City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Good afternoon. I call to order today's meeting of the Boston City Council. Viewers can 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 this Chamber that no demonstration of approval or disapproval from members of the public will be permitted. Thank you. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call—call a roll to ascertain the presence of a forum. Councillor Brayden. Here.

Councillor Brayden here. Councillor Coletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper? Here. Councillor Culpepper here. Councillor Durkan? Here. Councillor Durkan here. Councillor Fitzgerald? Here. Councillor Fitzgerald here. Councillor Flynn? Here. Councillor Flynn here. Councillor Louis-Jean? Here. Councillor Mejia? Here. Councillor Mejia here. Councillor Murphy? Here. Councillor Murphy here. Councillor Pepin? Here. Councillor Pepin here. Councillor Santana? Here. Councillor Santana here. Councillor Weber? Councillor Webber here. Councillor Worrell here. A quorum is present.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. The Clerk has informed me that a quorum is present. It is my pleasure to now ask Councillor Durkan to come forward and introduce today's clergy. And following the invocation, we will say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Dana-Farber is such an important partner in my district, and today we're joined here by Sarah Harbaugh, who is a multi-faith chaplain at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She cares for people in some of the hardest times of their lives, and they graduated as a Masters of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology in 2022. Completed clinical pastoral education at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord, New Hampshire. In their role as multi-faith chaplain, Sarah supports the spiritual well-being of patients, their loved ones, and staff at Dana-Farber. Sarah's work is rooted in approaches in humanist philosophy, religious pluralism, and people-centered care. They are endorsed as a chaplain by the Humanist Society, and we're so happy that they're here with us.

Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I'd like to begin by sharing a reading written by Howard Thurman from Meditations of the Heart called Two Areas of Need. There are at least two areas of need in which all people are involved. One is the insistence upon finding something to worship. Everybody has to have something to worship. It is not optional. It is not merely the result of some particularly significant spiritual bias in personality, either. There is something native to the human spirit that insists upon the offering of one's precious gifts, precious possessions, offering them to something outside of oneself, something that is regarded as supremely worthwhile. What happens when you get a very wonderful piece of good news? What do you do? You want to tell somebody, somebody who means enough to you to accept your tidings as a symbol of nearness and devotion. What do you worship? What do you bring the most precious increments of your spirit, your mind, and your possessions? The need is ever present. Whatever it is that holds so central a place in your reaction to living, that is your all. There is also the need of being a part of the family, the human family, the human race. I'm aware that all the race, in some meaningful sense, breathes through me, that I am a part of the very pulsating rhythm of existence. I am not a thing apart. I am not a separate unit. I am deeply involved in the collective experience of aliveness and of human aliveness. If I am cut off so that only my little life breathes through me, only my little hopes course through my mind and spirit, only my little thoughts penetrate my brain, then life for me is not worth living. I must have a sense of deep corporate vitality. Nothing less than this will satisfy. Therefore, I must manage somehow to keep the lines of communication open between me and the human family. How wonderful it is if I can do this by love, by warmth, by kindling flame of abiding fellowship. Often if it cannot be done that way, there is resort to hate, to antagonism, to belligerency. The shouting of defiance is the call of my heart for kinship. If one cannot become the center of an increasing affection, in their desperation they become the core of a great rejection. For better or for worse, there is but one family under all, and I am a member of it. In my work as a chaplain at Dana-Farber, I frequently wonder about what it means to provide care, or what is the meaning of care. In her essay titled, Who Cares?, political scientist and author Joan Tronto states, needs never end until we die. Care is always present, rarely visible, always requiring something from us. What does it mean to care? I imagine in today's meeting, this council will indeed take care in reviewing the items on today's agenda and contemplating how best to meet the needs of the city of Boston. then let us prepare for the task ahead with a moment of quietude and a blessing. May a spirit of wisdom, discernment, and compassion guide the contemplations and decisions of this council today. May a spirit of siblinghood and friendship be in the hearts of all persons in the city of Boston. And may we collectively strive to create a more caring world together.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and justice for all.

Thank you, Sarah. Thank you, Councillor Durkan. I would like to now invite the MAB, the MAB group, contract group to come forward. For a photo, we have a resolution in support of MAB, and they're seeking a fair contract. If you'd like to come up, we have a photograph with our colleagues. Colleagues, if you'd come up, we'll have a photograph with them. The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Community Services, MAB, was founded in 1903 and has long created opportunities and empowered people with disabilities through programs that promote independence, resilience, and community. Today's resolution is that the Boston City Council expresses its support for the MAB community service workers represented by SEIU 5509 and calls upon the MAB community services to promptly and meaningfully respond to all MAB members' contract proposals and speedily reach a fair contract without delay. So welcome. So this isn't a formal presentation. We're going to have a resolution, so we'll just have a photograph with our colleagues. So are you in Austin? Come forward. Come forward up to the front. So thank you. I worked at Perkins School for the Blind for 16 years, and I really appreciate the importance of care workers like the folks at MAB to help support our folks with visual impairment as they live independently in the community and also as they age in place later on in their lives. I want to thank you so much and I wish you all the best in your contract negotiations and a speedy resolution.

Okay.

So next, we will have two presentations today. Our colleagues, Councillor Webber is recognizing BPS girls sports coaches, and Councillor Santana is recognizing BPS city basketball champions. Lots of athletes in the room. And Councillor Warrell, are you? Councillor Santana and Councillor Warrell. Excellent. So we'll start off. Councillor Webber, you have the floor for five minutes if you want to invite your

focused on yeah thank you madam president if I get John Connolly and and Claudia Prudencia Clarita sorry Prudencia down here Today I have the honor of presenting two resolutions to two incredible individuals that have made a difference in the lives of countless girls involved in youth sports here in Boston. With me today are Parkway girls soccer coach and former at-large city councilor John Connolly, and Clarita Prudencio, who is the head volleyball coach at East Boston High School. I'm gonna start with Coach Prudencio, who has been hard at work as the head of the girls, head coach of the girls volleyball team at East Boston High. I'm presenting this resolution on behalf of District One City Councilor Gabriela Coleta Zapata, who's currently on maternity leave. We asked BPS to recognize somebody who's made a difference in the lives of our girl athletes here in Boston. And we were told Coach Prudencio is the person to recognize. An East Boston High alum and former member of the City League volleyball and softball all-star teams, Coach Clarita became a member of the East Boston High School staff in 2021. and had a terrific first season as head of the volleyball program with 10 wins and three losses with her former teammate, Jessica Saravia, serving as her assistant coach. Under her leadership, the volleyball team became an MIAA tournament qualifier in 2022 and 2024. As a leader, Coach Prudencio can be described as an organized and disciplined coach who's well connected to the needs of her team, in constant communication with parents and families, and is an active member of the East Boston High community. Coach Prudencio currently teaches phys ed at East Boston High School and has really shown excellence in coaching that team. I know I've been to some volleyball games My daughter goes to BLA, was on the JV team, and so we saw how well-drilled the East Boston team was, although I'm not sure who won this year. It could have been BLA. But we don't have any favorites here, except right now our favorite is East Boston High. So I have a resolution here for Coach Clarita. If you would like to come up and hear, and if you would like to say anything.

Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to thank the Boston City Council and Boston Public Schools and BPS athletics for this incredible honor. As a proud East Boston High School graduate and former BPS student athlete, it means so much to come back and coach at the school that helped shape who I am. This recognition belongs to my players, my assistant coaches, families, and the entire East Boston community. Thank you for trusting me and making our program what it is today. I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back and look forward to continuing to support and inspire the next generation of student athletes. Thank you.

Okay, thank you very much. We're also joined today by an esteemed member of this body, John Connolly. He served for three terms as an at-large city councilor. He was renowned for his work on education and environmental matters, going on to become the founder and leader and advisor of the nonprofit School Facts Boston, and also the executive director and founder of 1647 Families. Do I have that right? Okay. And given his interest in public education and the youth in our city, it's no surprise Connolly is now known as Coach Connolly. As president of Parkway Travel Soccer, he's helped grow the West Roxbury based program to nearly 600 girls participating this season alone. His longstanding commitment to youth soccer in West Roxbury and I know families come from Hyde Park and Rossendale and Jamaica Plain also, has made him a steady partner to the Boston Soccer League since its inaugural pilot seasons, supporting girls' participation and access to sport across the city. I know when I played soccer as a kid, none of the parents knew how the sport And there was one person in my hometown who was from a long gone country called Yugoslavia. Because he was not from the United States, he must know something about soccer. And so he was the soccer coach in the town. And towns like that all over the country relied on people just to organize something around soccer. And so, you know, back then it was a few kids here and there who would be playing. Now it's people like John Connolly, you know, who are really gathering communities and setting up the infrastructure that can handle providing coaching, jerseys, you know, shin guards, and teams for 600 girls in Parkway soccer alone. And it's that kind of... community organizing and organizing around soccer that really benefits all of our neighborhoods and I'm proud to be able to stand up here with Coach Conley and recognize him for his work with Parkway Soccer.

Thank you, Councillor Webber, for the kind words. And thank you, President Breeden, for all your good work. And thank you, Councillors. It's great to see so many familiar faces and to see some new ones. And I know how hard you work on behalf of the City of Boston. And I thank you for all your hard work. In the Parkway, we started Parkway Girls Soccer this past year for five- to eight-year-olds to have an entry point for an all-girls soccer league. We had over 100 girls sign up like that, which really showed the demand for it, primarily girls from West Roxbury, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, but also girls from Mattapan, Dorchester, and Brighton who play in it as well. It's incredible to see the smiles on their faces as they're learning the game for the first time, but also to know that they're developing self-confidence and leadership skills at the same time. And I would be remiss if I didn't say that Parkway Girls Soccer was founded by seven parents, five of whom are moms, The president of the organization is a mom and a nurse who couldn't be here today because she had to work. And so I'm honored to accept this on behalf of all of them. And I would also say the lion's share of our coaches are moms. And so this is really an incredible thing. We love having the dads too. It's my favorite part of the week. But to know that these little girls see moms in coaching leadership roles and the impact that will have on not hopefully just creating girls who are going to love soccer, love playing it, but who will then go on to coach it at some point in their lives. And so, again, thank you for all your great work, for everything you do for the city. Believe me, I understand how hard you work. And thank you, Councillor Webber.

I'd like our colleagues to come up for a photograph. Thank you. I think the excitement around soccer, I think there's a whole new generation of young people going to be wanting to play soccer after the World Cup this year. Excellent. Thank you. So thank you, Councillor Webber. Next, Councillor Santana and Councillor Worrell are going to recognize BPS City Basketball Champions.

Good afternoon, everyone. Today's theme is student sports. But before I dive into my remarks, I just want to recognize Priscilla Flint and the Marcus Anthony Hall Educational Institute for being here in the chambers with us. Yes, we give them a round of applause. But let's give it up for our elementary and middle school city champions who can make their way down. I know for many counselors that middle school athletics has been an area of focus, and it's been something that BPS has been focused on so that all students have access to sports across the city. The results of that is competitions like our city championship, which now have elementary and middle school city championships. I want to thank Avery from BPS Athletic and also Chief McCarthy and his whole student support team at BPS. And I also want to recognize the championship teams. We have the Condon School, led by Brittany Ellis and Nick Williams, which won the K-8 Boys City Championship. Let's give them a round of applause. The English High Team, led by Anthony Seymour. Yes. which won the 7 to 12 boys school city championship. Go English. Yes, go English. And then we have the Mildred Abt School led by Tina Anderson, which won the girls middle school city championship. Investments in student athletes showcase excellence on the courts and in our classrooms. So let's give these coaches and student athletes a round of applause, and let's bring up Councilor Santana.

Thank you, Councilor Arrau. Today we are proud to recognize our Boston Public Schools elementary and middle school city basketball champions. We celebrate the hard work, dedication, teamwork, and perseverance those student athletes have shown throughout the season. I would like to recognize the coaches, the families, the brothers. I know there's a brother in here supporting his little brother here. The school communities who support made these achievements possible. It is now my pleasure to also introduce, or before, we do have some resolutions. So I'll introduce Coach Randy first, and then we have resolutions for all of our coaches here. but it is my pleasure to introduce Coach Randy Samore, a dedicated educator and leader whose commitment to youth development, athletics, and academic success continues to make a lasting impact on students across Boston. Coach Samore is driven by deep passion for education and sports and believes that authentic relationships, teamwork, trust, and collaboration are essential to developing lifelong learners. Through his commitment to supporting our students and fostering strong community partnerships, he has created meaningful opportunities for young people, both inside and outside the classroom. Please join me in welcoming Coach Randy Samore.

Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to begin by thanking Boston Public Schools Athletic Department, City Councilor Santana, and City Councilor Warrell for organizing today's celebration here at City Hall. We are proud to honor our middle school basketball city champions, the Condon Boys basketball team, the Mildred Girls basketball team, for winning the K through eight bracket, and the English high school middle school boys basketball team for winning the seven to 12 bracket. It's a privilege to speak to you all today. I am Randy Seymour, an inclusion math teacher and co-coach alongside Josh Gresham. So clap it up for Coach Gresham. for the English High School Middle School Basketball Championship Team. As educators and coaches, we strive to support the whole child by fostering teamwork, trust, and tenacity. Our student athletes prove that anything is possible, echoing Kevin Garnett after the Celtics 2008 championship. I was gonna say, anything is possible! By showing incredible sportsmanship, teamwork, and consistency on their path to winning the 2026 BPS Middle School City Championship Tournament. to all the student athletes with us this afternoon. Continue to take pride in sharing joy and dedicating yourselves to important learning opportunities both on and off the court. This level of commitment builds critical thinking, life skills, promotes positivity, and consistently enhances your physical and emotional growth. To my fellow coaches and administrators, let's keep investing in our school communities to empower our student athletes right here in Boston. to our families and colleagues. We all share profound gratitude for you, for your unconditional love, patience, and unwavering support that you showed to our student athletes as we managed and adapted game schedules all season long. Ultimately, raising a child requires a collective community effort, and every one of us play a vital role in that community. So we want to give a huge congratulations to our families, our coaches, and more importantly, our student athletes. You are all true champions. Thank you.

Thank you, Coach. And congratulations to all our student athletes again. And as Coach mentioned, I think it takes a village So thank you to our coaches, our teachers, our families, the mothers, fathers, the brothers and sisters. It takes all, right? So right now, I just want to be able to... Oh, I think we have a young man who wants to say a few words. Absolutely. Absolutely. The best dressed here.

I was volunteered as tribute for this. I did not want to do this. But we worked really hard throughout the year on our academics to stay on the team. as well as trying to get points to win it all. And we worked really hard to become champions, so yeah. MVP?

Let's go MVP.

Good job, everyone, yeah. Well, further ado, we just want to recognize, again, the Comden Elementary Basketball Champions. We want to recognize the Mildred Ave School K-8 Girls City Basketball Champions. We got the Condon K-8 Boys City Basketball Champions. And finally but not least, the English School 7-12 Boys City Basketball Champions. All right, can we just invite my colleagues? I also want to thank my colleagues who came for the reception earlier and spoke to our student athletes as well. We're going to invite all our colleagues for a group picture.

All right.

Congratulations again to all our young athletes and their coaches. Now on to the first order of business, which is the approval of the minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2026. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The minutes of the June 24th meeting are approved. We are now on to communications from Her Honourable Mayor. Madam Clerk, can you please read dockets 1311 and 1312 together.

Docket 1311, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of $5 million for the purpose of paying the cost of feasibility study and somatic design associated with a project for the Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, located at 75 Malcolm X Boulevard, Roxbury, Mass. 02120. This include the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto and for which the City of Boston may be legible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Set amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facility Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools. Docket 1312. Message an order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate the amount of $850,000 for the purpose of paying costs for feasibility study and somatic design work associated with window, door, and roof projects at the following school, Boston Adult Academy, Joseph J. Hurley School, Ellis Mendel Elementary School, Joyce Kilmer K-8 School, and the Lyden Upper 9-12 School. This includes a payment of all costs incidental and related thereto, and for which the City of Boston may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Such amount to be expended under the direction of the Public Facility Department on behalf of the Boston Public Schools.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Dockets 1311 and 1312 will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1313?

Target 1313, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend a gift of Purchase Gliding Horse valued at $8,500 from the Friends of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit. This gift is awarded to the City of Boston through the Parks and Recreation Department for the use of Mounted Unit of the Boston Park Rangers.

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

Thank you, Madam President. This is a small dollar amount grant, so I ask my colleagues to suspend and pass so we get these resources over to the park rangers. Thank you.

Thank you. Councillor Durkan, I see your light on.

Thank you so much. I am a huge friend of the Friends of the Mounted Park Rangers and I'm grateful for their gift of a horse. The Friends of the Mounted Park Rangers works to support the Mounted Park Ranger Unit and its role in promoting public safety, education and community engagement across Boston's parks. and has helped grow the unit into a highly recognized and respected agency of the City of Boston. Its fundraising efforts have provided critical care to the mounted unit's needs and operations, including veterinary and farrier care for its equine members, stable needs and transportation. I'm grateful and I commend the Friends organization and I recently attended their annual reception where I saw just how much enthusiasm there is for supporting our parks and the Emerald Necklace. The Boston Park Ranger Mounted Unit patrols all nine parks of the Emerald Necklace and so grateful that they are donating this horse. I did offer to go to Canada to pick up the horse and they declined, but I'm a huge fan of all their efforts and thank you to the chair for pushing forward for a vote today.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. Councillor Worrell seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1313. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1313?

Roll call vote on Docket 1313. Councillor Braden? Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Coletta-Zapata? Yes. Councillor Culpepper?

Yes.

Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkin? Yes. Councillor Durkin, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald? Yes. Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Flynn? Yes. Council Flynn, yes. Council Louis-Jean? Yes. Council Mejia? Yes. Council Murphy? Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pepin? Yes. Council Pepin, yes. Council Santana? Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes. Council Weber, yes. Council Worrell? Yes.

Councillor O' 10 in the affirmative. Thank you docket 1313 has passed. Madam Clerk can you please read dockets 1314 through 1316.

Docket 1314 message and order confirming the appointment of Jessica Collis as a member of the Highland Park architectural Conservation District Commission for a term expiring June 30th, 2028. Docket 1315, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Seth McCoy as a member of the Highland Park Architectural Conservation District Commission for a term expiring June 30th, 2028. And docket 1316, message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Felicia Jakes as a member of the Boston Planning and Development Agency Board for a term expiring August 15, 2029.

Thank you. Dockets 1314 through 1316 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1317?

Docket 1317. Message transmitting certain information under Section 17F regarding the City of Boston effort to address drink spiking, and drug-facilitated sex assault and nightlife establishment, including safety training programs, prevention initiatives, communications with licensed venues, and the status of records maintained by the city regarding the effort on docket 0595 passed by the council on 3-18-2026 and docket 0874 passed by the council on 4-29-2026.

Thank you. Docket 1317 will be placed on file. We are now on to reports of public officers and others. Per Rule 39, there'll be no remarks or communications from Councillors. Madam Clerk, can you please read Docket 1318 through 1326? Docket 1318.

Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Raymond Bowley as Chair of the Board of Review effective immediately for a term expiring January 7th, 2030. Docket 1319. Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Arlene Caledon as a member of the Board of Review effective immediately for the term expiring January 7th, 2030. Docket 1320. Notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Helen Wong as a member of the Board of Review effective immediately for a term expiring January 7th, 2030. Docket 1321, notice was received from the Mayor of the reappointment of Helen Wong as the interim commissioner of the assessing department effective July 1st, 2026. Okay, okay. Target 1322, communication was received from the Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner regarding a vote to approve Diane Fernandez-Bibu as serve as the community preservation committee as the representative of the Boston Parks and Recreation Commission. Docket 1323, notice was received from the city clerk in accordance with chapter six of the ordinances of 1979 regarding action by the mayor on papers acted upon by the city council at its meetings on June 3rd, 2026. Docket 1324, notice was received from the city clerk in accordance with chapter six of the ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the mayor on papers acted upon by the city council at its meeting on June 10th, 2026. Docket 1325, notice was received from the city clerk in accordance with chapter six of the ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the mayor on papers acted upon by the city council at its meeting on June 24th, 2026. And docket 1326, communication was received from council president Liz Braden regarding city council nominations for the Transgender, Gender Diverse, Intersex and LGBTQIA2S Plus Oversights Commission.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Dockets 1318 through 1326 will be placed on file. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1327?

Docket 1327. Communication was received from Councillor President Liz Braden to address an open meeting law complaint and respond accordingly on behalf of the Boston City Council.

Thank you. Docket 1327 will be referred to the Law Department. Madam Clerk, could you please read dockets 1328 through 1331?

Docket 1328, communication was received from Councillor Flynn calling for a public safety summit. Docket 1329, communication was received from Councillor Flynn calling for the Boston Police enforcement on Main Street and commercial corridors for mopeds and e-bikes. And Docket 1330, communication was received from Councillor Flynn regarding the lack of community engagement and public safety consideration for 3 a.m. last call. Docket 1331, communication was received from Councillor Flynn requesting a supplemental budget to support recently laid off Boston Public Schools BPS employees.

Thank you Madam Clerk. Dockets 1328 through 1331 will be placed on file. We are now on to reports of committees. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 0970?

Docket 0970, the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, to which was referred on May 13, 2026, Docket 0970. message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $1,073,239.34 in the form of a grant to FY26 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative awarded by the Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the Police Department. the grant would fund regional and multidisciplinary approaches to combat gang violence through coordinated prevention and intervention. Law enforcement, prosecution, and interrogation program submits a report recommended that the order ought to pass.

Thank you. The chair recognizes the Councillor Santana, the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Criminal Justice.

Councillor Santana, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. On Thursday last week, we held a hearing on the FY26 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative Grant, or commonly known as the Shannon Grant. I was joined by my colleagues, Councillor Ed Flynn, Councillor Erin Murphy, Councillor Ben Webber and Councillor Culpepper, We also received a letter of absence from Councillor Louis-Jean. During this hearing, we heard from Demond Bills, the project coordinator for the Shannon Grant Safety Initiative Grant, as well as representatives from nonprofits and community organizations about the impact this funding has had on their work. The Shannon Grant is an investment that supports the City of Boston's comprehensive public safety strategy through regional, multidisciplinary collaboration among the state and local agencies, as well as partnerships with faith-based philanthropic business and community organizations. This year, the grant is providing funding to 17 nonprofits and community organizations. The shedding grant supports coordinated prevention and intervention, law enforcement, prosecution, and reintegration efforts aimed at reducing gun, gang, and youth violence across the city. These initiatives fund programs and resources that promote positive youth development, mentorship, education, and recreational opportunities for Boston's young people. As chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I recommend that docket number 0970 all to pass. I also just want to read very quickly the 17 organizations that did receive funding, so that my colleagues are aware. In the years past, this grant was about $3 million. We're now down to $1 million for this grant. And it's projected that we will continue to see decrease in this funding. I think we, in the past, have funded over 35 organizations. We're down to 17 right now. And so you'll see some of that impact. But the BCYF, BMC, VIAP, the Boston Public Health Commission, the Louis D. Brown Institute, Project Right, Youth Connect, the DA's office, U Boston, the Becker Company, Veronica Robles Cultural Center, Bean Town Slam, Teen Empowerment, Maverick Landing Cultural Center, Sportsman's Tennis and Enrichment Center, Zoo Mix, We Are Better Together, and Mothers for Justice and Equity are the 17 organizations that received grant funding this year. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. Councillor Culpepper, you have the floor.

Madam President, I do want to begin by expressing my disappointment that the state with reduced the Boston Shannon's grant by $600,000 compared to the previous year. At a time when communities across Boston continue to grapple with gun violence, gang activity, and the tragic events we witnessed this past weekend, this is precisely when we should be expanding investments in proven violence prevention strategies, not scaling them back. Knowing that this reduction was coming, I also believe the city should have anticipated this gap during the fiscal 27 budget process. Violent prevention organizations should not be forced to reduce services because of decisions made at the state level when the city has the ability to prioritize these investments locally. Had we planned for this reduction, we could have supplemented a portion of that loss to the city budget to help ensure continuity of services for organizations doing this life saving work. That said, if ever there was a time for Boston to accept the Shannon Grant funding, that time is now. While this award is smaller than in prior years, it still represents more than a million dollars that will support coordinated prevention, intervention, law enforcement, prosecution, and reintegration efforts aimed at reducing gang and youth violence. Turning aside these resources would only make it harder to keep our communities safe. The Shannon Grant is far more than a law enforcement grant. For 20 years, it has supported a comprehensive public safety strategy and has funded approximately 250 nonprofit organizations across Boston. Although funding rejections have meant that only 17 nonprofit and city organizations, as stated by Councilor Santana, will receive awards this year. Down from 28 last year, those organizations remain the backbone of this work. While I hope the state restores and expands Shannon funding in future years, today our responsibility is clear. We should accept these funds so that Boston can continue supporting the organizations outreach workers and community partners who are doing the difficult work of preventing violence before it occurs. And I might say, Madam President, when I did the youth gang work and we were in the streets with the young folks fighting, working to help them find jobs and to help them understand the significance of being part of the positive environment in the community. was a shannon grant that made a big difference years ago to show that the organizations were doing the work not only had the funds necessary to expand to do the work but also the shannon grant was spread across some of the organizations that worked with the toughest and the roughest of these young folks so now we see we won't have the money to be spread around as much but the work will continue and I will vote in favor of receiving this grant. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Flynn?

Yes, thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I want to say thank you to Councillor Santana for an informative meeting and had an opportunity to listen to the award recipients about the programs that they run and how effective they are in impacting and supporting our youth and families. I do want to acknowledge the importance of these grants. I also will be voting in favor of this. You know, we have we have also to acknowledge the with the increase in violence. It's about public safety. It's about supporting our police, but it's also equally as important, supporting our young people, giving them an opportunity to learn about violence prevention, learning about jobs and education, supporting them in different after school type of programs. I learned this as a probation officer for eight years at Suffolk Superior Court. It's not just about the law and order aspect of it. It's about giving people hope, giving people an opportunity before they even get into the criminal justice system. But I also know that when someone is in the criminal justice system, we also have a responsibility when they come out to provide them with education, training, support, social services. 99% of people coming out of jail, in prison, are coming back to our communities. And yes, they have made mistakes, but they deserve an opportunity to get back into society. Reintegration is a critical part of it. And that's why I support these programs. It's about helping young people, but it's also giving them a little bit of encouragement, a little bit of support, especially during these challenging times. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. The Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 0970. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 0970.

Councillor Breda. Yes. Councillor Breda, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan? 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. Councillor O'Reilly. Yes, 12 in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and docket 0970 has passed. Madam Clerk, would you please read docket 0968.

Docket 0968. The Committee on Planning Development on Transportation, to which was referred to on March 13, 2026, message and order authorizing the City of Boston acting through the Mayor's Office of Housing to accept and expand payments in the amount of $30 million given to the City Inclusionary Development Policy Fund. The City of Boston Inclusionary Development Policy Fund was established by executive order in February 2000 to support the production and prevention of affordable housing and new market rate housing development. The IDP requires all developers of residential development projects which 10 or more units to include affordable units in their project as a condition of receiving relief from the Boston Zoning Code. The exclusive order provides the option for developers to make contribution to the IDP fund in lieu of providing on-site affordable units. Subject to the approval of Boston Planning and Development Agency submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass.

Thank you. The Chair recognises the Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I think you just gave me a promotion. Now I'm the head of the Planning Department. Don't tell Kairos. Thank you, Councillor President. On Thursday, June 25, the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation convened a hearing on Docket 0968, an order authorising the Mayor's Office of Housing to accept and expend $30 million from the Inclusionary Development policy fund i was joined by my colleague councillor flynn and the committee heard testimony from the mayor's office of housing officials rick wilson the director of administration and finance christine o'keefe director of neighborhood development and andy feldman housing policy manager inclusionary zoning was established by executive order in february of 2000 to support production and preservation of affordable housing and new market rate housing in boston The MOH officials described the evolution of IDP policy and oversight, noting that the administration transferred it from the BPDA to MOH in 2013. They also discussed the 2023 policy updates, which increase IDP percentages. These funds are IDP revenue generated from payments made in lieu of on-site or off-site units, as well as other one-time partial unit payments overseen by the BPDA. The panelists shared more than 200 million of IDP revenue has been collected since the policy's inception and projected that the program will collect 26 million in fiscal year 27 and 28, consistent with the typical annual range. The 30 million authorized in this order, together with the six million that was previously authorized, has been allocated to 10 affordable housing projects, including both rental and home ownership opportunities across Roxbury, Mattapan, East Boston, Dorchester, and Chinatown. Many of these projects are close to completion, and the passage of this today will provide the funding needed to help to keep moving forward hundreds of affordable rental and homeownership units. We know how urgently Boston needs affordable housing, and I have great confidence in MOH's ability to continue delivering quality affordable housing across Massachusetts with these funds. For that reason, as the Chair of Planning, Development and Transportation, my recommendation to the full Council is that this matter ought to pass. Thank you.

The Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation seeks acceptance of the committee report in passage of docket 0968. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0968.

ROLL CALL VOTE ON DOCKET 0968. Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Yes. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Durkin. Council Durkan, yes. Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Flynn, yes. Council Flynn, yes. Council Louisian. Council Mejia. Council Mejia, yes. Council Murphy. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pepin. Council Pepin, yes. Council Santana. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber. Council Weber, yes. Council Royal. Council Royal, yes. 11 in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been adopted and docket 0968 has passed. We're now on to motions, orders and resolutions. A reminder that under Rule 39, remarks on new matters not up for a vote today should be limited to three minutes for the lead sponsor and two minutes for co-sponsors. Madam Clerk, could you please read docket 1332? Docket 1332.

Councillor Culpepper offered the following. Petition for a special law regarding an act relative to increasing civil penalties for illegal possession, use, and sale of fireworks in the city of Boston.

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

Madam President, every year neighborhoods across Boston experience the consequences of illegal fireworks. Residents lose sleep. Veterans and others living with PTSD are affected by repeated explosions. Pets become distressed. Families worry about the risk of fires, injuries, and property damage. Our first responders are regularly called upon to respond to complaints and emergencies stemming from illegal fireworks, particularly in the summer months, especially during July 4th. This home rule petition increases the civil fine for the illegal possession or use of fireworks to between $100 and $1,000, and increases the civil fine for the illegal sale or offering for sale of fireworks to between $500 and $5,000. All existing enforcement provisions, including seizure, forfeiture, arrest, authority, and all applicable criminal penalties remain unchanged. The goal of this petition is simple, to provide a stronger deterrent against conduct that continues to threaten public safety and disrupt neighborhoods across our city. Illegal fireworks are not a harmless nuisance. They create real risks for residents, firefighters, emergency personnel, and property owners. By updating fines that have not kept pace with the seriousness of these violations, we are strengthening a tool to discourage illegal fireworks. while preserving the broader enforcement framework already established under state law. And I might add, one of the reasons that really moved me to file this is sitting up at night getting calls from folks about fireworks and the possibility that a home or homes would be set on fire. It's amazing that we have to, every year, during July 4th, go through the same thing over and over and just sit there and nod our heads. But I think before something becomes seriously like a home catching fire, that this council needs to act. And I put this forward with all seriousness because 4th of July night, fireworks were going crazy. I went out, talked to some youth, about 20 of them, and One of the persons there stood up and said, I'm the adult here, and I'm the mother of many of these kids. I said, you are the one responsible. And she said, I'll take responsibility. I went in the house, got a big green bag. The next morning, they had cleaned up all of the fireworks residue that was left on there. And so I just think that we need to be able to work as a deterrent to these illegal fireworks in the city of Boston. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 1332 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Madam Clerk, Councillor—yeah, Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1333?

Docket 1333. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Order for hearing to discuss the impacts of recent Boston Public Schools personnel cuts on students with disabilities.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. May I add Councillor Mejia as an original co-sponsor?

Councillor Mejia so added.

May I suspend the rules and add Councillor Murphy?

Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Murphy's added as a third.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With the recent vote by the City Council to approve the BPS budget, hundreds of teachers, paraprofessionals, and other frontline workers, educators, are anticipated to lose their jobs. These dedicated and compassionate workers provide critical social services to many of the most vulnerable residents in Boston. students with disabilities. As we reflect on this terrible injustice and the impact this will have on BPS employees and their families as well, we also must acknowledge the potential effect and consequences it will have directly on students with disabilities and services and programs they are entitled to by law, by federal law. Individuals with And students and individuals with disabilities play a critical role in our city, in our country. Individuals with Disabilities Act governs how states provide early intervention in special education for eligible students with disabilities, including infants, toddlers, and children in grade school. In Massachusetts, all students are entitled to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, meaning that all students with disabilities are permitted to services like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, assistive technology, transportation, and other academic accommodations. including deadline extensions. These BPS personal cuts may result in devastating impacts for students with disabilities. Let me rephrase that. They will result in devastating impact for students with disabilities. In the absence of paraprofessionals, all students, especially those with disabilities, may face difficulties with classroom support, accessing resources, accommodations, and ultimately result in a decline in academic and social programs. With the projected loss of several hundred BPS employees, it's critical that the City Council provides oversight and understands the consequences of our actions for students, families, and neighbors. It was reported that it was likely 400 personnel at BPS would be impacted. I think it's much larger than that. I think it might be 500. Those are 500 BPS families, but there are also students with disabilities that won't get the needed critical services that they're entitled to by law. Let me say that again. By federal law, students with disabilities have a right to the same education, as everybody else. That's by federal law. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Councillor Flynn for adding me to this hearing order. You know, I voted against the BPS budget because we knew that the significant staff cuts to students facing positions would negatively impact all students, most especially our students with special educational needs and our multilingual learners. The BTU teachers, paras, and other school staff, youth, and families, and community members sounded the alarm for months, yet the school committee and some of our council colleagues approved the BPS budget anyways. Historically, Boston has been a leader in inclusive education, but advocates have been warning that programs have been weakening With personnel cuts in the last BPS budget, our students and the educators who are now supporting them with fewer colleagues and resources than ever before will suffer. We need to have a conversation to understand the impacts of these personnel cuts will have on students with disabilities and develop a long-term plan to better support our students. I look forward to this hearing and having the conversation. And I also just want to note that as we continue to navigate these conversations, now is the time for us to start really thinking about what the BPS budget process needs to look like and making sure that we are engaging all the right stakeholders in the conversation. So I look forward to doing just that. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Flynn, for including me and Councillor Mejia in this important conversation. And thank you for the way you worded it to discuss the impacts. I know that we've had many conversations about the job loss of hundreds. The last article had it at 560 jobs lost for September. And it's important that we do continue to talk about the budget. And I know there was a hearing at the last meeting that I didn't think should go in ways and means. I'm hoping this goes into education where we can really talk about the direct negative impact this is going to have on our students who need these supports the most and always Caring and talking about the loss of jobs that our neighbors are going to be losing But looking forward to this conversation in hearing directly and hopefully this hearing council of Flynn is happens before the school year starts so before our students come back to our classrooms that we on this council are able to get the information needed to advocate to make sure that our teachers, our principals, our parents, especially our students, have the support so that they can get the resources that they need. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Weber, and please add the chair. Docket number 1333 will be referred to the Committee on Education. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1334?

Docket 1334. Councillor Pepin offered a following. Order for hearing to discuss the status of HVAC updates in Boston Public Schools.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to suspend the rules and add yourself, Councillor Braden, as a co-sponsor. Thank you. And I would like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Fitzgerald as a third co-sponsor.

So Councillor Braden's added as a second, and hearing and seeing no objections, Councillor Worrell?

No, Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald, beg your pardon. Councillor Fitzgerald has added as a third.

Thank you. Boston Public Schools has made significant progress in upgrading HVAC systems across school buildings over the past several years. Thank you, sir.

Thank you. Thank you. you

We are now back in session. We will go back to Councillor Pepin, docket number 1334. You have the floor. If you'd like to start at the beginning of your comments again, that might be good.

Councillor Pepin Thank you, Council President. I would like to add you as a second co-sponsor.

I'm added, thank you. You asked to add Councillor Fitzgerald as a third. I didn't see or hear any objection, so Councillor Fitzgerald is added as a third.

I'm also wishing that our colleague is okay. Thank you. Boston Public Schools has made significant progress in upgrading HVAC systems across school buildings over the past several years. However, Eight buildings remain without full building air conditioning and temperatures reached over 90 degrees in some classrooms during the last month of school. Two of those schools out of the eight are in my district, the Mozart and the Bates. A good amount of parents reached out to my office with concerns of the temperatures that the classrooms reached during some of the warmer days at the end of the school year. My intention with this hearing is to offer the Boston Public Schools officials the opportunity to explain the timeline for HVAC upgrades across the district, as well as temporary solutions leading up before next school year. Thank you.

Thank you. Councillor Culpepper, would you mind taking the chair for a few minutes? I'm a second sponsor on this. I think they allow me to speak for two minutes. It's this one here.

Councillor Braden, you now have the floor.

Got it. Thank you. I'd like to thank Councillor Pepin for bringing this important issue forward and for adding me as a co-sponsor. Many BPS facilities are very old, and as the climate continues to grow hotter and more unpredictable, we need to have a plan. The status of HVAC systems remains a major issue for our BPS facilities. The Jackson Mann School building in Alston was declared inappropriate for its intended use, in large part due to deferred maintenance of the HVAC system. HVAC improvements appeared in the capital budget decades ago, but action was never taken and the school was forced to close as a result. Addressing HVAC challenges will require co-ordination among many departments. HVAC upgrades must be integrated into broader capital planning, electrical modernisation and climate resilience efforts. Additionally, extreme heat affects students' ability to focus, retain information and perform academically. Every BPS student deserves a comfortable environment in which to learn. This is particularly important for students with disabilities, as many of them have temperature regulation issues. I look forward to discussing how to build and maintain a space where every student and educator has access to a safe and temperate learning environment. Thank you.

Councillor Fitzgerald.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper, and thank you to Councillor Penn for adding me as a co-sponsor. This one's personal for me as my kids go to a school that does not have air conditioning and obviously just missed with the late school year, they just missed it by a week of having 100 degree temperatures outside and what that could have done to the learning environment for my children and everyone's children inside. So I appreciate Council Piven bringing up the fact of just asking the administration and folks at the BPS what the timeline is and what we can do in the meantime to mitigate these impacts. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their names? Council Flynn, Council Durkan, Council Murphy, Council Santana, Council Weber, Council Worrell, and please add the chair. Thank you, Doctor. Number 1334 will be referred to the Committee on Education.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Madam Chair, could you please read Docket 1335?

Docket 1335. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Order for hearing to discuss the status of the Blackstone Pool and independent engineering study on repairs.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, may I add Councillor Fitzgerald as an original co-sponsor?

Councillor Fitzgerald has added as a second.

May I suspend the rules and add Councillor Culpepper, please?

Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Culpepper has added as a third.

I just want to note that the Blackstone Hall is in the south end and it's shared by myself, Councillor Fitzgerald and Councillor Culpepper. I want to thank both of them for their commitment to the residents of the south end. The Blackstone Community Center in Boston Public School has historically served communities of color in the South End and Roxbury, including across the street is Villa Victoria, and across from that is the BHA Ruth Barclay Apartments. It has been closed indefinitely due to structural issues, drain line failure, groundwater intrusion. Of the 18 pools operated by BCYF and or Boston Public Schools, nine will close for the summer of 2025, significantly limiting access to swim lessons in recreational water activities, which are vital for health, youth development, exercise. In the summer of 2026, 16 of the 18 pools have since reopened. with the exception of the Blackstone swimming pool and the Marabella swimming pool. The City of Boston FY27-31 capital budget includes $500,000 of the Blackstone school study, which will determine the scope of major renovations at the school and pool. A complete renovation will take years. However, this POOL CLOSURE CONTINUES TO WORSEN DISPARITIES AND EXPOSURE TO HOTTER SUMMITS AND DENIES ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR IN OUR IMMIGRANT NAVIES. WE'RE JUST TALKING ABOUT 100-DEGREE DAYS IN BPS. IN JUNE 2026, THE CITY COUNCIL HELD A HEARING ON THE OVERALL CONDITION OF BCYF POOLS WHERE BPS INFORMED THE BOARD THAT REOPENING THE BLACKSTONE WOULD REQUIRE a full excavation to understand the full scope of damage in major renovations to BCYF Blackstone. It's critical that the Blackstone pool undergo an independent engineering study on how to fix the pool. In my opinion, failure to invest the appropriate resources in the Blackstone school is an issue of social, economic, environmental, and racial justice. I want to ensure that my constituents, constituents in the south end in Roxbury, have equal opportunity as other neighborhoods. I want to see how we're able to give the kids from the south end in Roxbury the opportunity to go to a swimming pool in their neighborhood and take swimming lessons. I think this is an issue about equal justice and ensuring that communities of colour have the same rights and opportunities as other neighbourhoods.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank Councillor Flynn for adding me as a co-sponsor here, knowing, again, with Councillor Culpepper, myself and Councillor Flynn representing a large swath of the South End, that these are our constituents who use this pool and have every right and ability and should have that ability to have that amenity in their neighbourhood. And so we look forward to having the Blackstone pool reopened and hopefully get these repairs underway. Thank you.

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

Madam President, I'd like to associate myself with the remarks from Councilor Flynn and Councilor Fitzgerald. We recently had that hearing where we discussed the significance of the swimming pools in the city of Boston. It's sad that Blackstone will not be part of the good times, the training, the swim meets that they'll have at the different pools. Think they deserve it. And I think the sooner they can get it done. The better would be for the students of Blackstone Hopefully it can be done soon again council firm. Thank you for filing that resolution and to my colleague Councillor Fitzgerald. Thank you Thank you.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Durkan concert concert Durkan counselor Louisiane, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Docket 1335 will be referred to the Committee on Human Services. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1336?

Docket 1336. Councillor Flynn offered the following order for hearing to discuss the potential impact on city revenues in the event that Boston receives an unfavourable court judgment on commercial property assessments.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. The City of Boston is currently involved in a lawsuit with a group of commercial property owners over alleged inflation of commercial property values. While the lawsuit is ongoing in court, there could be major impacts to Boston's assessing practices and generated revenues in the City of Boston if Boston does not win the case. In the event that Boston does not win the case, I think it is important to have a discussion what impact it has on the city of Boston in our finances. In December 2025, a group of commercial property owners entered into a lawsuit with the city of Boston alleging that the city had implemented a policy for property owners who have filed for an abatement and appeal to the ATB. They described it as retaliatory. In May 2026, Suffolk Superior Court denied the City of Boston's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. While the litigation is ongoing, the potential negative economic implications on the City of Boston should be discussed. We don't really know what the implications would be, if any. Commercial property assessments have a major impact on Boston's revenue. It's critical that Boston and property tax assessments are conducted with transparency and there should be an opportunity for city councilors to ask questions about this process. I think it's important for the city council to be more engaged in this practice and learning, especially learning about assessing department, the critical work they play the impact they have on taxes in the city. But it is important for us to learn that if there is a negative ruling by the court, that we can have a respectful conversation on what impact it will have on the city finances, neighborhood services, quality of life issues. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Docket number 1336 will be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1337?

Dr. 1337, Councillor Pepin and Weber offer the following. Order for hearing to discuss the fulfillment of community benefits funded by the development projects.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Pepin. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Louis-Jean as a third.

As a third, seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Louis-Jean is added as a third.

Thank you. Applicants for certain building projects in the City of Boston are required to identify and create benefits for the surrounding community as part of their review process. These include improvements to open spaces and the public room, jobs, and affordable housing. However, the production of these community benefits can face unclear timelines or not be completed at all. This hearing will discuss the status of community benefits for current development projects, the process for completing them on schedule, and seeing what can be done to make sure our communities get what they deserve. Thank you, Madam President.

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

Yeah, thank you very much. I just want to thank Councillor Papin for adding me on to this. You know, this has been an issue in District 6, you know, several projects trying to get the developers to comply with the promised community benefits. So, I look forward to being part of the discussion. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Louis-Jean. Councillor, you have the floor. Just give me a

Thank you, and I just want to thank Councillor Papin for adding me. My office has been doing work on this issue, and I know that there's issues with databases to ensure accountability, and so I'm just glad to be on it and look forward to working. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Le Vigien. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Docket number 1337 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. I'm going to call on my colleague again.

Madam Clerk, would you please read the docket?

Docket 1338. Councillor Braden offer the following order for hearing to discuss re-establishing a post office location in Alston.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I rise today in support of this hearing order to discuss the urgent need to re-establish a U.S. Postal Service location in Alston. Alston's post office branch was closed in November 2019 when the building was located in a building that was deemed structurally unsound. For the past seven years, nearly 32,000 residents of Alston have been without a neighbourhood post office, forcing families, seniors, students and small business owners to rely on a single location in Brighton Centre. In June 2025, USPS sent a letter to Mayor Wu confirming the final decision to re-establish a post office branch in Alston after a fully negotiated lease with a new development currently under construction at the previous post office site. In April of this year, my office received a letter from USPS stating that they had decided to temporarily pause looking for an alternative facility while it further reviews the operational needs in Alston. This abrupt reversal is an unacceptable broken promise to the Alston Brighton community. I'm calling for a hearing today to allow the council to hear directly from USPS, the developer that had previously secured a commitment from USPS, the city officials regarding the delay, and to identify next steps. Restoring a post office in Alston is about equity, accessibility, and ensuring every neighbourhood has access to this essential public service. I hope this hearing helps bring all parties back to the table to see if we can finally deliver on the commitment that was made to the people of Alston. I urge my colleagues to support this hearing and look forward to the discussion. Thank you.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Lloyd-Zinn, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pippin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Warwell, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket number 1338 will be referred to the Committee on Pilot Agreements, Institutional and Intergovernmental Relations.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1339? No, did I jump ahead too far?

No. Docket 1339, Councillor Culpepper offered a following. Order for a hearing regarding housing voucher discrimination and fair housing civil rights enforcement in Boston.

Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper.

You have the floor. Madam President, I would like to add Councillor Worrell as the second original co-sponsor. Councillor Royale is so added. Thank you, Madam President. Boston continues to face a housing affordability crisis, but affordability alone is not enough if residents who lawfully qualify for housing are still denied equal access because of who they are or how they pay their rent. Fair housing is a civil rights issue, and every resident should have an equal opportunity to access safe, stable housing regardless of their race or whether they rely on a housing voucher. Research conducted by the Suffolk University Law School Housing Discrimination Testing Program and the Boston Foundation found troubling evidence that discrimination remains widespread in the greater Boston rental market. The report found evidence of voucher-based discrimination in 86% of tests. and race-based discrimination in 71% of tests, with renters receiving different treatment throughout the housing search process, from initial inquiries and apartment showings to applications and follow-up communication. This hearing is an opportunity to better understand the extent of housing discrimination in Boston, evaluate whether our current enforcement tools are sufficient, and identify additional steps the city can take to strengthen fair housing education, testing, enforcement, and coordination with state and local partners. If we are serious about expanding access to housing and combating segregation, then we must also ensure the residents who have housing vouchers or other lawful sources of income are not unlawfully denied. The opportunity to live in the neighborhoods of their choosing. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councilor Culpepper. The chair recognizes Councilor Worrell. Councilor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Culpepper for introducing this hearing order and adding me as an original co-sponsor. We know residents are still facing housing discrimination in our city. It's our obligation as a city council to make combating that discrimination a priority in our actions, not just in our value statements. That's exactly why I filed a hearing order earlier this year to discuss the city's implementation of fair housing practices and how the administration is fair in achieving the goals laid out in the original Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment. That assessment was put together in 2016 by a dedicated team of housing experts and advocates called the Community Advisory Committee. To outline how the city must affirmatively further fair housing opportunities for all our residents. That assessment sheds light on discrimination in our city with steps outlined to rectify the problem. In 2020, Boston became the first major city in the nation to include fair housing requirements in the zoning code that mandate developers to take significant steps to prevent displacement and ensure equitable housing access. As a council last year, we voted 11-0 in favor of strengthening and protecting our firmly furthering fair housing ideals. So let's follow through and I'm looking forward to this hearing. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Orrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the Chair. Thank you. Docket 1339 will be referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1340? Docket 1340. Councillor

Culpepper offer the following. Order for a hearing to examine the civil rights implications of rapid transit inequities in the City of Boston.

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

Madam Chair, may docket 1341 be read alongside 1340?

Certainly, you can read them together, but when it comes to adding co-sponsors or whatever, we'll We'll figure it out as we go.

Thank you, Madam President.

Docket 1341, Councillor Culpepper, offer the following. Resolution in support of evaluating the Orange Line extension along Blue Hill Avenue.

Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to add Councillor Ruel as a second original co-sponsor. On docket 1340. 1340. Okay. Thank you. And 1341. Okay.

Councillor Worrell is so added to docket 1340 and 1341.

Thank you, Madam President. Access to reliable high speed, high capacity public transportation is fundamentally a civil rights issue because it determines whether residents have equal access to employment, education, healthcare, child care, and economic opportunity. When some neighbors receive sustained investment and rapid transit, while others wait decades for promised improvements, we have a responsibility to ask whether those decisions have produced disparate impacts and whether every community has been afforded equal opportunity. Nearly 40 years ago, when the Orange Line was relocated to the southwest corridor, Residents lost rapid transit service along Washington Street with the understanding that comparable rail service would replace it. That promise, Madam President and my colleagues, has never been fully realized. And today, the corridor remains one of the busiest bus corridors in the Commonwealth, while continuing to lack the permanent rapid transit infrastructure found elsewhere in the city. During that same period, the Commonwealth continued investing in major rail projects elsewhere, including the completion of the red line extension to our wife in 1985, the relocation of the orange line and construction of new Southwest corridor stations in 1987, the opening of the silver line waterfront in 2004, the opening of assembly station on the orange line in 2014, when the completion of the green line extension to Somerville and Medford beginning in 2022, While each of these projects served important transportation needs, they also illustrate that transformational rail investments have continued to move forward in other parts of Greater Boston, while communities along Blue Hill Avenue have continued waiting for the rapid transit improvements they were promised. This hearing is not about diminishing investments made elsewhere. It is about asking whether the distribution of rapid transit infrastructure over the past four decades has been equitable. It is about asking whether the distribution of rapid transfer infrastructure over the past four decades has been equitable. It is about asking whether the distribution of rapid transit infrastructure over the past four decades has been equitable, whether historic planning decisions have had a disparate impact on protected communities, And what steps are necessary to ensure that future transportation investments advance equal opportunity rather than reinforce longstanding disparities? Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Worrell. I'm assuming you want to speak to both these dockets that you're a co-sponsor.

Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. And I just urge everyone, especially my colleagues, to look up. The MBTA map overlaid on top of the city of Boston. What you see is a gap that covers a large portion of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Cannot help but see this gap in transit and connect it to the gaps in wages, the gaps in educational outcomes, and the gaps in health outcomes. Some folks think doubling down on diesel buses in an environmental justice neighborhood will solve all this. But our community is asking what so many other Boston communities have. A one seat ride downtown on rail, not a center running bus lane to nowhere. We're being asked to give up parking in any new housing. We're being asked to give up parking in some of our small business districts. And then we're told that our only option is a bus rather than a train. This gap is a painful reminder of decades of racial injustice in Boston. We need to think big and grand to solve it, and we can't put a ceiling on the price for corrective investments. The lack of capital planning and funding is holding back generation after generation. So I thank Councilor Culpepper again for his partnership on this. It's imperative we provide transit equity and fix this transit gap for the future of Black Bostonians.

Thank you, Councilor Worrell. I see Councillor Pepin and Councillor Flynn's light on. The hearing order is if you want to speak to docket number 1341. I'm not asking people to vote on either of these today.

I'm asking for both of them to be referred to the Committee on Civil Rights.

Okay. Thank you. No vote then. We'll have no further discussion. Thank you.

Councillor Flynn. But could I still speak on 1341 since it originally came in as a resolution?

I think under the circumstances, we've all had a challenging afternoon. I will give you two minutes, Councillor Flynn. And I'll also give the same privilege to Councillor Pepe. Thank you.

Yeah, thank you. Just because on 1341 as a resolution, we do have the Under the law, we do have the right to speak on it if a vote does take place with the resolution. My point is I want to say thank you to Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Worrell for bringing this important subject forward. I think as a District Councillor, Councillor Culpepper and as a District Councillor, Councillor Worrell, they know their communities best. They listen to their residents on a daily basis. They understand the transportation challenges in their particular neighborhoods. I think when a district city council speaks on a particular issue, I think it has incredible weight because they're the closest people to the public. They're the closest people to their constituents. So I do support them on this resolution, on this hearing order. and support what they're asking. And I think what they're asking is respect and dignity for their constituents. I also believe this is also a civil rights issue as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Pepin. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I also wanted to rise just to thank Councillor Culpepper and Councillor Morrell. for talking about this issue. We all know that the Blue Hoo app conversation has not been easy. I represent about 1.4 miles of it from Mattapan Square to Morton Street, and I've heard everything from people against it, people in support of it, how this is going to impact businesses, how it's going to help some people, how it's going to hurt others. What I wanted to provide as part of the conversation is that What's very funny about all of this is that we used to have beautiful streetcars running right down the middle of Blue Hill Ave all the way to Eglison Square from the 1890s to 1955. And it just shows that decisions that were made over 70 years ago are now negatively impacting us because they decided to get rid of the streetcars, add more lanes for cars, and We now see that the neighborhoods that do have streetcars or more like the green line right now, people really love that. And what happened is that there was a huge disinvestment into this part of the city. And I just think that we have to be courageous. I'm not just speaking here about Blue Hill Ave, speaking about public transportation in general. We have to be courageous about the investment of it. We have to continue to advocate for it more. I hear residents in Hyde Park asking for an orange line extension down Hyde Park Avenue. I hear people in Roslyn wanting it to extend all the way down to West Roxbury. Folks in Lynn want the blue line. There's so much potential that we can do, and I just hope that we can use this specific conversation to realize what a benefit it is to advocate for more public transportation so that our residents are not facing the consequences as was made 70 years ago. So thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Pippin. Would anyone like to add their name to docket 1340, the hearing order to examine civil rights implications of rapid transit inequities? Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. This docket, number 1340, will be referred to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement. Would anyone like to add their, since docket 1341 is going to go directly to Committee, would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, I respectfully appeal the decision of the Chair

to assign Docket 1341 to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity, and Immigrant Advancement. Transportation infrastructure is not just about moving people. It is about a vehicle for opportunity. Historically, as this hearing order notes, inequitable investments have created a trained desert in the heart of Boston black and immigrant communities. The continued failure to provide their services a clear civil rights concern that is producing disparate impacts that limit access to healthcare, education, and housing. We must examine these design and funding decisions through a civil rights lens to ensure that our public infrastructure reflects the principles of racial equity and equal opportunity, something that's not happening now and has not happened for 40 years.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I just rise in support of Councillor Culpepper's request to reconsider. He also wanted them read together because I do believe he wants to work on them together with him and Councillor Worrell. But it was something that Councillor Worrell said, and I'm looking forward to either you sharing it with me or I'll find it after this meeting. When you said when you overlay a map of the transit in the neighbourhoods and it's really showing the desert you speak of, and the neighbourhoods that are most negatively affected. So I do think it's important that these two are heard, and I think it's more effective for us as a body to hear these together. So I hope we keep them in the same committee and agree that it should be in the Civil Rights Committee. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Councillor Worrell, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And I know our intent was to have the hearing and then afterwards, after the hearing, bring this up for a vote after the hearing. And I think that is why we as sponsors on this, wanting to keep them together and not take a vote now, but have the hearing first and then move forward with a vote after the hearing. Thank you.

Thank you. Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much. As the Chair of Planning, Development and Transportation, there is already a Blue Hill Ave docket in the Planning, Development and Transportation Committee, which could be heard alongside this resolution as well as the other docket. I do think as it's written, it's written as a transportation docket. And I appeal to my colleagues, we do have another docket for Blue Hill Ave in the committee and have attempted to get that scheduled. So looking forward to potentially working together on that. Again, I have no skin in the game other than the fact that there are other pending dockets. And I think it makes sense for all the dockets that are heard to be heard together. Thank you.

Thank you.

If you remember the extended conversation that we had over that previous docket That council Durkin is referring to it was not written in a civil rights perspective with a civil rights Disparate impact added to it. So I would say Madam president that this docket 1341 was written, as Council Warrell said, to go along with 1340 and to have the vote after we had the hearing on 1340. Thank you. MS.

I appreciate it. And I think what's confusing is that the two dockets were put together, and the resolution is a slightly different dynamic than the hearing order. So given your advocacy Councillor Culpepper, I will send both dockets to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement. Thank you. I also appreciate Councillor Durkan's intention to hold a hearing on this issue in the Planning, Development and You're working on it. Very good. Thank you. I hope that can be addressed fairly soon. So both these dockets, 1340, will go to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement, and docket 1341 will also go to the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement. Thank you. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1342?

Docket 1342. Councillors Pepin and Worrell offer the following. Resolution calling on Boston Public Schools to fully partner with the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program.

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

Thank you, Madam President. May I add Councillor Fitzgerald as our second call sponsor?

Councillor Fitzgerald is so added.

Thank you. As many of you know, the transportation safety around schools in our neighborhood has been my number one priority since getting into the city council. This specific topic was part of my maiden speech, my very first speech on the city council. I've been strongly advocating for this forever. I have a lot of elementary and middle schools in my district where parents continuously feel unsafe about just drivers speeding down the neighborhood streets, their kids crossing the crosswalks unsafely. We honor our crossing guards, making sure that they are getting the resources that they deserve. Councillor Flynn and I were able to attend a luncheon with them, with the crossing guards, not too long ago, and thank them personally for what they've done. This program through the state is a free program, federally funded program, focused on protecting children on the way to and from the classrooms. Joining the program costs nothing to our school district, yet today, Fewer than 60 out of the 103 eligible BPS schools are enrolled. The reason for this is that the school leaders have to reach out individually to the state program in order to actually sign up and receive the resources, the trainings, and all the available tools that the state provides in order to teach their kids about transportation safety. Every family in every neighborhood across Boston deserves to know that their children have a safe way to get to school. So full enrollment into the Safe Routes to School program supports that goal. And I've already had conversations with our superintendent. She's very open to this. This is one of those conversations where it would benefit every single BPS student to get these resources. So it's time that every single school that is eligible for this is receiving these resources. And that's why I'm calling to support this and get this resolution passed today. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you again, Council for having me as a co-sponsor on this bill. It's important to me not only as a parent who walks my kids to school every morning, but also I believe that the bus budget that we have is exorbitantly high. And in order to save money, I think we can cut from the bus budget going back to local schools. If we go back to local schools, then we have to make sure that there is a safe route for people to walk to those schools. And so I think getting out and putting this infrastructure in place ahead of time for all schools will help us be better prepared for that. Thank you.

Thank you. Councillor Pepin, you have a second thought on that one?

No, I just, I meant to, I want to add, suspend the rules and add Councillor Worrell as a third original co-sponsor.

Seeing and hearing no objection, Councillor Worrell is added as a third. Thank you. Councillor Worrell, would you like to speak to this? And then we'll go to Councillor Flynn.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Councillor Pepin and also Councillor Fitzgerald for including me on this resolution. We've done a lot of work with MassDOT Safe Routes to School. to address unsafe bus routes in my district, and they are a phenomenal program. Over the past year, the program served over 600,000 students in 1,300 schools across cities in the Commonwealth. And in their most recent report, they cited numerous positive outcomes on students in their communities, not just in reduced congestion and traffic fatalities, but also improved academic performance, classroom attendance, physical activity, and strengthened interpersonal skills among students. At the city level, the Boston SRTS project has focused on pedestrian and bike safety education as well. The city program is mostly focused on elementary schools, but we know the state run program offers support for all our schools. My office has worked with them around some of the schools in my district, including the King, Tech Boston, and the Conservatory Lab Charter School. I want to give a big shout out to Tina for really working with our school leaders and offering realistic and responsive support around the school community's needs. rather than a technocratic approach to pedestrian and cyclist safety. I know many of our schools are partnered with the Boston Safe Routes, the school chapter, but there are too many that are not. This means many of our schools are not getting access to free resources and services that could have substantial traffic safety and health benefits for our students and communities. In order to create a safe transportation system citywide, I'm urging full partnership with the MassDOTS

safe routes to school to allow every bps student to benefit from safer and greater access to transportation to school thank you thank you um chair recognizes counselor flynn counselor you have the floor thank you madam chair um thank you to the sponsors for bringing this forward it was it was wonderful to join council pepin a couple weeks ago as he mentioned in roxbury where there was a lunch to recognize the crossing guards throughout the city of Boston. I think the crossing guards play a critical role in our city. I think they're really unsung heroes as far as I'm concerned and really do an exceptional job. They don't receive the recognition or the pay or the support that I believe they earned. But I would like for us to, moving forward, to do as much as we can for the crossing guards because of the critical role they play in public safety, literally putting their body in front of a car to ensure the safety of a student. We've heard about that. We know that's the case. The other point I wanted to make, Madam Chair, is I do believe traffic enforcement is a critical aspect that needs to take place by the Boston Police Especially cars that are speeding, reckless driving in and around schools. We know that the speed limit is 25 miles an hour at schools is 20 miles an hour. I do think that is excessive, 20 miles an hour at a school. I think it should be reduced to 15 miles an hour and making sure that we do more traffic enforcement. I've requested from the police commissioner that we do more traffic enforcement in and around schools for cars that are speeding. And I know Councilor Pepin worked on this. When we see the school bus that has the stop sign coming out of it, we often see cars driving right by it. That's a major violation as far as I'm concerned. But traffic enforcement by Boston police has to be a critical part of this conversation along with hopefully reducing the speed limit once again. Thank you Madam Chair.

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

Thank you so much Chair and I just want to thank Councillor Pepin for his advocacy. We have a number of issues in District 8 outside of the Tobin and Fenway High School and so making sure that kids can get to school safely is of utmost priority and I plan on supporting this resolution. Thank you.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, and please add the chair. Councillors Pepin, Fitzgerald and Worrell seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1342. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1342.

We'll call full on docket 1342. Councillor Braden? Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Calera-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 Murphy? Yes. Councillor Pepin? Yes. Councillor Pepin, yes. Councillor Santana? Docket 1342 has been adopted.

Councillor Murphy, you had a question?

Before we move forward, docket 1341, the resolution. Central staff had handed out a substitution for some wording, and I don't remember if that was substituted before we voted on it, so I just want to make sure that we have the right docket. I know, but I'm just putting it towards the President to let her know. I'm not sure if you got a copy, but I'm just noticing that that wasn't mentioned when we read the dockets together. I know it went to committee, but just making sure that we have the right docket that was formally brought to committee.

It still named a resolution, even though we didn't vote. Thank you, Councillor Murphy, for bringing this to my attention. We'll just hold on a second. I'll have a brief recess.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We're back in session. Thank you, Councillor Murphy, for that inquiry. Councillor Culpepper, would you like to address this question from Councillor Murphy?

Yes, Madam President. I'd like to keep it the way it is. We can change the language when we vote on the committee.

Certainly. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Murphy. So, what are we... Next up, Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1343?

Docket 1343. Councillor Louis-Jean offers the following resolution denouncing the United States Supreme Court decision allowing the termination of temporary protected status for Haitian and Syrian nationals and affirming Boston support for TPS holders. Chair recognizes Councillor Louis-Jean. You have the floor.

Thank you, Councillor Brayden. I would like to add Councillor Pepin as a second original co-sponsor. Councillor Pepin is so added. The decision of the Supreme Court to terminate temporary protected status has a devastating impact on our city, a devastating impact on our residents. This reckless decision that where it foregoes its responsibility to do judicial review of administrative action and where it ignores a very clear racial animus and anti-blackness of this administration in their immigration policy and a number of other policies is a smack in the face of so many here in our city and in our country. My phones in our office have been ringing off the hook since the decision with people worried, scared, and looking for help. And it is at a point of crisis for so many employers who are trying to figure out what to do. And so The effect and the impact on our economy, on families, tearing families apart. We are already seeing declining enrollment in our schools. That is going to continue with these reckless decisions that scare families and tear them apart here in our city. Home to one of the largest Haitian communities and a large Syrian community, Opinion is also going to have an effect on the 15 other countries that have had a TPS designation. We were just here with our Venezuelan community lifting the flag yesterday and they just experienced an earthquake. All of these decisions are very real to our residents. And so I want to uplift the work that so many have done from the lawyers who argued the case to the Immigrant Family Services Institute here. to Association of Haitian Women for Boston. I want to thank Governor Healey, who very quickly organized a press conference condemning this decision because she understands vitally what this is going to mean for our economy. We're talking about people who have a lawful immigrant status and who have had one for years, who have adult US citizen children who pay billions of dollars in taxes to our city. So I'm just, my entire office, we are devastated by this decision. So many of our American communities, the National TPS Coalition, devastated by this decision. We're working on legal clinics. We're working on family preparedness clinics. We are working on uplifting the Senate Bill 4814 and want to continue thanking Congresswoman Presley for the work that she did in Congress for a TPS three-year extension. We know that we would need it. to pass the Senate as well, and we are organizing people around Senate Bill 4814. I wish we didn't have to do this because this decision is again reckless, harmful, and ignoring the very real racial animus of this administration. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I asked Councillor Louis-Jean to be a co-sponsor on this resolution because of how devastating This is to the Haitian community and to the Syrian community. I was able to join Councilor Louisian and others at the steps at the State House and to feel the pain and the frustration that this community is facing because of such just inhumane decisions taken by our Supreme Court and by the president of this country. Yes, this is about federal issues and federal legislation. However, this genuinely impacts the people right here in the city of Boston. I can hear Dr. Goubeau repeating the numbers 4814 during her speech and asking the Senate to please support it. But I also hear the outcry from the community. I obviously represent a beautiful Haitian community in District 5, and just seeing what a thriving, hardworking, loving community they are. I just don't understand how these decisions can be made. I wanted to stand here in solidarity to make sure that my council colleague, Councillor Lejeune, who worked tirelessly make sure that this was was passed at the congress at the congressional level um which this was successfully with with congresswoman presley's support but i there's a lot more work to do and i just wanted to stand here and support and thank my colleague for all the work that she does thank you thank you councillor pepin chair recognizes counselor santana you have the floor thank you madam president and i want to thank councillor louis jen for offering this important resolution um

The Supreme Court decision is a moral failure. We cannot allow residents and families to be at risk of deportation back to sites of political instability and humanitarian crisis. TPS holders have become an integral part of Boston through its businesses and community participation, and we would not be the city we are today without them. The loss of this status will damage communities and inflict hardships on families and residents of Boston. The loss of protected status for Haitian and Syrian nationals is something the City of Boston and the Boston City Council must condemn. I stand in full support of this resolution. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. I also want to say thank you to the sponsors for bringing this important resolution forward. The U.S. Supreme Court decision ending TPS status for Haiti is unconscionable. TPS acknowledges that people should not be forced to return to a country like Haiti that's riddled with war or natural disasters. When I was stationed in the Navy in 2009, 2010 in Guantanamo, the devastating earthquake wreaked havoc on the people of Haiti, which was just maybe 90 miles from where I was at that time. saw the incredible work of so many humanitarian organizations that volunteered to support this devastated country. But we know that when this happened, it was important for the United States to welcome Haitian people and they've contributed greatly to this city for so many years. I believe we need to show compassion for victims of natural disasters and those in need by extending TPS for the people impacted. I previously stood with the Haitian community in 2018 and 2023 calling for the extension of TPS, advocated for more assistance for our Haitian neighbors as well. We must continue to stand in solidarity in work with our colleagues in the city, state, and federal government. We are a city and nation of immigrants and must always welcome those in search of a better life for themselves, their families, and those who have endured terrible natural disasters as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councillor Louis-Jean, for filing this important resolution. And thank you for all your work around fighting back against the Trump administration. Ending temporary protective status, as the Trump administration is doing, will mean thousands, thousands of Haitian and Syrian families will lose their jobs, their communities, any and all senses of security for no other reason than deep-seated hatred from our federal officials. For 250 years, elected officials in our nation have touted ourselves as a beacon of hope for the weary to find refuge, opportunity, and to be accepted and embraced for who they are. Ending something as crucial as TPS is a direct violation of that 250-year-old promise. So I stand in support of this resolution, and again, thank you for this filing.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank Councillor Louis-Jean again for bringing this forward and know that she has the full support of all of us on the Council and just want to uplift her advocacy as I know how personal this is and how hard she's been working, and we will be here to do anything we can to help. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I want to associate myself with the remarks of Councillor Louie Jean and for commending her for filing this resolution. Just wanted to read a small paragraph from the dissenting opinion by Justice Jackson when she said that this court has vastly undervalued the devastating consequences of allowing the government to upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of people while the legal challenges are still going on. She also raised concerns during oral arguments regarding whether President Trump's efforts to terminate the TPS programs were motivated by racial animus against minority populations, which we know they were. And I think, Madam President, when the Supreme Court issued their decision, along with that voting rights decision revoking Section 2, that I think it was a sad day in the United States of America. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I just want to say how much it means that we have a Haitian member of the City Council, the first Haitian to ever be elected to the City Council, serving alongside us, the first Haitian Council President. I remember what it was like when Councillor Louis-Jeanne got elected and how much pride was beaming from her community. And now to have her advocacy on the City Council is extremely meaningful. It doesn't mean that we can move mountains, but I know that the Haitian community feels well represented in Council Lejeune, and I'm just really proud to serve alongside her as she advocates for her community and our Boston neighbors who deserve better. I know there's a lot of fear right now. I can't imagine feeling that type of fear. I'm just grateful that we have a colleague who serves alongside us, who represents that community with such honour and grace. We stand with the Haitian community right now during these tough times.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. I'd also like to thank Councillor Louis-Jeanne for her incredible leadership. I know she's working, her and her staff. She and her staff are working incredibly hard to try and address this really challenging and difficult situation. The injustice in revoking the TPS is horrific. It shows an incredible lack of understanding and lack of valuing communities, the Syrian community, the Haitian community, and all the other communities that have temporary protected status in our country. I have Haitian family members. I know that this is heading home to them really strongly as well, because they have families and friends in the United States that are in TPS. So I thank you, Councillor Louis-Jeanne, and I think we all stand united behind your leadership on this one. Thank you so much. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Weber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Councillors Louis Gien and Councillor Pepin seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1343. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on 1343.

Roll call vote on docket 1343. Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Clarissa Potter. 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 Murphy. Yes. Councillor Murphy. Yes. Councillor Pepin. Yes. Councillor Pepin. Yes. Councillor Santana. 11 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you Madam Clerk. Docket 1343 has been adopted. I'll ask my colleague Councillor Culpepper to take the chair for the next two dockets.

Madam Clerk, would you please read the docket?

Docket 1344. Councillor Braden offer the following. Resolution in support of Senate Bill 312, an act authorizing municipalities to opt into a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow the public consumption in designated district in summer 2026.

Thank you. The chair recognizes Councillor Braden. Mr. Graydon, you have the floor.

Thank you Mr. Chair. I would like to add Councillor Worrell as a second original co-sponsor.

Thank you Madam Chair. Councillor Worrell has been added.

Thank you. This is a resolution to support Senate Bill 3112 which would extend the pilot program for municipalities to opt in to extending last call and establishing social districts through the rest of the summer. Mayor Wu opted Boston into the initial pilot early on. More than 200 establishments now participate, and two social districts operate downtown. There has been a positive reception. Residents and visitors have embraced the extended hours in social districts. We have hosted the Tartan Army and other World Cup visitors with great success. The summer is just getting started, but the pilot programme is set to expire at the end of this month. I'm thankful to Senators Suhr and Feingold for filing this legislation on Beacon Hill to keep the fun going and allow cities and towns to continue the programme through August. August is one of the busiest months for tourism in Boston, and given the struggles of the hospitality industry that faced post-COVID with inflation and labour shortages, Allowing Boston to continue with this pilot program and create more opportunities for our small businesses is a no-brainer. This resolution calls on the council to express its support for this bill and to encourage Boston to continue opting in to this pilot program should the bill ultimately pass. I'm asking my colleagues to support this resolution and thank you. It also is an opportunity since it's a pilot program to capture some vital data to inform future policy making regarding Boston's hospitality and tourist economy. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair, and thank you to Council President Braden for introducing this and including me on this and just want to give a shout out to also Senator Feingold for putting this bill forward. Also just want to just also shout out the Licensing Department who has been working and being very flexible on getting this license implemented. I think this is a great opportunity for our small businesses and for us to get more data on if we want to consider making this a permanent program here in the City of Boston. So the more information we get, the more people we are bringing into the table to understand what are the pros and cons on Establishing something like this permanently in the city of Boston, I believe, is beneficial not only to our city, but our small businesses. So the more information we get, the better understanding we have of the program, so we can see what the program should look like in the future. And again, this doesn't mean that the program needs to have every bar or every restaurant open until 3 AM, every day of the week, but we can be flexible in the program. So the more information, the better, and I think this is a great opportunity for small businesses to reap the benefits on the tourism that has come back to the city of Boston. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I'm not going to object to a vote on this. the resolution should have a vote either up or down, but I am going to vote against this for several reasons. And one of the reasons is I don't believe that there is a community engagement process in terms of keeping these bars or restaurants open till 3 a.m. Some of the area impacted with recent decision as it relates to downtown Boston, Residents in the downtown Boston area expressed to me, some residents, that they didn't have any opportunity to weigh in with the licensing board, with the city council, with the mayor's office. It was just kind of rubber stamped and approved. I do believe in a community engagement process. I do think residents in a particular neighborhood should have the opportunity to voice their opinion. If you're keeping a restaurant or a bar open in a particular neighborhood, say on Broadway in South Boston where I live, would I want my neighbors to have the opportunity to vote for it or against it? I think I would. I think residents most impacted by this type of decision should be heard. They should be respected. The decision, in my opinion, should not come from City Hall. Residents deserve an opportunity to be heard, to be respected. I also think there are other issues that we have to factor in, in terms of keeping bars or restaurants open till 3 o'clock. What impact does that have on other city services that may need to be part of the solution? as it relates to public safety or inspections as well. So I'm going to vote no, although I do think it should go to a committee for a hearing, but I'm not going to do that because I want to be respectful to my colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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

Thank you. Thank you, Chair. To the maker, through the chair, if it's fine, if you have answers just to a couple questions. Where are the current designated consumption areas in the city of Boston? I know you're saying that we want to opt in to this temporary pilot. And how many establishments, how do we choose which ones, and will all of them, if this became permanent, be given a 3 AM liquor license?

Council Braden. You have the floor.

I think really it's a pilot to extend it through August. So I don't have the data on the precise establishments currently. But I do know it's really a resolution in support of the Senate bill that is pending at the moment.

and is it something that this body with this resolution is saying that we are in support of all of our liquor licenses without neighborhood input or business input or police and public safety input having a say is that tied to do you know i'm trying to put words in mouth but wondering if that is

I think the parameters of the summer program are established, so I think it will be continuing whatever. And it's entirely voluntary, so it doesn't force businesses to stay open to three, but if there's not even every day, like it might be just one night a week or whatever, but yeah.

Thank you. So I also will not be... Blocking this as a vote. I think a vote is a good idea today But I will be filing just it as a hearing order also just to get answers Especially if this pilot then becomes a permanent thing. I think it's important that we have that information, but that's something we can do down the road Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Chair before we proceed. May I yes I omitted to I would like to suspend the rules and add constant Louisiana's a third co-sponsor comes with Louisiana's acted added as a third co-sponsor and

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Councillor Durkan.

Thank you so much, Chair Culpepper. I am in support of this. I was able to go to Temple Place, which is where one of the public consumption sites is that the Downtown Boston Alliance is running. And I just saw the vitality that it's bringing to both the common and the whole area. And I was really, really grateful for their leadership and Mike Nichols leadership. He was my constituent until about six months ago. So I'm really proud of him and the work that the Downtown Boston Alliance is doing to revitalize the downtown area. Generally, I am in support of the city of Boston having more power when it comes to licensing and then giving us the opportunity to weigh in in our individual districts. So I am excited to support this. Again, there are a number of areas that I do not think a 3 a.m. would work in District 8, but having the ability for the City of Boston to have those conversations at the licensing side of things would be really important. So I'm both in support of this and the other bill at the State House because I believe that giving the City of Boston more optionality when it comes to what works for our businesses and our neighborhoods is helpful and so i'm so grateful counselor braden i know you have the youngest district around and so i know that a lot of your constituents are benefiting this from this as well as mine but it's been really exciting to see the vitality that's been brought from the world cup and i really with sail boston coming it's exciting to see what what the city of Boston can do to continue that for local businesses. For me, supporting local businesses is the cornerstone of what I try to do as a city councilor because we have very few opportunities to say, to really help our businesses. And so while a lot of people chose not to go for the 3 a.m., I'll just be very clear that this is a one-hour extension of your license. So if you are a 12, you can go to one. If you're a one, you can go to two. And if you're a two, you can go to three. So I think that's helpful to clarify. Thank you chair.

Thank you. The chair recognizes comes from Murphy.

I Just haven't turned the light off from earlier.

You've never turned your light on. Thank you. Always ready But anyone like to add their name Also Peppin also Santana comes the Weber Councillor Durkin and council Fitzgerald. Thank you. I Council Breeden seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1344. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Madam Clerk, please count the vote.

Roll call vote on 1344. Council Breeden. Yes. Council Breeden, yes. Council Kaleta-Zapata. Council Culpeper.

Present.

Council Culpeper, present. Council Durkan. Yes. Council Durkan, yes. Council Fitzgerald. Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Flynn.

No.

Council Flynn, no. Council Louis-Jean. Yes. Council Louis-Jean, yes. Council Mejia. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Murphy, no. Council Papin. Yes. Council Papin, yes. Council Santana. Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber. Yes. Council Weber, yes. Council Rural. Yes. Council Rural, yes. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Eight votes yes, one present, and two no.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk, can you please read docket number 1345?

Docket 1345, Council Braden offer the following. Resolution in support of fair contract for MAP community services group home direct support staff.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I rise today in support of this resolution supporting a fair contract for the direct professional and assistant residential coordinators at MAB, M-A-B Community Services. For more than 100 years, MAB Community Services has empowered individuals with disabilities by providing programs that promote independence, dignity, and community inclusion throughout Boston and the Commonwealth. The staff at MAB perform essential work every day and help individuals live as independently as possible. These are demanding responsibilities that require patience, compassion, professionalism and dedication, yet many of these workers remain underpaid with few benefits. After choosing to unionise with SEIU 509, These employees have been working towards a first contract that provides fair wages, reasonable benefits and workplace protections and respect on the job. Supporting workers who provide this level of care is supporting the individuals and families who rely on them every single day. A fair contract will help improve employee retention, strengthen the workforce and ensure continuity of care for some of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable residents. Because this programme is largely publicly funded, negotiations must continue in good faith and move towards a fair agreement that recognises the value of these essential workers. This resolution calls for that, and I respectfully ask my colleagues to support support me and join me in supporting this resolution.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Jerkin, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisian, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepping, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Murphy, and please add the chair. Councillor Worwell. Can't forget you. Council Breeden seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket number 1345. All in favor, say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, say nay. Madam Clerk, please come to vote.

We'll call vote on docket 1345. Council Breeden. Yes. Council Breeden, yes. Council Kaleta-Zapata. Council Culpeper.

Yes.

Council Culpeper, yes. Council Durkin. Yes. Council Durkin, yes. Council Fitzgerald. Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Flynn. Yes. Council Flynn, yes. Council Louisianne. Yes. Council Louisianne, yes. Council LaMahia. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Papin. Yes. Council Papin, yes. Council Santana. Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber. Yes. Council Weber, yes. Council Orrell. Yes. Council Orrell, yes. 11 in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1345 has been adopted.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1346? Docket 1346.

Councillors Murphy and Flynn offer the following. Resolution calling for immediate briefing on Boston's summer safety plan and a collaborative review to strengthen public safety.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Protecting the safety of Boston residents, the visitors, businesses, all of our neighborhoods, and the first responders is the most fundamental responsibility of municipal government. As we all know, Boston has experienced repeated incidents of violent crime throughout this current year, including shootings, assaults on Boston police offices, and other serious public safety incidences that have heightened concern among residents across the city. Not just residents, but all of us, I believe. Over the 4th of July holiday weekend, multiple shootings occurred across the city of Boston, resulting in 13 individuals being shot and two people being killed. While offices also faced dangerous conditions, including fireworks being thrown and shot at them during public safety responses. These incidents are not isolated, but part of a larger and deeply concerning pattern that demands a clear, coordinated, and accountable response from city leadership. Effective public safety requires prevention, intervention, enforcement, community partnership, adequate staffing of the Boston Police Department, and continued support for Boston Fire, Boston EMS, and violence prevention organizations. The City Council has both the legislative and oversight responsibility to ensure that the City's public safety strategies are transparent, accountable, responsive to changing conditions, and reflective of the needs of residents in every neighbourhood. The people of Austin want us to work together to keep every neighbourhood safe, and they want to see us that we're committed to taking proactive steps to preventing violence before tragedy strikes. That the Boston City Council—so this resolution I'm filing, I think it's hard, especially in our leadership roles, when we're hearing information on the news or we're seeing it on social media and not getting the information directly to us. Oftentimes then it means we're not getting the accurate information needed to make the decisions we have to advocate for. so i'm hoping that this resolution sends a message that we are going to work together we i want to see and council of flynn we talked about this when we were getting calls and seeing the violence happening over last weekend that we get a briefing we get the information we need and with that information which that knowledge is power to make the right decisions to not be reactive but to have the tools we need to help make the decisions needed going forward. So I also think it's important that we reconvene and really see if the summer safety plan that I guess is in place, I know I've never received a formal copy of it, that we see what it is and what needs to change so we can advocate for those changes. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Councillor Murphy, for adding me. It's clear we need a new comprehensive public safety plan. Staffing levels are dangerously low. Shifts are not filled impacting public safety in every neighborhood. We have also witnessed frequent assaults against police officers. We have held hearings for years on many of these issues, but especially the low number of police officers we have. We know police officers are frequently working 16 hours a day, mandatory overtime. We also know morale is low on the Boston Police Department. Police officers know they're not supported or appreciated here at City Hall. When you're working a 15-hour day shift and something terrible happens, will City Hall support the police officer that was forced to work 15 straight hours? You're not on top of your game after working 15, 16 straight hours and then being in tense situations throughout many neighborhoods of the city. I think having a public safety meeting, discussion, briefing, summit, I do think city councilors want to be part of the strategy and be engaged and offer their opinion, but I also think the public wants to be heard as well. We have to respect our police officers, we have to respect the people in our neighborhoods, but we're not providing the level of police officers that are needed across the city of Boston, public safety is negatively impacted because of that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you so much. And I just want to say to some of Councillor Flynn's remarks, I absolutely support the police department. My sister served in her local police department. My grandmother was a police officer. I know how hard it is to have family members go out for work and not know what's going to happen to them. So I just I just want to say on behalf of my office, we care deeply about what our public safety professionals are going through every single day. And I know that Councillor Flynn also called along the city council to do a ride along. I've done two since I've been in office and excited to join for another. I think it's really important today that I absolutely support briefing on Boston summer safety plan I did notice that there is a late file matter from Councillor Culpepper which I have decided I am NOT going to object to given that it's regarding of it's really regarding a docket that is properly before the committee and it's regarding the same subject and So I think his hearing order gives an opportunity for this safety summit and hearing order to happen. And so I will not be objecting to this late file. And I absolutely support our public safety professionals and the work that they go through. And I know there is a docket later in this to support our public safety officers and our Boston police. so important that they know that the city council does stand with them and knows that and knows the work that they go through day in and day out to support to support the public and i i want to also shout out operation brain freeze and the boston common and our a1 captain captain driscoll who's making sure that community policing is at the is at the you know that we're at the top of our game and community policing so thank you chair and thank you to the filers

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

Thank you, Madam President. The recent acts of violence across our city, most of which occurred in my district, are heartbreaking. And every resident deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood. And we cannot and will not normalize what has happened and what has happened. I know this firsthand. I've worked directly on efforts to address gang-related violence, so it's heartbreaking to see violence resurface in communities that have fought hard to move forward. The Boston Police Department's 2025 gun trafficking report made this clear. The highest concentration of gun trafficking investigations remain clustered in districts B2 and B3, predominantly Roxbury and parts of Dorchester. I support developing a summer safety plan, but as we develop this plan, we must recognize the work already being done despite limited resources. For decades, organizations like The Greatest Minds, Torchlight, Moss 11, along with leaders like Randy Muhammad, Bishop Dickerson, Reverend Wall, Chip Greenwich, have built relationships, trusted relationships, mediated conflicts, mentored young people, and invested in neighborhoods carrying a disproportionate share of gun violence. Their work has saved lives, yet it too often goes unrecognized and underfunded. Elected officials and law enforcement have a responsibility to develop a strategy that protects every neighborhood. But we don't need to reinvent the wheel to get there. The people who have spent years earning residents' trust and preventing violence on the ground, was have a seat at the table from the very beginning. Their role shouldn't be limited to recommendations after a plan is written. It should be reflected in the plan itself. Now is the time to come together as one city, incorporate community organizations expertise into the city's summer safety strategy, and assure they no longer have to bear the responsibility of protecting, supporting, and engaging our communities alone. I support this resolution and look forward to working alongside my council colleagues, the administration, law enforcement, and our community partners to build a summer safety plan that reflects both the experience of those on the ground and the urgency of this moment. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Chair recognizes Councillor Louis Yen. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And I want to thank my colleagues for their work. And I also just wanted to express sort of the deep sadness as a result of what happened this past weekend in our city and the deep sense of unsafety, the sense of loss and community grieving. I think it's important for us to always bring people and stakeholders together to think about what we can be doing better, how we improve. to get to no violence, no gun violence, no domestic violence, no forms of violence at all in our city. And so I welcome these conversations. I do know that these are focusing on summer, but I do want to state that I think there's specific things that we need to do for summer, and some of those can be for also lend to year-round solutions So I do have a hearing order that I filed earlier this year for a collaborative city-wide strategy for community safety and violence prevention. And this was really filed upon the dismantling of SOAR and our street worker program that really allowed for direct intervention. And I think it's worth exploring what worked, what didn't work, and how that can be retooled. Councillor Culpepper, I look forward to working with you on the summer plan and community strategies, but I also hope that we can have the larger conversation about what are the interventions that work, what we've done in the past that we should look at again and we should retweak, and to also hear suggestions from communities. I'm hoping that we can have a number of conversations at once to address it during the summer and year-round. Thank you.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Webber, Councillor Whale, and please add the chair. Councillors Murphy and Flynn seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 1346. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1346.

Roll call vote on Docket 1346. Councillor Brayden.

Yes.

Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpepper.

Yes.

Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkin. Yes. Councillor Durkin, yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. 11 votes in the affirmative. Thank you Madam Clerk. Docket 1346 has been adopted.

I understand that Docket 1347 has been withdrawn. Yes, Madam Clerk. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1348?

Docket 1348. Councillor Flynn offered the following resolution to use this supplemental budget to restore funding for Boston Public Schools employees.

Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor.

Thank you. Madam Chair, may I add Councillor Murphy as an original co-sponsor?

Councillor Murphy has added as a second. Thank you.

I was obviously going to add Councillor Mehear, but I do want to acknowledge Councillor Mehear's long-time advocacy for BPS families. So this resolution, Madam Chair, is an opportunity for us to acknowledge that the City Council got it wrong. Because there's likely going to be 500 potential job loss this year of teachers, of paraprofessionals, of bus monitors. This resolution would encourage the city of Boston to do a supplemental, to let those dedicated workers, most of them a woman of color, but letting them know that they're important. They're a part of the city. They do exceptional work helping students with disabilities. Is it right for us to advocate for them during this period? I think it is. I think it's worth it. We visit schools all the time. We see paraprofessionals. We see bus monitors. We see teachers. We see paraprofessionals taking special education kids to the bathroom. They're cleaning them after they go to the bathroom, washing their hands, bringing them back to the classroom, managing and helping the teacher with order and with educational assistance. They're a critical part of our city. They're a critical part of our education. They're unsung heroes as far as I'm concerned, along with the crossing guards, as I mentioned earlier. But is there room in this city for low wage workers that do an exceptional job? No one's even questioning their professionalism or their dedication. Then why are we giving them a pink slip? Do they deserve the opportunity to go back to school, to do the job that they love, that they were trained to do? They're not making a lot of money, but their service is invaluable. They're helping students with disabilities. They're supporting their families. They're paying taxes. They're doing everything government asks them to do and more. And what do we say to them? We're sorry. There's no more money for you. But there is money. If we vote for a supplemental budget, we can encourage the city government, the mayor's office, to recognize these mostly women of color, give them an opportunity to get back to the classroom so that they can pay their bills, educate our children. They deserve dignity. They deserve respect. They're not getting it right now. In the Boston City Council voting for the BPS budget, we basically cut their job. It was 400 jobs, now it could be 500 jobs that we're learning. Is that racial justice? Is that social and economic justice? Is that helping our teachers? Is that helping our students with disabilities? Is that a progressive vote? Is there an opportunity for low-wage workers in this city to continue to do the job that they love, to help students with disabilities. I think there is. I think they're worth fighting for. And I'm not going to give up on them. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Councillor Flynn, for adding me and continuing to advocate with myself. And you mentioned Councillor Mejia colleagues here if there was ever a rainy day I do believe this is it and I think it's always a good day to fight and advocate for our city workers I know I've stood up every time over the last couple months when we've been talking about the budget and when this body passed and the BPS budget, which we knew was going to cut jobs, that our teachers, our paraprofessionals, they are city workers. Even though it's a separate budget, they are worth advocating, just like we changed our amendment poll. We really advocated and made changes to make sure that the transportation department didn't have any cut at all, even though it was underspent for years and not one job would have been touched. We really intentionally worked to make that pull come from somewhere else so there was no even appearance of taking away anyone's job here in the city of boston but for some reason and i will never understand why when it comes to our paraprofessionals which many of these over 500 positions are going to be in classroom teachers we don't seem to have the same advocacy but i voted against the boston public school budget again this year because i could not support a plan that cuts hundreds of jobs from our schools We are now learning that more than 560 positions will be eliminated, even more than originally projected. These aren't just jobs, they are neighbors. They are the teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and school staff who make a difference in the lives of Boston children every single day. Boston has more than 500 million in available reserves. If there was ever a rainy day, This would be it. I believe protecting the people who educate, mentor, and support our students is exactly what those funds should be used for. I support this resolution to send a message that we, the Council as a body, is saying to the administration, saying to the school committee, saying to the superintendent, but more importantly, saying to the educators whose last day was over a week ago, who are out of a job, that we're going to fight, we're not going to give up, and hopefully come September they're back in classrooms. And also, we're fighting for our students because every time a staff member is eliminated from a school, it's a child, it's a family, it's a classroom that's negatively affected. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Murphy. The chair recognizes Councilor Culpepper. Councilor, you have the floor. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. Just like Councilor Flynn and Councilor Murphy have stood over and over to voice their dissatisfaction with the approval of the Boston Public School budget. I too stand. And it's amazing how with the 1.73 billion We found it possible to, from what we've learned this week, to fire. And that's what we're doing. We're actually firing over 500 employees from the Boston public school system. And here's what's sad about it. None of us will feel the pain that those families will feel. None of us will go without food in their refrigerator. None of us will struggle to find ways to pay their rent. None of us will struggle when September comes to make sure that our children have shoes on their feet. But yet we were able to approve that budget knowing that there were those that would be fired. I do hope that there's some way that we can find, and I understand that the Boston public school system is continuing to hire employees that receive that letter, but I do hope there's some way that we can find some mechanism, whether it's a supplemental budget or whether it's from that state fair share fund, some way to make sure that these families have food on the table and that their rent is paid. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Culpepper.

Would anyone? Councilor Weber, you have the floor.

Thank you very much. And I know we talked a lot about using supplementals to do things in the budget for one-time expenses. I think, as the filers have mentioned in previous hearings, that we're not sure about what the numbers are actually going to be until September, October. I think that would be a better time to advocate for a supplemental. I mean, I'm fine with letting this go forward. and supporting our teachers. But until we address the sharp drop in enrollment in our school system and how we're going to deal with that, we're going to be having this conversation for a long time. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. The timing of this is important because it's July and families need to, these workers need to begin to understand that they're not going back to a job in September. They're not going back to a job that they love. Helping kids, educating kids, students with disabilities. Do we have money in the budget for those programs? 400, 500 jobs, union jobs. Union jobs. I hear a lot of city councilors talking about how they support working men and women and support organized labor. There is no more important issue than supporting this. Low-wage workers, the unionized, the women of color. Are we going to turn our back on them? Now is the time. Now's the time to say, yes, we support them. They've been here for us. Councilor Culpepper mentioned it. Who else is going to do that work? These dedicated workers are doing the work. They're doing an exceptional job. They're working hard. They're compassionate. They treat their students with respect. They provide services to them. I talk to the parents. The parents are thankful for our paraprofessionals after the day is over because the paraprofessional and the teacher help the student. That makes the parent's job easier. We have to be a compassionate city. There's money in the budget, there's money in the coffers for workers that do this type of work. We can't turn our backs on them during this time of need. Now is the time for us to stand with them. Why? They've always stood with the residents of Boston. They've always stood with students with disabilities. They never gave up on them. They never turned their backs on them. They might be making $35,000 a year. Is there an opportunity for them in the city of Boston? That's the question we have to ask. And if we say yes, then vote for her. And if we say no, there's no place for them, then you vote no, I guess. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Mr. Councillor Culpepper, would you mind taking the podium for a few minutes? Thank you for the advocacy— Mr. Chair.

The Chair recognises Councillor Braden. Councillor Braden, you have the floor.

Thank you. I really feel that this is an incredibly difficult issue as we discuss it back and forward. I appreciate Councillor Flynn and Councillor Murphy's incredible advocacy, and all of us really appreciate the incredible value in the work of our paraprofessionals. I've talked to the chair of the school committee, I've talked to the superintendent, I've talked to families and right at this moment I don't feel that we're dealing with accurate numbers, accurate information. We know that our school population is dropping by 3,000 students. our enrollment is dropping, we are closing schools, and it remains to be seen also the incredible pressure and the uncertainty about families being displaced and deported, basically. In our neighborhood, a young kid from one of our elementary schools, her mother voluntarily returned to Honduras and took her elementary school age US citizen with her back to Honduras. It is a very volatile and unstable situation with regard to our enrolment in the schools at the moment. I have been assured that permanent paraprofessionals are being rehired and reassigned to the schools and places where they are needed. I have also heard that teachers who are their school is closed, that they're being reassigned. So I think it's a work in progress. And right now, I don't feel that I can in all honesty vote in support of this resolution because I don't feel that I'm working with a full data set. I appreciate the advocacy. I also appreciate the stress and the trauma of paraprofessionals getting a pink slip at saying that they're not going to be rehired. But I think the BPS is in the process of rehiring as many people as they can at this moment. This is a difficult one for me, but I think I'm going to probably vote present on this because I feel we need more information before we can make this vote on this resolution. Thank you.

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

Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you. Just wanted to follow up, and I often feel like I'm a broken record, but many of these issues, I stand up and reiterate that these questions that you're right, Councilor Braden, we need these answers, but they're questions that have been being asked time and time again, not just weeks ago, months ago, and we still went forward and voted on a budget with these questions that were on the record, either in a 17F form or RFIs that remained unanswered. The data is there, and it is true. If you're a permanent teacher and if your position is cut, you still do have a job. You absolutely have a job. The district does have to find someplace for you. It's not where you were, and that's hard, but you will have a job. We're talking about over 500 positions of people who aren't guaranteed jobs. And just a few months, a few weeks ago, we had Colleen, who was the representative of the union of our paraprofessionals, come in and encouraged us to vote down this budget, knowing that many of those paraprofessionals that she supports every day were going to lose their jobs. So the school department and the city of Boston, we deserve these answers, just like we deserve answers about public safety and summer safety plan. We do deserve these answers, but this resolution I mean, obviously people can vote any way they want, but the reason why I put it forward and the reason why I'm voting in favor of it is because when we advocate for all of the other city jobs, which I do and will continue to do, or many of us this morning, at 5.30 this morning, I was in front of Brigham and Women's Hospital advocating for the nurses who have just been locked out for the next five days. So it's important that we support our lowest paid, and in many cases, I know Councillor Flynn and Councillor Culpepper eloquently stand up and say it, is that they're working with our most vulnerable students. And in a district where we're forcing, in many ways not effectively, inclusion across the entire district, and we're taking away the supports needed, it's just unfair. So I hope that many of our colleagues will vote in support. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell. Thank you. Councillors Flynn and Murphy seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1348. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on 1348?

A roll call vote on docket 1348. Councillor Braden. Present. Councillor Braden. Present. Councillor Clarissa Potter. Councillor Culpepper.

Yes.

Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Durkin. No. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald. Yes. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Louisianne. Council Lujan, present. Council Mejia. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pepin. No. Council Pepin, no. Council Santana. No. Council Santana, no. Council Weber. Yes. Council Weber, yes. Council Rural. Yes. Council Rural, yes. One, two, three, four, five, six, yes. one present, and three no. Two present. So let me go over it again. Six yes, one, two, three, four, five, six yes, two present, and three no.

Thank you, docket 1348 has been adopted. Oh, it needs seven? That's two people. Majority, oh, okay. Thank you. Docket 1348 has not been adopted. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1350?

Docket 1350. Councillor Flynn offered a following resolution to support maintaining and adhering to Proposition 2.5 in the City of Boston.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Proposition two and a half is a law passed by voters in 1980. It limits how much cities and towns can raise property taxes. The law has two limits within it, the levy ceiling and the levy limit. The levy limit determines how much a city municipality can increase property tax collection for one year to the next. It's determined by taxes generated from new growth such as New residential, commercial development or renovations to existing properties that increase assessed value. The levy ceiling is the absolute maximum amount of property taxes that can be collected by a city municipality. A city or town can't collect more than 2.5% of the total value of all taxable property within its borders. Because Massachusetts municipalities rely heavily on property taxes to fund local government, Proposition 2 1⁄2 has a significant impact on public schools, police, fire departments, public works, libraries, parks, recreation, municipal employees' salaries, benefits that we were just discussing. We also know that there's been ongoing discussion here at the city and throughout many cities and towns and at the Statehouse about potentially lifting Proposition 2.5. In October 2025, when there were calls to the Massachusetts legislature to repeal Proposition 2.5, many city officials said it should be repealed. Limiting property tax revenue growth means the local government must exercise fiscal responsibility, accountability, transparency, This proposition makes taxes more predictable for residents who have endured challenging economic times in Boston due to several years of steep increases in the property taxes. For many residents over the last two years, they've seen a double digit property tax increase. This resolution, I believe, is important. because it provides Boston, it provides cities and towns with structure of how much they can raise taxes, but also live within their means to be fiscally disciplined, fiscally responsible, transparent and accountable. I believe we need to reaffirm our commitment to these principles and ensure that we practice fiscal discipline and responsibility as much as we can, knowing that residents are seeing steep property taxes consistently. Is there an opportunity for us to have a important discussion down the road about Proposition 2.5 and taxes generally? I think that's also an important factor that we should consider as we cut services like jobs for public school teachers. I think that's an important part of this discussion as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you very much. I agree with the filer that this does set the table for an important discussion. We just spent two months or three months fighting to restore vital programs. We also talked a lot about the fact that revenues are not increasing enough to keep pace with increased expenses. The Massachusetts Municipal Association has issued a report called The Perfect Storm about how this is causing havoc with city budgets all across the Commonwealth. The report points out, number one, that since 2005, state aid has gone down from 23% of city budgets to now it's closer to 11%. It's also pointed out that Prop 2 1⁄2 does not keep pace with increased costs for healthcare, energy, inflation, construction costs, and climate resiliency investments. The MMA recommended that we rework Prop 2 1⁄2 to allow for flexibility in the cap and flexibility in how we allocate taxes between residential commercial properties. We just spent weeks looking through the minutiae of our city budget, including things like revenue generating aspects like the parking meter fund. At a time when we're talking about spending increases, adding 300 to 600 more police officers, creating funds to make sure we hire 400 more BPS employees. You know, it makes sense to have an informed discussion about the number one source of this city's revenue. To do that, we should have a hearing. I am going to object to this, ask that it be sent for a hearing. I hope that it goes to the Ways and Means Committee where I will make sure we have a hearing as soon as possible and can have informed discussion about this issue, which I agree is important.

Thank you, Councillor Webber. I think there's been an objection to this docket. 1350 will be sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. Thank you. I think that merits a more in-depth conversation. Thank you so much. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1351? Docket 1. Oh, beg your pardon. Sorry, Madam Clerk, could you hold a second? I see Councillor Pepin's light is on. Did you have—I know when it's gone to committee.

Yeah, no, thank you. This is actually in regards to a previous matter.

Thank you.

I would like to ask, is it appropriate to motion to reconsider a vote?

we're going to do that at the end before we when we get down to pass green sheets we're going to before we do yes i'll do that for everyone that's later thank you i'll do that later thank you i'll come back to you madam clerk could you please read docket one three five one docket one three five one council flint offered a following resolution of unequivocal denouncement against any violent assault and harassment towards boston police officers our dedicated first responders and city officials

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, may I add Councillor Fitzgerald as an original co-sponsor? Councillor Fitzgerald is so added. May I suspend the rules and add Councillor Murphy?

Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Murphy is added as a third co-sponsor.

Thank you. And as the resolution noted, it's also about respecting other city workers that provide first responder type services, or some type of public safety support, or interacting with the residents as well, such as code enforcement officers play a critical role in the city of Boston. Boston transportation traffic enforcement officers as well, I see them frequently. They do an exceptional job, but they're often, sometimes they're harassed and physically assaulted by the public. We know, and I mentioned, Boston Police has longstanding issues of understaffing, overstretched resources, forced overtime, looming retirements. Boston Police officers work 16 hours a day. Boston Police Patrolman Association recently noted that the department is down roughly 600 officers operating at roughly one third of the workforce. This and similar incidents contribute to low morale retention recruitment. The lack of support or indifference when it comes to supporting the police, the fire, EMS has a negative impact. And ultimately our city is less safe because of that. Public safety begins with supporting the families of the men and women who put themselves in harm's way every day to serve and protect our communities. It's critical that we, especially the City Council, denounce any violence, assaults, harassment against the police, code enforcement officers, officials in transportation, our dedicated first responders, and we support their families as well. We also make it clear that those who put their lives on the line to protect our communities deserve our support, respect, resources to effectively serve the residents of Boston. To paraphrase my good friend, Councilor Michael Flaherty, he used to say that yes, we have the best hospitals, colleges, universities in the country right here in Boston. We know that they are the crown jewels of the city of Boston, but make no mistake, people who want to come here and experience them because they believe it is safe to be here, and that is due to the work of our dedicated first responders. They don't get the appreciation or respect, in my opinion, from elected officials. But they certainly have earned it. I think this is a small step to acknowledge their professionalism, to acknowledge the dangerous position that they're often placed in, and to let them know that the city council has their back. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to Councillor Flynn for adding me as a co-sponsor. You know, we saw some of what our Public safety officers have gone through over this past weekend and a very difficult time and we know some of that was due to under staffing. And so we just really want to support them in this time of need. They're trying to do their job. They're trying to get back to their families safely as well. And we just want to make sure that the folks out there know. that they're not just they are people too and we support them and we want them to get back to their family and we please ask everyone to just maintain common courtesy out there while having fun be respectful and understand that folks are just trying to do their job and please don't treat them as an object as they're people too and we ask out we always as we always ask our police to do the same for those people that are out there causing the trouble and so you know, really just hope that we can do. And I thank Council Flynn for adding me as a co-sponsor here. And we, as always, we stand up with our Boston police officers and all public safety that have to take the heat out there. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. the recent attacks on boston police officers must be condemned clearly and without hesitation by every elected official in our city our offices put themselves in harm's way every day to protect not just our neighborhoods but all of our residents and visitors to the city of boston they deserve respect support and the confidence that city leaders will stand with them when they are attacked many of our offices who were working over the holiday weekend in extreme heat there was a heat wave going on had fire worker firecrackers fireworks shot at them while they were out just trying to keep our city our neighborhood safe that's completely unacceptable boston needs more police officers the department has been understaffed for too long leaving offices stretched thin working forced overtime and responding to dangerous situations without enough support We need to condemn attacks on police officers every time they happen. And like Councillor Fitzgerald said, and Flynn, unfortunately, in the last few weeks, there have been attacks that are just unacceptable. And I know that our officers fail it often. So I think it's important that we stand with them, knowing that we support the work they do and their families that we know. When an officer, when any first responder serves, their family serves alongside them. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Webber. Please add the chair. Councillor Flynn and Councillor Murphy and Councillor Fitzgerald seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1351. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1351?

Roll call vote on docket 1351. Councillor Breedon? Yes. Councillor Breedon? Yes. Councillor Coletta-Zapata? Yes. Councillor Culpeper? Yes. Councillor Culpeper? Yes. Councillor Durkin? Yes. Councillor Durkin? Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald? Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald? Yes. Councillor Flynn? Yes. Councillor Flynn? Yes. Councillor Louis-Jean? Yes. Councillor Louis-Jean? Yes. Councillor Mejia? Yes. Councillor Murphy? Yes. Councillor Murphy? Yes. Councillor Pepin? Yes. Council Santana. Council Weber. Council O'Reilly.

10 in the affirmative. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Docket 1351 has been adopted. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1352?

Docket 1352. Council Culpeper offer the following. Resolution in support of declaring July 11, as Mad Mom's Day in the city of Boston.

Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I would like to request suspension of the rules on the passage of this docket. Behind every statistic about substance abuse, use, overdose, or community violence is a family whose life has been permanently changed. Organizations like Mad Moms remind us that recovery and healing are not only individual journeys, but they are community responsibilities. Through advocacy, peer support, education, and creating spaces where families can grieve, heal, and support one another, Mad Moms has become an important resource for individuals and families navigating some of life's most difficult challenges. This resolution also recognizes the extraordinary leadership of Janice V. Johnson, whose decades of service to Boston have touched countless lives. Rather than allowing personal tragedy to define her, she transformed it into a mission of compassion, ensuring that other families have access to the support and sense of community that every person deserves. Opening of the five-star studio cafe is another example of that commitment, creating a space where healing, creativity, and recovery can come together. I am proud to support this resolution, recognizing July 11 as Mad Moms Day and thanking Janice Johnson and everyone at Mad Moms for the work they continue to do to strengthen our communities and to bring hope to families across the City of Boston. Thank you, Madam President.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. I just want to stand up and just express my deep gratitude for Janice Johnson and her team. for such selfishness and undeniable impact on the well-being of our communities and all that work that they have done in turning pain into power. So shout out to Janice, the whole team over there, and just thank you for your service to the city of Boston.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor... Councillor Webber, Councillor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Councillor Culpepper seeks suspension of the rules of adoption of Docket 1352. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1352. Councillor Bredin. Yes. Councillor Bredin, yes.

Colletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper. Council Carl Pepper, yes. Council Durkin? Council Fitzgerald? Yes. Council Fitzgerald, yes. Council Flynn? Yes. Council Flynn, yes. Council Louis-Jean? Yes. Council Louis-Jean, yes. Council Mejia? No. Council Murphy? Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pepin? Yes. Council Pepin, yes. Council Santana? No. Council Weber? Yes. Council Weber. Council O'Reill? Yes. Council O'Reill, yes. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine in the affirmative.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Docket 1-3-5-2 has been adopted. We are now on to personnel orders. Madam Clerk, could you please read the personnel orders? Dockets 1-3-5-3 through 1-3-5-7. Personnel order.

Docket 1-3-5-3, Councillor Braden for Councillor Mejia. Docket 1-3-5-4, Councillor Braden for Councillor Murphy. Docket 1-3-5-5, Councillor Braden for Councillor Santana. Docket 1-3-5-6, Councillor Braden for Councillor Webber. Docket 1-3-5-7, Councillor Braden for Councillor Duggan.

The Chair moves for passage of the Personnel Orders. All those in favour say aye. The ayes have it, personnel orders have passed. Before we move on to green sheets, is there anyone who'd like to add their name to a docket that they may have missed? I think Councillor Worrell, and then we'll go to Councillor Pepin over there. Councillor Worrell?

I'd like to add my name to docket number 1351.

Is that it?

That's all.

Councillor Pepin, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President.

You're all set. Councillor Durkan.

I just wanted to add my name to 1339.

Anyone else want to amend the record of their votes? Thank you. We're now on to green sheets. Is anyone looking to pull anything from the green sheets? The Chair recognises Councillor Santana, the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to pull docket number 1035 for further action.

Madam Clerk, could you—1035 and what was the— There's two.

Okay. They're probably separate, right?

What's your second one? We'll do the—1035. Okay. Docket—

Go ahead, Madam Clerk. Docket 1035, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $24,095 in the form of a grant FY 24, Paul Cavell, for scientific science improvement awarded by the United States Department of Justice passed through the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory to be administered by the Police Department. the Grand Red Front Training and continued education for physio examiner, criminalists and laboratory personnel.

So, did you have a second docket? Second. I don't need a second. Just one.

I have a second docket, but there's...

Okay. 1035. Okay. Absent objection, the motion of the committee chair... Chair is accepted, and Docket 1035 is properly before the body. Councillor, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. The Paul Corvell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program awards funding states and units of local government to help improve the quality of timelessness of forensic science and medical examiner services provided. The Boston Police Department will utilize the funds requested through the FY24 Coverdell to offset training costs associated with the development of knowledge skills and abilities for newly hired and existing staff members. Training costs will also be offered for those undergoing changes in job functionality due to changes in work requirements or the development of additional expertise. Members of the forensics groups, firearms analysis unit, latent print unit, and crime scene response unit will attend various trainings throughout the year to improve their abilities and experiences. This program is needed to maintain and keep personnel up to date on the latest forensic laboratory techniques and research. It is critical due to the evolving science and new technology used to process evidence and contribute to investigations of crimes. As the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I recommend that this docket ought to pass.

Thank you, Councillor Santana, the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety. Moves for passage of Docket 1035. Since we are voting on it, am I able to speak on it? Certainly, Councillor Flynn, you have got two minutes.

Thank you. I want to say thank you to Councillor Santana for bringing this forward. It's an important grant. This gives the Boston Police and first responders an opportunity to get the training and experience they need and work with colleagues throughout the country on forensic related issues. This is an issue I've worked on for eight years as it relates especially to the Boston Police Crime Lab. It is my goal to have the best crime lab in the country. We are not there right now. We have significant challenges with the Boston Police Crime Lab. As it relates to how we test sexual assault kits, we need to be using the most advanced equipment and technology, which is why screening. But also the people that work at these labs, technicians, crime lab specialists, they also need the training, as Councilor Santana highlighted, the training to understand and learn from their colleagues across the country about how important it is to continue to study and learn about new technology, new ways to test firearms, new way to test sexual assault kits, and that's through Y-screening. But we need to have the best crime lab in the country. New York City Police Department has an exceptional crime lab. Boston needs to be on pace with New York. We're a first-class city. We need a first-class crime lab. I've visited there many times. It's small. It's not doing the work that it should be doing. We need to ensure we have the right leadership, the right personnel, the right training, the right experience. And right now, the crime lab is struggling. I'm going to continue to focus on this issue as long as I'm a city councillor. Survivors of justice demanded. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Thank you for your continued advocacy for the crime lab. Councillor Santana moves for passage of docket 1035. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1035. Roll call vote on docket 135.

Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Coletta-Zapata. Councillor Culpeper. 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. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Murphy, yes. Council Pepin. Yes. Council Pepin, yes. Council Santana.

Yes.

Council Santana, yes. Council Weber. Yes. Council Weber, yes. Council Rural. Yes. Council Rural, yes. 11 in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1035 has passed. Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1225? I beg your pardon. Councillor, I'm getting everything backwards.

You can do it for me.

Councillor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to pull Docket 1225 for further action.

Madam Clerk, could you please read Docket 1225 into the record?

Docket 1225, message and order authorising the City of Boston to accept and expand $100,000 of credit from the antitropic to the strengthening of the city's cyber defence. These credits are granted to antitropic through the state, local, tribal and territorial cyber defence programme. The credit will utilise to automate the scanning and triggering the patching of our city technology infrastructure using CloudOplus 4.8, the latest model of antitropic generative AI tool. The initiative would help to significantly evaluate our cybersecurity posture against increasingly sophisticated AI-driven threats.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Absent objection, the motion of the Committee Chair is accepted. Docket 1225 is properly before the body. Councillor, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. The evolving threat landscape and adversarial AI, the cyber threat landscape facing local governments has fundamentally shifted. Municipalities are no longer just dealing with coordinated human hackers. We are now defending against adversarial artificial intelligence. Threats actors are actively leveraging AI to exploit government entities in several unprecedented ways. automated vulnerability probing. Cyber criminals use automated AI bots to scam municipal networks 24-7, identifying and exploiting software vulnerabilities within minutes of them being discovered. The AI enhanced sophisticated malware Muted by the AI can bypass traditional firewalls defenses by adapting its code in real time to avoid detection. And then finally, the hyper-realistic phishing threats actors use generative AI to draft highly convincing localized phishing emails targeting city employees, making human detection incredibly difficult. To defend a city in this new landscape, human intervention alone is no longer fast enough. We must fight AI with AI. Sorry. The credits will utilize to automate the scanning and patching of our city's technology infrastructure using Cloud Opus 4.8, the latest model of Anthropothetics generative AI tool. This initiative will help to significantly elevate the city cybersecurity posture against Increase increasingly sophisticated AI driven results Thank you Thank You councillor Santana country Finn you have the floor Madam chair to the chair.

May I ask a question to our council Santana? Certainly.

Yeah Did we have a hearing on this council Santana we did have a hearing that was covered with multiple of these This grant was one of them that was covered. I don't remember any of the Councillors going into detail specifically about this one, but I did receive communication from the Police Department about being able to pass this because of the threat that we're dealing with right now.

Mr. Madam Chair, may I just ask one more question? I'm going to vote yes on this, but could the Chair tell me about the communication between Boston Police and other first responders and DoIT? Is DoIT part of this conversation as well?

Yep, DoIT is always part of all of these conversations. I haven't had direct conversations with DoIT myself, but they are the ones that are overseers of all of this.

Thank you, Councillor Santana, for answering my questions.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Santana. Councillor Santana moves for passage of docket 1225. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Madam Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1225.

Roll call vote on docket 1225. Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Sapata. Councillor Culpepper. Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Thank you. Dockard 1225 has passed.

We are now moving on to late files. I have just been informed that we have one late file, which is a hearing order. Absent objection, these late file matters will be added. Madam Clerk, could you please read the late file matter into the record?

Offered by Councillor Culpepper, order for hearing regarding a community-based summer public safety plan for the City of Boston.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to request suspension of the rules, introduce a latent file, and I would like to add Councillor Worrell as the second original co-sponsor. and request suspension of the rules to add Councillor Santana as a third co-sponsor. And if I could, I would request suspension of the rule that Councillor Louis-Jean as a fourth co-sponsor. But since I can't.

So, first of all, I need to back up a little. Councillor Culpepper, please.

As the second original co-sponsor, I request suspension of the rules to add Councillor Santana as the third original co-sponsor.

Councillor O'Reill is added as the second, and Councillor Santana is seeing and hearing. No objections. Councillor Santana is added as the third. The Chair moves for passage of these late file matters. All in favour? This is to have them before the body. I beg your pardon. I'm slightly out of order here.

You are accepted.

Madam President, the recent acts of violence across our city over the Fourth of July weekend have been heartbreaking and demand immediate action. After speaking with Community Leaders Monday, it was clear their voices must be at the table now which is why I'm putting forward this late file. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate response from the council. As we discuss what a community-based summer safety plan should look like, we need to recognize that we do not have to start from scratch. Organizations like the Greatest Minds Torchlight, Mars 11, have mentored young people and invested in neighborhoods that have too often carried a disproportionate share of the burden of gun violence. Their work has saved lives and any comprehensive public safety strategy should build upon, not duplicate or overlook the work that they've already done and are still doing. When the city cuts funding for community-facing programming, the community work continues. When the city does not adequately plan for summer safety across all neighborhoods, community steps in this is the work that this should that the city should be leading and resourcing all along the community will always be there for one another but they shouldn't have to do it alone this is why i'm ready to form another coalition coalition for a peaceful boston the organization and residents have spent years doing this work on the ground and they should not simply be consulted after a plan is drafted They should be active partners in developing it from the very beginning. This is how we build a strategy that is both effective and rooted in communities. It is meant to serve. Thank you, Madam President.

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

Thank you Madam President, thank you to Councilor Culpepper for bringing this forward. I also want to extend my prayers and my thoughts to all the families impacted by the recent gun violence over the weekend. I also want to acknowledge the efforts that so many community members have stepped up, wanting to assist the city and all city departments on creating a summer of peace and way to collaborate on establishing new initiatives or re-establishing old initiatives here in the city of Boston that have been proven to be effective. So looking forward to this conversation, working with all stakeholders involved and seeing if we can bring community members, city departments, state agencies to the table to reinstate or restart some past programs, but also to make sure that everyone has a voice in making sure that we have a summer and where we continue to decrease the violence in our neighborhood.

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

Thank you, Madam President, and I want to thank Councillor Culpepper and Councillor Worrell for your leadership on this. This past weekend, the epidemic of violence hit devastatingly close to home. right on our own doorsteps, where 13 people shot and two lives tragically cut short. My heart goes to the families of those who were affected. One of the people who did tragically pass away was someone that I used to play baseball with in Little League. And just want to read his name into the record of Chris Conway, someone who was very loved in our communities. I'm carrying a heavy heart, a grief that I know is shared by families and neighbors all across Boston. And I refuse, as we as a city must refuse, to even normalize a reality where our streets and neighborhood celebrations turns into scenes of chaos and heartbreak. Violence is never acceptable. But we can look across the state and the country and see similar struggles, my focus today is entirely on our home. To truly protect our community, we have to confront a difficult truth. We cannot simply police or react our way out of this cycle. I believe it is a failure of leadership if we only throw resources into a neighborhood after a tragedy has already occurred. We need to brace ourselves for the marathon of the work ahead. There are no shortcuts here. I am urging an immediate, equitable distribution of city resources, shifting our strategy entirely from reactive damage control to root causes solutions. To prevent this from happening again, we must ensure that every single person in Boston has immediate access to meaningful economic opportunities, robust mentorship, and localized support systems. This means creating year-round youth employment pipelines, secure and sustainable funding for our community centers, and building localized networks where youth and adults alike can easily find career guidance or mental health consultant right in their block. True safety is built when we empower our communities from within, given our neighborhoods and structural support and resources that they need to uplift themselves. Our neighborhoods deserve nothing less than our total commitment I am ready to begin that structural work with you today, ensuring safety and opportunity belong to every single resident. I really want to again thank Councillor Culpepper for this filing, and we must get to work. Thank you.

This docket will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. We are now 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 in favour say aye. Thank you. 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 an announcement? If you want to put your light on, I'll call on you. We are wishing a happy birthday to Deanna Bronchuk, a councillor in Councillor Pepin's office. Happy birthday, Deanna. Anyone else? Your birthday's coming up. We're now moving on to memorials. Oh, are you... Councillor Louis-Jean, you have the floor.

Thank you. He would absolutely hate to know that I'm doing this because he does not like acknowledgement of his birthday, but I just love my dad so much. and his birthday is next week. I'm just so lucky to have him in my life, and I want to acknowledge his birthday and say happy birthday to my dad.

MS. rightly so. Your dad is a remarkable man, and he's a great dad to you girls. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Councillor Flynn Thank you, Madam Chair. I wanted to make an announcement. about the nurses' strike that is taking place right now at Brigham and Women Hospital. I was over there this morning. But I do know that there's still an opportunity for others to join that may want to go. I would like to acknowledge Councillor Durkan and myself sponsored a city council resolution in support of the nurses a couple of months ago. But I think it is important for us to continue to support nurses at Brigham and Women Hospital like we have at many other hospitals across Boston and Greater Boston. They play a critical role in our healthcare system, but they provide exceptional care and deserve dignity and respect. But I do want to say thank you also to my colleagues for their long-time support of nurses throughout Greater Boston, throughout Massachusetts. But also to let people know that there's still time if they do want to get over to the strike this afternoon. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you so much, Chair, and thank you to Councillor Flynn for his leadership on that issue. I will be headed there shortly. But just Councillor Louis-Jean reminded me my mom's birthday is July 19th. Juanita Ruiz, she is coming to town to celebrate with us, and I know she's ready for tall ships and everything that's going on in Boston right now. So I didn't realize we didn't have a meeting. So thank you, Councillor Louis-Jean, and happy birthday to your dad.

Thank you. We're now moving on to memorials. Would anyone like to lift up a name? Councillor Culpepper, you have the floor.

Madam President, I would like to lift up the name of Richard Weston of the South End, 40-year partner of Bob Barney. We ask to keep Bob Barney and his family and the family of Richard Weston in prayer. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you.

I'm just going to go around the room. So, Councillor Durkan, you're next.

Thank you so much. I wanted to read into the record Manuel de Jesus Castillo Flores, who passed away. He was a Green Line worker, a train driver, and was known for his dedication and kindness. I know the union is really—the Carmen's union is really— really sad about his passing. I know that his body will travel to El Salvador, where his mother waits for him to lay him to rest. And this journey is really important to his family. But just wanted to wrap my arms around the Carmen's Union and everyone who works for the T, as I know they lost him early. So thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Reverend Culpepper mentioned Bob Barney's partner, Mr. Weston, so I also want to offer my condolences as well, and to let them, let Bob and the family know that we are thinking about them during this challenging time. Our prayers are with them. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Louis-Jean. You have the floor.

Thank you. I similarly wanted to uplift the passing of Chris Conway, as Councillor Santana mentioned. and just his entire family is just mourning. So just wanted to uplift the memory of Chris Conway. Also wanted to uplift the memory of at Morning Star Baptist Church. There is a bunch of nurses and Rosemarie Nicholas is someone who passed away and who was a beloved member of the Morning Star community. So just wanted to lift her up. And last but not least, someone who had an outsized impact in Roxbury and in the entire city of Boston. Pastor Chris Sumner. I just wanted to make sure that we recognize him and all he has meant to so many, whether it be in the Jubilee community or in the City of Boston, all that he has done. I just wanted to acknowledge him and give my condolences to his family as well. Thank you.

Councillor Louis-Jean, would you mind repeating your first one? It's Chris Conway. Thank you for your patience. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you. I wanted to uplift, along with Councillor Flynn, Paula Ryan from South Boston, the West Ninth friends are mourning her we were at one of the unity days just i think it was just yesterday and it was it was sad to not see her there she always had such a big presence and was at all the events around the neighborhood and also enjoyed always going to the special kids south boston special kids event so you would see her smiling face and the neighborhood is missing her so i just wanted to uplift her name thank you thank you councillor pepin

Thank you. I would like to uplift the memory of John Raymond. He was a resident of High Park, specifically the Pride, one of the first residents to move into the Pride. I was just with him a couple of months ago for a coffee hour. He was also once the head of the High Park Enabled Association, a very prominent leader in the community. So I just wanted to uplift the spirits and send my loving prayers to also the residents of the Pride that I know tight-knit community.

It's John Raymond. Thank you. Councillor Santana.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to, again, uplift the name of Chris Conway, who we just lost over the weekend, and uplift, send the thoughts and prayers to his entire family. I know so many residents are mourning, as mourning is lost, and for anyone who knew Chris, He was just a beacon of light, someone who was very positive, such a great young man and someone that we definitely lost too quickly. So I just want to be able to uplift his name.

Thank you. Chair recognises Councillor Webber. You have the floor.

Yeah, I'd like to speak in honor of Jim Galvin, who, a resident of Roslindale, was a staple of Parkway Little League. He coached Little League for 33 years and, you know, driving teams to make the Little League World Series. He compiled two state championships in multiple districts. and sectional titles his funerals tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. at the Gormley Funeral Home in West Roxbury with a mass at St. Teresa at 10 a.m. Thank you.

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

I'd like to remember the name of Chris Conway, also past the summer. and then our church family lost our lead deacon, our head deacon, Michael Young. So please keep all these families in these names in your prayers.

Michael Young?

Michael Young.

Thank you. On behalf of Councillors Worrell, And Louis Jeanne, Pastor Chris Sumner. On behalf of Councillor Durkan, Manuel, Manny de Jesus Castelo Flores. On behalf of Councillor Weber, Jim Galvin. On behalf of Councillor Coletta Zapata, Jean A. Tochterman. On behalf of Councillor Louis Jeanne, Rosemary Nicholas. On behalf of Councillor Louis Yen, Councillor Santana and Councillor Orrell, Chris Conway. On behalf of Councillors Culpepper and Flynn, Richard Weston. On behalf of Councillor Murphy, Paula Ryan. On behalf of Councillor Pepper, John Raymond. And on behalf of Councillor Orrell, Michael Young. A moment of silence, please. The chair moves that when the council adjourns today, we do so in memory of the aforementioned individuals. The council is scheduled to meet again in the Ionella Chamber on July 22nd, 2026 at 12pm. Thank you to my colleagues, central staff, the clerk, the clerk's office, and the council stenographer, as always, Ellen. Thank you. All in favour of adjournment, please say aye. This council is adjourned. Thank you.