City Council - Regular Meeting

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With time having arrived, I call this regularly scheduled meeting of the Brockton City Council to order. Will you all please join me in standing and saluting our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Councillor Griffin, I believe you have a... Yes, Mr. President, I have a late file. I'd like to have it acted upon tonight. Motion has been properly made and seconded to introduce a late file. All in favor? All opposed? The motion passes. Mr. Clerk. And act on it this evening? Yes. And act on the scene.

We have a communication from the police chief requesting the following personnel be promoted as they are the top ranked candidates on the promotional list. Rank of Captain, Lieutenant David Farrell. Rank of Lieutenant, Sergeant Michael Livingston. Rank of Sergeant, Officer Thomas Delaney. Accepted and placed on file. We have a communication from the mayor recommending the same for each of them. Accepted and placed on file. And we have the appointments. We have the promotion of Lieutenant David Farrell to the rank of Captain of the Brockton Police Department. We have the promotion of Sergeant Michael Livingston to the rank of Lieutenant in the Brockton Police Department. And we have the promotion of Officer Thomas Delaney to the rank of Sergeant in the Brockton Police Department. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

Chief Perez. Good evening, Chief.

Just wanna take a moment, good evening, counselors. Just wanna take a moment to congratulate our officers. Gonna have Captain Farrell come down, soon to be. Lieutenant Livingston, soon to be, and Sergeant Delaney. These officers have been with the department for numerous years. I look forward to working with them in their new leadership role to help me and my command staff move this department forward, to continue to move this department forward. Here they are.

I believe the mayor. Thank you, Chief. Mr. Mayor?

Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. President, I'm just here to second what the Chief just said. I'm honored and proud to recommend the promotion of these three young, vibrant individuals who will work diligently to help move our department forward. And I'm sure that each and every one of us in this government will be proud of the fact that to call these officers colleagues in government and colleagues in leading the Brockton police forward. So I ask you to please second the motion and the notions to help us promote these three fine individuals in our city, in our police department. Thank you much.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Councilor, is there any comments or questions before we vote? Councilor Charnel.

I just want to add that, you know, working with the Lieutenant over the years on the License Commission has been great. He's been a steward and a great, now I say friend, and I am proud to be here as he makes Captain. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor. Councillors, the question comes on the promotions by a roll call vote. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll?

Azak? Yes. Charnell?

Yes.

DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally?

Yes.

Nicastro? Yes. Texera?

Yes.

Thompson? Yes. And in the affirmative.

The promotions are approved. Councillor Farwell? Yes. 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. Now the clerk will handle your swearing in.

Three officers step up, please, and we'll swear you in so you can get right to work.

Let's do one more.

Can you raise your right hand and repeat after me? I, state your name. do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will support the Constitution thereof

So help me God.

I, state your name, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a sergeant according to the best of my ability and understanding Agreeably to the rules and regulations.

Agreeably to the rules and regulations.

Of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And the ordinances of the city of Brockton.

And the ordinances of the city of Brockton.

So help me God. So help me God. I, state your name. I, Thomas McMarrow. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. Congratulations, stay safe gentlemen. The name, the office of police captain, and the date.

Congratulations, stay safe.

Thank you, sir. Take a step up, sign right here. Please, Lieutenant. Can you just sign your name please? Sergeant the date.

Yeah.

Congratulations. Thank you so much for you. Yes.

I want to express our appreciation as well for all the members of our law enforcement community that have come out in support of these officers tonight as well. It's great to see such a showing. Councillors, at this time I'm going to call a brief recess.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you Thank you. Amen. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank God, thank God.

Mr.

Clerk, we're back in session.

Oh my God, this is crazy.

Item one, we have the reappointment of Alicia Fernandez of 56 Fort Street, Brockton, Mass. as a special school police officer. Councillor Thompson.

Mr. President, I make a motion to take this matter under suspension of the rules and act on it this evening.

Second.

Motion's been properly made and seconded to take this item under suspension of the rules. All in favor? All opposed? Motion passes.

What is it?

Councilors, the question comes on the reappointment. All in favor of the reappointment by a roll call vote. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Azek? Yes. Charnell? Yes. DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin? Yes. Green? Yes. Lally? Yes. DeCastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Texera?

Yes.

Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

Reappointment is confirmed. Councilor Charnell? Yes.

I make a motion for a reconsideration with the hopes that it does not prevail. Second.

Thank you, Councillor. Motion has been properly made and seconded for reconsideration. All in favor of reconsideration? All opposed? Reconsideration fails.

Item two, we have the appointments of the following school police officers as special police officers. Jordan McDonald of 14 Madrid Square, Brockton, Mass. Jason Perez of 28 Sycamore Avenue, Brockton, Mass. And Jasmine Rosa of 544 Manly Street, West Bridgewater. Councillor Green.

Mr. President, I move that we take item number two under suspension of the rules and act on it this evening. Second.

Motion has been properly made and seconded to take this item under suspension. All in favor? I'll oppose, motion passes. Question comes on the appointment or appointments. Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Azak? Yes. Charnell?

Yes.

De Rosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally?

Yes.

McCastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Teixeira?

Yes.

Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

Three appointments are confirmed. Councillor De Rosa?

I can do it. You got it? I make a motion for reconsideration with the hopes that it does not prevail.

Second. Second.

Motion has been properly made and seconded for reconsideration. All in favor of reconsideration? All opposed? Reconsideration fails.

We have the appointment of Shannon Cartel of 183 Ellsworth Street, Brockton, Mass. to the Commission on Human Rights for a three-year term ending in May, 2029. It was referred to Finance. We have the appointment of Jacob Matthews of 25 East Nilsen Street, Unit 403, Brockton, Mass. to the Commission on Human Rights for a three-year term ending in May, 2029.

It was referred to Finance.

We have the report of the Public Safety Committee for its meeting of May 5th, 2026.

It was referred to, sorry, accepted and placed on file.

We have a report of the ordinance committee for its meeting of May 5th, 2026. Accepted and placed on file. We have a report of the finance committee for its meeting of May 18th, 2026. Accepted and placed on file. We have a communication from the police chief requesting the appointment of the following school police officers. Jordan McDonald, Jason Perez, and Jasmine Rosa of West Bridgewater. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor appointing the following school police officers as special police officers. Jordan McDonald, Jason Perez, and Jasmine Rosa. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the police chief requesting the reappointment of Alicia Fernandez of 56 4th Street Brockton Mass as a special school police officer. Accepted and placed on file. We have a communication from the mayor reappointing Alicia Fernandez of 56 4th Street as a special police officer.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the Mayor appointing Shannon Cattell of Ellsworth Street, Brockton, Mass. to Commissioner on Human Rights for a three-year term ending in May, 2029. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the Mayor appointing Jacob Matthews of 25 East Nilsen Street to the Commissioner on Human Rights for a three-year term. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the mayor requesting a waiver of the city of Brockton's residency requirement for Donnie Watson, a member of the ITC department. Donnie is an exceptional team member with a strong work ethic and significant experience. He served for six years in the Mass Air National Guard and cybersecurity operations, holds several industry standard certifications, and is currently finishing a bachelor's degree at SNHU. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the fire chief requesting that the Brockton Fire Department accept and expend a total of $17,100.00 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety. The fire department intends to use those grant funds for our fire safety education program. 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 transfer of $50,000. This transfer will fully fund the auditor's purchase of service category 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 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 $15,000 from the Massachusetts Council on Aging to the Brockton Council on Aging. These funds are an earmark that will be used for the Council on Aging's wellness nursing program. Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same. Accepted and placed on file.

We have a communication from the DPW commissioner requesting that the city council authorize a transfer of $20,000 to ensure adequate coverage to fund the sewer department's overtime category for the remainder of the fiscal year. 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 DPW commissioner requesting that the city council authorize the transfer of $45,000 to ensure adequate coverage to fund the water department's overtime category for the remainder of the fiscal year.

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 a transfer of $2,000. This transfer is necessary to fully fund the election goods... Excuse me. and supplies category 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 mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44 recommending that the city council authorize the transfer of $10,000. This transfer is necessary to fully fund the human resources goods and supplies category 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 a transfer of $46,000 to cover the shortfall of the parks and recreation purchase of services categories until the end of FY26. 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.

We have a communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44, recommending that the city council authorize the transfer of $400,000. This transfer is necessary to fully fund the Medicare tax category 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 mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44, recommending that the city council adopt the proposed FY27 budget. Accepted and placed on file. Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Unfinished business, we have an ordinance increasing the refuse trash bill to quarterly payments of $130 billed four times a year. In City Council, February 23, 2026, read and referred to the Standing Committee on Ordinance. That report was favorable. Passed to a third reading as amended by a hand vote. In City Council, April 27, 2026. Ordination as amended failed four to four. In City Council, May 11, 2026, reconsideration is allowed.

The question is on ordination as amended by a roll call vote. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

ASAC. Yes. Charnell.

Yes.

De Rosa. Yes. Farwell.

No.

Griffin.

No.

Green.

No.

Lally.

Yes.

Nicastro. Yes. Tavares. Yes. Texera.

No.

Thompson.

Yes.

Seven in the affirmative, four in opposition.

The ordinance is ordained.

Mr. Chair.

Council and to Castro.

I make a motion for reconsideration in hopes that it fails.

Second. Motion's been properly made and seconded for reconsideration. All in favor of reconsideration? All opposed?

Reconsideration fails. Item 40, we have an ordinance establishing regulations and penalties for needle exchange programs in the City of Brockton. In City Council, April 13th, 2026, read and referred to the Standing Committee on Ordinance. That report was favorable as amended.

The question is on passage to a third reading as amended by a hand vote. All in favor? All opposed? It's passed to a third reading.

We have an ordinance amending chapter two, article six, division eight, youth council. In city council, April 27th, 2026, read and referred to the standing committee on ordinance. That report was favorable.

The question is on passage to a third reading by a hand vote. All in favor? All opposed? The item is passed back to the third reading.

Item 42, we have the appointment of Maria Fernandez of 21 Bower Rav, Brockton, Mass, to the Brockton Advisory Council on Health for a three-year term ending in March, 2029. City Council, March 23, 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 roll?

Azak? Yes. Charnell?

Yes.

De Rosa? Yes. Farwell? Yes. Griffin? Yes. Green?

Yes.

Lally? Yes. McCastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Teixeira?

Yes.

Thompson? Yes. 11 in the affirmative.

The appointment is confirmed. Item 43, order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Transfer of $375,000 from law personal services, non-overtime, $100,000. From law other insurances, $100,000. From law court judgment, $75,000. From DPW Sewer Purchase of Service, $40,000. From Fire Personal Services Non-Overtime, $60,000. To Law Purchase of Service, $175,000. To Law Workers' Compensation, $200,000. In City Council, May 11th, 2026, read and refer to the Standing Committee on Finance. That report was favorable.

Questions on adoption by a roll call vote. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Azak? Yes. Charnell?

Yes.

De Rosa? Yes. Farwell? Yes. Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally? Yes. De Castro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Teixeira? Yes. Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Item 44, ordered that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred, as the same was submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $5,000 from Packing Authority Personal Services, non-overtime, to Parking Authority Personal Services Overtime. In City Council May 11th, 2026, written referred to the Standing Committee on Finance, that report was favorable.

Questions on adoption by a roll call vote. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Azak? Yes. Charnel?

Yes.

De Rosa? Yes. Farwell? Yes. Griffin? Yes. Green? Yes. Lally? Yes. Nicastro? Yes. Chavarez? Yes. Teixeira? Yes. Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Item 45, order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Transfer of $250,000 from police personal services, non-overtime, TO POLICE PERSONAL SERVICES OVERTIME. IN CITY COUNCIL MAY 11, 2026, THE REGENT REFERRED TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF FINANCE. THAT REPORT WAS FAVORABLE.

QUESTIONS ON ADOPTION BY A ROLL CALL VOTE. MADAM CLERK, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

AZAK. YES. SHARNEL.

YES.

ZAROZA. YES. FARWELL.

YES.

GRIFFIN.

YES.

GREEN.

YES.

LALLY. YES. CASTRO. YES. TAVARES. YES. TEXERA.

YES.

THOMPSON. YES. 11 IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

THE ORDER IS ADOPTED. Item 46, be it resolved in recognition of Haitian Heritage Month to invite the CEO of Haitian Community Partners to address the Brockton City Council sitting as the finance committee regarding the important work that the organization has been doing in the community. It is of paramount importance to highlight the positive impact of the foundation's efforts, meaningful month of celebration and reflection. In City Council May 11th, 2026, Brayden referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. That report was favorable.

The question is on adoption by a hand vote. All in favor? All opposed? The resolve is adopted.

Item seven, resolve pursuant to Chapter 12, Section 24 and Chapter 19, Section 26 of the Brockton City Ordinances. The Chief of Police shall make an annual report to the City Council concerning traffic accidents and the situations in the city. accompanied by recommendations, and shall report to the City Council the condition and organization of the Police Department, including a synopsis of the business of the preceding year, with remarks and recommendations. Pursuant to Chapter 6, Section 33 of the Brockton City Ordinances, the Fire Chief shall make an annual report to the Brockton City Council on the condition of the fire department, including a synopsis of all losses and accidents by fire, and pursuant to Chapter 3, Section 21 of the Brockton City Audiences, the Animal Control Officer shall make a biannual report to the City Council stating opinions as to the maintenance and condition of every premises holding a kennel license in the city. Therefore, be it resolved by the Brockton City Council to invite Brockton Police Officer, Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez, Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, and Animal Control Officer Thomas DeChilis to appear before the Public Safety Committee to discuss and provide annual reports in accordance with the Brockton City Ordinances. In City Council, April 13th, 2026, read and referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety. That report was favorable.

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

Ordered that the City of Brockton grants to Massachusetts Electric Company a utility easement for electrical purposes over and under city-owned land identified as 45 School Street, Brockton, Mass., as more particularly described in the proposed grant of easement attached with this order. And further, the city council authorizes the mayor to execute the attached grant of easement and take other actions necessary to carry out the terms, purposes, and conditions of the same.

Referred to finance.

Ordered. that the following petition be approved and submitted to the Great and General Court for approval under clause one of section eight of article two, as amended of the amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to the end that legislation be adopted precisely as follows, except for clerical or editorial changes of form only. An act relative to election recount process and signature requirements of the mayor, city council, and school committee in the city of Brockton for a name to be placed on his ballot for nomination. Referred to Finance. Item 50, ordered a waiver of the City of Brockton's residency requirements under Section 2-110 of the City Ordinances for Donnie Watson. Referred to Finance. Ordered that the City Council authorize the acceptance and expenditure of the total grant funds in the amount of $17,100 from the Executive Office of Public Safety to the Fire Department. Referred to Finance. Ordered that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred and the same as submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $50,000 from Finance Personal Services non-overtime Auditor, $25,000. From auditor personal services non-overtime, $25,000. To auditor purchase of service, $50,000.

Referred to finance.

Audit that the City Council authorizes the acceptance and expenditure of the total grant funds in the amount of $15,000. From the Massachusetts Council on Aging to the Council on Aging.

Referred to finance.

Order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Transfer of $20,000 from DPW sewer personal services non-overtime to DPW sewer personal services overtime.

Referred to finance.

Order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the mayor as follows. Transfer of $45,000 from DPW water personal services non-overtime to DPW water personal services overtime. Referred to finance. Order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same as submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $2,000 from Elections Purchase of Services to Elections Goods and Supplies. Referred to Finance. Order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same as submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $10,000 from Human Resources Purchase of Service to Human Resources Goods and Supplies. Referred to Finance. Ordered that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $46,000 from Parks and Recreation Personal Services known overtime to Parks and Recreation Purchase of Service. Referred to Finance. Ordered that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $400,000 from Treasurer's Debt Service to Treasurer's Medicare Tax. Referred to Finance. Item one, moved at $565,000, excuse me, $565,450,363 be appropriated for the following general fund department expenditures in the city for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, which will be funded through the following sources. State aid, tax levy, local receipts, available funds, stabilization funds, free cash, and chapter 324 supplemental reserve for a total of $565,450,363.

Councilors, that is the budget. It is referred to finance. It is also the end of our agenda. Before we adjourn today, just for the record to make sure everyone is on the same page and so the public is aware, the budget hearings will be held on June 8th, 9th, and 10th. The hearings will start at 6 p.m. On the 8th, we will have a public hearing at 5.30 before the start of the hearings on the budget. The vote on the budget and any potential cuts to the budget will be on the 15th at six o'clock, a special meeting of the city council before our regularly scheduled 7 p.m. finance committee meeting. That being the end of our agenda, are there any moments of council's recognition? Councilor Azak.

Thank you. I just want to remind everybody that we have scheduled ordinance meetings for next week, Monday, June 1st at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, June 2nd, 5.30 p.m. here in council chambers. The June 2nd meeting is going to be focused on the form-based code ordinance. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor. Any other councillors? Councillor Necastro.

Thank you. Yesterday was Memorial Day and the Veterans Service Department prepared a beautiful service in memory of all those who served from the city of Brockton in the various wars and conflicts. I want to applaud the work that they did. I also want to thank the board of the War Memorial Building, Everybody pitched in and did a fine job. And I think it was a real tribute to our lost soldiers. Thank you.

Well said, Counselor. Thank you to those who served and those who gave their lives in the service. And I want to express the same appreciation to the War Memorial Board. I know one of the trustees, Mr. Stanton, is in the back, and to the Veterans Services Department. Counselor Sharnell, I saw your hand.

Thank you. On the 30th, the eighth annual Henry Football Clinic will be held at Masiano Stadium, and that's from 10 to, I believe, three o'clock. And at three o'clock, breaking through roadblocks is having a coffee and cream event at the Fuller Craft Museum. And also at around 1.45, I was at the State House for an event. One of the Haitian soccer players came and they dedicated the day. to him, so it was great. Many Haitian elected officials. And then it ends Haitian Heritage Month, so you won't hear me saying anything until next year, Councillors. But I want to thank all the Councillors that participated in a lot of events for Haitian Heritage Month and all the good things that we did around the city. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor. Seeing no other hands, we are adjourned.