City Council

Governing Body: Boston City Council Meeting Type: City Council Meeting Meeting Date: December 03, 2025, at 12:00 PM Attendees: Councilors Liz Breadon, Gabriela Coletta Zapata, Sharon Durkan, John Fitzgerald, Edward Flynn, Ruthzee Louijeune, Julia Mejia, Erin Murphy, Enrique Pepén, Henry Santana, Benjamin Weber, Brian Worrell.

Executive Summary: The Boston City Council convened to address several key issues, including the approval of past meeting minutes, the acceptance and expenditure of various grants for park renovations, job training, and public safety, and the codification of the Office of Returning Citizens. Significant discussions also took place regarding the extension of tenant protections, the allocation of funds for police and public health collective bargaining agreements, and initiatives to increase youth sports participation and address fair housing practices. The Council also adopted a resolution to establish a Chinese American Veterans Memorial on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

• Quorum Ascertained: A quorum was present.
• Invocation: Reverend Solanee Vedrine, founding and senior pastor of Boston Missionary Baptist Church, provided the invocation, emphasizing Boston's historical role as a "city on a hill" and praying for continued guidance for city leaders.
• Pledge of Allegiance: Recited by all present.

• Presenters: Councilor Brian Worrell and Councilor John Fitzgerald.
• Summary: Fifth-grade students from the Conservatory Lab Charter School performed two songs, "Night Fury" and "As Spirits Soar." The school, a K-8 institution with campuses in Councilors Worrell and Fitzgerald's districts, emphasizes daily music education for all students. Executive Director Nicole Mack highlighted the school's mission to develop scholars, artists, and leaders. Councilor Fitzgerald underscored the importance of arts alongside academics and athletics for well-rounded individuals.

• Presenters: Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Steve Poftak, Executive Director of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau.
• Summary: The Boston Municipal Research Bureau's Henry L. Shattuck Awards recognized exceptional public servants and city champions. Steve Poftak emphasized the importance of uplifting public service in a cynical era.
• Awardees Recognized:
  • Elizabeth Jackson: City Champion, President and CEO of Bridge Over Troubled Waters, supporting homeless and at-risk youth for over 30 years.
  • Bill Kennedy: City Champion, longtime civic leader in legal and public policy, known as a mentor and connector.
  • Jeff Elkins: Program Manager, Homeowner and Homebuyer Services, Mayor's Office of Housing, assisting Bostonians with homeownership and foreclosure prevention for over two decades.
  • John Connors: Court Coordinator, Legal Division of ISD, with 58 years of service protecting tenants from unsafe housing conditions (not present).
  • Taylor McCoy: Inclusion Specialist, Mattahunt Elementary School, driving force behind Mattahunt's ABA strand for students with disabilities (not present).
  • Mary McCullough: Special Library Assistant, North End Branch, with 29 years of service, making the branch a community hub.
  • Elsie Morantus-Petion: Nurse Manager, Child, Adolescent, and Family Health, Boston Public Health Commission, providing home-based public health support to over 5,000 families over 37 years.
  • Sergeant Peter Moscaritolo: Street Outreach Unit, BPD, leading efforts to dismantle encampments with empathy and professionalism.
  • Alexa Panard: Assistant Deputy Director of Design Review, BPDA, shaping thousands of projects across Boston for over 26 years.
  • Eric Prentice: Principal Administrative Assistant, Public Works Department, strengthening communication and problem-solving for constituent services and interdepartmental coordination.

• Motion: Approval of minutes from the meeting of November 19, 2025.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend a grant of up to $425,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services, Parkland Acquisition and Renovation for Communities Program. The grant is for renovations to Ronan Park in Dorchester.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata highlighted that the competitive funding would support improvements including a new play area with water features, accessible pathways, new furnishings, enhanced tree canopy, and fully renovated basketball courts. She noted the need for Council action by December 31, 2025, for the project to proceed on schedule for substantial completion by June 2027.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald, representing Ronan Park, expressed community excitement for the renovations.
• Motion: Councilor Coletta Zapata moved for suspension of the rules and passage.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Description: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $339,888 in the form of a Neighborhood Job Trust Grant, awarded by the City Foundation to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant funds administrative and programming activities for job readiness skills training.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Weber, Chair of the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development, explained that the grant funds job training programs for Boston residents, supported by linkage fees from large-scale real estate developers. It covers staffing and administrative fees for the Neighborhood Jobs Trust, which ensures training providers prepare individuals for permanent employment at development project sites.
• Motion: Councilor Weber moved for suspension of the rules and passage.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Description: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $148,824 in the form of a grant for the Federal Bryant Justice Assistance Grant Relocation, awarded by the United States Department of Justice, passed through the Mass. Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to be administered by the Police Department. The grant funds the annual Boston Address Verification Procedure mandated by the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board.
• Outcome: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

• Description: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $5,000 in the form of a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Roots Collaboration Grant, awarded by a donor group to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant funds transforming unused land into stable assets, providing climate, wellness, and workforce benefits, with a focus on removing invasive plants and establishing a walking path.
• Initial Discussion:
  • Councilor Weber explained the grant would allow Power Corps Boston participants to gain hands-on training by clearing a path at the Blue Cross Blue Shield headquarters in Hingham.
  • Councilor Flynn questioned why Boston was accepting funds for work in Hingham and its impact on Boston residents.
• Initial Outcome: Tabled for further information.
• Reconsideration:
  • Councilor Weber clarified that while most Power Corps work is in Boston, some projects outside the city provide valuable experience for participants.
  • Councilor Flynn found the explanation reasonable and supported the proposal.
• Motion: Councilor Weber moved for suspension of the rules and passage.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Description: Notice received from the Mayor of the appointment of Nicholas Gove as Interim Commissioner of the Public Works effective November 24, 2025.

• Description: Notice received from the Mayor of the appointment of Nicholas Gove as Interim Chief of Street Transportation and Sanitation effective November 24, 2025.

• Description: Notice received from the Mayor of the appointment of Johnny Hernandez as Second Assistant Collective Treasurer effective November 20, 2025.

• Description: Notice received from the Mayor of her absence from the city from Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 12 noon, returning Friday, November 28, 2025, at 5 p.m.

• Description: Communication received by the City Clerk from the Board of Election Commissioners certifying the results of the election held for the Mayor and City Council.

• Description: Communication received from Timothy Smith, Executive Officer of the Boston Retirement Board regarding Boston Retirement System CY26 operating budget.

• Description: Communication from City Councilor Flynn to the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board to investigate frequent breakdown of elevators at BHA Ruth Barclay Apartments.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Flynn detailed an elevator outage at 19 Monsignor Reynolds Way, Ruth Barclay Apartments, from November 25-26, 2025, affecting residents, particularly those with disabilities. He criticized the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) for failing to follow protocols, including timely notification, assistance for residents, and alternative accommodations.
  • Council President Louijeune noted she had contacted the BHA Administrator, who stated elevators were functioning, except for a modernization project.

• Committee: Government Operations
• Description: Ordinance proposing the codification of the currently operating Office of Returning Citizens, laying out its purpose, duties, and responsibilities of the executive director.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata, Chair of Government Operations, reported on the hearing held November 26, 2025. The administration, represented by Chief of Human Services Jose Masso and Executive Director Ashley Montgomery, supported the ordinance, highlighting the office's growth (from 2 to 11 staff, budget from $200,000 to $2.5 million), 680 active clients, 86 permanent job placements, and 49 housing placements in the past year. The office also expanded grant-making to community partners, totaling nearly $1 million in FY26.
  • Amendments: Minor wording changes (e.g., "assist" for "ensure," "collaborate" for "partner"), removal of examples, and non-substantive changes for discretion. A sentence was added to Section 1 (Purpose): "The office recognizes the value of returning citizens as both recipients of services, clients, and as leaders helping to shape the vision and work of the office." Data collection and annual reporting were separated in Section 2 (Duties of Office).
  • Council President Louijeune emphasized the ordinance's role in ensuring support for individuals re-entering society, reducing recidivism, and codifying the city's long-term commitment to this issue.
  • Councilor Flynn, a former probation officer, supported the ordinance, advocating for opportunities and respect for returning citizens, and highlighting challenges like CORI background checks.
• Motion: Councilor Coletta Zapata moved for acceptance of the committee report and passage of the ordinance in a new draft.
• Roll Call Vote:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).

• Committee: Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs
• Description: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $12,881 in the form of a grant for the Jobs for Veterans State Grant, awarded by the United States Department of Labor, passed through the Mass Hire Department of Career Services, to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant funds enhanced employment services for eligible veterans, prioritizing disabled veterans and those facing significant barriers to employment.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Flynn, Chair of the Committee, reported on the hearing held November 21, 2025. Joseph Lee, Chief of Staff for the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, testified that funds would support two Mass Hire veterans services centers, assisting 59 veterans in job searches last year, with 30 entering employment at an average hourly rate of $28.49.
  • Public testimony included Hayward Fennell and Meredith Tewitt (Commander of the CATA post, American Legion), who advocated for respect for veterans and military families.
• Motion: Councilor Flynn moved for acceptance of the committee report and passage.
• Roll Call Vote:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).

• Committee: Government Operations
• Description: Ordinance extending and enhancing protection for tenants facing displacement due to condominium and cooperative conversion in the City of Boston.
• Discussion:
  • Motion to Substitute: Councilor Coletta Zapata moved to substitute the committee report to reflect a new sunset date of 2026 instead of 2030.
  • Vote on Substitution:
    • For: All present Councilors.
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Motion to substitute allowed.
  • Report on Amended Docket: Councilor Coletta Zapata reported on the hearing held September 23, 2025. The existing 1999 ordinance protects tenants in buildings with four or more units built before 1983, requiring notice, lease extensions, relocation payments, and right to purchase. The committee discussed expanding eligibility to smaller buildings and strengthening enforcement. Due to the current ordinance expiring on December 31, 2025, the committee recommended passage of an amended version extending the sunset date by one year to December 31, 2026, to allow for further review and a more comprehensive update.
  • Councilor Breadon thanked Councilor Coletta Zapata for her leadership and emphasized the urgency of addressing housing displacement, particularly in districts like East Boston.
• Motion: Councilor Coletta Zapata moved for acceptance of the committee report and passage of the ordinance in a new draft.
• Roll Call Vote:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).

• Committee: Ways and Means
• Description: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $2,607,000 in the form of a Community Mitigation Grant awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, to be administered by the Office of Budget Management. The grant funds offset costs related to the construction and operation of a gaming establishment.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Worrell, Chair of Ways and Means, reported on the hearing held November 24, 2025. The grant will fund the Harbor Walk Extension Project in Charlestown (expected completion 2027), intersection work at Chelsea and Terminal Streets, and four new Bluebike stations in Charlestown.
  • $622,000 of the grant supports public safety, specifically the human trafficking unit, crimes against children unit, and field services to address casino-related impacts. BPD has used funds since 2025 to support a multi-agency law enforcement task force.
• Motion: Councilor Worrell moved for acceptance of the committee report and passage.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Committee: Ways and Means
• Description:
  • Docket #1967: Order to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the reserve of collective bargaining by $6,733,196 to provide funding for the Police Department for FY26 increases contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association.
  • Docket #1968: Supplemental Appropriation Order for the Boston Police Department for FY26 in the amount of $6,733,196 to cover FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Boston and the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association. Terms: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. Major provisions: 2% base wage, 1% hazardous duty differential increase, police performance evaluation reforms, requirement for officers to wear name tags.
  • Docket #1969: Order to reduce the FY26 appropriation for the reserve of collective bargaining by $506,452 to provide funding for the Boston Public Health Commission for the FY26 increase contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the Boston Public Health Commission and SEIU Local 888 program collective bargaining units.
  • Docket #1970: Supplemental Appropriation Order for the Boston Public Health Commission for FY26 in the amount of $506,452 to cover FY26 cost items contained within the collective bargaining agreement between the Public Health Commission and SEIU Local 888 Program Collective Bargaining Unit. Terms: October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2027. Major provisions: 2% base wage, flat weekly increases ($500, $200, $550, then $500 annually), amendment of longevity career awards, reclassification of lower-paid employees.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Worrell, Chair of Ways and Means, reported on the hearing held November 24, 2025. Budget Director Williamson stated that Dockets #1967-1968 transfer $6,733,196 from the collective bargaining reserve to the BPD budget, and Dockets #1969-1970 transfer $506,452 to the BPHC budget. The FY26 CBR was funded at $102,700,000. With these approvals, total funding agreements would rise to $65,800,000.
  • Senior Advisor Mandarini explained the BPPA agreement is a one-year contract to keep the largest police unit current while longer-term negotiations proceed. Key provisions include name tags, limits on overlapping details, expanded sick time redemption, and new wellness supports (workout/meditation time, gym access).
  • For the BPHC agreement, representatives highlighted general wage increases, reclassification of lower-paid positions, an employer-funded legal services plan, and updates to the longevity program.
  • Councilor Flynn advocated for hiring more police officers to address staff shortages and reduce officer burnout from long shifts, emphasizing the negative impact on officers' mental health and families. He also stressed the need for respect and support for police officers.
  • Councilor Durkan supported the contracts, appreciating the wellness provisions and the strategy of keeping contracts updated.
• Motions: Councilor Worrell moved for acceptance of the committee reports and passage of each docket individually.
• Roll Call Vote on Docket #1967:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes). Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).
• Roll Call Vote on Docket #1968:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).
• Roll Call Vote on Docket #1969:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).
• Roll Call Vote on Docket #1970:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).

• Committee: Strong Women, Families, and Communities
• Description: Order for a hearing to learn how the City Council can support the Mayor's Youth Sports Initiative to increase youth sports participation across Boston.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Murphy, Chair of the Committee, reported on the hearing. Key challenges identified included lack of field/gym space, bathroom access, scheduling difficulties, and shortages of trained coaches/referees. Progress included expanding BCYF programs, supporting community leagues, and investing grant funding.
  • Councilor Weber emphasized the need to support volunteers and address obstacles like access to fields.
  • Councilor Flynn highlighted the importance of equitable access for low-income families, children with disabilities, and girls, citing the Challenge Baseball League as an example.
• Outcome: Remained in committee.

• Committee: City Services and Innovation Technology
• Description: Order for hearing to discuss electrical equipment maintenance and utility safety.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Pepén, Chair of the Committee, reported on the hearing. Testimony was heard from city departments (Public Works, Public Improvement Commission, Boston Transportation Department, Office of Emergency Management) and utility companies (Eversource, National Grid, Verizon).
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata, the sponsor, discussed concerns with overhead wires in Charlestown, the impact of heat on infrastructure, and the July 29th incident in Charlestown. Utility companies acknowledged equipment failure exacerbated by extreme heat and discussed the complexity and cost of undergrounding wires (estimated $6-10 million per mile).
  • Councilor Flynn criticized the City of Boston Emergency Management Department's response to the Charlestown incident, noting a lack of on-scene presence and awareness of their role. He stressed the need for improved coordination and lessons learned.
• Outcome: Remained in committee.

• Sponsors: Councilors Murphy and Flynn (original co-sponsors), with Councilors Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell added.
• Description: Resolution in support of establishing a Chinese American Veterans Memorial on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Murphy emphasized the memorial's importance in honoring Chinese American veterans whose contributions have often been unrecognized, creating a space for reflection and education.
  • Councilor Flynn highlighted the sacrifices of Chinese and Chinese-American veterans, their service despite historical disrespect and anti-Asian racism, and the need for their contributions to be acknowledged.
  • Councilor Durkan supported the resolution, acknowledging the process for landmark designations and the work of Karen Goodfellow, Director of Transformative Art and Monuments.
• Motion: Councilors Murphy and Flynn moved for suspension of the rules and adoption.
• Roll Call Vote:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Adopted (12-0).

• Sponsor: Councilor Worrell
• Description: Order relative to the adoption of the class classification in the City of Boston in FY 2026, addressing the difference in tax rates between residential and commercial properties and the maximum savings allowed by the residential tax exemption.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Worrell explained that the order aims to uphold the tradition of placing the lowest tax burden on residential taxpayers and allowing the maximum residential tax exemption (35% of average assessed value). He noted that the average residential tax bill for a single-family home is expected to rise 13% ($780), while the average Class A commercial tax bill is expected to decrease by 4.4% ($210,000). He urged the Statehouse to act on tax measures to lower taxes for residents.
• Outcome: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

• Sponsors: Councilors Louijeune, Weber, and Santana.
• Description: Order for a hearing on building a stronger fair housing future for Boston.
• Discussion:
  • Council President Louijeune emphasized the need to improve fair housing practices, particularly regarding discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders. She highlighted the importance of "paired testing" to identify discrimination and the current lack of a Fair Housing Director in the city.
  • Councilor Weber recounted a historical case of housing discrimination involving Donald Trump and stressed the need for a viable testing program in Boston to combat discrimination against voucher holders.
  • Councilor Santana underscored that housing is a fundamental human right and that discrimination is widespread, affecting Black, Brown, and low-income residents, voucher users, formerly incarcerated individuals, and disabled neighbors. He called for housing justice and accountability for landlords.
  • Councilor Breadon discussed bureaucratic barriers in the system that make it difficult for voucher holders to compete in the private market, advocating for streamlined application processes.
  • Councilor Flynn connected fair housing to discrimination in public housing developments, citing issues at Ruth Barclay Apartments affecting residents with disabilities and people of color.
• Outcome: Referred to the Committee on Housing and Community Development.

• Sponsors: Councilors Flynn and Coletta Zapata (original co-sponsors), with Councilors Breadon, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and Worrell added.
• Description: Resolution in support of expanding prevention and public awareness campaigns related to drink spiking in the City of Boston.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Flynn defined drink spiking and its physical symptoms, noting 107 reported instances in Boston in 2023 and 71 in 2024. He called for more resources, attention, and accountability for establishments.
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata shared that this issue is deeply personal and that her previous work led to tangible actions, including improved BPD reporting, better officer training, and the distribution of cup cover stickers. She testified at the State House for standardized testing in hospitals for spiking incidents. She emphasized that drink spiking is tied to sexual violence and predatory behavior.
  • Councilor Durkan shared her personal experience with drink spiking and stressed the importance of involving hospitals in prevention and response efforts.
• Motion: Councilors Flynn and Coletta Zapata moved for suspension of the rules and adoption.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Adopted.

• Docket #2050: Melissa Morgan appointed as the new Council Human Resources Manager.
• Dockets #2049, and additional late-file personnel orders: Appointments for Councilors Fitzgerald, Pepén, Weber, and Santana.
• Motion: The Chair moved for passage of Dockets #2049 and #2050, and all late-file personnel orders.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Sponsor: Councilor Worrell
• Description: Order authorizing the City of Boston to appropriate $11,150,000 for window and door replacement projects at Gardner Pilot Academic School and Leiden Elementary School, with potential eligibility for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Worrell, Chair of Ways and Means, noted this was the second reading and vote for the loan order, which requires two votes a minimum of two weeks apart. The first vote was on November 19th.
• Motion: Councilor Worrell moved for acceptance of the second reading and a vote in the affirmative.
• Roll Call Vote:
  • For: Breadon (Yes), Coletta Zapata (Yes), Durkan (Yes), Fitzgerald (Yes), Flynn (Yes), Louijeune (Yes), Mejia (Yes), Murphy (Yes), Pepén (Yes), Santana (Yes), Weber (Yes), Worrell (Yes).
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed (12-0).

• Sponsor: Councilor Durkan
• Description: Communication from the City Clerk transmitting a communication from the Boston Landmarks Commission for City Council action on the designation of petition 15289, Ferdella, Bruce, Thor, Bruce L. Bowling Building, Washington Street, Roxbury as a landmark.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Durkan, Chair of Planning, Development, and Transportation, strongly supported the Boston Landmarks Commission's unanimous decision. She highlighted the building's historical significance as Ferdinand's Blue Bookstore, its architectural style, and its current role as the BPS headquarters, named in honor of the City Council's first Black president, Bruce C. Bolling.
  • Councilor Flynn supported the proposal, acknowledging Bruce Bolling and his family.
• Motion: Councilor Durkan moved for acceptance and passage.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Description: Eight late-file personnel orders for Councilors Fitzgerald, Pepén, Weber, and Santana.
• Motion: To add these late-file matters onto the docket.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Added to the agenda.
• Motion: To vote on these late-file personnel matters.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Passed.

• Description: Communication from Councilor Flynn to Nicholas Arrinello, Assessing Commissioner, requesting data from the hearing to discuss tax rates for residential and commercial property owners in Boston.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Outcome: Adopted.

• Birthday Shout-outs: Anna Calderon (Councilor Santana's office), Karishma (today), Angie Brutus (next week).
• Upcoming Events: Tree lightings downtown and Seaport, Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour this weekend.
• Councilor Worrell: Announced a relief effort fundraiser for Jamaica on December 7th at 6 p.m. at Laugh Boston, featuring Cam Patterson from SNL, to support recovery after the Category 5 hurricane.

• State Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti: Passed after a battle with cancer.
• Regina Supran: Boston EMT, passed away.
• Carlos Castillo's grandmother: Matilda Del Pilar Mata-Polanze.
• Jelani Phillips' mother: Mary Jamila Elizabeth Phillips.
• Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom: Killed in Washington, D.C.
• Newman A. Flanagan: On behalf of Councilor Coletta Zapata.
• Susan M. Anderson Flynn: On behalf of Councilor Durkan.
• Oscar Castillo: Head Chef at Erie Pub.
• Allison Marie Wilson: On behalf of Councilor Worrell.
• Moment of Silence: Held in memory of the aforementioned individuals.

• Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 12 noon.
• Motion: To adjourn in memory of the aforementioned individuals.
• Vote:
  • For: All present Councilors.
  • Against: 0
  • Abstentions: 0
• Outcome: Adjourned.