City Council

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and many more.

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and many more.

and many more.

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Good afternoon.

I called and they've been going. Look at this!

That is my guy!

Thanks for being here! Julia, so we're going to go to, we're going to open some of your books. We used to sing, you know, like, but it's no joke, like, what were we singing?

Thank you.

Good afternoon. I call to order today's meeting of the Boston City Council. Viewers can watch the council meeting live on YouTube at boston.gov backslash city dash council dash tv. At this time, I ask those in attendance, colleagues and those in attendance, to please silence their cell phones and electronic devices. Pursuant to Rule 42, I remind all those in the Chamber that no demonstration of approval or disapproval from members of the public will be permitted. Thank you. Would you please call the roll to ascertain the presence of a quorum? Better put your mic on, there you go.

Councilor Breadon. Here. Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Councilor Weber, and Councilor Worrell. The quorum is brought forward.

JANET NAPOLITANO JANET NAPOLITANO Thank you, Mr Clerk. I've been informed that we have a quorum present. Now, it is my pleasure to introduce Councillor Mejia, who's going to introduce her guest clergy today. And Reverend Hall, if you'd like to join us as well.

Thank you, Madam President, and good afternoon to everyone here. I am super excited in the spirit of Women's International Month. And for all things that are people who are making history I'm really excited to introduce this afternoon's clergy. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce a leader whose ministry and impact extends far beyond the walls of her church and deeply into the heart of our city. Dr. Arlene O. Hall is a Boston-based preacher, educator, author and community activist who has dedicated her life to Faith and Service. Nearly 27 years ago, she co-founded Deliverance Temple Worship Center here in Boston alongside her husband, Bishop Raymond Hall, and has faithfully served as senior pastor ever since. Okay.

Dr. Hall brings both spiritual conviction and academic depth to her work. She holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminar and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership from Pentecostal Theological Center, Mary. She continues to shape the next generation of leaders through her service on multiple boards, including the Board of Trustees at both institutions, as well as leadership roles within the Church of God and the Center for African Dissent. In 2016, she made history as the first woman and the youngest president of the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, building on more than a decade of prior service and helping to strengthen the collective voice of black clergy around the region.

She's also the author of The Secret Place Dwellers and the co-author of A Giving People and continues to pour into others as a mentor, a spiritual leader in our community. Dr. Hall's leadership reflects a deep commitment to faith and community, and we're so grateful to have her presence here today. And I just want to just quickly, before I... I just go off script that when I ran in 2019, not only did you pour into me, but your whole congregation really wrapped their arms around me. So I want to say thank you. for giving me the strength to fight on.

Good afternoon. Such an honor to be back here in this capacity, Madam Council President and my dear friend, Julia. Let us pray. Almighty God, we pause at the opening of this city council meeting this morning and we acknowledge you. We invite your presence into this chamber. and into the hearts and minds of those entrusted to leading the city of Boston.

Today we commit the work of this council and the agenda before them into your capable hands. You are the God of wisdom. Justice and Peace. And we ask you that your wisdom guide every conversation. and that you guide every decision and every policy that will shape the lives of the people of the city. Lord, we thank you. Hallelujah for these civic leaders who have answered the call to serve this city of Boston. Thank you for the passion that they carry. Thank you for the communities that they represent. We thank you

For every area that they serve in, we thank you for their dedication to the public good, their commitment to justice, and their willingness to carry the responsibility of leadership in such an important time as this. So during this Women's Month, we pause and we give thanks to the shoulders of the women who have paved the way before us in the city and across the nation. Women who stepped into spaces where few had gone before and whose courage opened doors for generations to come. We thank you for the historic leadership that continues to shape Boston today. We thank you for Mayor Michelle Wu,

The first elected female mayor of this great community called Boston. We thank you and we ask you that you will continue to grant her grace and favor, wisdom, and Love has she served the people of Boston. We thank you for City Councilor President Liz. We thank you for every member of the City Council, we thank you for the charge that you have entrusted to them. Grant them wisdom to lead, grace to govern, and courage to make decisions that serve Your wisdom reminds us in Psalm 68 that you speak and women proclaim. Our purpose, our mighty, hallelujah, indeed.

In these uncertain times, we ask you to raise up Deborah's, hallelujah, All the places of wisdom and courage for your people. And today we thank you that you will grant them the wisdom and the courage to carry out the calling in leading the city. Like Deborah, give these leaders courage to stand in spaces where leadership requires both wisdom and conviction. Both presence and power. Both anointing and conviction. Oh, like Esther, remind every woman Thank you for serving in leadership today that they have come to this calling for such a time as this and in a world marked by conflict and division We ask you to grant what only you can give.

Peace in the midst of chaos, light in the midst of darkness, wisdom in the midst of complexity, and unity in the midst of great differences. Protect the city, watch over the city, guard and guide the leaders to the charge that have been entrusted to them. Strengthen the communities. Let every decision made in this chamber continue to flourish the lives of those they represent. Ah, let there be safety, let there be well-being to the people of the city of Boston. May the wisdom of God Guide this council. The courage of justice mark its leadership, and the peace of God rest upon the city of Boston.

And we ask these blessings in the name of Jesus the Christ. And if everyone can agree with me by saying amen. God bless you.

We now recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you Reverend Hall and Mr. Clerk. I'll now invite up, we're on to presentations. Mr. Clerk, could you please record that Councillor Coletta Zapata is in attendance and Councillor Worrell? We're now onto presentations. We have two presentations. I invite Councillors Murphy, Flynn and Fitzgerald.

So we're done with the first one.

Okay, very good.

Councillor Murphy, you have the floor. Thank you, Council President. Could you join us down here, our recent Eagle Scouts? And could Mr. Gross, yeah, please join us. You can come right through. Thank you. Okay. So it's an honor for me to be up here today with three outstanding young men from the city of Boston, Joel, Adam, and John.

on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. On Sunday, I had the privilege of attending their Eagle Scout Court of Honor. It was a powerful ceremony. I was proud to stand alongside their fellow Scouts, Their troop leaders and their families to celebrate what is truly an extraordinary achievement. The rank of Eagle Scout is not common. It represents years of discipline, leadership, perseverance, and service. It is not given, it is earned. Joe completed his project at the Boys and Girls Club at Dorchester, the Denny Building, an outdoor platform at the Denny Youth Centre that serves young people for years to come. Adam restored a gazebo and built planting boxes at the Brookdale Senior Living Center, improving a space where residents gather, reflect, and build community.

and John completed his project at the New England Wildlife Center, constructing and installing an informational kiosk and trail signage that promotes education and environmental stewardship. So I'm just highlighting their Project that they did, but we know it was years of service as we can see many badges that you've earned over the years. Each of these projects reflect service to a different part of our community. Youth, Seniors, and the Environment that speaks volumes about their character. As a Boston City Councilor at large, it is especially meaningful to recognize these three young men as proud Boston residents who represent our neighborhood so well. This recognition is personal to me. My father earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the late 1950s, and I grew up understanding what badges represent integrity, commitment, and service above self. It stays with you for life.

On Sunday, like I said, it was moving to be in that church with you, from fellow Scouts who walked alongside them, from leaders who mentored them over the years, and from families who supported them through years of campouts, merit badges, leadership challenges, and service. Service. Joel, Adam, and John, today my colleagues here on the Council join your families and your troop in recognizing what you have accomplished. You carry not only Eagle Scout badge, but the pride of the City of Boston with you. I do just want to add that you were in Troop 28. Maybe you could speak to that one if I pass it off. Troop 28 was the troop in Dorchester which became small and during COVID they shut down but they did not give up so I hope you could go first please if you want to speak just speak to how we Murphy. Thank you, Councillor Murphy.

My name is Chris Gross. I am the Scoutmaster now of Troop 42 in Quincy, Massachusetts. I was Scoutmaster in Troop 28, Dorchester. We met out of the Rice Post. And as Councilor Murphy had mentioned, during COVID, our pack shut down. Our troop wasn't growing. They were contemplating tearing the rice post down, and we didn't have a place to go. An opportunity in Quincy came up. I invited the kids to come along and continue their scouting journey rather than risk not being able to achieve this wonderful accomplishment.

So on Sunday I did present them with official resolutions, but no pressure, but would any of you like to say something? Okay, that's okay. We're not that scary. But we just want to, and I know my colleagues will join me saying just congratulations and just know that we're so proud of you and this will stay with you and if there's anything you need from us here we just want to continue to promote the good work you do and you're wonderful you know neighbors to me in Dorchester and it's just great to see you accomplish this so congratulations. Could we get a picture with our colleagues, please?

That's stronger than you thought.

They've been busy.

I can verify that Adam actually did Earn merit badges.

You can't find the staff.

Between here and Maine.

Camping in Maine.

Thank you.

Thank you and again congratulations to our Eagle Scouts. I also want to recognize Richard Gormley, the Honorary Lord Mayor of West Roxbury. Welcome, glad you could join us today for our celebrations. Richard, thank you. Now on to the first order of business, which is the approval of the minutes from the meeting of February 25th, 2026. All in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The minutes of the February 25th meeting. have been approved. We're on to communications from our Honourable Mayor. Mr.

Clerk, could you please read docket 0463?

Docket number 0463, message in order, authorizing the City of Boston. to accept and expand a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center in an amount not to exceed $1,519,383 for construction work related to improving HVAC systems at the Otis School in East Boston.

Thank you so much, Council President. I'm asking my colleagues to consider suspension and passage today for this incredible grant that we received from the Mass CEC as part of the Green Works Program. This program is fully funded by the Fair Share Revenue, which main uses are for education and transportation. The state created this program to help schools with their decarbonization efforts. and to meet their carbon neutrality goals by 2030. BPS applied for this grant. The Otis got $1.5 million. This is going to fund air source heat pumps and ventilation which will serve Service Grades 3 through 5. My understanding is that there were other schools that were also granted funds in South Boston and also Excel Academy in East Boston. My understanding is that those will also come through this council.

This is particularly special because the Otis School got new windows and so when they were told to put air conditioners in their windows it would have messed up the new investment and so this is going to help overall With the ventilation in the school and take a more holistic approach rather than trying to just put air conditioning in each of the windows. So I'm asking my colleagues to consider suspension and passage today.

Thank you. Councillor Coletta Zapata seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 0463. All those in favour say aye. Aye. Thank you. Docket 0463 has been passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0464?

Docket number 0464, messaging on authorizing the City of Boston. to accept and expend the amount of $25,000 in the form of a grant. The Obama Foundation grant awarded by the Obama Foundation to be administered by the Office of Black Male Advancement. The grant will fund educational achievement Workforce Readiness, Safety, Mentorship and other locally defined priorities that contribute to long-term success for boys and young men of colour.

The Chair recognises Councillor Culpepper.

Thank you for three minutes. I believe that the work that is being done It has been done and will continue to be done by the Office for the Advancement of Black Males. It's significant, important. and help to pave the way for these young folks in the future. The Obama Foundation giving this grant to City of Boston for the Black Male Advancement is even more significant, knowing that the former president saw the future for these young folks. And so I move to suspend the rules law now, and we vote for adoption of this. Grant in the amount of $25,000 that it might be used to continue the path forward for these young black males as they continue to do good work. Not just in the city of Boston, but around the state. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Thank you. The Chair of the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity and Immigrant Advancement seeks suspension of the rules in passage of Docket 0464 All those in favour say aye. All those opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0464.

Roll call vote on docket number 0464, Councillor Breadon.

Yes.

Councilor Breadon, yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata. Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata, yes. Councilor Culpepper.

Yes.

Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan. Councilor Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn? Yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Louijeune? Yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Mejia? Yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy? Yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepén? Pepén, yes. Councilor Santana? Yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber? Yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell? Yes. Councilor Worrell, yes. Document number 0464 has received 12 votes in the affirmative. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

We're now on to reports of public officers and others. Per Rule 39, there will be no remarks on communications from councillors. Mr. Clerk, could you please read dockets 0465 through 0470?

Docket number 0465, notice received from the Mayor, the appointment of Kayana Daniel as an ex-official member of the Task Force on Literacy Rates effective immediately. Dock number 0466, notice received from the mayor of her absence from the city from Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 7.30 p.m. returning Thursday, February 26th, 2026 at 4 p.m. Docket number 0467, communication from Councilor Louieune regarding equity and tourism. Docket number 0468. Communication from Councilor Murphy clarifying Women's History Month Resolution. Document number 0469. Communication from Councilor Murphy. Request for immediate briefing on recent school safety incidents. and Dock number 0470.

Communication from Councilor Flynn regarding the temporary suspension of concurrent phasing traffic signals in the days and weeks following the significant snowstorms.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 0465 through Docket 0470 will be placed on file. Now we're on to matters recently heard. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0200?

Document 0200, order for a hearing on Boston Public Schools Staffing Program impacts.

The Chair recognizes the Chair of the Committee on Education, Councillor Mejia. Councillor Mejia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and I want to thank my colleagues. We had almost full attendance at this hearing, so I'm really grateful for those who showed up. On March 2nd, the Committee on Education held a hearing on Docket 0200 in order for a hearing on BPS staffing programs impacts. This matter was sponsored by Councilor Erin Murphy, Flynn, and Councilor Fitzgerald, and was referred to my committee on January 28, 2026. During this hearing, we were joined by Councilor At-Large, Councilor Louijeune, Councilor At-Large, Aaron Murphy, District 2, Councilor Ed Flynn, District 3, Councilor John Fitzgerald, District 4, Councilor Worrell, District 5, Councilor Pepeng, District 6, Councilor Weber, District 7, Councilor Culpepper. And we received a letter of absence from Councilor-at-Large Henry Santana.

We also heard testimony from David Bloom, Chief Financial Officer at Boston Public Schools, Mary Tamer, Founder and Director of Mass Potential, and Ross Russell, Executive Director of the Shaw Family Foundation. During the hearing, we discussed the Boston Public Schools FY26 budget outlook, enrollment trends, staffing impact, and student outcomes. BPS reported that if current spending trends continue, the district could end District officials identified several major cost pressures. Employee health care insurance costs are projected to increase from roughly $130 $4 million to about $168 million. Transportation costs are approaching $200 million driven by bus contracts, vendor costs, and required service such as door-to-door transportation, and one-to-one bus monitors for students with disabilities.

The committee also discussed enrollment trends with BPS reporting an unexpected loss of approximately 3,000 students in a single year. In response to these pressures, The district describes several cost control measures. The Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education Center budget is expected to decrease from about 5 million to roughly 3.5 million including seven to eight central staff reductions and approximately two million in savings from reductions to central staff office, excuse me, contracts. The hearing also focused on student outcomes and literacy performance. Mary Tamer shared data that only about four in 10 students statewide are reading at grade level, with reading scores still more than 20% below pre-pandemic levels. Data presented show further significant disparities in Boston public schools.

In third grade reading, about 66% of white students meet or exceed expectations compared with only 19% of black students and 20% of Latino students. Outcomes are even lower for some groups with students with disabilities at about 8%, low-income students around 20%, and English language learners 23% in third grade and about 9% by eighth grade meeting or exceeding expectations. Councilor also requested additional information from the administration including school by school staffing data, clearer breakdowns of cost saving measures, and additional details on staffing reductions and program impacts. Given the need for additional documentation and continued discussion, I ask that this matter will remain in committee.

Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Mejia. Docket 0200 will remain in committee. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0202?

Docket number 0202, order for a hearing to discuss Boston Public Schools' fiscal year 27 operating budget. Thank you, Mr.

Clerk. The chair recognizes Councilor Weber, chair of Ways and Means.

Thank you very much, Madam President. I think it's a coincidence that We spent so much time focusing on BPS. It's an incredibly important part of our oversight here on the City Council. So on Monday, March 2nd, the Committee on Ways and Means held a working session on docket number 202. I'd like to thank my colleagues who were there, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Culpepper, Madam President Breadon, Councillor Worrell, Lowe, Vice Chair Juan Fitzgerald, Councilor Louijeune, Councilor Durkan, and Councilor Pepén. The Committee received an absence letter from Councillor Santana. I'd like to thank BPS and Chief Bloom in particular for hosting a budget clinic for staff last Friday. and for sharing a book of the proposed budget with the council on Friday as well prior to Monday's working session. I'd also like to thank my staff and Karishma Chauhan

from Central for diving into the budget book with me over the weekend in preparation of the working session. At the working session, we discussed A letter that my office drafted to send to the superintendent and the school committee while they weigh the BPS budget for FY27. We spoke in our working session about areas that we want to highlight for the school committee and the superintendent to invest in. Chief concerns, I think, are effective implementation of the inclusion model and adequate staffing, so to make sure that works for all of our kids, adequate staffing and supports for English language learners across BPS, adequate reading instruction and reading supports for our children and further investments in behavioral mental health for our students, alternative education programs,

The Arts, Athletics, and in addition to a couple other things, plus we want to highlight for the school committee and the superintendent that we really need to take a closer look at busing and how we can reduce Bussing costs so we can provide the kinds of student facing supports that our kids need in our schools. I really want to thank all my colleagues for their constructive feedback on the letter and most if not all of the recommendations were included in the letter that was sent to the superintendent and the chair of the school committee today. I will be, my plan is to go to the school committee meeting tonight just to, they don't give us much time, but just to highlight that we sent this letter and a couple things that we'd like Thank you. Thank you. and everyone here.

So thank you again and I'd just like to highlight tomorrow we have A briefing, a policy briefing with BPS here in, I think, the Piamonte room to go over our questions with the The BPS budget, and we'll have the superintendent and her staff there to answer questions. I hope everyone can attend. As the chair of Ways and Means Committee at this time, my recommendation is that this matter ought to remain in committee. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Docket 0202 will remain in committee. Mr. Clerk, could you please read dockets 0270, 0291, and 0292 together, please?

Docket number 20270, order for a hearing to explore snow removal relief and options. Docket number 0291, order for a hearing to discuss creation of a snow core in Boston. and docker number 0292 in order for a hearing to discuss the City of Boston purchasing snow melters.

Flynn, you have the floor.

Cllr. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yesterday, the Committee on City Services held a hearing on docket 0270-0291-0292 relating to snow removal, the purchasing of snow melters the creation of a snow core in the city of Austin. The first panel included disability rights advocates, Bill Taub and Cassandra Xavier, who shared concerns and firsthand experience related to the challenges residents with disabilities face navigating the city in the aftermath of a snowstorm. The second panel included testimony from Chief Gove, Commissioner McCosh, and Commissioner Shea. Chief Gove provided an overview of the City's response to the recent back-to-back snowstorms. He explained that crews begin by pre-treating roadways with salt before storms and during events. Plows are deployed with priority given to

Major roadways throughout the neighborhoods frequently used by and frequently used by emergency vehicles in MBTA buses. Following plow operations, crews load snow into trucks for transport to designated snow farms where it is processed using snow melters. In the days after a storm, city crews focused on clearing school parking lots, sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops. Commissioner McCosh outlined the Disabilities Commission storm response efforts in its coordination with other city departments, including AidStrong Commission. Commissioner of AidStrong, Emily Shea, emphasized the importance of outreach and support for seniors during winter weather events. As chair, I recommend these dockets remain in committee so that we can hold another hearing. And I mentioned to Councilor Pepén

and Councilor Worrell that I will have a hearing on those dockets within the next 30 to 60 days. The hearing yesterday was over three hours and the following city councilors attended. Culpepper, Councilor Fitzgerald, Councilor Breadon, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Durkan, Councilor Weber, Councilor Santana, Councilor Pepén, Councilor Worrell, Councilor Mejia. We got a letter of absence from Councilor and Councilor Coletta Zapata. The three-hour hearing and we had over 60 people scheduled to testify on all dockets. So we got as much public testimony I did highlights of people that they

are able to forward public testimony to me as the chair or through central staff as well. I want to say thank you to Ron Cobb at City Council Central Staff who who helped, and Shane Pack as well, who helped and did an excellent job. Again, I want to let both Councillors know that I am committed to holding another hearing on their specific dockets within the next 30 or 60 days and actually one counselor recommended maybe having a hearing, maybe having a working session in the Curly, in the Curly room, Piedmonti, which I agreed to as well. So I'm going to communicate and contact both Councillors and see what the next steps forward would be.

Thank you, Madam Chair. 270, 20291, and 0292 will remain in committee. Mr Clerk, could you please read docket 0285?

Dr. Number 0285, order for a hearing regarding navigating city services for residents with complex family and caregiving needs.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The chair recognizes Councillor Murphy, the chair of Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Human Services held a hearing yesterday on docket 0285, order for a hearing regarding navigating city services for residents with complex family and caregiving needs. in attendance, including Chair and myself, along with Councilor Flynn, Councilor Culpepper, Councilor Louijeune, and Fitzgerald. Representing the administration were Jose Masso, Chief of Human Services, Kenzie Bach, Administrator of the BHA, Lydia Argo, Chief of Engagement at the Boston Housing Authority and we did hear yesterday that she has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner to fill a more important role of supporting residents. Christine Trevizzoni is the Senior Advisor to the Superintendent for Specialized Services at Boston Public Schools and she was there also.

The BHA gave a presentation sharing that more than 17,000 individuals live in BHA communities and that the agency serves more than 44,000 residents through its voucher programs. BHA shared that it has consolidated its resident facing programs under Lydia Argo, Deputy Administrator of Resident Programs, to improve coordination and planning across departments. The agency also emphasized its ongoing collaboration with multiple city departments to increase access to services. For example, BHA partners with Aid Strong to provide programming and host community events for our seniors. It also works with the Franklin Field Youth Center and the Charlestown Adult Education Center , and host its Unity Days in the summer. In addition, BHA collaborates with the Office of Neighborhood Services, the Transportation Department, Water and Sewer, Aid Strong,

and probably all of the other city departments to hold information sessions and community meetings at BHA sites so their residents know who they can reach out to when they have a need. On behalf of the Boston Public Schools, Christine discussed the district's efforts to help students and families navigate services across departments. She highlighted the work BPS does to connect students to appropriate supports, particularly as they approach age 22 when they age out of our system, our education system, and transition into out of the school system. She discussed her team's collaboration with various city agencies to help ensure students receive the services and supports they need and access to employment opportunities and also works closely with the Disability Commission. She also highlighted the role that the BPS family liaisons do, who work directly with families to connect them to relevant programs, resources, and assistances outside of the school.

Councillors raise questions. about how the City Council can support stronger interdepartmental collaboration, how departments are addressing language barriers faced by residents, and how the administration is ensuring that individuals with disabilities are connected to the full range of services they need, especially when those services span multiple departments. I think a good hearing and I recommend that this matter remain in committee so we can bring it up again this year if needed. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Docket 0285 will remain in committee. We are now on to motions, orders and resolutions. A reminder that under Rule 39, remarks on new matters not up for a vote today shall be limited to three minutes for the lead sponsor and two minutes for co-sponsors. For resolutions or any other matters being voted on, remarks will be limited to three minutes for the docket sponsors, two minutes for any other councillor wishing to speak. For refiled matters, I kindly ask the councillors to limit the remarks to no more than one minute and co-sponsors to fare to the lead sponsors for remarks. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 0471?

Document number 0471. Councilor Culpepper, I offer the following. Order for a hearing to examine options to extend and fund the fare-free bus program for routes 23, 28, and 29.

The Chair recognizes Councilor Culpepper. Councilor Culpepper, you have the floor.

Madam President, I want to thank Councilor Pepén for initiating this conversation last week by following Docket 0425. urging continued funding for the MBTA's free bus program. With funding set to expire at the end of June and July 1 quickly approaching, we must act to extend this highly successful and much needed program. Since 2022, the city and the MBTA have partnered to make routes 23, 28 and 29 fare-free serving Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan and connecting low-income residents, essential workers, Senior Students and Families to Opportunities. The results are clear. Nearly 24,000 fare-free trips each weekday, a 35% ridership increase

In the first year, more than double the system-wide average and ridership now about 16% above pre-pandemic levels. More than a quarter of riders safe at least. Let me just emphasize that. More than a quarter of the riders save at least $20 per month on essential expenses. Let me just say that one more time. More than a quarter of the riders Save at least $20 per month on essential services. $20 that really helps that family keep food on the table. This hearing is about securing long-term funding So a program delivering real economic relief and increased mobility does not disappear when the funding ends. If we are serious about equity and access, we must protect the future of the fare-free bus program.

Madam President, I would like to add Councilor Pepén as the second original co-sponsor, and I'd like to request suspension of the rules to add Councilor Worrell as the third. Original Cosponsor. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Councillor Pepén is added as a second, and seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Worrell is added as a third. The Chair recognizes Councillor Pepén. Councillor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councilor Culpepper, for introducing this hearing order and adding me as a second. Last week, I submitted that resolution, and I'm just so glad that we received support from our colleagues and be able to show them the importance of the fact that the 28th, Thank you. Thank you. They will love to see the 32 bus, the 34 bus, the 1 bus. It's just like, this is, when we prioritize public transportation, it works for everyone. And that's how we truly get at the at the very center of the issues we are facing in our city regarding transportation. So that's why I'm looking forward to this conversation and bringing in the right people into the room of how we can explore avenues to find the right funding for this program to continue. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Pepén. The chair recognizes Councillor Worrell. Councillor Worrell, you have the floor.

Councillor Worrell Thank you, Madam President. I also want to thank my co-sponsors, Councillor Reverend Culpepper and Councillor Pepén for their leadership in this matter. I also just want to take a moment to shout out the Healey-Driscoll Administration on fair initiatives for low-income residents statewide and also here in Boston. And Councilor Culpepper already gave The stats around how many riders ride up and down Blue Hill Ave. and that's 24,000 beer-free trips that happen during these pilot programs, I believe on a daily basis, right through Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapin. He also talked about the money that was being saved. And those dollars that are saved go a long way in our neighborhood. Knowing that these funds are set to expire in June we do have budget season coming up so that could be a place of advocacy but also just want to make sure that we are pushing on all levels of government to make sure that we are funding and expanding this program. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louijeune, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Weber and please add the chair. Thank you. Docket 0471 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Mr.

Clerk, could you please read docket 0472? Docket number 0472, Councilor Santana, I offer the following. Order for a hearing regarding occupational cancer risk for Boston firefighters and programs The Chair recognizes Councillor Santana.

Councillor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam President. Madam President, can I please add Councillor Louijeune as an original co-sponsor.

Councillor Louijeune is so added.

Thank you Madam President. This is a refile and I was just speaking with Sam Dillon from the Fire Union just this past week. There's a lot of work that we need to do to protect our firefighters in the city of Boston. I'm going to be meeting with him over the next few weeks and hopefully get a hearing scheduled as well. So I'm looking forward to the conversation.

Thank you, Madam President. Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Weber, Worrell, Chair. Docket 0472 will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0473?

Docket number 0473. Councillor Culpepper offered the following. Order for a hearing to examine treatment-centered policy approaches to address substance use disorder, homelessness, and civil rights issues in the Massachusetts Ave. and Melnea Cass Boulevard area.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes the Councillor, Reverend Culpepper. Councillor Culpepper, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Humanitarian crisis. and Madison Cass and now moving into other parts of the city, especially Nubian Square, demands urgency. What we are witnesses is not simply a public safety issue or homelessness issue. This is a public health emergency rooted in substance use disorder, behavioral health needs, and gaps in long-term care. The data is clear, treatment works. A 2023 systemic review conducted by four different universities found that participation in treatment programs significantly reduces recidivism compared to incarceration.

About 65% of individuals incarcerated for substance-related offenses were charged with a new crime within four years compared to roughly 36% under probation-based alternatives. and drug treatment alternative to prison programs. New arrest rates within one year dropped about 23% compared to 45% for incarceration. If we are serious about breaking cycles of We must also acknowledge the civil rights implications of how services are currently structured, the concentration of substance use and Homelessness in a single corridor raises legitimate concerns about equity and whether public health infrastructure is being distributed fairly across the city.

The urgency of this crisis demands that we move beyond reactive measures and commit to a coordinated, treatment-first approach grounded in evidence. This hearing will allow us to examine and identify the most effective treatment center and diversion-based models, learn from experts in other municipalities, and evaluate how Boston can implement strategies that promote recovery, stability, and long-term public safety while respecting the civil rights of those that are being treated. Madam President, I would like to add Councillor Fitzgerald as the second original co-sponsor and request suspension of the rules to add Councillor Flynn as the third original co-sponsor. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Fitzgerald is added as a second, and seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Flynn is added as a third. The Chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald. Councillor Fitzgerald, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I appreciate Councilor Culpepper for putting this forward. Actually just had a meeting this morning with Metro Boston Alive based right out of Nubian Square where we're seeing some of the spillover occur. into the wider neighbourhoods and talked with them about sort of the civil rights lens at which to look at this problem because I think it is an important characteristic that we don't want to overlook when trying to apply other solutions. and so had a great conversation this morning I look and I told them this morning that we look forward that council Culpepper was filing this today and so look forward to having that conversation and just want to say for the record while I expect it could go to public health I also have no problem if it goes to the Civil Rights Committee with Councillor Culpepper because I feel that this is a It can be an overlooked part of the recovery for folks, and I think it brings a different lens to it that people in the community would like to see, so I have no problem if it goes there as well. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Thank you, Councillor Fitzgerald. The Chair recognises Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to Reverend Culpepper for adding me. We attended an informative meeting last night sponsored by the South End Forum, Councilor Culpepper and Councilor Fitzgerald, Senator Collins and Representative Moran were there as well. Kelly Young was there and did an outstanding job. representing the city. What I wanted to highlight is as a probation officer for eight years, I also have seen treatment does work. I spent eight years trying to get people on probation into treatment. Sometimes it was successful. Most of the time it wasn't successful. But you never give up on people. because they are someone's son or daughter and they deserve an opportunity to live a healthy and happy life.

I highlighted that because what we're seeing now throughout Mass and Cass in Roxbury as well, in my neighborhood of South Boston, especially in and around Andrew Square and the Mary Ellen McCormick Public Housing developments. This is a civil rights issue as far as I'm concerned as well and want to want to thank Reverend Culpepper for bringing it forward for acknowledging this is a public health emergency and it's an issue where If we all continue to work together to support each other, but especially to support people that need recovery services, we'll be successful because we want to ensure that Those suffering from substance use disorders have the ability and have the option to get into treatment. Again, treatment does work. I've seen it as a probation officer, and let's continue to support

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Councillor Flynn.

Would anyone like to add their name? Coletta Zapata, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell, Chair. Thank you. Docket 0473 will be referred to Public Health. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0474?

Dr. Number 0474, Councilors Durkan and Breadon offer the following. Order for a hearing to examine potential reforms to the Massachusetts State Building Code to allow for mid-rise single-stair buildings.

Thank you Mr Clerk. The Chair recognises Councillor Durkan. Councillor Durkan you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I just want to clarify that this is not a refile. It's actually an original filing. Thank you. I'm excited to introduce this hearing order with you to examine the potential reforms to the Massachusetts State Building Code to allow mid-rise Steele, Steele, Steele, Steele, Steele, Not only to build more housing, but to unlock wider variety of housing options that meet the diverse needs of our communities. Under the Massachusetts State Building Code, most residential buildings over three stories require two separate staircases. This requirement forces designs that limit flexibility and reduce natural light and ventilation. More importantly, it drives up construction costs and makes it harder to build family-sized units or on the small and mid-sized lots that define Boston neighborhoods like in neighborhoods like District 8 to build housing at all.

Research from UTIL and the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard estimates allowing single stair buildings on small to mid-sized parcels within 3 quarter miles of transit could unlock upwards of 130,000 new homes in Greater Boston. Importantly, this is not about compromising safety. The Pew Charitable Trust have found no evidence of increased fire risk for single stair buildings when combined with modern fire safety systems. Cities like New York, Seattle, and states like Hawaii have already moved away from this requirement and single stair buildings are common practice across Europe. Recently, the Governor recognized the potential impacts of this reform and signed Executive Order 651 to study safe and affordable single-stair multi-family housing at the state level. I testified at the State House in support of this legislation to study the issue last year and I'm excited to keep this momentum building. Councilor Breadon and I introduced a similar hearing order last year that builds upon that framework.

This hearing order is about being proactive as the Commonwealth's most densely populated city with our own fire prevention code. We have the responsibility to examine how this could fit Boston and legalizing single stair buildings Up to six stories has the potential to unlock more affordable, more efficient, and more well-designed housing across our neighborhoods. We must address our housing crisis. This is something that we can't afford to leave unexplored. and I look forward to having this conversation.

I would like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Santana as a third co-sponsor. Santana. You have two minutes. Would you like to speak on this issue?

I was third, right? So it was second. I don't want to. Oh, okay. Okay, your second. All right. Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to make sure. I just want to thank Councilor Durkan, for your leadership on this. On just all housing, right? I mean, we need more housing. We need to make it easier to build more housing. And that means that we need to look at all of our zoning, and Howard doing that, and you've been a leader on this council. So just looking forward to the conversation. I want to be able to learn from this conversation. As Councilor Durkan mentioned, many cities and other countries have done this and it's looked like it's worked so I want to make sure that it works for Boston and you know I support more housing here in the City of Boston so thank you Councillor Durkan, thank you Madam President.

Flynn. I see your light is on.

Madam Chair, may I speak on this?

No, it's going to go to committee, so it's the two lead sponsors just speak on it, but if you'd like to add your name or whatever. Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louijeune, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Pepén, sorry. Weber, Councilor Worrell, and I'm already on, thank you. Thank you. Docket 0474 will be referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 0-4-7-5?

Docket number 0-4-7-5. Councillor Murphy offered the following. Order for a hearing to review the application and intent of Rule 15.

Councillor Murphy. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The chair recognizes Councillor Murphy. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And this filing came out of a conversation you and I have, and I'm looking forward to you sharing this hearing. I rise today to follow an order for a hearing to review the application and intent of Rule 15. This is not about anyone filing and it's not about any member, it's about a process. Rule 15 determines when a matter is considered duplicative or substantially similar and therefore cannot move forward. When a rule governs access to the agenda, it governs representation. That makes clarity essential. The rule itself allows filings on different subtopic. It allows filing where the hearing or debate would not result in the same discussion as a previous matter. It also allows when it's filed as a different type of legislation. That language requires interpretation and interpretation must be consistent.

Members of this Council frequently file matters that touch on related issues but differ in scope, purpose, or intent. Recognition resolutions, policy resolutions, and hearing orders can overlap in theme while still advancing distinct objectives. When a filing is ruled duplicative, that decision limits debate and limits a member's ability to formally raise an issue. that that is significant. It should be guided by clear and shared standards. This hearing is not in any way a criticism of the Clerk. Thank you, Alex, for all your hard work and your team. The clerk applies the rule as written. This is about whether the rule itself provides sufficient clarity for consistent application. We should examine what constitutes substantially similarity, we should clarify how we distinguish subtopics, and we should determine whether additional written guidance is warranted to ensure fairness and transparency going forward. Reviewing our own rules is responsible governance.

If Rule 15 is working exactly as intended this hearing will affirm that. If clarification is needed we can provide it. Transparency strengthens this body. Clear process protects every member and that is what this order seeks to do. So thank you Madam President.

Thank you Councillor Murphy. Would anyone like to add their name? Flynn, Councilor Fitzgerald. Docket 0475. I'll beg your pardon. I'll start that again. Culpepper, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Mejia, Santana, and Worrell. Thank you. Docket 0-4-7-5 will be referred to the Committee on Rules, Ethics, and Administration. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0-4-7-6?

Docket number 0-4-7-6. Councilor Santana for the following. Order for a series of hearings regarding all City of Boston grants administered by the Boston Police Department. A refile from 2025. Thank you.

The Chair recognizes Councilor Santana. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. This is a refile. I want to add just the same co-sponsors from last year. Can I add Councilor Flynn as an original co-sponsor? And can I suspend the rules and add Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor as well?

Thank you. Since it's a refile, that's fine. Would anyone else like to add their name? Coletta Zapata, Collins, Culpepper, Dong, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Louis, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Weber, and please add the chair. Docket 0476 will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0477?

Dr. Number 0477, Councilor Louijeune, offer the following order for a hearing to conduct a comprehensive review of Boston's anti-displacement action plan.

The chair recognizes Councilor Louijeune. Councilor Louijeune, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Could I please add Councilor Pepén as the second original co-sponsor? Pepén? Yes. Yes, you may. Thank you. And may I suspend the rules and add Councilor Santana as a third original co-sponsor? Seeing and hearing no objections, Councillor Santana is so added. Thank you. For many residents, displacement isn't an abstract concept. It's about losing neighbors. It's about losing small businesses. These concerns are particularly acute in neighbors that have already experienced historic investment, urban renewal, and other policies that disproportionately impact our black and brown communities. Last year, the city released its Anti-Displacement Action Plan, a comprehensive roadmap intended to address these challenges across multiple departments and policy areas. The plan identifies dozens of new and expanded tools to stabilize renters, Homeowners, Small Businesses and Cultural Institutions. These strategies include eviction protection, tenant protections, preservation of affordable housing, homeownership opportunities, Small Business Stabilization and Improved Access to City Programming and Resources.

It also introduces a broader framework built around protect, preserve, produce, and prosper, recognizing that housing, stability, economic opportunity, and neighborhood vitality are deeply interconnected. This plan is really important, but it really matters about the implementation. I said this before and I'll say it again, it is easier to keep someone in their home than it is to build them a new home. And I know that as someone who started my career representing families facing eviction that there are a lot of barriers even when we as a council decide to put money, as Councilor Weber led us on, to make sure that our BPS kids aren't facing undue eviction and that they have legal representation when that's happening. So I want to get into the weeds of the Anti-Displacement Action Plan. I also filed a hearing order earlier this year on the Acquisition Opportunity Program which is the city's best tool to prevent displacement.

It's the best tool to prevent apartment buildings from going into the hands of those who are motivated simply by profit or by greed by making sure that nonprofit developers Community Land Trust have the ability to buy lived-in properties. But I want to have that conversation and a broader conversation around Anti-Displacement so that we can make sure that our residents are able to stay in place. Also, many folks have talked about a right of return to Boston for folks who have been displaced. So I want to have this hearing with the administration and with advocates to really get into the weeds of how we're preventing displacement in our city. AOP, the Acquisition Opportunity Program, is one tool. The city has put forward this roadmap. We really have to be careful about implementation to make sure that it's successful. So looking forward to these hearings. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Louijeune. The chair recognizes Councillor Pepén. Councillor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Louijeune, for filing this. This is a very important topic and a very timely one. Last year, when my district was going through the squares and streets process, especially the one in Rosnell Square, I submitted a hearing order to ask for this exact plan. and we had a conversation when the plan came out. But I think, as you mentioned, it is very important for us to have that follow-up conversation because as we go through, Rezoning processes in the city and ways in which we could build new housing is also important to make sure that we are having conversations about how we can make sure that citizens that already live in the city of Boston can stay here. And then I also want to just mention that these plans are so important because they specifically protect black and brown communities. ADAP, Anti-Dispacement Action Plans, We're deemed racist by the Trump administration, which is very troubling to hear because it is very much the complete opposite. This is a way for us to protect our communities from being pushed out.

So there is a very false narrative out Thank you, Councillor Pepén. The Chair recognizes Councillor Santana.

Councillor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you to Councilor Louijeune for including me as an original co-sponsor. Displacement is a rising threat in these times of intensifying wealth inequality. Life has become increasingly unstable for the overwhelming majority of our residents, and displacement has become a greater threat to our communities. In light of this threat, we need to check in on how our businesses President, and cultural institutions are progressing under the Anti-Displacement Action Plan and what can be done to strengthen the resiliency of our communities. I think it's especially important that we host this hearing now as we enter budget season. This time is a time to reconsider our financial priorities, and as we look forward towards a difficult fiscal year ahead, we need to take measures to make sure that our spending is making the greatest possible impact. So I look forward to the conversation and thank you again for including me, Councillor DeGene.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. Would anyone like to add their name? Coletta Zapata, Collins, Culpepper, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Mejia, Murphy, Weber, Worrell, Chair Docket 0477 referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development. Mr.

Clerk, could you please read Docket 0478? Dr. Number 0478, Councilors Murphy and Flynn offer the following. Order for a hearing regarding recent juvenile weapon incidents and school safety coordination. Thank you.

The chair recognizes Councillor Murphy. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to file this order regarding recent juvenile weapon incidents and school safety coordination. In a very short period of time, our city had experienced multiple serious incidents involving juveniles and weapons. A 15 year old arrested in Dorchester with a loaded firearm and a defaced serial number. The stabbing at one of our high schools and a firearm recovered at another were all reported. Each incident may have had different facts, but together, the frequency and proximity of these events demand attention. The safety of our students, educators, and families is not optional. It is a shared responsibility between the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools, and the Boston Police Department. When weapons are showing up in or around school communities, we must examine whether our coordination is as strong as it needs to be. This hearing is not about assigning blame, it's about assuring alignment.

We need to examine trends in juvenile firearm possession and school-based violence. We need to understand the role of the youth violence strike force and how district offices coordinate with BPS. We need clarity on intelligence sharing and threat assessment protocols. We need to review communication standards with school leaders, families, elected officials, and this council. We need to look at dismissal procedures and perimeter safety and we need to assess whether early intervention and trauma-informed supports are reaching the students who need the most. I also want to address communication. In many of these situations, the facts are not immediately clear. Incidences can quickly be amplified through student texts and social media posts. Sometimes what is circulating is more severe than what actually occurred. Other times the information is incomplete or just not true at all.

Too often, members of this Council learn about these events from social media or forwarded messages rather than through direct communication. That is not sustainable. We need timely, factual communication when incidents occur. Not to create panic, but to prevent it. Not to sensationalize, but to clarify. Accurate information allows us to support school leaders, reassure families, and advocate appropriately. Parents deserve to know that when they send their children to school, every level of government is working together proactively and strategically. The Council has a responsibility to ask these questions publicly and transparently. The hearing allows us to strengthen collaboration and ensure we are responding comprehensively to protect our young people. We cannot be reactive. We must be coordinated. We must be proactive and we must be clear about how we are keeping our school community safe.

Thank you. Flynn, are you, Councilor Murphy, is Councilor Flynn, is original, sorry, and my list is just one of you, sorry about that. Councilor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Murphy for adding me. The Boston Police reported that a 15-year-old was arrested Friday afternoon following an ongoing firearm investigation in Dorchester. Police state that there was an investigation into a missing child who was found in a group of individuals on Morrissey Boulevard. One of those individuals was a 15-year-old male in possession of a handgun. Other recent incidents include a stabbing at Boston International High School, a firearm recovered at Roxbury Prep, in a firearm-related incident near the Murphy School. These troubling incidents remind us all of the responsibility of us as elected officials to ensure coordination between the city, Boston Police, Boston Public Schools,

to ensure the safety of every student, teacher, family, and educator. In 2023, Councilor Worrell and I passed an ordinance amending the City of Boston Code relating to the study in report of trafficking of illegal firearms. This comprehensive review reported by the Boston Police is an important tool that helps law enforcement and policymakers better understand the impact of illegal firearms. I look forward to hearing from the Boston Police and BPS officials and also ways we can use the gun trafficking report, especially when studying stats involving our youth. We must provide every student and teacher a safe and healthy school environment for learning. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone like to add their name? Culpepper, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Louijeune, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell. Coletta Zapata Thank you. Docket 0478 will refer to the Committee on Education. Mr.

Clerk, could you please read Docket 0479? Docket number 0479. Councilor Culpepper offer the following. Order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to examine, I mean to expand The eligible location of off-site affordable housing units under the inclusionary development policy.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. Councillor, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I file this text amendment to make a targeted change to Article 79 of the Boston Zoning Code by expanding the allowable radius for off-site affordable housing units under the inclusionary development policy from one mile to two miles in order to provide greater flexibility for developers to help advance affordable housing production. The Inclusion Area Development Program is central to the City's affordable housing strategy, but the current half-mile radius can restrict viable sites. especially in high cost areas with limited development capacity. Expanding the radius of two miles is a measured adjustment that maintains the integrity of Article 79

while making it more feasible to produce affordable housing outside of the higher half-mile radius and into neighborhoods that sorely need additional housing funding. Zoning changes always involve trade-offs. We must avoid over concentration while also ensuring affordable housing isn't excluded from the neighborhoods that lack it. And I might add that this Article 79 was intended to allow more affordable housing to be built in the neighborhoods. At the same time, we face a housing crisis, and the rigid geographical limits can solve and Reduce Production. This amendment provides an additional tool to increase housing without weakening affordability requirements. This morning, I sent a letter to Zoning Commissioner Chair Michael

Nichols urging the Commission to adopt this amendment. And to my colleagues, I ask for your support on this as well so we can make an impactful step toward increasing affordable housing production Not just in the Seaport, not just downtown, but in our neighborhoods. Madam President, I would like to add Councilor Worrell as the second original co-sponsor and request suspension of the rules to add Councilor Pepén as the third co-sponsor. I'd also like to request suspension of the rules to vote on the passage of this docket. Thank you, Madam President.

I object to a vote.

Hold on a second. It's an order. First, I'd like to just recognize Councilor Worrell is added as a second. and Councillor, hearing and seeing no objections, Councillor Pepén is added as a third co-sponsor. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. We'll go to Councillor Worrell next. Thank you. Councillor Worrell, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam President and thank you to Councilor Culpepper for bringing this forward. Also just wanted to shout out our affordable housing developers who are doing anti-displacement work every day. And one thing that I hear from them, especially in this trying economic times where and many more. And I think the reason why I think the reason why interest rates are high and cost of labor is more expensive is that they need more Looks to do is to create a wider, create more opportunities for more developers in the areas in our neighborhoods to tap into more funding Thank you. Thank you. and areas where it can have a greater impact to stop displacement of current residents.

It's one of the few tools we have in our toolbox to stop displacement and I'm proud to be on this resolution with you Councilor Culpepper. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. It's an order. It's not actually a resolution. So, Councillor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper and Councillor Worrell for adding me as a third. I'm in support of this tax amendment which will expand the area where developers can build IDP units. Hopefully this will encourage construction rather than funding contributions and we can get affordable units up quicker. The reason why this immediately caught my attention is because my district has actually already suffered from the limitations of the radius. I represent a district that's a little bit more spread out and we don't have as many affordable unit projects that go in as So what happened was that There was a project on Belgrade Ave that there was an opportunity there to add more IDP units to the neighborhood, but there was no other project going on at the time, or proposed project, so that immediately went into the general fund. However, if it were two miles radius, that would have touched Rossignol Square where there's already proposed affordable units being proposed there.

and I'm using that as an example of how this could benefit a district or a part of the city where we don't necessarily see as many affordable projects happening and I think this is a great consideration. I'm pretty sure there's a lot of things we need to take We need to look at it in terms of the inner weeds of it, but I just think that this is a great starter for the conversation.

Since this is going to go to committee, I'm not going to have any further comments on this at this moment. No, we're just going to stick. Anyone like to add their name? It's going to committee, so the lead sponsor gets two minutes. We're not suspending and passing it. It's going to go to committee. We have a bunch of these today and these are important issues that affect every neighbourhood and I feel it to be fair to everyone we need to have a discussion in committee with respect. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louijeune, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy,

Santana, Councillor Weber, and please add the Chair. Docket 0479 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 048?

Councillor Mehear, you have a point of order. Cllr. Thank you, Madam President. If we're going to be talking about a text amendment, wouldn't, I mean, is this like a ordinance?

It's a zoning, it's a text amendment to the zoning code, so it needs to go to the Planning Transportation Development, Development Transportation Committee. Thank you. Is that okay? Mr.

Clerk could you please read docket 0480? Dock number 0480, Councilors Fitzgerald and Flynn offer the following. Order regarding a text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code with respect to retail zoning.

The Chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald.

Councillor Fitzgerald you have the floor. Sorry, I thought I was the second on this originally, and so I thought Ed was going to...

It seems you were the first and... Yeah, no, I saw that in the reading.

I said, okay, let me get my stuff together then. So this is in respect to the retail zoning text amendment. So recently in the South End, Foodies, a small grocer, there's one in South Boston on West Broadway as well, but one on Washington Street in the South End and I think another location. had decided to close through no fault of its own. And so in doing so, there was potential for a non-retail use to take that space. Now that is the multiple times it has occurred along Washington Street, a vibrant small business district in the South End. What this text amendment hopes to do is to codify this area where Foody's once was as a continued retail in the zoning so that we don't continue to lose retail and small business space. along Washington Street in the south end as we could as we'd want to preserve it in any neighborhood. It doesn't mean necessarily that a grocer can go back in there, although we would love that because in this area you have Whole Foods down by the ink block, but there isn't much else.

It was close to Villa Victoria, other BHA places for the residents that lived in and around that area. It was a source of daily fresh food and so obviously our hope is that it continued to be a grocer but at least we want to protect the retail portion of Washington Street and that is the The spirit of this text amendment and the south end community organized very quickly around that and we're adamant about this and so we're doing our best to try and preserve that for them into the continued future.

Thank you, Councillor Fitzgerald. The chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Councillor Fitzgerald. Like Councillor Fitzgerald, I will continue to stand with Southend constituents. who are deeply concerned about the closure of foodies on Washington Street, basically across from the Cathedral Church, across from the Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial. The South End depends on active retail storefronts to support walkability, public safety, vibrant streets. For many, this store was more than a place to shop. It's been a lifeline as a reliable source of Fresh Food, an essential part of daily life in the neighborhood. And as John mentioned, including those neighbors living in public housing at Ruth Barclay Apartments, affordable housing at Villa Victoria, Castle Square, and neighbors without access to a vehicle.

For many residents that I have spoken to, their passion on this issue was really about keeping the neighborhood strong, keeping the neighborhood vibrant. but what I really respected most about the residents of the South End is their concern for the workers at this market. Many of the workers worked at, many of the workers lived in Villa Victoria, they lived at Ruth Barclay, they lived in the south end in Roxbury. They worked hard and they treated their customers with respect. The customers loved them. It is closing for different reasons. but what the residents are advocating for is a vibrant storefront and this text amendment will support what the neighbors want is that's a vibrant storefront where residents can go whether it's a

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Would anyone like to add their name? Councilor Coletta Zapata, Councilor Culpepper, Councilor Durkan, Councilor Louijeune, Councilor Mejia, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Pepén, Councilor Santana, Weber, Councilor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Docket 0480 will be referred to the Committee on Planning and Development and Transportation. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0481?

Dock number 0481, Councilor Worrell, offer the following. Order regarding a text amendment to Article 37 of the Boston Zoning Code, green buildings and net zero carbon to expedite and lower costs for development processes.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The chair recognizes Councilor Worrell. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to add Councilor Culpepper as original co-sponsor. And then I'd like to... Councilor Culpepper is still at it. I'd like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Fitzgerald as the third original co-sponsor.

Hearing and seeing no objections, Councillor Fitzgerald is added as a third.

Thank you, Madam President. We know we need more housing. In order to do this, we need to help the development of that housing stock become more affordable itself. We cannot control the cost of tariffs or high interest rates, but we can control other factors. even some that appear to be minor. The way the code is written now, Article 37 reviews occur early on in the pre-schematics phase of a project, meaning developers are required to finance such things as a provision of an LEED scorecard, the purchasing of a Massachusetts class One Renewable Energy Certificates, and other documentation and demonstration of expert certification related to green building and net zero carbon requirements upfront before a project gets off the ground. and before the community has been able to provide any input on the proposal. I've seen developers start with a larger proposal

of more than 25 units pay the full Article 37 costs upfront and then end up approved for a much smaller project. The review they paid for doesn't even reflect what ultimately gets built. Projects change during review, especially after community feedback, but when every change means rework and another round through, review costs pile up fast and become prohibitive. And we're seeing the same issue with use changes. Developers pay for a free review for a lab project and then want to ship to housing. If reviews came later, they could adapt to the changes without duplicating costs. For many developers of affordable housing who rely on subsidies to help finance a project, these costs can add up without a guarantee of the subsidy. So it creates a real barrier to the creation of the affordable housing stock that we need. Through this amendment, we have the ability to lessen the burden

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. of duplicating review if a project needs to change. I look forward to adding this amendment to the basket of tools we are creating to make development more affordable and to provide truly affordable housing here in the city. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Worrell. Culpepper and Fitzgerald.

And thank you, Councilor Worrell, for following this text amendment and for adding me as an original co-sponsor. This amendment maintains Barton's commitment to green building and net zero carbon standards while adjusting the timing of compliance requirements to reduce upfront financial burdens during the early stages of development. By shifting certification and reporting obligations to occur after project approvals, but prior to the issuance of a building permit, we can help lower early pre-development costs and make it easier. We say that again and make it easier, especially for smaller scale and affordable housing projects to move forward without weakening our environmental goals. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. The chair recognizes Councillor Fitzgerald. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Councillor Well for adding me as a co-sponsor on this. It's no secret now, I don't think anyone can dispute the fact that investment in new growth in this city has waned in recent years, and there are other parts of the country that are growing, and so we need to look at what we can do, whether it's big tweaks or small tweaks, To our approval process and development to allow for more construction to happen, for new growth to happen, for more jobs to be created, more tax base to be expanded. And I believe that this is a, I'm interested in having a hearing on this. and seeing what we can do and how applicable this may be because I feel that if it allows people, a developer, to get approval and then therefore more likely to get subsidized by a bank and then without taking away from the important environmental review that we want to set here as a leader in this city across the country. I think this is a nice switch and I'd like to see how it's applied. Thank you very much, Councillor Rowell. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Fitzgerald. Councillor Coletta Zapata, you had a question.

I have a question to the sponsor for the chair.

Yes.

Thank you. I appreciate the intent here. Are you accepting questions from our colleague? And I look forward to the hearing, too. And I look forward to the conversation. Just curious about... The intent here, you know, who is asking for this? The developer community, folks in the real estate industry, and more importantly, has anybody in the environmental community been consulted? I know that there are some questions about moving this towards after Article 80. Article 37 was purposely intended to ensure sustainability from the beginning. So just curious to know who's been consulted and why this is being brought up now. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Colletta. Councilor Worrell, do you wish to answer that question?

Yeah, many stakeholders. We've talked to a variety of people, community members. Everyone throughout every industry and the idea is to make sure that the environmental standards that we have set here in the city get upheld and we were not We do not compromise that but we just want to make sure that when we are building that that we are lowering the cost upfront for our developers. So we have talked to many people and this doesn't compromise any of the environmental standards that we have laid out. It's just more reflective of Those environmental standards being set on what's actually getting built.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Councillor Flynn, did you have a question? You see your light on.

Yes, I do. Madam Chair, may I ask Councillor Worrell a question?

Through me?

Through you, yes.

Councillor Worrell, are you accepting a question from Councillor Flynn?

I got it here at first.

You can choose not to answer all those also. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Well, maybe I'll just ask a question as it relates to the hearing itself. For the hearing, would we ensure that all sides are present so that they can provide testimony whether that we support the proposal or against it. I just want to make sure I have a Good grasp of the information before I vote but I'd like to hear both sides of the story.

Thank you Madam Chair.

That's my point.

Thank you. Councillor Murphy, I see your light on.

Yeah, I just have a point of order. I may not be the only one who has this question. If we're not voting on this, why were people allowed to speak? Are we allowed to ask a question then? So going forward, if we want to speak on a hearing order, we could pose it as a question?

It was a point of information rather than to clarify. I think it was legitimate.

If we do have clarification, even though we could ask those questions in the hearing, we could now go forward with those questions.

There was a question of clarification and I chose to allow that. So we're not debating this now. Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Okay, no crosstalk please. Would anyone like to add their name? To docket 0481. Okay, thank you. Docket 0481 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. We're on to resolutions. Mr. Clerk, can you please read Docket 0482?

Docket number 0482, Councillor Pepeno, for the following. Resolution recognising the work of Public Works employees during... Certain snowstorm emergencies.

The Chair recognizes Councillor Pepén. Councillor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And I know that many colleagues reached out to me wanting to support this one, but I would like to add Councilor Durkan as a second original co-sponsor and I would like to suspend the rules and add Councilor Culpepper as a third original co-sponsor.

Durkan is so added and seeing and hearing no objection, Councillor Culpepper is added as a third.

Thank you, Madam President. This winter has been tough for all of us and I want to Take a moment to just recognize and thank our dedicated Public Works employees for their service and commitment to keep our roads clean. And I want to make sure I'm clear, this isn't for For the chiefs or for the directors, no, no, no. This is for those that are on the ground. And specific people like Dustin Horan, who is the director of the Hyde Park District Yard. Freddie Mycroft, who takes care of the West Roxbury and Roslindow neighborhoods. People like Clarence Perkins who you call and there's a street in Mattapan that has to get plowed and he's literally already there. It's for the people that work those overnight shifts that are there every single day that These are jobs that could be sold thankfully sometimes, but they're the ones that keep our city running. And whenever I call them, they answer. And I know that my residents really appreciate it. My local district yards, they're just amazing. They're people that truly care about the neighborhoods.

Some of them live there as well. And this is an appreciation for them, Not just snowstorms to it, just the work in general and moving forward throughout the city of Boston. So shout out to all the Public Works employees who do very important work for our city. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Pepén. Chair recognizes Councillor Durkan. Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I filed very similar legislation, so I ended up getting Rule 15, which I appreciate because It meant that me and Councilor Pepén were on the same page. I am so grateful to the Public Works employees, to the contractors, and to everyone who had to get out there during this most recent blizzard. During the extended parking ban, they worked valiantly. City workers implemented new approaches to crosswalks, bike lanes, curb cuts and also improved communications across departments including facilitating adjustments to other city services such as the collection of Trash. They sustained their valiant efforts and restored essential services. And we were in normal operations by Wednesday. And so I just want to extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Public Works Department, the snowplow operators, city sanitation, maintenance crews, emergency management, the highways division, and all affiliated municipal workers who served with distinction.

It's really, really heartfelt because I know I went out and I did some shoveling. I was sore for days. The amount of work that these guys are doing and women are doing out on the roads. It's amazing. I'm really grateful to them. And my constituents, I woke up the morning after the blizzard to a thank you post from the Longwood Collective. I received a lot of thank you mail and I know that that thank you mail is only because of all the hard work so I wanted to make sure that these City Workers got their thanks, got their flowers, because I know it's not easy jobs. I also want to just say one story. My dear constituent in the West End, Louise Thomas, actually stopped Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councilor Pepén, for filing this resolution. and for adding me as an original co-sponsor. After a winter that has brought more than 60 inches of snowfall and multiple major snowstorms, Our public employees worked around the clock in dangerous, low visibility conditions to clear our streets, our sidewalks, and they deserve our recognition and gratitude. for keeping Boston safe and moving. And I might add, Madam President, that one morning I heard three or four o'clock in the morning all this noise outside. and I didn't know what was happening because on Seavers Street, many times that means there's a car accident.

But this morning, 3.30 in the morning, They were out there moving snow from the curb cuts, from around the MBTA stuff, from the fire hydrant. So I really commend them. When I say working around the clock in dangerous conditions, not only do I mean it, but I've seen it. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. The Chair recognizes Councillor Louijeune. Councillor Louijeune, you have the floor.

Thank you. I just want to thank my colleagues for filing this. And I just want to also echo the thanks for our Public Works team. There wasn't, but during the first storm we had, the second storm, I don't know how many emails and text messages to Clarence to help Santa Clarence that he was just so on top of and our entire team, Eric, John, Michael, like everyone. So I just wanted to thank them and today, Pepen mentioned a few of them, but Dustin and Juan and the folks over Dana Avenue and Hyde Park, I was able to stop by. and bring them some dunks to say thank you to them. They want wings, so I'll be back with wings soon. But I just wanted to say thank you to them because literally they were working around the clock. Clarence would email me back at four in the morning, six in the morning. And so I just want to say thank you All of our public, everyone in our public works team, and to Clarence and Dustin and the entire team over in Hyde Park. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Loujeune. Anyone else wish to speak? I'd also like to echo my appreciation and thanks to all of the folks in Public Works and Streets to all the incredible work that they did round the clock. One thing that struck me is that we often forget that we have 800 miles of roadway. If we double the length of roadway, we probably have somewhere in the region of 1,600 miles of sidewalks. That's not counting school parking lots or all the other publicly owned spaces that we have to clear from snow. It's been an incredible effort and I think all of us want to extend our appreciation and our gratitude to the folks that do that work. Would anyone like to add their name? Coletta Zapata, Collins, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Santana, Weber, Worrell,

Pepén, Durkan and Culpepper seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 0482. All those in favour say aye. All those opposed say nay. Docket 0482 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0483?

Docket number 0483. Councilor Culpepper offered the following. Resolution urging Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the City to cancel proposed center running bus lanes as part of the Blue Hill Avenue Transportation Plan project and reallocate funds dedicated for the center running bus lanes to fund the continuation of the fare-free bus program.

The Chair recognizes Councilor Culpepper. Councilor Culpepper, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And I urge the MBTA and the City to cancel the proposed center bus lanes on Blue Hill Avenue. and for the MBTA to allocate those funds to sustain the fare free bus program which is set to expire at the end of June this year that I just talked about. Investments must reflect the will and the lived experience of the community. Overwhelming feedback from residents, small business owners, corridor stakeholders has made it clear That the proposed center bus lane is unwanted. In fact, the petition demanding their cancellation has already garnered over 2,000 signatures to date. People are concerned about

reduced travel lanes, loss of curb access and parking, the economic impact on small businesses, caregivers, trade workers, and families who rely on personal vehicles, Let me also be clear about something, Madam President, and to my colleagues. We are not saying that there should never be multimodal transit options for the Blue Hill Avenue corridor. What we are saying is that before we can support Projects like center, running bus lanes, the community must be felt and heard and there must be community support. Right now, many residents do not feel that they have even been heard. Before projects move forward, The community deserves the same level of dialogue, responsiveness, and concessions from the government that other neighborhoods in Boston have received when major transit changes were proposed.

There's a consistent pattern in which a neighborhood's socioeconomic status influences how the public process unfolds. When center bus lanes were proposed on Boylston Street, they were ultimately canceled after significant community pushback. When a multimodal transfer project was proposed in West Roxbury, The community was able to secure concessions before the project moved forward. Why are we not seeing the same pattern in District 7? This is not just about Blue Hill Lab, Madam President. It reflects a broader and recurring concern about decisions made for communities. Let me say that again. It reflects a broader and recurring concern about decisions made for communities Rather than with them, whites say that Madison Park, P3,

Northeastern Pilot Funding, Windward Pilot Funding, the PLA for Madison Park, and now again with Blue Hill Avenue. When will this behavior stop and real listening start? And so let me just say this, my time is almost up, but are they telling us, are you telling me that in order for this community to finally receive basic investment like trees, Like lighting, like safety improvements, beautification, we must first agree to a center running bustling? This is not how public investments should work, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor, Reverend Culpepper. Councillor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you, Councillor Culpepper, for filing this docket. I understand that this resolution is from a place of deep care for one of RC's major thoroughfares.

Certainly, I would be happy to hear your response. Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to add Councilor Worrell as the second original co-sponsor and request suspension of the rules, Madam President. That's a private discussion. Uh-oh.

I won't go there. Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. The Chair recognizes Councillor Worrell. I beg your pardon, Councillor Pepén. I'm reordering you all. Worrell, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Councilor Culpepper for filing this resolution and I am 100% all in for beautification for Blue Hill Lab. The corridor needs the investment and I believe it needs it now after A long year review of engagement and surveying the people and businesses on Blue Hill Ave. One thing that I think we all agree on in principle, and I think this is what this resolution is talking about, is fare-free buses. The real question that we all have is who pays for it? Right now, the federal administration is putting resources toward making public transportation faster and more reliable. And we know fare-free services helps do that When you take payment out of the boarding process, buses move quicker and service become more consistent, therefore more reliable. This resolution is about sending a clear message

Bund the proven pilots, invest in what works, improve our transit system, while also putting money back in residents' pockets, which was spoken to in the last resolution that we voted on earlier, or the hearing order that was proposed. I think when it comes to the funding piece, if we're talking about reallocating dollars to sustain the fare free bus program, I do believe all levels of government, state and federal, need to step up in a more meaningful way. The MBTA is a state agency. These routes serve thousands of essential workers, seniors, families, our students every single day. Keeping fares free should not rest solely on the city. The price we're paying now was negotiated Before the introduction of low income fare reductions which could affect many of the riders on this bus and it also is an outside percentage of the amount of bus fare for the MBTA received statewide.

So I'm looking forward, so we all know based on the pilot that this program works. So while support continuing fare free services, I believe long-term funding is the real question and we should be looking to our federal and state government for support on this program. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Orwell. I'm going back to Councillor Pepén. Councillor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Culpepper and Councilor Worrell for this. I understand where this resolution is coming from and you all know how I feel about the fare free bus program. However, I have not received an update from the NBT on the specifics of the grants and also about what exactly we can do with this because as Councillor Worrell mentioned and Councillor Culpepper and I, we all know Blue Hill Ave needs investments. It needs to be safer. It needs beautification. It needs infrastructure improvements in our crosswalks. It needs better sidewalks. People don't feel safe going from one side of Bloco Ave to the other. And I think that a portion of this grant was meant for that. but we haven't gotten the specific details about what is this grant married to. Can we use a portion of these grants for a central run, sorry, can we use a portion of this grant

Even if it's not going for a center-running bus lane, it still improves the infrastructure of Blue Hill Ave. That is still a lot of information that I haven't received confirmation on. While I know my views on Blue Hill Avenue are different from my colleagues' The funding for this project was for capital improvements, not operational costs. By applying for and accepting funds from the Federal Transit Administration, Boston demonstrated commitment to building out a transit infrastructure. My worry, and I'll say it again, is that many transit advocacy organizations is that by resolving to reallocate funds from capital to operational funds, Boston's demonstrated unwillingness to commit to infrastructure build-outs. which was about $95 million worth of grants from the FTA. This move away from the transit-based infrastructure development could send a signal to a already very hostile federal administration that Boston's priorities have shifted.

Putting other grants that are already set in place in transportation projects across the city and the metro area at risk. But I wholeheartedly agree that we should work hard to find city and state dollars to keep the fare-free program going, as I did in my resolution and in my hearing order. We as a body, we must speak with the MBTA first on what we can and cannot do with this grant. And that's why today I'm going to respectfully object to this until we have those conversations with the MBTA and the administration where we still haven't gotten clarity

on what we can and cannot do with this. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 0484?

Docket number 0484. Councillor Durkan offered the following. Resolution recognizing March 8th, 2026. as International Women's Day.

Thank you Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes Councillor Durkan. You have the floor.

Thank you so much. I'd like to add the Chair as a second.

Thank you.

I rise today to recognize March 8th as International Women's Day here in the City of Boston. International Women's Day began in the early 20th century as part of the women's labor movement. It has always been a celebration and an action, honoring women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while also acknowledging the process still ahead of us. It has been so inspiring to see accomplishments of women on the global stage of the 2026 Olympics. From Melissa Liu, showing us that you can do things your own way, to members of our own Boston fleet bringing home gold in hockey for Team USA. Boston has long been the center for women's achievement nationally and globally. Beyond athletics, I want to recognize the women whose leadership in our city is in every industry. from government to medicine to biotech to education and entrepreneurship. It is because of women who have blazed trails before us that we have opportunities we do today. Without the female role models and mentors I've looked up to, I would not be the leader who I am.

Most importantly, I want to shout out my sister and my mom whose support have taught me resilience and strength. I also want to take a moment to recognize the women on my own team who do an incredible job and whose hard work and dedication makes everything we do possible. Thank you to all the women of the City Council, to all the women from the City of Boston who show up every day to make an impact through their public service. This opportunity to celebrate how far we've come but also a call to action. Our commitment to equity must also reflect intersecting realities. Women from marginalized communities, women of color, the LGBTQIA community, women with disabilities, and people who face systemic barriers that compound the challenges of gender inequality. This resolution is about recognizing that work, celebrating the contributions of women across the city of Boston and reaffirming our commitment to all women have the opportunity to lead and thrive internationally. And as a Smithy, this is just one of my favorite days, so I hope my colleagues will join me in passing this resolution.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. Would anyone else like to speak on this matter? Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Weber, Worrell, Durkan, Breadon seek suspension of the rules and adoption of docket 0484. All those in favour say aye. Thank you. All those opposed say nay. Docket 0484 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 485, 0485?

Docket number 0485, Councilor Durkan, offer the following. Resolution declaring March 17, 2026 as Boston Fleet Olympic Medalist Day. in the City of Boston.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councillor Durkan. You have the floor.

Thank you so much. I'd like to add Councillor Worrell as a second.

Councillor Worrell is so added.

On Monday evening, I joined Governor Healey, Mayor Ryu, sports fans, and athletes at View Boston at the Peru to celebrate Boston Fleet's Olympic gold medalists and their bronze medalists. Women's History Month has just begun, and it's incredible to recognize these athletes who have just made history. Women's ice hockey has been part of the Olympic Games since 1998, and this US Olympic team has medaled in every competition since then. This year, Team USA was unstoppable, going undefeated in all seven games and outscoring their opponents 33-2 in all of the matches. Here in Boston, we're incredibly proud. The Boston fleet sent seven competitors to the Olympics. Four returned with medals. Megan Keller, Erin Frankel, Hailey Winn, who won gold for Team USA, and Alina Mueller, who won bronze for Switzerland. We all watched Megan score the game-winning goal to bring home the gold. Erin faced 99 shots throughout the tournament and allowed just two goals. Their journeys are deeply tied to our city. Megan played collegiate

O'Neill played her collegiate career at Boston College, and Erin and Alina played at Northeastern University. And I know Councilor Worrell is a Northeastern grad, I wanted to make sure to include him, but we've also been partners in trying to bring women's sports to Boston. So I'm deeply proud to recognize their roots in Boston, and I'm excited to welcome these incredible medalists backed for their next home game to Aganis Arena on March 17th. That's why I filed this resolution and I'm super excited to be there and get to see the joy in women's hockey because It is an incredible sport and I just want to say I got to see these women greeting their fans and they stayed an extra hour and a half to meet every single fan. I've never seen any male athlete Do that kind of work. These women are just incredible. So I'm excited and thrilled to see young hockey players.

I saw a lot of little girls from Southie and Councilor Flynn's district who are just so thrilled to see their sports heroes. So thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. The chair recognizes Councillor Worrell. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Councillor Durkan for including me as a I am a huge proponent of building up women's sports here in Boston. We have to wait, unfortunately, a little bit longer to get our basketball team, but we're going to keep pushing forward. and it's great to recognize the Boston fleet ahead of their upcoming game and we'll be remiss to overlook the gold medalists who played on prior versions of the Boston pro hockey team, including the GOAT, Hilary Knight, and hopefully soon we can bring back Women's Hockey back to Boston for good beyond these one-off games. But it's great to shout out these players. The resolution breaks down some college ties. but there are four former Northeastern players, Haley, Kendo, Arian, and Gwyneth on the U.S. team. There were four with ties to Newton College, I mean Boston College, including Kayla, Megan, Hanna, and Alex. Thank you and very supportive of these initiatives. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Weber. Would anyone else like to speak? Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Coletta Zapata, Culpepper, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and please add the Chair. Councillor Durkan and Councillor Worrell seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 0485. All those in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on Docket 0485?

Roll call vote on docket number 0485. Councilor Breadon?

Yes.

Councilor Breadon, yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata? Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata, yes. Councilor Culpepper?

Yes.

Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan? Yes. Councilor Durkan, yes. Councilor Fitzgerald?

Yes.

Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber, yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell, yes. Councilor Worrell, yes. Doctrine number 0485 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Flynn. I see your light on.

Councillor Flynn. Madam Chair, on docket 0481 and 0484—could I add my name, please?

Yes, we will add your name. We usually do that when we come just to the end before we do green sheets. Is that okay? Thank you.

What were the dockets again?

0481 0481

Anyone else will catch you the next when we pause before the green sheets. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0486?

Document 0486, Councillor Santana offered the following. Resolution in support of ending health disparities impacting the black community in Boston.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Councillor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Can I please add Councilor Culpepper as an original co-sponsor? And can I suspend the rules and add Councilor Worrell as an original co-sponsor?

Councillor Culpepper is added as a second, and seeing and hearing no objection, Councillor Worrell is added as a third.

Great. Thank you, Madam President. Black residents have the lowest life expectancy amongst all races in Boston, the result of compounded inequalities. Whether it be the lack of access to health care, financial barriers, systematic racism, or preventable early Mortality, disparities in longevity are felt deeply throughout the black community. Our black youth deserve to grow old, and I deserve to grow old too. And I hope, and I know Councilor Culpepper and Councilor Worrell, I hope they can grow older, right? But all jokes aside, we deserve to live with the insurance that we will be cared for If we get sick and we deserve to thrive with access to accessible affordable and culturally competent health care following the findings in the BPHC's black life expectancy report it's clear that

We as a council must recommit ourselves to ending the inequalities that take precious years away from our black residents' lives. and we should celebrate and uplift the work our city is already doing to combat these disparities whether it be the BPHC's new partnership with the Dana Fiber Cancer Institute which would invest a million dollars in cancer prevention and treatment on their investments in organizations working to improve black men's health. I look forward to continuing to invest in the lives of the well-being of our black residents and strengthening these efforts both in the upcoming budget season and beyond. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. The chair recognizes Councillor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councillor Santana, for filing this resolution and for adding me as an original co-sponsor. I attended the Black Life Expectancy press event last week when the Boston Public Health Commission released its Black Life Expectancy report and the findings are reality that we cannot accept. They are really a call to action. How is it that in a city with one of the highest overall life expectancy in the country, a black male in Roxbury is expected to live 23 years less than a white male in Back Bay. The data is clear. Black residents have the lowest life expectancy in Boston, and for black men in particular, Preventable diseases, causes like overdose, heart disease, and cancer are driving devastating disparities.

These are not abstract statistics. They are fathoms. mothers, sons, daughters, and neighbors whose lives are being cut short by preventable conditions and barriers to care. We must treat this moment with urgency and commit to sustained investment in prevention Early detection, overdose intervention, and equitable access to quality health care so that where you live and the color of your skin no longer, Madam President, determines how long you live. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Culpepper. The chair recognizes Councilor Worrell. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you to Councilor Santana for adding me as a co-sponsor on this resolution. And as a black man who has earned these grays, I don't take that lightly. I know there were generations before me who didn't get the opportunity to get all this gray in their beard. So when we talk about life expectancy gaps in our city and black men, it's personal. This report makes clear that too many black Bostonians are dying from preventable causes, overdoses, heart disease, cancer, despite living in one of the greatest healthcare cities in the world, and we should not accept that reality. I do want to thank the administration and the Boston Public Health Commission for their investments, particularly the progress we've seen in reducing overdose among black men. That decline matters, but we know the work cannot stop there. At the end of the day, we on this council play a critical role.

We vote on budgets that continue investing in closing these health gaps. We can pass laws that undo harmful practices. and remove barriers that have disproportionately impacted our communities. Every decision we make, whether it's about housing stability, workforce development, parks, grocery access, or neighborhood health centers, has a direct impact on the lives of black Bostonians and life expectancy. When we choose to invest in our communities, we are choosing to invest in longer, healthier lives for Black Bostonians. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. Chair recognizes Councillor Mejia. Councillor Mejia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and I want to thank my colleagues for filing this very important resolution. I want to just uplift that here on the Boston City Council, working alongside Tito Jackson and other black men, We established here the Black Men and Boys Commission, which turned into be the Black Male Advancement Office. And I'm so incredibly proud of the work that Frank Farrell and his entire team do day in and day out to amplify I also want to acknowledge that not too long ago our office also established a reparations task force here in the city of Boston specifically to address the needs of black Residence as it relates to reparations and we know that health disparities among black communities as stated in this report continues to persist and we know that reparations is definitely a clear pathway for us to restore the harm that we have caused to the black community.

As someone who identifies as an Afro Latina, I understand the importance of recognizing my black roots, but more importantly, also recognizing the work of Black Communities here in the City of Boston and recognizing that sometimes we need to step to the side and let black people lead. And what that looks like in allowing people to lead is affirming Their voices when they come into this chamber and speak truth to power. This resolution while I do appreciate it, I really want us to as a body to really start understanding who it is that we're here to fight for when we're talking about black people. And so if that is the truth of the matter, I look forward to making sure that we turn resolutions into ordinances and ordinances into accountability measures. That is how we restore the harm that we have caused the black people in this community.

And so I look forward to working with my colleagues who are about that business to do just that. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Mejia. The Chair recognizes Councilor Louijeune. Councilor Louijeune, you have the floor.

Thank you, and I want to thank the filers for this resolution. I was at this event last week in Roxbury, and I want to just point out something. There are a lot of cities that have this disparity. and there are very few cities that are like actually intentionally trying to call out what is a problem and trying to address it with actual intentional resources. I want to give a big shout out to Boston Public Health Commission, the head of that, a black woman herself, Dr. Basola Ojukutu, who works tirelessly to close disparities and to make sure that communities have the resources that they need. Just the day before I was in Roxbury at the Whittier Street Health Center, which really is, they punch way above their weight. given the resources that they have, but to really meet the needs of our most vulnerable communities. And we should look to them as a model. They, in the work that they've been able to do, have been able to, among their population, close some of those disparities.

and the disparities that are not a result of individual choices that people make. They're a result of systemic racism and of the racial wealth gap and so much that has led to these chasms between The outcomes for black residents and white residents. So I just wanted to uplift Dr. Ojukutu, the Boston Public Health Commission, and the mayor in our city for actually looking and realizing this is an issue that is not an issue, unfortunately, and all of our community health centers and community leaders who are really committed to helping close this gap.

Thank you. The Chair recognises Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to say thank you to the sponsor for bringing this forward, the important work that Councillor Santana has provided, but I do want to acknowledge Councilor Worrell and Councilor Mejia. I've been on the Council with them for a long period of time and want to acknowledge their long time advocacy really on this incredibly important issue. And I had the opportunity to work with both colleagues on how we support black veterans as well. and Black Veterans Health Disparities at the VA Health Center is an issue that we can continue to work on, but we have to acknowledge that

Black veterans that receive health care at VA medical facilities don't get the same coverage as other veterans. And I just want to acknowledge my city council colleagues for their long-time advocacy for black veterans. We celebrated black veterans last week at an event in Roxbury, and that was one of the issues we talked about is healthcare for black veterans and their families. And one, I believe it was Congresswoman Pressley mentioned, there might be a federal bill on reparations for World War II veterans, Black World War II veterans and or their families. So maybe it's something we we want to discuss here and consider here on the Boston City Council as well.

I do think it's an important subject. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councilor Flynn. The chair recognizes Councilor Weber. Councilor Weber, you have the floor.

Yeah, thank you. And thank you to the filers for bringing this up for discussion. I'd just like to fold into the conversation the sort of documented health disparities around maternal health outcomes for both Black Women and Children. Last year, my office partnered with Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center and a group of graduate students at the Chan School of Public Health. They wrote a report about Low birth weights and outcomes for mothers and propose some ideas including just having food vouchers for people while they're You know, pregnant in the last couple trimesters of their pregnancy, and that might be able to help with those two things. I hope we can, you know, if my colleagues are interested in discussing that, I would love to work on that.

Would anyone else like to speak?

Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Weber, and please add the chair. Santana, Culpepper, and Worrell seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 0486. All those in favour say aye. Clerk, could you please do a roll call vote on docket 0486?

Roll call vote on docket number 0486. Councilor Breadon? Yes. Councilor Breadon? Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata? Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata? Yes. Culpepper, yes, Councilor Culpepper, yes, Councilor Durkan, yes, Councilor Durkan, yes, Councilor Fitzgerald, yes, Councilor Fitzgerald, yes, Councilor Flynn, yes, Councilor Flynn, yes, Councilor Louijeune, yes, Councilor Louijeune, yes, Councilor Mejia. Mejia, yes, Councilor Murphy, yes, Councilor Murphy, yes, Councilor Pepén, yes, Councilor Pepén, yes, Councilor Santana, yes, Councilor Santana, yes, Councilor Weber, yes, Councilor Weber, yes, and Councilor Worrell.

Yes.

Councilor Worrell, yes. Docket number 0486 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 0486 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0487?

Talking number 0487, Councillors Murphy and Flynn offer the following. Resolution expressing support for active duty service members and their families.

Chair recognizes Councillor Murphy. You have the floor.

Thank you. I'd like to suspend the rules and add Councilor Santana.

Seeing and hearing no objections, Councilor Santana is added as a third.

Thank you. I rise today to file a resolution expressing support for active duty United States service members and their families. Members of our Armed Forces stand ready to defend this nation at great personal risk. Recent military operations have already resulted in American casualties and serious injuries. Deployments have increased, families are waiting for phone calls, and parents are watching the news differently. Anytime military actions occur, active duty service members are placed in harm's way and their families carry the weight alongside them. The City of Boston is home to veterans, active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and military families who serve with distinction. They are our neighbors. They are part of our communities. They sit in our classrooms, work in our businesses, and raise their children here.

I speak not only as a counselor but as a mom, a son who is currently serving in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. I understand firsthand what deployments mean for families. I also want to recognize that I know I'm not the only person who has a family member who has been deployed. So the pride, the fear, the uncertainty, and the waiting. Our nation has always debated war policy. This is part of democracy. But disagreement over policy must never translate into a failure to support the men and women who have voluntarily taken an oath to defend the Constitution and protect this country. This resolution simply affirms that principle. We stand with our active duty service members who may be placed in harm's way. We stand with their families here in Boston, and we call upon our residents to remain united in gratitude for their courage, sacrifice, and service of our troops. Support for our service members should never be partisan.

It should be human. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. The chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to Councillor Murphy for adding me. Like many people, I watched closely the Video over the last week continues now about the ongoing military escalation throughout the Middle East and profoundly sad about The loss of life, especially the life of American service members. I served in many of the areas where these Conflicts are ongoing, and what I think about is the young men and women that were killed, but I think of their family. I think of their parents, or I think of their

Their spouse, I think of their children, knowing that they won't have a mother or a father or a son or a daughter any longer. But what I also know is it's important for veterans and people serving overseas to have the support or at least the respect of the American people. Knowing that when you're in harm's way, that the American public will support them. And this is about respecting our veterans that are overseas, respecting their families, but also saying a prayer for the men and women that have been lost already over the last week knowing that they went to put their uniform on and

Their family supported them, their community supported them, but then they will not return. And that family will be at a loss for the rest of their life. So our prayers are with their family. in our countries with their family too, especially during these challenging times. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. The Chair recognizes Councillor Santana.

Thank you, Madam President. I echo those prayers, Councilor Flynn. As a chair of the Committee on Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs, I want to thank you, Councilor Murphy, for your tireless dedication to Boston service members and veterans as well as their families. I want to additionally thank you for including me on this docket. I'm proud to celebrate the sacrifice and courage of our service members today and every day. And I look forward to the continued support and the urgency that we have to act with as a body to make sure that our service members get Thank you, Councilor Murphy. You've been a tireless leader in this space, and I'm just proud to support I'm going to be proud to support this resolution today. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. The Chair recognizes Councillor Pepén. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to rise in support of this resolution and thank my colleagues for submitting it Here today, there's a lot of sacrifice when it comes to serving our country. I'm personally very much against war and against what's happening at the moment, but for me, One of the naval bases that got attacked recently was in Bahrain, was the naval base in Bahrain. My best friend from high school, he is currently in active service in the Navy, who was in Bahrain. So I automatically panicked and thankfully found out that he was actually moved to Japan three months ago. I just want to thank our active members. We just never know when something's going to happen. I just appreciate the sacrifice that they do despite the nonsense that happens at the federal level and across the world. So thank you to my colleagues and thank you Madam President for allowing me to speak.

Thank you, Councillor Pepén. The chair recognizes Councillor Durkan. Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I want to send my love and support to every Boston family and service member that is serving in the military right now. I do want to clarify my position. I do think that this war is unconstitutional, but I have been the first to say we should not comment on I'm someone who actually petitioned the council president to add that to the rules, but that doesn't change the fact that these service members are going and they are I don't take any of this lightly because my grandfather served in the military, actually two of my grandfathers. They often return from war without thanks, without gratitude, and that should never be the case. People that are defending our freedoms deserve absolute

You know, absolute thanks and praise for what they do. and but unfortunately we have a federal government that is operating without checks and balances and it's actually resulting in putting people in harm's way in a way that is unconstitutional and in a manner that I just wanted to clarify, given that this was brought into the chamber.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. Would anyone else like to speak on this issue? Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louijeune, Councillor Mejia, Pepén, Councilor Weber, Councilor Worrell, and please add the Chair. Murphy. Councillors Murphy, Flynn and Santana seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 0487. All those in favour say aye. Mr Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote of Docket 0487.

Roll call vote on docket number 0487. Councilor Breadon? Yes. Councilor Breadon, yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata? Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata, yes. Councilor Culpepper? Yes. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan? Yes. Councilor Durkan, yes. Councilor Fitzgerald? Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Santana, yes. Councilor Weber? Yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell? Yes. Councilor Worrell, yes. Document number 0487 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Could you please read docket 0488? Mr. Clerk.

Docket number 0488. Councillor Worrell offered the following. Resolution in support of the MBTA including sidewalk snow clearance. and its upcoming commuter rail operator contract.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes Councilor Worrell. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. My office has been receiving a lot of calls and I'm sure other districts and At-Large City Council has been receiving the same call about this issue. I know residents along the Fairmont line and other commuter rail stations are telling us the sidewalks have been left unshoveled for days, sometimes weeks. Residents are climbing over snow banks. Some are walking in the street. And for residents with disability, there's often no path at all. This has been a longstanding issue. and right now sidewalk snow clearance at commuter rail stations is not clearly included in the Keolis operated contract. That gap has created a lot of confusion about who is responsible and our residents are the ones who are paying the price for this. Our public works team already has a heavy workload and shout out to all of them for all their great work. I believe that this responsibility should be clearly included in the MBTA's upcoming commuter rail operator contract.

As MBTA prepares to select its next operator, this is the time to fix this gap. I request suspension and passage of this resolution. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Worrell. The chair recognizes Councilor Pepén. Councilor Pepén, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I wanted to rise in full support of Councilor Worrell's resolution. I have three commuter rail lines that pass through my district. The Fairmont line, the Providence line, and the Needham line all have stops in my district A lot of people use those, and I did receive concerns from residents about the cleanliness of the commuter road stops, but I think that this resolution here speaks very clearly about what we need to do moving forward, and I wanted to just show support. So thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. The chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I also rise to support this important resolution. I also have these stations in my district as well. What I do want to add is let's all come together during snowstorms and make sure that every area Whether it's city, state, or federal, make sure it's shoveled out. It's on all of us as a society to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to every space. I said this yesterday. Americans with Disabilities Act is one of the most profound, one of the most important

pieces of federal legislation we have and we have to ensure that every space in this city in commonwealth is accessible to persons with disabilities and in our seniors as well. It's not only the right thing to do, it's the law. And we have to ensure that everyone does their part, especially young people that are able to assist someone in need, whether it's an elderly person living next to them, or person with disabilities. Pick up a shovel if you were able to and help somebody out. But I strongly support this resolution offered by Councilor Worrell. Thank you Madam Chair.

Thank you Councillor Flynn. Would anyone else like to speak on this matter? Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, and please add the chair. Councilor Worrell seeks suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 0488. All in favour say aye. Thank you. Docket 0488 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 0489?

Docket number 0489, Councilor Worrell, I'll offer the following. Resolution recognizing March 5th as Christmas Addicts Day in the City of Boston.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The chair recognizes Councillor Worrell. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to add Councillor Flynn as an original co-sponsor.

Councillor Flynn is so added.

And I'd like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Mejia as a third original co-sponsor.

Seeing and hearing no objection, Councillor Mejia is added as a third.

Thank you. Crispus Attucks was a Bostonian. He was a revolutionary. and he was the first person to give his life for this nation's freedom. For too long, his story has not been told the way it should be. His legacy is a reminder that black and indigenous Americans have always been at the forefront of the fight for justice shaping the history of this country from its very first battle for independence. Crispus Attucks was not just standing there. He took a stand. He stood up against injustice at a time when freedom was still just an idea. His courage helped shape the history of this nation. In 2024, alongside the Friends of Crispus Attucks and my colleagues, my office filed a hearing order to explore the creation of a permanent Crispus Attucks statue in downtown Boston. Also just want to give a big shout out to the Arts Department who helped in those efforts. Since then, conversations have continued regarding a potential location and funding sources.

As our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, it will be fitting to announce the permanent location of this statue. And as Boston approaches its 400th anniversary, and 2030, we should aim to have that monument completed. I was proud to see Boston Latin School hold its second annual Crispus Attucks Commemoration Day essay competition this year, organized by our good friends, the Friends of Crispus Attucks. That is how we keep history alive, by teaching it, by honoring it, and by making sure young people knows whose shoulders they stand on. I would like to request suspension and passes of this resolution, but I also again just wanted to thank The Friends of Crispus Attucks, The Affairless Leader, Haroon, and also Revolutionary Spaces, who also holds an event, I believe it's tomorrow, annually. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Worrell. The chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to Councillor Worrell for adding me. When I was little, I think the first The first book I read was on Crispus Attucks and the contributions he made and the sacrifices he made for our country. And he's probably the first Well, as Councillor Worrell said, he's the first person to be killed serving our country. He hasn't received the proper recognition, I think Councilor Worrell mentioned, but he has also not received the proper recognition in terms of Military Decorations, such as a medal or such as a ribbon, which are very important as we all know. But he's probably eligible for the Purple Heart.

As you know, anyone that is wounded in service to their country receives the Purple Heart. And I'm going to work with Councilor Worrell and others and talk about may be including a resolution and do some work in advocating for Crispus Attucks to receive the Purple Heart. It might be hundreds of years too late, but it's about recognizing The contributions and service and sacrifice he made to building this nation. Thank you Madam Chair.

Thank you Councillor Flynn. The Chair recognizes Councillor Mejia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank my colleague, Councilor Worrell, for adding me as an original co-sponsor. I actually am the neighbor Haroun, and I'm just so happy to see his leadership and the support that you've given him throughout the years regarding this particular effort in particular. And so I just wanted to say thank you, Councilor Haroun. That group had been advocating for years, even before I was a Boston City Councilor. And it wasn't until you came into the chamber that was like, OK, we'll do this. And so you really changed the game for them. I just want to acknowledge your leadership in that space. Haroun always talks about how you really stepped up, so I just want to uplift your leadership and thank you and the entire team for their advocacy regarding this particular Man, who gave so much of himself.

And I also want to shout out in District 7, Councilor Culpepper, Christmas Attics, Early Childhood Center is there as well. And so there's lots of different spaces and places that uplift him. So I just wanted to acknowledge that.

Thank you. Councilor, Reverend Culpepper, you have the floor.

Thank you, Councilor Worrell, for filing this important resolution honoring the life and legacy of Christmas Addicts. Christmas Alex, as you said, was the first person killed in the Boston Massacre, March 5th, 1770. Becoming the first casualty, as you said, of the American Resolution. and his death galvanized a movement that would ultimately lead to the founding of this nation. As a black man born into slavery and who later worked as a sailor and dock worker, his sacrifice underscores the profound and often overlooked role that black Americans play at the very inception of a struggle for American independence. Recognizing March 5th as Christmas Addict Day ensures Boston honors not only his sacrifice,

But the enduring truth that the fight for liberty has always included the courage and contributions of black Americans from day one. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Would anyone else like to add their name? Coletta Zapata, Collins, Culpepper, Dirkin, Fitzgerald, Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell. Please add the chair. Worrell, Flynn, Mejia seek suspension of the rules and adoption of Docket 0489. All in favour say aye. Thank you. Mr Clerk, would you please conduct a roll call vote on Docket 0489.

We'll call vote on document number 0489. Councilor Breadon? Yes. Councilor Breadon, yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata? Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata, yes. Councilor Culpepper?

Yes.

Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan? Yes. Councilor Durkan, yes. Councilor Fitzgerald? Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Santana, yes. Councilor Weber, yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell, yes. Councilor Worrell, yes. Docket number 0489 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Docket 0489 has been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0490?

Docket number 0490. Councilor Flynn for the following. Resolution in support of the temporary replacement of concurrent Pedestrian phasing traffic signals following snowstorms.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam Chair.

With snow removal operations leaving large snow banks at the corner of many streets, Many taller than the pedestrians themselves, it becomes all that more difficult for pedestrians to safely navigate crosswalks and intersections. Residents throughout the city have called attention to the dangerous situation with concurrent phasing traffic signals where the pedestrian has a signal to cross the street at the very same time that vehicles have a signal to go and turn at an intersection. with the expectation that the motor vehicle will yield to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. That doesn't happen. At yesterday's hearing, a mobility instructor from the Carroll Center for the Blind noted that her clients will not always know Both the location of where the end of the snowbank is.

She said they can't walk out far enough to notice if a car is turning the corner at a concurrent pedestrian phasing traffic intersection. She mentioned that on multiple occasions she had to stop her client from crossing the street because the car could not see them trying to cross. She advocated for the temporary removal of concurrent signals until the snow banks are not as tall and visibility improves. Following a tragedy on Summit Street and Meltzer Street The light was adjusted on Summer Street side to provide a walk signal where cars have a red light. However, it was not adjusted on the Melcher Street sign. At the same time, there were reports of hundreds of 311 cases on pedestrian safety due to this concurrent phasing traffic signals.

There were also reports indicating that this practice goes back to the 1970s at approximately 319 intersections in Boston. But we should be able to agree and put politics aside, especially with testimony from disability rights advocates and civil rights lawyers, civil rights leaders yesterday. that following a significant snowstorm, it's obviously more difficult for residents to look past large piles of snow or snow banks before crossing the street. Could you imagine having a loved one in a wheelchair trying to cross the street in a car having the same right of way as your loved one in a wheelchair? and your loved one in a wheelchair can't see over the snowbank.

At a time of increased speeding with cars, distracted driving and walking, rideshares, mopeds, Safety concerns on concurrent phasing traffic signals become even more difficult by the presence of large snow banks on street corners. In my opinion, and that of disability rights advocates throughout the city. In the days and weeks following significant snow removal operations, it is critical that the City of Boston temporarily, temporarily, We place concurrent pedestrian phasing traffic signals in the interest of public safety, of pedestrian safety. This is also about civil rights. Let's put politics aside. and do what's right here today. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Flynn. The chair recognizes Councilor Durkan. Councilor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much. With so much respect to my colleague, we have already referred a docket 0302 to Planning, Development and Transportation, which I chair. As of today, I know we haven't worked together to find a date on that, and I haven't been asked for a date on that specific filing. I understand there's urgency to pass resolutions on the subject matter. I understand it's important for public safety. I actually don't know if it's possible to temporarily change all the traffic signals in the city. I am not going to object to a vote today because it's clear that my colleague would really like us to get on the record. I'm not prepared to vote yes because I've not spoken to the street lighting team. I've not spoken to experts within the transportation department about whether this is even possible. I do want to say that I know that there are real problem areas in my district specifically like Mass Ave and Boylston where I have crossed and felt very unsafe.

We all have those experiences in our districts and I really do want us to have a hearing. So the docket that we have in my committee, I promised to have a hearing on 03-02 or a working session. I'm not going to object to a vote today but I do not have enough information to vote yes on this because I don't know if temporarily shifting the lights is even possible so I'll be voting present and I want to respect my colleague for bringing this forward so I'm not objecting.

Thank you Councillor Durkan. Anyone else wish to speak? Would anyone else like to add their name? Councillor Fitzgerald. Murphy, Worrell, Flynn, seek suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 0491. Oh, sorry, beg your pardon, wrong number. Councillor Flynn seeks suspension of the rules of adoption of Docket 0490. All those in favour say aye. Aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0490?

Roll call vote on docket number 0490. Councilor Breadon. Present. Councilor Breadon, present. Councilor Coletta Zapata. Coletta Zapata, present. Councilor Culpepper?

Present.

Councilor Culpepper, present. Councilor Durkan? Present. Councilor Durkan, present. Councilor Fitzgerald? Yes. Councilor Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn? Flynn, yes, Councilor Louisianne, Councilor Louisianne, present, Councilor Mejia, Councilor Mejia, present, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Murphy, yes, Councilor Pepén, present, Councilor Pepén, present. Santana. Present. Councilor Santana, present. Councilor Weber. Present. Councilor Weber, present. And Councilor Worrell.

Yes.

Councilor Worrell, yes. Dock number 0490 has received Nine votes present and four votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Docket 0490 has not been adopted. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 0491?

Dr. Number 0491, Councilor Flan offer the following. Order requests and certain information under Section 17F regarding the use of $587.7 million in the American Rescue Plan Act Harper Funds in the City of Boston.

Thank you Mr. Clerk. The Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor.

Thank you Madam Chair. I'm requesting in support for us to go on record that I'm able to get some information that I sent a letter previously to the City of Boston specifically on an issue as it relates to the Main Streets program. And I want to get a little bit more information on that particular program to ensure we're in full compliance with all reporting guidelines, whether it's at the city level, whether it's at the state level, whether it's at the federal level. I want to ensure we're documenting and accounting for every cent We receive in making sure it's spent appropriately. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Councillor Flynn seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 0491. All in favour say aye. Aye. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please read a 17F we don't have a vote on, do we? We do?

Yeah.

Thank you, pardon. All those in favour say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on socket 40491. She withdrew her request. Very good. Thank you. Docket 0491 has passed. Before we move on to green sheets, is there anyone who would like to add their name to a docket that they may have missed? I know we've already corrected one, but okay. Thank you. We're now on to green sheets. Is anyone looking to pull anything from the green sheets? The Chair, Councillor Santana. The Chair recognises Councillor Santana. Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

Thank you Madam President. Mr Clerk, as notified ahead of today's hearing, I would like to pull docket number 0356 from

Followed on page 15 of the green sheets. Resolution in support of an executive order to protect Bostonians from unconstitutional and violent federal operations.

I forgot to say that absent objection, the motion of the committee chair is accepted. and Docket 0356 is properly before the body. Mr. Cantor-Santana.

Thank you Madam President. Ongoing attacks on our immigrant communities have shown an urgent need for public solidarity amongst all leaders with the moral fortitude to resist these operations. Our unity is essential in the success of any efforts to protect our neighbors. Two weeks ago, city employees received guidance on how to comply with the executive order. They've been instructed to ask federal officers for essential information and paperwork for verification. to ask agents to wait in public spaces to get designated point person or department supervisor to not give unauthorized answers and to not obstruct operations. City Council employees have been made aware of who our point people are as well. Thanks to this guidance, our city employees know what they need to do to keep themselves and the community safe, and so do our police officers. They've been instructed to investigate property damage and violent attacks as their jobs routinely calls for.

Our city government is both capable and knowledgeable. Our employees know what this moment and what this order calls for. and so do we as Councilors. Now it's time to show our support for the action our Mayor has taken and our commitment to the same values which underlie it. I ask my colleagues to join me and publicly support his executive order and show our unity as a city in the face of division and terror. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Santana. Councillor Santana, the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, moves for passage of Docket 0356. All in favor say aye. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket 0356?

Docket number 0356, Council of Breadon.

Yes.

Councilor Breadon, yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata. Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata, yes. Councilor Culpepper. Yes. Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan. Yes. Councilor Durkan, yes. Councilor Fitzgerald. Vestal, yes. Councilor Flynn?

Yes.

Councilor Flynn, yes. Councilor Louijeune? Yes. Councilor Louijeune, yes. Councilor Mejia? Yes. Councilor Mejia, yes. Councilor Murphy? Yes. Councilor Murphy, yes. Councilor Pepén? Yes. Councilor Pepén, yes. Councilor Santana?

Yes.

Council Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes. Council Weber, yes. And Council Worrell? Yes. Council Worrell, yes. Doctrine number 0356 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. As Chair of the Committee on Rules, Ethics and Administration, I'd like to pull dock at 0424 from page 16 of the green sheets. Absent objection, the motion of the...

I beg your pardon. I have to read it. I have to read it in other words.

Mr. Clerk, could you read that docket into the record? It is number 0424.

Thank you. From the Committee on Rules, Ethics, and Administration, docket number 0424, Resolution Recognizing Women's History Month in the Boston City Council. Women's History Month Celebration. Thank you Mr.

Clerk. Absent objection, the motion of the Committee Chair is accepted and docket 0424 is properly before the body. I'll turn things over to the sponsor of this docket, Councillor Murphy. Councillor Murphy the floor is yours.

I know that I emailed my colleagues prior to the agenda coming out and I wanted to clarify the procedural history of this filing that I filed last week. At the previous council meeting, another colleague and I both filed Women's History Month resolutions, and when the agenda was prepared, it was brought to my attention that my original filing was second in time. In accordance with Rule 15, I voluntarily withdrew the filing in good faith so that the first filed resolution could proceed. Thank you, Alex, for calling me on that snowstorm that Monday morning. I then submitted a revised resolution with a different scope and purpose. The earlier resolution focuses on policy matters and the reaffirmation of women's rights. My refiled resolution focuses specifically on the Boston City Council Women's History Month celebration in honoring women nominated by members of this body.

The Clerk reviewed and revised the filing and determined that it was not substantially similar under Rule 15 and properly placed it on the agenda. When an objection was raised on the floor citing Rule 15, even though it wasn't a Rule 15, the matter was referred to the Committee on Rules, Ethics, and Administration and placed in the Green Sheet. I appreciate the chair, council president, that you agreed to pull the resolution from the green sheets today, calling it out of committee so that it may be considered by the full council. I share this clarification to ensure the record reflects that I acted in good faith, withdrew my original filing and submitted a materially different resolution. There should never be concern that there are too many opportunities to celebrate and uplift women during Women's History Month, but I do think we have to always make sure we're not violating our own rules. I respectfully ask for your support now that this resolution has been properly placed before the body.

Thank you. that was celebrating women's, you're recognizing women's history, the celebration of the women in the city council that we were going to conduct, that was, do you have the wording? Do we need to re-read that docket? Mr. Clerk, do we need to read that again? Pardon, let me see. That was docket 0424. President, Breadon, Chair of Rules, Ethics and Administration, moves for passage of Docket 0424. All in favour say aye. Aye. Thank you.

Mr. Twerk, could you please do a roll call vote on docket 0424?

Roll call vote on docket number 0424. Councilor Breadon?

Yes.

Councilor Breadon, yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata? Yes. Councilor Coletta Zapata, yes. Councilor Culpepper?

Yes.

Councilor Culpepper, yes. Councilor Durkan? Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Yes, Councilor Santana. Yes. Councilor Santana, yes. Councilor Weber. Yes. Councilor Weber, yes. And Councilor Worrell.

Yes.

Councilor Worrell, yes. Document number 0424 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.

Thank you Mr Clerk and we do look forward to celebrating all your nominees for recognition on Women's History Month. Thank you. We're now moving on to late files. I am informed by the Clerk that there is one late-file matter, a communication from Councillor Culpepper. No, absent objection, these late matters will be added. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the last late file matter?

Late file filed by Councillor Culpepper, a communication. regarding the proposed implementation of centre running bus lanes as part of the Blue Hill Lab Transportation Plan project.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. That communication will be placed on file. Now we're moving on to the consent agenda. I've been informed by the Clerk that there are zero None. Very good. Additions to the consent agenda. The question now comes on approval of the various matters contained within the consent agenda. All those in favour say aye. Thank you. The consent agenda has been adopted. We now move on to announcements. Please remember these are for upcoming dates and events. Does anyone have announcements? So first of all, we have Councillor Durkan followed by Councillor Coletta Zapata. Councillor Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I'm so happy we have the Mounted Park Ranger Unit here, the Chief, Cirillo, for my Lunch and Learn today. So just hopefully some of you guys can stop by. We have Florina Pizza from my district, which is awesome. And I just want to announce that Freddie Veikley is here. Freddie is an incredible member of the Fenway community. If you've ever been to Rambler Park, and she hopes that you haven't, Just kidding. She is the reason Rambler Park exists. Her and her husband, Ed Burke, who served for the city, were incredible advocates, and they're part of the reason the Mounted Park Ranger unit exists. So I actually first met the Mounted Park Rangers at her husband's funeral. So Freddie, we love you. Thank you for all you do for the Fenway, and I can't wait to be in there with you. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. Chair recognizes Councillor Coletta Zapata. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to honor a fellow EC Neighbor, and our now retired business manager, Lorraine Scatino. We tried to get her up on the dais, but she refused insistently. So we're going to respect her wishes, but we still get to say nice things about her because she deserves it. and I just want to thank her for her years on central staff. She came in under Paul Scapicchio and for many years has served as business manager. She was a receptionist. She was the office manager. but has remained a consistent, stable, and invaluable member of our team. And I just want to thank her for her wisdom, her guidance, and her advice in navigating our beloved home of East Boston. And just want to wish her radical rest Thank you, Lorraine, for everything. We love you.

Thank you, and I think we all echo our best wishes for Lorraine's retirement and wish her lots of happiness and health with her

Family, Young Ones. Announce that tomorrow, on Friday, there is a banquet in Chinatown in honor of Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, but it's sponsored by the Chinese Progressive Association. I want to invite my colleagues if they would like to sit at my table. I have room for everybody. That's tomorrow, I believe, at 5 or 5.30. Flynn.

If you want additional information, please see me. March birthdays. A big shout out to Gabriela Ramirez from Councillor Coletta's office. International Women's Day is a very famous day, March 8th. Happy birthday. So now moving on to memorials. Would anyone like to uplift a name? Put your lights on if you have someone you'd like to remember. I'll start with Councillor Louijeune and I'll go around clockwise. Louijeune, you have the floor.

Thank you. I'd like to adjourn today's meeting in memory of Mrs. Marie Du Mornay, who was the mother of a childhood friend, Sabine Dumourne, and the wife of a pastor in the Four Corners area, Pastor Dumourne, just wishing her and her family, all of her children, all of her grandchildren, my condolences. I also wanted to uplift the name and the memory of Emmanuel Damas who died, the tenth person this year to die in ICE custody of Haitian descent. He had a toothache.

Emmanuel Dumas, is that correct? Thank you. The chair recognizes Councillor Murphy. Councillor Murphy, you have the floor.

Thank you. I'd like to uplift Mrs. Mary O'Toole and just remember her children, John, Beth, Stephen, Kathy, Jenny, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren and the entire family. The neighborhood of St. Brendan, St. Gregson include Councilor Fitzgerald in that uplifting her name and her memory and just sending love to her family.

Thank you, Councilor Murphy. Chair recognizes Councilor Pepén. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Today, I want to recognize and honor the life of Richard Kanasky of Readaville. Mr. Kanasky was born in Pennsylvania and pursued higher education in Maryland. He enlisted in the Army and served as he continued his education in business management. Afterwards, Mr. Kanasky found himself at the start of a quintessential Readville experience, working at Westinghouse and planting roots in the neighborhood. Like many Readville residents, including the parents of former Mayor Tom Menino, the homes in Readville became sought after by Wessinghouse employees. Mr. Kanasky and his wife, Reggie Scascia, and other residents, and other Westinghouse employees were no different. They raised six children together in their Reedville home and were an active family in the local St. Anne's Catholic parish. As he approached retirement, Mr. Kanasky pivoted to a public service to end his career.

He served as Deputy Director of Inspectional Services for the City of Boston and retired at the age of 78. Mr. Kanasky is survived by five of his children and their families, including 18 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. One of Mr. Kanasky's grandchildren, who many of you may know, is Amelie Carrara, who in the words of her boss, my predecessor and current state rep Rob Consalvo always says, the best legislative aid in the statehouse. Today we are joined by her, Emily Carrara, to join us in honor of her grandfather. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Pepén. Chair recognizes Councillor Durkan. You have the floor.

Thank you so much, Chair. I'm a member of the Fenway Studios board, and they've asked me to read David Lee's name. into the record. He was a dear friend of Fenway Studios and he will be missed.

Today we will adjourn our meeting in memory of the following individuals. On behalf of Councillor Fitzgerald and Councillor Murphy, Mary Reardon and Mary B. O'Toole, On behalf of Councillor Pepén, Richard Kinaski. On behalf of Councillor Louijeune, Marie Dumourne and Emmanuel Dumas. And on behalf of Councillor Durkan, David Lee. We will just take a moment's silence in memory of the aforementioned individuals. The Chair moves that the Council adjourns today as it does in memory of the aforementioned individuals. The Council is scheduled to meet again in the Ionella Chamber on

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 at 12pm. I want to thank my colleagues, central staff, The Clerk, The Clerk's Office, and The Stenographer. And also a reminder, I think it's daylight, somebody said to remember it's daylight savings this weekend, so the clocks are going to spring forward. All in favour of adjournment, please say aye. The council is adjourned.