City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Today is Monday, May 4th, and we are now going to begin the public speakout portion of our Springfield City Council meeting. Welcome, Pioneer Valley Project, led by my good friend Tara Parish. Hey y'all. [laughter] Um, we're going to go ahead and get started with our public speakout, but first I just want to recognize counselors that are with us. Um, councelor Maria Perez, counselor Jerry Martin, counselor Zeta Govan, counselor Hi, Counselor Kater Walsh, councelor Justin Hurst is online, councelor Jose Delgado, Councelor Lavar Click Bruce is also online. So, I just wanted you all to know that counselors are listening and watching. Okay, we'll start with our first person. Um, Stephen Howard, you have three minutes to speak. Is Stephen here? Oh, yeah. Get my little timer. Please state your name and address for the record. Uh, thank you, Madam President. Good evening, everyone. Steven Howard, 11:04 Wington Street here in Springfield. the Supreme Court uh basically annihilated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As soon as that decision came down, [snorts] the governor of Louisiana basically put a hold to the elections that's going on right now. Other states are supposed to be also putting a halt on upcoming elections until gerrymandering could take place. Joy mandering basically is like when you draw district lines so that the

elected officials could now select their voters rather than voters selecting their representatives. This will create a reduction in the House of Representatives and the Senate when it comes to representation for people of color. with these redistricting lines and following this Supreme Court decision. What that does is since this administration is basically harming American people with the cuts in education, health care, right? uh I think there was something like uh 50% projected haircut uh health uh cuts in the educational budget. How does that impact families who have children in schools? Another thing that the this Trump administration did was to cut back meals for students. So if parents depend on children getting meals at school, especially breakfast, now they have to re rearrange their schedules in order to make sure that their children have something to eat either before leaving school or taken to school with them. Social Security is under attack. the amount of money that people who were protected under the ACA, which is better known as Obamacare. Now, people are facing cuts. Well, they now have to pay for medical visits, which they didn't have to do before. There have been increases in amount of money that

folks pay when they go see a doctor. Now that these are just some of the things that this administration has done and the Republicans in C in uh Washington are basically kissing the ring of the president now that they see that his favoritism, his popularity is below 37%. They see what's going on with the war. He's cutting back all these billions and trillions of dollars from the budget, but now he's asking for $400 billion to engage in a war in Iran. And now they're even talking about up to $1 trillion in cuts. With that, I'll rest my case. Thank you. Have a good

Thank you, Mr. Howard. The next person to speak is Karen Lee.

Please state your name and address for the record. Excuse me. Karen Lee, 18 Lawn Street in Springfield. Good evening. Um, I'm here tonight to ask your support for a resolution regarding the Springfield Regional Justice Center. The counselors have the version that I'm referencing tonight is on your desks, but it the legal review still is in process. So it it's not going to be brought up tonight, but in general, I'll speak in general terms. The version I'm ref referencing is the amended one entitled resolution supporting the development of a coordinated framework and transparent approach to address municipal and community impacts associated with the Springfield Regional Justice Center. It shifts the approach and aligns with what is feasible within the current procurement process. Commissioner Baky confirmed that in the RFP where biders were asked to describe economic, environmental, and community impacts, those responses are being used in the overall evaluation process, but they are not incorporated into the project's total cost framework. That's the gap. When impacts are not accounted for, they don't disappear. They're transferred onto the city, onto neighborhoods, onto residents. This state project is being framed as growth, and there will be benefits and tax revenue, but the community impacts are treated differently. Evaluated, yes, but not incorporated into the total project cost. And that's not neutral. It reflects how the project is currently structured. The amended resolution before you does not suggest changing the lease or the

procurement process. But calling this a win without accounting for total costs doesn't make them disappear. It just means residents pay them later. And that's not theoretical. Five historic buildings are gone and businesses have been displaced. These are real visible changes to sites, land use, and surrounding conditions, and they are not accounted for in the project's total cost structure. And in a gateway city like Springfield, that matters because our fiscal capacity is already constrained. And we know that a record setting budget and rising property taxes are on the way. And as costs rise, the question is where those unaccounted costs ultimately fall. The amended resolution supports establishing a framework to guide how those impacts can be addressed in a coordinated and transparent way over the life of the project. This is about accountability in the use of public funds and not in opposition to the project. Thank you.

Thank you Karen. Appreciate that. The next person to speak is Dominique Boyd. And I want to recognize councelor Fenton that has joined us online and councelor Hurst who joined us in person. Dominique, can you please state your name and address for the record?

My name is Dominique Eugene Boyd. I live at 62 Whittier Street, Springfield, Massachusetts. I am a father, a husband, a teacher, CEO of Poor City Rich Dreams, and leader with Pioneer Valley Project. Over the past few weeks, we've taken the time to meet with eight of the 13 members of this council. We did that intentionally because we believe real change starts with relationships. We're not here just to speak at you tonight. We're here to build with you. At the same time, we've been out in the community. We've conducted a city-wide budget survey as an act of community engagement. And I want to be clear, that survey wasn't just about collecting data. It was about opening a door. We wanted to understand what do Springfield residents actually know about the city budget? Where are the gaps? And more importantly, do people feel like they have a voice in the decisions that shape their everyday lives? Because too often the budget process feels distant, technical, and out of reach for everyday people. So we went directly to them. We talked to residents in neighborhoods and community spaces and everyday conversations. And we also made sure to include young people because if we're serious about the future of this city, we have to start now by helping youth understand how decisions are made and how they can be a part of them. That matters. That matters because community engagement isn't just about showing up to one meeting. It's about building understanding, building trust, and building the confidence for people to participate. And what we heard through the survey reinforced something important. People care deeply about this city, and they want to be involved. But many don't feel connected to the process as it currently stands. That's why this survey is important. It gave residents a chance to reflect, to learn, and begin

engaging with something that often feels closed off. It also gave us and now you a clear picture of where the disconnect is and where the opportunity lies because there is an opportunity here. An opportunity to strengthen how the city engages its residents. An opportunity to make the budget process more accessible and transparent. And an opportunity to bring more voices, especially those who are left out into the conversation. We're not coming with to you with all of the answers tonight, but we are coming with relationships, with real input from the community, and with a commitment to continue building. We're asking you to continue this partnership with us because when residents are informed and involved, the city is stronger for it. There is strength in numbers and we are not here alone. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Boyd. Next speaker is Corey Jackson. Please state your name and address for the record.

My name is Corey Jackson. I live on 44 Manhattan Street. Good evening. Um, fellow Councilman and Tracy. Um, I'm a leader at the Pioneer Valley Project and I'm also a minister in Springfield as well. Over the past few weeks, we spoke with more than 500 residents through a citywide budget survey. That alone tells you something important. People really want to be a part of the process. Not just hear about what was done, but be a part. Not just taxpaying contributors, but a part. I know that the low voter turnout might lead us to feel as though people aren't interested as they are, but or that they don't care. But our data also tells us a deeper deeper story. 88% of residents said that they never been asked to participate in a meeting event or a survey to share their priorities for the city budget. And at the same time, only 6.3% said that they feel like they have an influ a lot of influence over the city budget. So this isn't about people not caring. It's about people not being brought in. When the majority of residents have never been asked to participate, it makes sense that they don't feel like their voice carries any kind of weight. That's the gap that we're naming tonight. The gap between community voice and decisionmaking. But here's the opportunity in that because over 500 people still choose to engage when given the chance. That tells us something very powerful. The willingness is already there. The question now is whether the process will meet the willingness. As you enter to this new budget cycle, we're asking that you take that seriously. Create more consistent, accessible ways for residents to be a part of this process earlier and more meaningfully. Not just at the end, not just in moments like

this, but throughout because this is about more than a budget. And and it's about trust. And trust is built when people are invited in, when they are heard, and when they can see that their voice actually matters in decisions being made. It's like a marriage when both the husband and wife contribute, but the husband makes unilateral decisions without involving his wife or asking her opinions, especially in matters that concern and impact them both. She wants to be a part of the decision making give giving her the her due respect as to be assured that they are a team as you all and the residents of Springfield are a team. Yes, you are the leaders but we're in this all together. So right now the data shows a clear disconnect but it also shows a clear opportunity. We've already started building a bridge with 500 conversations. Now we asking you to meet us there with action taking on the mindset as servant leaders. Thank you and God bless. [applause]

Thank you. The next person listed is Katherine Sichling and I want to recognize councelor Davala who joined us. It's Katherine. Oh Carmen, I have you and Katherine. Okay. So Carmen. Okay. Carmen Green. Please state your name and address for the record.

Carmen Green, Forest Park. I would like to say good evening to the counselors. Thank you for your presence and for being here and actually caring about what we have to say and hearing our voices. You are do definitely appreciate it and we are grateful that you are here. So with that being said, I'm a leader with the Pioneer Valley Project. I'm a concerned citizen, a mom, teacher, grandma, and I love the city of Springfield. I am here tonight to represent reticence all across Springfield. And we care about how decisions are made and who would want better understanding of how resources are being used in our city. Right now, there's a gap and we can't ignore it. From our citywide survey, 80.8 8 residents said they do not know how Springfield spends the city budget and 66.5% said they don't even know where to find the information about it. Those numbers matter because when people don't understand the budget, it is difficult to engage with it. When they don't know where to find information, it is difficult to participate. And when participation is limited, large parts of our community are left out of the process. This is not about a lack of interest. Residents across Springfield are paying attention. They care about their neighborhoods and schools, their safety, and their future. But without clear, accessible information. It's hard for that concern to translate into involvement. This is a moment for clarity. Clarity in how the budget is presented, clarity where the residents can find it, and clarity on how people can understand and what's being decided because this is not just a city budget. This is the people's budget

because this is just not a city budget. It's the people's budget. And that means that we need to understand and that most people don't understand it or know where to find it. There's way more work to do and we need to make that process truly accessible. And I want to end with please let us build a better Springfield together with love and attention and leave a legacy that our children are proud of and not to be embarrassed of. Thank you.

Thank you, Carmen. [applause] So, Katherine is not here. Can I speak to Oh, okay. Okay. All right. So, good evening. My name is Katherine Fickland. I'm State Street. Um, I'm a lifelong resident of Springfield, an artist with a growing creative career, an entrepreneur, and a lead organizer with Pioneer Valley Project. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you guys um and opening the space for community dialogue regarding the city's budget. And as someone who was born and raised in Mason Square and who is currently building a creative career here, I have a deep stake in our city's success. The budget is a road map for our future and it should be shaped by the people who call Springfield home. At PVP, we recently engaged with residents across our neighborhoods to talk about their priorities, and the data is clear. 85.6% of Springfield residents believe they should have a direct influence on how the city budget is spent. This is an overwhelming majority of the people you represent. They are not just looking for a chance to comment on a finished plan. They're looking to be a part of the a seat at the table. Um and when we asked residents what they would prioritize if they had that influence, their answers were practical. Um they want investment in youth centers, local business aid, and after incarceration programs. One resident noted, quote unquote, I would invest in the youth. We have so many talented young people in our city. housing. There's an urgent call for, once again, I quote, building more housing and shelters and funds to renovate buildings for housing. When it comes to infrastructure, residents ask for the basics, fixing our streets to prevent wear and tear on vehicles and improving walkability. These statistics and stories show that our neighbors are looking for a true partnership with this council. With

85.6% 6% of residents calling for a direct say. The demand for transparency is undeniable. And as a lifelong resident who is actively investing my life and livelihood in this city, I urge you to listen to our voices and ensure the people of Springfield have a real hand in shaping our city's future. Thank you guys. Thank you, Catherine. And our final speaker listed today is Jay La. Please state your name and address for the record. Uh, good evening. Juan Lator, 122 Forest Hills Road in Springfield. Good evening, Madame President and members of the council.

I'm here tonight to speak about the resolution that is before you to support a impact fund for the Springfield Regional Justice Center. And there's two basic things I'd like to share tonight. Um the first I thing I want to say is I'd like to talk about the appropriateness of the resolution. Um resolutions are not binding. They don't carry the weight of law, but they are expressions and I believe powerful expressions um that the city council can make on behalf of its residents and constituents about issues we care about. And as it relates to the new courthouse, I think that the city council and the residents of this city have done a fantastic job of influencing the sighting process without having any direct legislative or executive authority to do so. It's been all through proactive and collaborative work. And so I believe voting in favor of the resolution is a powerful statement and continues that tradition to say that Springfield should have a voice in the sighting of this new courthouse. The other thing I'd like to say tonight is that I think this is really an opportunity for you as counselors to make a profound statement about the importance you um place on the affordability of our city. And you know, at the end of the day, we recognize that large projects in the city have impacts. Some of them are very positive. It's a tremendously positive thing that we're going to move workers in the old Roder Island courthouse out of there and into a safe, healthy new building. And it's a tremendous impact that uh this space will provide new property tax growth for the city, its residences, for tax relief and services. But we also recognize that any large investment comes with unintended consequences and impacts.

Some of which we can anticipate and some of which we won't know for years if not decades. And the impact fund recognizes that and gives us an opportunity to move on to that uh proactively instead of reactively and more quickly than we would have um without it. You know, I look at MGM as a perfect example. MGM has had a lot of positive impacts on the community. There's new tax revenue. There's job growth. There's events. There's a lot of great things to talk about there. But when we look at the project as a whole, it did not meet the mark of reducing property taxes. It missed the mark on jobs. And there has had to have been continued public investment in and around MGM because the underlying economic offspin uh did not transpire in the way we have hoped. And so in the same way I think we can anticipate that with this courthouse. There's going to be some great things that come from it and then there's going to be some unanticipated consequences to it. And so we ask for your support of this. Thank you.

Thank you Juan. So, that concludes the public speakout portion of the city council meeting. I just wanted to let Pioneer Valley Project know that city council budget hearings will start on Monday, May 18th at 5:00. Um, then we will have budget hearing two on Tuesday, May 19th, and then Thursday, May 26th. Um, are the city council hearings all starting at 5:00. So, if you want more information on the budget, that would be a great time for you to show up and I will send that information. Thank you. Thank you. Yes, Council Hurst virtually.

Yes, we will we'll work on that. Yes. Yes, definitely. Virtually. Yes. Thank you, counselor. And that concludes the public speak out of this meeting. We will stand adjourned until our regular city council meeting at 6:30.

Hey, council. What's going on? How you bring it in? Good evening.

Good evening, George. Can you hear me? Can you all hear me saying good evening? Can you hear me? Good evening. Okay. It's coming through. Okay. Good evening. Today is Monday, May 4th, 2026, and we will now start the regular city council meeting. Will, Madame Clerk, will you please call the role?

Yeah, I don't hear yours. Councelor Santelo absent. Councelor Martin. Absent. Councelor Perez. Present. Present. Councelor Brown. Absent. Councelor Govan. Present. Present. Councelor Walsh. Present. Present. Councelor Hurst. Present. Present. Councelor Davila. Present. Present. Councelor Fenton. Present. Present. Councelor Delgado. Present. Present. Councelor Click Bruce.

Present. Present. Councelor Edwards. Present. Present. Councelor Whitfield. Present. Present. Um, excuse me, officer. Can you please ask them to be a little quiet in the hall for us? All right. Will counselors and our guests please stand for a moment of silence and I will turn the moment of silence over to councelor Walsh for a recognition.

Rosemary Tracy Woods who was such an icon for the arts and culture and the city of Springfield and impacted so many lives especially people young people with talent. So her memorial service is this Saturday.

Yeah. Thank you councelor Walsh. Bill counselors and our guests remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge of 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. Are there any reports of committee? Council Govan. [snorts] Thank you, Madam President. And we did have our finance committee meeting on April 21st to discuss the um the resolution that we're going to be putting off again today. Um so we uh discussed it. The counselors who were there were almost everyone. No, Maria Perez, myself, Miss Kater Walsh, uh, Victor Davila, and a few were excused. I love these minutes that the um staff is sending us now. This is awesome. So, we did have our meeting on um, April 21st. I'm proposing that we have a second meeting due to the amended resolution that we're having today. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Council Govan. Any other councelor click Bruce followed by councelor Delgado.

Thank you madam president. On uh April 28th we had a maintenance and development meeting um regarding uh two items on the agenda. Uh we had actually three items. Uh we had discontinuence of uh Cloverdale Street which we're going to uh look to keep um in committee. Uh we're going to give the uh proposals proponents the opportunity to meet with the Butters and another uh congregation to see if they can figure some things out along with counselor uh Dava who's been uh leading um that that meeting as it's in his ward. Uh we also talked about uh the DBW uh master applications and that whole process. So Chris has to bring us uh certain uh projects that are happening on a state level. So that way more like more or less uh FYIs for us. Um then we talked about signal screen updates. Um one of our residents, Montana Shider, who's an advocate uh particularly in the Mesa Square area uh making sure our our signal screens are reflective to what is happening throughout the city of Springfield. Uh so Chrisoli uh did say that the grant has been approved and we should be seeing some progress uh towards the end of the year um going into next year. Um so those are my updates from mus development. Thank you.

Thank you counselor. Um before we move to you councelor Delgado can we please recognize counselors in seat number one and two? Councelor Santanelo here. Present. Councelor Martin present. Present.

Thank you. Councelor Delgado. Thank you, Madam President. On uh April 15th, uh the economic development subcommittee met. Uh present there was myself, uh counselors Hurst, uh Click Bruce, and Davila. And that meeting, uh we had John Deiva and his team from the uh Nazman Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Um I had initially had reached out to John uh to try to just connect with him on just stuff in general. Uh but with everything that was going on over the last uh couple months, I decided to give him an opportunity to come to the subcommittee to talk about um the Hoopal Classic and everything. And and I think we got an education I could say in terms of uh the Hoopal Classic history uh what it takes to put on the event and um I won't go into spe a lot of detail on it, but just know that you know they did share with us a lot of numbers and the um coordination they have to go through. One of the things they mentioned was having to utilize over 10 basketball courts across the city and trying to coordinate that. Um, you know, which is a big thing for them. Um, so they mentioned challenges and opportunities. Um, talked about hotel costs increasing 35% and mind you this is in January. Um, so thought that was interesting, transportation challenges to and from. Um, but we also they also talked about what he was calling a competitive play center. And I want to make sure I highlight uh councelor Hurst and also click uh click Bruce who've talked about this and we passed that resolution before um in terms of what a competitive play center would look like and how that could potentially impact the hoop but also future things uh when it comes to the city and how we could utilize that as kind of a tourism. So, um, lot of good stuff that we learned about it, but I definitely think, you know, it was definitely needed after a lot of the conversations that were happening. So,

thank you, councelor Delgado, councelor click Bruce. Thank you, Madam President. I'm sorry. I want to I want to also recognize my colleagues who were actually at the meeting as well. Councelor Perez and councelor Davo was in a subcommittee meeting on April 28th. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Council Koo. Counselor Dava.

Thank you, Madame President. Uh the sustainability environment committee had a meeting on April 17th. Uh president was myself and councelor Guban and members of the spring waters uh department. Uh we did discuss the the findings of PCB at the West Parish water plant. Uh the most important thing is that that uh those findings of PCB is located within a specific subplant within the plant. Um they are doing more testing that's going to take a couple more uh months to get all the testings back. Uh they did reassure reassure us however that the water system here in Springfield continues to be safe to drink. Um there was also discussion about the use of chlorine uh chloride on the water. Uh it is a federal mandate and it's adjusted according on the season. uh when you have uh particularly in the summer where there's more natural biological decay in the water system uh they have to turn off more a little bit of chlorine to make sure that the water is safe to drink. Uh but that chlorine will not harm the human body. Uh and we I do intend by that president to have a subsequent meeting on this uh towards in a couple of months to follow the progress. Uh but I want to reemphasize to everybody and to the residents that are watching us that the water is in Springfield is safe to drink. Thank you, Madame President.

Thank you, Councelor Dava. Councelor Hurst.

Thank you, Madam President. Uh we had a joint uh general government and maintenance and development committee uh on April 21st. Uh at 12:00, I was joined by councelor uh myself uh councelor Martin as well as the chair of the maintenance and development committee uh councelor Click Bruce, councelor Santanelo, and councelor Davila. The two items of concern were the terrace maintenance uh as well as the overgrown weeds at Watershops Park. Uh the first item uh regarding the terraces uh parks director Tom Ash reported um that there are 33 hardscapes that need to be maintained and will be dealt with uh twice uh during the year. uh the hardcapes are the ones that you typically see uh where you know my concern was that there were a lot of weeds growing out of them in previous years and so he has made a commitment that that those are going to be maintained. Uh and then there's also 193 terraces uh that will be maintained uh by Yellowstone Landscape. uh he did say that, you know, they can only do so much uh as it relates to having money in the budget. Uh but he certainly thinks that he ought to be able to maintain them uh throughout the season. So, we are grateful to director Ash for that. Uh the second item of concern uh with um myself and councelor Clay Bruce is that we heard a number of residents um and uh the city of Springfield have contacted us regarding Watershop's pond and there's a number of uh vegetation and overgrowth that occurred after the pond was drained. Uh and so we wanted to see what it is that the parks department might be able to do to address that uh for the residents who are extremely concerned uh and who also pay a high level of taxes uh in those particular areas. And so if you notice on Garvey Drive or if you look across at uh at Sullivan Park, um you'll notice that

there are a number of of weeds that are growing that are blocking uh the view from residents who who live on the the lake. And um you know, it just it just looks awful. Uh, and so counselor, I'm sorry, not counselor, uh, director Ash, uh, did say that they, uh, cleaned a portion of the lake in Springfield College, and it cost roughly 150,000, $155,000 for that small area. Um, but he is committed to doing a study to see what it is that can happen uh, at the rest of the pond or throughout the rest of the pond. So, uh, it's a pretty uh, entailed process with a lot of permits that need to be pulled. uh but he is going to start the process which is good news of getting an idea as to how much it will cost uh to eliminate the weeds on water shops pond. Thank you madam president.

Thank you councelor Hurst. Madame clerk can you please recognize councelor in seat 4. Councelor Brown president present. Are there any Madam President? I'm sorry. I I just didn't know if uh if councelor Click Bruce wanted to add anything that I I may have missed as he also chaired that.

No, you did a very good job u explaining um everything. Um yeah, I just also just want to add to uh to um to to the point um this has been an issue um with those residents and uh actually my ward five and um I'm glad uh we have a a starting point where we can come up with a solution uh sooner than later because it is a problem for for our residents here in the city of Springfield. But again, thank you for uh for doing for having the meeting uh councelor Hurst. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Click Roose. Any other reports? Councelor Santelo.

Yes. Um, Madame President, uh, the Health and Human Services Committee met on April 28th. I chaired the meeting. You were at that meeting also.

Sorry, you were at that meeting also. And also Victor Dav was at the meeting. And uh Mark Pagglia from uh Helix uh human services reported that Massachusetts child abuse reporting is reporting rates in the highest in the country 14 per 1000 compared to seven per 1000 nationally. But he attributed that possibly to the higher rate to stronger mandated reporting laws and education rather than a confirmed higher incidence. He outlined the DCF reporting process, including 51A, which are the initial reports of suspected abuse or neglect, and 51B, which goes beyond that to determine if they've been sus substantiated. He defined abuse as physical, emotional, sexual, sexual, and neglected harm, intentional, or unintentional, and stated reports are made via the DCF hotline or 911 in emergencies. He described available supports including Mass Health funded outpatient services, DCF community-based services, emergency placement options such as foster or residential care, and uh Helix human services programming serving approximately 11 to 12 foster youth. He noted risks from social media and outlined gaming including cyber bullying and exploitation. emphasized the limited effectiveness of parental controls without active monitoring and identified behavioral changes such as withdrawal as potential warning signs. He confirmed coordination with law enforcement occurs in serious cases but did not confirm staffing or funding levels. Elizabeth Rogers from Bayate Family Advocacy

Center described services including forensic interviews, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and case management for victims up to the age of 24 with culturally competent care and multidiscipline support. She reported staffing shortages, which I can't believe, but that's unbelievable. funding constraints and and she said that was from the federal government too.

Uh and space limitations contributing to service delays and active hiring needs. Council President Whitfield, a former kinship foster parent, described challenges in navigating DCF processes and concerns about system complex complexities and the trade-off between reunification and stability. Councelor Davala raised concerns about social media's impact on youth and their mental health, including bullying and the risk of suicide risk, and requested future discussion, which we're going to have next month. Councelor Dava requested data on age specific abuse risk in the Springfield area. Committee discussion identified broader system constraints including staffing shortages, funding reductions, which I mentioned about the federal government, and service weight times alongside the need for increased public training and awareness for mandated reporters and community members. Next steps include reviewing the DCF staff staffing and investigative capacity, including funding impacts, distributing free mandated reporter training resources referenced by Elizabeth Rogers, scheduling a health human services site visit next month with full council participation. We hope organizing a future focused meeting on social media impacts because we're all reading in the paper about these lawsuits now and how the youth are being being at risk because of social media. And uh Mark uh also provide the provided the requested Springfield area age risk data. Thank you, Madame President.

Thank you, Councelor Santanel. That was a heck of a report. I didn't see you writing that much in the meeting. [laughter] No, that was great though. Great reporting. Um, all right. Any other reports of committee? All right. Seeing none, Madame Clerk, will you please call the role? On acceptance, Councelor Santinelo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Martin. Yes. Yes. Councelor Perez. Yes. Yes. Councelor Brown. Yes. Yes. Councelor Govan. Yes. Yes. Councelor Walsh. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hurst. Yes. Yes. Councelor Davila. Yes. Yes. Councelor Fenton. Yes. Yes. Councelor Delgado.

Yes. Yes. Councelor Click Bruce. Yes. Yes. Councelor Edwards. Yes. Yes. Councelor Whitfield. Yes. Madame Clerk. Item number one has been withdrawn by the petitioner. Will you please call the next item on the agenda? Item two is the March revenue versus expenditure report. Please state your name and address for the record.

Thank you, Madame President. Patrick Burns, 90 Clement Street, Springfield. Uh, tonight I'm presenting the March revenue expenditure report. This is the three quarter mark of the fiscal year. As you can see in the report, both our revenue and expenditures are at 75%. On the revenue side, I just wanted to point out that our motor vehicle excise revenue through March 31st is 12.8 million. Uh last year at this time it was 11.2 million. So that's an increase of 1.6 million. On the expenditure side, I want to give an update on the snow and ice deficit. Currently the snow and ice deficit is at 1.8 million. Uh this deficit will be addressed before the end of the fiscal year. So you will see a transfer coming in the uh the next meeting for this deficit.

Thank you. Director Burns, is there any questions or comments? Councelor Delgado, he gave it to you, Councelor Santelo. So councelor Santelo. Yeah. uh do we do we buy uh salt and things of that nature before the start of next year so that we can save on the price and the costs especially with the cost of oil going up and impacting everything even on fuel. What are we doing?

Uh yes councelor the shed the salt shed is filled at the beginning of the fiscal year so we fill it at the end of the year. So we start the year with a full shed and then we end the year with a full shed of salt. And what about fuel? Do we have fuel storage? Do we have any capacity in reserve stored anywhere in the city where we could save money on that buying it before they keep going up?

Uh fuel is bought and stored at DPW and also at the park department. It's bought in bulk and we do receive a uh an agreed upon RFP price for that. Um, I'm not an expert on the fuel, but um, Chris Signoli could probably give you a better explanation, but we do buy that upfront. Uh, each department uses a a card system, so we monitor and charge back each department for usage of fuel. Do you happen to have do you happen to know how much we have in reserve? How many gallons? No, I don't have that information. Could you get that to the council? Certainly.

Thank you. Thank you, Council Santelo. Councelor Delgado,

thank you. Um, I just had a question. Um, so I'm glad that you brought up the vehicle excise tax piece. Um, and that seemed to think that obviously was an increase over last year. Um, do you know what like the average is for us when it comes to excise tax? And are there other things in here that you're noticing whether they're an increase that jump out to you or a decrease? Um really the offset I noticed to the motor motor vehicle is the license in permits. Uh last year through March we were at 4.8 million. This year we're at 3.5 million. So there is a reduction there 1.3 million. Uh major driver in FY25 for permit revenue was the Springfield Crossing project. Okay. And those are the only two ones kind of jump out at you that we should I'm just trying to see if there's anything that jumps out to us that we should be paying attention to. Like particularly when I look at the excise tax to me that that can be somewhat of an indicator of what's going on, you know, in terms of the city and the economy in terms of, you know, how people are spending or not spending money at least for me what I read. So

yes, we always look at the motor vehicle kind of as a a measuring stick of uh the economy. Yeah. And um when we see that revenue up, that means people are buying newer cars and that way they're getting taxed at the the higher percentage of the uh first year of owning the vehicle. Okay. So, I mean, that seems like a positive um if if we're getting more excise um dollars in. Um so, cool. Thank you. You're welcome, Council. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Delgado. Councelor Davala,

thank you, Madame President. Um good to see you again. Um two quick questions for you. Um the snow deficit of $1.8 $8 million. Is that transfer going to coming out of um free cash reserves? Um presently the plan is to transfer that of out of free cash. The free cash balance is 3.6 million. So that's approximately half of the remaining balance in free cash.

Okay. And what I think in the total reserve we have like 73 78 million. Is that correct? Uh the current balance in our main reserve fund is 75.1 million. 75.1 million. Okay. Uh thank you for that. Now the other question is that come my eye on the revenue side of real estate and personal property tax we are at 73%. Uh is that historically what we are or we a little low on that aspect?

Uh that's about where we should be at this point. The fourth quarter bill is not reflected here. The bill was mailed out April 1st due May 1st. So this represents approximately 75% of the fiscal year.

Right. Okay. Uh later on I'm going to be uh talking to you offline because recently I saw a presentation. We got into housing in the city of Springfield and there was a lot of wonderful data and one of the things that really shocked me and concerned me is the amount of tax leans slash people who are uh behind on the property tax and that creates a problem for everybody many different levels. I would like to get a quantified amount of that and I think we need to start having at some point uh some sort of discussion on this because uh let us not forget like I just mentioned to my colleague the thing that partic pre precipitated the control board coming to the city of Springfield was that the city of Springfield was not collecting appropriately property taxes and so uh for a number of reasons and I think if I'm not mistaken back then maybe the counselors and older than me here in service. Um, that had to do a lot a lot with technology. Uh, and so times have changed. Uh, we have difficult times and I think we need to start talking about how we can not only close that gap but also help those people who for whatever reason are behind the property taxes. Um, I just thinking outside of the box as I'm seeing this number. So, I will be contacting you offline in the near future. Uh, thank you, Madame President. Thank you, councelor Davila. Um, councelor Govan and then councelor Clay Bruce.

Thank you, Madame President. Um, and we didn't have a finance committee to discuss this, and I'm glad we didn't because then we would be here discussing it again. But, um, I think I wanted to ask about the, um, along the lines of what actually council Davila was saying and what, um, uh, Mr. Howard said earlier in the public speakout, how are we looking forward to plan to make sure that everything that's going on, and I see Steve back there, he could answer um Council Dava's question regarding the property taxes because I thought that we were at like 98% of collecting property taxes. Is that correct, Steve? Okay.

Right. Okay. Thank you. Um so yeah, I just want us to be mindful and thinking about the future and how you know um with everything going up, the city is aware that you know everything is going up. Thank god the city has a reserve that you could buy, you know, gas and oil ahead of time at a reduced or that flat rate as opposed to depending on what's happening at the gas pump that all the rest of us have to do. Um, I just want us to think about what how we're going to be moving forward. And I know Patrick, that's not you. Um, but maybe we'll have a meeting about this. Thank you, Madam President. Councelor Govan, Councelor Click Bruce, followed by councelor Hurst.

Thank you, Madam President. Actually, um, councelor Davala asked my question. My question was going to be on the the lines of the snow, so I'm all set. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Hurst. Thank you, Madam President. Uh, just a quick question, uh, regarding the snow. Um, what do you normally budget for the snow and ice removal? 1 point uh, what' you say it was $1.8 million deficit. That seems to be an awful lot. Uh it why why is that the case? Uh the budget's historically been 1.6 million. Okay. So the uh state law if you decrease your budget from one year to the next, you're not allowed to deficit spend. Got it.

So really our strategy has been to level fund that line item and then uh if we have a winter like we just did, unfortunately then we're we're in for a big bill. Got it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Hurst. Any other questions for councelor S? Thank you very much. Um, I know we we ran a $1.8 million deficit on the snow removal. Correct. Correct.

Do you happen to know what the deficit is for the streets that were impacted by those snowstorms with the potholes? Because I don't know about you, but I'm going down Parker Street. I'm going down a lot of these main streets. These potholes haven't been touched. Why is there enough money in that fund or are we short on that? Because go down Parker Street and you might lose the front end of your car. It's that bad. The council, that's not really my area of expertise. Uh I I do live off Subarav so I have some fun driving down Sarav also. So,

good answer. Thank you for the answer. Any other questions for um Pat. All right. Seeing none, Madame Clerk, please call the role. On approval, Councelor Santanelo, yes. Yes. [clears throat] Councelor Martin, yes. Yes. Councelor Perez, yes. Yes. Councelor Brown. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor Govan. Yes. Yes. Councelor Walsh. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hurst. Yes. Yes. Councelor Davila. Yes. Yes. Councelor Fenton. Yes. Yes. Councelor Delgado.

Yes. Yes. Councelor Click Bruce. Yes. Yes. Councelor Edwards. Yes. Yes. Councelor Whitfield. Yes. Item approved. Madame Clerk, can you please call the next three items together as they are under our $100,000 um threshold? Item three is a grant for the National Health um environment association, no match required in the amount of $9,000. Number four is AMP 26, no match required in the amount of $10,000. And item five is VET 26 grant increase, no match required in the amount of $20,000. on approval. Councelor Santanelo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Martin.

Yes. Yes. Councelor Perez. Yes. Yes. Councelor Brown. Yes. Yes. Councelor Govan. Yes. Yes. Councelor Walsh. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hurst. Yes. Yes. Councelor Davila. Yes. Yes. Councelor Fenton. Yes. Yes. Councelor Delgado. Away. Councelor Click Bruce. Yes. Yes. Councelor Edwards. Yes. Yes. Councelor Whitfield. Yes. Item approved. Madame Clerk. Looking to take any of the unfinished business items? I'm just going to leave it. Okay. Madame Clerk, is is there any other items on the agenda?

There are not. All right. This meeting is adjourned in record time. See you all next meeting. [laughter]