City Council - Regular Meeting

Time having arrived, I call this regularly scheduled meeting of the Brockton City Council to order. Would you all please join me in standing in saluting our flag? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Clerk,

item number one, we have the public hearing on the Levit Brook urban revitalization plan premises Love Brook area as designed in a plan prepared by Inennis Land Strategies Group Ty and Bond and RKG Associates dated October 6th, 2025. Subject matter and nature of action. Approval of the Levit Brook urban revitalization district project for the purposes of revitalization and redevelopment for the area. A full copy of the Love Brook urban revitalization district plan is available for viewing in full with the city clerk's office. Time having arrived, I declare this public hearing open. And President, there is nobody who has signed up. There may be people in the audience.

All right. If there is anyone here who wants to uh speak on the in favor of the matter or favor or opposed, there's no different side. Uh please come forward. Seeing none, I declare that portion hearing closed. No opposition, so I declare that hearing closed. Item two, we have the acceptance of the minutes of the October 27th, 2025 city council meeting. Accepted and placed on file. Acceptance of the minutes of the February 23rd, 2026 city council meeting. accepted and placed on file with the the acceptance of the minutes of the March 9th, 2026 city council meeting. accepted and placed on file. We have the appointment of Eric Clark of 133 Habed Brockton, Mass, as a special police officer of the city of Brockton.

Councelor Farwell. Mr. President, I move suspension of the rules and that we act on this appointment this evening. Second. Motion properly [clears throat] made and seconded. All in favor? All oppose? The motion passes. I believe Officer Clark is here if anybody needs. Yes. Good evening, officer. Councilors, the question comes on the appointment uh by a roll call vote. Mr. Clerk, would you please call the role? Thank you. Council Razak, yes. Council Shaell, yes. Council D. Roza, yes. Council Farwell, yes. Council Griffin, yes. Council Green, yes. Council Ali, yes. Council Niccastro,

yes. Councelor Tavvaris, yes. [clears throat] Councel Terra, yes. Councelor Thompson, yes. 11 in the affirmative. The appointment is confirmed. Mr. President, I move reconsideration in the hope it does not prevail. Second. Motion's been properly made and seconded for reconsideration. All in favor of reconsideration. All opposed? Reconsideration fails. Congratulations. Thank you, officer. Item six, we have the appointment of Maria Fernandez of 21 Bower A Brockton Master to Brockton Advisory Council on Health for a three-year term ending in March 2029. Referred to finance.

We have the appointment of Steven Clay of 106 Main Street, Department 101 to the Commission on Human Rights. Referred to finance.

We have the hearing. We have a petition of Verizon uh proposing to place new conduit along the southwestern side of Summer Street near 57 Summer Street running approximately 130 ft in a southerntherly direction from existing manhole 91 located near the intersection of Summer Street and Gro Street to intercept an existing conduit bank on Summer Street. The installation is requested by Verizon to provide service to the residents of 57 Summer Street as well as to provide the distribution of intelligence and subcommunications, excuse me, telecommunications in city clerk's office, February 17th, 2025. Hearing is signed for March 23, 2026. All paperwork is on file.

Time having arrived, I declare this hearing open. Is the petitioner present? If so, please come forward and give your name and address to the city clerk. Good evening. [clears throat] Good evening, city council. My name is Austin Mikum. I live at 8 Brooks Park, Medford, Mass, uh 02155. I'm here on Verizon who are seeking to place 130 ft of new conduit on the southwestern side of Summer Street to bring FiOS to the residence at 57 Summer Street. Thank you.

Thank you, counselors. Um, is there anyone here in favor? Seeing none, I declare that portion of the hearing closed. Is there anyone here in opposition? Seeing none, I declare that portion of the hearing closed. Question comes by granting uh by hand vote. Any council comments before the vote? No. Question comes by granting. All in favor? All opposed? Petition is granted. Thank you.

Thank you. Item nine, we have the petition of New Westgate Mall LLC of 75 Park Plaza, Boston, Mass for a garage license located at 200 Westgate Drive, Brockton, Mass in City Clerk's office, January 21, 2026. Hearing is signed for March 23, 2026. Fire department has no objections. All paperwork is on file. Time having arrived, I declare this hearing open. Is the petitioner present? If so, please come forward and give your name and address to the clerk. Good evening.

Good evening. Uh my name is Tom Bowen. I live in Walpole, Massachusetts at 8 Granite Street. I'm the general manager of the Westgate Mall and we're petitioning to reactivate the former Sears auto space and have that become a tire installation facility or retailer. Right. Thank you. Uh counselors uh anyone here in favor? Seeing none, I declare that portion of the hearing closed. Is there anyone here opposed? Seeing none, I declare that portion of the hearing closed. Councelor Azac.

Thank you. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Good evening, Mr. Bowen. I know that um you know that you've all been in contact with the clerk's office. I've filed the right paperwork. Everything is in order to reactivate this uh license. I know that CS did some uh work, some uh mechanical work, tire replacement. So, uh, I haven't received any complaints or, you know, anything regarding this. So, I hope this, uh, my colleagues will vote favorably on this and looking forward to having the, um, the C's location be reopened and in use again. We're looking forward to activating the space. I'm all set, Mr. President.

Thank you, councelor. Councelor Charnell. So the um the space that is um being run it's being run by you or uh it actually is um leased to a tenant uh top-notch tile will be operating there but evidently as the land owner we have to obtain this permit this license and but we don't we don't have the ability to why isn't the person that's actually leasing the building going to be

counselor just to to let you The way the operation works, garage license goes with the owner of the property. And in this case, this is just the garage license. And in this case also, if they only are doing tire changes, they will not need a motor vehicle repair license because that's not considered motor vehicle repair as long as they are not doing any any other repairs or body work. So in this case, the owner of the property always gets that's why we do the garage and motor vehicle repair license separate. the this is strictly a garage license. That's a good point. So it would be it is with the owner of the property.

Gotcha. So in in regards to the garage license, um I know that I was told that um that garage license had to check with the other tire shops in the the area. Is that a stipulation that the mall puts or um we didn't put a stipulation on it that they get approval from anyone else. We had to notify all the abutters but [clears throat] um it's just a retailer doing business in a space.

Yeah. So uh councilors my only concern is that you know we don't know the person that is going to be running uh the business but I'll let through the chair I'll let So through you um Mr. President, I'm sorry, Zach. The um the mall um the um they've followed the process that we have explained to them they have to go through through the city. So, this has been going on for months now and um they're doing what you know the city is telling them is the correct process for them to get this business owner back into the location at Sears. So whatever process they have done is because we have they're here because we've told them that they are the applicant.

I'm good. Thanks. Thank you counselors. Question comes on granting by hand vote. All in favor? All opposed? The petition is granted. Thank you. Thank you very much. Have a nice evening. Item 10. We have the report of the finance committee for its meeting of March 16th, 2026. accepted and placed on file. We have a communication from the chief of police requesting the appointment of the following retired officer. Eric Clack as a special police officer. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor recommending the same. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor appointing Maria Fernandez of 21 Bav Brockton to the Brockton Advisory Council on Health for a three-year term ending in March 2029. Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor appointing Steven Clay of 106 Main Street Brockton Mass to the Commission on Human Rights. accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44 recommending that the city council authorize the acceptance and expenditure of the grant award in the amount of $175,688 from the executive office of elder affairs to the council on aging. These funds are the second install installment of the FY26 formula grant. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44 recommending that the city council authorize a transfer of $30,000. This transfer will fully fund the energy line item to pay invoices for the remainder of the fiscal year. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the CFO relative to the same. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the superintendent of parks requesting acceptance and expenditure of the state appropriation in the amount of $25,000 for baseball field improvements for the city of Brockton. accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor recommending the same. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the CFO relative to the same. Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44 recommending that the city council authorize the approval of prior year's unpaid bill of $18. These funds will be excuse me will be used to pay an invoice from FY25. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the CFO relative to the same. accepted and placed on file. Communication from planning board chair Tony Barbosa informing the council that she has legally changed her last name back to her maiden name as of February 2026. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the interim commissioner of buildings proposing temporary order allowing short-term rentals in the city of Brockton during the 2026 FIFA World Cup period. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor recommending the same.

Accepted and placed on file. Unfinished business. We have the appointment of Susie Baros as an alternate to the license commission for a three-year term ending in February 2029 in city council March 2nd, 2026. Read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. The question is on confirmation by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charnell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Valley, yes. Tvarz, yes. Thompson, yes. Nine in the affirmative. The appointment is confirmed.

We have the appointment of Los Angeles Texera to the Brockton Advisory Council of Health for a three-year term ending in February 2029 in city council March 2nd, 2026. Read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. The question is on confirmation by a roll call vote. Madam clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Tvarz, yes. Terra, yes. Thompson. Yes. 10 in the affirmative. The appointment is confirmed. We have the appointment of Louisa Schaefer to the Human Rights Commission for a three-year term ending in February 2029 in city council March 2nd, 2026. Ren referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable.

The question is on confirmation by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Tvarez, yes. Yes. Tixer. Yes. Thompson. Yes. 10 in the affirmative. The appointment is confirmed. We have the appointment of Wajjab McCulla of 47 West Elm Street, Department 503 to the role of commissioner of the of the Health and Human Services in city c excuse me in city council March 9th, 2026. Read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. The question is on confirmation by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Azac? Yes. Charell? Yes. Roza? Yes. Farwell. Yes. Griffin. Yes.

Green. Yes. Lai. Yes. Niccastro. Yes. Tvarez. Yes. Tier. Yes. Thompson. Yes. 11 in the affirmative. The appointment is confirmed. Uh counselors, is there a way to uh somebody to make a motion for reconsideration for us? Motion for reconsideration in the hopes that it fails. Second. Second. Motion's been properly made and seconded for reconsideration. All in favor of reconsideration. All opposed. Reconsideration fails. Thank you councils. This allows Miss McCulla to get to work quicker.

We have the appointment of Marge Shepard of 29 Hancock Street Brockton Mass as a full board member of the council on aging in city council March 9th 2026. Read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. Questions on confirmation by a roll call vote. Madam clerk, will you please call the role? Azac. Yes. Yes. Charnell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarez, yes. Tera, yes. Thompson, yep. 11 in the affirmative. The appointment is confirmed.

Item 32 ordered. Whereas the Lebrook area is considered to be a decadent area because of the diversity of ownership, irregular lot sizes, or obsolete street patterns, and also for excessive land coverage. Whereas the city with the department of planning and economic development and the Brockton redevelopment authority prepared the love levit urban renewal plan to support goals and to take necessary action to implement the plan. Whereas the Brockton planning board will consider determined that the love brook urban renewal plan is based on a local survey and is consistent with the Brockton comprehensive plan a blueprint for Brockton and approve said plan at its August 5th 2025 meeting. Whereas the Brockton Redevelopment Authority will meet to consider approval of the Levit Brook urban renewal plan as an urban re renewal plan prepared in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter 121B and 760 CMR 12.00 as amended from time to time. Now therefore be it ordered city council finds that there is a clear need for an urban renewal plan in order to achieve the approved objective of the Brockton comprehensive plan of blueprint for Brockton. All items as attached.

Thank you counselor. Excuse me. That was in city council March 2, 2026. Read and refer to the standing committee on finance. That report was unfavorable. Council Tom. [clears throat]

Thank you, Mr. President. Uh President, uh Mr. President, I stand uh this evening uh in support of the establishment of the Loveit Brook Urban Renewal District. Uh this plan has been in development for approximately 5 years and it will allow for the orderly development of a blighted area. I believe uh due diligence on this matter is warranted but paralysis is not. URDs are not a new entity in the city of Brockton. In fact, we have two other highly successful urban renewal districts. We have an urban renewal district in downtown that was established in approximately 2016. Since that time, at least 10 redevelopment projects have been spurred due to this u uh URD, including uh multiple residential developments, uh state aid, a state office building, and our downtown uh one of our downtown uh par uh parking garages. Uh these investments and more um have totaled uh about a total investment in our downtown of approximately over $100 million. Uh we also have the Trout Brook Urban Renewal District. Uh that's about 45 to 50 acres of land. It's has approximately a planned 1,000 residential units along with uh commercial entities, mixed juice, uh major uh public infrastructure improvements and a public riverwalk. When this uh URD is in uh a complete buildout, there's a potential for a total investment between 300 and $800 million in the city of Brockton. Now, um [clears throat] I'm about to uh offer an amendment uh in a minute that's going to amend uh the

love it uh the current Love it Brook urban renewal plan. Uh in that amendment, it's going to uh speak to some of the concerns uh that my fellow counselors had regarding our understaff planning office and uh Brockton redevelopment office. It's also going to push back any displacement actions until after uh 2032. the city council uh one of our jobs is to uh provide for the orderly development of our city. Believe that this URD uh will do so and I ask that my fellow counselors support the plan. Uh with that I'm going to make a motion to amend and I' I'd ask uh the uh legislative council to speak to the amendment.

Is there a second? Second.

Second. Um, so just to clarify what I'm going to read. So the order that's on your agenda is the order that the council's voting on. Um, when that was submitted, it included the plan that came from the planning department. So this um, amendment changes the attached plan, the urban renewal plan language, not necessarily the order that you see on your agenda. So because of that, I need to read the full amendment because otherwise there's no tracking of uh, where this text comes from. Um, so it would be to change uh 2028 and section 12-026 relocation to 2032 so that the text reads, "The BRA does not anticipate any displacement prior to January 1st, 20 uh 32 for any property listed in table 25 below. Add a new paragraph before the one beginning with table 27 as follows. The Brockton Redevelopment Authority should not begin the actions listed under development activities until the following conditions have been met. The mayor has appointed and the city council has confirmed the appointment of four members of the Brockton redevelopment authority and the executive office of housing and living livable communities has appointed one member consistent with MGL chapter 121B section 5. The Brock Development Authority has appointed an executive director and a project manager consistent with the authority for appointments in MGL chapter 121B section 7. If the executive director or project manager or both are city employees, both the mayor and the city council shall confirm their appointments. Add a new appendix for MEPA environmental notification form to the list of appendices. Delete the language contained in the sections titled Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office MEPA and insert the new language as follows. In January 2023, the Executive Office of Energy Environmental Affairs issues revised 301 CMR1 NEPA regulations to address changes in the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act NGL chapter 30 section 61 through 62L MEPA. These revisions incorporated new legislation that addresses climate change and projects within environmental

justice EJ communities. This legislation affected the MEEPA review projects for the Leburg URP given that the plan area includes several EJ communities. Based on the 2023 changes to me regulations, the URP required a more intensive review through an environmental impact report as compared to simpler environmental notification forms filling that was previously required URPs. The MEEP filing for the URP also required a comprehensive analysis of impact to EJ communities and climate resiliency as well as enhanced outreach and engagements with EJ communities. In September 2025, in response to the ongoing housing crisis, Governor Healey announced proposed changes to 301 CRM 11 in order to streamline NEPA review for qualifying housing projects to align with actions to boost housing production as outlined in the comprehensive housing plan for 2025 through 2029.

Mr. President, may I raise a point of order? Yeah, let's live farewell. Actually, a point of parliamentary inquiry. We just held a public hearing on the Loveit Brook plan, the plan that was fully debated last week at Fincom. We are now offering substantive amendments to that plan. And the people who appeared or might have appeared here tonight and didn't to talk about the plan might very well have come in if they read this. So, what good is it to hold a public hearing and then offer these amendments? I mean to me if I were a resident I would think that's smoke and mirrors. Either you hold a public hearing on what councelor we're we're getting off of parliamentary

and the point of order is is it appropriate to offer substantive amendments to something which you have published in the paper and ask people to come in and attend a public hearing. I'll say that's through you to the legislative council. Well um yes you can make these amendments uh tonight. We we did it with um a lot of the zoning issues that came before us with the fairgrounds. Um there were a lot of changes that were made after the public hearing. Um but it's up to you if you decide you think that the item is ready. But in terms of making a motion, they can make a motion at this time. Um I I then I I move to table these amendments.

Counselor, the uh there's a motion actively made and seconded on the floor uh for the amendment, but the amendment just being explained by legislation. Is there a motion to table always in order? Not during a motion. Not during a motion. All right. Thank you.

The regulatory changes are also addressed input from ELOC and gateway communities regarding NER review requirements for URP projects. Based on input from stakeholders, the mera office considered ways to expedite URP review so that the public actions to incentivize future developments can proceed while retaining the requirements for future projects to undergo MEA review under standard rules. The proposed changes were open to the public through November 2025 before being finalized and approved effective as of January 30th, 2026. Under the new regulations, the URP is still subject to NER review in accordance with 301 CMR 11.0312B2 approval in accordance with MGL chapter 121B of a new urban renewal plan or a major modification of existing urban renewal plan and because it requires a state agency action approval by EOHLC. However, new provisions in the MEEPA regulations remove the automatic requirement for an EIR drew solely to the presence of the EJ communities in the URP area. This provision is addressed in 301 CMR 11.0. 012C which outlines categories of projects that shall not be presumed likely or reasonably likely to cause damage to the environment notwithstanding that the product project exceeds one or more reviews thresholds in 301 CMR 11.03 provided an ENF is filed in accordance with 301 CMR 11.012 this includes projects subject to review by 301 CMR 11.0312 0312 such as URPs provided that the project does not independently propose any work project or activity that exceeds any other review threshold in 301 CMR 11.3 parentheses 1 through 11. The revised MEPA regulations also provides potential streamlining for future projects that may result from the URP. Future projects in the ERP area will only require MEEP review if they exceed a review threshold at 301 CMR 11.03 and require state agency action. EL HLC approval of the URP is not the corresponding state action that may trigger MEPA review for a future project as that rep approval is solely tied to the actual URP 31 CMR 11.012C1 and 2 list types of projects that may be developed in the URP area that are also considered not likely or reasonably likely to cause damage to the

environment. If projects in the URP area are proposed in the future that require NEPA reviews and meet the criteria below, they require an ENF only. Despite the URP project area being within a designated graphic area for EJ communities, these projects will not require an EIR in accordance with 301 CMR 11.067B. [snorts] One, project meets all the following criteria. A devote 67% or more of the gross floor area of the project to residential uses with the remainder devoted to supportive community uses. B ach achieves a density of at least eight units per acre for single family at at least 12 units per acre for two and three family buildings and at least 15 units per acre for multif family housing or more than three family residential uses. C alters up to 5 acres of previously developed land or alters up to 10 acres of previously undeveloped land or the project proposes a tree retention and replanting plan that demonstrates measures to minimize tree removal and replace remove trees to the maximum extent practical. D. project site is located outside the highest hazard areas and outside the special flood hazard area as defined by the wetlands protections act as e complies to the Massachusetts stretch energy codes adopted pursuant to chapter 169 of the acts of 2008. F does not require approval of a new interbas and transfer of water or waste water and does not require new or expanding gas mains. G generates fewer than 3,000 new ADT of traffic on roadways providing access to a single location or generates fewer than 6,000 new ADTS of traffic on roadways providing access to a single location if the project is located either in a transit oriented development district or mixeduse interest or less than 1/ half mile from the public transit stop with an existing or proposed safe and accessible path of travel to the project site. project does not meet or exceed any mandatory err thresholds in 301 CMR 11.3 provided the project satisfies criteria AE and either B or C or above. Table 23 below maps the buildout scenarios to the proposed criteras of streamlined MEEP review i.ef only at 301 CMR 11.12C1 and 2. This analysis is a reference only and should future projects in the ERP require review. If a future project in the URP area is subject to meer review

and meets the criteria below, it require an ENF only and will not be subject to more intensive meer review required due to the URP's location in EJ designated graphic area. Insert the following table 23A renumbered in the existing table 23 is table 23B C 301 CMR 103 thresholds delete column and text referring to SI and table 23B. This I don't need to read because it's substantially the same as what was already in there. Um, so that's the table that shows the new threshold, buildout, scenarios, and criteria met. And [snorts] then replace the text in the January 2026 draft with the following. The Brockton me development authority understands that EOHLC's approval will be issued conditional upon completion of MEPA review. The city of Brockton will submit an environmental notification form after the city council's vote to adopt the plan consistent with 301 CMR 11.03122. Appendix 4 is the location of all MEPA documentation related to this plan. No known redevelopment projects within the n urban renewal area has been submitted to me for review.

Thank you, madame cler. Councelor Thompson, the motion's been properly made and seconded to introduce the amendment. Amendments are done by a hand vote. All in favor of the amendment? The amendment pass. Oh, sorry. All opposed. and then passes. Mr. President, I uh make a motion to uh uh approve uh the order as amended. We uh we don't need a motion. We can just go right into the vote. The question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. D Roza, yes. Farwell,

no. Griffin, no. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Mccastro, no. Tvarez, yes. Texera, no. Thompson, yes. The order is adopted. [clears throat] Item 33. Order that the following name sum be and the same is hereby transferred as the same as submitted by the mayor as follows. Transfer of $285,000 from sale of lots and graves to cemetery goods and supplies in city council March 2, 2026. read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. Questions on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Asac? Yes. Chernel? Yes. D. Roza? Yes. Farwell?

Yes. Griffin, Green? Yes. Lai? Yes. Niccastro? Yes. Tvarez? Yes. Tera? Yes. Thompson? Yes. 11 in the affirmative. The order is adopted. Ordered [clears throat] that the following name sum be and the same is hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Appropriation of $35,590.86 from human resources benefits two planning personal services non-overtime DPW water DPW engineering board of health public property all personal services non-overtime in city council February 9th 2026 read and refer to the standing committee on finance that report was favorable. Questions on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk will you please call the role. Charell yes. D. Roza,

yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarz, yes. Tera, yes. Thompson, yes. 10 in the affirmative. The order is adopted.

Ordered that the following name sum be and the same is hereby transferred. The same was submitted by the mayor as follows. appropriation of $65,648.79 from human resources benefits to animal control personal services non-overtime assessor auditor cemetery city clerk city council council on aging DPW commissioner DPW highway DPW refugees DPW water elections finance fire board of health human resources law parks and recreation planning police procurement public property treasurers and veterans all of those personal services not overtime in city council March 2nd 2026 read and referred to the standing committee on finance that report was favorable.

Question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk will you please call the role. Azac yes. Charell yes. D. Roza yes. Farwell yes. Griffin yes. Green yes. Lai yes. Niccastro. Yes. Tvarez. Yes. Terra yes. Thompson yes. 11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. ordered that the following name sum be and the same is hereby transferred. The same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Appropriation of $600,000 from finance personal services non-overtime $50,000 from finance purchase of service $50,000 from police personal services non-overtime $250,000 from fire personal services non-overtime $250,000 to law property insurance $600,000 in city council March 2nd 2026 read and referred to the standing committee on finance that report is favorable questions on adoption by a roll call vote madam Clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai,

yes. Mcastro, yes. Tvarez, yes. Thompson, yes. 10 in the affirmative. The order is adopted. Voted that the following name sum be the same as hereby transferred is the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. transfer of $25,000 from information technology goods and supplies to information technology overtime in city council March 9th 2026 read and referred to the standing committee on finance that report was favorable. Question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarz, yes. Terra, yes. Thompson, yes. 11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Ordered that the following name sum be and the same is hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Transfer of $15,000 from police personal services non-overtime $7,500 from fire personal services non-overtime $7,500 to emergency management personal services non-overtime $15,000 in city council March 9, 2026. read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. The question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, will you please call the role? Asac? Yes. Charnell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarz, yes. Terra, yes. Thompson,

yes. 11 in the affirmative. The order is adopted. ordered that the city pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 44 sections 53A and 53A and a half hereby accepts the following donation of $100,000 from the United States soccer foundation to parks and recreation in city council March 9th 2026 read and referred to the standing committee on finance that report was favorable. The question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Madam clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarez, yes. Texera, yes. Thompson, yes. 11 in the affirmative. The order is adopted. Thompson.

Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Uh, Mr. President, I make a motion uh to reconsider agenda item number 39 in hopes that it does not prevail. Second.

Thank you, councelor. Question comes on reconsideration. All in hopes it does not prevail. All in favor? All opposed? Reconsideration fails. Thank you. Item 40, ordered that the city council authorize the mayor and appropriate departments to research, develop, and participate in a contract or contracts to aggregate the electricity load of the residences and the businesses in the city and and for other related services independently or in joint action with other municipalities and authorize the mayor to execute [clears throat] all documents necessary to accomplish the same. In city council March 2, 2026, read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. The question is on uh the question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Mad council shell. So, um, when we met with, uh, I'm not in opposition of this at all, but, um, one of the questions I have is, uh, when the mayor execute the executes the contract, could he work with the now, I guess, supplier or the distributor to have some type of fund for the residents here that they pay into um or is that something? Again, I'm just trying to see how I I don't know if this is the venue for that. Um

like a revolving fund. I don't mean I I mean not an enterprise fund but you know maybe because again I don't know if the what what my confusion is is I don't know if there's a if they just take all the money and the customer saves or if is there a way that we can you know take a quarter of every and put it in a fund and then use that as surplus for you know electrical project

for my watching of the finance committee meeting. It was a direct customer pay um company to company, but this arrangement allowed the company to come offer the services in the city because they had an agreement with the city. So the um only thing that you're really authorizing is the mayor to enter into a contract that allows them to operate in the city without any financial benefit to the city. The financial benefit would be to the resident as a rate payer with that company. Well, we're entering the contract with the the mayor's entering the contract with Good Energy, though. That's correct. So, could we then have Good Energy?

Again, I'm just My understanding from what they proposed, that's not part of their business operation. Okay. So, it couldn't be something that we could look into. Could I make a motion to um be in favor but also looking to if they would consider that? Okay. Yeah. So, we uh you know, the question will come on adoption um and we'll vote on it, but then uh we can put in an email or request to the mayor for uh you know the law department for determination. Okay. Um, if there's anything particularly egregious, you do have a couple of days to to retract uh for, you know, for

No, no. I'm I'm in favor of I think it's a good thing, but Okay. You know, I'd like the I'd like them to, you know, be more involved in the city and maybe we can, you know, establish some type of enterprise account where we can where we can stack away some rainy day money in this particular area. Um, is is all I'm saying. Yes. Because again, if they're going to just be making the bulk of the money and again, we're saving as well. So, if we're saving, but again, I still see it's just a onetrack kind of relationship once they're here. It's seems like it's one and that's all I'm saying.

Well, it's it's yeah, it's savings for the for the resident. Um, but that would be something I'd recommend maybe uh talking to the law office or the mayor's office. uh they might be able to give you more uh clarity on that. But councilors, the question comes on adoption by a roll call vote. Madame clerk, would you please call the role? Azac, yes. Shael, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarez, yes. Terra, yes. Thompson, yes. 11 in the affirmative. The order is adopted.

Item 41. ordered that the city of Brocks and grants to Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts doing business as Eversource Energy an easement over and under city- owned land identified as assessor's parcel IDs 110-017 and 110-016 to provide certain limited access over or under the identified parcels as more particularly described in the proposed easement attached to this order. The city council authorizes the mayor to execute the attached easement and to take other actions as necessary to carry out the terms, purposes, and conditions of the same in city council March 2, 2026. Read and refer to the standing committee of finance. That report was favorable. Question is on adoption by a roll call vote. Madam clerk, will you please call the role? Azac, yes. Chernel, yes. D. Roza,

yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarez, yes. Terara, yes. Thompson, yes. 11 in the affirmative. The order is adopted. Resolve to invite Mayor Moses Rodriguez, Police Chief Brenda Perez, and Police Lieutenant William Schleman to appear before the Brockton City Council sitting as the finance committee to discuss their proposal to address the issues associated with addiction, mental health, and homelessness in Brockton January 2026, and such other related issues as the finance committee wishes to address. in city council March 2, 2026 read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable.

Questions on adoption by a hand vote. All in favor? Opposed? The resolve is adopted.

Item 43 resolved. Be it resolved to invite Mayor Rose, Mayor Moses Rodriguez as DPW Commissioner Patrick Hill, traffic commissioner Captain Mark Pocaro, and Beamer Director Steven Hook to appear before the Brockton City Council, sitting as the finance committee to discuss how the city of Brockton can improve its responses to the impact on the city of recent snowstorms, including clearing streets and sidewalks near schools and throughout the city. Specific information sought includes without limitation the snow removal plans developed prior to the storms where removed snow is placed. The amount and kinds of equipment and support available in the city for snow clearance and removal in recent storms. The amount and types of equipment and support provided by the commonwealth and federal government and the ideal amount of equipment and support needed by the city for this work going forward. In city council March 9th, 2026 read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable. The question is on adoption by hand vote. All in favor? All oppose? The resolve is adopted.

Item 44. Whereas the South Eastern Regional Vocational Technical High School provides exceptional educational and training classes in many disciplines for Brockton students and whereas the majority of the student enrollment originates from Brockton families. Now therefore, be it resolved, Superintendent Holly Mlanon and other staff members, as she may determine appropriate, be invited to a meeting of the council to provide an overview of school enrollment, staff promotions, educational programs, and services in city council March 2, 2026, read and referred to the standing committee on finance. That report was favorable.

Questions on adoption by hand vote. All in favor? All oppose? The order is uh resolve is adopted. Councilors, this next item is couple of pages long. If there's anyone willing to make a motion to allow the clerk to summarize it, I'd make a motion to uh summarize uh uh this ordinance. I'd ask that the uh legislative council, the clerk uh just reads uh section section 1 and three. Um I I think that would um summarize uh this this ordinance. Thank you.

Item 45, ordinance be ordained by the city council of the city of Brockton to adopt a new ordinance to the revised ordinances of the city of Brockton as follows. Press the section one purpose. Whereas credum a treelike plant indigenous to the southeast Asia produces stimulant and sedative sedative effects when orally ingested in tablet capsule or extract form. Catum leaves can be chewed or dried or ingested as tea. Use ofratom can lead to psychotic symptoms and psychological and psychological dependence because it contains uh a very difficult word to read and two major psychiatric ingredients. Section three prohibition on the sale of kum products. No person shall, manufacture, distribute, sell or offer for saleratom in any of its forms as defined herein or any of cretom derived products or any products containing catam as a additive in the city of Brockton. This shall apply to catam and any products with similar ingredients or product um operating under a different name. The remainder of the ordinance provides for enforcement um through the Department of Health and Human Services and and Inspectional Services and provides fines for um uh violations of the ordinance for selling products that contain the ingredients.

Deferred ordinance. Item 46, ordinance. Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Brockton to adopt a new section of the zoning code as follows. Formbbased code district. We have attached the city of Brockton website of and full viewing is available the clerk's office upon request. Refer to ordinance.

Ordinance. Amendment to the zoning map for parcel IDs identified. Be it ordained pursuant to section 275 of the city ordinances zoning map whereby reference is made to and incorporation of said boundaries of each of the zones established as shown in the map entitled the city of Brockton, Massachusetts zoning district map dated November 10, 1967 and thereafter amended that said map be amended to reflect the following zoning change. The map is available in the city clerk's office or online. Refer to ordinance

item 48. Ordinance being ordained by the city council of the city of Brockton the following temporary order regarding short-term rentals to expire on July 31st, 2026 and be enacted upon majority vote of the city council. And included is a an ordinance change to allow temporary short-term rentals of the Airbnb type. Referred to ordinance. Orders ordered that the city council authorizes the acceptance and expenditure of the total grant funds in the amount of $175,688 from executive office of elder affairs to the council on aging.

Finance that the following name sum be and the same is hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. transfer of $30,000 from the Council on Aging Personal Services non-overtime to Council on Aging Purchase of Service. Bird to finance. Moted [snorts] that the city council authorizes the acceptance and expenditure of the total grant funds in the amount of $25,000 from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to Parks and Recreation. Referred to finance. Ordered. In accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44, recommending that the city council approve the expenditure of $18 from police goods and supplies to advance lock and key. Council Farwell.

Mr. President, I think we can afford the $18. I'm going to move to suspend the rules and act on it this evening. I'm relieved to hear we can afford it. There's been a motion uh properly made and seconded to take this item under suspension and act on it tonight. All in favor? All opposed? [snorts] Is approved. Uh, madame clerk, would you please call the role? Azac, yes. Charell, yes. D. Roza, yes. Farwell, yes. Griffin, yes. [snorts] Green, yes. Lai, yes. Niccastro, yes. Tvarez, yes. Dera, yes. Thompson, yes. 11 in the affirmative. The order is adopted.

Item 53, resolved. Be it resolved by the Brockton City Council to invite James O'Brien, city solicitor, to appear before the finance committee for an int introduction and greeting before the council as the newly appointed city solicitor. referred to finance. That is all I have. Mr. Council, that is the end of our agenda. Is there anyone here with a uh council? Thank you. A moment of um council recognition. I would just like to announce that we're planning an ordinance meeting for Tuesday, March 31st, 6 p.m. here in council chambers. Thank you, Councelor Johnson. [clears throat]

Thank you, Mr. President. Um I'd like to inform the public and my fellow city councilors and everyone here in the ordinance uh ordinance audience, sorry. Um, I'll be holding a uh W 5 community meeting uh this Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30 p.m. at the Baker Elementary School. Um, this uh ward meeting uh the community meeting will be uh hosted by myself and our W 5 school committee member Sandra Santeo. Joining us will also be Kevin Sullivan of Left Field Project Management who will be discussing uh the Brockton High uh project uh building project. Uh we hope to share some important information with the public and listen uh to the feedback uh from our constituents. I welcome anyone who has time to attend to join us that evening. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, councelor. Any other counselors? Before I adjourn, I'll just give you a reminder that next Monday is the fifth Monday of the month and we have no meeting uh due to that. So I will see you all in two weeks. This meeting is adjourned.