City Council - Regular Meeting

Time having arrived, I call the regularly scheduled meeting of the city council to order. Will you all please join me in standing and saluting the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Councilor Griffin. Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to take this under suspension of the rules and act on it tonight.

Second.

Motion's properly made and seconded to take this item under suspension. All in favor? All opposed? The motion passes. Chief, good evening.

Good evening, Mr. President. Good evening, Councilors. Thank you for having us here tonight. We're very fortunate to bring on board a new fire alarm operator tonight, lifelong Brockton resident Amy Stack. Amy was cleared of all of the other candidates, far and above the rest. We actually tried to get her about a year ago, but there was someone on the list ahead of her, so this worked out perfectly. We were able to get her in this list grouping. Amy is a tremendous individual who's worked in the schools before. She's worked in hospitality industry, so we know she can multitask, and we know what that does when you have multiple calls coming in at once and a number of different fire trucks going out the door. We need that ability to be able to multitask. So Amy, if you could stand. This is Amy Stack. And I'm happy that we could bring her name before the mayor and you have her here before you tonight. I should recommend favorably.

Question. That's right. Adam Clark. Oh, we'll grab the microphone. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Azak. Yes. Charnell.

Yes.

DeRosa. Yes. Farwell. Yes. Griffin.

Yes. Green. Yes.

Lally. Yes. Nicastro. Tavares. Yes. Texera.

Yes.

Thompson.

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The appointment is confirmed. Councilor Nicastro.

Second.

Motion for reconsideration is properly made and seconded. All in favor of reconsideration? All opposed? Reconsideration fails. Congratulations. Councilors, I'm going to declare a brief recess. Mr.

Clerk, item number two. Item three, we have the report of the Real Estate Committee for its meeting of August 18th, 2026. Accepted and placed on file. We have a communication from the fire chief informing the city council that they have selected one candidate for appointment as fire alarm operator. Amy Stack of 30 Sewell Street, Brockton, position of fire alarm operator.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor recommending the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor advising that effective September 1st, 2026, Mr. Michael Saliba has been appointed as interim superintendent of golf slash assistant superintendent of parks for the city of Brockton until the incumbent, Kurt Calderwood, either returns from workers' compensation or resigns his position with the city of Brockton, pursuant to Mass General Law, Chapter 41, Section 61A.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the Mayor, appointing John Condon of 45 Woodland Drive, Bridgewater, Mass., to the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective September 14th, 2026.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the Mayor, in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 44, recommending the City Council authorize the deletion of Section 2-329 of Article 4, Information and Technology Board.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 44, recommending that the City Council authorize the approval of a prior year's unpaid law bill of $16,373.76. These funds will be used to pay invoices from FY26.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 44, recommending that the city council authorize a total appropriation of $2,300,000 using the attached form of order with language as recommended by Attorney Richard A. Manley. Junior of Trotman Pepperlock LLP, the city's bond council, in order to provide funding through borrowing said amount for the purpose of purchasing two new fire trucks. Accepted and placed on file.

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

Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44, recommending the city council authorize the raise and appropriation of $98,348 to the library personal services non-overtime.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the Mayor in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 44, recommending that the City Council authorize the acceptance and expenditure of the grant award in the amount of $7,800 from the Massachusetts Association of Council on Aging and Senior Center Directors to the Council on Aging. These funds will support programs at the Council on Aging.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the fire chief requesting that the Brockton Fire Department accept and expend $10,000.00 from Mary Ann Felger, sister of retired Secretary Rebecca O'Keefe from headquarters. This donation with no cost to the city. The Brockton Fire Department intends to utilize these funds toward the firefighters' life safety equipment.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor recommending the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44, recommending that the city council authorize a transfer of $414,801. These funds are necessary to compensate the decrease in Brockton state aid over the course of the state's budgeting process. There are sufficient funds within the stabilization fund to support this transfer.

ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CFO RELATIVE TO THE SAME.

ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER 44, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER OF $354,629. THIS TRANSFER IS NECESSARY FOR THE CITY TO PAY ITS FULL STATE ASSESSMENTS AS THEY WERE RAISED OVER THE COURSE OF THE STATE BUDGETING PROCESS.

ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CFO RELATIVE TO THE SAME.

ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE.

Communication from the Mayor in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 44, recommending that the City Council authorize a transfer of $2,627,669. The original budgets for these categories were estimated prior to the issuance of additional pension obligation bonds. This transfer is necessary for the City to set its tax rate, and there is sufficient funding within the Pension Stabilization Fund.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the mayor in accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts chapter 44, recommending that city council support the proposed easement at 165 Center Street, Brockton, Mass.

Accepted and placed on file.

Communication from the CFO relative to the same.

Accepted and placed on file.

Unfinished business. We have an ordinance amending the pay plan ordinance relative to the following position. Facilities Manager Public Safety Building. In City Council June 22, 2026, Redden referred to the Standing Committee an ordinance. That report was favorable.

Councillor Farwell. Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, the mayor has found a more cost-effective way of doing what needs to be done for the new public safety facility building. So at this time and at his request, I would move to table this matter.

Second.

Questions on tabling?

Properly made it?

Yeah.

Roll call table?

Just to vote.

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

Bazak? Yes. Chernell?

Yes.

DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally?

Yes.

McCastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Teixeira?

Yes.

Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The question is tabled.

Item 28, we have an ordinance establishing charges for privately collected domestic waste. In City Council, May 11, 2026, written and referred to the Standing Committee on Ordinance, that report was favorable as amended. In City Council, August 24, 2026, passed to a third reading as amended.

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

Azak? Yes. Chernell?

Yes.

DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally? Yes. McCastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Texera?

Yes.

Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The ordinance is ordained.

Item 29, order that the mayor and or treasurer or collector be authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to convey the property consisting of 3,100 square feet, located in known as Plot 7B Country Club Lane, parcel ID 079-130 to Cheryl Anderson, 208 Country Club Lane, Brockton, Mass., for the purchase price of $1,200. Said property be sold under the abut a lot program. and to be sold with a permanent non-buildable restriction. Said property shall also merge with the budding lot of the purchaser within six months of purchase. Six months begins at the time the deed is granted, excuse me, executed. In City Council June 22, 2026, Redden referred to the Standing Committee on Real Estate. That report was favorable.

Question is on adoption by roll call vote. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

Azak? Yes. Sharnell?

Yes.

DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally?

Yes.

Castro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Tixera?

Yes.

Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Mr. Clerk, for item 30, you can skip some of the repetitive language.

Item 30, order that the mayor and or treasurer collective be authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to convey the property of 4,217 square feet located in plot 147-19, excuse me, 147-1-93, Forest Ave, parcel ID 066-007, to Gomes Investment, LLC. Said property to be sold under the abutter lot program and to be sold with a permanent non-buildable restriction. In City Council June 22, 2026, Redden referred to the Standing Committee on Real Estate. That report was favorable.

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

Azak? Yes. Charnel?

Yes.

DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally? Yes. Nicastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Tixera? Yes. Thompson? Yes. Eleven in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Item 31, ordered in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter 30B, 16A, that the City Council hereby declare as surplus the city-owned parcel of land located at 12 Marion Street, parcel 129-137. This order further authorizes the mayor to execute all documents necessary. to facilitate the transfer of land. The authority granted to the mayor herein includes the authority to transfer the land declared in surplus, in whole, or in part. In City Council July 27, 2026, Redden referred to the Standing Committee on Real Estate that report was favorable.

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

Azak? Yes. Chernell?

Yes.

De Rosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally? Yes. Nicastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Teixeira?

Yes.

Thompson? Yes. 11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Item 32, an ordinance. An ordinance amending the downtown Brockton Smart Growth Overlay District, DBSGOD. Councilor Farwell.

Mr. President, this is a multi-page filing, and I would move to have the Legislative Council just give an overview of it. It is printed on the agenda, so it's available for the public.

Second. Motion made and seconded to summarize this order. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Motion passes.

Item number 32 is an ordinance amending the downtown Brockton Smart Growth overlay district. This adds as of right uses relative to single room occupancy units. establishes dimensional and density requirements, building height changes, off street parking changes, add some new definitions, delete some of the definitions, correct some references between old use of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community and the new use for that department which is the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. There's multiple changes across a couple of pages. just for those changes of the State Department reference.

As referred to the Committee on Ordinance and the Planning Board.

Item 33, ordinance and amendment to the zoning map for parcel IDs identified. Be it ordained pursuant to section 27-5 of the city ordinance's zoning map, whereby reference is made to an incorporation of said boundaries of each of the zones established as shown on the map entitled the City of Brockton, Massachusetts Zoning District map dated November 10, 1967, and thereafter amended that said map be amended to reflect the following. the following zoning change. Parcel IDs 111-042, 111-041, and 111-040 from the current C2 to C2 DBSGOD. As referred to the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board. Item 34, an ordinance deleting in its entirety Section 2-329 of Article 4, Information and Technology Boards.

As referred to Ordinance.

In accordance with the general laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 44, recommending that the City Council approve the expenditure of $16,373.76 from law purchase of service to Littler, $5,512.50. Two, Brody, Hardoon, Perkins, and Keston, $6,670. Two, Murphy and Murphy, $2,631.26. Two, Libby Hoops, Brooks, and Mulvey, $45. Two, Sheridan and Lodgen, $1,515. Referred to finance. ordered that the city of Brockton appropriates the amount of $2,300,000 for purchasing fire trucks. To meet this appropriation, the city treasurer, with the approval of the mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under Mass General Law, Chapter 44, Section 7-1, or pursuant to any other enabling authority and to issue bonds or notes of the city therefore. Further order that the city treasurer is authorized to file an application with the Commonwealth of Mass Municipal Finance Oversight Board to qualify under Mass General Law Chapter 44A any and all bonds or notes of the city authorized by this order and to provide such information and execute such documents as the Municipal Finance Oversight Board of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may require. As referred to finance. ORDERED TO RAISE AND APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $98,348 TO LIBRARY PERSONAL SERVICES NON-OVERTIME.

REFERRED TO FINANCE.

ORDERED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE TOTAL GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,800 FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILS ON AGING AND SENIOR SENATE DIRECTORS TO THE COUNCIL ON AGING.

REFERRED TO FINANCE.

Ordered that the city, pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 44, Sections 53A and 53A 1⁄2, hereby accepts the following donation of $10,000 from Mary Ann Felger to the Brockton Fire Department.

Referred to Finance.

Ordered that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred, as the same was submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $414,801 from General Stabilization Fund to Fiscal Year 2027 Revenues. Referred to Finance. Order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $354,629 from General Stabilization Fund to Government Assessment State. Referred to Finance. Order that the following name sum be in the same as hereby transferred as the same was submitted by the Mayor as follows. Transfer of $2,627,669 from the Pension Stabilization Fund to Contributory Retirement, $1,850,227, and to POB Debt Service, $777,442. Referred to Finance. ordered that the City of Brockton enter into a utility easement agreement and a temporary construction easement agreement with the United States Postal Service regarding easements over, across, along, under, and through land identified as 165 Center Street, Brockton, Mass., to provide certain limited access over, across, along, under, and through the identified parcel as more particularly described in the proposed utility and temporary construction easement agreements attached to this order. The City Council authorizes the Mayor to execute the attached easement and to take other actions as necessary to carry out the terms, purposes, and conditions of the same.

I'll oppose. The motion passes. We have the commissioner of the DPW with us tonight. Good evening, Commissioner.

Good evening, Councilors. So this was one of the easements that we were having issues getting. The initial order for the rest of the easements went in June. It was a very long process working with the USPS to secure this easement. Big shout to... attorney Lenhart in the solicitor's office. He worked really, really hard to get this done. It's basically for three temporary easements located on Center Street for a total of 434 square feet and two permanent easements for a total of 420 square feet. And this goes with the Plymouth and Center Street transportation project that will be advertised in October and constructed next year. Councilwoman Castro.

Good evening, Commissioner Hill. Thank you for being here. Well, is there an easement agreement?

There is. The easement agreement is attached to all of the, it should be attached to the order.

And there's a plan, too.

There's a plan. All the paperwork, necessary paperwork, was attached to the order.

I wish I knew to read it before I got here.

I'm sorry?

I wish I knew to read it before I got here.

Oh, I...

Since we're taking it under suspensions. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Motion to recommend favorably.

We'll just go right to the vote. The question comes on adoption by roll call vote. Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll?

Azak? Yes. Sharnell?

Yes.

DeRosa? Yes. Farwell?

Yes.

Griffin?

Yes.

Green?

Yes.

Lally?

Yes.

Nicastro? Yes. Tavares? Yes. Texier?

Yes.

Thompson?

Yes.

11 in the affirmative.

The order is adopted. Thank you, Council.

Be resolved by the Brockton City Council to invite Police Chief Brenda Perez, City Solicitor James O'Brien, Chief Information Officer Jorge Vega, and Interim Commissioner of Buildings William Forte, or their respective designees, to appear before the Council to discuss surveillance technology. specifically flock cameras, safety cameras, and automated license plate readers, technology, placement and approval, policies and legal requirements, data collection and retention, access and sharing of collected data, privacy protections, costs, oversight, and transparency measures, and to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices or strategies with respect thereto. Under Master and Law Chapter 30A, Section 21A-4. As referred to Finance, Resolved, whereas the Brockton City Council is committed to continue to work cooperatively with the Brockton School Department, and whereas the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, DESE, in March of 2026, in accordance with Massachusetts state law, conducted a comprehensive review of the Brockton public schools. Be it resolved to invite Dr. Priya Tahiliani. superintendent of schools, and any team members that she may deem proper to appear before the Finance Committee of the Brockton City Council to discuss the Brockton Public Schools Comprehensive District Review Report of March 2026.

As referred to Finance, Councillors, we've reached the end of our agenda. Councillor Farwell?

Motion to admit a late file, please.

Motion, is there a second? Second. Motion is properly made and seconded to introduce a late file. All in favor? All opposed? The file is voted for. Mr. Clerk?

Resolved. Whereas Chapter 137 of the Act of 2026, approved by the Governor and the Legislature, effective in July 2026, imposed additional zoning regulations and procedures upon all cities and towns, including Brockton. And whereas the legislation was filed, supported, and approved without any input from local public safety and zoning officials, and whereas the zoning changes mandated by the Governor and Legislature will forever change residential neighborhoods, commercial properties, and present significant public safety concerns, including fire safety hazards for residents, first responders, and others. Be it ordered, by formal vote, the City Council hereby transmits a letter to the Mayor requesting he file appropriate litigation through the Law Department to challenge the new zoning requirements as potentially dangerous and contrary to public safety interests, economically unfeasible for a city with limited financial resources, and for any other reasons which may be relevant, as determined by the city solicitor. Provided further, the council welcomes any support from the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association, other groups, and interested communities, especially the gateway cities.

There is referred to finance. That's all I have. That's all we have. Any moments of personal privilege? Counselor Azak.

Thank you, Mr. President. We have some events happening this week in the city. The first one is our cultural council will be having a reception on Wednesday, September 16th from 6 to 7 p.m. at Enzo Galleries at 50 Center Street. It's a great way to meet the cultural council and to see what's happening with what they're doing, what they're up to in the city. Secondly, the annual Greek Food Festival is happening this upcoming week at the Enunciation Greek Church in Brockton. It's a great event. There's great food, music, dance. It's happening Thursday, September 17th to Sunday, September 20th at the Greek Church located at 457 Oak Street. And thank you to Mayor Rodriguez who had... approved repaving Oak Street for us before the festival. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor. I'm excited for that festival. Councillor Charnel.

Good evening, councillors. Thank you, Mr. President. Yesterday, I went to a very sad and somber moment attending Zorik Dapina's wake, a young man that was tragically taken in violence and taunting. The bullets did not have his name on it at all, but he was a victim of this violence. So I just ask the council for a moment of silence for this young Brocktonian. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Any other matters, councilor? Seeing none, we are adjourned.