City Council - Regular Meeting

It's going to be what we're talking about before. Great job, by the way, on coordinating points. I feel like today was very effective because of just

that was that was really I wasn't to get ready cuz they I have something. So I'm like I need like some girl. You're the best. I don't agree. You got to run. Can I Can I give you my card so we can connect because I definitely [music] like to do that. And I've seen you now two times in a row. You getting yours out. Okay.

Thank you. Don't forget to email me though because I want to set that up and I can come Michael had to run out. Appreciate all the words are so I'm going to tell tell George I saw you again. [laughter] [music] [music] situation. [music]

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What happened? [music] You didn't get that.

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have this regular meeting while he's having this meeting that way you know for us when I was meeting the We got to work before the next election whether we're all here again or not. your testimony in your hand.

City prayer. The May 5th, 2026 LOL City Council meeting come to order. City prayer. Dear God, today as this session opens, we pray that your presence will be before us and everyone who serves in the decision-making process of our city. We pray for direction which will lead our city to be strong and unified. May we continue the legacy of our founders. May we be granted this day the wisdom to make decisions which will be for the good of our city. We also pray for your special blessings on all those who are working to transform our city and make it a better place to live and work. Amen. Pledge Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. [clears throat]

Roll call. Mr. Clerk. Council Mercier here. Council Non here. Council Robinson here. Council Rock here. Council Scott here. Council Chow here. Councelor Dotto here. Mayor Gia here. Councelor Jirean here. Councelor Leang here. Council Mcdana here. 11 present. Thank you Mr. Clerk. Moment of silence is Council Robinson.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. I'd like to offer a moment of silence for Timothy Joseph Keane, 40 of Low, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at his home. He was born on April 21st, 1986. And he was a son of Gerard and Katherine Seral Keen of L. Tim was raised in the Christian Hill section of L where he attended the area schools graduating from L High School, class of 2004. He worked as a printer at Sullivan Brothers Printed for many years. He found solace listening to music and he enjoyed basketball in the UFC. He was a communicant of St. Michael's Church of L. He is predecessed by his paternal grandparents Margaret Hickeyi and Patrick Keane of Ireland, maternal grandfather Henry Seral of L and brother Jerry Keane. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his siblings. Patrick Keane, partner Naomi Bayas of Low, Shaun Keane, partner Hannah Lai of Draket, and Brian Keane, partner Danielle Desessa of Medford. Nieces and nephews, Natalyia Keane, Manny Elise, and Kaden Basley. Ava and Eve Lai, his maternal grandmother Margaret Seralt of LOL, Uncle George Salt, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends both in the US and Ireland. He was especially close to his cousin Dennis Ryan and best friend Michael Naidder. May he rest in peace and my condolences to the family.

Thank you, Council Robinson. Any other moment of silences? Seeing none, if we could dim the lights, please. At this time, I would like to turn over the meeting to manager Golden to talk about um the fire in Senville. Thank you very much uh Mr. Mayor through to the council. Uh council is there's been a it was a very serious fire today. Um and um I want to say thank you very much to the little fire department for the quick reaction. Uh some of our uh neighboring towns had to come in uh and also the little police department. uh had an opportunity to be over there for a little while at the top of the hill. And uh we did open up the um senior center to make sure that uh if anybody was dealing with smoke inhilation or any type of problem like that or they just wanted to get out of the area, we opened that and that is still ongoing as we speak. Uh currently right now there are three people that u have been sent to the hospital uh right now not life-threatening uh from the end of from what I understand. uh two may be uh firefighters uh and one may be a um uh person in the area. So uh our thoughts and our prayers go out to everyone that's been affected. I know a couple of counselors have been in that area. It's uh it's a solemn day. U there's a lot of people that um unfortunately the fire happened on Bridge Street and spread up the hill because of the wind. Uh the wind was um to to say it was whipping is to say it really was. it uh the embers were jumping from um built from the original building which was on Bridge Street all the way up to in and around the Main Street area. uh but uh due to

the professionalism that we have here in the city and I have to say I had seen trucks from Draken and and I shouldn't probably name them but the a lot of the uh mutual aid came in to help us but um uh been talking in in in concert with Chief Sharon, Chief Keane, they're on the scene uh and things are in a better situation as of right now. was knocked down rather quickly, but our thoughts are with everyone that's affected by this. And I hopefully before the end of this meeting, I'll have a little bit more of an update as to um the folks over at the Council on Aging, which we want to thank the Red Cross as well uh for being over there and tending to their needs. I think there's about a half a dozen people over there at this time. Uh so we'll keep you up to date as soon as we can. uh this at the council was pretty much made aware of this via the text that I received from Chief Keane uh earlier this afternoon. But um once again, a big thank you to the professionals of the LOL Fire Department. Uh the professionals uh in surrounding cities and towns, we tend to to be the one quite frankly that are out there helping them all the time. But in our moment of need, u mutual aid does work and the towns came in to help us. Uh and once again, thank you very much to the LOL Police Department. our entire public safety force was out in full force and um the professionalism was uh was incredible to to to to see and uh Heather Tetry as you all know is our emergency management. Her Lisa Golden uh took care of things that needed to be taken care of uh in immediately. So um we have a good team. uh wish it didn't happen, but the team uh the team is going to do the best it can to make sure that everyone is uh is is made whole. We'll ask the residents of Senal to uh bear with us for a little little while. We'll get the DPW over there. I know that we're going to have other issues and cleanup and problems, but uh over the next few days um we will ensure that uh brought back that brought back to as

much normality as as we can. Uh but once again to the folks who are um who are not going to be living in their homes tonight, uh our thoughts and our prayers go out to you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council Robinson. Thank you. Um thank you, Mr. Manager. And and I echo your comments and I would just also like to thank all the EMTs and paramedics that I saw coming and going from the scene. I mean, it was uh non-stop. some of the some of the people that left from what I was told was smoke inhilation, but uh they were right there providing water and every emergency supports to our first responders. So, greatly appreciated and the neighborhood was all very uh appreciative of that as well. So, thank you.

Thank you, Council Robinson. Thank you, manager Golden for keeping us updated at all times and um our thoughts and prayers are with the families and of the paramedics, the firefighters, all the emergency personnel and the families of Senville. Two, mayor's business 2.1 communication remote zoom participation motion to accept and place on file by councelor Ror, seconded by councelor noon. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 2.2 to greetings Cork Ireland Lord Mayor Fagal Denahi Councelor Jiren

sorry thank you Mr. Mayor um uh would you like me to give the citation before we have the Lord Mayor speak okay thank you um [clears throat] maybe I will ask the Lord Mayor to come up to the podium just to be visible thank you um I have the honor um and thank you Mr. mayor for giving me this honor of reading uh the official citation on behalf of the city of lol. Um be it hereby known to all that the city of lol in the commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Lord Mayor Fergal Denahi. The lol city council extends its sincere appreciation and warmest welcome to Fergle Denah Lord Mayor of Cork Ireland on the occasion of his official visit to the city of lol. A native of Toker Cork, Lord Mayor Denahhee's lifelong dedication to public service and community development reflects a remarkable legacy of civic leadership. With more than three decades of involvement in community initiatives, Lord Mayor Denahe has been instrumental in strengthening local organizations and advancing opportunities for residents. as a founding member and current secretary of Toer Boxing Club and through his leadership in numerous civic roles. Um he was elected to city uh Cork City city council on multiple occasions since 2003. Um Lord Mayor Denah continues to champion youth development, community engagement and sustainable growth. His work on behalf of Cork extends beyond Ireland, representing his city and country on the European stage as an alternate delegate to the Committee of the Regions in Brussels. The city of LOL is honored to welcome Lord Mayor Denahi and recognizes the enduring cultural and historical ties between LOL and Ireland. His visit serves to strengthen the bonds

of friendship, heritage, and collaboration between our communities. And now therefore, our mayor Eric Iter uh on behalf of the entire city council and residents of LOL hereby extend our deepest appreciation and we are proud to honor and recognize Lord Mayor Fergal Deni for his service to the people of Cork Ireland given this fifth day of May 2026 by the mayor and each of the counselors. [applause]

[applause]

mayor if you'd like to say a few words. Um ver I guess uh Korea I guess Marta I guess Marian Marta um newa uh mayor city councilors um friends and and and new friends thank you that's that's very humbling um to listen to that citation and and much appreciated mayor at the outset may I offer you our our our support as well in relation to that that fire today um you know we've had incidents like that in our own city. I know how difficult it is, but it is lovely to hear how your first responders uh have come together and it's nice to hear them appreciated in this chamber as well. Uh mayor, may I also thank you for the the beautiful welcome. I think half of L of Irish descent from the amount of people I've met so far and and I really feel like I'm at home um this evening. We've come straight from the airport. Um, you know, last week we had our our our learning cities festival in Cork and we had the honor of having um John and Peggy and Jean over there as well and sharing kind of our story with them. I want to congratulate you on being the first um learning cities in in the US. It's a it's a great achievement. We understand what it is about. Um our coordinator Dennis Barrett is here with me as well. Um last week we saw communities come alive. We saw people do things that they haven't done before. We saw people of different ages, of different demographics, of different backgrounds because we all acknowledge and we all understand that we have got third level institutions which are really really important for producing graduates. But in the communities, it's about community learning. You know, it's skills that people never had that opportunity to learn. It's about doing things for the first time that you've

never done. It's about taking people out of their homes um that were afraid to come out of their homes for whatever reasons. Isolation is a huge problem in in in all societies and you know lifelong learning changes that it gives those opportunities and it's very heartening to come to a city that has embraced that the ethus of lifelong learning. And I want to thank you mayor for your support and also the previous mayors as well who I know um have been fully fully behind lifelong learning because you get it. You get it and you understand it. You see the social changes that you can make through lifelong learning and you know the differences to our communities that you can make. So I want to thank you for that. Um we're looking forward to seeing your city. As I said we we've only come from the airport but what we've seen is beautiful so far. Um it's a bit windy out there but it's lovely and warm. Um we have a lot to do this week. Um we have some engagements between UMass and uh our own university in UCCC. Um also between Endicott and uh MTU once a technological university and again those kind of collaborations that's that's what makes cities work together you know bringing people together. Um we have a lot of history as well. Um, mayor I told you the story briefly earlier. I'm not going to go into it because I do appreciate you for coming to the meeting to to run as well, but you know there is um in in 1920 a man from my own neighborhood um died on hunger strike during our struggle for independence in Ireland. Um a man called Joseph Murphy who was born in Lynn um not so far from here. So we're going to go and visit Lynn this week as well and and and pay tribute to to that martyr as well. You know, very important part of our our history in in Cork. So I I do appreciate you have a council meeting and I do appreciate you giving me a few moments

to address you. Um I'm truly humbled by that citation and truly humbled by the the beautiful Kade me falter that we have received so far. Thank you very much mayor and council. [applause] Council, Councelor Mercia.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I am so honored to be supporting a memorandum of understanding with the County Cork Ireland. I'm so honored and I wore green for your arrival because I just got back from Ireland. I spent 10 days with my daughter who incidentally's name is Kelly. very Irish name because she was born very close to St. Patrick's Day. So I named it Kelly. But I had a tremendous time there. I was in Cork in the Imperial Hotel and if I knew you were across the street, I would have went there and visited you. But it was just such a beautiful country. Miles and miles uh manicured fields with sheep with their markings on it. horses, uh, um, cows, so beautiful. I felt like I was in heaven. So, and the people were all so wonderful. I can't even You and we're, you're complimenting the United States and l I'm complimenting the whole of Ireland because I went to Dublin, Cork, uh, Keelani, Galway, Shannon, you name it. I I've been there. So, thank you so much for being here and we could have taken the same plane over here, you know, if you waited just a a little while longer. So, thank you and welcome to America. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Mercia. Motion to accept and place on file by Council Mia, seconded by Council Mcdana. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. Um May uh Council Rook. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, you have uh the mayor here. Uh could we please take 6.4 four out of order um to uh join us in uh memor standing

motion by councelor Rook seconded by councel Robinson to take 6.4 out of order to suspend the rules take 6.4 out of order all in favor signify by saying I any opposed so ordered 6.4 for vote authorize a city manager enter into anou with Cork City Ireland. Wave full reading and second reading by title. Vote authorize city manager enter into anou with Cork City Ireland. Motion to adopt by councel Jirean, seconded by councelor Dakota. Roll call. Council Mercia. Yes. Council noon. Yes. Council Robinson. Yes. Council Ror. Yes.

Council Scott. Yes. Councilor Chow. Yes. Councilor Dakota. Yes. Mayor Gia. Yes. Council Guran. Yes. Council Leang. Yes. [clears throat] Councilor Mcdana. Yes. Leven. [applause] If Lord Mayor Denah would come up, we can take some pictures with the proclamation with the council. Yeah, thank you.

[laughter]

How are we doing? Good. On the Wonderful. Back to the regular agenda. 2.3 proclamation mental health awareness. If Miss Golden could come up to the mic, please. Health director Golden.

Thank you for being here. Thank you.

We have a proclamation for you. The city of LOL Commonwealth of Massachusetts by his honor Eric R. get here mayor a proclamation mental health awareness this year's theme more good days together emphasize the power of connection community and collaborative support in improving mental health outcomes whereas by coming together as neighbors friends and colleagues we can create environments where individuals feel supported valued and empowered to seek help when needed through compassion education and advocacy we can help ensure that more individuals experience hope, healing, and a greater number of good days. Therefore, I, Eric Argicha, mayor of the city of LOL, do hereby proclaim the month of May as mental health awareness month in the city of lol and encourage all residents, organizations, and community partners to recognize the importance of mental health, engage in open conversations, support those in need, and work together to build a more compassionate and inclusive community. Thank you. Council [applause] Leang.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I guess the uh healthcare in me don't let this go a little bit. So, I'm going to just um have a few words u about this month is uh 2026 mental health theme like you mentioned is more good day together. This theme highlight the need to build community connection, support mental health through shared experience, and improve overall well-being. It's important to remember that one in five adult experience mental health each year, reminding us that no one is truly alone in this struggle. So, let me give you a a short story. Um, on the morning of April 24th last month, I was drinking coffee at Dunkin Donut on Middle Sex Street. A middle-aged man approached me and sat down. He opened up about losing his job because of persistent voices in his head that keep asking him question. These voices became so overpowering that he could no longer function in daily life. Sadly, he shared that stigma that taken a toll on his relationship as well. His children don't visit him anymore and his wife left him. He expressed the heart-wrenching thought, "Who would want to stay with a crazy person like me?" His son too has stopped reaching out. We talked for almost an hour and I was moved by his courage and sharing his story. He's mentioned that he is on a path to recovery and is learning way to cope with his challenges. I felt a sense of hope when he said that he's telling his doctor about his condition had turned him uh around especially during difficult moment when he's alone. So before I left work that morning we talked about self-compassion. This mean treating yourself with one same kind kindness that understanding

that you would give to a friend, a colleague, a neighbor. Especially when you make mistake or feeling down. It's important to recognize that suffering that make mistakes are normal or part of human being. These experience do not mean you are inadequate. Lastly, it is okay not to be okay. If you are feeling stressed, worried, anxious, and overwhelmed, you don't have to face this alone. You are not alone. Talk to friends, family, or professional who can help. If you or someone know you know is struggling, you can get help anytime by texting or calling 988. There are more good days ahead. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Yang. Miss Golden. Thank you, mayor, manager, counselors. So, the health department um starting this Friday will have a four-week campaign on social media with things like 988 and um other um social media campaigns with where people can reach out. And we started this over the wintertime because sometimes one time of reaching out does not work for everyone. So, we started with a four-week campaign and um even though May is mental health awareness month, we feel that um we should not do it just one month out of the year. So, we did it over um over the winter when seasonal depression sets sets in. Um we did something in January, now we'll do something in May and then again in um September for suicide awareness. So, we try to do it um three, four times during the year because sometimes it doesn't resonate with people and sometimes hitting people with a different way um kind of um starts to starts to settle with people. Um with a communications team, they're very receptive with everything. Um, sometimes I feel like the health department is the only ones that um, reach out to them to put things on social media, but um, they they tweak what we put and they put it out there and I I feel like we get a lot of hits from what we put out there. So, um, it it it is re it's very receptive to the um to the public. So, so that's great. Um, the bridge also, the Cox Bridge, the Bridge Street Bridge will be lit up on the 15th green. Green is the color. Even though it's the color for Ireland, it's also the color for um mental health awareness. Um the health department also has a collaboration with the LOL public schools um with UMass LOL and um 988 is one of the um signs that's on a few you'll see it on a few of the bridges um because sometimes people are parked and they'll see the sign for 988

and also one of the signs do say um you know we do care. So, there are a few different um avenues that we have to reach out and I believe you all have um some of the things on your desk. Um there's a fidget spinner that says um mental health awareness and there's a few other things as well that Haley gave you some things. Thank you for your time.

Thank you, Mr. Golden. Motion to accept and place on file by councel Robinson, seconded by councelor Direan. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. City clerk 3.1 minutes of finance subcommittee April 28th city council regular meeting April 28th for acceptance motion to accept and place on file by council Scott seconded by councelor Chow all in favor signify by saying I any opposed so ordered Mr. Mayor yeah I'm not sure if we're still under suspension or not but I see Mr. Rosenberry is here. Could we take motion response? If not, so motion to suspend the rules by council Dakota. Take

uh motion uh motion response 5 B and C. Let's take F motion response 5B and C out of order. Thank you. Seconded by councelor Jirean. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 5.1 motion response B. polling place feasibility. Council Scott,

thank you, Mr. Mayor, for the response. Um, I really appreciate it. I understand it's very difficult to try to move them away from the schools. Um, you know, we we have very specific standards that are required that may not have been required in the past. You can't have it at a bar. You can't have it a religious facility. Um, you have to be ADA compliant. So, I understand the complexity of removing it from the schools. Um, I did appreciate that we hel hel held it um that schools were not all canceled during the primaries and I know that causes its own challenges as well. Um, and maybe you could talk a little bit about that. That kind of crosses over into the next mo motion response as well. Um, and I think one of the main things we do want to do is keep consistency though. Um, we don't want to dissuade v voters. So, um, if it can't happen, it can't happen and I just thank you for looking at it.

Uh, sure. Oh, thank you counselor. Yes. Uh, you know, so one thing I want to clarify is I think there is a maybe a misconception. We can in fact use uh religious institutions. Um, there is not necessarily a prohibition on that. Uh, but yes, you know, understanding the parameters of what it is to create a polling place or to use utilize a polling place. We are somewhat limited. You know, schools do are a do uh provide that accessibility. They are conveniently located uh across the city and uh they do not generally come with rental fees. So they uh they do afford themselves the convenience there and um but you know so it's not really feasible for us to entirely move out of schools but you know through a thoughtful consideration it is the purview of the council to vote on and determine polling places. If there were an expansion of polling places we could certainly mitigate the impact on schools. Um so that's kind of where I came at with with that. Um, so we're talking here about specifically our experience with the um with having schools open. You know, perhaps through some and we we have a very good working relationship with the schools. Okay. Um perhaps through through working more with them and expanding our options, we could work to have schools open on lower turnout elections such as we just had with the special.

Council Scott. No, that's it. Thank you. I didn't know that about churches. So, thanks for that information. Thank you, Council Durant.

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor, and and thank you actually, Mr. Rosenberry, for that last comment. Uh, looking at the two motion responses, I I think we're all concerned about voter turnout and want to try to encourage more voter turnout whenever possible. Um but if there are opportunities to work closely with the schools and find opportunities perhaps as you said on lower vote uh on thing on special election I don't want to say lower voter turnout elections because we again want to discourage lower voter turnout but ones where there maybe you know uh sort of uh um opportunities to do something different then um that would be great but I appreciated the thoughtfulness and and thoroughess of the response and uh particularly ly the um items of what went wrong at or what was challenging about each of the locations and some of the things that changed uh surprisingly um for uh the election workers. So there's a lot to uh learn from that and I'm not going to spend the time to dig into that here but it was very helpful to see. Thank you.

Thank you Council Jiren Council Chow.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh thank you Mr. Rosenber for being here. Um great great report. Um I guess our questions in general about during the special elections is uh the schools are more affected especially for parking spaces for voters. Um but in any elections um more um just have questions about at the low high school at many schools during regular elections when uh you go to the schools there uh ample park spaces but the high school area there's not really like a parking space for for voters. um how does that work? Can that be improved to you know to encourage people to to go there? They don't have to fight traffic also have to fight for parking area as well.

Yeah. So to address the LOL high school specifically so um our experience in the um special election was actually positive. Uh we did use an alternative entrance um you know traditionally we're call we're still continuing to kind of call it the LOL High School cafeteria but in reality we're sort of voting in a lobby on the Father Moriceette entrance. Um that space has changed somewhat with the with the construction being completed essentially in there. Um but we are we were limited somewhat by uh electrical outlet access in that space. I believe that has since sort of been resolved in there. But our experience in the special election was uh overall positive at the LOL High School. Um working with the parking department, they were able to carve out parking specifically for voters along Arcan Drive. Um, they even discussed as going so far as to work with the police to get some parking over where the police are currently parking. I think I guess it's a Masonic uh parking lot over there at the Masonic Center. Um, had we had need needed it, anticipating higher turnout. Um, the only hesitation about the LOL High School is that it is the wrestling room. Um, one of my poll workers in there, he was working out of state, but he was a he was a custodian in a high school before coming to LOL. and he did express cons some uh concerns about the uh sanitary nature of wrestling rooms after prolonged use. Um but as far as accessibility is concerned that athletic center that room on on um entering from Arcan Drive uh was sufficient. So, if if if the city council were their desire to eventually make that a permanent change, um you know, that is something that I would likely support uh and the poll workers over there would support as well as long as we can get that kind of commitment from parking to be able to get some parking out there for voters.

Thank you. Thank you, Council Chow. Council Yang.

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I think before any changes that should be made we should also look at the idea of um how's a new place would increase voter or not. Uh sometime the cultural activities within the neighborhood can also the factor in in into where people goes to vote. Sometime it's difficult but it's where they know and a simple little change could you know um basically disrupt that. But if we can see that if a little change can produce more voters, then I think I'm all for that. But uh not just for uh easiness of uh people go to vote, but um a place where they know, a place where they understand, a place they can feel safe. It might look not look safe, but they can feel safe, then it it's theirs, then we shouldn't be moving unless it's really increasing the voter turnout.

Thank you, Council Leang. Motion to accept and place on file by councel Mercier, seconded by council Mcdana. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. Council Dan. Uh Mr. Mayor, uh if we're under since we're under suspension rules, can we just finish up 5.1 and do A and D also? Yep. Let's we'll do C first, then I'll go back to the I thought we did. Thank you. Sorry. 5.1 C. Motion response special elections in school in schools report. Council, you're in.

Oh, yeah. I think I kind of touched on this already. Um but uh I think one point actually that when uh councelor Leang was speaking that came to mind is one reason for this uh motion in the first place was obviously I mean we all do want to increase voter turnout but I think this year given the fact that we had special elections two of them and we had a lot of snow days and other things some parents were concerned also about the fact that schools were often closed this year. So um you know I think you know in a democracy we should be focusing on increased voter turnout but also recognize that you know the impact on parents can be substantial and so again I think you know the idea as you had said uh Mr. Rosenberry about working with the schools and and the parking department and everybody else to find ways in which we can find a good uh solution that tries to um optimize everything [laughter] while not easy is always great. But thank you

councelor McDonald. Thank you councelor J.

Thank you. Uh just taking this motion response in combination with the previous motion response. My my question comment would just be um the idea mentioned in the previous motion response in conjunction with some of the issues mentioned especially around the green school which I am quite familiar can be a challenge to get in and out of really any day never mind a voting day um would just be that if we were able as you suggest in the previous motion response if we were able to add polling locations outside of schools one one of The other benefits I think in looking to try and cancel school less for elections would be the more polling location the more polling locations we have outside of schools if it's in addition to what we're currently using then the less total traffic each individual polling place is going to bear which means you know potentially as it bears out maybe we would be able on on certain elections be able to handle having school open even with voting there. So thank you. Thank you, Council Mcdana. A motion to accept and place on file by councelor Non, seconded by councelor uh Dakota. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. The 5.1 motion response a improved street lighting barker and billing street. Council Robinson.

Thank you. Um I'd like to thank Mr. Saint. He actually called me and uh he was great. He he went right out. He met with one of the residents that was had the concerns over in this area. Um, and I think there's been some corrective action already taken. Also, I believe we might be looking for National Grid to step up and help us out with a portion of this, but I'm curious to see when we get an update from National Grid, but thank you again to Mr. Saint. He uh he addressed this very timely.

Thank you, Councelor Robinson. Motion accept and place on file by councelor Noon, seconded by councelor Mercy. Are all in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. Motion response D irrigation at alumni and that would be mine. Um I just want to say thank you. It looks like we do have a capital plan in place and um hopefully we can get that together. Motion to accept and place on file by councelor Dakota seconded by council Leang. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. At this point we'll go back to the regular portion of the agenda where we're under motions. [clears throat]

Four motions. 4.1 councelor Noon request the city manager have the appropriate department create a reinspection schedule yearly for all utilities. Seconded by councelor Mcdana. Councelor Non shouldn't speak for itself. Thank you councelor. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 4.2 22. Councelor Non request the city manager fire the city council with an update concerning the hot pot restaurant on Middle Sex Street at the early garage. Seconded by councel Mercia council.

Uh thank you uh Mr. Mayor. So uh we know that um the hot pot restaurants on Middle Sex Street has been closed for some time for over a year now. You know just want to know where we had on it. I notice probably litigations with the um the owners there uh you know as soon as we can get it out you know get it resolved I think there's other people who are looking for um restaurants type of establishment this is a great location uh for a lot of things going on now you see multi-united build up around the area this is a prime location uh so that we can get revenue you know uh to help offset taxes, you know, down down the road. So, yeah, give give us a report on that as soon as you can. Yeah.

Thank you, Council New Council Robinson.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I thank my colleague for bringing this forward. Um, I was having this conversation over the past weekend with a couple people and um if it'd be okay with the make of the motion, this in addition to would it be possible for the council to get an update? Um I believe we got one quite some time ago about all the vacant commercial properties and what's the status currently in downtown because uh as my colleague mentioned there's quite a few people that would love the opportunity for a brick and mortar for food restaurants or anything like that even if it's shared space and I know in some instances our economic development office has reached out to the owner repeatedly we do have the scarf law on the books to to help assist and nudge people but I think in some instances is they're kind of dragging their feet and taking advantage of of the lack of action on on our behalf. I mean, so anything we can do to get a report back and encourage these people, it's either, hey, a work with us to lease to potential business owners or b implement the the part that none of us really want to do here. Thank you,

Councelor Non. I'd be fine with that, Mr. if you know, council um Robinson want to do that. Um but I know that a report on this is going to be had by the city solicitors in the old executive session because I know there's ongoing litigation. It can be discussed here on the floor. Thank you. I think at one point councelor Juran had asked for that to be like a quarterly update. So I think we should be seeing that very shortly I think. But so I I don't think we have to add to his motion. But um if that's okay, the wish of the

Okay. Yeah, that's good. But I mean, we're heading into a busy season for tourism and and people coming in are seeing all these vacant commercial storefronts. So, if we want to keep waiting for quarterly reports or whatever, that's fine. But I think economic development using the scoff law that's on the books. Hopefully, we can get some action sooner rather than later. Thank you, Council Rook. Uh thank you, Mr. B. um not specifically about the hot pot because I know it's you know probably taboo to talk about it but are there any other um properties in the in the city that would fall under the RFP process for for a restaurant because if I remember correctly this fell under that process and got us into the gym that we're currently in manag

uh thank you very much Mr. May 3, the council uh council is yes, it is in litigation. So, we'll talk about that at a later date in time, but also um the registry of motor vehicles is in the process. We talked about we'll be moving um DPD as well as uh the administration's been looking at that trying to see what could be there tomorrow. You know, uh we're working with the RMV. Uh they are working to stay within the city limits and so there's an opportunity there of of property that we own in the downtown. Uh in regards to the scoff law piece, I think we can absolutely uh that's been successful. Unfortunately, in some instances of just collecting a fine that to be quite frank, we're not really interested in. I mean, we don't want the fine, we want the activity. So, uh but we can probably bifocate that and and get that out sooner rather than later. But, uh to answer your question, council, directly, uh we don't have control over much property in the downtown that has um first floor. However, with Middle Sex Street, with the activity, uh, Councelor Non, I think, brought it up on Middle Sex Street of what's happening, that's something that we've been looking towards to, uh, to reinvigorate that area, and that should be could be happening in the next, I'll say, four months, a little bit beyond what we're looking at. Um, so there is some issues over there that I know we're looking for capital money as well. Uh, that will be before the council in a couple of weeks.

Thank you. Thank you, Council Rook. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 4.3 Council Noon request the city auditor provide the city council with an annual report of a grant expenditures. Set annual report should include but not limited to the process relative to monitoring expenditures, total expenditures itemized, and school allocation grants. Seconded by councelor Mcdana, councelon.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, um I know that the cities is getting grant apply for grant through state and federal. I think mostly if federal uh will be, you know, through law enforcement or department of justice and whatnot. Um but the state I I don't know. Uh so I'd like to get a report on it and and how many of those grant we get from the state and how many from the federal uh in particularly today I know uh we had um uh a chair by council link on the the nonprofit uh particularly the issues of CDBG grant the federal grant and it's had been really disturbing I mean I know councelor Mercier councelor umh McDonald and chaired by councelor uh uh link as far as the dispose of that grant particularly federal grant the directive as to what you know the nonprofit you know uh uh willing to give up on I mean most of the nonprofit I would tell you that they're not going to give up on their they stand firm in their mission and that's what they've been exist for a long time service to the people so I like to see the uh the list of all those grant federal and state that coming in in term of expenditures and uh you know how we how we deviate up from the uh auditor. I know the auditor have to report on that. So, thank you.

Thank you, Council Noon. All in [clears throat] favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So, ordered. 4.4. Councelor Noon requests the city to provide the city council with an annual report detailing how and where Community Preservation Act funds are allocated, including information concerning the balances remaining from unused funds. Seconded by councelor Dakota. Councelor New.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So the aim of uh the CPA passed in 2019 was to preserve the characters of the community you know uh by funding project projects like you know open space historical preservation recreation and affordable housing. Uh as of last council meeting uh there was uh issues came up and you have young people came and spoke in advocating for you know resurface court um you know you know basketball court or other court um particularly uh last week talking about Eagle Park and McFersonson. So those is those reser court is one of the piece that CPA can fund. Uh I would encourage the city I mean so give us a list on that first of all you know and and and and I would encourage that the city looking at all the all the service surface resurface court not just the eagle park not just McFersonson but all the court in the city and apply for those CPA money apply to CPC the committee for that CPA money because we could use that money to help those young people a place to play, place to uh you know that that they can hang out with instead of hanging out on the street. You know what I mean? So, thank you.

Thank you, Council New and Council Jiren.

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I think the the motion is a great one to get more information and to encourage the city to apply for uh CPA money. However, um I know that the goal of the CBA and the committee is not necessarily to spend down the money every year and it may in fact be wiser to um create a pool a larger pool of money that can be used for bigger projects over time. And that's something a strategic question that I think the CPC considers and you know we should not necessarily be trying to uh force small projects if there is a need ultimately for some some real significant money. So I think those are considerations that we should be um you know sort of weighing carefully. Thank you.

Thank you councel Direan. Councelor Robinson.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. Um, I appreciate all the comments and I I I agree to a point. I think um it is it's disheartening to see that we haven't chased that money and I understand we used ARPA in the past and and all that stuff, but we also have to be mindful of trying to pull money to do large projects because large projects like that are going to return uh require long-term maintenance as well. So, so we don't want to do anything too large with this pool of money for outdoor. And and I think when we start looking at outdoor, there's plenty of smaller scale. I mean, there's plenty of how many locations throughout the city that require restrooms where you could purchase one of those shipping containers that is a a seasonal restroom facility or, you know, reservicing the courts and all these things. Um, through you to the manager, where are we in the process of of CPA? cuz I know some recommendations were brought forward to the council and then it didn't really come back. We didn't approve. I just don't know where we are in the in the in the recommendations that came from the committee so far for this year.

Manager Golden. Uh thank you very much Mr. May through the council council that went back to the subcommittees for I think it was neighborhood subcommittee and we're in the process of looking it up right now actually. I think there were maybe neighborhood subcommittee and finance subcommittee. That was the I think that was a request of the council, but I'll be able to get back to you in a minute once we just look it up. Okay. Thank you. Because because th those recommendations have not been approved, correct? That's correct. Okay. At this point, community preservation, you're right. They've been approved by the community by the CPA committee, but not by the council. Comes here and then it has to go to uh subcommittee and then it would have to come back to the council. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Council Robinson. Councelor Dakota.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. uh on what councelor Robinson just said, why does it need to go to the subcommittee? Why can't it come right to the full council? Mr. Manager, uh go ahead, Mr. Manager. Thank you, Mr. Mayor through to the council. That was it was referred by the council to the subcommittee to have a discussion about um changing it or having ideas, having different ideas about it. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Dakota. All in favor? Oh, Council Mcdana. I have one question. Councelor Dakota asked my first question. So, thank you. That was I was wondering that. Um to Councelor Direan's point on on long-term projects, some something that I've been kicking around for for a while. And I and I don't know if this is something that we could use CPA money as a part of. Um but thinking about having a dedicated uh fund or basically like a savings account for for open space projects in the city. So, I know this year um the city scaled back their application because they said, "Okay, well, we'll phase it and use CPA." It to me I I would wonder if if we had an open space fund if we could have then applied for some of the money and parked it. I just don't know if we can if we can do that or

manager Golden.

Can you uh Thank you, M to the council. Um, when that money is not used, it doesn't go it doesn't go away. So, I know what you're saying. Do we park it in the fund or can we park it here in the city? Is that is that what I'm asking I'm asking as in this is work in progress idea. Um, but I I'm asking if as as a part of the CPA, if we if we were to establish um a fund, a city fund for open space or park recreation kind of focused projects, could a could one avenue of money be CPA funds or would would that be a no? CFO Balden.

Uh, thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. If I may try to take a step back and expand on some of the possibilities that may be available. So um the city has a number of means and methods to um to fund park improvement projects. There is uh the capital budget which uh oftent times there are park projects included improvements to open space. We issue general obligation bonds. Uh the debt service is paid by the general fund. The second being um the community preservation act which is a special revenue fund. And so each year the search charge that is collected 10% of the total uh must be used in the certain categories uh open space historic preservation um and I always forget the other one but although it was said and then

historic preservation no I said

affordable housing excuse me so uh for the amount that is not allocated from the 10% it is put in a reserve within in the community preservation fund special revenue fund and can be appropriated later by the community preservation uh committee. Now if the community preservation committee does they do not have to appropriate the 10% they can put that into a reserve which is in essence although I'm I'm trying to give the 101 level of a somewhat complex financial um issue it acts as a reserve. Um, so to answer your question directly, could the city council establish another type of fund? There are options available. The council could um establish a special purpose uh stabilization fund for park improvements and and and the way that uh we would do that, there is a section of the general laws we would accept and then you could uh take a specific fee. We could establish a new fee and then uh the minimum is 25% but it could be up to 100% of that fee goes into this fund that could be dedicated just for park improvements. Um that would roll over year to year and the uh we have other special purpose stabilization funds of this nature. It would earn interest. It would operate much like the community preservation act in that it's a multi-year fund. Uh but the the community preservation act spe special revenue fund somewhat operates in the way that I think you're describing. Uh and so over time those funds do not go away. Uh you have to reserve at least 10% but it it could be a greater reservation and then there is a general reserve that is available to the community preservation committee. However, the caveat there and maybe the rub is that a project has to be applied for to the committee. So the committee doesn't necessarily take the initiative on the projects. They are brought to the

committee for approval and then they're brought to the council for uh for appropriation. Um I hope that helps a little bit.

Thank you. Yes. I and I I broadly I I got this the CPA piece my um and this is I I'll I'll done but um it was it was around it was a comment that somebody at DPD had made out of ribbon cutting and I said that's actually a really good idea. random person at DPD. Um, which was often we are either waving or we are establishing very low open space requirements on on development in the city. and that there would kicking it around a potential way to to kind of when we're waving open space requirements have something set up so that the offset could be dedicated funding so that these denser neighborhoods that are further kind of densifying um had a revenue stream to try and create some public space to offset as more people were added and you know there's no yards there's no other open space on the project but I think I I I I I'm in a good spot. Thank you.

Thank you, Council [clears throat] Mcdana. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 4.5. Council Leang request the city manager have the property department provide a detailed list of all motor vehicles owned or leased by the city of lol including make, model, year, assigned department take-home status, and information about the assignment process policy. Seconded by councelor Robinson. Council Leang.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, this came about just because the um budget's tight. So, just looking around and uh since we are all here, just make sure that all city vehicles should be visible and identified not only by plates but by logo and decal. Uh, and inspection should be up to date on all vehicles. Um uh maintaining a comprehensive of uh inventory about vehicle offer numerous advantages including cost saving, enhanced operation and better planning. Um even removing a single vehicle can save some money um uh during the this kind of time and the inventory itself play a crucial role in preventing unexpected breakdown assessment of the fuel efficiency at all times. Um, and also just want to look at the uh take-home policy. Um, and I don't think there's any problem, but I just want to make sure that um the policies are encouraged and uh enforced. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Leang. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 4.6. Council Jirean request the city manager have the property department provide an outline of the process for resolving claims of potholes or plow damage. Seconded by councel noon council Jan.

Uh thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh a resident who had submitted a claim uh in late March asked me about the process and time frame for dealing with such claims. And I realize I have no idea um but I think it's helpful for uh residents and and counselors to get an overview of the process. Um I do appreciate the amount of work that our law department has on its plate and um in generally and also in dealing with these kinds of claims. Um so I'm not asking for a detailed report. I'm not asking for something about every claim. I just wanted an overview of the process so that we can um you know guide our residents as they're so they have some sense of what to expect and I definitely don't want any confidential information or anything like that. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Direan. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 4.7. Councelor Direan. Councelor Mcdana request the city manager have the property department provide information about the plan to address the sinkhole at Pucket Prism Sculpture Park near locks garage. No second needed. Councelor Durant.

U. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. the um a couple of residents had raised concerns about this sinkhole and sent me some photos. So, this is on the platform uh sort of I would say in the back of the lower lux garage um on the walkway between um the ICC and the Cowan Center of MCC and uh the photos were quite worrisome about what may be going on structurally with the wall there at the conquered river and the canal. Um, I can imagine that this is a challenging area to deal with, but um, you know, if we can figure out how to address it or if we can address it before it gets worse, that'd be great. Thank you. Thank you, Council J. Council Mcdana.

Thank you. Um, Mr. Mayor, uh, and I I echo a lot of what Councelor Dann said. Uh last week I met with uh president citizen over at MCC and this was probably 75% of the conversation uh centered around this this sinkhole. Um and MCC is a you know they're a really important community partner uh especially to the downtown. It's uh it's quite a bit of my neighborhood. Um, and just in walking both from lower locks to class and moving around the campus, not to be hyperbolic, but it does occas at times it does occasionally look like that little island is sinking. Um, so I am looking forward to the to the response here.

Thank you, Council Mia. Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Through you to the city manager. Uh speaking about potholes, there is not uh in sink holes, you know, a pothole is one thing, but a sinkhole is very much more elaborate with it's more frightening and and I understand there is another one in Centerville, uh Lake View Avenue and the West Sixth Street area. If you're coming from, let's say, Top Donut and you're heading up like towards Lake View Avenue, you go around the corner, there's a pawn shop/jwelry store type thing. It's in that area there, a sinkhole, not a pothole. Now, if we could check that out, please. Thank you,

Manager Golden. Uh, thank you very much, Mr. May through the council. Uh, council, we were brought up to speed on that. Tomorrow morning at approximately 8:30, we'll have uh some folks there to check this out. Uh we do we they placed a barrel on it. Is that true? Um I can find out for sure. Sure. Um we we are aware of it, but we'll have the folks there tomorrow morning to find the cause of it and then uh fix it. Fix that problem. This is very quick. Thank you so much. No problem. Thank you. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. [clears throat]

4.8 8 council of Chowo request the city manager install the appropriate placement of permanent recognition at the l memorial auditorium highlighting the 2027 national golden glove tournament being held in lol. The recognition would highlight the 80 years of golden gloves within the city of lol sponsored by the l sun charities and the leadership of Robert Russo executive director of the national in national president. This recognition would be dedicated during the National Hall of Fame banquet on June 6, 2027, seconded by Councelor Dakotato. Councelor Cow.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I I figure I would write my entire speech in the motion so I don't have to talk on it as much. Um, I understand that the uh the director of the Low Sun Charities is here that's been involved with the Golden Gloves. going to make a suspension of rules to have the director of the low sun charity speak. Suspension of rules by councelor Chow to have the director of the low sun charity speak. Seconded by councelor Rook. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. Mr. Coughlin. Thank you Mayor Ker and members of the council. Uh thank you for the honor of your consideration for placing a permanent remembrance.

Mr. Mr. Coughlin, if you can just state your name and address for the record. Uh, uh, Kevin Kevin Coughlin, uh, president of the Little Sun Charities. Presently, uh, good. Good to go. Thank you. If you could just state an address. Uh, Westford, Massachusetts. We go through this every week. We just need an address. My home address, three three Pineriidge Road, Westford, Mass. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you. I'm sorry I wasn't following.

Uh thank you for the honor of your consideration for placing a uh permanent remembrance for this exciting upcoming event at the L Memorial Auditorium. Uh the council and the administration have done such a great job highlighting historic events and the bicesentennial. It is heartening that this great lol tradition uh may be recognized. Though we sometimes focus on just the athletic skills of the athletes, it is also a fitting time to acknowledge that the Golden Gloves history at its core is a youth development program. With this permanent recognition, the lo the council will be acknowledging the hardworking and committed coaches, volunteers, mentors, gym owners, and nonprofits that were so vital to the youth and the families of the city over the last eight decades. We are grateful for your consideration and all the ongoing solid support over the many years for the Golden's Gloves program. We look forward to continuing the great partnership with the council and the administration as we move forward on the road to the nationals in 2027. Thank you.

Thank you, Chairman Coughlin, Council Chow.

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um thank you the speaker for come to uh speak on it and we all know about it. It's very exciting uh Golden Gloves uh 80 80 years um anniversary. I think in the entire 80 years um this will be the third time that uh LOL get to host it. Um, I just want to thank um, councelor um, Scott for bringing the motion a couple years ago to encourage the city to go out there to bid um, along with uh, Mayor Rook and the um, the manager. Um, you have to compete with um, all all the states that has um, Golden Gloves um, tournaments and you're competing with big cities like Detroit um, Tukon, Arizona um, everywhere and then for LOL to win this this bit. very exciting uh from the Golden Gloves. Um you know we have some um you know historic figure that came to fight in law like Muhammad Ali Sugar Ray Leonard um also the La Hoya and Lo's very own Mickey W of course. So um this plaque uh you know is going to be very memorable. It's part of Low's history. Um so I ask for the support of my colleague and I hope the city manager can put this together. Thank you. Thank you, Council Chow. Councelor Rook.

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, it's a great motion, but you know, I really think that the maker of the motion and also, uh, you know, Mr. Coughlin is really selling our assistant city manager, Shan Shadow, short hair. I go, if it wasn't for his suit he had from Walmart, Mr. Mayor, um, he looks so sharp up there. He tore the whole room apart. You know, we got the, uh, bid in about 10 minutes after his, uh, incredible words. Um, if you think you can't understand me when I'm talking, wait till you hear the assistant city manager up there. And uh but no, it was uh it was a fun experience and we're very fortunate um that um you know, Mr. Russo and uh and Kevin got us down there and got us uh involved in the uh in the selection process and um looking forward to next year and celebrating. So it's good motion. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Rook Chairman Coughlin. Thank you. I was there twice this year and it's an amazing event and thank the L son for all that they do their charities for the city of LOL. All in favor signified by councelor Dakota. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, it shouldn't go unnoticed that Bob Russo's efforts has been tremendous. What he's done for this program and for the city of LOL as long as well as Mr. Coughlin. And I anticipate uh 2027 will be a great year for the city of L and the Golden Gloves. Thank you very much.

I heard they're going to have a star match. Councelor Rook versus Assistant City Manager Mashado. wouldn't be long. Wouldn't take wouldn't take too long. [laughter] I'll take the y. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. You guys are in the ring. [clears throat]

4.9 Council Child requests the city manager work with the appropriate department to provide the city council with a report on adopting the available state local options under the 2024 Hero Act that would increase the property tax exemptions of LOL's disabled veterans including tying annual increases to the cost of living and the options to double current exemptions amounts exemption amounts with the recommendation brought before the full council prior to July 1st, 2026. Seconded by council rook, council child.

Thank you again, Mr. Mayor. Um the the heroes act um provide for two local options. Uh one is the uh the two clauses 22i which um is to provide um eligibility uh for the benefits to disabled veterans for the uh cost of living adjustment uh for consumer uh price index and uh before that um there was not any meaningful uh uh eligibility or increase for for these veterans and I want to thank the city manager, the administration and the p uh and the council this council actually for brought this for a vote um about a year ago to address this uh part one of 22i for the cola part of it and you know we're on the right track to make sure that we support our local disabled veterans who um gave it all to to make sure that our country is safe and have freedom. Um the second part um that we still need to work on is uh is part 22J um which if the uh you know this is asking for a report and evaluation if the administration and CFO um see that it's it is feasible this would be the first time that we would have meaningful um increase for the disabled veterans on the tax exemption on on the properties. what 22J will do. It will uh double the amount of legibility that that would receive. Um having said that, I'd like to uh through you, Mr. Mayor, if um through you to the CFO, if you could explain um to the public a little bit, how would this be uh funded? Um I know that all of us here in the budget season. Uh we're all very conscious um being fiscally responsible. Um make sure we don't put any more pressures on on the residents. Um but I believe that there's some special section um of the budget that provide for this. Uh Mr. CFO,

Mr. CFO.

Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Uh so about a year or so ago, the as the counselor mentioned, the the city council adopted uh certain provisions of the Hero Act to provide much neededed relief for our local veterans, tax relief. Uh but what was not adopted at the time was section 22J. So these are it was a state law that was passed a special act that provided additional relief um for uh property tax exemptions and abatements for veterans, disabled veterans, certain uh classifications of veterans and you know the the provisions that were adopted were the least financially impactful at the time and the easy solution and the right thing to do and we did that and and the council is to be applauded for that. The second uh the second component uh does carry some financial consideration because there is not a uh reimbur a direct reimbursement from the state there were that the way that there is for the other exemptions and so at the time um it it was we were considering a means tested program at the same time uh that we we haven't been able to get over the finish line because it would require special legislation. Um, and so we're back at the sort of drawing board to consider 22J. Uh, as as the counselor mentioned, it should include some financial analysis and so we're happy to to put that together for the council. It it would need to be adopted before June 30th to be effective in the next fiscal year. And what it would do is is provide a doubling of the uh the exemption for for veterans for their property taxes. So, um, if if the motion is adopted by the council, we'll put together an analysis. The way that these types of abatements are funded is through the overlay. The overlay is an account that we budget for that is a provision for allowances and and abatements. It's budgeted in the fiscal year budget as an

expense. And after the third quarter tax bills are issued, if people are, you know, there are different types of exemptions that are allowed under the general laws for widows and widowers and for um seniors and low income. Um all of those abatements are funded in the same way out of the overlay. So it's not necessarily an addition. It would provide an additional expense. However, our our calculations will determine whether the overlay is sufficient to cover this additional expense. So we will complete that analysis and provide a report to the council. Thank you Mr. Mayor.

Thank you Mr. Sol. Just for for clarity um uh before the council vote on 22i for the cost of living adjustment um you know u the legibility amount for the tax exemption for disabled veterans have been the same for for years and years and not accounting for property tax uh value go up and therefore the tax increase go up the inflation so forth. So I I believe that we did the right thing on the first part and the 22J based on the evaluation analysis hopefully that will provide for a meaningful increase for these disabled veterans. Really um they they gave it all for for our country and uh for for our freedom. Thank you. Thank you councelor child. Councelor Robinson.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh through you to the CFO. Is there any kind of reimbursement from the state available for for communities that implement programming like this? CFO Baldin. Currently, M and thank you, Mr. Mayor. Currently, there is not for 22J. Uh that the way that there is for the other provisions, um it is our, you know, intention to advocate for for funding for this. Uh but currently there is not. So, it would be funded by the local taxpayers. Thank you very much. Thank you, Council Robinson. Council Jiren.

Uh, thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. Um, I I appreciate the goal of this um motion. Um, I do think it would I I really look forward to the report, including what the full impact is, not just sort of what it is on a per individual basis, but roughly how many folks might be able to take advantage of this so we really understand the full impact on our budget. This is a tight year as you said. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Dan. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 4.10 council child request the mayor refer the matter of Louisiana versus KA and its implications for LOL's consent decree and current district maps to the rules and elections subcommittee for a public hearing. Further requests the city manager coordinate community engagement sessions in the affected districts including multil- language outreach to the acre lower highlands and other majority minority majority centered neighborhoods prior to any policy recommendations being brought before the full council. seconded by councelor Dakotato council child. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Um this motion is referring to um the subcommittee as stated or any appropriate subcommittee um to have a open discussion um understanding this um so but I'd like to uh set the stage so the public understands and they would be encouraged to come to the to the subcommittee meeting. um this came about and I want first I want to thank the s solicitor and the um the law office for really picking up on this situation immediately and this really affects the the voting rights um you know not only of the country but definitely in our city when we have a consent decree um you know I I'm a city councelor in one of the two uh majority minority uh districts so definitely this will have an impact on this um I just want the public understand a little bit um if uh through you Mr. Mayor of the city solicitor could explain um how this came about. You know this uh the case here is Louisiana versus Cala. Um they deal with congressional district. Um I want to understand how that came about and the potential impact that it would have on licitor.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. Um so I think the first thing I would say is there are certain aspects of this discussion that um I would advise happen perhaps in an executive session. Not all of it but potentially most of it. So with that I would if you want me to give some of the general facts I can. Uh I just I think it may be more helpful in executive session, but I would defer to um you know the body and to councelor Chow um because I I certainly don't want to cross over any lines at this point where it is pretty early on. So

what I got out of your memo, Mr. Solicitor, was that it's premature to even speak about until we had more information from the federal government. But um Councelor Chow, I think that that's what we all got in a memo, I believe. Right.

I I will leave it to the body. I was not thinking about the legality of it, but just to um understand the the situation of the subcommittee would want the um solicitor or any stakeholders and residents. There are questions on it and you know the impact not not the legality not not the lawsuit but really what what does it really mean? uh m majority minority um voting rights um how it came to be more of a general discussion of understanding the social aspect of it not the legal aspect of it but it's up to the body um whether they want to wait for the part the legality in exe session or the the social and the community aspect of it

I believe the memo that was shared to all of us asked that we hold off on even bringing it here but I don't know why it's here councelor Rook

uh thank you Mr. Yeah. And I appreciate the the motion by council child. I know where it's coming from. I think it's from a very good place. Um but I I think at this point in time, you know, me personally, I don't want to touch it. I think that the way we do uh our voting and the way we elect our officials right now, uh it's been proven to work. Uh I think that um you know, people are more engaged. U more neighborhoods are represented uh whether they're majority minority districts or not. Uh and you see that every week here on the council floor. Um, you know, so very respectfully, um, you know, I'm going to vote no on this motion only because I don't think we need to go anywhere near this. Um, because I think it just creates more issues and more problems down the line. Um, and and again, I, you know, to the motion, I I know where he's coming from. Um, you know, it's meant to come from a good spot. Um, but but I think that, um, why mess with something that that's working um, positively for for the city? So, um, I'm going to vote no on the motion, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Council Ror. Councelor Mcdana.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I share Councelor Ror's sentiment. Um, I I appreciate the intent of uh Councelor Chow's motion. However, um I I I think we kind of as the I think it was the confidential memo we got from the solicitor's office. Um I I I think we need to hit pause. I I I think that um other other motions, other items have come before this council that that can be inspired by national politics and the federal government. And often this council has felt that, you know, sometime sometimes it's better to just stay under the radar and do what we know is well what I personally think is the right thing to do. I I agree with Councelor Ror. I I think our current districts are good. Um, [snorts] I I also just personally uh um guess as as a counselor, but also you know just personally um I'm really not interested in in preemptive compliance with the gutting of the what what I would say is the gutting of section two of the Voting Rights Act. I I I don't I don't like it. I I don't think it is something that we should really entertain as a city. I I understand that the federal government is the federal government, but this this is this is wrong. Um so I I I I do I look forward to to a future executive session and learning more, but I and I would ask uh whenever the discussion is ended, we take a roll call because I'll be voting no on this as well.

Thank you, Council Mcdana, Council Dire. Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I also uh agree with the sentiment behind this and and some of the other comments, but I think it is premature to take this up and we really should be taking our guidance from the city solicitor and going into executive session on this and not discussing it further until then. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Duran. Councel Robinson. Council Robinson. Nope. Council [clears throat] Leang,

thank you. This is faster than speedy Gonzalez. [clears throat] Uh I won't touch it. This is like 20% of what I'm going to say today. Um so I agree this is not something we want to touch today. What's been working should be working for now. and uh and I think if we want to discuss this, I think we should be, you know, in the executive session. Thank you, Council Non.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I I thank Council Chow for um uh the bringing the motion uh the intent is well, you know, uh well, um recognized uh by all of us. Um I'm concerned that if we uh do what we doing uh now call attentions to low doing fine. Uh if just information on these issues and discussion be had at the executive session then I'm fine with it. uh more than that um you know having the managers is coordinating meeting neighborhood meeting and all that I think um we just we short a resource at this point and to have the administration do that and not knowing where we at on it and and not calling shouldn't call attention to low um at this point there's a lot of thing happened in the federal government um that was just unbelievable right uh from CDBG fund to the nonprofit profit and you know and the voting right thing um it I I don't think the voter right thing is going to impact low uh uh but they just correct uh low uh need to have information on it when when if it happened we are ready for it but not at this point at this time

thank you councel new and councelor Scott thank her I would also agree with um my colleagues about holding off on it but I'd also like to thank the maker of the motion Um, obviously this comes from a pla pa place of passion. Um, wanting to get ahead of this to make sure that this is something that stands because I think we believe that this is really the right thing. A lot of hard work went into this consent decree that we agreed to. Um, we don't want to go backwards and so I appreciate I absolutely appreciate the sentiment and I support that. Um, but I would ask that we hold off I guess a little bit just so that we're not jumping ahead too quickly. Thank you. Thank you, Council Scott. Councelor Robinson.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I do I echo my colleagues. I thank the maker of the motion. I understand why and where this came from out of concern. Um, but I would like to ask the maker of the motion if he'd be okay with uh pulling it for now until the solicitor, as we was advised to us, can can kind of comb through this and then hold an executive session and and update us before we have to make a rash decision on anything. If it's okay with the maker of the motion. Thank you, Council Robinson. Councel Chow.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you uh to my colleague for all the comments. Uh for clarity, um this was national news um on TVs, on uh social media is a big concern and obviously um you know, our city diversity is big concern and uh the intent of this motion was just to have a discussion um like I said just to get information not not about the specific things of things. A lot of people just don't um you know they get confused as well or they get anxiety as well what could happen this and that and it's more just sharing information sharing thoughts but uh hearing that my colleagues would like to put this off um I am obliged to uh withdraw this motion tonight. Thank you.

Thank you councelor Chow. Councelor Dakota are you okay with withdrawing your second the withdrawal of the motion by councelor Chow and councelor Dakota. Thank you. [clears throat] 4.11 Council Chow, Council Dakota request the city manager work with the appropriate department to provide the city council with a status report on LOL's functional zero designation for homeless for veteran [clears throat] homelessness, including current data on veteran housing placement, available supportive services, and the city's coordination with the state's end veterans homelessness campaign. No second needed. Councelor Jiao.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, this motion uh speak what uh function zero means is that uh we have a system and a plan in place um to catch the the problem uh before it gets really real deep. um to have basically we our goal is to have uh zero veterans homelessness and LOL has reached that status actually back in 2017 and we actually a model city which uh uh the governor as part of her veterans homelessness uh program cited uh law as uh uh one of the three cities that really uh deal with this pro uh program very well along with Lynn and I believe New Bedford. Um but uh functional zero status it is not a static thing it could change and the purpose of this motion is to get report where we are currently uh with veterans homelessness um uh what resources have been put forward uh what what else is need might be needed um so that way we stay um ahead of the curve to help our veterans in the city. Thank you

councelor Dakota. Thank you Mr. Mayor. Um, this effort is heavily um supported by the federal government and knowing what's going on with the federal government, I would ask the city administration to uh ask uh Congresswoman Tran if those funds will be coming our way. I think that has a lot to do with Governor Healey's uh appropriation for the for for that uh for this program. So, [snorts] thank you. Can I can I add Senator Marquee to that also, please? [clears throat] Thank you very much. and Senator Warren. Council Mercia.

Thank you, Mr. Samir. Um, I was very concerned about this motion because there is a concern here about homeless veterans and we're very concerned about that as well. These are the people that served and protected our country. And there are quite a few that came back from the war or from service and saw horrenal things taking place. and through illness and stuff they are homeless to the point where I am a member of the bridge club of greater low and that is one of our main goals not only substance abuse and trying to keep people off of uh alcohol, drugs, uh gambling, all the habits that people can have. But we also have another side to us and that we are very concerned with the veterans. And that reason that I'm saying this is because we purchased the home at uh the building at 147 East Marramac Street that houses 16 homeless veterans. I think we have about 13 homeless veterans that live in there right now. So much so that there's an urgent need and there's quite a few veterans that are still looking for a place to live. We bought also the BL uh Blanchard Hall aka the Stonehouse on Paget Street that houses it will house 29 homeless veterans. So the Bridge Club of Greater Alo is doing their part in trying to do whatever we can for our veterans that are homeless. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Mia. Councel Robinson.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, along these lines, another piece that jumped out with the CPA recommendations is um we have a lot of recommended investments out of out of CPA. But we have something that this council and this community has talked about is helping address the homelessness issue, especially with the area of veterans. And I know the Bridge Club put in uh a significant ask. I think it was around 5 to 600K, but again, they have proven results and they they're getting people off the street, homeless veterans off the street. They also just purchased, as my colleague was mentioning, a new facility. So, I think that's something we need to take a look at. Um, yes, it's great to to provide assistance to a lot of the the smaller projects, but when we have a gift horse look in the community in its face in the form of uh organization that that has proven success and is actually moving forward to increase what they're doing for veterans, I think we really need to start looking at these C community preservation funds and and and I mean, what are our priorities? ities here and and if I'm seeing we're talking about functional zero designation for veteran homelessness and all of these kind of things. We have an initiative that's staring us right in the face that has proven results. So I hope when that community preservation fund comes back to the subcommittee whenever that's called we can have this conversation because I do think that is one in particular project that is worth a second look. Thank you

manager Golden.

Uh thank you very much. I know that for the edification of the folks at home, I know that the council councils know this. This was in the paper last week, but u council Mercy's comments about the bridge club are just spot on. Um the affordable housing trust fund, which all of the councils here supported, um just it was last week. I think it was last week it was in the paper, but and I know the council knows this, but once again, for the edification of the folks at home, we uh we gave them half a million dollars and that's something that started right here in this council. So, that's exactly what we've been trying to do with the affordable housing trust fund. So, I just want to remind the folks at home that we're trying to do everything we can. Um, assistant [clears throat] city manager Mashado will be uh putting that together for the congresswoman, Congresswoman Trhan and both senators uh and hopefully turn that around as soon as possible. But I just uh once again uh a shout out really to the council for for pushing this and I know u it was something that was extremely important.

Thank you as well for that money. Thank you. Much needed. Thanks a lot. Thank you, manager Golden. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. Six. Vote from the city manager. 6.1 vote. Accept gift of materials for the bottle concession stand. Wave full reading and second reading by title vote authorizing the city manager on behalf of the city of LOL to accept a gift of materials from Costa Brothers Masonry Inc. The Empire Masonry Corp. for the construction of the BTO concession stand building at shed park in the city of l. Motion to adopt by councel rock, seconded by councelor Mcdana. Roll call.

Council Mercia, yes. Council new. Yes. Uh, council Robinson. Yes. Council Rock, yes. Council Scott, yes. Council Chow, yes. Council Dotto, yes. Mayor Gia, yes. Council Jirean, yes. Council Leang, yes. Council Mcdana. Yes. 11. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Manager.

Uh, thank you very much, councilors. This gentleman won't like this, but 61. Uh, I know we had all of our friends from the unions here just a couple weeks ago, but u this was really Joe Grenham made made some phone calls and I know we all know Joe and the fact that he's home watching this is probably not going to be happy about this, but uh Costa Brothers Masonry, he was really pushing this because we're trying to make this as affordable as possible. So, not just all of our unions, but once again, we all know Joe is a local brick layer and, uh, he he was really pushing for us. So, this is really good stuff. So, uh, thank you very much, Mr. Grunnham, and of course, all of our, uh, local labor folks. Thank you, manager Golden. 6.2 vote, accept, expend $10,6203 fires safe grant wave full reading and second reading by title. vote authorizing the city manager acting through the fire department to accept and expend a grant in the total amount of $10,6203 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services FY2026 safe grant award. Motion to adopt by councelor Scott, seconded by councelor Mercia. Roll call.

Councilor Mercia. Yes. Councelor N. Yes. Councelor Robinson. Yes. Council Roy. Yes. Council Scott, yes. Council Chow, yes. Council Dotto, yes. Mayor Gia, yes. Councilor Gan, yes. Council Leang, yes. Councelor Mcdana, yes. 11 years.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. 6.3 vote. Amend the cola for ordinance employees. Wave for reading and second reading by title. Vote amend cola for ordinance employees. Motion to adopt by councelor Noon, seconded by councelor Dakota. Any discussion? Councelor Robinson. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I've asked this before. It's I'm glad to see that we're putting a freeze on ordinance colas, but I hope I I think we need to expand it. I think all performance evaluations and step raises, it needs to be a collective collaboration approach to whatever finances we can save. I think it it's I know in the ordinances it's written where you have performance evaluations for some employees. It's not for all. I know we have a lot of employees that are maxed out at maxed so it wouldn't impact them but we also have employees that there's movement and I think for the sake of keeping it consistent even across the board. I mean it I know it's a tough year for everyone and and to sit there and ask our lowest paid to defer and then turn around and defer a cola for ordinance where some will still see evaluation performance for bonuses or uh advancement through steps. It's not right because those percentages at a higher pay scale are more than some of the people that are willing to defer their cola would see in three years. So, I think I would only hope and and again, I I support this piece, but I don't think it's far enough. I I would hope that we collaboratively look for the concession where there's zero movement on the wage scale for anybody if that's what we're looking for

to get through a very tight time as we're all well aware. And and and that's just my take on it. Um I do support this though. I do thank you for bringing this forward. I do thank the ordinance group for willing to come forward and offer a concession, but I do think that collectively we can do a little bit more and so so everybody's on the same level playing field. Thank you. Thank you, Council Robinson. Council Rook. Yeah, I would just like to thank um you know, the owner's employees um you know, for leading by example um with a very difficult time uh ahead of us and um you know, just hopefully that um you know, others can join. Thank you, Mr. May.

Thank you, Councelor Rook. Councel Jirean. Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I uh thank you actually um councelor Ror for making that point because I think it is a tough time and it is tough for people who when you know inflation is eating more out of people's pockets that they may not um get raises. But I also appreciate uh Council Robinson's um perspective because I had a number of questions about who might still get increases and I think you succinctly um made the point um that we should all be in this completely together. Thank you. Thank you, Council Duran. Council Mcdana.

Thank you uh Mr. Mayor and and I share a lot of what's been said. I I am happy. I guess I I happy is a probably the wrong word, but I I'm glad to to see the the 2% the freeze on the cola that the zeroing out the cola adjustment. I I I do share Councelor Robinson's uh concern or sentiment here though. Um our our ordinance employees o over the past couple of years have seen pretty dramatic increases, which I think was at the time the right thing to do. Um, I I know prior council um in the city manager, your administration has tried really hard to to retain some of our our top talent and I I understand where where that came from. Um, I do however agree with councelor Robinson that that, you know, when we're talking about, you know, potential layoffs and serious cuts to services and in the next year's budget, I I I think that a pay freeze on on ordinance employees probably is something worth uh adding here. I'm I'm not sure if that's something we can add tonight or if that would have to come back. Where you go?

Uh, thank you very much u Mr. Mayor through to the council. Um, point of clarification, all the ordinance employees are not just managers. Um, some of them are indeed, you know, uh, $50,000 or $60,000 paid employees. So, we will revisit this again because typically a step that the unions would receive. We didn't touch the steps at all at this point in time. Uh, we're trying we were trying to get through this. Um, but that doesn't mean that we wouldn't come back in January when the when the steps could happen. But um you know you know hitting me is fine or or or some of the some of the higher paid uh managers is totally fine. But I think that some of the other ordinance employees that are making that $50 $60,000 and they're trying to put that step up that's something we could deal with um probably in the fall of this year if that's that makes complete sense to me. Randy, thank you.

Thank you Council Mcdana. Councelor Mercier. Thank you Mr. Mayor. This is where that saying comes in. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And this is a good example of what's happening here. To take a 0% increase is telling me that they're they're not selfish. They're thinking of their colleagues, that they want to preserve their job than to think of themselves. So, I commend everyone that voted and said we'll we'll not take an increase. I admired that. That's that's what Lel is all about and I'm very proud of them. Thank you.

Thank you, Council MCI and Council Leang.

I do support this motion, but uh again, I do agree with all my colleagues. Um we're if we're on the same boat, let's go. you know it it everybody need to feel a little pain and of course it has to go to across the board and I just feel bad for you know our lower level workers that uh I guess they're going to go through a lot layoff or shortage is not you know something that we should take lightly and it should be inclusive of every single person um whether they're union non-union because we are on the same boat And um you know sometime one hamburger for somebody that's a dinner for some of the people you know so we're not just talking numbers we're talking about food on the table rent mortgage. Uh so it should be inclusive of everybody. We're in this together and let's do it and um you know we we're going to come out of this together but uh we we need to do you know a little bit more and and just be more inclusive of other people as well. Thank you, Council and Council Robinson.

Thank you. Um, I just want to be very clear on this. I I have to state on the record, Manager Golden, you are probably one of the least selfish people I've ever met. And in in no way, shape, or form am I bringing this forward to try to signal or or personalize it to any every one of our ordinance employees. And you're absolutely correct. I think people do have a misconception where it's all management is ordinance and and that's not the case. We have, as you mentioned, we have employees in the $50 to $60,000 annual range that are ordinanced employees. I my the spirit behind my my comments is anything we as uh organization can do collaboratively and collectively to save as many people's positions as possible is what I'm looking at. So if if that's freezing steps across the board, pretty much no wage increases for this year and and what does that get us to? I think that's that's the piece that I'm looking at. How many people can we keep working? And and I mean in the past I I've worked through this in in my my lived experience as a city LOL employee when the when the bank's bailout went and I mean we did everything from zero wage increases from any form steps performance evaluations uh colas all that was on hold no retro in addition do we have we we looked at it to save some of our bargaining unit members positions my members overwhelmingly supported even coming in and performing a day or two's work a year if we had to if that's going to keep all of our people working. This is a last ditch effort to keep all of our employees working throughout this

next fiscal year because it is tough and we're all well aware and I hate to see one person lose a job. So, I think anything and everything should be on the table and and for any organization or or organized labor group, I understand it's a hardship, but right now I'm asking every group out there to really take a step back and think, do you want to come to work at some point and your colleague, your coworker is no longer here? Because that's the reality of some of this. And it and I think we all need to put our own best interests aside at the moment and figure out a path forward so everybody can still continue to work if possible. And I know it's it's it's not necessarily a reality at this point due to the financial struggles we're facing, but I think before we just start looking at a cola amended um for 11 months for ordinance employees, I think everybody needs to step up and say zero wage increase in any way, shape, or form for the next year. And then that way we can at least get an accurate picture of of how many positions, if any, do we have to cut at that point. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Robinson. Mayor Kier,

thank you, Vice Mayor. Um, noon, Mr. Manager, we have been talking back and forth for probably three weeks about this whole thing and it's been tough to talk about because you're going to see people lose jobs if we don't put this in the right perspective. A few years back, this council, not this one, the council prior took a vote that allowed yourself to be able to move people. Not one step, but whatever step we thought was going to work. And then when that step grid was finished, they could jump to the next one and just keep moving across grids. Union employees don't have that option. They they stop at certain amount of years. You can put them on top step and that's it. They don't get to jump to the next grid and up and up and up. And when we see people who are making $50,000, 2% cut hurts. Especially right now when you're looking at and and we've had this discussion, when you're looking at the rise in energy cost, health insurance already took that 2% with for them. So there's no 2% even when you give them a 2% because the health insurance cost already took that from them. And now we're taking 2% more. So they're actually losing 2% to come to work every day because we already lost the health insurance for them. When we look at the ordinance, some people have jumped up far more. If you make a $100,000 or more, it's easier to absorb a 2% reduction in your in your cost than it is today for them. And I think what council Robinson brought up is is really important to understand is that ordinance people in general make more than the labor force that's in the DPW or parks or um down there for for the most part when you look at, you know, the the DPW drivers without the overtime. Um, so that's that's the hard part to watch is if we're going to freeze and we're going to make the public think we're freezing, we're really we're freezing the 2% raise, but some people can still jump up a grid to the next grid and over and over again.

And that's where it's disturbing to some of us is that when you look at the unions, they can only go to an end of a grid, but others can now jump up and over. And I'm not saying that's what the manager is going to do, but they do have the right to do that. And some people have already jumped up over grids. So, um, I agree with Council Robinson's thought process is that, you know, if somebody had jumped a grid already, they should be frozen from a step grade. Also, it it shouldn't be that, you know, you at the end of seven years now, you can jump over to another one and then just keep going on that grid. I think that those people, they should be frozen um on that end. So, I'm hoping that you can come back and and hold the line on that because I think that's fair. Um, Mr. Manager,

if you want to say something.

Uh, thank you very much, Miss May through to the council. Uh, council, is that something from a step process with uh ordinance employees that doesn't happen till January? So, that's something that we're still we would still consider in the future. Um, as far as unions go with their steps, it depends. It depends on the union. Um, some unions have 6 months, some unions have a year. So, our strategy putting this together was to have the wage increase of the cost of living adjustment for 11 months starting July 1st and then going to June. Um, currently right now we have 14 of the 17 bargaining groups that have agreed to that. So along with the uh ordinance employees, we have 14 labor unions that are saying yes as well and that is really helping us. Uh there are still three left that we're dealing with in the next in the next few days. So that is happening uh for us. I I I will tell you that on the step process for the bargaining employees that was not discussed. It was just discussed trying to get that 2%. Um, but from the ordinance position, between now and the beginning of the year, I may look at this again and make a decision about who would get it and who wouldn't because as the mayor just stated, it's a little bit easier when you're making a say $100,000 um to kind of absorb that two that 2 and a half% um uh you know price uh point. But I would have to go back in and talk to the unions about this. So this is uh this is step one I suppose I could say right now about this. Uh but once again 14 of the unions have said yes as well and we're working with them and we're waiting uh for further discussion with the other three.

Thank you manager Golden Council Rock. I think I just think we need to be careful uh what's in our purview and what's not. Um you know there's a reason why we've been in executive session more than once concerning this this matter. Um, and again, I'll just reiterate that, you know, I'm glad the information that we got here tonight. I don't disagree with any of the comments, um, the sentiment, I should say, um, that were made this evening. Um, but, you know, I really think we should be careful of of when we get into, um, negotiations, uh, you know, with labor or with ordinance, uh, people, um, as a member of the council. Thank you. Thank you, Council Rook. Councel Robinson.

Thank you. So, I guess we'll take the vote tonight on this and and hopefully um it's something that your your team can look at is is uh true and honest wage freeze across the board for this year and then that way you can come back and give us I mean I'm sure you'd need time to work with the CFO to even figure out what does that look like if that ever occurred and then that way at least we get a clearer picture as to again a lastditch effort to try to preserve as many people working as possible. So, I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you, Council Robinson. Roll call, Mr. Clerk. Council Mercia, yes. Council Non, yes. Council Robinson, yes. Council Ro,

yes. Council Scott, yes. Council Chow, yes. Councelor Dakota, yes. Mayor Gia, yes. Council Guran, yes. Council Leang, yes. Councilor Mcdana, yes. That's 11 years. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Seven reports subcommittee 7.1 finance subcommittee April 28th 2026 council

thank you uh Mr. Mayor, um just a brief summary, the finance subcommittee met on April 28th and um uh that consists of uh councelor Scott and Mcdana as well as me. Uh the CFO Baldwin gave a great presentation on the uh fiscal year 26 and 27 budgets. Uh that presentation is attached to tonight's city council agenda and I thank the city clerk for uh making that available to everybody. I'd recommend that everybody look at that presentation and also watch the LTC YouTube video of the meeting. Um, if you need to help getting it, I can just reach out and I can I found it. Um, but also the prior listening sessions that have been made available by uh LTC on their YouTube channel are also helpful. um the CFO in the uh at the subcommittee talked about the ARPA sunset and also that the ARPA dashboard is on the city website and I went to that and it's quite informative. Um and as we all know ARPA money must have been committed by uh the end of the calendar year 2024 and has to be spent by the end of this calendar year. Um I think one of the key points in the uh CFO's presentation were about the various structural challenges that are impacting the fiscal year 27 uh budget including increases that are really outside of uh the city's control for pensions, health insurance, energy costs, debt service which is a little in our control. Um and state assessments primarily for charter charter schools. Um so again I think it was a great um conversation and a sobering one um with a lot of data. So thank you. Um but

thank you councelor Dan. Motion to accept and place on file by councelor rook seconded by councel Mcdana. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 7.2 nonprofit organization subcommittee May 5th 2026. Councel Yang do you want to wait till next week on this one? Thank you. 7.3 wire inspector reports. One, Boston Gas requests permission to replace existing cast iron gas man at 24 to 360 Gorm Street. Two, Boston Gas requests permission to replace existing cast iron gas man at 67 to 94 Kinsman Street. And three, National Grid request permission to install underground electric conduit at Drake 50 Draket Street.

There's a registered speaker, Mrs. Okay. Yep. Oh, maybe not. Jonathan Gman. He left. Councelor [snorts] Non. Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I request that we uh table this all this vote. Uh partly because if you recall a few weeks ago this council pass a motion that require company Boston Gas National Grid really to provide information. Councelor Non, why don't you make a motion to table? I just need a second. There's no discussion on a tableabling of a motion. Okay,

there's a second by councelor Jirean. Roll call. Oh, thank you.

Motion at the table. Council Mcdana. No, Councelor Mc. I'm first. Oh, councelor Mercy is first. I'm sorry about that. Coun Council Mercier. I guess I guess. Council New? Yes. Council Robinson? No. Council Rock? No. Council Scott. Yes. Council Chow. Yes. Council Dakota. Yes. Council May I get you? Yes. Council Jiren. Yes. Council Leang. Yes. Council Mcdana. Yes. Motion's t I mean um why inspect the reporters table?

Eight petitions [clears throat] 8.1 claims two property damage. Motion refer to the law department for report and recommendation by councelor Leang. Seconded by councelor Dakota. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 8.2 miscellaneous TMC kappa Brazilian cuisine. Request installation of a 15minute parking sign in front of the business located at 62 GM street. Motion refer to transportation engineer for report and recommendation by councelor Robinson seconded by councelor Rook. All in favor signify by [clears throat] saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. 8.3 miscellaneous. Jose Perez for the benefit of common rivera request installation of a handicap parking sign at 55 Walnut Street. Motion will refer to transportation engineer for report and recommendation by councelor Mercia seconded by councelor noon. All in favor signify by saying I. Any opposed? So ordered. Nine. City Council Executive Session 9.1 Executive Session to consider and discuss ongoing negotiations relative to the disposition of HCID posels 1112 Wind Development Company LP. Public discussion of which may have a detrimental effect on negotiating position of the city. Motion to enter executive session adjourned from executive session by councelor Scott, seconded by councelor Chow. Roll call. Mr. Clerk.

Councelor Mercia. Yes. Council Non. Yes. Council Robinson. Yes. Council Ror. Yes. Council Scott. Yes. Council Chow. Yes. Council Dakota. Yes. Mayor Gia. Yes. Council Jiren. Yes. Council Leang. Yes. Council Mcdana. Yes. Any announcements? Councelor Mcdana.

Thank [clears throat] you, Mr. Mayor. We've got a number of a number of big events coming up uh in downtown. Uh well, downtown and a little bit outside of downtown this weekend. Um, Saturday is Doors Open, which is probably the the coolest event downtown that somehow no one ever knows about, but everybody goes to. It's one of the It's one of those things I feel like no one talks about, but it's always a blast. You can get inside some buildings, you've probably, if you've ever looked at a building and said, "I wonder what it looks like in there." You might very likely be able to get in on Saturday. Um, this year, I also saw there's a number of restaurants that are that are doing a special menu and music, um, which is new this year. that looks like it should be even more fun. And then coinciding with that, uh, because and as it always does, I think, at least it has the last two years, is the Busker Festival, which is going to bring a whole bunch of free live music. So, you can get inside a bunch of really cool old buildings that you have always wondered, you know, what's in the basement at John Dark Credit Union. If you've asked yourself that question, you can find out. And I got to be honest, I thought it was silly the first time someone told me what this was and then I went and now I can never stop going. It is one of the coolest things you can do downtown. And in addition to that, you get live music from the busker festival. So, I hope everybody comes down and and has fun.

Thank you, Council Mcdana. Councelor Dakota. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, Project Bread will be holding their 58th annual Walk for Hunger uh on May 9th, this Saturday, at 9:00 a.m. at JFK Plaza. Hope everybody can uh walk it. I'm sure Council Rock will walk it. Everybody else will run it and uh we'll be all set. [laughter] Manager Golden.

Uh thank you very much uh Mr. Mayor 3 to the council. Uh council is um so there's no impact on traffic tomorrow. We had the folks going out on aav this evening. Um and hopefully they'll be able to deal with this uh they should be dealing with this in the next 20 minutes. Uh and that's really about the traffic situation going on over there. Uh and final update for the evening u and we can think of and and pray for all these folks. it six buildings that were affected uh by this fire that started uh on Brit Street. And uh for anyone that knows the area, because of the embers, it went all the way up to Wuset, which jumped over to May Street, which um I would say it's a good 150 yards up up the street. So, there was a lot going on in that area. Uh but six buildings, 25 uh at least 25 people are displaced at this time. and we want to say thank you very much of course to our friends over at the uh Red Cross. Uh that being said, I'm going to ask um the the residents of Senville to have a little bit of patience as soon as it's safe to do so. We'll have our DPW folks over there. Um assistant city manager Mashado will be in touch with all the building inspectors as well as our DPW folk. Uh so we're going to pull as much as we can from out from throughout the city into that area to clean it up. Uh and and the reason for that is uh the excessive amount of water that was you not excessive the the amount of water that was used I should say and um making sure that all of our catch basins are cleaned etc. So uh the people over in the Bridge Street Wuset Main Street area 13th Street um if we could please be a little patient as soon as we have that opportunity we'll u we'll clean that up as best we can. Uh a couple of those buildings are in real rough shape as well so we'll have to be dealing with that. But that's the final update for the evening. Uh once again uh everybody that was um brought to the U hospital appears to be in good shape. U so we we want to say thank you to that and once again thank you very much to LFD our

surrounding towns and the LPD for doing u you know such a good job and so so quickly. So thank you Council Robinson. Thank you. And I and and I'd like to make sure um a few people have reached out already. For anyone listening, any of the families impacted um please go down the senior center. Um the Red Cross will be there. The city will have people there or or to help you get started with the process and and and uh prayers go out to the families and friends of everyone impacted over there. Again, the senior center um Mr. Manager, if you don't mind just uh giving the address to the senior center for people that might be listening at home. Thank you.

I just want to leave you with um Superintendent Skinner has also reached out to student student support service office and is reaching out to the students by address and trying to reach out with uh support. So they're preparing the outreach through the school department. So that's just um what we wanted to say back manager. Uh thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh 276 Broadway Street um 276 Broadway Street is where that assistance could be had. And thank you very much to the mayor for bringing up the fact of the school department as well. Uh we're uh we've been in contact with those folks and trying to make um trying to make a transition here. Thank you.

The school committee also reached out and they're and they're doing the same. So we're we're all working together to try to get this under control so that we can help as many people as we can as fast as we can. So with that, we'll see you in executive session. Have a good night.

[music] [music] I didn't survive.