of recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary work of La Alianza Hispana. For over 55 years, La Alianza Hispana has been a trusted starting point for thousands of Latinos seeking support at every stage of life. Come up. Everyone, there's space for everyone. Through education, social services, and advocacy, the organization strengthens community and helps individuals across Massachusetts reach their fullest potential. La Alianza Hispana provides vital programs and resources to Latino individuals and families throughout Boston. These programs include workforce development workshops, senior wellness initiatives, and family-centered development services that help residents build stability, opportunity, and connection. Additionally, the organization is devoted to supporting Latino seniors and adults with disabilities through social engagement and enriching activities while also providing critical support to immigrant mothers and families. La Alianza Hispana's work is deeply important to the City of Boston because it uplifts and empowers members of the Latino community by expanding access to education, health care, senior services, workforce development, and social support networks. As we recognize La Alianza Española today, we honor more than five decades, I repeat, five decades of dedicated service, advocacy, and community leadership. The commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening families continues to make a lasting difference in Boston and across Massachusetts. And it's important that we acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable impact that they have had on our generations and of our residents. And for me, as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, This is extremely personal to me. Organizations like this help me and my family get to where we are today. And right now, our immigrant communities, as we all know, is under so much attacks from all different levels, particularly our federal government. And having a group of women, a group of Latinas, who just do this work every single day, it's personal to them, but it's not easy. And I acknowledge that right now. And I get emotional because I start thinking about my family, my cousins, my friends, and the moment that we're living in right now. So without further ado, I don't know who wants to speak, but thank you so much for the work that you all do. And right now, we need to be able to support organizations like this who are ultimately saving lives. So, muchas gracias.

Thank you.

Gracias.

Good afternoon. I'm Marisol Amaya, the Secretary Director of La Alianza Hispana, and this is some member of my team. We have some of the men sat in the office, so we have some of those. Fifty-five years ago, La Alianza started with a simple mission, a refusal to let our Latino people to be invisible. Since 1971, the Latino families, their parents, children, uncles, cousins, grandparents, arrived in Boston without knowing English, without knowing how to navigate the system, with lack the possibilities. And it's sad to know that 55 years ago, and we continue the same. So for this reason, La Alianza always focus in the holistic family approach. We care and we have program for every member of our family. So we have program for children zero to five, then we do home visitor program. The home visitor program focus and make sure that child is ready for kindergarten. But at the same time, support our Latino family. We have also we care about our older adult and people with disability. We had the senior program and we had an adult care program that is the first one in the city of Boston for the Latino community. 55, 54 years is the adult care program. And we had the workforce making sure our They had opportunity to find a job with computer classes, resumes, and also searching for jobs for everyone. And we had information and referrals, something very important because Latino families come here and they don't know where to start. We are, for 55, La Alianza has been lifting the community and has been the bridge for a better future. We ensure that our older adults age with dignity. We move families given the right tools, from survival to thriving. And we just not care about our children as the good students, but also as our future leaders. We don't look at the metrics just as looking at a number and a piece of paper. We look at the mother who came to La Alianza terrified because they didn't have a place to sleep, where to eat, and didn't know what to do with their life. Now the mother has their own place, they have life, and she's working with us also, making sure the other family has the right things and the right tools to survive. We are talking about the older adult who was in the apartment without get out, just lonely and isolated. Now that person is writing a book and putting her life in a piece of book and selling that book in the Amazon. That is an impact we are making. That person is not invisible, is visible for the community. We also talking about the immigrant that came without speaking English and now he's earning their own business, giving job to other and give an opportunity to success for so many.

We are here at Alianza.

At Alianza, we don't just do things because we have to do it. We do it with passion. We do it with commitment because we care about our community. Everybody who work at Alianza is an immigrant, so we know. We work the Jews. We know how difficult it is, but we know it's possible. Alianza is nothing without the staff. Thanks to them, All the staff who are commitment, they are the heroes. They are the ones who make sure that every Latino child, that every Latino elder and every family has a future and they are not invisible in the city. At Alianza, we don't provide services. we give a better future. And thank you for the recognition. Our 55 years, but we are going up for more. Thank you to everybody. We thank you.

Thank you, Marisol. You can feel the passion and how personal it is. And as Marisol mentioned, we're all immigrants, right? And so everyone working there are immigrants and it's extremely personal to them. I do want to give a shout out just to both city councilors, Julia Mejia, the first Dominican woman to be on the city council, and two of my colleagues. I know all my colleagues care about Latino community, but I just want to acknowledge the work that you have both done. And we were just talking earlier before about how we really need to, you know, they're doing the work, and we need to be able to do and support the work. And I know both of you and my colleagues do that every single day. I know this guy likes to be in the shadows, but I want to give a shout out to Juan Lopez that we all love and know just for the education and the commitment to all of our communities, but particularly the Latino community. I'm here because of the work that you've been able to pay. So thank you. I want to be able to invite all my colleagues up for a quick picture. No, Juan, we need your picture.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Santana, and congratulations again to La Alianza Hispana.

Mr. Clerk, could you please amend the attendance to reflect that Councillor Worrell has joined us? Thank you. And, Councillor, I think we got her the last time. Councillor Mejia.

Okay.

Okay?

Thank you.

We're now on to the first order of business, which is the approval of the minutes from the meeting of June 17th, 2026. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The minutes of the June 17th meeting have been approved. Councillor Flynn, you have a question? You have a point of order? Yes, I do. Which rule are you referring to?

I have a few rules, but let me start with rule 13. Madam Chair, this morning I mentioned to you I wanted to get some information on 17Fs. I wanted to be respectful to you in the process to give you a heads up that I was looking for information about 17Fs. But today's agenda includes a response from the Boston Housing Authority on docket 0221, which was a 17F I filed on BHA elevator access and life safety. I filed this on January 28th. The response just came, but it ignores many of the specific questions in my request and does not take responsibility for a variety of issues, including unpaid invoices and ongoing litigation.

Councillor Flynn, we usually don't comment on correspondence.

Okay, but I also have several outstanding 17Fs that have not been responded to, including one from February, one in April, several others. Rule 13, Madam Chair, requires that unanswered 17 orders remain listed as pending matters in green sheets. Under Rule 8, I am asking the Chair to recognize that this is a question of priority of business and to address these pending requests before the City Council proceeds with other matters. request that the Chair call a brief recess under Rule 6 so that we can receive a clear written response when the requested information will be produced to the City Council. That's the rule, and I hope we respect the rule. Thank you, Madam Chair. MS.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. I've been talking to IGR about this issue, about 17 . We did get the response to the BHA 17 . At this moment, I do not intend to recess the meeting as the Chair.

Madam Chair, respectfully, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.

It's not up for debate. The only person who can recess the meeting is the Chair, and I'm exercising that authority right now.

Mr. Clerk, would you be able to weigh in? Because I've been waiting for many of these 17 Fs from the Mayor's Office for a long period of time.

We can take a brief recess. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

No, we're taking a brief recess to just settle this matter. We're back in session. The only person who can recess the meeting is the Chair, and we have a long agenda this afternoon, so therefore we will not have a recess. I have it on good authority from the IGR that they are working on those outstanding 17Fs, and they hope to have them for the next meeting, Councillor Flynn.

Madam Chair, Rule 18 and 20, a motion to adjourn as the highest precedent. It is not a debate on Rule 26 in the letter at any time.

Councillor Flynn, are you moving a motion to adjourn? I beg your pardon.

I'm only asking that we take a brief recess so we can get a written response. I haven't heard from Intergovernmental Affairs. I have serious concerns about health-related issues and BHA developments that I do need answers for in other issues, Madam Chair. It's important to me It's important to my constituents, many of them are people of color. I owe it to them to do my due diligence as a district city councilor. I would like a brief recess so I can get written confirmation when these 17 Fs will be responded to. I think that's a simple request.

It's a simple request, thank you, Councillor Flynn. We appreciate it's a simple request, but it's not a simple solution. We have been talking to IGR and they have said that those responses will be available at our next meeting. They're still working on it. So I have to take it in good faith that that's what they plan to do.

Madam Chair, I can't take it in good faith. I need to have something in writing because I've waited five and six months, which means my constituents have been waiting five and six months to get quality of life issues addressed, public safety issues addressed, the people of color. I need to do my due diligence in public housing developments. That's my job. I take it very seriously. I take it personally.

Councillor Flynn, if you would like to speak directly to IGR, we can arrange that.

I don't need to speak with them. I'm just asking for a written response from IGR when I'll get my 17S. It's a priority for me, Madam Chair.

We have been working on this issue on a weekly basis, and they have said that we've gotten the BHA response, we are working on getting the others, and I

The BHA response, Madam Chair, was insignificant. They didn't address my issues.

Councillor Flynn, please. Councillor Murphy, you had a point of information.

Is the motion on the floor to adjourn or is the motion on the floor to recess through the Chair?

There's no motion to recess. We can't have a motion to recess.

Madam Chair, I'm just looking for written confirmation from IG on that settlement.

What we will do, Councillor Flynn, is we will ask IGR to bring a written response before the end of this meeting.

Madam Chair, I'm requesting that I get the written response before this meeting.

No, we have time constraints here.

I understand, but it's important to my constituents. It's important to my constituents.

Councillor Flynn.

It's important for me And it's important for my constituents that I get written answers for them, that I'm doing my due diligence as a district city councillor. I want written confirmation when these 17 Fs will be sent to me. I trust people, but I want to verify it too.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. We'll work with IGR to get that response as soon as possible. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Yes, point of information. I had done the same thing over a month ago and still haven't gotten responses. There are 12 outstanding 17Fs, and I hear you when you say we're working with them, but I just want to make sure our colleagues know that we're going on months now with unanswered 17Fs. So why, if you could just let me know as the chair, as the president, why you think that this time that we will get answers. It's a concern that we, myself and others, have been bringing up for a long time now.

Yes, thank you, Councillor Murphy.

So I'm asking the question.

The question, yes, we're working with IGR to get the responses.

Why are we as a body okay that we're not getting important answers?

We're working on it, thank you. Councillor Mehear, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I will offer a friendly consideration to my colleagues who are advocating. I know there is a hearing order regarding 17Fs that has been filed. I think that we can utilize that as an opportunity to bring the administration in, talk about protocols, policies, and procedures, and maybe we can design some sort of timeline and then that we could hold the administration accountable. I would just offer that we have a long agenda, we have a lot of business to take care of, and respectfully, if we don't mind, maybe we could do a hearing around this so that we can keep the work moving respectfully. I hope that we can do that.

Thank you, Councillor Mejia. We're going to move on. We're now on to communications from Her Honourable Mayor. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Dock number 1223?

Dock number 1223. Message in order for your approval. An ordinance authorising the City of Boston, acting through its Environment Department, to amend the Distributed Energy Resource Revenue Revolving Fund 30396E, the current language for 303 96 e is limited in its use and the changes proposed will allow for proper usage of 303 96 e while maintaining its original purpose the amended language will allow the fund to properly capture revenues and expenditures ensuring enhanced and seamless financial process for current city energy activities These amendments will properly capture demand response revenue and allow for the further development of the city's demand response programs increasing energy savings and reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions produced by emissions not addressed through the city's distributed energy resources.

Thank you. Docket 1223 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1224?

Docket number 1224, message in order. authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $1,200,000 in the form of a grant, fiscal year 26 MOTT FIFA grant, awarded by Mass Office of Travel and Tourism to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund the Boston Police Department Public Safety Response MOTT Round 2 application.

Thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1224. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay. Thank you. Docket 1224 has passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1225?

Docket number 1225, message and note authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $100,000 of credits from Anthropic to strengthen the City's cyber defenses. These credits are granted by Anthropic through the state, local, tribal, and territorial cyber defenders program. The credits will be utilized to automate the scanning, triaging, and patching of our city's technology infrastructure using Claude Opus 4.8, the latest model of Anthropic's generative AI tool. This initiative will help to significantly elevate our cybersecurity posture against increasingly sophisticated AI-driven threats.

Thank you Mr Clerk. I am just looking at my script here and I omitted to call on the Chair of Public Safety. Do you have any remarks on the previous docket? Okay, thank you. May I speak on that one? Councillor Flynn you have the floor.

Yeah, I was just wondering, we just voted to suspend and pass that one. We didn't have any discussion or debate on exactly what it is, but could I just ask the committee chair to explain it, just so we have a little bit of understanding about what we just supported?

That's exactly my intention, thank you. I apologize for skipping over that. Chair, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councillor Flynn. As the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I have held multiple hearings on grants similar to this one and understand how critical they are to protect our residents and visitors. With thousands of people coming to Boston for the FIFA World Cup events, it is essential that we provide our public safety personnel with the resources they need to respond effectively. This $1.2 million grant will support the Boston Police Department security operations at designated FIFA sites. including FAMFest, team hotels, practice facilities and home-based camps, by funding necessary overtime and equipment costs. Given the immediate need for these resources, as the World Cup activities are under way, as the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I recommend that this grant ought to pass, and I believe it did pass, but I hope that gave you some clarity on how the 1.2 is being funded.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to say thank you to Councillor Santana. He answered my question. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. And as we already took a vote on this, and this docket 1224 has passed. I apologise for the reversal on that one. Mr Clerk, could you please read docket 1225? I read it. Oh, you've read it already. Thank you. Thank you. This is again... Councillor Santana, would you like to speak? Dr. Dockett, 1225. That's the AI.

I'm 1227. No further. We're not suspending and passing this one.

You're not suspending and passing. Okay. This is up for further. This docket, 1225, will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Thank you. Councillor Flynn, you had your light on? No, thank you. Okay, thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1226?

Docket number 1226, messaging on authorising the City of Boston to accept and expend a donation of $25,000 from the non-profit organisation Cities Forward Inc. The purpose of this donation is to support the Mayor's Civic Summit scheduled to occur on August 1st, 2026.

Chair recognizes Councillor... Are you the... Cities Forward is this? Civic Summit. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm asking that my colleagues suspend and pass this low dollar grant. Thank you.

Thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Human Services asks for suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1226. All in favour say aye. All against say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1226 has passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1227?

Docket number 1227. Message in order for confirmation. of the appointment of renewal inspectional services constables authorised to serve civil process upon the filing of their bonds for a period commencing May 1, 2026 and ending April 30, 2029. Ms.

The Chair recognizes the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr.

Thank you, Madam President. We suspended and passed this appointment last year and look forward to doing the same Today, as this is a reappointment, this order ensures that qualified constables are properly appointed and authorized to serve civil process on behalf of the city of Boston, supporting the efficient administration of the judicial system. The order also maintains compliance with state law by clarifying that appointed constables may not exercise arrest powers unless they obtain the required certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. So I'm looking to suspend and pass this today. Thank you.

Thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Yeah, thank you. May I ask a question to the Chair? Certainly. Councillor Flynn, what's your question for the Chair? How many constables are we supporting, are we voting on? And can you give us a little bit of background? as it relates to inspectional services, what some of their specific duties are in terms of serving people various summonses, if we can get a little bit of background information, since we're not having a hearing.

Do you wish to answer that question, Councillor Santana?

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Flynn. I do not have those answers right now, but I'm happy to— I think so, yes, my colleague Councillor Webber. So we have here the following recommendations for approval are for the renewal of ISD applicants. We have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Would you like to know the names of those people? Seven of them, yes, correct. And happy to also get more information on the questions that you put on the record to make sure that my colleagues feel good. But yeah, thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. These are all renewals. We discussed this. So thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Justice seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1227. All those in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The ayes have it. Docket 1227 has passed and the appointment has been confirmed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1228 and 1229 together.

Dock number 1228, message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding elevator access, life safety, and disability compliance. Dock number 0221, passed by the City Council on January 28th, 2026. Dock number 1229, message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding employment contracts for various commissioners in the City of Boston. Dock number 1002, Passed by the City Council on May 13, 2026.

Thank you. Dockets 1228 and 1229 will be placed on file. We're now on to petitions, memorials, and remonstrances. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1230? Docket number 1230.

Petition of Sir Redd Transportation Incorporated of Boston for a license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over certain streets in Boston.

Thank you. Docket 1230 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. We're now on to reports of public officers and others. Regarding Rule 39, no remarks on communications from Councillors will be permitted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read dockets 1, 2, 3, 1 through 1, 2, 3, 4.

Docket number 1, 2, 3, 1. Notice received from City Council President Liz Braden of the appointment of Councillor Enrique Pepin as the City Council Representative on the Neighbourhood Housing Trust for a term expiring January 1, 2028. Docket number 1, 2, 3, 2. Communication received. from the Commemoration Commission of the report entitled Commemoration Commission Progress Report May 2026. Document number 1233. Communication was received from Philip Ng, Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager and CEO regarding withdrawal of May 15, 2026 notice of intent to acquire temporary rights in a portion of Summer Street. And document number 1234. communication was received from the City Clerk of the filing by the Boston Planning and Development Agency regarding Manapan Heights 2, Chapter 121A Project, Second Amendment to Report and Decision.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Dockets 1231 through 1234 will be placed on files. We are now on to reports of committees. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 10697? Docket number 0697.

The Committee on Ways and Means, which was referred on April 1st, 2026, document number 0697, order to accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41D, authorizing annual increases to senior exemption income and asset limits, submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass in a new draft.

Thank you. The chair recognizes Councillor Webber, the chair of Ways and Means. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today regarding docket number 0697. In order to accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41D, authorizing annual increases to senior exemption income and asset limits, a proposal that would allow an annual increase to the income and asset eligibility limits for the city's senior property tax exemption based on the Consumer Price Index to be provided to the city annually by the Department of Revenue. The committee held a hearing on this docket on Monday, June 15, and was joined by Councillors Flynn, Murphy, Louie Jinn, Worrell, Culpepper, and Fitzgerald. I'd like to thank my colleagues for attending, as well as incoming interim chief of assessing, Hinlan Wong, Commissioner Emily Shea of the Age Strong Commission, Carolyn Villers, executive director of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, and Lily Bryan, member of the Mass Senior Action Council, for their participation as well in Monday's hearing. As you recall, we heard how current income and asset limits Boston senior property tax exceptions is outdated as inflation has increased the cost of living. The committee believes and explained that this docket, 0697, is a practical and equitable approach that helps preserve access to property tax relief for Boston seniors. By tying eligibility to inflation and the consumer price index, the city can ensure that seniors Who would otherwise qualify for assistance or not inadvertently excluded simply? Because their assets have risen alongside broader economic conditions We also heard that if adopted these changes would take effect for fiscal year 2027 Allowing eligible seniors to begin applying on July 1st 2026 with the application period remaining open through April 1st 2027 the assessing department Testified that implementation would be straightforward and would primarily involve updating eligibility thresholds and public facing materials Commissioner Shea also stated the H rock Commission would work to get the word out to eligible seniors Should this order take effect following our hearing and in consultation with the lead sponsor? Council region a couple of changes were made to the language of the order to reflect our legislative intent we added a comma and the words Bureau of Labor Statistics after the US Department of Labor and to read the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for the previous years as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue. Lastly, we added that after that sends a clause that reflects our legislative intent. As the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I recommend docket number 0697 ought to pass in a new draft.

Thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means seeks acceptance of the Committee Report and Passage of Docket 0697 in a new draft. Councillor Louis-Jeanne, you have the floor.

Councillor Louis- Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to rise and say thank you to the Chair. I know that this was a hearing that was moved, and I want to say thank you to him for the flexibility and makings that we had this hearing. We want to vote on it today so that it's, in fact, the next fiscal year. And as this is our last meeting, I want to make that happen. I want to thank the chair as my co-sponsor as well, Councilor Orrella as my co-sponsor. And I want to really uplift the advocacy of Mass Senior Action Council, Carolyn, the executive director of Mass Senior Action Council, Lily, the president of Mass Senior Action Council. Thank them for their advocacy and for their original research, because it really helped to support the work that my office was doing around this issue. I want to give a big shout out to Jesse in my office. As we're dogged about finding ways to help our seniors in the affordability crisis, so many of them are experiencing, realize that this local option, which has been adopted by a number of cities around the Commonwealth, including Concord, Milton, Cambridge, so many others back in 2003 when it was first able to be implemented, we did not opt into it. Right now, the senior exemption for one individual is around $26,000. had we adopted this more than 20 years ago, that exemption limit would be $40,000. Under 41D, we're not talking about creating any new exemption. What we're doing is applying the cost of living increase every year to what is currently allowable under 41C. And so if we had it in effect for last year, that would have been a 2.9% increase on top of the 41C senior limits. These are the limits that we as a body have now twice asked state petition the state house to increase um and so we're still working on that while we're working on that this is a local option something that we can do here on the city council without requiring any state house approval that will help keep uh the exemption limits for seniors both the income limits and the asset limits help them keep a pace with inflation and with increases that our seniors and our older adults see when it comes to our their so their social security benefits pensions and savings um what we've been seeing for from 2000 uh since i think during the pandemic onwards, we've been seeing a decrease in the number of applicants who are receiving these benefits. And we're hoping that with this adjustment of including inflation via the consumer price index, that we're able to capture more of our older adults who are able to qualify for these exemptions. I look forward to working alongside the interim chief of assessing, alongside Commissioner Shea, who are both at this hearing, to really make that possible. I want to thank our seniors who are doing incredible advocacy around the needs of our older adults. I want to thank Lily who brought me this Mass Senior Action Council, Ambassador Pinn. They were here last week or the week before when we had this hearing and just provided incredible testimony. This is one thing. There's so much more we have to do to make sure that our older adults, especially those who are house rich, cash poor, especially our black and brown older adults, that they're able to age in place with dignity. and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them and my colleagues to make that possible. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Louis-Jeanne.

Councillor Worrell, the co-sponsor.

Yep, thank you Madam President. I want to thank the Chair, I want to thank Councilor Louis-Jen and also Mass Senior Action Council who has been at the forefront of getting more relief to our seniors who are cash rich and house poor. This is progress as a small step forward. It's a tool that we now will have in our two boat. But I also want to just uplift the conversations that The Mass Senior Action Council has uplifted to our office that we've been working with with regards to providing more relief to our seniors which one of them is we have been having discussions with the finance department on their monthly payment plans and any tweaks that could be made to the city's new billing system because we know that this can also provide relief to our seniors and of course the largest senior tax credit just want to also shout out my co-sponsors on that one, Councillor Mejia and Councillor Murphy. I know that this has passed this body attached to the transfer tax and also has passed the Senate and also the House of Reps. But now it's time to get real relief passed at the State House. Let's see if we can put some more pressure and advocacy on our State House colleagues to get more relief to our seniors. So the work continues. This is one step, another tool added. to provide relief to our seniors, but let's keep on pushing. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you. I just want to acknowledge the Chair for conducting an informative hearing last week. I want to say thank you to the co-sponsors as well. Important bringing this forward, Mass Senior Action as well. Just want to highlight one issue that maybe it's something we need to stay on top of going forward that people, seniors that are eligible and are accepted into this program, it's likely that they will have to reapply almost every year. I thought I heard that during testimony last week. But if that is still the case, we have to do a good job of educating seniors almost constantly, not just through social media but through various mailings to let them know that ESU are eligible for this program, but you also need to continue to reapply. It should be one time only, but that's not the rule. But it's important for us to educate and stay in contact with seniors throughout the year as well. I want to say thank you to Councillor Orrell. Thank you, Madam Chair.

The chair of the committee in Wesson Bean seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 0697 in a new draft. All in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0697.

Councillor Brayden.

Yes.

Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Durkan, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, yes. Councillor Huygens, yes. Councillor Huygens, yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Papin, yes. Councillor Papin, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Webber, yes. Councillor Webber, yes. And Councillor Orrell, yes. Councillor Orrell, yes. Docket number 0697 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 0697 has passed a new draft. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0792 and 0913 through 0916 together?

Docket number 0792, the Committee on Housing and Community Development, to which was referred on April 15, 2026. Docket number 0792, messaging on authorizing the City of Boston, acting through its Mayor's Office of Housing, to apply for, to accept and expend the federal fiscal year 2025 continuum of care grant funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount not to exceed $50 million. These funds will be used to support programs that provide services and housing to persons experiencing homelessness, submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass in a new draft. Document number 0913, Committee on Housing and Community Development, to which was referred on May 6th, 2026, docket number 0913, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $16,834,742 in the form of a grant, the federal fiscal year 26 community development block grant awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant would fund housing, economic development, and social service programs. The award amount is estimated from prior years. Submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass. Document number 0914, the Committee on Housing and Community Development, to which was referred on May 6, 2026. Document number 0914, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $4,825,132.90 in the form of a grant. The federal fiscal year 26 home investment partnerships program grant awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant will fund the production of new affordable rental and home ownership housing and also provide operating support for community development corporations. The award amount is estimated from prior years. Submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass. Talking number zero nine one five the committee on housing and community development to which was referred to May 6 2026 talking number zero nine one five Message you're not authorizing the city of Boston to accept an expanding amount of three million eight hundred fifty nine thousand forty nine dollars in the form of a grant for the federal fiscal year 26 housing for persons with AIDS grant awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant will fund services for income-eligible individuals and families affected by AIDS. The award amount is estimated from prior years. Submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass. Dock number 0916, the Committee on Housing and Community Development to which was referred on May 6th, 2026. Dock number 0916. Message in order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $1,489,616 in the form of a grant for the Federal Fiscal Year 26 Emergency Solutions Grant awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to be administered by the Mayor's Office of Housing. The grant will fund street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing assistance, and shelter services. The award amount is estimated from prior years. Submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. That was a long list of dockets. The Chair recognizes Councillor Pepin, the Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The Housing and Community Development Committee met on Friday, June 12th, to discuss five grants awarded to the City of Boston by the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Development The total sum of these grants is around $79 million. Councillors Flynn, Louis-Jean, and Murphy were in attendance. These five grants would be administered through the Mayor's Office of Housing, providing housing assistance and shelter services for Bostonians experiencing homelessness, as well as the production of affordable housing, housing for individuals and families affected by AIDS, and funding for economic and community development. The Housing and Community Development Committee recommends that dockets 0792, 0913, 0914, 0915 and 0916 ought to pass.

Thank you, Councillor. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, since this is a vote, I'm able to speak on this, is that correct?

Yes, we're going to vote on it, so yes, you have a question. You've been able to speak on it.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to say thank you to Councillor Pepin for this important hearing. Council Peppin, did you say $79 million, was that?

Correct.

We're voting on $79 million HUD money that's coming into the city of Boston. I represent in my district probably the most number of residents living in public housing, been a strong advocate of public housing my entire life. That's why I want to make sure that When people are living in public housing, they live with respect and they live with dignity. And when there are issues at a particular public housing development, we have a moral obligation to address them, whether it's broken elevators, whether it's fixing up a common area, whether it's the HVAC related issues. But we have a responsibility to support residents in public housing, not just provide the money to BHA. We have an obligation to provide critical oversight. And that's exactly what I try to do as the District City Council representing the most residents living in public housing. Most of them are people of color. I had one particular issue at Ruth Barclay development and person who was a double amputee wasn't able to get up to his apartment on the fourth floor and disabled veteran as well and he had to stay outside for a period of time on the streets because the elevator system wasn't working. I am working with Councillor Pepin to try to get a meeting scheduled with BHA on elevator-related issues. But I'm going to vote on all of these dockets because it's the right thing to do. But I do want to provide critical oversight on BHA because I'm not happy with the leadership that's taking place at BHA, especially as it impacts people of color and quality of life issues in our Boston housing units across the city. So I think we have a responsibility to pass this, but we also have the responsibility to make sure the money is spent appropriately. Madam Chair, the final point I do want to make is there is money in there for housing for people with AIDS and HIV. I want to acknowledge Mayor Flynn in 1984 for the work he did on supporting people living with AIDS and HIV, but especially ensuring that they had equal access to housing in the city of Boston. It was controversial at that time, but because of those civil rights advancements, it's important that we ensure people with AIDS, with HIV, are treated with respect and dignity. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Councillor Papin, you have the floor.

Yes, point of clarification. I just want to make sure that I emphasise that for 0792, I want it to pass in a new draft because the original document that we received was of $50 million, but it is $52 million that we are getting.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Pepin. We will move on to a vote on these dockets. I think we'll just go straight to a roll call vote on each of them in turn. Let's start off with docket 0792. The Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 0792 in a new draft. Mr Kirk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0792?

Council of Brayden.

Yes.

Council of Brayden. Yes. Council of Calata Zapata. Council of Culpeper. Yes. Council of Culpeper. Yes. Council of Durkin. Yes. Council of Durkin. Yes. Council of Fitzgerald. Yes. Council of Fitzgerald. Yes. Council of Flynn.

Yes.

Council of Flynn. Yes. Council of Louisanne. Yes. Council of Louisanne. Yes. Council of Mejia. Yes. Council of Mejia. Yes. Council of Murphy. Yes. Council of Murphy. Yes. Council of Pepin. Yes. Council of Pepin. Yes. Council of Santana. Yes. Council of Santana. Yes. Council of Weber. Yes. Councillor Worrell. Yes. Councillor Worrell, yes. Docket number 0792 has received 11 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 0792 is passed in a new draft. The Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0913. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 0913?

Councillor Braden.

Yes.

Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Council call pepper. Yes. Council Durkin. Council Durkin. Yes. Council Fitzgerald. Yes. Council Fitzgerald. Yes. Council Flynn.

Yes.

Council Flynn. Yes. Council Louie Zen. Yes. Council Louie Zen. Yes. Council Mejia. Yes. Council Mejia. Yes. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Pepin. Yes. Council Pepin. Yes. Council Santana. Yes. Council Santana. Yes. Council Weber. Council Worrell.

Yes.

Council Worrell. Yes. Token number 0913 has received 11 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 0913 has passed. The Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0914. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 0914?

Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Durkan, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn.

Thank you.

The committee report has been accepted and docket 0914 has passed.

The Chair of the Committee of Housing and Community Development seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0915. Mr. Clerk, would you please take a roll call vote on Docket 0915?

Councillor Brayden. Yes. Councillor Brayden. Yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Yes. Councillor Culpepper.

Yes.

Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Durkin. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Lujan. Yes. Councillor Lujan. Yes. Councillor Mejia. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Pepin, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Weber, yes. Councillor Worrell, yes. Docket number 0915 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and the docket 0915 has passed. Just down to the last one. The Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0916. Mr. Clerk, would you please take a roll call vote on Docket 0916?

Councillor Brayden.

Yes.

Councillor Brayden. Yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Yes. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Flynn.

Yes.

Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Louisian. Yes. Councillor Louisian. Yes. Councillor Mejia. Yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Papin, yes. Councillor Papin, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Webber, yes. Councillor Webber, yes. And Councillor Worrell, yes. Councillor Worrell, yes. Docket number 0916 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The committee report has been accepted and docket 0916 has passed. We are now on to matters recently heard. Pursuant to rule 39, each councillor will have 10 minutes to discuss the main motion, which is the full docket as presented. The Assistant Clerk will keep track with a stopwatch. If councillors do not use all their time in the first round, they will be able to use any remaining time they have in the second round. We will be reasonably enforcing time limits in accordance with council rules and to ensure that each councillor is allocated an equal and fair amount of time. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1222?

Docket number 1222, message received from the Mayor returning the annual appropriation and tax order for fiscal year 2027. Docket number 0733, passed by the City Council on June 10th, 2026. I am filing a modified annual appropriation and tax order.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognises Councillor Webber, the Chair of Ways and Means.

You have the floor. Thank you very much. So docket number 1222 is a modified annual appropriation and tax order. The mayor's return to the council pursuant to the requirements of the 2021 charter amendment regarding the city of Boston budget process. On June 10th, 2026, the council passed an amended tax order that included $10,365,000 in interdepartmental amendments $550,000 in intra-departmental amendments that the administration already agreed to implement, and $605,000 in other recommendation amendments. These amendments included investments toward community grant programs, youth jobs, housing access and vouchers, and general support for city departments. This modified annual appropriation and tax order reflects all the increases and decreases passed by the council at its June 10th, 2026 meeting with one modification. The modification restores the $1.4 million reduction in the Boston Transportation Department's personnel line item and balances that restoration with a $1.4 million reduction in BTD's contractual services line item. In effect, the reduction was switched from BTD personnel to BTD contractual but all increases associated with the BTD personnel reduction were kept in the returned modified tax order. The mayor stated to absorb this cut, the department will seek to amend contract payment schedules, extend timelines, and adjust service levels. Pursuant to the charter, following a mayor's return and modification of the council's amended budget, the council may choose to override the modification or not. If an override does not occur or is unsuccessful, the modified annual appropriation and tax order will go into effect. As the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I'm not recommending any further action. Thank you.

Chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to rise to say I do support this budget in the way that it is proposed today, but I did want to clear up some confusion around this modified amendment when we put it forth two weeks ago. As folks know, we worked with the administration to figure out, and this was a line item and a number that was given to us so that we could absorb this cut. So I was rather surprised last week when it came back with the modification, I thought we'd worked out an agreement with the administration, but I was told that there was an internal miscalculation and that it would result in layoffs. That was never our original intent, and we were told we could do it. So I know that there are some folks that are very hyper aware of this specific line item and where it came from and how much it was uh but just want to say that i understand in a 4.9 billion dollar budget uh numbers can get jumbled up sometimes so uh you know i just like to say that that was never the intent of our amendment in this poll uh and that we were told that this would be able to occur from this line i think we actually originally proposed taking it from contractual uh and we're told that this could be a better one to take from So with that, just want to say our intent was always in the way of keeping as many jobs as possible for our city workers. I know we've got some colorful emails and phone calls in the office from certain departments in the last week or two, but just wanted to clarify that miscalculation on the administration's part to put us in this position, but just wanted to clarify that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Fitzgerald. The Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm likely to support this for a couple of different reasons, and certainly I don't want people to lose their jobs if they're doing a good job. That's not my issue. My issue is where is the sense of urgency as it relates to laid off school teachers, paraprofessionals, bus monitors, women of color. I was at the Juneteenth parade in Roxbury over the weekend, and I must have met, throughout the three or four hours I was over there, I must have met eight or 10 people in the park during the parade route, after the parade route, asking me, why are so many teachers getting laid off? Why are so many paraprofessionals getting laid off? And why isn't the city council doing anything about it? One woman said to me, Ed, that was the job I had so I could afford my rent, so I could afford my food. I think she was making $40,000 a year. And she was in the classroom, she was helping special needs children. But the sense of urgency for that woman was never there from this party. Is that person insignificant? We went to bat for the Boston Transportation Department to save jobs. What about the jobs of women of color that are working in our school department that are doing an exceptional job? Do they matter? One woman was telling me she is a special needs para. And she helps the teacher coordinate the classroom so they can provide each student with the necessary resources that they need, support they need. She told me, Ed, I have to take the children to the bathroom. I have to help them clean themselves. And then we go back to the classroom and I help them try to read. And she said, why wasn't there not a sense of urgency for my job? I didn't have a good answer for her. But that's what this city council body did, is we didn't prioritize women of color that were being impacted by the budget. We actually don't even know how many school teachers, paraprofessionals, and bus monitors are being laid off. In fact, we're not going to know that probably until September or October. We won't know the number. But in the meantime, and I'm going to be talking about this later as well because I have a hearing order on it, but I do want to take this opportunity because I do want to contrast what is happening with the Transportation Department, where we're not going to have any layoffs, and Boston Public School Departments, where we're going to have several hundred layoffs. Why is that fair? Why should the budget be balanced on the backs of paraprofessionals, on bus monitors? They're probably the lowest paid workers in the city of Boston. And we want to cut those jobs, several hundred of them. Although we don't know the number, because BPS and the mayor's office won't give us the number. But I talked to them. I talked to one last night over in Roxbury, And this woman was a paraprofessional as well. And she told me this. She had three jobs. She was a paraprofessional. She did some other type of job on the weekends. And she babysat kids. And she said she had this job because it paid for her health care. She didn't really mind not having a big salary, but she needed the health care. Is that person now not going to get health care from the city of Boston? We cut her job, but also are we cutting health care from her family? We don't know the answer to that. We just decided go ahead and vote. Vote for the BPS budget because we're getting pressure from the mayor's office to vote for it regardless of the impact it has on students, students with disabilities. teachers, paraprofessionals, bus monitors. Bus monitors start their day on the bus. They take the bus to the school. Then when the kids get off the bus, they go into the school. They act as paraprofessionals. Those are two critical assignments that they have, bus monitors and paraprofessionals. I couldn't do that job. It takes patience. It takes professionalism. It takes compassion. And these women have it. And they don't get the respect that they deserve, the dignity that they deserve. And they're educating students with disabilities. And you could hear a pin drop at the Boston City Council because the advocacy is not there. other than a handful of city councilors that voted not to support the BPS budget because of the impact it would have on teachers, on paraprofessionals, on bus monitors. I know I have four more minutes left, but I'm going to use them. I'm going to use them. But I spent a lot of time this weekend, last weekend I should say, listening to listening to people. And that's what I like doing when I go to events. It's not about me talking to people, it's about me listening to them. And then when I listen to them, I'm better able to understand exactly what's happening. But when women of color are telling me that they're losing health care, that they can't buy food for their kids, that they're unable to pay rent. We have failed the most vulnerable in our city, in our society. We talk a lot about social, economic, racial justice in this city. I've heard a lot of people say they're progressive. But what is progressive about cutting several hundred jobs for people of color. I don't want to bring the politics into this, but this is a moral failure in my opinion by the Boston City Council. We should have stood up to the mayor and advocated for paraprofessionals. We should have stood up and advocated for teachers and for bus monitors. Why? because they deserve it. They deserve to be treated with dignity. They deserve to be treated with respect. They've earned that. We have to figure out a way on how we're going to make it up to these families. We can't just give them a pink slip and say, you're on your own. I'm going to be talking about that, as I mentioned later. Well, several weeks ago, we actually recognized paraprofessionals with a city council resolution. And then after we gave them the resolution, we gave them a pink slip. We gave them a pink slip after we gave them a resolution. One person mentioned that to me in Nubian Square. She said, Ed, I'd rather not have the resolution you guys gave me. I'd rather have my job. I'd rather have some dignity. I'd rather pay my bills. What are you going to do for me, Ed? Well, one thing I'm going to do is I'm going to continue fighting for them. I'm not going to give up on them. Maybe this body will give up on them. Some of my colleagues will not give up on them. But we have a moral obligation to recognize the injustice that took place, and we still have time to do something about it. We can't give up on people in need. Years ago, the city council was the place you'd come to if you had a problem. You could come to the city council and advocate your case, defend your position. And those school teachers and paraprofessionals came here and advocated their case, and they made a compelling case of why they're needed in our school. I do think we have an opportunity to make it up, to do what's right. It might be necessary for us to have a little bit of political courage to do it. It might mean that we might have to disagree with the mayor, but let's stand up and do what's right for the people of Boston, for special education children, for teachers, for paraprofessionals, and school bus monitors. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Constable Flynn chair recognizes Constable Culpepper counselor.

You have the floor Thank You madam president. I Want to Acknowledge that I'm pleased that the mayor chose to resubmit the budget Without Eliminating the council's amendments It reminds me of something that Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said when she said, this is not a panacea for all of our hills. And when I think about this budget and how it reflects the reality that the concerns raised by residents, advocates, youth advocates, And members of this body could not be ignored. We must be honest about what brought us here. This budget restores cuts, maybe not at the level I would have liked to see them, but it does restore cuts that never should have been cut in the first place. The programs and the grants that were placed on the chopping block were not luxuries or extras. They were investments, serving some of Boston's most vulnerable residents. Had these cuts gone forward, the consequences of these cuts would have been felt by seniors, young people, immigrants, families struggling to make ends meet. And communities already facing significant barriers. And as we fought, and as the advocates fought, the young advocates, residents fought, and together, Madam President, we made it clear that those cuts were unacceptable. And as a result, the budget is stronger today than the version that was first presented to us in April. It includes investments that advance important priorities identified by this council and by the communities we represent. It restores grant funding for the Office of Black Male Advancement, It supports the coordinated response team. It creates a minority and women-owned business procurement readiness pilot. It restores the Human Rights Commission. Let me just say that again. This amendment restores the Human Rights Commission that was defunded. The Human Rights Commission for the city of Boston was defunded And I thank my colleagues for helping to restore those cuts. This budget includes many other investments that move our city in the right direction. Those outcomes do not come by accident. They happen because people organized, people testified, people advocated, people were arrested. People were arrested and demanded better. And to all of my colleagues and Madam President, this cannot be the end of this conversation. Today is only the beginning. The work of developing the most accurate and up to date revenue projections that Council Worrell continues to call for. For the city of Boston, we must look now at Up to date revenue projections, and here's what's amazing. When you look at FIFA and you look at all the monies that's being spent, like my brother and counselor Flynn said, we're laying off teachers. When bars run out of beer, I mean, it's not funny, I think it's really sad that we are cutting paraprofessionals and teachers. Bars are running out of beer. The conversation about how we responsibly grow and diversify city revenue in a changing fiscal environment must begin now. The conversation about how we prepare for the fiscal 28 Boston public school budget must begin now. And look, and I heard Council Fin say we can do something about it now if he comes up with something that makes sense. I'll stand with him if he can find a way to put those teachers and paraprofessionals back to work. I'll stand with him. But it's got to be something that we can actually do. It's more than about rhetoric. It's more than about grandstanding and profiling. It's about people having food on their table, children, shoes on their feet, a roof over their heads, and some of them won't have that this September. The conversation about fiscal 28 Boston Public Schools budget must begin now. So while I support this budget, Madam President, I do so understanding that our work is far from complete. It's just beginning. The real test is not whether we restore these programs this year. The real test is whether we learn from this process and build a stronger foundation for the years to come. And my colleagues at work start now. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Chair recognizes Councilor Mejia. Councilor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And don't worry, I'm not going to be here for 10 minutes. But I just first want to just thank Councilor Weber for shepherding us through this process. I know it wasn't easy. But this work isn't supposed to be easy. This work is supposed to be what we have been called to do is to make difficult decisions. and there's 13 of us, and we all have multiple personalities, and some of us have more than one or two. So congratulations for surviving this round, and hopefully the lessons that you've learned this time around will set us up for success in the next go-around. So I just want you to know that we see you, and we know it was not easy, but here we are, ready to take a vote. get too excited counselor president i see you there smiling and everything but that's all you get today so i just want to read something um from the better budget alliance they posted um a little over two hours ago um and i'm just going to read their post as reported by the flip side by yahoo miller the city council's process for the year for this year's budget has been among one of the most eventful in recent years starting with the sixth to six deadlock on whether to reject and send it back to the mayor, and including several demonstrations, one of which resulted in police removing eight protesters from the floor of the Ayanela Chamber. The Wu administration made cuts to the very areas that Bostonians reported wanting additional funding, including immigration supports, housing, youth jobs, and arts and culture. The city only amended 0.2 of the overall budget. This process isn't working the way it was designed to work, said Khalil Howell, an organizer and lifelong Bostonian with the Youth Justice Power Union. I feel like it's a case of people giving the council the tools to do better, said Vivica Petit-Homme, who was among those arrested on June 10th. If the council does not want to use those tools, there's not much that we can do. I can't say I was surprised, but it was very disappointing. And so I wanna read that because this whole journey, this particular iteration of this process has definitely been one that has been led by people. And I'd love to see all of the enthusiasm from community organizers and advocates. And so I just wanna applaud them and their relentless advocacy in holding us to task and our feet to the fire. And I think we have an opportunity to recognize that the charter amendment that we passed is flawed as per the hearing that I have filed so that we can review our process. The process is broken. It is not working the way it was intended because we are not exercising our ability to actually have the power that we were granted. There was a narrative. that we had to make a decision and we had to act. And if we didn't act, there was going to be a consequence. But the act of rejecting was not just it was rejected, it was an act that we would have been able to take. And the narrative got lost. And I think it's really important for us to be honest, especially in these moments when so many people don't trust us to begin with. We have to do everything in our power completely transparent. The fact of the matter is and will continue to be that we could have rejected the budget and still had amendment powers even up until this point and we opt not to. And so I'm disappointed that we were not honest with our constituents and we led them to believe that we couldn't do things that they knew we could. And so I just want to sound the alarm that for the next go around We have to start organizing today if we want to do things differently. And we need to send a powerful message that we are the legislative body of this branch. And we approve the budget and we approve laws. And if we're not signing up to do that work, then we need to really ask ourselves, why are we in this chamber? And so these are difficult votes that we need to take. And I think that the people deserve us to stand on business and do just that. And while I appreciate the notion, we still don't have an MOU for the youth jobs. Right now, I believe we have 200. And if the memo has come through, I haven't seen a copy of it. But we don't have an MOU. We don't have a guarantee that all of these jobs will be filled. We don't have a pathway to supporting our nonprofit organizations that are culturally competent and able to provide young people with the support services that they need to be able to have a job. And I think that those are the sort of things that still are unknown. And this is about trusting and verifying that we are going to do everything in our power to make sure that we get this right. But it was a 20-year program that was literally dismantled and $5 million of which was not even restored. And so I am disappointed in our inability to deliver. And I will also say, as someone who grew up here in the city of Boston, I've buried too many people due to violence. And what I'm seeing out in these streets over the last few months is that there has been a significant uptick in violence. And I know that when you are a mom and you're juggling to try to make your ends meet, it's not because parents don't care. It's because they're struggling to put food on the table. and youth jobs and young people who have a job can help contribute to their household. And I think that if we don't recognize the role that we have played in what we're seeing out in these streets today, then we have to really come to terms with the fact that we are in denial. And so my hope is that as we continue to go along to get along, we start and reflect about what this moment is calling for. And that is us going as far to the left if we need to and being more aggressive with being able to stand up and fight back regardless of who is in that position of power. And I'll be consistent when Councilor Bach then was the chair of Ways and Means, when Councillor Anderson was the chair of Ways and Means, when Councillor Rowell was the chair of Ways and Means. And you can go back and look at every single tape. And now with Councillor Weber as the chair, I have been consistent with my advocacy, regardless of who is in charge of that work. Because the way we go about this business of passing this budget has always been flawed to me. And so I call it out as I see it, regardless of who is sitting in that position of power. And the same goes to Councilor then Wu, and Councilor then Janey were both mayors, right? And Marty Walsh. So three administrations, and every single administration I have been consistent with my advocacy. I have thought. them all and that is the job of the Boston City Council is to stand up and fight for your constituents regardless of who it is that you're fighting against and I think we have lost that fight in this chamber and I am going to ask us that we find our ability to stand up and speak up because that's what we've been hired to do so I will not be voting in support of this budget because the budget still did not restore. We were asking for 20 million in restorations, and we got half of that. And that is still not meeting the moment. So for me, it's going to be no.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Louis-Jean. You're not Louis-Jean, you're Councillor Mejia. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor. Chair recognizes you.

Thank you, Madam President. So I fought for and voted for this amended FY27 budget that restored funding for seniors, veterans, youth jobs and other services Boston residents depend on. The mayor accepted all of those investments that we sent to her. In these last couple of weeks, I received calls and emails, like many of my colleagues probably did, from residents who were upset with our vote and this narrative that they were being told that we were trying to cut jobs. And claiming that the mayor, when she made the adjustment and sent back a change to our amendment, that it was claiming that she restored 1.4 million to BTD. But that's just not true and it's not what happened. She moved to the reduction from one BTD budget line to another. The administration's own budget team directed the Ways and Means Committee to use the personnel budget line after providing five years of data showing that BTD had underspent the line by more than $5 million every year for the last five years. and if we had gone back further, we'd probably get the same data. We were proposing to use only $1.4 million of that recurring underspend. Based on the information given to the Council, there was no reason to conclude that any job would be lost. The only change that we got back last week was to take the same $1.4 million from BTD contractual service budget line instead. This was not a veto, a restoration, or a rescue from the administration. It is just a change in the budget line used to fund the same priorities that we were fighting for these past several months. With the vote today, the FY27 budget season will finally be behind us. I hope next year's process includes far more transparency and genuine collaboration between all 13 councilors. The council's amendment process should belong to the full council. It should not be shaped behind closed doors by the administration. And I believe that every councilor, which we know we represent residents who deserve to have their priorities heard, debated and fairly considered. That is the process I've pushed for every year and I will continue to. But as I voted two weeks ago in support of this budget, I will vote in favor again today. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy.

Anyone else wish to speak?

Since no one has moved to override, Mr. Clerk, the Council has not moved for an override?

The council has now moved for an override. The fiscal year 27 budget, as returned on June 17th, is in effect. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

We are now on to motions, orders and resolutions. A reminder that under Rule 39, remarks on new matters not up for a vote today shall be limited to three minutes for the lead sponsor and two minutes for co-sponsors. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1186?

What about the school budget?

Councillor Mejia, you had a question? I thought the school budget. There's no vote because we're not voting to override. There's nothing to do.

The school I was talking about. Don't we take two votes on the school and the capital budget? No, that comes out of green sheets later. Oh, I was about to say.

Wait a minute. Y'all, I didn't. Well, hold up. OK. I just want to make sure. The capital budget is later. It will be pulled from green sheets. It's in committee, and it will be pulled from green sheets. Yeah, that clarified? Thank you. Thank you. Okay, let's get back to where we were. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1186?

Docket number 1186. Councillor Culpepper offered the following. Ordinance to codify the Boston Homes Lottery Program by City Council District.

Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to add Councillor Orwell as the second original co-sponsor. Thank you, Madam President. Boston is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. With too many residents, the neighborhood they grew up in have become increasingly out of reach. Families who have spent years building community, supporting local businesses, attending neighboring schools, and investing in the social fabric of our city often find themselves priced out of the very places they call home. This ordinance seeks to address one piece of that challenge by refining the Boston Home Lottery Program to better align with the communities it is intended to serve. The Boston Home Center has helped thousands of first time home buyers access affordable home ownership opportunities over the past several decades. This does not eliminate the citywide mission. Rather, it recognizes that when affordable homes are built, with public land and public subsidy, residents should have a meaningful opportunity to remain in the neighborhood where they have established roots. The ordinance would organize Boston Homes Lottery Program by city council district and provide district residents with priority consideration for homes located in their own communities. To maximize extent permitted under applicable fair housing laws and regulations, it maintains all existing eligibility requirements related to income, first time home buyer status, mortgage readiness, and financial qualifications. It simply acknowledges that preventing involuntary displacement and promoting neighborhood stability are legitimate and worthy goals. If we are serious about combating displacement, then we cannot limit ourselves to discussing the problem, After families have already been forced to leave, we have to examine policies that allow residents to put down permanent tools through home ownership and build generational stability within their own neighborhoods. Madam President, this program would be based on homes that come into the city's inventory, like the HUD homes that come into the city's inventory. The city has the right of first refusal on all HUD homes that come into the inventory before they put on HUD's website. So I say let the residents that live in that district be the ones that have priority over the homes that live right in that district so that they are not displaced. And so that they can firmly establish roots where they've lived for many, many years. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you.

Chair recognizes Councilor Worrell. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Culpepper, for adding me as the original co-sponsor. Neighborhood preference is a tool that not only stabilizes community, but I believe it will have residents excited about development coming into their neighborhood. Oftentimes, residents feel that when housing gets built, they have no shot at acquiring or renting in the new project. Neighborhood preference is something communities have advocated for for a long time and is a conversation I've had with MOH in the past. This hearing gives us an opportunity to discuss the legality and see if we could work through any barriers and I look forward to having this conversation and thank you again to the sponsor.

Thank you Councillor Worrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn? Councillor Louisienne, Councillor Meheer, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin. Thank you. Docket 1186 will be referred to the committee on government operations. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1187?

Talking number 1187. Councillor Pepin offered the following. Voter for a hearing to discuss and evaluate the resident parking permit program.

Chair recognizes Councillor Pepin. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The resident parking program has been a core service, helping residents manage congestion in their residential streets. Since the program's freeze in the late 20-teens, many Boston neighborhoods experience growing congestion that other communities do not. have due to prior established resident permanent parking streets. This hearing is necessary to understand why the expansion was halted, to possibly revive the program, to understand the reasoning, to understand what's next, and to ensure every neighborhood has access to the same municipal services. I continue to get questions about this program from many of my residents. Joe, I was just at a community meeting virtually in Mattapan just earlier this week, and this topic came up as well. A lot of residents have questions. We haven't gotten an update yet, so I just hope to get an update from the transportation team on this. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 1187 will be referred to the Committee on City Services. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1188? Oh, we'll skip that one. We'll come back to that one. I understand that docket 1189 has been withdrawn. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1190?

Docket number 1190. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Order for a hearing to discuss the impact of road races on basic city services in District 2.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Road races in Boston have become synonymous with the city of Boston's culture for generations. While most notably the world-renowned Boston Marathon requires months, years of preparation for permits, public safety coordination, road closures, there are many road races in support of worthwhile causes that take place each and every year in the neighborhoods of Boston, in District 2 in particular. In other districts, I should say. including areas like South Boston, the South Boston Waterfront, the South End, the Back Bay, among others, Beacon Hill. Effective coordination between city and state departments, including our dedicated first responders, the Department of Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism, Special Events, the Boston Transportation Department, Public Works, Mayor's Office, the Licensing Board, And at the state level, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Recreation, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, state elected officials is essential. What also is critical is community engagement. We still need to provide uninterrupted basic city services, crowd control, traffic management, emergency response, overall event security, and the all-important advance notice to the neighborhoods. But residents continue to express concerns on a lack of advance notice because some races take place. Small businesses have also highlighted issues that a lack of sufficient community engagement in notification have impacted their preparedness for staffing, their ability of employees and customers to get to the store because of road closures. Changes that further strain an existing parking crisis, as we just heard from Councilor Pepin. And just one example, last July, a rail race was planned in South Boston Waterfront. Unfortunately, neighbors, businesses, nonprofit partners, cultural institutions like the museum, children's museum, were left without clear information regarding the timing, duration, operation impacts of street closures, while serious concerns about access for families, visitors, pedestrians, and local businesses went unanswered. Unresolved issues remained long after the route had already been approved, including ADA accessibility concerns, harbor walk limitations, traffic impacts, the potential closing of critical roadways such as Congress Street, Summer Street. Ongoing concerns related to neighborhood notification, delivery of city services include trash pickup, street cleaning, parking. With dozens of road races taking place in every year, it's appropriate to discuss logistical planning, community engagement, It's critical to evaluate best practices to continue how we deliver basic city services, how we coordinate, and I'm respectfully asking that it be placed in neighborhood services. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 1190 will be referred to the Committee on City Services. Mr. Clerk, we'll go back to Docket 1188.

Docket 1188. Councillor Webber offered the following. Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools' fiscal year 28 budget.

Chair recognizes Councillor Webber. Councillor, you have the floor.

Actually, Madam President, I don't know if this is a point of order. Could I file a motion to bring up a green sheets poll out of order? We have a second vote, as Councillor Mejia mentioned, on the capital budget. And because of the fan fest, I'm hoping we can get that taken care of. I just was wondering if we could pull that out of order. But again, it's up to my colleagues.

Mr. Clerk, logistically, that's doable. Mr. Clerk, Councillor Webber, you have the floor.

Sure. As the chair of Ways and Means, I'd like to bring up docket numbers from the green sheets, 0738, 0739, and 0740. Mr.

Clerk, if you could read those into the record, I appreciate it. Thank you.

From the Committee on Ways and Means, docket number 0738, messaging on approving an appropriation on the amount of $384,705,000 for various capital improvement purposes for city departments, including the Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Boston Housing Authority, Boston Planning and Development Agency, Boston Public Library, Innovation and Technology, environment fire mayor's office of housing office of arts and culture parks and recreation planning property management public health commission public works and the transportation departments filed in the office of the city clerk april 6 2026. document number 0739 Message in on approving an appropriation on the amount of $13,855,000 for various capital improvement purposes for the Boston Public Schools. Filed in the Office of the City Clerk on April 6, 2026. And docket number 0740. Message in on authorizing the City of Boston to enter into one or more lease, lease purchase or installment sales agreements for fiscal year 2027 and amount not to exceed $28,500,000. These funds are to be used for various city departments for the acquisition of equipment and furtherance of their respective governmental functions. The list of equipment include computer equipment, hardware and software, motor vehicles and trailers, ambulances, firefighting equipment, office equipment, telecommunications equipment, photocopy equipment, medical equipment, school and educational equipment, school buses, parking meters, street lighting installation, traffic signal equipment, and equipment functionally related to and components of the foregoing.

MS. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Absent objection, the motion of the committee chair is accepted and dockets 0733, 0739, and 0740 are properly before the body. Are there four? MR. Just three. Okay. Typo. Okay. Councillor Webber, Chair of WET, Councillor Wesson-Means, you have the floor.

Okay. Thank you very much, and thank you to my colleagues. I just bring this up for discussion a little earlier than expected because of the FanFest. As the Clerk stated, docket numbers 0738, 0739, and 0740 are loan orders, lease purchase agreements, and capital fund transfer appropriations. for the fiscal year's 2027 to 2031 five-year capital plan in the amount of $4.4 billion. On June 3, 2026, there was a first reading of these dockets, and this body voted to approve these dockets. Given that these are loan orders, we are required to have a second reading and final vote prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2026. That being said, as the chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, I recommend that these dockets be read for a second time and that they ought to pass. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Webber. We will take each of these dockets individually for a roll call vote, Mr. Clerk. Councillor Webber moves for passage of docket number 0738. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote?

Second reading on docket number 0738, Councillor Brayden. Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Collette is a party. Council Culpepper? Yes. Council Culpepper, yes. Council Durkan? Yes. Council Durkan, yes. Council Fitzgerald?

Yes.

Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Flynn?

Yes.

Council Flynn, yes. Council Lujan? Yes. Council Lujan, yes. Council Mejia? No. Council Mejia, no. Council Murphy? Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pippen?

Yes.

Council Pippen, yes. Council Santana? Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes. Council Weber, yes. Council Worrell?

Yes.

Council Worrell, yes. has received its second reading, and we have 11 votes in the affirmative and one in the negative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 0738 has passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0739?

Councillor Braden.

Yes.

Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Durkan, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn. Councils then yes council illusion. Yes council vision. Yes council me here council me here. No council Murphy Council of Murphy. Yes council Pippin council Pippin. Yes council Santana. Yes council Santana. Yes council Webber Council Webber. Yes council world. Yes council world. Yes, dr. Number zero seven three nine has received its second reading eleven votes in the affirmative and one in the negative

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 0739 has passed. Councillor Webber moves for passage of docket 0740. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote for 0740? With pleasure.

Councillor Brayden.

Yes.

Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Calazza-Faylor. Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkin. Yes. Councillor Durkin, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Mejia. Councilor Mejia, no. Councilor Murphy. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pippen. Councilor Pippen, yes. Councilor Santana. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell. Councilor Worrell, yes. Document number 0740 has received its second reading, 11 votes in the affirmative and one in the negative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket number 0740 has passed. Thank you, Councillor Webber. We will return to your previous prior docket, docket number 1188. Councillor Webber, you have the floor. Oh, yes. I beg your pardon. The clerk needs to read that into the record. Mr. Clerk?

Dr. Number 1188. Councillor Webber offered the following. Order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools' fiscal year 28 budget.

Chair recognizes Councillor Webber. Councillor, you have the floor.

Okay. Thank you very much. Historically, the chair of the Ways and Means Committee has held a hearing, or at least in my experience with Chair Worrell, as held the hearing in November on the upcoming BPS budget. Given that the district begins to receive budgets from individual schools in the fall, during the vote on the BPS budget at our June 3rd meeting, and just for my colleagues, we're not having another vote on the BPS budget. I think we had our vote on June 3rd. I heard the need for us, for many of my colleagues, to collaborate as early as possible to have an impact on budget decisions at BPS before the budget is presented to the school committee. So over the past few years, we have a body of seen how our discussions have influenced where investments have been made in BPS and also where our discussions have failed to influence BPS. Discussing our ideas and input with the superintendent her office as early as possible will allow us to collaborate With them early on in the budget as it's being crafted especially given The impact of even though we've increased the amount of the budget the increase of only 88 million dollars is going to have on positions at BPS and As I said during the budget vote the potential loss of teachers and paras and their positions Are devastating and I think as we also heard we're waiting. We won't know the final numbers until October when when existing teachers Both with credentials and without or being offered positions We're being told that many of those people who currently don't have positions will have positions by October I certainly hope that's the case by having this hearing and I'm hoping that we can come together as a body and make our BPS budget priorities known so that when we're presented with a budget next year, it's reflective of the investments that we believe should be made in BPS in order to serve all of our students, their families, and BPS teachers and staff. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket number 1188 would be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. I think I understand that docket 1189 has been withdrawn?

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Dirk.

Councillor Flynn, what's your... Yeah, I was just following that, where you placed that in committee into the ways and means. It's specifically on the Boston Public School Department.

Wouldn't it go into the public... Councillor Flynn, anything related to the budget and how we... Yeah, it's going to ways and means.

Okay, I didn't ask the question yet, Madam Chair.

Yeah, sorry, I preempted your question. Go ahead. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket zero, no, sorry, 1191.

Docket number 1191. Councillor Flynn offered the following order for a hearing to discuss expanding urban tree canopy in the neighbourhoods of District 2.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor, you have the floor.

I refiled this hearing order on District 2's low tree canopy coverage. Despite years of hearings in neighbourhoods like Chinatown, In South Boston, having far lower tree coverage than the city-wide average, unfortunately, neighbors continue to ask me why they see grants for trees and water to other districts in other communities, but not in District 2, including the South End. Having a healthy tree Urban tree canopy is important to our environment and quality of life. Trees provide beautification, filters from pollution, shade during hot summers. They absorb excess storm water and other public health, mental health benefits as well. Residents treasure neighborhood trees as part of their community. In District 2, while the city average was about 27%, south boston only had eight percent chinatown two percent i'm sorry chinatown seven percent according to the tree canopy change assessment released in march 2026 by the university of virginia 27 percent of our land is covered by tree canopy majority is in western part of the city district 2 has tree coverage between 1 and 12 percent a graph indicated chinatown and South Boston have among the lowest tree canopy in the city, as I mentioned. We also had intense storms over the last several years that knocked down many trees on city and state land. We have to balance the type of trees we need for shade while being mindful of roots lifting up sidewalks. We saw that in recent storms where trees fell on M Street and Columbia Road in South Boston. For years, I've had this hearing organized with the Chinese Progressive Association, the Chinatown Residents Association, the Asian Community Development Corporation, youth group. I previously held walks with mothers out front on gas leaks in the South End, killing our trees. I met with Fort Point Neighborhood Association, St. Vincent's Neighborhood Association, the Friends of North of Broadway in South Boston. My office held tree walks with South Boston neighbors and my friend Ann Sanders. Because of their leadership, we have an additional eight to 10 trees in the area of West First Street. We need to keep pushing to look for more locations on First Street, as well as sidewalk infrastructure, accessibility issues. If you ever get the opportunity to visit the top of the Prudential and look around the city, from high above, there is a stark difference. The lack of trees lead to heat island effect, hot summers disproportionately impacting neighbors and constituents. But it shouldn't take visiting the Prudential. We now have five years of study. We all know that Chinatown and the migrant community and community of color is right next to the highway system. The Union of Concerned Scientists declared it contains the worst air quality in Massachusetts. Chinatown residents have a high rate of asthma and other respiratory issues. This is a public health and environmental justice issue. Chinatown needs to be treated with respect by the city council and the mayor's office. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Councillor Mehe, I see your light on. You're not a co-sponsor?

I didn't get a chance to react. Is that OK? If this is in response to, I want to appeal the decision of the chair, highlighting where this. Yeah.

We're in the middle of this. I'll come back to it at the end of this one.

I just want to note for the record that everything is going by really fast. So I just want to make sure that I wanted to, after Flynn made a point regarding where you put the education-related docket. But I just want to make sure that you know that I want to speak on it. Thank you.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn, this is your order for a hearing to discuss expanding tree company. Anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Weber, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket one one nine one will be referred to the committee on environment environmental justice resiliency and parks I will return consider me here.

You had a question I Have a request a request. Thank you. So in regards to the The hearing order that was recently read into the record regarding BPS

It's specifically about the financial year 2028 budget. So therefore, it is sent to Wes and me.

No, I understand that. But I believe, right, given the fact that you did appoint me to be the education chair, the goal was for me to have some sense of authority and some leadership here. And considering that it is not specific to the budget, the budget hasn't been released yet, So are we talking about, I just need more clarity. What's the hearing order about?

I think the intention is pretty clear that last year, Councillor Worrell, we had early meetings in November, December about the school budget. But we're increasingly realizing that school budgets are starting to be worked on in September. We're sort of coming late to the game. So I understand the rationale. And I support the Chair in his intention of trying to have those conversations with BPS early in the process. And that's why it's going to the budget. It's a discussion of budget, and we'll go to ways and means.

Yes. So here's where the point of tension lies, is that when it comes to community engagement, when it comes to family engagement, when it comes to hearing parents participating in this process, the system has never really been built so that folks can actually have a real voice. And if we're gonna talk about the budget and we're gonna talk about developing a budget that is reflective of the people, then that's not a conversation that should begin in the Ways and Means Committee. It should begin in my committee as the Chair of Education because given the fact that I am a BPS graduate, a BPS mom, and a BPS educator, and because I am the Chair of Education, and I have no allegiance to anyone but the people that I serve. I think out of the integrity of this process, given the fact that we've already been here and done that, that if we're really serious about doing business differently, then you would allow me to chair that hearing. I'm not going to over, he's the lead sponsor, it's just about facilitating a conversation in a way that helps support the movement outside.

I think there's scope. I'm sticking with my decision to have it be chaired and held in the Ways and Means Committee. As you as the chair of this education, if you'd like to hold another meeting to get community feedback on policy and direction in the education space.

This is to discuss the actual priorities for BPS to inform the budget. So if we're talking about priorities, it's different than the budget. So I'm just trying to understand.

I'm moving on. Thank you.

No, we're not doing that. We're not just going to dismiss people just because we're not, you know, you can't just dismiss difficult people. That's just not how this works. No, I'm not meaning to dismiss you. Well, you are.

You're just saying we're moving on. First of all, are you questioning the decision of the chair?

I am. I am making a motion to appeal the decision of the chair. That is that that is where we're at right now, okay?

Consular Murphy you have the floor.

Thank you The reason for me that it's important that it goes Into the correct committee it wouldn't matter so much as though in the past the administration and IGR has pushed back on panelists and administration we've invited and kind of put it back on us and said, because if only David Bloom's coming to this meeting, we don't need to talk to David Bloom about why powers are being laid off and how we're making sure inclusion is still being implemented and our special ed students are getting the education they need we need to make sure the right people come in front of us and oftentimes based on what committee it's placed in they'll use that against us even though they shouldn't be able to tell us who we can and cannot invite to these meetings so if you are going to override both council of flynn and mejia's request which i do think is reasonable that is your prerogative and i will respect that but i am asking then that you make sure when panelists are invited that the school department doesn't get cover from the administration to say, well, you don't have to go because this is just a budget meeting, because it's not what we want to talk about. And we shouldn't have to file another hearing to talk about the same things. That, I think, would be inconvenient and disrespectful of their time. So making sure that you support who comes. Because many times, especially myself and Councillor Flynn, have had to file communications over the years. We've sat there ready to chair a meeting, and nobody has shown up not just the wrong people nobody has shown up so i'm asking just like i've been asking for your support this whole term on lots of things i'm asking and hopefully this one we can get some consistency here that we're able to ask the questions we need to ask and get answers to support our students, our teachers, and our families.

Thank you. I think given the importance of the discussion around school budget, we have an increasing budget every year, year on year, and a falling school enrollment. Every one of us should be in those ways and means discussions because it's very, very important. I don't think it is fundamentally about priorities and where we put...

Councillor Flint, we're not ready for a vote yet.

Councillor Flint?

Madam Chair, I support Councilor Mejia. We actually had this discussion at the beginning of the year, and that's why I advocated for it to initially go into public education. It's based on Councilor Mejia's life experience, that she brings a different and unique perspective as a parent to public education, single parent, to public education in her life experience is critical. That's part of the discussion. She understands the people that were recently laid off, the teachers, the paraprofessionals, The bus monitors she knows them better than anyone on the City Council. She knows their struggles in life. She Advocates for them more effectively than anyone in the council It's it's about respecting people of color in my opinion and respecting people's life experiences as well. Thank you, madam chair Thank you Anyone else wish to speak?

Can't you be here you have the floor Okay, so, you know I think that the phrase in the hearing order is that this is a policy-related conversation, not a budget-related conversation. And in the hearing order, it talks about how we can adequately improve student success and outcomes for all of our students enrolled in BPS. City Council should begin working in collaboration with the school department, school committee members, in order to shape the priorities that they would like to see reflected. And so if this is a policy related conversation, then it should be in the chair of education. And, you know, I pick and choose my battles. And this is one that I really do believe if we're going to be talking about policy related outcomes, then therefore it should be in the Chair of Educations Committee. And then I think that Councilor Weber can take the notes that he needs to, to then inform his work in the Ways and Means Committee. But I don't think it is just to give me a temporary, to give me an illusion that I have chairmanship over a committee that has no teeth. So you have to start really thinking about what message you're sending to me when you're not even allowing me to host hearings that impact the work that I'm supposed to be doing here in this body.

Thank you, Councilor Mejia. I'm going to go to Councilor Weber. Councilor Weber? Yeah.

It's titled, Order for Hearing to Discuss the Boston Public Schools FY28 Budget. That's what this hearing order is meant to discuss. I think we, as some of my colleagues have referenced, we had this debate about where the BPS budget should be placed. It was placed in the Ways and Means Committee. It's one-third of the city budget. Just trying to start a process that other councillors, other chairs of the Ways and Means Commission have done. I'm also a BPS parent. My daughter goes to the same school, I believe, as Councillor Mejia's daughter. I'm just a parent of two kids in BPS, one who's matriculated to college, but I think I'm qualified to participate in this discussion, and I think We should let this go into the Ways and Means Committee so we can have the discussions that we've had in the past and start them earlier. Thank you.

Councillor Murphy? No, my light just hadn't been turned on.

I beg your pardon. Okay. There's a motion on the floor.

Okay.

Okay.

What is the, what carries the motion? What numbers can you, like, is it a majority? Is it a super majority? What is it?

Mr. Messenger, could you please call our colleagues back for a roll call vote? We'll take a brief recess. Three minutes. Thank you, everyone. We're back in session. We have a motion on the floor. Motion to approve. There's a motion, Councillor Mahee has a motion to appeal the decision of the chair. Docket 1188. So the question before the body is, shall the decision of the chair stand as the judgment of the council? A yes vote keeps the docket in the committee the chair has decided. And no vote changes the committee assignment. So Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on this motion? Councillor Worrell, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Just for my clarity, I know this FY27 or FY28 BPS budget is not tied to the actual budget. So it's just the hearing order, which is basically advocacy. So I will be voting for it to go to education just because it's not tied to the actual dollars. It's not tied to the budget that I think we've already established that the budget lives in ways and means. But the advocacy, the policy, the conversations around what goes into the budget, I think that we have determined over the rules that that could live in education. So I will be voting for this conversation to go into education just because it is not the actual BPS budget It is conversation on what makes up the BPS budget, which will then be chaired or be into Ways and Means. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Well. Those discussions have been held in education in the past. I feel like I want everybody to be there. There's nobody excluded from participation. What we found last year was BPS... had a projection of overspend very early in the school year. By October, they knew that they were over budget. I think this discussion needs to stay in Les and Main. There's a question before the body is, shall the decision of the chair stand as a judgment of the council? A yes vote keeps the docket in the committee on ways and means as decided, and a no vote changes the committee assignment. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote?

Council of Braden.

No.

Council of Braden, no.

Oh, sorry.

Council.

Beg your pardon. Shall I remind that? A yes vote keeps the docket in the committee. Beg your pardon. Mr. Clerk, scrub that. They got me confused. A yes vote keeps the docket. In the committee, the chair has decided. So yes.

Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Collado-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Culpepper, no. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Durkan, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. No. Councillor Fitzgerald, no. Councillor Flynn.

No.

Councillor Flynn, no. Councillor Lujan.

Yes.

Councillor Lujan, yes. Councillor Mejia. Councilor Mejia, no. Councilor Murphy? No. Councilor Murphy, no. Councilor Bippen? Yes. Councilor Bippen, yes. Councilor Santana?

Yes.

Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber? Yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell? No. Councilor Worrell, no. The motion is defeated six to six.

Thank you. The motion needed a two-thirds majority to pass, so thank you. Dockets? Where are we? Docket 1188 remains in the Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. Clerk, we will pick up where we left off. Docket 1193, if you could please read that into the record.

Docket number 1193, Councillor Pippen offered the following. Resolution recognizing June as Men's Health Awareness Month in the City of Boston.

This month serves as an important reminder for men to prioritize their health and well-being. Too many men delay or avoid seeking care. Studies show that only 62% of men have seen a health care professional within the last six months, and nearly half skip annual physicals and preventative screenings. Men often face pressure to stay strong and keep their struggles to themselves, which can affect their mental and physical health. Many also deal with challenges such as family responsibilities, poverty, violence, and stressful careers. Because of these expectations, men may be less likely to seek help or medical care when they need it. I want to also give a shout out to this beautiful event that happened at Amman Park that was given free blood pressure checkups and other health services to many residents, but especially for the men that were there. It was very helpful to get that I was able, myself, to get my blood pressure checked. Luckily it was okay, but it's just so important for us men to really look out for ourselves, to look out for each other, because you just don't know what's hiding behind your skin, below your skin, and God knows what's going on. I encourage everyone to seek out to their medical professionals, to schedule that physical, to go get their blood pressures checked, recognizing June as Men's Health Awareness Month, encourages men to speak up, seek support, and take care of themselves. I would really appreciate my councillor's support on this resolution.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louis Yen, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Councillor Pepin seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1193. All in favor say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you take a roll call vote on docket number 1193?

Councillor Brayton.

Yes.

Councillor Brayton, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Councillor Durkan, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Louisianne. Yes. Councillor Louisianne. Yes. Councillor Mejia. Yes. Councillor Mejia. Yes. Councillor Murphy. Yes. Councillor Pepin. Yes. Councillor Pepin.

Yes.

Councillor Santana. Yes. Councillor Santana. Yes. Councillor Webber. Yes. Councillor Webber. Yes. And Councillor Worrell. Yes. Councillor Worrell. Yes. Docket number 1193 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1193 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1194?

Document number 1194, Councillor Peppin offered the following. Resolution in support of a proposed local option for rent stabilization, housing affordability, and tenant stability.

Chair recognizes Councillor Peppin.

Councillor, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. In the city of Boston, approximately 60% of the residents, including myself, rent. And towards the end of our leases, a lot of us dread any increase to rent. Keeping housing affordable. continues to be a major concern for our city. Tenant and affordable housing advocates have pushed hard for a ballot question to restore rent control in Massachusetts. However, recently that ballot question was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Judicial Court due to an exception made for housing units in religious facilities pausing this question moving forward. Based on previous pollings and what we've heard from our residents, it's clear that people of Massachusetts want something to control the price of rent so that fight So that fight has not ended. Some developers have joined with advocates to draft legislation that would bring rent stabilization in the form of a local option, a compromise option bringing more people to the table. I hope that despite the recent ruling, compromise efforts continue and legislation stabilizing rent is passed, and I hope my colleagues join me in supporting a compromise between advocacy and industry. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Peppin. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Santana, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Weber, and please add the chair. I said Councillor Mejia, thank you. Thank you. Councillor Pepin seeks suspension of the Rules of Adoption of Docket 1194. All in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1194.

Councillor Braden.

Yes.

Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkin. Council Durkin, present. Council Fitzgerald?

No.

Council Fitzgerald, no. Council Flynn? No. Council Flynn, no. Council Louisian? Yes. Council Louisian, yes. Council Mejia? Yes. Council Mejia, yes. Council Murphy?

No.

Council Murphy, no. Council Pepin?

Yes.

Council Pepin, yes. Council Santana?

Yes.

Council Santana, yes. Council Weber?

Yes.

Council Weber, yes. And Council Orrell?

Yes.

Council Orrell, yes. Docket number 1194 has received eight votes in the affirmative, three votes in the negative, and one present.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 1194 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1195?

Docket number 1195. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Resolution in support of Bill Senate 1247, an act criminalizing sexual assault of a passenger by a ride share operator.

Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam Chair. The Council unanimously passed this resolution in November last year. I look forward to asking my colleagues to join me in suspending and passing this resolution today. On Monday, the Department of Public Utilities held a hearing on the proposed revisions to transportation network companies' regulations to improve public safety by expanding background checks for rideshare drivers. I also sent a letter in support of these revisions while also emphasizing the need for the Boston Police to have oversight on TNCs like the hacking unit in New York City. Boston Police oversees the hacking division here in Boston as well, obviously. I've been involved in this issue to ensure that safety of our passengers and TNCs for many years. TNCs such as Uber and Lyft provide ride-sharing services that are convenient and used by many to commute into Boston. We understand TNCs have become an important part of our overall transportation system. However, some residents continue to express that this evolving industry presents unresolved and serious concerns related to public safety. In February 2025, a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver when traveling from an establishment in South Boston to her home. We hear stories of a recent driver charged with various criminal charges relating to a situation in downtown Cross in 2015. Another driver was convicted of aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault. According to reports by WCVB, a woman was allegedly raped by her Uber driver after she left a bar alone. The next day, her friends encouraged her to contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, who guided her through the next steps. After obtaining a sexual assault test kit, she was told that there was not enough evidence to move the case to trial. Outrageous. Prosecutors at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Domestic and Sexual Assault Violence Unit indicated that in order to move forward with the trial, they would have to prove that the rideshare driver knew that the victim was so intoxicated to give consent. This act, S-1247, an act criminalizing sexual assault of a passenger by a rideshare operator, would effectively eliminate consent as a defense for a rideshare driver and make it illegal for a driver to have relationships with a passenger. The bill treats rideshare drivers as people in a position of trust. similar to a police officer with a person in custody. Again, my colleagues passed this last year. I have worked on legislation, as some of my colleagues have as well, on drink spiking. I am again asking for your support to strengthen safeguards for our residents and those who may be in a vulnerable position. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Weber, Morrell, and please add the chair. Councillor Flynn seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1195. All those in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket number 1195?

Councilor Braden?

Yes.

Councilor Braden, yes. Councilor Caleta-Zapata? Yes. Councilor Culpepper? Yes. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan? Yes. Councilor Durkan, yes. Councilor Fitzgerald? Yes. Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn? Yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Lujan? Yes. Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Mejia? Yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy? Yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepin? Yes. Councilor Pepin, yes. Councilor Santana? Yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber? Yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Orrell?

Yes.

Councillor Weill, yes. Docket No. 1195 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket No. 1195 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1196?

Docket No. 1196, Councillor Mejia, I offer the following. Resolution calling for long-term and sustainable public investment in school-year youth jobs.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Mejia. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And before I start, I just want to acknowledge the young people, the organizers, providers, and advocates who fought for year round jobs here in the city of Boston. This resolution was filed on June 10th, the same day that the council passed the amended budget that restored only $750,000 of nearly $6 million that was cut from the school year youth jobs. I voted against the budget because it didn't go far enough. If youth jobs are a priority, our budget must reflect that. A city budget is a moral document. We don't rely on private promises to fund essential services like schools or public health or public safety. We make public investments, yet youth jobs should be treated just the same. We've been told private partnerships will help fill the gap, and I hope that they do. But hope is not a strategy. We stick. We still lack clear commitments, funding levels, job targets, and accountability. Public funding provides stability and transparency. This resolution affirms that private investment should supplement, not replace, public funding. The city must maintain a strong public commitment to school year youth jobs. demand far exceeds the funding. Organizations can support more than 5,000 jobs, yet only a fraction are funded. The need and capacity exist. What is missing is investment. I support this resolution because it calls for a long-term commitment to treating youth jobs as essential, not optional. To the young people who organized and advocated, thank you. Your work made this possible, and the fight continues. And I'll just say, as someone who had to work three jobs while in high school just to help support my family, I know the difference that having a little bit of money in your pockets can make in helping to address a lot of the poverty issues that we all tend to say that we deeply care about. And so for me, I think going back to it hurt my heart. that the last time we were able to really do anything in this council as it relates to youth jobs was very many years ago. So here we are still fighting and hoping that we can repair the harm.

Thank you. Would any councillor that the chair recognizes? Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much. I do want to thank the advocates. I want to thank Councillor Mejia. But I want to give a special shout out to our colleague, Councillor Santana, who youth jobs has been his number one issue since he started on the council. And I know that, you know, having worked with him and getting to represent Mission Hell, you know, and getting to see and how he grew up has become his advocacy point. I'm really proud to serve alongside him, and I'm really proud of the announcement that the administration was able to make around youth jobs. But in my district, there are folks who, you know, they missed placement and they're working to get their youth jobs, and he actually hired one of my constituents this summer. So I'm just really grateful to everything that you are doing, Councillor Santana, to make sure that our youth are taken care of. And as we move forward, I'm going to be voting yes on this. I do think it's important that the promises that were made come to fruition and that all the youth jobs for next year. And so I'm going to raise my hand to anyone in the partnerships team with the administration. I'm happy to make calls and make sure that every youth who is owed a job gets one this year. Thank you.

Because the Durkin chair recognized comes for Santana you have the floor Thank You madam president.

I want to thank councilman here for putting this forward. I think I I very much understand the The request here I I do agree that we shouldn't be relying on private partnerships to To handle especially something like youth jobs also understand the moment that the city is in I think in this specific moment I think any time that we can get help from outside partners to fill the gaps, I think it's a good thing. I was proud to support that announcement because it meant that more year round jobs are going to be secured this year and better quality jobs that take care of our young people are also going to be secured. With that being said, we do need to take care of our youth through our city investments and I'm looking forward to the conversation. and how we can fill that gap. I do want to also just give a shout out to the partners who have committed to the 2,000 jobs, year-round jobs. I appreciate them being able to step up. And I welcome the conversation. I look forward to this conversation. I look forward to hearing from the youth who have been advocating tirelessly, not just even for them, but I think for future generations to come, and I'm looking forward to supporting them. So thank you, Councillor Mejia, for putting this forward. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. The Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm supporting this important resolution. I want to acknowledge Councillor Mejia for her work on this issue for not just during this last year, but really over the last, I don't know, five, six, seven years. She's on the council, she's been, okay, thank you, Councillor John.

I'm just saying, I've been at this work for over three decades.

Okay, thank you. Please continue. Thank you.

Thank you. So I wanted to acknowledge Councillor Mejia's work on this issue on the council advocating for youth job opportunities, training opportunities. She really has been the lead city councillor in fighting for jobs, fighting for respect for young people. And just want to highlight one issue during the Wednesday when we voted on this, just the way Councillor Mejia treated the young people that were in the room that were often being marginalized or overlooked, Councillor Mejia treated them with respect, advocated for them. And I think the young people here knew that they had a strong advocate in Councillor Mejia. And I just want to acknowledge her professionalism during that a couple of weeks ago on a Wednesday. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. The Chair recognises Councillor Pepin. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to acknowledge both Councillor Mejia and Councillor Santana for their great work that they do for our youth. I think that this is a topic that It takes unity that I think we should all be advocating for youth, if it's jobs, if it's support, if it's services, if it's just them all in general. I want to just thank both of them for the work that they do. I'll be supporting you. I'll be voting yes, voting yes. Thank you.

Thank you. Do we add their names? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Thank you. Councillor Mejia seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1196. All in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1196?

Councillor Brayden.

Yes.

Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Yes. Councillor Durkan, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn.

Yes.

Councillor Flynn, yes. Councillor Lujan. Yes. Councillor Lujan, yes. Councillor Mejia. Yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Murphy. Yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Pippen. Yes. Councillor Pippen, yes. Councillor Santana. Council Santana, yes. Council Webber, yes. Council Webber, yes. And Council Worrell, yes. Council Worrell, yes. Docket number 1196 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1196 has been adopted. Councillor Flynn, sorry.

Madam Chair, I know you highlighted it at the beginning of the meeting, but at times the music from outside, the sound from outside is very loud. It's distracting. Are we able to take a brief recess to ask them to turn down the volume? It is distracting to a lot of city councillors.

I think we've preemptively asked them to turn down the volume. I think this is as good as it's going to get. I would guess that if we recess we'd probably have to find out. There's a certain time when the intensity of the sound goes up. I think we should persevere because I think it gets louder later. I apologise, but there's not much we can do about it. Thank you. We move on to the next docket. Docket number— Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1, 2, 3, 5?

Docket number 1, 2, 3, 5. Councillor Pepin offered the following. Petition for a special law regarding an act relative to pension benefits for firefighter Richard Lopez.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognises Councillor Pepin. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. This is a refile from 2024. Richard Lopez is a retired Bosnian firefighter who was injured in the line of duty on June 10th, 2006. Due to injuries sustained on that day, he was unable to perform the duties of a firefighter. I'm filing a homeowner petition on behalf of Mr. Richard Lopez to raise his pension from 72% to 80% of the annual rate of the compensation he would receive had he continued to serve as a firefighter. until the mandatory retirement age for firefighters in Boston. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Docket number 1235 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1, 2, 3, 6?

Docket number 1, 2, 3, 6. Councillor, we're all off of the following. Petition for a special law, an act authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages till 3 a.m.

Chair recognizes Councillor Well. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to add Councillor Mejia as an original co-sponsor. Councillor Mejia is so added. And I'd like to suspend the rules and add Councilor Louis-Jean as a third original co-sponsor. Seeing and hearing no objections, Councilor Louis-Jean is added as a third. Thank you, Madam President. This whole new petition builds off the pilot we are putting in place this summer to allow last call at 3 a.m. during the World Cup. This gives us an opportunity to understand the real impacts of later hours, not just in theory, but in practice. We can look at what it means for public safety, for our small businesses, for nightlife, for transportation, and for residents. Boston is a major city. We welcome visitors year round and we continue to compete for major events, conventions, tourists, and young talent. And often when people come here from other places, whether it's Europe, Miami, Chicago, New York, or other major cities, one thing they notice is that our nightlife shuts down earlier. This petition does not force every restaurant, bar, or venue to stay open later, it simply creates the option for businesses that want to serve later to do so under the right guidelines and with the right public safety planning in place. At its core, this is about recognizing that when attracting major events, supporting our hospitality industry, keeping young people here, and creating a more vibrant city, we can have conversations about what that looks like. And that means bringing everyone to the table, public safety officials, the restaurant and hospitality industry, the MBTA, residents and neighbourhood leaders. We need to understand the concerns, explore the possibilities and determine what support systems need to be put in place if Boston is going to consider later hours beyond the pallet. I am looking forward to the hearing and to having this discussion.

Thank you, Madam President, and I want to thank Council Rowell for adding me as an original co-sponsor. We have seen the benefit of our businesses during the World Cup when they have been able to stay open until three, and I just recently learned that one bar in East Boston has made over a million dollars just on one day, so hip, hip, hooray. I don't know if that's true or not, but y'all can go and Google it. This is an opportunity to make this change permanent, promoting small businesses and boosting our nighttime economy. When I lived in New York, I saw how many businesses could operate later hours and be successful. Expanding business hours will create more profit for small businesses, provide more hours for workers, and generate more revenue for the city of Boston, especially considering that we are in economically difficult times. This proposal will help our small businesses, restaurant, industry workers, and the city as a whole, and maybe next year's budget, maybe we can have some more revenue to play with. Expanding late night transit will also benefit this effort as it supports the late hours of operation and ensures that people are able to get home safely. We can expand business hours while also monitoring revenue, employment data, public safety metrics, not 311 complaints, transit usage, and neighborhood feedback, supporting our businesses and workers, and ensuring that there are not significant negative impacts on surrounding communities. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this matter, and I just want to thank Councilor Worrell again for his leadership in this space. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor McHugh. The Chair recognizes Councillor Louis-Jean. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I want to thank Councillor Worrell for this proposal. I'm pleased to partner on this as a co-sponsor because As we move through FIFA World Cup, as the Tall Ships, MA 2250, and other major events, I look forward to hearing from workers, small businesses, residents, public safety officials, and communities about what is working, what is not, and how we can continue to building a nightlife economy that works for everyone. A 3 a.m. closing time does not mean every establishment will stay open until 3 a.m. A bar is not the same as a restaurant. A neighborhood pub is not the same as a nightclub. Different venues come with different needs and regulations. What this offers, and what we are seeing from this pilot, is that it's offering flexibility. The ability for Boston to support a wider range of establishments, events, and opportunities while still maintaining appropriate oversight. After this summer, and we have a lot of folks to thank like our Scots, the army, but generally a lot of jubilee in the city at this moment. we'll be able to have data to show how what works and how we can improve on it in the future. We'll have real world experience to help inform whether greater flexibility can coexist with strong public safety practices and responsible regulation. And I want to thank so many in the city who are already working on this. Corrine Reynolds, the director of Office of Nightlife Economy, So many who are working on trying to make sure how we make a city that is attracting and retaining young talent and also supporting our small businesses, our black and brown-owned businesses. And we've seen that already from the revenue that so many of our small businesses, whether it be the Haven or whether it be Scott from going out to Gourmet Crail and trying food, that we are seeing a lot of economic activity around our city. As our city grows and evolves, we should be willing to examine policies that do not choose between economic and social opportunities. Boston, as a city, we have to grow, we must grow, and this homework petition should be part of that conversation. So I look forward to having this discussion. It's a discussion that we're already having in our office, and we're looking forward to continuing the work. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor... Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Thank you. Docket No. 1236 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket No. 1237?

Docket No. 1237. Councillor Culpepper offered the following. Order for a hearing regarding the future of the Boston Human Rights Commission.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to add Councilor Flynn as a second original co-sponsor. Councilor Flynn is still added. And request suspension of the rules to add Councilor Worrell as a third original co-sponsor.

Seeing and hearing no objections, Councilor Worrell is added as third. Thank you, Madam President.

I am pleased the Council ultimately secured funding for the Human Rights Commission. Not all of it, but I'm pleased with what we secured. the fiscal 27 operating budget. Preserving that funding was an important step and reflects the recognition that the city continues to have a role to play in protecting civil and human rights and addressing discrimination in our communities. But funding alone is not enough. The work of rebuilding and reimagining the Human Rights Commission must begin as soon as possible. Boston's Human Rights Commission was established to ensure equal access to public services and accommodations, investigate discrimination, conduct research, educate the public, and advise the city on civil and human rights issues. Over the years, it examined issues ranging from housing discrimination and immigrants' right to police reform, LGBTQ and protections, hate incidents, in the digital divide. At the same time, this hearing is not about simply restoring a previous model. It's about asking what role a human rights commission should play in Boston today. Nearly four decades have passed since the commission was established. The civil rights challenges facing our residents have evolved. The legal landscape has changed. And other cities have adopted different approaches to advance the human rights and address the discrimination. We should take this opportunity to have an honest conversation about whether the Human Rights Commission ordinance remains adequate to meet the needs of Boston's residents. This is about examining how to strengthen the commission and ensure it is positioned to effectively serve Boston for years to come. so we don't end up in the situation that we find ourselves in now. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. The chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you. I want to say thank you to Councillor Culpepper for adding me as an original co-sponsor. We must always strive to live in a city and country where civil rights, human rights are protected and respected. This commission provided an important voice for those that were discriminated against or a victim of a hate crime especially. I'm committed to working with my city council colleagues and city colleagues to ensure we remain a city that always treats people with respect and dignity. The Boston Human Rights Commission was established in 1984 under Mayor Flynn. My neighbor and friend was actually selected as the first executive director, Ann Sanders, who was a well-respected civil rights leader, member of the LGBTQ community in the city of Boston, to lead the commission. At that time, the focus was on hate crimes against gay and lesbian residents of Boston. Now it's obviously expanded to LGBTQ. but there was a lot of hate crimes at that time against gay and lesbian and people of color. The commission works to ensure full and equal access to public services and accommodations. It receives and investigates complaints, resolves cases through mediation, hearings, advocates in support of human rights issues, in partnership with state and federal agencies. For several years now during and following the pandemic, I worked closely with the Human Rights Commission to discuss issues impacting the Asian community of Greater Boston. There was a lot of anti-Asian racism and discrimination here in Boston across Massachusetts. The Commission does important work for the people of Boston. I'm looking forward to hearing to this hearing to learn how we move forward. And I'm glad to have partnered with Reverend Culpepper on ensuring that there is money in the budget for the Human Rights Commission. We can't let this die. This is an important tool to address civil rights, to address human rights. And I'm committed to working under the leadership and for the lead of Reverend Culpepper. But this has to be an important vehicle for us to use so that we can address hate crimes, so we can investigate hate crimes, we can investigate discrimination. I have used this many times over the last eight years, as I have mentioned. And when there is a priority that the Human Rights Commission is needed, Thank you, Councillor Flynn. There will be support for it, but we just can't let it die. It's that important, Madam Chair. We just can't let the Human Rights Commission die because of politics. We need to ensure that people of color and LGBTQ residents are treated with respect and dignity. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Chair recognizes Councillor Orrell. Councillor, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank my co-sponsors for including me on this and just looking to hear from the administration on the future of the Boston Human Rights Commission. My understanding is that they had a consultant, so just love to hear the reports, but also just to make sure that we make that going forward that we continue to fight for this office and the commission to stay in place and intact. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Mehear, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket number 1237 will be referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity, and Immigrant Advancement. And please add Councillor Pepin. He's over the corner. Please add Councillor Pepin. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1, 2, 3, 8?

Docket number 1, 2, 3, 8. Councillor Worrell offered the following. Order for a hearing to explore the creation of a leadership and service year program in the city of Boston for high school students.

Thank you, Chair. Recognizes Councillor Worrell. Councillor, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. This idea comes from something we see every day in our city. Several of our biggest needs are deeply connected. Our young people need more opportunities to grow, develop, and prepare for the workforce. But they also need more chances to connect what they are learning in school and what they hope to do in their careers. with what it means to serve their neighbors, their communities, and the wider world around them. We also have the opportunity to build on Boston's existing summer and after-school jobs program, Life Success Link, and make them even stronger. That means creating pathways that are not just about placing students in jobs, but about aligning those jobs with their career interests, their classroom learning, and the skills they will need for the future. At its best, this work is about more than youth employment. It's about helping our young people see themselves as leaders, problem solvers, and contributors to the city. I see public service as having a multi-pronged definition. There are many ways one can serve and be of service to the communities in their city. On the same note, we have intentionally drafted the concepts in this hearing order with some level of flexibility. And at this stage, we are open to many different avenues because there are many ways this can be done. We are exploring in-school opportunities to align career development programming in private partnership with classroom learning. We're looking at how to provide our recent graduates with opportunities that give them a solid and rewarding foundation from which to join the workforce. And we're examining how we integrate lessons in civics, local government, and public service in the classroom with civic engagement on the ground. Ultimately, it's meant to be a component that should work for every BPS student, and we're excited to hit the ground running to figure out how best we can craft it as such. I want to shout out each of the organizations, education, and college and career readiness that helped us with this hearing order and this plan. The Boston Student Advisory Council, Break Time, Higher Ground, the Massachusetts Education for Justice Alliance, and the Boston Chapter, the Possible Zone, and the Young Man with a Plan, who have lent their time and industry expertise to the development of this concept and with whom we look forward to continue to collaborate. I'm looking forward to this conversation and working with many of my colleagues in the district on the idea. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Councillor Mejia, you have your light on. We're only asking sponsors and co-sponsors to...

I'd like to add Councillor Mejia.

Councillor Mejia, so added.

You have the floor, Councillor Mejia. Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Councillor Worrell. He is definitely on a roll and I love to see it happen. You know, I often talk about the fact that workforce development is an issue that is near and dear to me. In fact, I remodeled my entire office in this particular term in 2022, 2023. I started noticing that only people who had degrees and access to cap, you know, to networks were in here in city government. So I decided to revamp even my own office and a lot of the young people that work in my office have now transitioned into other viable careers, and I think that there's so many BPS students who are graduating right now who don't even have a pathway towards a meaningful career, and so I am really excited to make this happen and work alongside Council Rural. We've been piloting this work in my office over the last two years, and I look forward to making this happen in a greater scale, and so I just want to shout out Dr. Gail Crumswaby, who's working with Madison Park and Tech in Holland, which used to be the Burke. We created a mental health and wellness program where young people are learning about mental health as a viable career. They're getting paid while they're also working in their schools to help support students who are experiencing trauma and connecting them to services. So I'm really excited to kind of take that model and replicate it. around other career options. And most recently, Nyla, who is a BSAC student and who's been coming to the chamber advocating around BPS and the budget, she's going to be working with us this summer. And she doesn't have a job lined up, and I'm going to figure out how I can keep her and provide her an opportunity to work in government and actually build a career from being of service and in leadership. I also want to give a shout out to the Madison Park. We created a program teaching young people about youth development and placing them in non-profit organizations. So really excited to work alongside Councilor Morrell to implement this and make it happen. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Mejia. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councilor Culpepper, Councilor Fitzgerald, Councilor Flynn, Councilor Louisiane, Councilor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket number 1238 will be referred to the Committee on Education. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1239?

Docket number 1239. Councillor, we're all off of the following. Order for a hearing to explore Boston Finance Commission's budget savings and revenue report.

Thank you, Chair recognizes Councillor Morrell. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The Boston Finance Commission released this report right before we voted on the budget last meeting. I think it complements and builds off many of the discussions we've been having on the council. It calls for a programmatic audit of every department every five to seven years, something that a few of us supported earlier this year. This is in order to ensure every department is delivering services in the most efficient and effective way possible, and perhaps see if any departments or positions will be best consolidated. The report also called for a deeper dive into Boston public schools building closures amid declining enrollment, something that this council has been looking to explore further for the past couple of years. In terms of revenue, it talked about entering into land lease agreements or sales for some of the city's underutilized properties. Again, something that we push for within vacant lots. And finally, it called for a deeper dive into overtime and underspending, and this administration's reliance on both. I want to thank all of my colleagues in the past who have supported the Finance Commission, especially Council President Braden. This is a century old institution. and as we see in this report, they do great work. I'm looking forward to diving in deeper into this in the post-audit committee, and just looking forward to having this conversation. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Docket 1239 will be referred to the committee on post-audit. I understand, Mr. Clerk, docket 1240 has been withdrawn.

Yes. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1241? Docket number 1241. Councillor Culpepper offered the following. Order for a hearing to examine waste transfer facilities, illegal dumping, environmental justice, and fair housing impacts in residential and mixed-use neighbourhoods.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. Councillor, you have the floor.

Madam President, I would like to request that dockets 1241 and 1242 be read at the same time. And I'd like to add Councillor Meagher as a second original co-sponsor to docket 1242.

So you would like, we'll have the clerk read docket 1242 and we will, Councillor Meagher is added as a second co-sponsor, first co-sponsor on your Docket 1242. Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1242 into the record?

Docket number 1242. Councillor Culpepper, I offer the following. Order regarding a tax amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to restrict trash transfer and waste-related uses and prevent illegal dumping in residential and mixed-use neighborhoods.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Madam President, Several of my constituents have raised concerns about illegal dumping, waste transfer facilities, truck traffic, pollution, and the cumulative impacts that result when communities ask to show their disproportionate share of the region's waste infrastructure. While community advocacy and organizing have made important progress in reducing the illegal dumping, many residents continue to live near facilities, that process large volumes of waste, including waste generated outside of their own neighborhoods, and in some cases, outside of the city of Boston. We should be asking whether it is appropriate for waste transfer stations to operate in close proximity to homes, schools, parks, community centers, and public housing developments. We should be asking whether current zoning policies adequately protect residents from cumulative impacts of pollution and other environmental burdens. We should be asking whether those burdens are being distributed equitably across the city. The purpose of these filings is not simply to examine existing conditions, but to begin a conversation about whether our zoning code and land use policies adequately reflect our values as a city. I'd like to thank the advocates who have fought to bring attention to these issues, including the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and the Alternatives for Community and Environment. As Boston continues to grow and redevelop, we have a responsibility to ensure that residential neighborhoods are protected from incompatible uses and that environmental justice is reflected in the decisions we make about where certain facilities are located. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilor Mejia. Councilor Mejia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I think I just want to make sure I got added to the right docket.

Is it docket number 1242? You're the first co-sponsor on that one.

Okay, so all right. So thank you. I don't have much to say.

It's an order regarding a text amendment to the zoning code to restrict trash transfer and waste-related uses.

I thought I was supposed to be in docket 1241. You said 42. Okay, you know what? We have a long day today. I'm good, thank you.

You're good, thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? We'll start off with docket 1241. Anyone like to add their name? Councillor Durkan, Councillor... Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Weber, Councillor Worrell. Thank you. Docket number 1241 will be referred to the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks. And then the second docket is docket 1242. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Durkan, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Cllr Louise Yen, Cllr Meheia, Cllr Murphy, Cllr Pepin, Cllr Webber and Cllr O'Reil. Thank you. Docket number 1242 will refer to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Again, Mr Clerk, I think if you could read the next two dockets, 1243 and 1244 together,

Docket number 1243, Councilor Culpepper offer the following. Order for a hearing regarding the continuation of the Boston Reparations Task Force. In docket number 1244, Councilor Culpepper offer the following. Resolution in support of continuing the work and funding of the Boston Reparations Task Force.

Thank you, Chair recognizes Councilor Culpepper. Councilor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to request a docket 1243. and 1244 be read at the same time. And I'd like to add Council Meagher as the second original co-sponsor to both dockets. Council Meagher so added. And request suspension of the rules to add Council Louis-Jean as a third original co-sponsor to docket 1243. And I'd like to add Council Reuel as a third original co-sponsor to 1244.

And Councillor Worrell is added as a third. Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Ruthie is added as a third co-sponsor on docket 1243. And seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Worrell is added as a third co-sponsor on docket 1244.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to request suspension of the rules, to vote on the passage of docket 1244. 1244 1243 is for 1244 So counselor called pepper the order for hearing guarding the continuation of the Boston And I request The vote on the passage of docket one two four four the resolution in support of continuing the work.

We'll do 1243 first, and then we'll do the resolution after. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you.

The establishment of the Boston Reparations Task Force represented an important announcement that Boston, like many American cities, must confront its historical ties to slavery and examine how the legacy of enslavement Discrimination and exclusion continues to shape outcomes for black residents today. Over the past several years, the task force has engaged in extensive historical research, community engagement, public education, and collaboration with residents and stakeholders across the city. The publication of the final report and recommendations will undoubtedly be a significant milestone, but it should be viewed as a beginning, not an end. Research alone does not address disparities. Reports alone do not produce change. The true measure of this work will ultimately be whether the city is prepared to implement recommendations, engage communities in the next phase of the process, evaluate outcomes, and remain accountable to the goals of truth, reconciliation, and reparative justice that led to the creation of the task force in the first place. We need to ensure that the city has a clear plan for what comes next and that years of research, community engagement, and public investment result in meaningful action rather than simply the publication of a report. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Mejia and then followed by Councillor Louisiane. Councillor Mejia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I want to thank Councillor Culpepper for bringing this both hearing order and the resolution to the council. You know, as someone who worked to establish the reparations task force, you know, my job was to facilitate a process in which community could facilitate and continue the work. And I am so sad to see that that work has been stalled and not supported or funded accurately. So I support these filings because the release of the report should not be the end of the conversation. The Boston Reparations Task Force was created to study the city's role in slavery and lasting impacts. But the ultimate goal has always been action. During the budget process, we saw funding reductions tied to the conclusion of the task force phase of this work. My concern is that the implementation requires resources too. If we are serious about repairing the harm and justice, we need to know what comes next, what recommendations will be pursued, and who will be responsible for what funding would be available to support that work. The hearing is an opportunity to get those answers, and this resolution reaffirms the city's commitment that should not end when the final report is published. I look forward to this discussion and thank the task force members and community members who contributed to this work. And I'll just say that when we were organizing this, I remember meeting with Mayor Wu. There was a long meeting and we were going back and forth. And she did warn that she did not want to pass something that her administration was unwilling to or was not going to be able to support. And I said to her, I'm going to bring it up for a vote anyways. And when it gets to your desk you can veto it if you choose to i was really proud of the body it was uh passed unanimously here on the boston city council and i think now is the time for us to reaffirm that work whether you were on the council then or not there's still work that's left to be done and i look forward to doing that alongside council call pepper thank you thank you councillor um here the chair recognizes council louisiane you have the floor

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to Councilor Culpepper for adding me to join this important conversation. There are a lot of challenges that we face, and there's so many, but there's a lot of progress also. A few years ago, the idea that this city, a city with its own struggles and challenges with racial reckoning, would undertake a formal process to examine its role in slavery and its lasting impacts may have seemed impossible to many people. Professors, researchers, community members, advocates, and local residents have spent years helping Boston better understand its history and its responsibility to future generations. Later this fall, we expect the release of the long-awaited research report on our historic ties to the slave trade and the lasting impacts of slavery on black Bostonians. That is worth acknowledging that that work is happening. This process, though, has not been perfect, and there are still important questions about funding, staffing, and implementation. And one of the best ways to honor this work in this moment is to keep moving forward with the same questions and openness that got us here. This work is not going to be easy, but it's important. And we are in a moment, sadly, nationally, where we see a lot of reparations work being challenged in the courts, like the fantastic program that came out of Evanston, Illinois, Across the country, we're seeing growing attacks to honestly discuss reparations and the shared history. Equity programs that once enjoyed broad support are facing legal and political challenges. That's exactly why we must hold this hearing to continue to ask difficult questions and pursue how our history continues to shape our lives. I want to thank the members of the Reparations Task Force, the researchers at Northeastern and Tufts, whose work will help inform the next chapter of this effort. And again, I want to thank Councilor Culpepper for filing this. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Louis-Jean. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn? We've got two dockets in the bucket here. Okay. Chair recognizes Councillor Wardell. Yeah, I've got two dockets going here.

Got it. Thank you, Madam President, and also thank you to Councillor Culpepper for introducing this resolution and adding me as original co-sponsor. From its inception, the Reparations Task Force has been tasked with analyzing decades, centuries' worth of racism and racial inequities that continue to impact the well-being of Boston's black community, and seeing how we can best rectify these harms. This work is too complex to be limited within any single budget cycle. But the times we are in demand that we sustain the crucial work they're doing, and at this year's hearing on the FY27 budget for the Equity Cabinet, we heard from the Chief that they will be providing a set of recommendations from the task force for this fiscal year. So I look forward to hearing those recommendations soon and the Cabinet's plans to bring them to fruition. So thank you again, and looking forward to hearing the recommendation and continuing the work of the Reparation Task Force.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. I was basically just rising to add my name. I don't know if you did get my name, but I just wanted to add my name to the resolution. I just wanted to highlight, Madam Chair, that when this came up for a vote, I was one of the leading councillors that supported this proposal in support of this commission, and I do think it's important for us to acknowledge the terrible history that our country has engaged in with slavery and to make meaningful changes to address that. One thing I do want to highlight, Madam Chair, is there's federal legislation in Washington, D.C. right now, and I'll give just a little bit of background. When World War II veterans returned, they received the GI Bill, but when black veterans returned after serving in World War II, many of them, for different reasons but including racism, but many of them weren't able to get a home loan or other types of services and support that they earned. they earned and deserved. They were fighting Nazis throughout Europe. And then when they came back to the United States, black veterans didn't get the same opportunities as other veterans. But this proposed legislation to deal or to address that terrible injustice that would give children or grandchildren even of those veterans that were denied access an opportunity to get some of those VA services. Very controversial. But I do support that because I do acknowledge there was a terrible injustice that happened to black veterans throughout the country. They earned and deserve many of these programs. All of these programs, I should say. I was over at Mount Hope Cemetery talking to many black veterans over the weekend and they were talking to me about this particular piece of legislation. So I want to say thank you to Reverend Culpepper and Councillor O'Rourke for their important work on this issue.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Councillor Flynn. So we've got two dockets. The first one is docket 1243, which is an order for a hearing regarding the continuation of the Boston Reparations Task Force. Would anyone like to add, have I asked this already? Would anyone like to add their name to the docket 1243? Docket 1243 will be referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement. We are now on to the second docket, which is 1244, which is a resolution. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Mahia is already on, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Murphy, and please add the chair. Councillors Culpeper, Mahia and Worrell. Seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1244. All in favour say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. Docket 1244 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1245? Docket I vote. Yes, go ahead.

Docket number 1245. Councillors Fitzgerald and Braden offer the following. Resolution recognizing Boston Medical Center's 30th anniversary.

Chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald.

Thank you, Madam President. Yesterday I had the honor to attend the 30th anniversary of Boston Medical Center celebrating the merger between City Hospital and BU Medical Center. It was a great 30 years. I told my mom I was going to this and she told me a story of how she worked there back in 1995 right before the merger as one of her three part-time jobs that she was doing at the time to help her put her kids through school. And so even just attending this thing, I learned a little bit of my own history. But this, proud to have an anchor institution such as BMC and District 3, the safety net hospital for the city and there's so much history of who they help and who they provide for. And it was an honor to be there and really see all the award recipients of the people that do the work at BMC from over the past 30 years up until today. So we're so thankful for them and it was an honor to attend. And present them with this resolution yesterday along with my City Council President Liz Braden. Councillor Braden.

Councillor Braden, you now have the floor.

Thank you Councillor Fitzgerald for sponsoring this recognition that celebrates the 30th anniversary of of Boston Medical Center. My first job after coming to this country in 1995 was at what was then Boston University Hospital. And it was in the process of merging with Boston City Hospital at the time. And I think this recognition of the 30th anniversary of Boston Medical Center is especially meaningful for me on a personal level. I have seen firsthand the dedication and passion that Boston Medical Center brings to caring for patients and families across our city. For 30 years, BMC has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Boston, providing high quality care to residents regardless of their ability to pay. it's been an essential safety net hospital. At Boston's largest, and as such as the largest safety net hospital, BMC serves some of our most vulnerable residents and helps ensure that healthcare remains accessible to everyone. As a major employer and academic medical center, BMC not only provides outstanding healthcare, but also trains healthcare professionals and contributes to the strength of our local economy. The hospital physicians, nurses, Health researcher and staff support, their physical therapist, their OTs and speech pathologists as well. Community partners work day to day to improve the lives of Boston's residents. And also in the more recent chapter with BMC is that they acquired the former St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton Centre. which is now BMC Brighton, right in our neighborhood. So it makes me very proud to join my colleagues in recognizing this important milestone and congratulating Boston Medical Center on its 30th anniversary. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm going to support this resolution, but I do want to acknowledge the incredible work of Boston City Hospital. that played for so many people that didn't have insurance, that were sick, that were in need. There was a lot of wonderful and dedicated people that worked there, that provided exceptional and compassionate care to the most vulnerable people in our society. I supported that mission. I loved that hospital. I loved that mission. 1980s under the Flint administration, Boston worked closely with the federal government under the Republican administration to build a brand new state of the art hospital, which is now obviously BU Medical Center. But I do want to acknowledge the people that previously worked at City Hospital, especially the nurses, the people that cleaned the beds, people that wash the floor, people that clean the toilets, people that help check people into the emergency room. These were really unsung heroes in our city, and I knew many of them growing up, and I always had a great deal of respect for them. And just want to acknowledge them and to let them know that there are still people that recognize the incredible contribution they have made to the Boston City Hospital. And I don't want that history to be forgotten because compassion, respect and dignity are still part of our city. And that was the basis of in motto of the city hospital. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Councilor Fitzgerald.

Thank you, Chair. I do recall, too, that during this merger, HUD was involved, and there was an individual that was very instrumental in helping put this together, and I was just wondering, Chair, if you knew who that individual was so I could thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Fitzgerald. I was the one that did the closing between, at the time, Boston City Hospital and Boston University Hospital, which became the Boston Medical Center. Thank you. Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councilor Flynn, Councilor Lewis-Young, Councilor Mejia, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Peppin, Councilor Santana, Councilor Weber, and Councilor Warrell. Councilor, in my name, thank you. Councilor Fitzgerald and Breeden Sixes. Suspension of the rules and adoption of docket number 1245. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed.

All opposed.

Mr.

Clerk. Councilor Brayton.

Yes.

Councilor Brayton, yes. Councilor . Councilor Culpepper. Yes. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan. Councilor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn.

Yes.

Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor . Yes. Council Lujan, yes. Council Mejia? Yes. Council Mejia, yes. Council Murphy? Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pippen? Yes. Council Pippen, yes. Council Santana? Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber?

Yes.

Council Weber, yes. And Council Worrell?

Yes.

Council Worrell, yes. Docket number 1245 has received 11 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket number 146 has been withdrawn. Better watch out. I'm getting used to it. Oh, I know. That's fine.

It's always good to have a good backup. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1247?

Docket number 1247. Council, let me hear you offer the following. Resolution in support of Boston Public Schools building a long-term plan for multilingual learners.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Mejia. Councillor Mejia, you have the floor. Councillor Mejia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to add Councillor Worrell as an original co-sponsor.

Councillor Worrell is so added. Great, thank you.

This hearing comes out of concerns that many families, educators and advocates have raised about how BPS serves multilingual learners and students with disabilities. We know that far for too many students, particularly black students, English language learners, and students with disabilities, are being placed in substantially separate classrooms at a disproportionate rate. At the same time, we know that there are schools within BPS that have demonstrated strong outcomes through inclusive models. The goal of this hearing is not to debate whether the inclusion is a good thing. The research is clear. that inclusive environments can lead to better academic and social and emotional outcomes for students. The real question is what it takes to do inclusion well. This means having enough special education teachers, multilingual educators, paraprofessionals, and support staff. It means ensuring educators have the training and resources they need. It means building a pipeline of teachers who can provide native language instruction. It means listening to families and students throughout the process. Too often, inclusion becomes a buzzword without the investments necessary to make it successful. I would like to have this hearing focus on what evidence-based implementation actually looks like and what lessons we can learn from schools that are already doing this work effectively. I look forward to working with BPS educators, students, and families, and experts to create learning environments to do just that. And this was a resolution. I know we keep talking about hearing throughout the speech, but we are looking to pass this resolution, and I will be looking to also do some work in the committee and education so that we can unpack this further.

Councillor Mehe, as a matter of clarity, it's a resolution, but are you also wishing to send it to the Education Committee?

Yes.

Okay, very good. The Chair recognises Councillor Worrell. Councillor Worrell, you have the floor.

He's not here.

Okay, well, shall we continue? Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy. Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Councillor Mejia and Councillor Worrell seek suspension of the rules of adoption of docket 1247. All in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1247?

Councillor Brayden.

Yes.

Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Councilor Fitzgerald. Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn.

Yes.

Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Lujan. Yes. Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Mejia. Yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy. Yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pippen.

Yes.

Councilor Pippen, yes. Councilor Santana. Yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber. Yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell. 10 votes in the affirmative. On docket number 1247.

Thank you. Docket 1247 has been adopted. Councillor Pepin, you had a question?

Yes. Just a point of inquiry. I'm very much supportive of this, but Councillor Mejia, didn't she request it be put into committee? Do we vote on it either way?

I think we can send it to committee as well. No. Just one or the other? We are casting the resolution. Okay, that's fine. She's going to take care of it.

I see. Thank you.

Thank you for your clarification question. Docket 1247 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, can you please read Docket 1248?

Docket number 1248. Councilors Slane and Culpepper offer the following. Resolution in support of House 4554. and act to improve sickle cell care.

Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, may I add Councillor Worrell as a regional co-sponsor? Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Worrell is added as a third co-sponsor. Thank you. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells are deformed And it blocks blood flow, basically. Over 100,000 people in the United States are impacted by this disease. And those with this condition suffer from chronic pain, infection, problems with vision, swelling of hands and feet. Long-term complications can include risk for heart disease, stroke, organ failure. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that 90% of those who suffer from sickle cell disease are black and Latino. Life expectancy for those who suffer this condition is 20 years shorter than the average expected. The Massachusetts House of Representatives Bill H1347, an act to improve sickle cell care, was introduced by Representative Bud Williams. The bill was referred to the Senate and a joint hearing was held. There's a new draft, which is H4554, which was reverted to the House Ways and Means. This bill aims to combat sickle cell disease through four different areas, including creating a steering committee in the Department of Public Health composed of experts, professionals, implementing a detection in education program, creating a registry to collect data, improve treatment, and follow up care, requiring Medicaid managed organizations to tailor strategies for sickle cell patients so that they receive comprehensive care and access to specialists. The work of the steering committee includes creating educational materials, partnerships with local hospitals, educational institutions, finding funding sources for sickle cell disease as well, the work relating to detection in public education. Here in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association, formerly known as the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Disease Association, is a leading nonprofit that focuses on spreading awareness. on this disease. Many of my colleagues I have seen participate in many of their events over the years, including a 5K walk run to support individuals and families. They've had various galas where counselors have been invited to and attend. And their mission also includes educating patients and families through events and lectures that I have mentioned, providing programs and services to patients as well. Communities of color experience health inequities that often lead to disproportionately worse health outcomes, life expectancy. We need to do whatever we can to support efforts such as this proposed legislation, ensuring equitable health care and voices to those who suffer from this disease and also want to acknowledge former Mayor Kim Janey, that did a lot of work on this issue as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. The Chair recognises Councillor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Councillor Flynn, for bringing attention to sickle cell disease through this resolution and for including me as an original co-sponsor. Sickle cell disease is a serious and often overlooked public health issue that has disproportionately impacted black communities for generations. For too long, this disease has existed in the shadows of our healthcare system. Families living with this disease often face challenges that extend far beyond the medical condition itself, including difficulties navigating healthcare system, finding specialized providers, accessing coordinated care, and obtaining the support services necessary to manage a lifelong illness. Improvement outcomes requires more than treatment alone. It requires public awareness, community engagement, coordination among healthcare providers, improved data collection, and a long-term commitment to ensuring that patients do not fall through the cracks of a fragmented healthcare system. The bill currently making its way through the state house takes meaningful steps in that direction. By bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, patients, and community stakeholders, it seeks to build a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing a condition that has too often been overlooked in public policy discussions. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and encouraging Beacon Hill to advance this current bill. Thank you, Councillor Flynn.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Councillors Flynn, Culpepper, and Worrell seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1248. All in favor say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1248?

Councillor Breedon.

Yes.

Councillor Breedon, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn.

Yes.

Councillor Flynn, yes. Councillor Huygens, yes. Councillor Huygens, yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Pepin, yes. Councillor Pepin, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Webber, yes. Councillor Webber, yes. And Councillor Worrell. Docket number 1248 has received 10 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1248 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1249?

Dr. Number 1249, Councilor Flynn offered the following. Resolution in recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month in the city of Boston.

Chair recognizes Councilor Flynn. Councilor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Post-traumatic stress disorder awareness month is observed in January and is dedicated to raising public understanding of PTSD, breaking down mental health stigmas. The National Center for PTSD says that about one in 20 adults in the US has PTSD in any given year. It can affect anyone. An effective treatment can reduce symptoms and lead to a higher quality of life. The National Institute of Mental Health says PTSD can develop after exposure to a potentially traumatic event beyond a typical stressor. Many people experience extreme fear during or after witnessing or experiencing potentially traumatic events such as war, accidents, natural disasters, sexual violence. The World Health Organization says that 70% of people will experience traumatic events of this kind in their lifetime. People with PTSD can experience a number of distressing symptoms, including re-experiencing trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, emotional numbness, sleep challenges, difficulties in relationships, sudden anger, drug and alcohol abuse, reckless and destructive behavior. Veterans are at a high risk of PTSD compared to the general population as well. In veterans, PTSD is commonly associated with combat trauma. According to the National Center for PTSD, 25% of veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. I recently attended the City of Boston Veterans Services PTSD Awareness Golf Tournament in Dorchester at Franklin Park. On Saturday, I'll be going to the PTSD Awareness Day of Wellness at the Perkins School in South Boston. There is a scholarship program and ice hockey tournament every March in South Boston in memory of Tim Darkook. I'm good friends with Tim's dad, who's Joe Cook. They do incredible work throughout the city in support of students through scholarship. I'm committed to raising awareness for PTSD and encourage anyone who is struggling to contact Boston Veterans Services, who will help you connect you to services, whether it's city, state, or federal. I want to acknowledge my friend, who's the Veterans Commissioner, Rob Santiago, for the important work he is doing and his team is doing as well. And he's also a great resource. If any veteran thinks they might have PTSD, they can contact Rob. They can also contact me directly, and I'll try to put them in touch with the right people, whether it's in the city government, the state government, or the federal government. But veterans need to support veterans. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisien, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisien, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Councillor Culpepper, did you wish to add your name?

Yes.

Okay.

No.

Thank you. Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Flynn seeks suspension of the rules adoption of docket 1249. All in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1249?

Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn.

Yes.

Councillor Flynn, yes. Councillor Louisianne. Councillor Lujan, yes. Councillor Mejia, yes. Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Pepin, yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Weber, yes. And Councillor Worrell. Docket number 1249 has received 10 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1249 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1250?

Docket number 1250. Councillor Flynn offered the following. resolution to support recently laid off Boston Public School employees and prioritize their reappointment, their reemployment opportunities.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, may I add Councillor Mejia as an original co-sponsor? Councillor Mejia so added. And then may I add Councillor Murphy, suspend the rules and add Councillor Murphy? Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Murphy's added as a third. Thank you. With the recent vote by the Boston City Council to approve the Boston public school budget, hundreds of teachers, paraprofessionals, other frontline workers are expected to lose their job, possibly several hundred. Most of these positions that are impacted include lower income, women and neighbors from communities of color. I want us as a city to support these recently laid off BPS employees and prioritize potential reemployment opportunities. I am also filing a hearing order for the next city council meeting to discuss the impacts that these BPS personnel cuts have on services for many of the most vulnerable residents we have in Boston, students with disabilities. We must continue to be a compassionate city that not only recognizes the commitment of every employee in supporting many of, and also in supporting many of the most vulnerable students, but also the ripple effect and consequences these decisions have on families, classrooms, and communities. These dedicated and compassionate workers, mostly women, are our neighbors and have demonstrated a commitment to provide social services to students with disabilities. As we reflect on the impact it will have on these BPS employees and their families, we also must acknowledge it will negatively impact students with disabilities in services and programs they are entitled to. With Boston Public School being the only city department facing position elimination, we must also confront the implications for social, economic, racial justice. as these cuts disproportionately impact women of color who have dedicated themselves to serving students with disabilities and their families. These BPS employees have consistently displayed their willingness to work hard in challenging environments with professionalism, compassion. I'm advocating for the city administration to develop a coordinated human resources approach to identify and connect recently laid off BPS employees with potential positions that they may be qualified for, including eliminating certain criteria based on their years of dedicated service and working closely with many of the most vulnerable children in Boston. I'm asking my colleagues to support me. This is about social, economic, and racial justice. This is about compassion. I also want to acknowledge Councillor Culpepper. I wanted to be an original co-sponsor as well, but I want to thank Councillor Culpepper for his work in supporting these workers. Madam Chair, my point of this is we just can't walk away knowing that we voted to lay off several hundred workers. provide some type of services, support, whether it's re-employment opportunities, helping with their resumes, providing an opportunity to work in city government. We owe them respect because they've earned it, because they deserve it. We made a mistake voting to cut those jobs and we must make it up to them. We can't turn our back on the most vulnerable people in society in this city. That's not the Boston I know. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Chair recognizes Councillor Mejia. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Councillor Flynn for asking me to join him on this resolution. While many of us had different positions throughout On the budget process, I think that we can all agree that the people losing their jobs are not numbers on a spreadsheet. These are educators, paraprofessionals, and frontline workers who have dedicated themselves to serving Boston students, often those with the highest needs. Throughout this budget process, many of us raised concerns about cuts to student-facing positions. We spoke about the impact these reductions would have, not only on students, but on the workers who have built careers supporting them. Today we're seeing that impact become real. Many of the employees facing layoffs are women of color, many are Boston residents, and many have spent years serving our schools and communities. They deserve more than our thanks. They deserve support and opportunities moving forward. As the council continues hiring across departments, we should be intentional about connecting these workers to opportunities with municipal government. working with families, navigating complex systems, supporting vulnerable populations, and serving the public. Those are valuable skills that should not be overlooked. Thank you, Councillor Flynn, for filing this resolution, and to the educators, school staff, who have dedicated themselves to Boston students.

Thank you, Councillor Mejia. The chair recognizes Councillor Murphy. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councillor Flynn, for filing this resolution. I do want to say, when I was marching in the Charlestown parade at several spots along the parade route, there were educators and families who had posters and were talking to me about how they're being impacted, that they were directly losing their job and their family were there and they had posters and are really concerned. And I'm getting the calls and out in the neighborhood and just talking to teachers who I know are not getting called back. So this idea that this district is trying to find ways to hire them back, I don't believe is true. They made these cuts when they made their budget decisions and I get that we have declining enrollment. But to me, this is twofold. This resolution, which is important to never lose sight that this body voted and hundreds of jobs were lost because of that, even though some of us voted against that, it did pass on this body. But the other concern is that those jobs were jobs where educators were directly impacting our students, especially our most vulnerable students. To me, this is something we have to continue to advocate and fight for and really make sure that we follow through on what happened to these city workers, because I'm still just really confused that we're concerned about a line item that we all know were jobs that were never filled, and we fought to keep a line item for money that was not directly firing individuals, but we're not willing to make sure that jobs that are directly attached to residents, neighbors, educators, we just cut. So we need to continue not just filing resolutions, although it's important to put our stamp in where we fail about this important issue, but I think we have to continue to work together and support our students, especially those who are going to be negatively impacted with this. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Councillor Flynn, you had your light on.

Madam Chair, I was going to make one final point, a very quick sentence. BPS hasn't given us the exact number of jobs that will be terminated. It's likely to be several hundred, but we don't know that. We won't know that until probably September or October. But imagine being a parent trying to make ends meet, not knowing if you're going to have a job in the fall. While everyone else has a job, these families will be struggling but is there an opportunity for us and city government to look at their qualifications such as compassion, hard work, loyalty, professionalism. Sometimes they don't appear on a job description, but that's the qualifications these workers have because we've seen it and we should take extra consideration and looking at their unique and special qualifications because they certainly earned that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Murphy. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you. Just wanted to add where in two days on Friday, it's the last day of the school year. So these educators, if they don't have a letter of reinsurance, a contract, which most of them don't as Paris, that their last day of work is Friday. So they will not be receiving another paycheck after this last paycheck when the school year ends. So just wanted to make sure we're aware of that.

Anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Councillors Flynn, Mejia and Murphy seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1250. All in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote?

Council of Braden. Yes. Council of Braden. Yes. Council of Caleta Zapata. Council of Culpeper. Yes. Council of Culpeper. Yes. Council of Durkin. Council of Fitzgerald. Yes. Council of Shell. Yes. Council of Flynn.

Yes.

Council of Flynn. Yes. Council of Louisian. Yes. Council of Louisian. Yes. Council of Mejia. Yes. Council of Mejia. Yes. Council of Murphy. Yes. Council of Murphy. Yes. Council of Penn. Yes. Council of Penn. Yes. Council of Santana. Yes. Council of Webber. Council WebAS and Council REL. Docket number 1250 has received 10 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 1250 has been adopted. We are now on to personnel orders. Mr. Clerk, how many? Oh, they're on the agenda. Personnel orders. Mr. Clerk, could you please read the personnel orders and dockets 1251 to 1258?

Doctrine number 1251, Councillor Braden for Central Staff. Doctrine number 1252, Councillor Braden for Councillor Worrell. Doctrine number 1253, Councillor Braden for Councillor Worrell. Doctrine number 1254, Councillor Braden for Councillor Mejia. Doctrine number 1255, Councillor Braden for Councillor Flynn. Doctrine number 1256, Councillor Braden for Councillor Murphy. Doctrine number 1257, Councillor Braden for Councillor Murphy. In Docket No. 1258, Councillor Braden for Councillor Murphy.

The Chair moves for passage of the Personnel Orders. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The Personnel Orders have passed. We've already dealt with one batch of green sheets. Is there anyone else wishing to pull dockets from the green sheets? We're now on to late files. We have eight personnel orders. We're now on to late files. I'm informed by the Clerk that we have eight late files and eight personnel orders. Absent objection, these late file matters will be added. Mr. Clerk, will you please read all the late file matters into the record?

First late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Culpepper. These are all personnel orders. Second late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Culpepper. Third late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Culpepper. Fourth late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Mejia. Fifth late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Santana. Sixth late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Santana. Seventh late file matter, Councilor Braden for Council Weber.

The Chair moves for passage of this late-file matter. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Thank you. Those late-file matters have passed. We are now moving on to the consent agenda. I have been informed by the Clerk that there are no additions to the consent agenda. The question now comes on approval of the various matters contained within the consent agenda. All those in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The consent agenda has been adopted. We are now on to announcements. Please remember that these are for upcoming dates and events. Does anyone have announcements? If you have, please put your light on.

No announcements.

uh we uh counselor louisiane you have the floor um thank you i just want to rise and say um we didn't have a council meeting just and maybe it was in the past but i just wanted to say happy father's day to all the fathers who celebrated on um sunday uh happy father's day to my father he gets two father's day and i believe they're also same as dominican father's day haitian father's day he gets another one this sunday but um our dads are amazing and our individual parts of our lives i just want to say happy father's day to all the on the Council and I also wanted to say today's the last match that Haiti is playing in the World Cup and although you know they have not been successful winning a match they still won a lot of our hearts and today is their final match and they'll be playing and so I hope that folks can watch to support the team and I'm also you know we won't be here again before the July 4th and we're celebrating 250 years of this country's independence and as someone who's worked on the Commemoration Commission who's the chair of arts, culture, tourism, entertainment. There's a lot that we've been celebrating, and we're celebrating 250 years of this country. And part of it is to make this country and the storytelling of this country one that is true and reflective of this country's true history. And so I just want to say to everyone an early happy 4th and a happy reflection on what it means for this country to be 250 years old and us continuing this project of democracy. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Louis-Jean. Anyone else got announcements? Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I do want to let my colleagues know, but also the public, to know that, as I mentioned during the resolution I had, this is PTSD Awareness Month, but the Perkins Post, through the Cook Foundation, is doing a PTSD awareness event this coming Saturday at the Perkins Post in South Boston. but they have various events, health and wellness events, basically from nine in the morning till three in the afternoon, including yoga and lectures and other types of informative discussions. But if any veteran wants to attend, they can email me at my city council email address. If my colleagues want to attend with me, they're invited. If they want to join me, they can come with me as well and I can introduce them to some of the people. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Councillor Flynn.

We also want to wish a very happy birthday belatedly to our colleague Councillor Webber, whose birthday was on Monday. Happy birthday. I hope you got to have some fun time watching soccer. We also have birthdays for Casey Barrett, Katrina Helfrich, Kerry Rayne Tyler, Akisha John Kwesi, and happy birthday in the coming weeks to Charles Levin, Indus Johnson, Corey Crawley, and Nirlandi Randy Bryce. We're now moving on to memorials. Would anyone like to uplift a name? Councillor—I'm going to take—I'm going to start and go this way. Councillor You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Today, I'd like to shine a light on Mabinti Jane, a 32-year-old woman from Sierra Leone who was tragically hit and killed in a crash in Mattapan Square this past Saturday. This heartbreaking incident has left our community devastated and grieving the loss of a life taken way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mattapan community, her family, and the entire city, honestly. We recognize the pain and trauma this tragedy has caused, and we stand in solidarity with all the mourning her loss. Thank you.

Could you read it? Binti Johnson?

Janay.

Janay? Yeah, J-A-N-N-E-H. J-A-N-N-E-H. Good. Next up is Contra Mejia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And today, I want to uplift Alice Maud Phillips, the mother of Colette Phillips, who passed away yesterday peacefully in Atlanta. And I'm just going to read here. Even in her final days, she continued to sing hymns, asked about her children, grandchildren, and loved ones, and brings comfort and joy to those who were around her. She was a blessing to all who knew her. had ever wondered whose God she served. Her unwavering faith was evident in the way that she lived each day with grace, kindness, and humility, and devotion to God and her family. So with that, I just wanted to uplift Colette Phillips and her entire family as they mourn the passing and transition of their mother, Alice Maude Phillips.

Thank you. Next, Councillor Louis-Jeanne, you have the floor.

Thank you, Councillor Branden. In addition to the names uplifted by my colleagues, Councillor Hepin uplifted Mabinti Jenay. I want to uplift Ahmad and the Tarwali family and the entire Jenay family as they mourn that horrific loss. I also want to uplift Colette Phillips' mother, recent passing of her mom, and my condolences with her family as they mourn Alice. I don't remember her. There's also another really sad death of Beverly Harris, the wife of the late Judge Harris, who died just eight months ago. And now their kids are not only mourning the loss of their father, but now mourning the loss of their mother. And it's just a lot to have to bury both of your parents within a year's time. So my love to the siblings, the nieces, nephews, and the entire community of people who are affected by the Harris family and are feeling this loss. in Roxbury and throughout our city.