City Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon, everyone.

I call to order today's meeting of the 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, including mine. Also, pursuant to rule 42, I remind all in the chamber that no demonstration of approval or disapproval from members of the public will be permitted. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the roll to ascertain the presence of a quorum?

Councillor Braden?

Here.

Councillor Kaleta Zapata? Here. Councillor Culpepper? Here. Councillor Durkan? Here. Councillor Fitzgerald?

Here.

Councillor Flynn?

Here.

Councillor Louisianne?

Here.

Councillor Mejia? Here. Councillor Murphy? Here. Councillor Pepin?

Here.

Councillor Santana?

Here.

Councillor Webber? Here. And Councillor Worrell?

Here.

A quorum is present.

Thank you. The clerk has informed us that their quorum is present. Mr. Clerk, if you would do us the honour of some brief remarks as an invocation today, we'd appreciate it. Thank you so much. And following the invocation, we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance.

Good afternoon. Please stand. The ringing of bells calls us to worship. The pounding of a drum calls us to war. The popping of a court calls us to celebration. What is the sound that calls us to hear one another? Listen. Listen carefully. It is here in the silence. Listen deeply. The beating of our own hearts calls us to ourselves, call us to be our true selves, calls us to be our best selves, calls us to be what we might become. Listen. There is another sound. The breath of our neighbor calls us outside ourselves. Call us to be companions. Call us to be allies. Call us to be partners. Listen, we must heed the call of our own hearts, where love and truth, caring and justice are born. Listen, we must heed the call of others to gather together for some great purpose, where passion and fidelity, compassion and equity are nourished. The hammering silence calls us together, that we may do the work we cannot do alone. Let us heed the calls that come in the silence, that we may be well and do good in this world together. Amen.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. We have two presentations today. Councillor Worrell is recognising quality homes for humankind, and I will be recognising Boston to Belfast youth. Councillor Worrell, would you like to come forward with your guess? Yes, and Mr. Clerk, could you please take note that Councillor Coletta Zapata and Councillor Culpepper have joined us? Thank you.

Good afternoon. First, I want to begin by recognizing the students who are joining us today. We have Michael Geelan, Brian Hodge-Molina, Anders Santos, Yassir Mohamed, and Mohamed Abram. And their advisor, Dr. Bruce Partrabrand, also known as Dr. Pitt. I first met these students nearly two years ago when Tech Boston Academy was putting together its Aspen Challenge team. Then they came here to City Hall and presented their work to us in the Curly Room. Their presentation was around raising awareness around gun violence in their community. The following school year, they got to work at solving some of the root causes of violence, including the lack of stable housing, and access to employment. And that's why they launched Quality Homes for Humankind last September. Since that time, they've met with countless organizations and researched workforce development programs to learn how to turn their idea into something real. Through that work, they have established MOUs with Action for Equity and NECAT to bring vocational training directly to Tech Boston Academy. They held a workforce connector event at Tech Boston in the spring, where they partnered with IBEW Local 103, the Carpenters Union, Power Corps, NECAT, Boston Fire Cadets, Action for Equity, Level Ground, Boston Public Health Commission, and the Election Department. They've secured tens of thousands in funding from the Trevor Foundation and the Boston Foundation. And they won the City's Aspen Challenge last year, earning a trip to Colorado, where they presented in front of about 100 nonprofits, including the Basel's Foundation and the Mayor of Denver. And they also won the National Aspen Challenge. Some of the students behind QHH started this work as juniors and are now heading to college. But they're not walking away from the mission. The first step is job training. The next step is housing. They've already begun working on that as well. Today is about celebrating and recognizing how far they've come and marking the beginning for their next chapter. We have a resolution which we'll be voting on later in the meeting, but now I'd like to turn it over to the people, to the students behind QHH for some brief remarks. Good morning everyone.

I just wanted to say it's a huge honor to be welcomed by the city by by the Boston City Council today and I just wanted to say that in these past recent months, me and my peers into the competition and we competed against almost 20 other schools in the BPS district. We won. We triumphed and we can wait and wants to compete nationally. Against other winners. And we also came out on top. So I just wanted to say. and give thanks to Brian Rowe. He's been our angel throughout our journey. And I just wanted to say that I've been able to meet many people like Mike Bezos and the mayor of Denver, Mike Johnston. And I never thought that in my life that I'd be able to meet all these important people or come face to face with them. But after those encounters, I realized that what we're doing has actually become a real thing. And this ceremony is proof of that, so I thank you guys.

Hello, everyone. I'm Brian Hodge-Molina. And I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the city council and Brian Wells' office and Martinelli, especially for all the help they've provided us through our journeys from freshmen, from just junior, sorry, to now heading off to college. And I wanted to make a commitment to not let the work end, to continue the work, and to continue pushing up Boston's youth. Thank you.

Hi, Bruce Pompreon, Tech Boston Academy. And I work for the two youth leaders here. They are the directors of Quality Homeless Humankind, the program director, and the outreach directorate. And just from my perspective, this started two years ago with the situation of violence in 02124. At Tech Boston Academy, we had a shooting. We've had violence in our community. And these young people had had enough. And they did research. We hit the road outside their peers to find out, what's the reason? What's going on? They discovered a lack of belonging and a sense of no upward mobility or not enough upward mobility and housing that was transitional. They put together a class. They came to me and said, can we have a class and put together an advocacy class? We did that. They actually wanted to have a nonprofit so we wouldn't look like a passion project. They did that. They entered the Aspen Challenge, won the City of Boston's Aspen Challenge. They did that. They were invited to the Aspen Institute. And they were informed that the Aspen Institute and the Bezos Foundation, they'll be honored in the Bezos Foundation Aspen Report as having the most youth impact in their 2026 report. Reflecting us in Boston Public School, Tech Boston Academy, the city council in the city of Boston, they did that. We are grateful to the Boston Foundation for giving us a planning grant so these students could work over the summer every day. For 20 plus meetings from business owners in 02124, clergy members, banks, restaurant owners, people that they met in Aspen, the mayor of Denver and his staff. I could go on and on and on and on. I have never seen in the 23 years that I've been in Tech Boston with so many people from the community, including parents, come in to say this is what we want in our community. And I'm proud to say and give a shout out to Action for Equity. Our first MOU was signed with Action for Equity. These young folks not only wrote the grant for the Boston Foundation, but did the MOU with Action for Equity. And we will be co-sponsoring a HVAC refrigeration certification course at Tech Boston meeting every Thursday. And five of our graduates that need a launch pad. are going to be in that program. And we are going to find jobs for them. And we already have potentially jobs lined up with Mass Safe. They did that. I have never in all my years, and I've been at Tuck Boston for 23 years. I know why the school was founded with Mayor Menino. I know why the school was founded with Mary Skipper and the support of the community. I have never seen the leadership of these young men have as much impact as I've seen over the past year. We should all be very, very proud because this is the rising generation. of what we want to see in O2124. And on behalf of all of us, just trust us and help us activate this because we need to see this happen. We are totally convinced that this model of transitional housing, belonging, entrepreneurship, asset building that they came up with is the solution of building a safer community in 012124 and for the city of Boston. So I work for these young men. It's their idea. And they should just get a shot up for all this. And thank you for Action for Equity for believing in us. And Councilor Worrell, you never thought we were crazy doing this. And he has been an absolute, as the kids said, angel. supporting us with Matt Marinelli every single step of the way. When he comes into Tech Boston, he's Brian. Okay, and we just thank you a great deal. Thank you for the City Council, because this is the type of civic learning that we want as a civics teacher. We want to be partnered with you. We want to be accessible. We want you to be able to walk into the building or pick up the phone like, hey, how do we do this grant? Who do we talk to? And that's what's been happening. It's a whole new view of how we're working with you folks. And let's just continue this work. Thank you.

I'd like to ask my colleagues to come up for a group picture. Matt, I don't know if you want to join, too, because you had a big role in this. Matt? Matt? Matt? Come on up.

Congratulations. What an incredible achievement.

I think we look forward to a bright future for all these young men and the great work that they've been doing, and we look forward to seeing what they're going to do next. So, continued success. We wish you that. Our next presentation is... Where's mine? I think I'll get mine. I'm happy to have the opportunity to introduce another wonderful group of young folks here on behalf of Boston to Belfast Youth Empowerment. I understand I just learned a few, about an hour ago, that Councillor Murphy's daughter is a coach with this incredible organisation. There may have been a lot of buzz this summer about Scotland and the Tartan Army and our new sister city, Edinburgh, but Boston and Belfast have been sister cities for over a decade. The Friendship 4 college hockey tournament is held every year in Belfast, featuring American college hockey teams to celebrate the bond between Boston and Belfast. For the past seven years, Boston to Belfast Youth Empowerment has provided cultural exchange opportunities for youth hockey players in Boston. Every year representatives from Boston travel to Belfast to play with local teams, take in the culture, build leadership skills and become more civically minded. Today we're joined by members of Alston Brighton Youth Hockey and Dorchester Youth Hockey, making the trip this year. And I think from those of you who know me, I've always believed that sports are a very powerful tool in shaping young adults. And I want to thank Steve and Patrice and everyone else involved in making this wonderful experience happen this year. I'd like to invite you all to come up and present your story, tell us a little more about it, and wish you all the best for your trip to Belfast. So we have youth hockey players from Alston Brighton and Dorchester and Southie. And I'd love to hear more about your organization and the importance of this trip to Belfast.

Yeah, well, thank you very much. In fact, Council President, you stole a little of my thunder there about what it's all about. But yes, this Boston of Belfast Youth Empowerment is a private nonprofit organization that I started several years ago when Mayor Walsh established a sister city agreement with Belfast. And our program uses the sport of hockey really just as a link to teach kids between the ages of 13 to 15 about leadership, civic engagement, cultural awareness, and learning for respecting other cultures. I've had kids from every neighborhood in the city of Boston participate, and this year as well, as President Braden said, we have youths representing Dorchester in Alston Bright neighborhoods. The local benefit of that is they get to meet kids from other parts of the city, which is great. The other benefit, of course, is meeting peer youth over in Belfast, where the difference is there, which many of you are well aware of, are really on... mostly religious and nationalistic grounds. So our job is to try to help them have a broader view of building bridges between the two communities. We do get the opportunity. It's great to be here today. We'll really appreciate the opportunity. We'll have a similar experience in Belfast. We will go before the city council as well. We'll meet the Lord Mayor, the system of government there changes every year, a new mayor comes in every year. We'll also get to meet the consul general to the U.S. from Northern Ireland as well. So civic is a real big part of what we do. I think the kids don't always get the benefit of understanding how government works for them. A quick little side story, we were at the state house last week, last month, and the house leader mentioned one instance, instance of how state government works for them. Many of the hockey rinks in greater Boston are still controlled by DCR. And he mentioned if the Zamboni breaks down, that's a state government issue, which was really an interesting way to put it. But it shows it can really impact youth in ways that they never would have imagined. So I want to just end what I'm saying here with a quote. And President Braden sort of touched on a little bit about the power of sport. And it's a quote from Nelson Mandela, which is, sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. So we're not in despair, but we're thrilled to be able to represent the city That's really what we primarily do. We're representing the city of Boston in a very positive way with elected officials over there and peers over there as well. We'll have a new group of kids next year as well from different neighborhoods in the city. So we really appreciate for this opportunity to come before you and talk a little bit about what we do. Thank you very much.

Do you want to introduce your two other staff as well?

And I'm just, for the benefit of so you know who they are, Mike, come on in. I'm gonna introduce the folks who are with me today and ask them just to give you a little quick wave so you know who they are. So starting with the youth participants, Marin Ahern, Eli Ching, Maggie Janulowicz, Rory Neal, Finn Peterson, McKenna Savicki, Wyatt Young, And then also with me, I have one of our program leaders and chaperones, Patrice Girard, and also Mike Crowley, who served at a similar capacity on a different year's program, and a teacher in the Boston Public Schools as well. So thanks again for that. Sandra, you want to take a picture? You got us all in?

We'll ask our colleagues to come up. But before they do that, this is an official resolution from the Boston City Council. We had resolved that the Boston City Council extend its congratulations to Boston to Belfast Youth Empowerment Program in recognition of their innovative use of sport to instill leadership skills, civic engagement, cross-cultural awareness, community service, friendship, and respect between and among Boston and Belfast teams and be it further resolved that the Boston City Council extends its best wishes for continued success and that this resolution be duly signed by the City Council President and attested to and a copy thereof transmitted by the clerk of the city of Boston. Congratulations and have a wonderful trip to Belfast. Thank you very much.

Yes, we sure will. Thank you so much. And if anyone is looking for any additional information on the program, Matt has my contact info, and I'd be happy to talk to any one of you collectively any time after this. So thanks again.

So I'll ask my colleagues to come up for a photograph.

Oh, beautiful. I bet you get that all the time.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Appreciate the opportunity.

Thank you, everyone. It's such a pleasure to have our young people in the Chamber this afternoon. We're now on to the first order of business, which is the approval of the minutes from the meeting of August 5th, 2026. All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The minutes of the August 5th meeting are approved. We're now on to communications from our Honourable Mayor. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1589?

Docket number 1589, message in order authorizing the City of Boston to accept an expended amount of $40,000 in the form of a grant. the Simone Foundation Charitable Donation Grant awarded by Frank R. and Elizabeth Simone Foundation, Inc. to be administered by the Police Department. The grant would fund supporting the work of the Homicide Unit.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes the Chair of Public Safety. Councillor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The Bureau of Investigative Services Homicide Unit has received dedicated funding from a private family foundation to support investigative excellence and enhance operational effectiveness. The grant provides resources in three key areas, specialized training, investigative overtime, and advanced investigative technology and equipment. This grant will strengthen the unit's ability to solve homicides, identify and apprehend offenders, support victims and families, and ultimately improve public safety. As chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, I recommend that this docket number 1589 ought to pass.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. Councillor Santana seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket 1589. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1589?

Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata.

Yes.

Councillor Colletta-Zapata, yes. Councillor Culpepper.

Yes.

Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan. Council Fitzgerald.

Yes.

Council Fitzgerald. Yes. Council Flynn.

Yes.

Council Flynn. Yes. Council Louisianne.

Yes.

Council Louisianne. Yes. Council Mejia. Councilor Murphy. Councilor Murphy. Yes. Council Papin.

Yes.

Council Papin. Yes. Council Santana.

Yes.

Council Santana. Yes. Council Weber. And Council Worrell.

Yes.

Council Worrell. Yes. Dock number 1589 as received. Ten votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Dockert. 1589 has passed. Mr. Clerk, can you please read docket 1590?

Docket number 1590, message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Robin Casper as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for a term expiring August 24th, 2029.

Thank you. Docket 1590 will be referred to the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks. We are now on to reports of public officers and others. As per Rule 39, no remarks and communications from Councillors at this time. Mr. Clerk, could you please read dockets 1591 through 1596.

Docket number 1591, notice received from the Mayor of the appointment of Ann Moy as a member of the Chinatown Trust Fund Committee for a term expiring August 3, 2031. Docket number 1592, notice received from the Mayor of the appointment of Helen Chan Quong as a member of the Chinatown Trust Fund Committee for a term expiring August 3rd, 2031. Document number 1593, notice received from the mayor of the appointment of Adam Cederbaum as chair of the Boston Election Commission for a term expiring March 31st, 2030. Document number 1594, notice 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 its meeting of August 5th 2026 document of a 1595 communication was received from Renato Costello director of the office of participatory budgeting on the report entitled Entitled ideas in action evaluation and review of the fiscal year 26 cycle 2025 2026 Docket number 1596, communication was received from the Law Department regarding the open meeting law complaint filed in City Council on August 5, 2026. Docket number 1538.

Thank you. Dockets 1591 through 1596 will be placed on file. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1597?

Docket number 1597, communication was received from the City Clerk. by the City Clerk from Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of the petition number 305.26, the Folsom House, 34 Folsom Avenue, Mission Hill, in effect after September 13, 2026, if not acted upon.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald, the Vice Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation. You have the floor.

Thank you Madam President. As Vice-Chair of the Committee, this proposed designation of the Folsom House was initiated in 2020-26 after a petition was submitted by registered voters to the Boston Landmarks Commission. I have spoken with both the Chair of the Committee as well as members of the community and it is supported throughout and so I'd ask for passage today. Thank you.

Thank you. The Vice-Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation seeks acceptance Passage of docket 1597. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1597 has passed.

Thank you, pardon.

Mr. Clerk, would you mind taking a roll call vote on docket 1597?

Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Braden, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata, yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata, yes. Councillor Culpepper. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan. Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Mejia. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pippen, yes. Councilor Pippen, yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber. Councilor Worrell. Dock number 1597 has received nine votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1597 has passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1598?

Docket number 1598, the Constable Barnes of Darius Agnew, Devon Buchanan, Gavin Castagna, Rufflin Cazot, Frico Damas, Chesterfield Daniel Copen, Mark Evlogiadis, Vincent James, William Joyce, Manuel Mendez, Paul Morelli, Jonas Moroz, Robert Ryan, Jean Sinan, and Joseph Singletary, Jr., having been duly approved by the Collective Treasurer, were received.

Thank you. Docket 1598 is approved under the usual terms and conditions. We are now on to reports of committees. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1235?

Docking number one two three five the committee on government operations to which was referred on June 24th 2026 dark number one two three five Petition for a special law and act relative to pension benefits for firefighter Richard Lopez Submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass in a new draft Thank You mr.

Clerk the chair recognizes concert colette as a part of the chair of the board Committee of Government Operations, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. This matter was originally sponsored by Councillor Enrique Pepin and referred to the committee on June 24th, 2026. A summary of this is pretty straightforward. It's seeking to increase Richard Lopez's accidental disability retirement benefits. He is a retired City of Boston firefighter, and all this Home Rule petition seeks to do is revise his original petition disability benefits by increasing the annual amount of pension payable the annual amount that may be earned in addition to the petitioner's annual pension allowance, reimbursement compensation, and benefits allowance and disbursement for his beneficiaries. We originally held a hearing on this back in 2024 and heard testimony from the petitioner. Following the hearing, the petition was passed by this council on August 7, 2024 and approved by the mayor on August 15, 2024. Upon request from the petitioner to make changes based on feedback from the state legislature to change it to 80 per cent, which is compliance with federal law, this is all that this homeowner petition is doing. It's just amending it by inserting the words 80 per cent as opposed to 100 per cent. There's details from the hearing that we held, including the information received, details of his incident, et cetera. But based on all of this, as the chair of the Committee on Government Operations, I recommend moving the listed docket from the committee to the full council for discussion and formal action. And at this time, my recommendation is that this ought to pass in a new draft. And now I'll pass it over to the original co-sponsor, Councillor Pepin.

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

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to my colleague for giving that amazing summary. Yes, I don't want to repeat anything. This is very much just a simple amendment to a homework petition that we passed back in 2024. I've been in conversation with the State House and Representative Rob Gonsalvo about how we can help this former firefighter get his benefits from 72% to 80%. Given that little has changed with this homework petition, I'm simply asking my colleagues to support this passage immediately. so that it could be sent to the State House. So thank you to the Chair of the GovOps Committee and to the President for this. So I ask my colleagues to pass this today. Thank you.

Thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Government Operations seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1235 in a new draft. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1235? Councillor Bray.

Yes. Councillor Brayden, yes. Councillor Kaleta-Zapata? Yes. Councillor Kaleta-Zapata, yes. Councillor Culpepper? Yes. Councillor Culpepper, yes. Councillor Durkan? Yes. Councillor Fitzgerald?

Yes.

Councillor Fitzgerald, yes. Councillor Flynn?

Yes.

Councillor Flynn, yes. Councillor Lujan?

Yes.

Councillor Lujan, yes. Councillor Mejia? Yes. Councillor Murphy?

Yes.

Councillor Murphy, yes. Councillor Pepin? Yes. Councillor Pepin, yes. Councillor Santana? Yes. Councillor Santana, yes. Councillor Weber? And Councillor Worrell? Docket number 1235 has received nine votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1235 has passed in a new draft. Mr. Clerk, could you please read dockets 1401 and 1402 together?

Docket number 1401, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks, which was referred on July 22nd, 2026. document number one four zero one message in our approving the receipt of a conservation restriction on land at zero Dale street, Boston, Mass. Oh two one three six. The grantor's title of the land is located at Suffolk County registry of deeds at book number seven zero four five nine page three 16. That description of the land includes all the land in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts containing the entirety, of a 44,137 square foot parcel of land which premises is, which land is located is unnumbered, also known as 0 Dale Street in the High Park District of the City of Boston. And the records of the assessing department is parcel number 1808198000. And in the and formerly the property of the former Boston and Providence Railroad Company, further bonded and described according to a plan of survey made by Harry Feldman, Inc., civil engineers and land surveyors, Joseph L. Calabro, Jr., registered land surveyor number 15998, dated January 18, 1993, and recorded at Suffolk County Registry of Deeds, book 24453, page 302. submits a report recommending the order ought to pass. Document number 1402, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, to which was referred on July 22nd, 2022. Document number 1402, message and order approving the receipt of a conservation restriction on land at 198 West 8th Street, Boston, Mass. 02127. The grantor's title of the land is located at Suffolk County Registered Deeds at book number 71757, page 35. That description of the land includes all the land in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts containing the entirety of the process of land totaling 4,655 square feet of land, more or less known as the Sister Mary Veronica Park shown as Lot 5, Lot 6, Lot 7, Lot 8, and Lot 9 on the survey dated August 12, 2025, titled Plot Plan 198 West 8th Street, South Boston, Mass., and prepared by Choice Consulting Group, Raintree, Massachusetts, submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Chair recognizes Councillor O'Reill, the Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. On Friday, August 21st, we held a hearing in the Committee of Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks. This was in conjunction with these two land transfer parcels. The first is a 44,137 square foot parcel at Zero Daily Street that is part of Sharon Woods and Rosendale. The second is the 4,655 square foot parcel called Sister Mary Veronica Park on West A Street in South Boston. We were joined by Councilors Finn and Murphy, and we heard from Parks Director of Design and Construction, Kathy Baker-Eclipse. She explained that both parcels were acquired by using CPA funds by the Parks Department. These documents are about approving the conservation restriction, which will ensure that this remains as open space. As Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, my recommendation is that these matters ought to pass. Thank you.

Thank you. The chair of the Committee on Environment—we take these dockets separately. We'll start with Docket 1401. The chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1401. All in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1401?

Council O'Brien. Yes. Council O'Brien. Yes. Council Kaleta-Zapata. Yes. Council Kaleta-Zapata. Yes. Council Culpeper. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan. Councilor Fitzgerald.

Yes.

Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn.

Yes.

Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Lujan.

Yes.

Councilor Lujan, yes. Councilor Mejia. Councilor Murphy.

Yes.

Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepin.

Yes.

Councilor Pepin, yes. Councilor Santana. Yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber. Yes. Councilor Orrell.

Yes.

Councilor Orrell, yes. Docket number 1401 has received 10 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 1401 has passed. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1402. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 1402.

Council of Braden.

Yes.

Council of Braden, yes. Council of Colletta-Zapata, yes. Council of Colletta-Zapata, yes. Council of Culpeper, yes. Council of Culpeper, yes. Council of Durkan, yes. Council of Fitzgerald, yes. Council of Fitzgerald, yes. Yes. Councillor Flynn. Yes. Councillor Lujan. Yes. Councillor Lujan. Yes. Councillor Mejia. Yes. Councillor Murphy. Yes. Councillor Murphy. Yes. Councillor Pepin.

Yes.

Councillor Pepin. Yes. Councillor Santana.

Yes.

Councillor Santana. Yes. Councillor Webber. Yes. Councillor Orrell. Yes. Councillor Orrell. Yes. Docket number 1402 has received 10 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 1402 has passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read dockets 1403 through 1409 together?

Dock number 1403, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Proxy, which was referred on July 22nd, 2026, dock number 1403. Message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Samira Ahmadi as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for a term expiring May 23rd, 2029. Submits a report recommending that the reappointment ought to be confirmed. Dr. Number one, four, zero, four, the committee on environmental justice, resiliency, and parks, which was referred on July 22nd, 2026. Dr. Number one, four, zero, four message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Jessica Boatwright as a member of the building emissions reduction and disclosure ordinance review board for a term expiring April 24th, 2029. submits a report recommending that the reappointment ought to be confirmed. Docket number 1405, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, to which I was referred on July 22nd, 2026, message in honor for the confirmation of the reappointment of Stephen Ellis as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for term expiring May 26th, 2029. submits a report recommending that the reappointment ought to be confirmed. Docket number 1406, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, to which was referred on July 22nd, 2026. Docket number 1406, message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Hassan Faruqi as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for a term expiring March 19, 2029. submits a report recommending that the reappointment ought to be confirmed. Document number 1407, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, to which was referred, July 22nd, 2026, message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Laurie Ferris as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for term expiring July 13, 2029. submits a report recommending that the reappointment ought to be confirmed. Document number 1408, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, which was referred July 22nd, 2026, message in order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Gail Lattimore as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for a term expiring April 24th, 2029. submits a report recommending that the reappointment ought to be confirmed. Docket number 1409, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, which was referred on July 22nd, 2026, message in order for the confirmation of the appointment of Camilo Esquivel Zapata as a member of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance Review Board for a term expiring July 20th, 2029. submits a report recommending the appointment ought to be confirmed.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The chair recognizes Councillor Worrell, the chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. On Friday, August 21st, the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks held a hearing on these seven dockets pertaining to the built-in emissions reduction and disclosure ordinance review boards. These documents include the reappointments of six current board members. It also includes the appointment of Camilo Escriva Zapata, who testified to a strong background in environmental advocacy and sustainable development. We also heard from Diana Vasquez, Senior Berto Policy Manager. On hand from the council were Councilors Flynn and Murphy. The terms of all these reappointments and new appointments, are three-year terms and will expire in 2029. As Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks, my recommendation is that these matters ought to pass. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. We're going to vote on these dockets separately. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1403. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The committee report has been accepted and docket 1403 has passed.

The appointment is confirmed.

The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report in the passage of docket 1404. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The committee report has been accepted and docket 1404 has passed. The appointment is confirmed. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1405. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 1405 has passed and the appointment is confirmed. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks suspension seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1406. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 1406 has passed, and the appointment is confirmed. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1407. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. Docket 1407 has passed and the appointment is confirmed. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of Docket 1408. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 1408 has passed and the appointment is confirmed. The Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 1409. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and docket 1409 is passed and the appointment is confirmed. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1514?

Docket number 1514, the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation, to which was referred August 5th, 2026. Docket number 1514, message in order to declare surplus city-owned property currently under the management of the Mayor's Office of Housing and transfer the care, custody, control, and management thereof to the Public Facilities Commission. The property comprises two unnumbered parcels located at Melia Cass Boulevard in the Roxbury District, Ward 9, parcel number 02225000 and 022425000. The surplus vote will allow the City to later transfer the land to the Boston Planning and Development Agency pursuant to a 2002 memorandum of agreement between the City, APDA and MassDOT. Submits a report recommending that the order ought to pass.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald, the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The committee received information from the administration regarding Docket 1514, considered a part of what is known as the Crescent Parcel. The Crescent Parcel is an approximately 72,905 square foot site composed of eight parcels of vacant land. The various parcels are owned by the BPDA, MassDOT, and the City of Boston. Located on a prominent corner at the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Tremont Street, the property abuts the Madison Park Housing Development to the west and St. Catherine Drexel Parish Church to the southwest. The property is located in both the campus high school and the south end urban renewal areas and within a boulevard planning district with overlays to underlying sub-districts. The BPDA, MassDOT, and City of Boston are parties to a certain memorandum of agreement executed in March of 2002 under which the parties agreed to designate the BPDA to establish and implement a development and disposition plan for the property. Since the original tentative designation, the BPDA has acquired the parcel owned by MassDOT at this location. The parties agreed that, prior to awarding final designation of the property, the BPDA will acquire the City of Boston properties, all of which are part of the RFP. Prior to a ground lease, these properties may be consolidated, once under the ownership of the BRA, in order to define better property lines and for legal, regulatory, and permitting processes. Having eight different parcels creates additional complications that can cause an undue burden on the developer. The BPA will enter into a long-term 70-year ground lease for the Crescent parcel. On November 18th, 2021, the BRA awarded tentative designation to Drexel Village LLC as the developer of the Crescent parcel and extended their tentative designation status on June 16th, 2022, December 15th, 2022, June 15, 2023, December 14, 2023, June 13, 2024, and December 12, 2024. The developer's proposal was designed with input from the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee and includes the development of 217 affordable rental units, retail and cafe space on Tremont Street, and community space located in a building on an abutting parcel. All eight parcels must be transferred to the BPDA so they can officially designate this property to the developer. The BPDA has since acquired the parcels from MassDOT, but these two parcels remain. As Vice Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation, I recommend moving the listed docket from the committee to the full council for discussion and formal action. At this time, my recommendation to the full council will be that this matter ought to pass. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I am supportive of declaring these two city-owned parcels on Melnea Cass surplus and taking the necessary steps to move the crescent parcel project forward at a time when boston continues to face an affordable housing crisis we should be looking at every opportunity to use publicly owned land to to create housing that roxbury residents can afford this project would create 217 affordable rental units in Roxbury, along with retail, cafe, and community space. This is the kind of development I want to see on public land. When the city has property that can be transformed from vacant land into hundreds of affordable homes, we should be doing everything we can to responsibly move those projects forward. The Crescent Postal has gone through a community planning process that included input from the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee. We talk frequently in this chamber about the need to build more affordable housing and create opportunities for residents to remain in the communities they serve. This is an opportunity to translate that commitment into more than 200 new affordable homes in Roxbury where those residents can call home. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councilor Culpepper. The Vice-Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation seeks acceptance of the committee report in passage of Docket 1514. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and Docket 1514 has passed. We're now on to matters recently heard. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1391.

Docket number 1391, message in order, authorizing the City of Boston. to accept and expend the amount of $12,855,000 in the form of a grant awarded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant would fund the skill trades initiative which aims to enhance vocational training, expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities, and support students' participation in registered apprenticeship programs. The initiative focuses on student persistence, in completion, employer engagement, and program coordination to build pathways in the construction industry, water utility management, and other skilled trades. This will be administered in collaboration with the Boston Public Schools.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes the Vice Chair of the Committee on Labor and Economic Development, Councillor Whale. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Labor and Economic Development held a hearing on Tuesday, August 25th, to discuss a grant awarded from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The following panelists testified on behalf of the administration. Chief of Work and Empowerment, Trinh Nguyen, Deputy Chief of Work and Empowerment, Jody Sugarman-Brosin, Assistant Superintendent, Office of College Career and Life Readiness for BPS, Brett Dickens, Boston Public Schools and Madison Park, Technical Vocational High School Leader, Paul Neal, and on hand from the council were Councilors Flynn, Murphy, Fitzgerald, and Culpepper. The administration presented the committee with a detailed breakdown and overview of how the funds will be allocated across city departments. Bloomberg Philanthropies works to ensure that students gain the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st century by centering students' needs in expanded pathways for young people through greater access to college and universities or stronger career and technical training. The organization is committed to giving more students the chance to reach their full potential. The investment will support four strategies. The first is building a pipeline toward the skilled trades by embedding a building pathways pre-apprenticeship program at Madison Park Vocational Tech High School. The second is expanding the pipeline to grow from 50 to at least 100 registered apprenticeship seats each year. The third is expanding the program to provide for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship seats to students across BPS, for an after-hours program at Madison Park. And the fourth is introducing 400 to 500 eighth graders to opportunities in the building trades at Madison Park through targeted recruitment. The 2026 cohort will include 19 students, 15 of whom participated in the Building Pathways Boot Camp program, 14 of whom completed the program, and the grant period runs from April 2026 to June of 2029, and funds will be allocated as follows. 90% will go directly toward program cost, and 6% will go toward program coordination. We heard public testimony for the need to have some of these apprenticeship programs closer to where students live or go to school, rather than being centralized at Madison. We also heard a desire for more work to be done to reach young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. At this time, my recommendation to the full council will be that this matter ought to pass. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the chair for holding this important hearing. And the panelists gave us some great information. We're in the first of what I believe three years of this important grant. But I do just want to uplift the voices of the students. So I'm not sure if you advocated for that chair, but it was good to hear from the students directly. especially students who don't attend Madison Park and just trying to figure out how we as a city can make sure that we're giving these opportunities to students all across the city. But I participated in this hearing to learn more about the $12.85 million Bloomberg Philanthropy Grant. I've always been a strong supporter of vocational education because I know firsthand how important it is to advocate for different types of education and training. so that our students need to succeed. A traditional four-year college education is not the only path to a rewarding and financially secure future. This grant will expand pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship opportunities in construction, water utility management, and other skilled trades, providing our students with direct pathways to well-paying careers. So I am supporting this grant and this important investment And look forward to following it through. I know I asked questions about what are the guardrails and how do we check and what types of supports are there to make sure our students are not just getting these opportunities, but we're seeing them through that. They're actually landing the jobs that this training will provide for them. So looking forward to working alongside cuts or L and the Office of Workforce Development to ensure that our students get what they need. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. The chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. Councillor, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam President.

I support accepting this grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This is a significant investment in vocational education, free apprenticeship opportunities, and pathways into registered apprenticeships and the skilled trades. As mentioned by Councilor Worrell, we realize that this grant is not just for Madison Park Vocational Training. Under Objective 3, it will include the Ruth Batson School, the Boston Collaborative, the Fenway School, and Tech Boston, and Boston International, who will all participate in this grant under Objective 3. Madison Park needs and deserves this investment. For too long, we've talked about the potential of Madison Park while the school is operated in a facility that does not reflect the quality of vocational education that we should be providing our young people. As we work toward a new Madison Park through the MSBA process, we also need to invest in the programs, and that's exactly what this $12 million will do, to invest in the programs, equipment, partnerships, and career opportunities available to the students who are there today. We also need to recognize that success at the high school does not have one definition. College is an important pathway, but it is not the only pathway. We should be exposing our young people to careers that may not always be the most traditional path after high school, but that can provide good paying jobs, rewarding careers, and opportunities for economic mobility without requiring a four-year degree. Chapter 74 programs can provide students with extensive technical training, industry credentials, cooperative education, and pathways into employment and apprenticeships. So I strongly support accepting these funds, but I also want to make sure that this investment strengthens the institution that's at the center of vocational and technical education in the city of Boston. If we are serious about the future, If we're serious about Madison Park, that commitment has to extend beyond rebuilding the building. It also means investing in students, investing in programs, and investing in careers pathways inside the school. Thank you, Madam President.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to acknowledge the hearing that Councilor Worrell conducted. It was very informative, an hour and 45 minutes, almost two hours. But we learned a great deal about how this grant can help people access skills such as HVAC or culinary arts or in the building trades. It was very informative. and I'm here to support the recommended amount and want to acknowledge the critical questioning, important questioning from Councilor Culpepper. Asking as many questions, relevant questions about what the grant will do and how it will impact students and young people across the city. And I agree, I believe this is about social, economic, racial justice, we want to ensure Every child, especially children and young adults, communities of color have access to good careers. And the only way you get a good career is through education and training. This will lead us to a path to provide that for residents. But I also want to continue to work on ensuring that we have exceptional programming at Madison Park, We build a state-of-the-art high school, Madison Park High School. I think it's desperately needed and will support so many young people that need to get into the trades or want to get into the trades, I should say. I attended a technical high school in Boston that is closed now. It's called Don Bosco High School, but many of the Fellow students that I studied with studied electronics, carpentry, printing, woodworking, and so many other trades. But they were able to get a significant career. I talked yesterday for a while, as did my colleagues, about how important it is to learn about HVAC training. And that's really a field for young people to master so that they can be exceptional on that. That's gonna be a major career field for so many young people. But I do want to acknowledge Councilor Worrell, Councilor Culpepper, Councilor Murphy and Fitzgerald and the others. But especially the questioning from Councilor Culpepper. Because the questioning he was asking really provided him with so much knowledge and information that he's able to learn and use that information to help his constituents. So I would encourage my colleagues, if they want to watch the video and learn as much as they can about vocational training in the city of Boston, yes, we'll all vote in support of the grant. It'll be a 10-0 vote. But it is important to listen and watch that video from yesterday, because it is very knowledgeable, and it will make us better city councilors. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. The Chair of the Committee on Labour and Economic Development seeks acceptance of the committee report and passage of docket 1391. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The committee report has been accepted and docket 1391 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 the co-sponsors. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1599?

Docket No. 1599, Councillor Colletta-Zapata, for the following. Ordinance amending the City of Boston Code Section 5-5.20, paid parental leave for the City of Boston employees.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Colletta-Zapata. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Today is my first official day back in this chamber besides the budget votes after welcoming my son Joaquin and taking maternity leave. I come back with a new perspective as a new mom and with an even deeper appreciation for what it takes to support a family in this city. Today I'm introducing an ordinance to strengthen paid parental leave for city of Boston employees. Boston currently provides eligible employees with 12 weeks of parental leave. but only the first four weeks are paid at 100%. The next four are paid at 75%, and the final four at just 50%. If employees need their full paycheck, and most families in Boston do, they must surrender separately earned sick or vacation time to make themselves and their families whole. This ordinance is simple, 12 weeks of parental leave should mean 12 weeks at 100% of base pay. It preserves the existing 12 week benefit, and it applies to birth, adoption, surrogacy, and pregnancy loss. It preserves equal leave for both parents, including when both work for the city, and it modernizes gendered language in our existing code. This is fundamentally an economic issue. Having a baby is expensive. Child care is expensive. Housing in the city of Boston is expensive. Diapers, formula, groceries, medical expenses, all of it adds up at precisely the moment when we are telling a city employee, your paycheck is going down. And we should ask ourselves, what message that sends to the people we are trying to recruit and retain to work in the city of Boston? The city of Boston competes every day with major corporations and institutions for talented workers. We cannot always compete dollar for dollar on salary, but we can compete on values and benefits. If we want our best and brightest to choose public service and stay in public service, we need to make the city of Boston a model employer. Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco all pay 12 weeks at 100% of their pay. New York, also 100% of their pay at 12 weeks with a separate agreement for unions. Research estimates replacing an employee can cost roughly 21% of their annual salary. At Boston's median salary, that's approximately $17,000 every time we lose an employee. Research has found that for first time mothers who take paid leave, they were substantially less likely to also leave their jobs. And this is a fairness issue for moms and dads. We want fathers and non-birthing parents home bonding with their babies and supporting their partners. We should not create an economic incentive for one parent, often the higher earner, to return to work earlier because the family cannot afford a reduced paycheck. And we also cannot separate economic security from the conversation happening nationally right now about parental mental health. Recent events have forced difficult conversations about postpartum mental health and whether families have enough support during an incredibly vulnerable period. This legislation is not a substitute for mental health care, but research tells us that access to paid leave and economic security are associated with better maternal mental health outcomes. No new mother recovering from childbirth should spend those first few weeks calculating whether or not she should afford to remain home. And I'm getting emotional because I know so many of my friends that have had this conversation with me that feel like they are not supported, especially during this vulnerable time after giving birth. And unfortunately, they have to pinch pennies during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. And so I'm open to having conversations about a separate legislative mechanism to identify cost offsets. Let's not beat around the bush here. This is going to cost money. But I do want to look at the data. I want to open it up, what it costs when somebody leaves the workforce, what it means to buy back vacation and sick time. And just a note on this too, 3 quarters of the folks that took paid parental leave over the last five years have been in both fire and police and so there's something to be said here about collective bargaining and working with our unions so i know my time is up so i will cut it short but i just want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for their support during these tough few months i love my son joaquin he's out here right now he's with nana and papa but i think that this is such an important conversation to have right now again based on all the conversation that we're having nationally about postpartum care and postpartum support And I think if we're serious about supporting parents, this is the right thing to do. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Coletta Zapata.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 1599 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1-6-0-0?

Docket number 1-6-0-0. Councillor Culpepper offer the following ordinance to amend the Boston Human Rights Commission.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to add Councillor Flynn as the second original co-sponsor and request suspension of the rules to add Councillor Worrell as the third original co-sponsor.

Councillor Flynn is added as a second, and seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Worrell is added as a third.

Thank you, Madam President. When I learned that the Boston Human Rights Commission had been inactive for more than two years, I felt compelled to use this moment not to simply bring the commission back, but to ask what could we do to rebuild it into a stronger institution than it was before. The need for this commission has not diminished during its absence. Residents continue to experience discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and other areas of everyday life, and they deserve an independent, local, adjudicatory body they know exists, can easily access, and can trust to fairly investigate and resolve complaints when their rights have been violated. I also want to recognize the work the administration and the Equity Cabinet have continued to do during the commission's absence. The Equity Cabinet and its offices play a critical role in advancing equity, addressing discrimination, connecting residents with resources, and improving how the city serves its communities. But that work and an independent Human Rights Commission serve different and complementary purposes. There may be circumstances where the city itself, a city department, or a city policy is the subject of a complaint. In those circumstances, especially, residents need an independent body with the authority to hear the facts, make determinations, and provide meaningful recourse. During the fiscal year 27 budget process, the council successfully secured $200,000 to preserve funding for the Human Rights Commission. In July, the Civil Rights Committee then held a hearing on the future of the commission where we heard from the administration former human rights commissioners, civil rights advocates, and leaders of other human rights agencies about what worked in the past, where gaps existed, and what a reestablished commission should look like. One of the questions at the center of that conversation was how we create commission that is not simply advisory, but that has a meaningful and independent role in civil rights enforcement. I took the feedback and recommendations we received at that hearing and use them to further develop the ordinance I am filing today. Ultimately, I believe that the city, as this large and diverse as Boston is, should have an independent local institution where residents can bring a discrimination complaint and know there is a fair process for determining what happened what recourse is appropriate. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the administration, civil rights advocates, and community members as we continue refining this ordinance and move forward to restore the Human Rights Commission that is independent, accessible, and equipped with the adjudical authority necessary to meaningfully protect residents' civil rights. Thank you, Madam President.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. I do want to say thank you to Councilor Culpepper for adding me as an original co-sponsor on this important ordinance. We must always strive to live in a city and country where civil rights and human rights are protected and respected. This commission provides a critical and important voice for those who were discriminated against or a victim of a hate crime. I've worked with the Human Rights Commission since I started almost nine years ago. I'm committed to working with city colleagues to ensure we remain a city that always treats people with respect and dignity. The Human Rights Commission was established under Mayor Flynn, and one of my constituents was the first director, a well-respected woman in the LGBTQ plus community, Ann Sanders. The commission works to ensure full and equal access to public services and accommodations. It receives and investigates complaints, resolves cases through mediation hearings, advocates in support of human rights, and partners with state and federal agencies. I also want to recognize the former commissioners on the Human Rights Commission for the exceptional work that they did for many years. I worked, as I mentioned, with the Human Rights Commission, especially after or during the pandemic, when we saw a large anti-Asian discrimination, anti-Asian racism, not just here in Boston, but across the country, and also in support of LGBTQ plus residents. I'm looking forward to a future hearing, a working session to discuss this proposal. And again, I want to say thank you to Councillor Culpepper for the critical lead he has provided, not just on this issue, but as a civil rights lawyer for many years. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Councillor Culpepper for filing this, and I also want to thank Council Flint is continued advocacy on this issue. This ordinance responds to the advocacy during budget season, but also to what we heard during that June hearing around the Civil Rights, Human Rights Commission. This ordinance gives it to staff and the structure needed to meet today's challenges. It creates a more effective process for resolving issues. At a time when civil rights and human rights are under attack across this country, Boston Human Rights Department needs the tools to protect the people right here in our city. If someone believes their rights have been violated, they should know where to turn and have confidence that their complaint will be taken seriously. It is time to get this department running at full strength and living up to its full potential. Boston cannot sit on the sidelines when it comes to protecting human and civil rights. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Borrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana. Please add the Chair. Thank you. Docket 1600 will be referred to the Committee on Government Operations. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1601?

Docket number 1601. Councillor Worrell, I offer the following. Order for a hearing to explore raising the percentage of Community Preservation Act funds dedicated to affordable housing.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Culpepper as an original co-sponsor.

Councillor Culpepper so added.

Thank you. The Community Preservation Committee has established a goal of 50% of funds to be devoted to affordable housing, and 20% each to historical preservation and open space and recreation, leaving 10% that could be directed to any category. We know that other cities like Cambridge have opted to using the max amount of CPA funding allowed that translate to 80% for the affordable housing bucket. In 2025, Boston, using a formula that allocated 50%, about 19 million of a total of 40 million of our CPA funds went to affordable housing, leading to the creation or preservation of approximately 309 units. If we had elected to allocate 80%, then we could have increased our subsidy for affordable housing projects by $12 million. Through ARPA funding, we directed $236 million to housing supports and services. Now that ARPA money is gone, and there are no capital funds that go directly to affordable housing in the city. This conversation is about exploring how we are allocating our funding. I do think that amid our ongoing housing crunch, it is worth considering what it would mean to raise our threshold above the 50% So I'm looking forward to discussion, and I want to thank the Boston Municipal Research Bureau for the report this summer highlighting this issue. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Worrell, for adding me as a co-sponsor. As federal resources expire and the cost of producing affordable housing continues to challenge our ability to meet the demand, We should be examining every sustainable source of funding available to us. I look forward to this hearing and to hearing from the Community Preservation Committee, the administration, housing advocates, and other stakeholders about what a greater commitment of CPA resources to affordable housing could accomplish. The Community Preservation Act is one tool we already have available. Boston currently sets a goal of directing 50% of the CPA funding toward affordable housing, but that allocation is not set in stone. The Boston Municipal Research Bureau has estimated that directing 80% toward housing between 2018 and 2025 would have generated an additional $65.8 million for housing-related investments. Increasing the housing allocation would necessarily involve choices about the other important purposes supported by CPA. So this hearing gives us an opportunity to understand those trade-offs and determine whether the current allocation reflects the urgency of Boston's housing needs. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Kaleta. Sopata, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, and please add the Chair. Thank you. Docket 1601 will be referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1602? I beg your pardon, Councillor Pepin, I see you have your light on.

Thank you, Madam President. Point of clarification, I'm the Chair of both the Committee on Housing and Community Preservation. Would this be more fitting for the Community Preservation Committee?

I actually think under these circumstances, it should go to CPA. So, yes, we will.

And again, I'm the chair of both, so I'm more than glad to host this.

I think it's one of those things. Can I take a brief recess? Could I just consider this brief recess?

Yeah. I rarely... Yeah.

Yes, I think since the entire discussion is around CPA, and you're the chair of both, I think we'll put it to the Community Preservation Committee. Thank you. So docket 1601 will be referred to the Committee on Community Preservation Act, CPA. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1602?

Number one six zero two council we're all off of the following voter for a hearing to explore codifying the office of violence prevention and establishing a biennial Violence prevention strategy plan in the city of Boston.

Thank you chair recognizes concert. We're L concert.

You have the floor Thank You madam president. The public is asking for a clear process around how the city creates a safety plan residents should have an opportunity to help shape that plan and understand what resources are being deployed, and know how success will be measured. We know violence is both a public safety and public health issue. That means our strategy has to bring together law enforcement, violence prevention, housing, health care, youth programming, and economic opportunity. We also need a real focus, a real process for evaluating the programs we fund. We need to understand what is working, how effective each program is, and whether it's actually helping us reduce violence, and make our neighborhood safer. That requires clear goals, consistent data, community feedback, and regular public reporting. This ordinance is about creating a clear process, building a plan with the community, evaluating the effectiveness of our programs, and making sure we continue investing in what works. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Are you a sponsor? I beg your pardon.

Well, I'd like to add Councillor Culpepper as an original co-sponsor.

Councillor Culpepper is still added. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Forwell, for adding me as an original co-sponsor. Even though a little late, I still thank you. As I've said before, public safety cannot begin and end with law enforcement. Some of the most important violence prevention work in Boston happens long before police response, through outreach workers, violence interpreters, community organizations, faith leaders, mentors, and residents who have spent years building trust in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. The city has already taken steps towards recognizing violence as both a public safety in a public health issue involving moving the mayor's community safety team into Boston Public Health Commission's Office of Violence Prevention in 2025. What this hearing asks us to consider is how we make that work more permanent, coordinated, and accountable through a codified office and a comprehensive violence prevention strategy that is revisited on a regular basis. I am particularly interested and how community organizations fit into that structure. We should not develop a city strategy and then ask the people doing this work on the ground to react to it. Their experience should help shape the strategy itself, and we should also be having a serious conversation about the sustained funding necessary for them to carry it out. A biennial strategy could give us an opportunity to establish clear goals identify responsibilities across agencies, measures whether our investments are working, and make sure prevention and intervention remain priorities from one budget cycle and one administration to the next. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Flynn, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, and please add the chair. Docket 1602 will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1603?

Docket number 1603. Councillor Worrell will offer the following. Order for a hearing on high energy costs and pathways to an equitable and environmentally resilient energy transition in Boston.

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

Thank you, Madam President. The cost of energy is only getting higher. The longer we continue to depend on an energy system run by gas pipeline networks, the worse these costs will get. They'll get worse at exponential rates. And speaking with advocates, we learned that by some estimates, the cost of replacing a gas pipeline is about $7 million per mile. It's increasing year over year. And it's showing up in residence utility bills disproportionately impacting small businesses and residents with lower incomes. fueling displacement the majority of what customers now pay each month no longer goes towards fuel but toward rebuilding and maintaining a gas network that is larger than necessary to meet future needs the problem is right now energy providers are incentivized to address our system in the most costly fashion through the gas system enhancement program other otherwise known as gset Providers receive subsidies to replace gas pipelines, even when it would be more cost effective to repair or retire pipes. Oftentimes, pipes are replaced even when a replacement is not needed. As we work to decarbonize the city in line with our Vision Zero goals, if we do not work to downsize our gas networks, residents will continue to face higher bills in the years ahead as a network utility diminishes while the cost of its replacement rises. If Boston wants to be net zero by 2050, we cannot continue using the current gas system we have in 24 years. And we need to support neighborhood electrification that is affordable to all our residents, not just a wealthy few. That is why I want to use this hearing to dive deeper into the city's upcoming gas pipeline projects to compare potential costs and impact on infrastructure and residents' livelihood of replacement versus repair and retirement. And to develop an energy transition plan that prioritizes saving our costs and improving the health and financial well-being of Boston residents. I want to give a special thanks to the team at Mothers Out Front, advocates who have been leading in this space and sounding the alarm for some time. Their dedication and expertise has been crucial. I look forward to continuous work alongside them and all my colleagues to make our city more energy efficient and affordable for all. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisiane, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 1603 will be referred to the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1604?

Docket number 1604. Councillor Worrell, I offer the following. Order for a hearing to examine the challenges facing Independent restaurant operators in Boston.

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

Thank you, Madam President. It's been a tough summer for many of our independent restaurants. We saw a lot of economic uptake around the World Cup and Tall Ships to be very centralized in certain neighborhoods of Boston. And once a lot of the summer buzz ended, a number of excellent restaurants and bars have announced their closing or have closed. almost reads like a who's who's a Boston best local establishment. This is obviously a multifactorial situation driven in part by our president starting wars and driving up the price of gas that then spikes runaway inflation. But whether or not the city is in the main driver behind the economic issues, we should be trying to do everything we can to ensure local independent restaurants can survive in this environment. When we are left with private equity back chains across the city, then we're lacking a main cultural touch point. And so I'm hoping we can have a hearing to discuss what more can the city do. We have made great strides with new liquor licenses, but there are still areas for improvement, including streamlining the permit process, expanding commercial acquisition program, increasing our culinary vocational education, and expanding the MBTA's night hour service. One other possibility that I want to call out is creating more cultural districts. The state has restarted its coastal district program. My office is now working with common square businesses to get one in common square. But it leads me to thinking, why don't we have an arts district? Why don't we have a music district? And what could the city do to help those districts that already are established to improve and activate them even more? In our theater district, we should be allowing more street performance. Can we add more activation in our music district? And so I'd love to ensure that we're thinking beyond simply social districts and beyond the status quo here in the city. We need to be thinking a lot more creatively to increase foot traffic, which ultimately will help our restaurants. Thank you, and I look forward to this hearing.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 1604 will be referred to the Committee on Labour and Economic Development. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1605?

Docket number 1605. Councillor Braden offered the following order requesting certain information under section 17F relative to speed humps installed as part of the safety surge initiative.

Thank you. Councillor President Braden seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 1605. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1605 is passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1606?

Docket number 1606. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Resolution in support of the continued use of ShotSpotter in the City of Boston.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. In 2007, the Boston Police Department first implemented ShotSpotter, which is a collection of sensors that detect and locate gunshots in seconds using acoustic gunfire detection systems, sending an immediate signal and precise location of the shots to the police dispatcher. Recently, many Massachusetts cities have been considering banning this technology due to concerns about government surveillance. A live study conducted in Pittsburgh found that when six more sensors participated in locating a shot, 96% of shots could be located within 15 meters. Boston Police have reported that on average, shot spotter alerts arrive one to two minutes before 911 calls. This increases the response time. It may potentially save life. through ambulances coming, helping the victims, as well as evidence collection. In May 18th, the Cambridge City Council voted to end the use of shot spotter against the advocacy of the Cambridge Police. On July 4th, the Cambridge Police Department of Public Works employees was fatally shot. Officials believe if he had been shot, Shortly before 4.30 in 911 had not been called until 5.30 a.m., the Cambridge City Council subsequently voted to reactivate ShotSpotter for 90 days while they reevaluate the implications of their policy. They know that the system works. I want to acknowledge the Cambridge City Council for making this change. ShotSpotter has assisted officers in responding to shootings. recovering illegal firearms, ballistic evidence, including a May 2026 incident in Dorchester in which responding officers located ballistic evidence. Within minutes, the Boston Police stopped a vehicle matching a suspect description, recovered a loaded firearm, resulting in an arrest. This is a public safety tool that gives Boston Police information on potential shootings It has historically led officers directly to shootings, victims, suspects, ballistic evidence, illegal firearm survivors. With Boston roughly 600 police officers shot, we are facing significant public safety challenges. It is especially critical to take advantage of technology such as ShotSpotter and provide the ability for officers to get to the scene more quickly. I'm respectfully asking my city councilors to join me in suspending and passing this resolution. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councillor Flynn, for fighting this. As the Chair of Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I believe that this is an important conversation that we need to have as a council. I think Councillor Flynn mentioned many of our surrounding cities around Boston who have had many of these conversations. I think that we should be having that here in the City of Boston. Respectfully, for those reasons, I would like to block this resolution and be able to have a hearing on this and then bring this up for a vote after we have that conversation. Thank you.

In light of this objection, docket 1606 will be sent to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1607?

Docket number 1607. Councillor Fitzgerald offered the following resolution recognizing September as National Recovery Month.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Could I also add, Councillor Murphy, As an original co-sponsor. Councillor Murphy so added. Thank you. Since 1989, September has been recognized as National Recovery Month by recovery organizations in order to celebrate the positive steps made by those in recovery and spread awareness of evidence-based methods of substance abuse prevention and treatments. We're having an event to honor those in recovery on September the 17th. It's a Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Mass Incast Connector in collaboration with the Coordinated Response Team. So I invite any and all of my colleagues here, again, that's on September 17th at 5 p.m. at the Mass Incast Connector. We will be doing an event to celebrate those in recovery because as hard as the work is, we should stop and take time to look at the accomplishments made by those that continue their recovery, have gotten into recovery, and look at the positive work we've done and how we can continue to build off it. So thank you very much, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Fitzgerald. Would anyone like to add their... Oh, Councillor Murphy. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you and thank you Council Fitzgerald for adding me as an original sponsor. I just want to stand and say it's always important to be recognizing the hard work of those in recovery themselves, the family members who are going along this journey with them and those we know in this city and across this country who support those trying to find a path to Recovery which is the best path anyone who was struggling could take so someone who knows firsthand and who has a son who? Made it through the Gavin foundation who is now proudly serving in the army and in a very healthy happy place in his life I know firsthand that it works and I know many of us have family members or ourselves who know that this works but it's hard work and taking time like you said counts for Gerald to celebrate those times when we have wins because many times we're not winning it's like two steps forward three steps back but like most things in life you can't give up you just got to keep moving forward and i just want to make sure anyone out there listening that i'm here to support in any way i can and i know my colleagues care about this also so make sure you know that we on the council here are advocating for It's not just those struggling. One just other thing I want to add. Most of the media just covers those who are struggling down at Massacast. And although that is a big important thing that we as a city have to address, it's a public health, public safety, mental health crisis down there and as it has spread into other areas. But many of those who are struggling are going to work every day, are living in houses. They're not homeless. There's just different levels. to just remember that those who are supporting know that there's just so many different people, and many of them you wouldn't even know are out there needing support. So thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Colletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Councillors Fitzgerald and Murphy seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 1607. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Docket 1617 has been adopted. Docket 1607 has been adopted. Mr Clerk, could you please read Docket 1608?

Dr. Number 1608. Councillor Brady now for the following. Resolution calling for robust infrastructure solutions to protect the Charles River and other local waterways from combined sewer overflows.

Thank you. May I ask Madam Vice President to take the podium for me?

The Chair recognises Council President Braden. Council Braden, you have the floor.

Thank you. This is Docket 1608, a resolution calling for robust infrastructure solutions to protect the Charles River and other local waterways from combined sewer overflows. Every year, millions of gallons of untreated stormwater are discharged into the Charles and the Mystic Rivers via combined sewage overflows, or CSOs. While efforts have been made to close these CSOs and prevent sewage from entering our waterways, approximately nine combined sewer outfalls remain along the Charles River. Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in Cambridge and Somerville released a draft updated long-term control plan for the Charles River, the Alewife Brook and the Upper Mystic River. Unfortunately, the current draft does not does not eliminate CSOs. We should not accept a long-term plan that allows untreated sewage to continue entering our waterways when there are infrastructure solutions available to significantly reduce these discharges. This will require coordination between the MWRA, Boston, our neighbouring municipalities and state agencies. Tremendous progress has been made. Discharge volume is down 98% since the late 1980s. However, we should continue to aim high and demand that the Charles River be free from sewage outflows. This will be a pressing issue as climate change continues with increased rainfall and, by extension, overflows. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and join us in calling for stronger, final long-term control plan. We are very proud of the fact that we have cleaned up Boston Harbour, that the Charles River is so much cleaner, but the Mystic River, the Charles River and the Tauponset Rivers are three watersheds within our boundaries. The safety and the health of our water in the harbour for swimming and recreation in the summer is greatly impacted by the fact that these sewage outfalls are continuing into our Riverways in the city. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Braden. Would anyone else like to speak on this matter? Would anyone else like to add their name? Mr. Clerk, would you please add Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, and Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Councillor Braden seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1608. All those in favour say aye. Aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Thank you, docket 1608 has been adopted. Okay, Mr. Clerk, can you please read docket 1609?

Dr. Number 1609, Councillor Braden, offer the following resolution celebrating National Hotel Employee Day.

Thank you. The chair recognizes Council President Braden. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Hotel employees are an important part of Boston's hospitality industry. Every day they welcome visitors to our city and provide the services that keep our hotels operating and make Boston a welcoming place. 13,220 people work in Boston's hotels. The hospitality industry provides opportunities for workers to develop new skills, build careers and advance within the industry. This recognition is particularly important this year as Boston has welcomed an increase in visitors with the World Cup, America 250 and Seal Boston. Hotel employees across the city have met that increased demand with professionalism, and continue to provide a level of service that visitors of Boston rely on. The success of our hospitality industry would not be possible without the thousands of employees who do this work every day. National Hotel Employee Day gives us an opportunity to recognise their contributions and thank them for the work that they do for our city. I want to extend my appreciation to all of Boston's hotel employees for their hard work, dedication and service, and invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating them and by recognizing August 26th as National Hotel Employee Day in the city of Boston. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to speak on this matter? Councilor Lejeune, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just would be remiss not to stand in support of this resolution as someone who has a number of my family members who are hotel employees and work diligently in the hospitality industry, so I want to thank Council President Braden for filing and just appreciate this resolution.

Thank you Thank You councillor Lujan Would anyone like to add their name Mr. Clerk, would you please add councillor Culpepper councillor Fitzgerald councillor Flynn councillor Lujan councillor Murphy councillor Pepin councillor Santana councillor Worrell and please add the chair Councillor Braden seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1609 all those in favor say aye aye All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1609 has been adopted.

Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1601? No, 1610.

Docket number 1610. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Resolution in support of a knife collection program in the City of Boston.

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

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

Councillor Culpepper so added.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. This summer, there have been a surge of serious violence and stabbings in Boston, including at South Station during rush hour and North Station as well. Cities across the world have enacted knife collection programs at local police stations in response to public safety challenges. In 2024, Cleveland, England, implemented knife surrender and collection programs that allow residents to anonymously and safely dispose of knives and other blade weapons through dedicated surrender bins. Again, Cleveland, England. Police report that hundreds of knives have been voluntarily surrendered through these programs, helping remove potentially dangerous weapons from communities and support broader efforts to reduce knife crime. In another city in England, 315 weapons were handed in, including knives, machetes, in several guns as well. This was in Lincolnshire in England. Analysis of police reported crime data in London found that knife-related crime declined for five weeks following the implementation of this program. In Glasgow, studies show that individuals in emergency departments with stab wounds declined up to 10 months after the program was implemented. I think it's critical that we put all options on the table to reduce gun violence in the city. I do acknowledge and understand that this has never been, this is not really popular in the United States. And maybe having a pilot program to see if it makes sense or it doesn't make sense. But maybe it's worth a try to reduce violence in the city of Boston. I do know that Councillor Culpepper may offer a change to my resolution, which I do support the change, but I do want to give Councillor Culpepper the opportunity to explain it, but I'm on board with his recommendation as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, the change and the amendment I would offer is to establish a broader daily weapons collection program that includes knives and firearms. And I think Councillor Flynn agrees to accept that amendment.

Do you have a written amendment? We'll take a few minutes. I'll take a brief recess.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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

Madam Chair, may I go on record in support of the updated changes made by Councillor Culpepper, please?

Yes. Councillor Flynn accepts Councillor Culpepper's friendly amendment. All of you should have a copy of the amended resolution in front of you. Everyone got it? All those in favor of accepting this amended version, say aye. Thank you. The amended version is in front of you. Councillor Culpepper, you want to continue? Councillor, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, I am now prepared to support this resolution that has been amended to create a more comprehensive weapons collection effort. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Would anyone else like to speak on this matter? Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Pepin. Yes, and please add the Chair. Councillors Flynn and Culpepper seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1610 in an amended version. All those in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1610 has been adopted. Thank you, everyone. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 1611?

Docket number 1611. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Resolution in support of granting City of Boston Park Rangers police academy training and police powers to enhance public safety in Boston Parks.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department Park Ranger Division was originally formed in 1982 as a seasonal program that became a year-round program in 1988. The three main responsibilities for the park rangers are public assistance, public safety, park protection. Park Rangers serve at the nine Emerald Necklace Parks, Boston's historic burying grounds, neighborhood parks, playgrounds. Their training includes park management in background, recreation, liberal arts, environmental studies, law enforcement, first aid, CPR, and crisis intervention. In Los Angeles, city park rangers are sworn police officers who receive full basic police academy training upon hire. Like city of Boston park rangers, they are dedicated to ensuring that city parks remain safe, welcoming, enjoyable for public use. However, the law enforcement authority also allows them to respond to incidents, assist with public safety, deter criminal activity, work proactively, to reduce crime in city parks. The Boston Police Department has a longstanding issue of understaffing, overstretched resources, mandatory overtime, looming retirements. The Boston police officers have worked more than 16 hours a day for years, negatively impacting officers' physical and emotional well-being, as well as that of their families. At one time, the Boston Park Rangers had the authority to make arrests. They had police powers. This resolution, although there's more work that needs to be done, would grant park rangers with police powers that would provide them with the authority and tools necessary to properly respond to incidents within Boston's parks. in public spaces while allowing them to serve as an additional layer of public safety. This could help address public safety incidents more quickly, provide additional resources to an already strained Boston Police Department. I met with residents in Beacon Hill recently in downtown Boston about how critical Boston Common is and how we need more police presence in Boston Common. I love the Boston Common. Park rangers play a critical role there, but I think we could enhance public safety and security, make it safer in Boston Common if the park rangers has the authority to make arrests. I think it's needed, and we did have it at one time, and let's go through the proper steps to get it back again. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Colpepper, do you wish to speak?

Yes, I do, Madam President.

Councillor, you have the floor.

I appreciate Councillor Flynn for raising the broader issue of public safety in our parks and the staffing challenges the Boston Police Department is facing. However, I am not prepared to support granting police powers to the Boston Park Rangers without first having a committee hearing to understand exactly what that would mean. The resolution proposes providing park rangers with police powers, points to the Los Angeles police where park rangers are sworn peace officers who receive full basic police academy training. And if we are considering giving Boston police rangers law enforcement authority, then we need to have a serious discussion about what that training would require. I would have significant concerns with granting police powers without requiring the same appropriate academy training, the use of force training, civil rights training, accountability training, and other safeguards expected of officers exercising comparable authority. For these reasons, I believe this hearing order rather than a resolution asking us to endorse the policy today.

So you're asking?

I believe this should be a hearing order.

Yes. Are you objecting to the resolution? And send it to committee. Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Councillor Flynn Out of respect for Councillor Culpepper and Councillor Santana, two people I greatly admire on the Council, I would like to ask if we could place this in a in the Public Safety Committee, but I would like to ask if we could maybe have a hearing maybe in the next 60 days or so. And I agree, maybe we place it in committee. I'm not asking for a vote on it at this time.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Thank you. Does anyone else want to add? Councillor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to thank Councillor Flynn for sending this to committee. I also believe that this deserves a nuanced conversation and I just want to rise to also just commit to hosting a hearing if placed in the Public Safety Committee within the 60 days that the lead sponsor requested. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. Docket 1611 will be sent to the committee on public safety. Oh, beg your pardon. This is when we go off script. Thank you, Mr. Clerk, for reminding me. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell. Thank you. Councillor Pepe. Thank you. Docket 1611 will be sent to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1612?

Docket number 1612. Councillor Orrell offered the following. Resolution in support of Head Start and Early Head Start and the importance of their programs in the City of Boston.

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

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

Councillor Culpepper so added.

Thank you. Head Start is known for providing comprehensive health care nutrition, and family services to low-income youth, those at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations. Head Start programs serve about 2,000 Boston families across 21 centers administered through ABCD and the Dimmick Center in Roxbury. We have spoke to members at the Massachusetts Head Start Association recently, who raised the alarm around the federal government's proposed rulemaking for Head Start and early Head Start programs that would eliminate a vast majority of existing standards that make these programs so great for our families. If passed, this ruling has the potential to severely impact our Head Start resources in Boston, such as increasing the average number of children per teacher by 16%, while reducing supply of teachers by approximately 13%. There's reductions in teacher salaries, eliminating bilingual instructors in other key positions, and making some Head Start children potentially ineligible for the program simply because they won't have proper documentation. We have standards for a reason, and especially for programs that so many of our children and families depend on. These standards must be protected. I encourage residents to speak up against this ruling and uplift support for Head Start to maintain strong standards in Massachusetts. The Federal Register is taking public comment on the proposed rulemaking through October 6. To submit comments electronically, visit federalregister.gov, follow the submit a comment instructions, and remember to cite the docket number ACF-2026-0595. or feel free to reach out to my office directly for any assistance. A big shout out to Mass Head Start Association once more for your leadership and the work that you do. Thank you.

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

Madam President, I support this resolution 100%. I think it's important. Boston cannot control every decision made at the federal level, but we can make clear what we stand for. I am proud to support the Head Start and Early Head Start, the educators and organizations that make these programs possible, and the children and families throughout Boston who depend on them. I also encourage residents and stakeholders to make their voices heard during the federal public comment process as this resolution calls for. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Worrell, for bringing this resolution forward. As a former K1 teacher for many years, I taught our four-year-olds in BPS. And as a parent, you must know it's hard to get one of those seats. And as we are trying to expand and have more universal pre-K across the city, we know that we don't have a seat for every child. So it's programs like this that are filling in the gaps. And it's so important that all of our children have this opportunity because we know the data shows those kids who come to kindergarten first grade without this exposure are just so far behind and many we know don't ever catch up so proud to support this and whatever we can do to advocate at the federal level so thank you

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Colletta Zapata, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, and please add the chair. Councillors Worrell and Culpeper seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1612. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. Docket 1612 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1613?

Docket number 1613. Councillor Worrell offered the following. Resolution recognising quality homes for humankind.

Chair recognises Councillor Worrell. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Just asking for a suspension and pass of the recognition that we did at the earlier of this meeting. Thank you.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name to docket 1613? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Culpepper, and please add the chair. Councillor Worrell seeks suspension of the rules of adoption of docket 1613. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 1613 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1614?

Docket number 1614. Councillor Culpepper offered the following resolution in support of a south end alleyways working group.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to add Councillor Fitzgerald as the second original co-sponsor and request suspension of the rules to add Councillor Flynn as a third original co-sponsor. I would also, if I could, I would add Councillor Santana as a fourth co-sponsor because of all the work he's done on this issue.

Councillor Fitzgerald is added as a second, and hearing and seeing no objections, Councillor Flynn is added as a third.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would also request suspension of the rules to vote on the passage of this docket. The South End has a unique network of historic alleyways that residents depend on for access to their homes, parking, utilities, and other everyday needs. But because many of these alleyways are privately owned, residents are often left responsible for addressing infrastructure issues that are difficult and expensive for individual property owners to solve on their own. One issue that deserves particular attention is the city's roadway betterment process. Many of these historic alleys simply cannot satisfy the dimensional standards currently applied to the acceptance of new public ways. Some of the narrower than 40 foot minimum because they were built long before today's roadways standards existed, even though narrow public alleys already exist elsewhere in Boston. We need to examine whether there are alternative standards or processes that recognize the unique conditions of these historic alleyways while still addressing accessibility, emergency response, and legitimate public safety concerns. That is why I am proposing the creation of a southern alleyways working group rather than approaching drainage, ownership, maintenance, utilities, funding, and public accepting as a separate problem. This would bring residents, public owners, elected officials, city officials, and other stakeholders together to identify practical short and long-term solutions. We may ultimately determine that some solutions can be accomplished administratively, while others require changes to city policy or even state law. The purpose of this working group is to create a structure where we can work through these questions together and develop recommendations that reflect both the realities of the South End and the experience of the people who live there. I look forward to working with South End residents, my council colleagues, the administration, and other stakeholders on this effort. Thank you, Madam President.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to thank Councillor Culpepper for adding me as the second original co-sponsor. This is a great idea because the interwoven infrastructure of the alleyways through the south end is inherently what makes the south end the south end and gives it that historic feel. However, because of that historic state, There are many complications that come of it that the Councillor just mentioned, ownership, cleanliness and service that is provided on those. And so I think it's a great idea to get together as a group and figure out what we can do and what steps need to be taken, perhaps from a legal perspective, to better service, clean, maintain this infrastructure in the south end. So thank you, Councillor Cuthbert, and thank you, Madam President.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to Councilor Culpepper for adding me. I'm proud to partner with Councilor Culpepper, Councilor Fitzgerald. Alleyways in the south end provide access to homes, businesses, parking areas, utilities, and other properties, but many are privately owned and have aging infrastructure that creates significant challenges for residents and property owners. I worked with then-City Councilor Wu on working with the Boston Water and Soil Commission on many issues in the south end, but especially as it relates to private alleyways and how we're able to support residents on water and sewer-related issues. Residents are facing longstanding infrastructure and maintenance issues, flooding, inadequate pavement, as Councilor Culpepper mentioned, utility-related issues, accessibility concerns, emergency access. Many south end alleyways were built before modern roadway standards and are physically too narrow to meet the city's current 40-foot minimum. We should explore whether alternative standards or process can preserve accessibility in emergency response, but those are the types of questions we can ask at this working group. Really glad that Councilor Culpepper is leading on this. A south end alleyway working group can bring stakeholders together to find solutions, bringing residents, property owners, city officials, utility companies, engineers, legal experts, civic organizations, neighbors, teachers. The working group can identify funding in maintenance solutions, improve coordination, examine opportunities for greater city involvement, development recommendations for both immediate improvements and long-term policy changes. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to rise to just thank the three sponsors of this docket. I think that it's great that there is an organized movement happening in the South End. I know that Councillor Worrell and myself in our respective districts have been having a lot of conversations about private ways, so I'm going to be very curious to see how this goes and We'd love to learn from the three of you of how and what is being discussed so that we can replicate it across in other neighborhoods as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Pepin. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Louisianne, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Councillors Culpepper, Fitzgerald and Flynn seek suspension of the rules of adoption of docket 1613. All in favour say aye. Yes. Start over again. Councillors Culpepper, Fitzgerald and Flynn seek suspension of the rules of adoption of docket 1614. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. Docket 1614 has been adopted. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1615?

Docket number 1615. Councillor Flynn offered the following resolution in recognition of the City of Chelsea's All-America City Award.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. The City of Chelsea was proudly recognized for being an All-American city for the second year in a row and a historic fourth time This outstanding achievement reflects Chelsea's strong sense of community, commitment to social, economic, and racial justice, respect for our immigrant neighbors, civic engagement, ongoing dedication to creating a vibrant and welcoming city for all. We congratulate the residents, community leaders, and organizations of Chelsea on this distinguished national recognition and wish the city success. The city manager, Fidel Meltez is an outstanding public servant whose dedication to Chelsea and its residents is exceptional. I had the opportunity to study with him at a leadership program over the last year. With a background in civil engineering and extensive experience in municipal government, Fidel has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving infrastructure, securing critical funding, strengthening public safety, ensuring that residents have a voice in the future of the community. He has also led with energy, accessibility, and a genuine love of Chelsea, making him an exceptional leader and a tremendous asset to this community. And just on a side note, I do spend a lot of time at the Chelsea Soldiers Home, which is an exceptional residential program managed by the state of Massachusetts at the Veterans Department for the state. I was there a couple weeks ago, going back again next week for a cookout. But this is a program in Chelsea that veterans from across the state are able to live there and get medical care there. But it's just one example of what makes Chelsea unique, along with their incredible contributions to public education, but also respecting immigrants as well. I'm asking my colleagues to join me in suspending and passing this resolution, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Koleta-Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Worrell. Please add the chair. Councillor Flynn seeks suspension of the rules of adoption of docket 1615. All in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The ayes have it. Docket 1615 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1616.

Docket number 1616. Councillor Flynn offered the following. Resolution in support of an investigation by the Massachusetts Secretary of State. into incorrect ballots distributed during early voting in Boston and maintaining state receivership of Boston Election Department through the 2028 election.

Chair recognizes Councilor Flynn. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. There were confirmed reports of incorrect ballots distributed at the Condon Community Center in South Boston in my neighborhood. The city of Boston and election department officials have since acknowledged that on the first day of early voting, the city made a determination that this in fact took place. This incident follows the November 2024 presidential election when poll workers reported issues of citywide ballot shortages, ballots in the correct language and calls to the election department. They went unanswered. This caused unnecessary and unreasonable wait time for residents and many left the voting location, voting booth, without casting their ballot. Following an investigation into these significant issues, the Secretary of State announced the appointment of a state receiver to oversee Boston's election department through 2026. Boston's early voting sites provide the opportunity for any registered voter to cast their ballot at any citywide location. That's for early voting. As a result, poll work is a task with following protocols to provide 34 different types of ballots based on a registered voter's address. Especially following the serious errors that Boston made in what was widely considered one of the most important elections of our lifetime, 2024, I believe the city should only offer in-person early voting in one zone neighborhood, in district, or at City Hall. When we allow residents to vote at every location throughout the entire city, again, for early voting, I think it puts a tremendous strain on the system. I think it's also unfair to our poll workers that have to have a ballot ready regardless of where the person is coming in from. We only increase the chances of incidents where human error can occur. when a poll worker provides the wrong ballot. Early voting ballots that leave City Hall should only go to early voting locations within their appropriate district neighborhood. I am calling for the City Election Department to remain out of state receivership for the 2028 election, as the right to vote is both sacred, and I believe it's a civil rights issue as well. A thorough investigation must be conducted to ensure all ballots are counted. We must prioritize critical community needs, quality of life issues, the ability to administer basic city services. Every vote counts, and the process must be as clear as possible for all, including our immigrant neighbors, public housing residents, our seniors, and persons with disabilities. Voting is an important and critical part of society. It's how we decide who represents the people, implementing an effective, transparent, and fair election process is the responsibility of the election department. We need immediate changes to ensure every vote counts. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Councillor Braden, you have the floor. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I'm standing today to voice my concern in opposition to this resolution. The incident referenced in which three early voters received the incorrect ballot was isolated, immediately corrected, and all three voters were ultimately able to cast the proper ballot. There is no evidence of a systemic failure or widespread error in Boston's early voting systems. At a moment when election misinformation is rampant, we should be careful not to amplify false alarms or suggest that Boston's elections are in crisis. The facts do not support that conclusion. Our election department has already taken corrective steps and the Secretary of State has publicly stated that this was a small contained mistake. Calling for extended state receivership through 2028 based on a single resolved incident is disproportionate and risks undermining confidence in our local election workers who diligently do their jobs. We should focus on strengthening our systems, supporting our new elections executive director, and ensuring clear communication with voters rather than escalating an isolated error into a narrative of systemic failure. For that reason, I will be voting against this resolution.

Thank you. I just wanted to say that I agree with what Councilor Braden just stated. I also want to make it very clear that I wholeheartedly disagree with the idea that early voting should be limited, ballots for early voting should be limited to the areas in which that vote is happening for that district. We need to make sure that we are doing everything to expand voting access. We should have same-day voter registration. We should make it easier for people to vote, let people know that they have the right to vote. in situations. So it's really, really important for us to be doing everything we can, especially as the right to vote is under assault in so many ways by the federal government. We need to be expanding access to early voting. not retreating from that. And we need to be making it possible for everyone to vote. So I just wanted to make that very clear, because early voting is so important, and so many people have fought for this right and are continuing to fight as the right to vote is under assault nationwide, that here we should be setting the example by extending early voting, by making it easier. If someone is running an errand, they can vote at City Hall, even if they live in High Park or Mattapan. And so I just want to just be on record as a strong supporter for early voting and expanding the right to vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Lejeune. Does anyone want to add their name? Mr. Clerk, can you add Councillor Murphy? Mr. Clerk, would you please take a roll call vote on docket 1616?

Councillor Braden.

No.

Councillor Braden, no. Councillor Colletta-Zapata.

No.

Councillor Colletta-Zapata, no. Councillor Culpepper.

Present.

Councillor Culpepper, present. Councillor Durkan. Councillor Fitzgerald. Council Fitzgerald? No. Council Flynn? Yes. Council Flynn? Yes. Council Louisian? No. Council Louisian? No. Council Mejia? Council Murphy? Yes. Council Murphy? Yes. Council Pippen? No. Council Pippen? No. Council Santana?

No.

Council Santana? No. Council Weber? No. And Council Worrell?

No.

Council Worrell? No. Seven votes in the negative, two in the affirmative, and one present.

Thank you. Docket 1616 has not been adopted.

Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 1617?

Docket number 1617. Councillor Culpepper offered the following. Resolution declaring August 24th as Elizabeth Freeman Day in the City of Boston.

Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I would like to offer a substitute filing for docket 1617. After doing more research on Elizabeth Freeman, It appears that the day Elizabeth Freeman was awarded her freedom and damages was August 22nd, not August 24th. Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mumbet, was born into slavery and later enslaved in the household of- Councillor Clipper, before we proceed, would you have a second for the substitution?

Second.

You may proceed.

Thank you, Madam President. Elizabeth Frieden, also known as Momvette, was born into slavery and later enslaved in the household of John Ashley in Sheffield, Massachusetts. After the adoption of the Massachusetts Constitution and its declaration that all people are born free and equal, Friedman challenged whether those principles could coexist with her continued enslavement. In 1971, Friedman and Brum successfully sued for their freedom in Brum and Vette v. Ashley. Her case became an important part of the legal struggle that ultimately established that slavery was incompatible with the Massachusetts Constitution. Her story is also an important reminder that the rights expressed in our founding documents did not automatically extend to everyone. It took courageous individuals like Elizabeth Freeman to demand that those promises actually be honored. Recognizing Elizabeth Freeman Day gives us an opportunity to honor the courage and to recognize the role of black Americans have played throughout Massachusetts history in pushing our commonwealth closer to its own ideals of freedom, equality, and justice. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution and recognizing Elizabeth Freeman's enduring contribution to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Colletta-Zapata, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Pepin, Councillor Santana, Councillor Louis-Jean, Councillor Worrell, and please add the chair. Councillor Culpepper seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 1617. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Thank you. Docket 1617 has been adopted. We're now moving on to personnel orders. Mr. Clerk, can you please read the personnel orders?

Personnel orders, docket number 1618. Councillor Braden for Councillor Culpepper. 1619. Councillor Braden for Councillor Culpepper. 1620. Councillor Braden for Councillor Mejia. 1621. Councillor Braden for Councillor Murphy. And 1622. Councillor Braden for Councillor Santana.

Thank you. The chair moves for passage of the personnel orders. All those in favour say aye. Thank you. The ayes have it. The personnel orders have been passed. Before we move on to green sheets, is there anyone who would like to add their name to a docket that they may have missed? Councillor Culpepper? You're good, thank you. Anyone else want to add their name to a docket they may have missed? Okay. So we're now moving on to green sheets. Is anyone looking to take a docket from the green sheets? Councillor Pepin, you have the floor. The Chair of the Committee on Housing and Community Development.

Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Yes, I am looking to pull from Committee on Housing and Community Development docket 1552, which is on page 16 of the green sheets.

Councillor, Mr. Clerk, could you please read that docket into the record?

From the Committee on Housing and Community Development, docket number 1552, resolution calling for an immediate housing stabilization response system for Boston residents who involuntarily lose work authorization due to federal changes in immigration policy.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Yeah, I'm pulling this out of committee just because of the importance and timeliness of the topic of this resolution. The time right now where a lot of our migrants, especially those with the TPS status is being revoked, are going through a lot of hardship and do not know about their future and the uncertainty of their placement here, not only in the city of Boston, but across the state of Massachusetts. So I would like to pull this out of committee and bring it to the floor for a vote today.

Absent objection, the motion of the Committee Chair is accepted and Docket 1552 is properly before the body. You may continue.

Thank you, Madam President. As I said, this is a very timely matter. It's a matter of great importance in my district, across the city. A lot of people are living in fear. I know that Councillor at Large, Ruth C. Louis-Jean, has been working adamantly on this. So I will actually want to, if she has anything to say on this, I would like to yield my time to her.

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

Thank you, Councillor Pepin, and I just wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible advocates who are working on this issue. I want to say thank you. I've been peppering them, the state and the city, who are working adamantly on this as we continue to ensure that we have a plan for those who are Boston residents who are suffering from harm as a result of this administration's attacks on our immigrant communities. Thank you. And I know that you, Council President Braden, are also second on this. So I just want to thank you for your partnership and your work on this as well. Thank you.

Thank you both. Councillor Pepin moves for passage of docket 1552. All in favour say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 1552.

Councillor Braden.

Yes.

Councillor Braden. Yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Yes. Councillor Colletta-Zapata. Yes. Councillor Culpepper. Council Durkin. Council Fitzgerald. Yes. Council Fitzgerald. Yes. Council Flynn. Yes. Council Flynn. Yes. Council Louisian. Yes. Council Louisian. Yes. Council Mejia. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Murphy. Yes. Council Pepin.

Yes.

Council Pepin. Yes. Council Santana.

Yes.

Council Santana. Yes. And Council Weber. Council Worrell.

Yes.

Council Worrell. Yes. Nine votes in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 1552 has passed. Any other dockets from the green sheets? We're now on to late files. I'm informed by the clerk that there are six late files. We have four absence letters.

There's three letters from councillors.

There's a letter of absence from the mayor.

There are some.

Constable Bonds and one personnel order. Absent objection, these late matters will be added. Mr. Clerk, could you maybe start with the personnel orders?

First, I file my personnel order. Councillor Bray, on behalf of central staff and city council staff.

Thank you. The chair moves for passage of these late file matters. All in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. Thank you. The personnel orders have passed. And then we will, if you could read the letters of absence, Mr. Clerk.

Second late file absence letter. Dear Clerk, Chair, just please note that I'll be out of town on Monday, August 24th, 2026 from 9 a.m. returning Sunday, August 30th, 2026 at 4 p.m. Thank you. Mayor Wolfe. Third late file matter, absence letter from Councilor Mejia. Dear President Bright, I am ready to inform my absence at City Council meeting on August 26th, 2026. My staff will be listening in and informing me about the meeting and actions taken by the body. Sincerely, Councilor Mejia. Fourth late file matter, Councilor Weber. I regret to inform you I'll be unable to attend today's Council meeting. Please note my staff will be in attendance keep me informed of actions during the council meeting. Thank you, Councilor Weber. And a late file letter from Councilor Durkan, Council President Braden and colleagues. I am unable to attend today's council meeting due to a fever and flu-like symptoms, and I want to ensure the safety of my colleagues and staff. Special thank you to Vice Chair John Fitzgerald for his support with matters relating to planning, development, and transportation. Sincerely, Councillor Durkan.

Thank you. Those absence letters will be placed on file. And now we're on to the Constable Bonds. Mr. Clerk, could you read those into the record?

The Constable Bonds of Cleveland, Burden, Collin, Harrell and Ian Randall have been duly approved by the Collector-Treasurer were received in the Clerk's Office this morning.

Mr. Clerk, do those require a vote? Yes. The constable bonds will be approved under the usual terms and conditions. All those in favour say aye. Thank you. All those opposed say nay. Thank you. The ayes have it. Now we're on to the consent agenda. I've been informed by the Clerk that there are no new additions to the consent agenda. The question now comes on approval of the various matters contained within the consent agenda. All those in favour say aye. Thank you. The consent agenda has been adopted. We are now on to announcements. Please remember that these are for upcoming events and dates. Does anyone have announcements? Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, may I briefly mention the upcoming Veterans City Council hearing meeting that's taking place on Friday? Certainly you're drawing. Yes, go ahead. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. I do want to invite my council colleagues Friday morning to a very important city council hearing on veterans. It's a hearing on supporting black veterans. It's a hearing on supporting women veterans. And I really want to ask my city council colleagues to please be there for the important hearing. I have been disappointed, I'll be honest with you. I had a city council hearing that I chaired last week on the water and sewer related issues for discounts. And the city administration was here, but not one city councilor attended my hearing that I chaired. I do want to respectfully ask if you could be here for the entire meeting, be here on time, ask questions, it shows me you are committed to veterans and military families. Sometimes I get the feeling that we as a city are not as supportive of veterans and military families as we could be. But your presence at this important hearing would demonstrate that you do care. You do care about veterans. You do care about military families. And I do think it's an important subject that warrants your time. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you so much, Madam President. I just want to say happy birthday to my incredible mother. She just recently retired from BPS after decades of service. She helped homeless kids and their families. And I can say this now because she's retired, but sometimes she would take in kids when they didn't have anywhere else to go, including their families. And that is just an example of her selflessness. And she's deserving of all of the beautiful things in her retirement. And again, just happy birthday, Mom. Love you.

I hope she gets an opportunity to enjoy her beautiful grandson as well. Happy birthday to your mum. Councillor Pepin, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to the Vice-Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, because I know that Malika Whitley and Danelle DeShaw do appreciate the work you do in Hyde Park. But I wanted to give a public Thank you to my summer associates. We call them associates in my office, not interns. They do amazing work. Kiara Barros Delgado, Matt Arnold, and Natalie Puftak, who did amazing work in my office. They came up with events. They did policy work. They did a lot of constituent services. And it's just a blessing to be able to see just city kids work in my office throughout the summer all the time. And I'm just so thankful for the work that they did. So publicly thanking you all. I wish you luck in your next year in college. So shout out to all the interns. Thank you.

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

Thank you. And I guess I'm going to steal a page from the books of two of my colleagues. Also, we had fantastic summer associates. We call them summer associates as well. So I just want to thank them for the incredible work that they did in our office. And I also want to give a big happy birthday shout out to my younger sister, who's two years my junior, but is incredible. Happy birthday to her. And I have a lot of September friends. So I want to say a happy birthday to Justine and a happy birthday to Gilda. We won't meet again before their birthday. So I just wanted to give a big shout out to all of the folks who have birthdays in September and all of the Virgos in this world. Thank you.

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

Thank you. Also want to, as we said goodbye last Friday to our last intern, had seven of them this summer, and they always just bring such joy to the office and just help immensely. But I did also want to give a shout out to Paul Chong and the Boston Registrar a few weeks ago. I did just want to say thank you to Kristen and Jessica downstairs. They just did something above and beyond, and they went to a constituent's home after work to do something that was important to get done, and I just want to publicly thank them for doing that. They didn't need to, but they really helped someone that needed their help, so thank them.

We are wishing a very happy birthday between now and the next council meeting to Councillor Coletta Zapata. Lots of September birthdays. Jordan Frias of Councillor Webber's office. Rob Cobb of Central Staff. Jessica Carrera of Councillor Fitzgerald's office. We also want to wish a happy Christmas to all the folks in Alston. It's right around the corner, September 1st. Stop by and find some pre-loved treasure and remember to schedule your mattress pickup with the city by using the 311 app. Very important. It's going to be a lot of activity. It's going to be a very busy day in Alston and Brighton on September 1st. Not only is it election day, but it is Austin Christmas. We're now moving on to memorials. Would anyone like to uplift a name? Ask my colleagues. I have some hearing loss, so please speak up nice and loudly. Thank you. Councillor Louis-Jeanne. Councillor Louis- Thank you.

I'd like to end today's meeting in honour of four individuals. three of whom whose names you should have, Denise Washington, who's the founder of Papa Poetry and resident in Roxbury. She also was a promoter, a creator behind Kwanzaa Crawl. She did so much work here in the city in supporting arts and creativity, not only in the city, but in Hollywood. And so I just wanted to uplift Denise Washington and her memory. I was able to go to her home in December, but I had no idea that she was sick and presented her with citations for her work both in poetry and in the arts and in Kwanzaa Crawl. So I just wanted to lift up Denise Washington, also the father of Dana Roumenier, a Hyde Park community leader. John Pierce Roumenier passed away. May his memory be a blessing to all of those who know him. He was a sailor and a gift to his family. And so many showed up to mourn him. And I just wanted to pay my respects to the Roumenier family. And last but not least. Matthew St. Mark is a firefighter here in the city of Boston. And he recently tragically lost his nephew, who often spends a lot of summers in Boston with him. He was only 15 years old and died at the unfortunate hands of gun violence down in Florida and was his namesake. So I want to give my condolences to Matthew St. Mark on the passing of his nephew, Matthew St. Mark, and to the entire St. Mark family. Thank you. Oh, and last but not least, the fourth one He's someone who meant a lot to many of us here. But Dolly Parton, who passed away yesterday, obviously meant a great deal to so many in this country. She did a lot of work for not only in her talent, but in promoting workers' rights. I remember working on past campaigns, 9 to 5, being a soundtrack to so much of the work that we did in trying to support workers. And she's just been such an ally to so many people. to make sure that we honour Dolly Parton as well.

Thank you. We absolutely will. The Chair recognises Councillor Flynn. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to acknowledge the passing of a neighbour in South Boston, Jack Bulger. Jack? Bulger.

Bolt?

Bulger.

Walter?

Bulger.

Thank you. I appreciate your help. Anyone else? So on behalf of Councillor Pepin, we have George Mitchell. On behalf of Councillor Braden, we have Rita de Jesse. Rita, for those who are familiar with the Alston community, will recognise her as a very feisty 97-year-old who's a lifelong resident of Alston, a very dedicated member of St Anthony's Parish Church and Parish. She was a supporter of the Honan Alston Library, Friends of the Library. She served on the Harvard Alston Task Force. She lost her life partner, Carol, some years ago. They had a life partnership, and Carol was her beloved spouse of 60 years. We also want to remember Denise Washington on behalf of Councillor Louis-Jeanne. john pierce rumier and matthew st mark on behalf of councillor flynn we have jack balter and on behalf of all the city council we give thanks and remember the remarkable life of and service of dolly parton her impact extends far beyond music and entertainment through her imagination library she had made Early literacy, a major part of her legacy through providing books to children regardless of family income, not only in the United States but across the world. Since starting the program in 1995, the Imagination Library has grown from her hometown in Tennessee to now serving five countries and helping millions of children build home libraries and creating a love of reading at a very early age. She was one of a kind and was an incredible human being. The chair moves that when the council adjourns today, it does so in memory of the aforementioned individuals. A moment of silence, please. The council is scheduled to meet again on the INL at chamber on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 at 12 p.m. Thank you to my colleagues, central staff, the clerk's office, and to the council stenographer. Thank you, Alan. All in favour of adjournment, please say aye. Thank you. The council is adjourned.