City Council

November 5, 2025
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City Council Meeting Minutes

Governing Body: Boston City Council Meeting Type: City Council Meeting Meeting Date: November 05, 2025 at 12:00 PM Attendees: Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Councilor Liz Breadon, Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, Councilor Sharon Durkan, Councilor John Fitzgerald, Councilor Edward Flynn, Councilor Julia Mejia, Councilor Erin Murphy, Councilor Enrique Pepén, Councilor Henry Santana, Councilor Benjamin Weber, Councilor Brian Worrell.

Executive Summary

The City Council convened to approve previous meeting minutes, receive communications from the Mayor, and consider reports from various committees. Key actions included the passage of an ordinance to codify the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEAH) and the acceptance of a grant for pipeline emergency response training. The Council also adopted a resolution urging the City to certify with FEMA for the National Flood Insurance Program Community Ranking System. Presentations honored Health Care for All for their 40th anniversary and recognized Dr. Aisha Miller for her community leadership.

Invocation

  • Clergy: Father Federico Cinocca, Vice President of Mission and Ministry and Chaplain at Emmanuel College.
  • Introduction: Councilor Durkan introduced Father Cinocca and Emmanuel College President Beth Ross, highlighting President Ross's 20 years of service and leadership.
  • Invocation Summary: Father Cinocca, an immigrant, expressed gratitude for Boston's welcoming message and opportunities. He emphasized the importance of unity and building communion in political life, praying for the Council's wisdom and courage.
  • Pledge of Allegiance: Recited by all present.

Presentations

Presentation by Councilor Pepén: Recognizing Health Care for All

  • Purpose: To honor Health Care for All (HCFA) on their 40th anniversary for their advocacy in health equity and expanded coverage in Massachusetts.
  • Councilor Pepén's Remarks:
    • Praised HCFA's vision for equitable, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare.
    • Highlighted the importance of their work, especially when federal efforts aim to reduce coverage.
    • Acknowledged Robert Restuccio, HCFA's founding executive director, for his impact and for establishing a model used nationwide.
    • Stated HCFA handles over 20,000 calls annually from residents seeking health insurance.
  • Amy Rosenthal (Executive Director, Health Care for All) Remarks:
    • Expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing HCFA's community-grounded approach.
    • Mentioned their work includes taking calls in five languages, partnering with community-based organizations, running campaigns for health insurance access, and policy advocacy.
    • Listed community partners: Acidone, Agencia Alpha, Asian Women for Health, Boston Missionary Baptist Community Church, Resilient Women's Group, Resilient Workers Center, Center to Support Immigrant Organizing, Chinese Progressive Association, Immigrant Family Services Institute, La Alianza Hispana, Next Leadership Development, Ryan White Program, and the True Alliance Center.
  • Official Resolution:
    • Councilor Pepén read a resolution: "Be it further resolved that the Boston City Council extends its gratitude to Health Care for All, In recognition of over 40 years advocating for health justice in Massachusetts, your work addressing health equity, increasing affordable coverage, and passing legislation on comprehensive care has saved countless lives across our state. Your service has been vital in making our city and state one of the healthiest in the country today and tomorrow. Congratulations."
  • Outcome: Photo opportunity with Councilors.

Presentation by Councilor Murphy: Recognizing Aisha Miller

  • Purpose: To recognize Dr. Aisha Miller for her leadership and commitment to the community.
  • Councilor Murphy's Remarks:
    • Described Dr. Miller as a "true city leader" who advocates for her neighborhood and community.
    • Praised Dr. Miller's honesty and dedication.
    • Noted Dr. Miller was recently recognized by the South Boston Community Health Center.
  • Dr. Aisha Miller's Background:
    • Currently Vice President of Permitting, Community, and Corporate Engagement at Related Beal since 2022.
    • Previously held leadership roles in the City of Boston, including Chief of Civic Engagement Cabinet and Assistant Commissioner for Constituent Services.
    • Longtime resident and community advocate in Mattapan.
    • Journey from probation officer to city leader to Major Developer Partner.
  • Councilor Flynn's Remarks:
    • Recalled working with Dr. Miller in the probation department, noting her respect for probationers and focus on recovery, mental health services, and job training.
    • Emphasized her role in "saving so many lives" and never giving up on people.
  • Dr. Aisha Miller's Response:
    • Expressed gratitude for the honor, noting her pride as a "Mattapan girl."
    • Stressed the importance of government being "by the people for the people."
    • Acknowledged mentors Chief Dion Irish and Keith Williams, and Councilors Mejia and Worrell.
  • Outcome: Group photo with Councilors.

Approval of Minutes

  • Meeting Date: October 29, 2025
  • Vote:
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Minutes of the October 29, 2025 meeting were approved.

Communications from Her Honor, the Mayor

Docket Number 1951: Grant for Community Safety Initiative

  • Description: Message and Order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $100,000 in grant funding for the Community Safety Initiative.
  • Source: Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
  • Administered by: Office of Workforce Development.
  • Purpose: To fund the City of Boston's comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing gun, gang, and youth violence.
  • Outcome: Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

Docket Number 1952: Harvard Public Service Fellow Grant

  • Description: Message and Order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $25,000 in grant funding for the Harvard Public Service Fellow Grant.
  • Source: Harvard Center for Public Service and Engagement.
  • Administered by: Mayor's Office.
  • Purpose: To fund a Harvard Public Service fellow position in the Mayor's Office, supporting initiatives by the partnership team. (Note: This grant covers half of the fellow's payment, with the City covering the other half).
  • Vote (Suspension and Passage):
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Passed.

Reports of Public Officers and Others

Docket Number 1953: Appointment to Boston School Committee Nominating Panel

  • Description: Notice received from the Mayor regarding the appointment of Bethany Moffey as a member of the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel for a term expiring on November 3, 2027.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

Docket Number 1954: Mayor's Action on October 1, 2025 City Council Papers

  • Description: Notice received from the City Clerk regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of October 1, 2025, in accordance with Chapter Six of the Ordinances of 1979.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

Docket Number 1955: Mayor's Action on October 22, 2025 City Council Papers

  • Description: Notice received from the City Clerk regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of October 22, 2025, in accordance with Chapter Six of the Ordinances of 1979.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

Docket Number 1956: Commemoration Commission Progress Report

  • Description: Communication received from the Commemoration Commission of the report entitled "Commemoration Commission Progress Report July 20, 2025."
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

Docket Number 1957: Tax Amendment to Boston Zoning Code and Community Process

  • Description: Communication from Councilor Flynn regarding a tax amendment to the Boston Zoning Code and Community Process.
  • Councilor Flynn's Remarks:
    • Sent a letter to Chief Shen and Mayor Wu regarding a proposed text amendment to the Boston Zoning Code.
    • Proposal: To change adult entertainment from an allowed use to a conditional use, requiring a public process, particularly in Chinatown, Downtown Boston, and Bay Village.
    • Emphasized the need for respect and a thorough community process for communities of color.
    • Cited concerns from residents, including Ruth Moy, and the Chinese Progressive Association, regarding the lack of community process for adult entertainment establishments.
    • Stated this amendment should have been addressed "decades ago" due to ongoing concerns about public safety and quality of life.
  • Outcome: Placed on file.

Reports of Committees

Docket Number 1434: Ordinance Codifying the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement

  • Committee: Committee on Government Operations
  • Referral Date: August 6, 2025
  • Recommendation: Ought to pass in a new draft.
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata (Chair, Committee on Government Operations) Remarks:
    • Original Sponsors: Councilors Henry Santana, John Fitzgerald, and Benjamin Weber.
    • Purpose: To codify the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement (OYEAH) in the City of Boston, effective immediately upon passage and Mayoral approval.
    • Hearing Date: Monday, October 27, 2025.
    • Testimony:
      • Administrative Representatives: Jose Massot (Chief of Health and Human Services), Pedro Cruz (Executive Director of OYEAH).
      • Community Leaders: Michael Downing (Career Pathways Coach, Youth Guidance Boston), Camila Rojas Pinero (Beat the Odds), Caroline Foscato (Soccer Unity Project).
    • OYEAH's Role: Created in 2022 to unify and expand youth engagement (ages 14-25) through programs like Mayor's Youth Council, Youth Lead the Change, Youth Summit, Youth Line, Boston After Dark, and Youth Speaks Boston.
    • Staffing: Employs 11 staff, coordinates over 1,900 youth-serving professionals.
    • Codification Benefits: Ensures continuity beyond any single administration, reaffirms commitment to youth leadership, safety, and opportunity.
    • Hearing Questions: Focused on equitable service delivery across neighborhoods and budget operations.
    • Administration's Response: Prioritizing expansion to ages 19-25; addressing limited access in neighborhoods like Allston-Brighton through partnerships with BCYF, YMCA, and West End House; operating budget is adequate, supplemented by grants.
    • Amendments: Significant changes to "powers and duties" section to allow for program evolution and expansion, rather than specific program listings.
  • Councilor Santana (Lead Sponsor) Remarks:
    • Thanked Councilor Coletta Zapata for leadership.
    • Emphasized OYEAH's pivotal role in addressing youth needs, engaging them in policy, and connecting them with resources.
    • Stated codifying OYEAH is essential for long-term access to resources and making it part of the city's code.
    • Thanked "Santana's Youth Force" (citywide youth council) for drafting the ordinance and testifying.
  • Councilor Weber Remarks:
    • Thanked Councilors Santana and Fitzgerald.
    • Stated codifying OYEAH will support kids across the city, especially in areas like District 6 lacking mentors and full-time programming.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald Remarks:
    • Reflected on how Councilors' own youth engagement (e.g., Red Shirts program, Mayor's Youth Council) led to their adult civic involvement.
    • Highlighted the importance of OYEAH's programs in molding future city leaders.
    • Thanked Pedro Cruz and Lindsay for their work.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Councilor Breadon: Yes
    • Councilor Coletta Zapata: Yes
    • Councilor Durkan: Yes
    • Councilor Fitzgerald: Yes
    • Councilor Flynn: Yes
    • Councilor Louijeune: Yes
    • Councilor Mejia: Yes
    • Councilor Murphy: Yes
    • Councilor Pepén: Yes
    • Councilor Santana: Yes
    • Councilor Weber: Yes
    • Councilor Worrell: Yes
    • For: 12
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Docket Number 1434 passed.

Docket Number 1833: Pipeline Emergency Response Grant

  • Committee: Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice
  • Referral Date: October 22, 2025
  • Recommendation: Ought to pass.
  • Councilor Santana (Chair, Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice) Remarks:
    • Public Hearing: Held on April 25, 2025, with the Fire Commissioner and stakeholders.
    • Description: Message and Order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $99,476 in grant funding from the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline Emergency Response Grant.
    • Administered by: Fire Department.
    • Purpose: To fund training for emergency responders in high-consequence areas to protect people, property, and the environment from accidents involving gas or hazardous liquid pipelines.
    • Specific Use: Enhance the fire department's emergency response capabilities for a high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline in West Roxbury.
  • Vote:
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Committee report accepted, and Docket Number 1833 passed.

Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

Docket Number 1958: Order for a Hearing on the Establishment of a Committee on Civility

  • Sponsor: Councilor Flynn
  • Co-Sponsors Added: Councilor Worrell, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Mejia.
  • Councilor Flynn's Remarks:
    • Context: Rising partisan identity and political polarization, exacerbated by social media.
    • Importance: Government leaders and elected officials should model civility, professional conduct, and respectful disagreement.
    • Examples: Montana League of Cities, Nashville's ad hoc Civility Committee, Illinois Supreme Court's Commission on Professionalism, National League of Cities' recommendation for city governments to mediate difficult conversations.
    • Purpose of Hearing: To explore how Boston can address civility issues, learn from legal experts, nonprofits, and residents, and serve as a model for public discourse.
  • Outcome: Referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Docket Number 1959: Order for a Hearing to Allow for Monthly Property Tax Payments for Residents

  • Sponsor: Councilor Worrell
  • Co-Sponsors Added: Councilors Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Flynn, Louijeune.
  • Councilor Worrell's Remarks:
    • Partnership: Mass Senior Action Council.
    • Problem: Quarterly property tax billing, especially the January rate change, can lead to significant, sudden increases (thousands of dollars) with only 30 days to pay.
    • Impact: Homeowners with paid-off mortgages (often seniors on fixed incomes) face "cash tight" situations, unlike those with escrow payments.
    • Data: Residential taxes have risen significantly (at least 7% annually) since FY19.
    • Solution: Propose a voluntary monthly property tax payment option with auto-pay, similar to New York and Milwaukee.
    • Goal: Improve housing stability and budgeting for seniors and long-time homeowners.
  • Outcome: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Docket Number 1960: Resolution Urging the City of Boston to Certify with FEMA for the National Flood Insurance Program Community Ranking System

  • Sponsor: Councilor Flynn
  • Co-Sponsors Added: Councilors Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell, Louijeune.
  • Councilor Flynn's Remarks:
    • Context: Boston's reliance on ports, attractive waterfront neighborhoods, and increasing flood risk due to climate change (sea level rise, heavy precipitation).
    • Problem: Residents need affordable and dependable flood insurance.
    • NFIP: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program provides flood insurance.
      • Coverage: Building policies up to $2,500; content policies up to $100,000; commercial policies up to $500,000.
      • Discounts: Massachusetts policyholders can receive up to 20% discounts.
    • Certification: To qualify for discounts, cities must receive a Community Rating System (CRS) certification from FEMA.
    • Boston's Status: Boston has not yet applied, leading residents to pay higher costs.
    • Process: Application is lengthy and requires considerable administrative review but is "worthwhile."
    • Impact: Affects neighborhoods like South Boston, South Boston Waterfront, and Fort Point.
  • Councilor Coletta Zapata's Remarks:
    • Additional Context: Issue came to attention in 2023, working with Chris Osgood and Chief Brian Sweat.
    • Challenges: Requires significant administrative work, internal infrastructure, and systems for compliance.
    • CRS Requirements: Documentation of elevation certificates for new buildings/substantial improvements in floodplains, updated floodplain management practices.
    • Historical Context: Former administration (2016) promised participation by 2021, but it didn't happen.
    • Current Progress: Current administration has made progress, hiring the first floodplain administrator and implementing new practices in the Office of Climate Resilience, ISD, and other departments.
    • Anticipated Joining: Anticipates joining in 2026.
    • Government Shutdown Impact: Recent application has not been reviewed due to government shutdown.
  • Vote (Suspension of Rules and Adoption):
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Docket Number 1960 adopted.

Late Files

Late File Personnel Matter

  • Vote to Add to Agenda:
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Added to the agenda.
  • Description: Personnel Order, Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia.
  • Vote:
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Passed.

Consent Agenda

  • Additions: None.
  • Vote:
    • For: All present Councilors
    • Against: 0
    • Abstentions: 0
  • Outcome: Consent agenda adopted.

Announcements

  • Councilor Pepén:
    • Event: Veterans Day dinner in Hyde Park at the Fog Pulse on Sunday night at 6 p.m.
    • Purpose: To honor veterans in District 5.
  • Councilor Murphy:
    • Thanked Councilor Flynn (a veteran) and all veterans in Boston.
    • Acknowledged Commissioner Santiago and his department for supporting veterans, especially during the shutdown.
  • Councilor Flynn:
    • Thanked colleagues for supporting veterans and military families.
    • Working with Councilor Fitzgerald on a letter to congressional members to ensure veterans' voices are heard in Washington.
    • Highlighted Commissioner Santiago's work on "discharge under other than honorable conditions" for LGBTQ+ veterans, an issue he will continue to work on and potentially include in the letter.
  • Councilor Worrell:
    • Thanked Councilor Flynn and Shane for their service.
    • Event: Jace's Sensory Day (free, inclusive, sensory-friendly fun) on November 8th at the Thelmore Burns building from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Event: Fourth annual turkey drive with State Representative Worrell on November 15th. Volunteers needed.

Memorials

  • Council President Louijeune:
    • Setti Warren: Former Executive Director of Harvard's Institute of Politics and the first Black man to serve as mayor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Newton).
    • Michael Tavila: South End resident, community leader, recently working at Northeastern University, passed away due to a car accident.
  • Councilor Breadon:
    • Thomas Lally: Longtime Allston resident, graduated from St. Anthony's and Boston Technical High School. Served in the US Army Corps of Engineers, worked as a bricklayer, civil engineer (Prudential Center, Smith College), and taught in Boston Public Schools for over 25 years. Active member of St. Anthony's Parish and executive board member of the Allston Civic Association.
  • Moment of Silence: Held in memory of the aforementioned individuals.
  • Adjournment Motion: The Chair moved that the Council adjourn in memory of these individuals.

Adjournment

  • Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

Last updated: Nov 15, 2025

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