City Council

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at this time I ask that my colleagues and those in the audience to please silence their cell phones and electronic devices Also, pursuant to Rule 42, I remind all in the Chamber that no demonstration of approval or disapproval from members of the public will be permitted. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote to ascertain the presence of a quorum?

Councilor Breadon. Here. Caleta Zapata, Culpepper, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana. Weber and Councilor Worrell. A quorum is present.

And now it's my pleasure to invite my colleague, Councilor-at-Large Julia Mejia forward to introduce today's clergy. Following the reverend's invocation we will

Good afternoon everyone. It is a privilege to recognize a remarkable faith leader, educator and community advocate. The Reverend Dr. Gregory Gruber Sr. is the pastor of the historic Charles Street AME Church in Roxbury. For more than three decades, Reverend Groover has been a pillar of strength, faith and leadership in our Boston community. His commitment to service extends far beyond the walls of the church from championing educational equity and expanding after-school programming opportunities to serving the Boston Public School Committee, including as its chair. Reverend Groover has dedicated his life to ensuring that our young people and families have the resources and opportunities they deserve. Through his leadership with the Black Ministerial Alliance, and his countless contributions to community organizations

He has demonstrated what it truly means to lead with faith, compassion and purpose. Reverend Groover reminds us that true leadership is not measured by titles but by the lives that we uplift and the doors that we open for others. On behalf of the Boston City Council, we thank you for your unwavering commitment to our city, your advocacy for our children and your continued service to our communities. Reverend Groover, thank you being a voice for justice A champion for education and a blessing to the city of Boston. It is truly an honor to have invited you to deliver today's invocation. We are grateful for your presence, and for the wisdom and spiritual leadership you continue to share with our city. And at this time, I'd like all of us to welcome Reverend Dr. Gregory Groover Sr. To lead us in today's invocation. Come on down.

And while you're coming down, I just want to also uplift Ms. Clark who runs the pantry alongside you all and also for all of her leadership so I wanna give a shout out Gwendolyn if she's tuning in.

Thank you and let us pray Dear all holy one, our God, our Yahweh. Our true endless provider from whom all blessings flow Our duly elected and duly bound city councilors gather also as your chosen servants to continue accomplishing your will for a better Boston built on justice and equality for all people. We as residents of this city, we are immeasurably grateful for your raising up these 13 ordinary citizens who have been divinely called to shoulder your extraordinary work of governing this city.

Our prayer at the beginning of this session is that you will not only speak over them and to them, but oh God, you will also speak through them in their discernment In their deliberations and in their decisions, pour not only your wisdom into their heads, your work into their hands but your very will into their hearts. Help them to hear with their own ears the cries of the many who are suffering, who are without, who have been left behind and who live from day to day. Barely. Make known your vision, O God, for such a time as this to all the members of this distinguished body. Convict them with your courage Grace them with your grit.

Strengthen them with you steadfastness. Deed them with determination and empower them to no end with your endeavor to bring about a better Boston. God, it is what you have dreamt for this city So now dream it into the very souls of these city councilors so that we will all see and witness and experience a greater day in this city. Yes, have your way today, oh Lord. In the work of these city councilors and all of the City Council staff members may we rise to become a city on even a higher hill because of what is transacted in this chamber on this day and at this hour.

And may that work be in your name, and it's in your Name that we pray, and let us all say Amen.

of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Reverend. Thank you for joining us today. I've been informed that Councillor Culpepper has joined us. We now on to the first order of business, which is the approval of the minutes from the meeting of October 21st, 2026. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it and the minutes of the October 21st meeting are approved. We're now on to communications from our honourable Mayor. Mr Clerk, could you please read dockets 2025 and 2026 together?

Stock in number 2025, message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $2,409,496 and 20 cents in the form of a grant, the WIOA Youth Program Grant awarded by the United States Department of Labor. Passed through the Masaya Department of Career Services to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund a comprehensive youth employment program to serve eligible youth ages 14 through 24 who face barriers to education, training and employment. Docket number 2026. Message of note authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $1,822,840.20 in the form of a grant WIOA Adult Activities 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 will fund services to help job seekers access employment, education, skills training, apprenticeships and support services.

Thank you Mr Clerk. Dockets 2025 and 2026 will be referred to the Committee on Labour and Economic Development Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2027?

Docket number 2027, message in order. Authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $760,000 in the form of a grant For the Fiscal Year 27 Hazardous Materials Response Team Air Mock Grant awarded by the Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to be administered by the Fire Department. The grant will fund the needs of the Boston Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team per line item 8000 through 0600 of the fiscal year 27 General Appropriations Act.

Thank you. The Chair recognises Councillor Santana, the chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. This grant funded by the State's Office of Public Safety and Security will directly go to supporting the work of the Boston Fire Department and help fund the Hazardous Materials Response Team through July of next year More commonly known as the Hazmat Team or simply HAZMAT, this team of vital importance to our city and helps residents feel safe when they are exposed to potentially dangerous chemical spills, offensive orders, or much worse. As a chair of public safety of this committee, I recommend that docket numbers 2027 ought to pass.

Thank you. Councillor Santana seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket 2027. All in favour say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Docket 2027 has passed. Mr Clerk, could you please read dockets 2028 and 2029 together?

Stocking number 2028, message in honor of the rising city of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $300,000 in the form of a grant. Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Fellow, awarded by Harvard University to be administered by the law department. The grant would fund a city leadership fellow who will serve as a partner with city departments in the Advancement of City Programs and Policies, docket number 2029. Message not authorized in the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $190,105.22 in the form of a grant Apprenticeship Building America awarded by the United States Department of Labor to be administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The grant will fund equity pathways

from pre-apprenticeships to registered apprenticeships in the hospitality, construction, healthcare and life sciences industries for underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

Thank you. Dockets 2028 and 2029 will be referred to the Committee on Labour and Economic Development. Mr Clerk, could you please record that Councillor Coletta has joined us? Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2030?

Docket number 2030, message in order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend the amount of $187,000 in the form of a grant, East Boston Foundation Fund II awarded by the Massachusetts Port Authority to be administered by the Age Strong Commission. The grant will fund the Age-Strong Commission's operations and Management of the East Boston Senior Center.

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

Thank Madam Chair. I'm asking my colleagues today to suspend the rules and pass Docket 2030 which is authorizing the city to accept and expend the $187,000 grant from Massport's East Boston Foundation Fund and it will be administered through Aid Strong Commission. This grant specifically is going to pay for the salaries of the center's director, an assistant director who do a wonderful job And as the Chair of Human Services, I'm asking that we pass this today. We know that East Boston is just one of two senior centers that's operated by Age Strong across the city and these spaces give our older residents a place to connect with neighbors, stay active, and access support. For seniors living alone that daily connection can make an enormous difference as we all know so making sure that this grant gets Where it needs to go, I'm asking that we suspend and pass today. Thank you.

Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call? Vote on docket 2-0 3-0.

Councilor Breadon. Yes. Councillor Breadon, yes. Councillor Coletta Zapata, yes, Councillor Culpepper, Councilor Culpeper, yes Councillor Durkan Durkin, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy Vepen, Councilor Santana. Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes. And Council Worrell? Councilor Worrell, yes Docket number 2030 has received 12 votes in the affirmative

Thank you Mr. Clerk, docket 2030 has passed. Mr. clerk could you please read docket 2031?

Docket number 2031 message in order for the confirmation of the appointment of Mercy Robinson as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeal for a term expiring May 1, 2029.

Chair recognizes Councilor Dirk.

Thank you so much. So we just had our hearing on the ZBA nominations Mercy Robinson, it was filed late by the administration but she's also I know a lot of us know her. She is the executive director of South Boston and Accion A grassroots organization working to empower low-income and Afro Latinx residents in South Boston. I know that she was actually Councilor Santana's designee for ABCD and also has received recognition through the council for, through Erin Murphy before. And she's been recognized as an extraordinary community leader by this council so I was hoping that my colleagues would I want to let my colleagues who know her personally. I speak to her nomination, but based on her resume has accomplished a lot.

This is an alternate position so often they don't sit immediately in making decisions But wanted to make sure that we got this through before the end of the year. Thank you.

Thank You chair back nice country Murphy before thank you Just rise in support of this suspension and pass I know she would have been here if she had We've gotten this in, in time. I just recently many of you if you were here for our Latino Heritage Month celebration she was the woman I chose to come in and honor for all of her work not just in South Boston and one thing that stood out is when she was here, she knew Henry in the hallway and spoke with so many of our colleagues and many of the other awardees. So she's very invested in this city, invested in our neighborhoods One of her big messages is activating and supporting all people in BHA to get out and vote. So I think highly of her, and just hope that all of our colleagues will support this today. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have had the opportunity to know Mercy Robinson for probably eight or nine years and have seen the incredible work the South Boston Accion have done throughout public housing in South Boston, especially supporting people of color and throughout the community. Not just at public housing but supporting all residents Fighting for Social, Economic, Racial Justice. I'm looking forward to voting yes in favor of Mercy because I know her background. Commitment to public leadership, although that's up to the city councilors whether or not we want to have hearings on Zoning Board of Appeals members.

I'll leave that for others, but it does take away from the City Council to play a role in at least talking to a recommended person to be on the board. I do think it gives an opportunity for the city councilors to understand what their thinking is about zoning-related issues, how important zoning is. What the community engagement process is, but in the city bylaws it does give the opportunity for the City Council to have and to understand and hear from The members, whether or not we want to have those formal hearings or not I guess is another question. But I'm voting in favor of this but I would encourage my colleagues going forward

if we could please at least have the opportunity to meet with the ZBA people that are being proposed so we have an understanding of what their philosophy is. I attended the recent ZBA hearing I was one of only a few City Councilors that were present. But, I do want to encourage my City Council colleagues to attend these meetings because they are important and if you are interested in development and zoning it's an opportunity to figure out what their Positions are on certain issues, but again want to encourage City Councilors to attend zoning these meetings because the attendance we had recently was very poor. Thank you Madam Chair

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. The chair recognizes Councillor Louijeune.

You have the floor. Thank you Madam Chair. I rise to enthusiastically support Mercy's nomination as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. She is fantastic, she's intelligent She's dedicated and so committed to community. I could think of very few other people, Mercy really is meritorious in this position. Not only has she been celebrated by this council but she was here last week offering public testimony taking time I don't need to hear anything else. and Community Leader. And I am so looking forward to voting yes, and I just want to thank Mercy for all of her incredible leadership with South Boston Annexion, Boston Harbor Now, and everything that she does for this city, especially in this moment. She's also been very proactive in reaching out to our office in terms of the fear that immigrant communities have been facing herself, Boricua.

But really just caring about everyone in her community so I just want to thank Mercy follow the incredible work that she does for our city. And I will be voting in the affirmative, thank you.

Thank you, Councilor Louijeune. Chair recognizes Councillor Santana. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to rise today and echo my colleague's comments that I've known Mercy for a few years now. And she is one of my favorite residents here in the city of Boston. There are very few people who are who work harder than her, who shows up for community like her and does it with such a smile with so much love. and as someone who grew up in BHA, I think someone who is from BHA and who represents BHA would be a great addition to the zoning board. I will be supporting this and I encourage all my colleagues to do the same. Thank you

Thank you, Councilor Santana. Chair recognizes Councilor Mejia. You have the floor.

Thank you Madam President and I rise to enthusiastically support Mercy's nomination and I want to note for the record a few things is that I'm glad that Councilor Durkan set the stage. and identifying the fact that so many of us know this particular candidate. So, that is a good practice that if people know who they are then we should feel really comfortable and confident in supporting folks. And I also want to note for the record We could talk about this later. I'm going to keep my comments to myself. I'll just say that.

Very good, thank you. Durkan, the Chair of the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation seeks suspension of the rules in passage of 2031. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr. Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on DACA 2031?

Councillor Breadon.

Yes.

Councillor Bradon, yes. Councillor Coletta Zapata, yes, Councillor Culpepper, yes Councillor Durkan Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén Santana? Yes. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes Council Weber, yes and Council Worrell? Yes, Councilor Worrell, yes Docket number 2031 has received 12 votes in the affirmative

Thank you Mr Clerk. Docket 2031 has passed Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2032?

Docket number 2032 message in order for the confirmation of the appointment of new constables authorized to serve civil process upon the filing of their bonds for the period commencing May 1st, 2026 and ending April 30th, 2029.

Thank you, Madam President. This order ensures that several new and qualified constables are properly appointed and authorized to serve civil process on behalf of the City of Boston supporting the efficient administration of judicial system confirmation of these persons As Constables of the City of Boston, we authorize such constables to serve civil process upon filing a bond for the period commencing May 1st, 2026 and ending on April 30th, 2029. As chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, I recommend that docket number 2032 ought to pass. And I just want to name the people here. We have John Johnson of Roxbury. Steven Melchin of Rosindale, David Pierre of Dorchester, Sherita Rainey of Rosendale, Robert Scali of Charlestown and Mackenzie Williams of Hyde Park. Thank you.

Santana seeks suspension of the rules and confirmation of docket 2032. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr Clerk, could you please take a roll call vote on docket

Brayden. Yes. Councilor Braydon, yes. Council Collar-Zapata? Yes. Councillor Collar Zapata, yes, Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan? Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana. Council Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes. Council Webber, yes and council Worrell? Yes Council Worrell, yes Docket number 2032 has received 11 votes in the affirmative Thank you docket 2032 to has been confirmed

We are now on to reports of public officers and others. As per rule 39, no remarks or communications from councillors. Mr Clerk could you please read dockets 2033 through 2040?

DOCUMENT NUMBER 2033 NOTICE RECEIVED BY THE MAYOR OF THE APPOINTMENT Employee Management Trustee of the City of Boston AFSCME Council 93 AFL-CIO Housing Trust Fund for a term expiring January 10, 2028. DOCUMENT NUMBER 2034, NOTICE RECEIVED FROM THE MAYOR. THE APPOINTMENT OF MAYA GETTER AS AN EMPLOYER MANAGEMENT TRUSTEE OF THE CITY OF BOSTON AFSCME COUNSEL 93 AFLCIO HOUSING TRUST FUND for term expiring January 10th, 2028. Notice received from the mayor, excuse me, docket number 2035. Notice to receive from the Mayor of the appointment of Lauren Healy As an Employer Management Trustee of the City of Boston, ask me Council 93 AFL-CIO Housing Trust Fund for a term expiring January 10th, 2028. Doctrine number 2036.

Notice received from the mayor, the appointment of Lou Mandarini as an employer management trustee of the City of Boston AFSCME Council 93 AFL-CIO Housing Trust Fund for a term expiring January 10, 2028. Dock number 2037. Notice was received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979 regarding action taken by the Mayor on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of September 30th, 2026. Docket number 2038, notes received from the City Clerk in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Ordinances of 1979. We got an action taken by the Mayor. on papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of October 7, 2026. Document number 2039. Communication received from Councillor Flynn regarding Block Party

in South Boston, 20, docket number 2040. Communication was received from Timothy Smith, Executive Director of the Boston Retirement Board. He got an appointment of Dennis C Callahan, Esquire as the fifth board member of the boston retirement board for a term commencing on January 15th 2027 and expiring on January 15, 2030 Dock number 2041, the constable bonds of Ron Cobb, Burton, Malkovsky, Alexa.

Mr Clerk, I think 2041 you're going to. Thank you, Mr Clerk. Thank you. Docket 2033 through 2040 will be placed on file. Mr.

Clerk, could you please read docket 2041? Docket number 2041, the Council of Barnes and Ron Cobb Burton, Malkowski, Alexa McNeil and Rosaline Torres having been duly approved by the Collector Treasurer were received.

Thank you. Docket 2041 is approved under the usual terms and conditions. We're on now to matters recently heard. Mr Clerk, could you please read dockets 0180 and 0870?

0180, order for a hearing to discuss resources for the Boston Police Crime Laboratory. And document number 0870, order in custody deaths at the Suffolk County House of Correction and systemic factors contributing to mortality in custody.

Thank you. The chair recognizes Councillor Santana, the Chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. On Monday afternoon I was joined by my colleagues Councillor Murphy, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louijeune, Councillor Culpepper who is a sponsor, Councillor Mejia who's a sponsor Weber, and additionally Council President Breadon sent a letter of absence. We heard powerful testimony from panelists, from Prisoners Legal Services, Mass Bail Fund, the ACLU of Massachusetts, Families for Justice as Healing, and the Material Aid and Advocacy Program. The committee also heard very moving testimony from Ms. Drusilla Brown, the mother of Shakopee Kenny. The public and panelists spoke to the unacceptable rise in deaths at the Suffolk County House of Corrections where more than 20 individuals have died in the last five years. We heard testimony about illegal chokeholds, restrained techniques that include kneeling on the neck or back and sexual assault.

Panelists and public testifiers repeatedly emphasize a pattern of behavior that identified the Suffolk County House of Corrections as having the worst conditions of any facility that they have studied or, for some, been detained in. As the chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I recommend that docket number 0870 remain in committee. I would also like to give the opportunity now to Councilor Culpepper who is the lead sponsor of this to say a few words as well.

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

Thank you Chair Santana for holding Monday's hearing on docket number 0870. Councilors Mejia and Worrell for joining Me as original co-sponsors. I also want to thank my colleagues, my council colleagues who attended and especially the advocates panelists and members of the public who participated. I particularly recognize Ms. Drusilla Brown, the mother of Shakobi Kinney for her courage in sharing her experience and continuing to advocate for accountability following her son's death Monday's hearing was passionate and at times deeply emotional. I am grateful that those emotions and experiences could be expressed in a public forum before the City Council, and that residents of families had an opportunity to make their voices heard.

I also want to thank the advocates and public testifiers who use their own speaking time to read testimony from individuals currently in custody, who are able to testify themselves Their willingness to ensure their voices were included in the public record was especially meaningful. I remain hopeful that we can work collaboratively with the Sheriff's Department moving forward. I look forward to additional hearings where we can hear directly from individuals in custody and continue examining the systemic issues contributing to deaths, injuries, and conditions within Suffolk County Correctional Facilities. Thank you Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Culpepper.

Councilor Santana?

There's a few. Yeah, sorry. You want to continue? Thank you Madam President. I just wanted to—I failed to recognize that Councilor Worrell who is also sponsor of this docket was present at the hearing. Thank you.

Councillor Murphy? Yes Madam President, thank you. Through the Chair I'm wondering if the chair of the committee is going to speak on docket 0180 that Council Flynn and I were lead sponsors of? Yeah, they were.

They read both of them.

Councillor, Chair, will you go to speak on the other docket? Yeah, yeah, they're both read together. Thank you.

Yes, thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Councilor Murphy. On docket number 0180 on Monday morning I was joined by my colleagues, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Fitzgerald Weber, and Councilor Worrell. Unfortunately we did not have any panelists prepared to testify I echo the words of my colleagues and fellow councillors that it is imperative that we get answers about pressing issues concerning the crime lab including what the plan is to begin meeting the state mandated deadline of testing sexual assault kits within 30 days. I plan to work with the lead sponsor, Councilor Flynn, to get another hearing on the calendar soon and a short oversight of this issue. As the chair of the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, I recommend that document 0180 be made in committee and will obviously give the lead sponsor or my sponsors any words they want to say thank you.

Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank You Madam Chair thank you council Santana for chairing this hearing I hold this hearing of support the chair to have a crime lab hearing because Previously, the Boston Police Crime Lab was in violation of state law and not testing sexual assault kits within 30 days on the lack of adequate staffing and stable leadership With no director for years, not using the most advanced technology in Y-screening. In my opinion it's one of the most important hearings we hold as a body. Like Councilor Santana mentioned I was disappointed to hear almost 30 minutes before the hearing that no one from the city or the Boston police, the acting directors of the crime lab would attend. Survivors of sexual assault deserve to know that their evidence is handled efficiently, properly

With care, I've since taken the proactive step to request the Massachusetts Forensic Science Oversight Board to investigate the Boston Police Crime Lab. Survivors should receive an update on whether there is a new director of the crime lab As this body knows from our previous hearings, the former director left on unpaid for several years. We might have a new interim director already. It's also unclear if the Boston police is finally using Y-screening A DNA testing technique that is utilized by the Mass State Police and New York City police. The crime lab noted that they have applied for a grant to obtain instruction to perform Y screening and that current staffing, budget, and facilities they would not be able to accommodate the change to Y screening without additional funding, staffing, and support. While the City Council

supported my efforts previously to get funding for the crime lab. What is clear is that the Boston City Council needs to get off the sidelines and use our oversight authority as municipal governing body This body, as I mentioned previously allocated over one million to staffing levels and technology upgrades. Only for Boston Police in the crime lab to say it never was appropriated. As a body we owe it to survivors of Crime, Victims of Crime. They are families to exercise our authority with urgent examination and intervention to ensure that the Boston police crime is operating successfully, complying with state regulations and assisting in bringing justice to our survivors of sexual assault. There are also other several unanswered questions regarding who is in leadership right now.

I'm asking for an investigation by the state into the Boston Police Crime Lab, and if the state doesn't do them, I'm and Investigation by the US Attorney. Survivors of sexual assault deserve justice, this crime lab is not providing it. Thank you Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you to the chair for holding this hearing and Councilor Flynn already spoke eloquently on why we had this hearing in the important questions we had It was disappointing that nobody came. We got an email just 15 minutes prior from the administration that no one was coming. I did read later in the media, even though I never heard directly from the police department, that they've already come before us, they said to speak on this issue but I just want to be clear that when we continue to have questions and there's concerns and issues that are not closed, and we still need to advocate for these services. We need to make sure we continue To hold hearings and do whatever we can in our power to get What we need done. So I just want to be clear that if we hold this hearing again, that I hope all of our colleagues will work together to make sure that when the administration doesn't show up

to make sure that we can get answers we need. So thank you and looking forward to asking them the questions we need answers too.

Docket 0180 and 0870 will remain in committee. We're now on to motions, orders and resolutions. A reminder that under Rule 39, remarks on new matters not up for a vote today She'll be limited to three minutes for the lead sponsor and two minutes for co-sponsors. Mr Clerk, could you please read docket 2042.

Document number 2042, Councillor Culpepper offer the following petition for a special law an act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers from Marcus Alexis.

Chair recognizes Councilor Culpepper, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam President. Madam President I'm following this home rule petition On behalf of my constituent and fellow Roxbury resident, Marcus Alexis. To waive the minimum age requirement for original appointment to the Boston Police Department Mr. Alexis grew up in Roxbury, graduated from Brighton High School before earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from North Carolina Central Universities and a master's degree counseling. Throughout his career He has dedicated himself to public service, working in corrections, youth services, mental health counseling and crisis intervention. After returning to Roxbury in 2017 Mr. Alexis worked as a clinician with the Department of Youth Services, supporting young people facing significant challenges.

For approximately the past five years he has served as a co-response clinician with Bess in Roxbury working alongside Boston police officers to assist residents experiencing mental health crisis. Mr. Alexis also serves as a Crisis Intervention Team Instructor, training new and veteran police officers A mental health and effective crisis response. He is one of three clinicians serving on the Boston Police Department's Community Neighborhood Trauma Team and has received multiple recommendations, commendations and civilian citations from the Department for its service. Mr. Alexis brings a unique combination of professional experience, compassion and deep roots in the community he hopes to continue serving. His background in mental health and crisis intervention, combined with his longstanding commitment to Roxbury would make him a valuable asset

to the Boston Police Department. I ask my colleague's support on this home rule petition, to give Mr. Alexis an opportunity to fulfill his lifelong goal of becoming a Boston police officer and continue his commitment to serving people in the city of Boston. Madam President, I would like to request suspension of the rules to vote on the passage of this docket. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Murphy, Councillor Santana, Councillor Weber, Councillor Worrell and please add the chair. Culpepper seeks suspension of the rules and passage of docket number 2042. All in favour say aye, all opposed say nay. Mr Clerk could you please take a roll call vote on dockets? 2042.

Councilor Brayton?

Yes.

Council Braydon, yes. Council Coletta Zapata? Yes Councilor Coletta-Zapata, yes Councilor Culpepper? Council Culpeper, yes Councillor Durkan? Yes Councillor Durkin, yes Fitzgerald, yes. Councilor Flynn? Yes. Council Flynn, yes, Councilor Louijeune. Council Mejia? Yes Councilor Mejía, yes Councilor Murphy? Yes councilor Murphy, yes councilor Pepén. Council Santana? Santana, yes. Council Weber?

Yes.

Councilor Weber, yes and Council Worrell? Yes, Councilor Worrell, yes, Council Louisiane?

Yes

Louieune, yes. Docket number 2042 has received 12 votes in the affirmative.

Thank you. Dockets 2042 have passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2043?

Docket number 2043, Councilor Coletta Zapata for the following. Order for a hearing to discuss the opportunity gap for young women and women of color.

Thank you. The chair recognizes Councillor Coletta Zapata. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. May I add Councillor Louijan as second co-sponsor and then suspend the rules and add Councillor Mejia as an original third co- sponsor?

Councillor Louijeune and Councillor Mejiua? Yes. Contra-Louijeune is added as a second and seeing and hearing no objections, Contra Mejia's added as the third.

Thank you so much. I'm proud to offer this hearing order to examine the opportunity gap facing young women and women of color in the city of Boston. As somebody who has spent much of my career working to create pathways for women in leadership, I know firsthand how important mentorship and access to opportunities can be. We also know that talent and ambition are sometimes not enough when systemic barriers continue to determine who gets access to resources, professional networks, and educational opportunities. This conversation is important right now in this country's history. We're witnessing regressive attacks from the federal administration on DEI initiatives, along growing misogyny and efforts to undermine progress women have fought for for generations to achieve. We can't allow the political climate in DC to dictate whether young girls in Boston have access to opportunities that help them succeed. That's why I want this hearing to be solutions oriented. How can we step up as a city to support organizations doing this critical work? How can formalize partnerships with BPS and BCYF?

and more importantly, how do we institutionalize these opportunities so they aren't dependent on private philanthropic Philanthropy. Excuse me, philanthropy funding DEI initiatives or not funding DEIs and I won't name the organization but we had a meeting recently where they said that they lost millions of dollars because this one bank refused to fund their organization because they qualified under DEI. It's just tragic, and this is what this hearing is really about to try to combat. And so, to my knowledge it's been a long time since we've had a dedicated conversation specifically regarding the challenges facing young women in this city and so I'm really looking forward to it and thank you to my co-sponsors for signing on. And I look forward to discussion and figuring out what some of the solutions are to this, thank you.

Thank you Councilor Culetta Zapata. Chair recognizes Councilor Louijeune, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam Chair and thank you to Councilor Coletta Zapata for this filing it's incredibly important that we make sure that our young women and our young girls our young black and brown girls have opportunities in this city to see themselves I want to thank the maker for this filing and I also want to think all of the organizations that do this work a part of a few of them. And it's really important that we are doing everything we can to uplift mentorship and support My first jobs, I was very lucky to have two great first jobs. They were both led by black women and it's important And so I really am grateful for having that experience as a girl who grew up here, see the opportunities that existed that didn't exist and to make sure we are doing everything we can for all of our young girls especially our black and brown girls. to make sure that they have opportunity.

Want to give a shout out to the Office of Women's Advancement, they just had really wonderful Girls Empowerment Day where a lot of community members came out and really celebrated and loved on our young girls This is part of the work that's happening. We need to make sure that we are funneling support and dollars to organizations that are caught in the headwinds of this administration, this federal administration's attempt to roll back Our commitments to equity, thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Councilor Coletta for adding me as an original co-sponsor. This hearing focuses on the barriers young women and young women of color face in accessing educational, economic, and other types of opportunities. And I want to thank the maker for including language around culturally affirming programming, and for addressing the importance of understanding the intersection of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors that can limit access and resources to professional networks, mentoring and pathways to success. This is a topic that matters deeply to me as a woman of color, especially as an Afro-Latina. My presence on this body as the first Afro Latina elected to the Boston City Council demonstrates how many barriers still exist for young women and particularly young women of color that Boston has never had an Afro-Latina on the council until my first election in 2019 is a testament to the lack of equity and accessibility, professional and other settings.

Our office has historically worked on equity and accessible workforce development and economic opportunities from hiring, firing and promotional practices. And we look forward to continuing this advocacy alongside others who deeply I just want to shout out the Chica Project. Not only am I a woman of color, but I'm also a little bit rough around the edges and we're not...I've had to learn how to be in all these different types of spaces that Bennett, and the Chica Project really helped me understand that no matter how I am or wherever I am, that I should not leave myself at the door to make other people feel comfortable. And I think a lot of young women, particularly young women of color always have this I think it's really important for us to understand that not only is just giving them access to these opportunities for young women, not just young women of color but young women who lack from low-income neighborhoods

also understand that they are seen, that they're affirmed and we do everything in the city to not only uplift them but fight for them. Thank you.

Thank You Councilor Mejia. Would anyone like to add their name? Culpepper, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Murphy, Santana, Weber, Worrell. Docket 2043 will be referred to the Committee on Labour and Economic Development. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2044?

Docket number 2044. Councilor Mejia offer the following. Order for a hearing to assess how best... How to best implement an elected Boston School Committee to improve Boston Public Schools service provision, programming, community engagement processes and other duties and responsibilities.

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

All right. So first I just want to thank Madam President for allowing me to speak and also I want to make sure that we read into the record that I'm adding Councilor Worrell as a second co-sponsor and I want to suspend the rules and add Councilor Santana as an original third co- sponsor.

So, Councilor Worrell is added as a 2nd and seeing and hearing no objections, Councilors Santana's added as 3rd.

And I also want to know for the record in case Councilor Culpepper tries to get at me. I know you wanted to be part of this, but Councilor Santana got to me first. So I also would like to, and I already acknowledged you. As the chair of education, I want to ensure that my committee does its due diligence in ensuring that equitable educational services and programs are improved by the implementation at any proposal to reorganize the school committee, such as changing it to an elected body. BPS has many duties and responsibilities included but not limited to service provision programming community engagement processes and we must have Always be looking for ways to strengthen the educational and administrative work of BPS, and systemic changes in BPS Thank you.

I have seen the gaps that exist in BPS from multiple perspectives and believe that we can address them through bringing democracy into more BPS processes. I look forward to this conversation and the possibilities of advancing BPS and the state of education in our city. I just want to note for the record that we have a Home Rule Petition, so this is different than the Home Rule petition. What we wanna do is host this hearing in my committee So that we can really move the needle forward. What I have seen here is that you know, the appetite for change sometimes comes at the expense of whether or not people are interested in having those conversations and as the chair of education, I'm committed to making sure that the advocates who have been fighting for an elected school committee have a platform to be able to discuss what it would look like to make it happen. And so for me this is just another opportunity to have a different conversation and I look forward to hosting it.

And finally, hopefully getting it to a place where we can actually bring it back through Councilor Coletta's office eventually vote on something like this. I think that we've gotten to the point that we have to learn how to utilize the master's tools if we want to get anything done here, so i'm using the masters tools to do just that hosting a hearing in my committee so we can move it along thank you Thank you, Councilor Mejia.

The Chair recognizes Councilor Worrell. You have the floor.

Thank you Madam President and thank you to Councilor Mehia. I'm always appreciative of your collaborative approach bringing out only advocates but all the stakeholders to the table to discuss issues that are concerning all of us as a city. Our residents, our city residents have been loud and clear on what they want and our job is to deliver that for them I also want to just take the moment and acknowledge the service and the work of Chair Robinson, who years have served on the school committee and has dedicated Thank you for joining us. during this time that we're bringing up school committee, but looking forward to working with stakeholders, counselors, residents, advocates in the city of Boston on how we can move forward on an elected school committee. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilor Santana, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam President and I want to thank Councilor Mejia for adding me as an original co-sponsor to this docket and for your continued advocacy on education reform. The lack of an elected school committee At its core, a democracy and access issue. The Boston School Committee is the only non-elected school board in the state of Massachusetts for BPS students and parents. Oftentimes public comment during a school committee meeting is their only opportunity to have input on this body, which has a huge role in their lives. Public comment should also not be the only source of resource for families where students or parents often recount concerning stories involving IEPs, transportation issues, non-responsive school administrators and a host of other issues. In a city as large as Boston with a proud culture of education and democracy A school district with over 40,000 children should have an elected school board. I'm looking forward to the conversation. Thank you

Flynn, Councilor Durkan, Louijeune, Murphy, Weber and please add the chair. Docket 2044 will be referred to the Committee on Education. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2045?

Docket number 2045. Councillor Murphy offered the following order for a hearing to review Boston's updated 3-1-1 system Service Request Management and Accountability.

Chair recognizes Country Murphy. Country, you have the floor.

Thank you. I rise to introduce Docket 2045 which is a hearing order to review Boston's updated New and improved 311 system in how service requests are managed and accountability for getting those requests resolved. At two hearings last week, One was with the Transportation Department on blocked crosswalks and another one later in the week with roading control Both of the panels reference to the new system we have in place, which I wasn't even aware that we have introduced a new 311 system. So, and I had a nice conversation with the Director Ergie about this. So I feel like this hearing will give us on the Council some great information we need because for many residents we know 311 is their first point of contact with city government Whether they're reporting a pothole, missed trash pickup, a broken street light or rat problem, they deserve clear information and follow through.

With these updates, I'm looking forward to hear what the new process looks like from the moment someone submits a request to when the problem is actually addressed. and how are requests assigned, who takes responsibility which we know many times a call will cover more than one department is involved. And that is where I hear often in my office There's a breakdown and follow through when there's not just one point person for an issue. So I'm looking forward to holding this hearing. I'm hoping to have it before the year is out so we are ready and prepared, and we understand What these new improvements will mean for our residents and for our offices also. What information we can get with this new system to support the customer service that we all do for our residence, so thank you

Thank you, Councillor Murphy. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Louijeune, Councillor Mejia, Councillor Santana, Councillor Weber, Councillor Worrell. Please add the chair. Docket 2045 will be referred to the Committee on City Services. Since the Vice President is not present, Councillor Culpepper would you mind taking the chair for a few minutes? Oh, that's Mr. Clerk.

Could you please read docket 2046? Document 2046, Council of Breadon and Louijeune offer the following. Order for a hearing guiding the proposed changes on the 2030 Census under Code of Federal Regulations Part 60 and Part 70.

Chair recognizes Councilor, President Breadon. Councilor you have the floor Good

Thank you Mr. Chair, and I'd like to add Councillor Louijeune as a co-sponsor. And I'd also like to suspend the rules and add Councillor Weber as an original co-Sponsor

There being no objections, Councillor Weber is added as a co-sponsor.

Thank you. I'd also like to thank Councillor Mejia for her support on this issue. The Census Bureau has proposed permanent changes to the 2030 bicentennial census that threatens to fundamentally alter who gets counted in our city. One of these changes, known as Part 60 would limit the census population to US citizens and lawful permanent residents A direct repudiation of the Constitution and over 200 years of precedent. This change will exclude many of our neighbours, including refugees, asylum seekers, visa holders and undocumented residents. It would also change how residency is determined By counting people based on where they spend the greatest number of days during a specific period of the year. For Boston that could create significant inaccuracies affecting snowbirds Students, and My Immigrant Families.

Another proposed change known as Part 70 would remove detailed race and ethnicity questions from the census itself and instead rely on the American Community Survey which reaches only a sample of households. While surveys can provide useful information, they're not designed to deliver the same level of precision as a full census count. Relying on sample estimates creates a margin of error that negatively impacts local demographic accuracy threatening How over $2.8 trillion in federal resources are distributed across more than 350 federal assistance programs. Excluding populations and altered residency rules will disproportionately impact the City of Boston. As of the 2020 Census, the City was already significantly undercounted by 25,000 people. Under these proposed changes

It is estimated that upwards of 80,000 individuals may be excluded from the count in Boston. The data collected through the census shapes political representation It informs our redistricting process. It also determines our congressional districts and our representation in Congress It guides policy decisions and determines how trillions of federal dollars are distributed to states and local communities. For a city like Boston, ensuring an accurate count is essential to securing the resources and representation The Federal Register notice provides a strict time-limited public comment period that is closed on November 2, 2026. I urge local institutions and community members to submit official feedback to protect public representation and federal resource allocations. I will be submitting a letter, and urge my colleagues to sign on with me.

I also hope that having a hearing on this topic in the near future so that we can fully understand what is at stake and ensure that Boston speaks with a clear and unifying voice in defense of fair representation and an accurate count of all our residents. Thank you Mr Chair.

Councilor Louijeune, you have the floor.

Thank you Mr. Chair and I want to thank Councilor Breadon for this filing And for your partnership, I know that you've led on this issue for a while and it's incredibly important. We should all be really worried about what it would mean to go along with the proposed changes to the census. It means that we need to make sure that everyone counts, right? And that's what the census does. It's supposed to count every resident. When residents are left out their needs remain. That means children are still in classrooms, families still need housing neighbors still need public health, services and infrastructure. And an incomplete count makes it harder for us to plan and advocate for the resources and the dollars that follow the people. Our immigrant neighbors, for example, are a part of Boston. They raise families here, work here, run business and contribute to our neighborhoods. Our responsibility is to make sure they're counted in their communities or represented like Council President Breadon stated We already experienced an undercount.

This would lead to a severe undercount I'm also concerned that this would affect public trust If families believe participating in the census could put them at risk, that fear can affect entire households We need trusted community organizations and clear, multilingual outreach at the center of our responses. The proposed changes would also strip any questions of race or ethnicity or sexual orientation Many of these questions have been asked since the first census. We're talking about since the late 1700s. The proposed restrictions on race and ethnicity deserve close scrutiny, We need reliable information to understand who our policies are reaching, where disparities persist. And we obviously know that they persist. The recent racial wealth gap that came out pernicious, racial wealth gaps persist. We can't target those issues if we don't who exists and who lives in our city. and whether we are making progress towards equity. Through this hearing, I want us to identify the potential impacts on Boston.

Thank you, Council President Breadon for leadership on the comments that are due soon so that we can make sure that Boston speaks in a unified voice about what we will and won't accept.

Weber. Councilor Weber, you have the floor.

Thank you, Councillor Culpepper. I just thank you to Councillor Breadon and and Councilor Louijeune for adding me. I mean, this is just another attempt by MAGA to prevent Boston from Obtaining the resources we need and the representation that we deserve to keep our city functioning, Everyone who lives here deserves. So again, I look forward to working on this issue.

Thank you. Would anyone like to add their name? Councilor Durkan, Councilor Fitzgerald, Mejia, Councilor Murphy, Council Santana. And please add the chair. Document number 2046 will be referred to the Committee on Census Redistricting and Elections. Mr. Clerk, would you please read document number 2047?

Document number 2047. Councilor Flynn offered the following order for a hearing to review the city's decision-making and permitting process for approval of a block party in South Boston.

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

Thank you Madam Chair. Let me first say that everyone likes a good neighborhood block party we've all been to so many but that has always been reserved for neighbors and the surrounding blocks Working together to put on a fun, safe, enjoyable day for all who live nearby. Residents contribute. They go through the city process and advance notice happens so everyone can plan Accordingly, last week South Boston residents reported to my office that they saw posts on social media where someone on social medial issued an open invite to over 125,000 followers. and well beyond his surrounding blocks neighborhood to attend a city of Boston funded block party while promoting local small businesses, free food, coffee, apparel giveaway. to the first 50 individuals.

Although this was approved by various City of Boston departments, residents said that there were no signs notifying neighbors at a minimum 48 hours in advance of the block party. I had neighbors writing to me or call me saying no one left, no one let them know what was taking place that they had serious health issues and if this party became too big Would they be able to get by with first responders? Were they able to give their kids to weekend youth sports activities? Residents raised concerns on the precedent of a potential city street closure being promoted online by a for-profit business after approval from the mayor's office without the proper public notice or community input. Neighbors also highlighted the use of public funds to potentially promote commercial interest for profit businesses, ensuring that individuals do not use City of Boston grants for private gain.

I know since it occurred, social media has said it wasn't a big deal. But my job isn't to say let's see how it goes. My job is to make sure we're prepared for all issues. Concerns remain about how this could potentially have gone far beyond the spirit of what a regular neighborhood block party has been historically, the public safety impact if it became much larger. The need for police details, additional public funding, accessibility for first responders with large crowds and the possibility of major traffic issues. In the age of social media In individuals promoting their own brand, it's important that we review the city's decision-making process and permitting policies for block parties. It's about providing transparency, fiscal responsibility, fiscal discipline

and Accountability, we must provide positive leadership to the residents of Boston. Thank you Madam Chair.

Thank you. Docket 2047 will be referred to the Committee on City Services. Mr Clerk, could you please read docket 2048?

Document 2048, Councilor Flynn offered the following order for a hearing to discuss the decision-making and community process for the construction and removal of the O'Connor Way bike lane in South Boston.

Chair recognizes Councilor Flynn. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. O'Connor Way in South Boston is a 46-unit affordable senior housing development since construction was completed In 2020, the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation has maintained the property and ensured that some of our most vulnerable residents including our seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities can't continue to live in the neighborhood. In August, a two-way bike lane with no connection to any network whatsoever was installed there by the City of Boston. Neighbors immediately raised concerns that they wanted handicapped parking there instead, that this would create dangerous and inaccessible crossing conditions walking from the street into the building, make it difficult for our first responders to reach an emergency with snow in the winter months.

At that time, the City of Boston Office of Neighborhood Services held a meeting with O'Connor Wave residents and without South Boston elected officials present. The City chose to not invite us in any dissenting voice to this meeting with our seniors living at O'Connor Way. Residents reported that an ambulance was unable to pull up in front of the building as a result of the bike lane. A similar incident also happened again just days later, in which first responders and an ambulance and a fire truck had difficulty Accessing the building, and neighbors in their car were unable to access the street for more than 45 minutes. Each time residents were forced to drive the wrong way onto Dorchester Avenue, a very unsafe maneuver that was forced by poor planning and no community process. I have contacted the mayor, Chief of Streets Osgood on this issue

After months of advocacy from me and my neighbors, our seniors the Andrew Square Civic Association, South Boston elected officials, Chief of Streets notified elected officials of the removal of the bike lane. In the final analysis, when we have both the construction and removal of a bike lane in a matter of two months, it's clearly a waste of taxpayer money. It's critical that the Boston Transportation Department, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services learn from this mistake. We need to discuss both the decision-making process and the lack of community process that took place. At City Hall, we'd like to talk about values of transparency, good government, public process. But this is just another example from the city disregarding those values. If we had a community process, none of this would have happened. We would've saved taxpayer money.

People on both sides of the issue fighting with each other. It's time for us to find common ground. Let's set the example of working together with our communities and not finding ourselves wasting taxpayer money two months down the road. It's about fiscal discipline, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability Let's provide the positive leadership Boston needs and deserves. Thank you Madam Chair.

and Councillor Mejia, and Councillor Culpepper. Docket 2048 will be referred to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation. Mr. Clerk, could you please read Docket 2049?

Docket number 2049. Councillor Flynn offers the following order for a hearing to discuss ongoing public safety and quality of life challenges in South Boston.

Thank you, Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor.

Over the last year, residents across South Boston have raised concerns about worsening public safety and quality of life concerns due to open-air drug dealing, public drug use, encampments, crime in the areas of West Broadway Bridge the James M. Kelly Bridge, The Fort Street Bridge, Fort Point Channel, Andrew Square, Moakley Park across from the Carson Beach, Meadow Havana Park along Broadway, South Bay Mall Since the implementation of the encampment ordinance in 2023, Andrew Square in particular has carried a large brunt of the mental and behavioral health issues spilling over from mass and cast. Andrew Square is the closest red line, it's the closest MBTA stop to Mass and Cass. It's a gathering point.

Andrew Square Civic Association has been in contact with the MBTA to request projects including adding lighting around benches, scraping and painting the walls and floors, improving the scope of safety cameras. Neighbors in the Fort Point area have also raised concerns about encampments being set up by displaced individuals along the Fort point channel, in a rolling bridge park across from Gillette headquarters. Along Broadway there've been reports of homeless individuals sleeping in ATMs on East Broadway, people in and around the West Broadway Bridge as well. In the City Point area neighbors have regularly reported Seeing instances of homeless people sleeping on benches at Meadow Vaughan Park, relieving themselves out in front of the Elks Creek Bathhouse. Curley Recreation Center. Neighbors have also reported costs in beach and scattered needles around Mowgli Park. Last year, a four-year old boy stepped on a discarded needle

near Columbia Road and Marissa Street rushed to the Boston Medical Center for treatment. South Boston has also experienced property crime in violent incidents over the last year, In June, two teenagers robbed a child's lemonade stand at gunpoint. In July, a person was shot outside a bar on Seapoint Boulevard. In March, a man was fatally stabbed inside an apartment at 258 Old Colony F. Just last week Boston police investigated the spread of property damage incidents including smashed car windows on Telegraph Street Gold Street, West 4th Street. There is an urgent need to discuss the current and future strategies in addressing public safety, quality of life, neighborhood services, public health issues in South Boston including the South Boston waterfront and Fort Point.

It is critical to discuss ways to improve the city's response to mental health and behavioral health issues, open drug dealing, drug use and homelessness. I'm not reading about these from a textbook. I live in that same neighborhood in and around West Broadway, F Street so I see the declining Flynn. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper,

Durkan, Louijeune, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Worrell, Coletta Zapata. Did I get Fitzgerald? Yes, and please add the chair. Docket 2049 will be referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Okay, Mr. Clerk, when you're ready, could you please read docket 2050?

Docket number 2050. Councilor Flynn, I offer the following. Order for a hearing to discuss issues of Public Safety and Storage with the Use of Lithium Ion Batteries and Micromobility Devices.

Thank you, Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam Chair. Since the COVID-19 pandemic Boston has experienced an increase in micro mobility devices such as motorized electric bikes and scooters According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency department visits nationwide for injuries caused by micromobility crashes have increased about 300% in several years. As you all know, that's why I filed legislation to regulate e-bikes in Boston earlier this year. I do know that Governor Healey followed up and they're implementing some regulations at the state level. But alongside public safety on our streets, micromobility devices have raised another issue. Lithium ion battery fires In May 2024, a lithium-ion battery burst into flames in an apartment in Chelsea injuring five.

Last month two were injured in the Boston High Rise building caused by an electric scooter battery July 2026 Massachusetts fire departments reportedly reported nearly a dozen lithium-ion battery fires so far that month, fires which reportedly are much more challenging to extinguish. In July, a two-alarm fire in Roxbury was caused by a lithium ion battery and an electric scooter on the 20th floor of a building forcing at least 40 residents to evacuate and three people were sent to the hospital. Austin Fire Chief Brian Tully noted that fires caused by lithium ion batteries caused a chain reaction and are difficult to extinguish. HAZMAT crews were needed to remove the burnt scooter from the building. Despite an increase of vehicle accidents and fire related incidents,

The city has yet to introduce any legislation regulating the sale, operation and disposal of lithium ion batteries. Micromobility devices are not sufficiently regulated at the federal level Devices are sold without significant regulations and good safety practice. Devices may also be of low quality and cost, therefore The City of Boston needs to step in to prevent further injuries and accidents. New York City enacted Local Law 39 requiring any company selling, leasing, distributing micromobility devices to meet safety standards In June 2026, San Francisco banned uncertified lithium ion batteries, established enforcement process and penalties for violations. Authorize the city attorney to seek injunctive and monetary relief in attorneys fees.

Authorized the fire department to implement the restrictions through rules, forms, and guidance. I can continue with other cities and states. Boston has yet to introduce legislation regulating the sale or disposal of lithium ion batteries with criminal penalties, retail sweeps Boston residents and property owners are looking at the Boston City Council for a solution to prevent further fire-related incidents and damage to property and keep residents safe. It's time for leadership, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Flynn. Would anyone like to add their name? Councillor Culpepper, Councillor Durkan, Councillor Coletta Zapata, Councillor Fitzgerald, Councillor Louijeune, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell. Please add the Chair. Docket 2050, Public Safety and Criminal Justice Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2051?

Docket number 2051. Councilor Mejia offered the following order requesting certain information under Section 17F regarding youth jobs.

Chair recognizes Councilor Mejia. Councilor, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam President and I'm filing this 17 of today because there are still many outstanding questions about youth jobs since the significant cuts in FY 20 7 budget. During the budget season, there were already serious concerns about the public funding cuts to school year jobs impacts on youth and community organizations and issues around transparency and accountability for the private jobs. These concerns have not been addressed, especially considering that we lack transparent accounting of the city's delivery of the approximately 2,000 jobs promised in the summer. As someone who worked as a young person and as a mom who has seen the positive impact youth jobs have made on my own daughter, I personally know how important youth jobs are. And as a former nonprofit founder and leader, I also know how hard it is for nonprofits to make ends meet and how a sudden disruption in the grant you were expecting to receive can destabilize and challenge the organization. Fiscal responsibility means not just considering the city's finances,

but also considering those of our families, young people and nonprofits in small businesses. And since community and the counselors alike still have questions regarding youth jobs that have not been addressed and since this summer, you know we're still waiting for answers. I'm following the 17th to seek answers that we deserve. I know that we have a hearing already, that we had submitted and there are lots of questions that we're looking for in a more timely response from the administration so I want to thank George Lee and the advocates, and the Boston Better Alliance, and all of those folks who have been advocating. And all of the youth workers that we've been working with who have informed us of the many questions that are still outstanding as it relates to this and from what I understand, I'm just seeking suspension and passage of the 17F so that we can get answers.

And it's so sad that we also you know as a body have to You know, rely on filing 17Fs and we do so. And a lot of our questions still go unanswered. So I think Madam President it would be really helpful to me if you could advocate I work alongside the clerk in terms of the return on our investments as we are asking for questions, and we're still waiting for answers. And I think something needs to be done about the fact that there's so many 17Fs still outstanding. So I don't want to add this one and still wait, but I'm hoping and praying, Councilors, that we get the answers that we have been asking for.

Thank you, Councilor Mejia. Behear, Sixth Suspension of the Rules and Passage of Doggett 2051. Councillor Murphy you had a question? No, this is a 17F. There's no discussion. Councilor Mejia has asked suspension of the rules. We vote on it and that's it. Thank you Councillor Mejia seeks suspension of the rules and passage of Docket 2051. All in favour say aye. All opposed say nay. Mr Clerk, would you mind taking roll call vote on Docket

Brayden.

Yes.

Councilor Braydon, yes. Council Coletta Zapata, yes, Councilor Culpepper, yes Councilor Durkan, yes Councillor Fitzgerald, yes

Flynn, yes.

Councilor Flynn, Yes. Council of Louisianne?

Yes.

Councillor Louisiann, yes, Councilor Mejia? Yes, Council Mejía, yes Councilor Murphy? Yes Councilor Murphey, yes council Pepén? Yes council Pepen, yes Santana, yes. Council Weber? Yes. Councilor Weber, yes and Councilor Worrell? Yes Councilor Werrell, yes Token number 2051 has received a unanimous vote in the affirmative

Thank you. Docket 2051 has passed. Mr. Clerk, could you please read docket 2052?

Document number 2052, Councilor Flynn for the following. Resolution in support of waiving the 10-year residency requirement for Boston Police civilian employees transferring to sworn officers.

Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank You Madam Chair Boston police officers must live in the City of Boston for one year prior to taking the civil service exam and must maintain residency throughout their career Like other city employees, officers must prove residency annually. The 1994 ordinance has exemptions for different departments Boston Police and Boston Fire Union members are allowed to move out after 10 years of employment through collective bargaining. Concerns about the residency requirement when transferring departments remain. Currently, if a civilian employee in the Boston Police Department who has completed his or her 10-year residency and they would like to transfer into a sworn position as an officer, they must completely restart their 10-year requirement upon entering the police academy.

With such low staffing levels at the Boston Police Department, it is all that more critical for the City of Boston to act urgently to ensure that the department is comfortably in excess of 2,500 officers. The City must make it a top priority to improve recruitment for SWAN officers in the Boston Police Department. Prior city employment and qualifying residents should be recognized toward meeting their requirement just as an employee's years of dedicated municipal service are credited towards their pension, seniority, professional experience. These employees have already demonstrated their commitment to the City of Boston and their community, and have a strong understanding of its operation. I'm asking my City Council colleagues to support me in waiving the 10-year residency requirement for Boston Police civilian employees.

Transferring to sworn officers. Give them an opportunity to serve in the Boston Police Department without disrupting their lives. Thank you Madam Chair

The chair recognizes Concha Mejia. You have the floor.

Hi, again. I'm just curious because I want to make sure that from through the chair to the maker Do we have a hearing on this already?

Councilor Flynn.

No, thank you. So I would recommend As we continue to have resolutions, to have some sort of set the stage when it comes to matters like this where there's going to be structural changes or things that support that it would be more helpful to me to have a better understanding of how that will impact the workforce. So I'm just curious if you would, What's the standard here in terms of voting on resolutions like this?

Well, certainly it's a resolution that's up for a vote this afternoon if you're not comfortable with where it's at.

So we're going to continue that practice is what I'm hearing.

Thank you so much. This is definitely something I've heard about from actually our commissioner, not specifically this instance or specifically what's being discussed but lateral transfers we are very uncompetitive it is very easy for you know people to go to Berkley Police or BU police and once they've served a certain amount of time. I'm definitely supportive of this idea of waiving the residency requirement for folks that have served and I want to thank the lead sponsor for bringing it forward. If there are concerns about people having more questions, That the Boston Police Department can be very uncompetitive when it comes to lateral transfers because we don't create the ideal conditions and I do think that's something that should be looked into.

and definitely something if we are trying to I mean, I know that the administration and the commissioner are looking to have big classes of new officers just went on a walk with D4 in the back bay and got a chance to talk to them about how many officers they were receiving from the newest class. And I know that's incredibly important too, the operations of the police department So I just wanted to speak to that experience. Councilor Flynn, thanks for bringing this forward.

Councillor Flynn, I'm going to come back to you. You've already spoken. Councillor Worrell and then Councillor Weber.

Yes, thank you Council President and thank you to Councilor Flynn for bringing this forward. I am of the mindset that anything That's going to change and have such a drastic impact, should have a hearing. So I would love to have a hear before I vote on this. Without a hearing, I am a no. I've talked to the Commission about lateral transfers. The impression that we do do lateral transfers, however, we want to make sure The cities that we are doing lateral transfer with have the same values and standards in training as the city of Boston. So I am a no, not even sure. How many prospective officers? This is a barrier four. I guess that's the question to the sponsor just to see what type of, how many officers are actually being held back Weber. Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilor

I agree with my colleague to my left here. You know, the information that I do have without a hearing is You know, their command staff has said that there isn't a pool of readily available qualified people who want to step into our police officer vacancies. They didn't identify this as a possible source of Staffing. I think that our residency requirement It's not a penalty to have to live in Boston. And certainly, especially with our police department I think more than any other department it's important that The people in the Boston Police Department have a connection to our communities. So, I mean, that's the data I have without adhering. You know, I don't see the need for a change like this so I'm also a no. Thank you

Pepe, and you have the floor.

Thank you Madam President I just want to thank the maker Councillor Flynn for introducing this resolution. I actually believe that myself and Councillor Flynn received the same message from a Civilian, employee of the Boston Police Department that's been working there for the past 12 years. And they are an amazing talented employee who is now looking to become a police officer but Even in the message that I got from the Employees' Act, they raised a question of wanted to figure out why does this exist? What are the boundaries, how will this impact residency requirements for everyone. And I think those are questions that I definitely want to ask at a hearing if possible I agree with my colleagues that have said that this is a great idea but i do have some questions before fully committing myself to this, to supporting the residents that would like to have the opportunity to transition from a civilian role to a police officer role. So I would like to encourage that we have a hearing before we vote on this. Thank you.

Thank You, Councillor Pepén. Councillor Murphy, you haven't spoken on this topic so I'll continue with you and then we'll go back to Councillor Flynn

Thank you. Just listening to my colleagues, thank you all for sharing your opinions. It seems like this will probably be going through a hearing so I do just want to rise and Reiterate that the last few hearings Council Flynn and I sponsored, that were in the Public Safety Committee, that nobody showed up. And we didn't get the answers we wanted or two meetings ago They sent somebody, but it wasn't fair to that person because they were not the person in any way that could answer the questions we had for them. So just want to be clear that even if we put it to a hearing, we may not get the answers I hope that we all band together in demanding that when we hold hearings, especially when we give them weeks, months in advance, that they show up to give us the answers we need.

Thank you. Councillor Durkan, you've already spoken. I want to give the lead sponsor the last word. I'll come back to you if that's okay. Not the last words. I will come back. Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you Madam Chair and This is a common sense and fairness approach. This person, as Councilor Pepén mentioned, served the city as a civilian in the Boston Police Department for an extended period of years over 10 years, helping make the Boston Police Department serve the residents providing exceptional leadership. So what we're asking this person is to be a resident of the city for 23 years. That's his requirement. Does that seem fair? You are subject to the residency Law for 23 years if you want to become a Boston Police Department, if you wanna become a police officer. It's about common sense folks. We can't have it both ways.

We can't be complaining about Boston not having enough police on the street and then when someone does want to step up, we tell them no you can't. You can't a police officer. Lateral transfer? They're subject to residency. So if you use the lateral transfer, you can be a Boston police officer. You're also subject to the residency law. That's why we have a low number of transfers into Boston People aren't going to uproot their family. This is a question of fairness. I don't learn about this from talking to the command staff or talking to police commissioner I talked to rank and file police officers. I talk to residents, and they're asking for our help because they're understaffed. Police officers are overworked. and they know they're not supported and respected here at City Hall, especially by city councilors.

My issue that I should have had is had someone else proposed this resolution and then it would've been passed But since I proposed it, it's going to get defeated. This is a common-sense approach and we should support it.

Durkan, you have the floor.

Thank you so much. Through the Chair, I think it's important to note for anyone who is following this conversation that a resolution wouldn't change the outcome for this individual. And then in addition to that, I've been very clear about my own opposition I know that I'm definitely speaking in support of us Looking at the lateral transfer policy, because I think that would have a broader impact on the amount of police officers that we have. But at this time, I'd like to object to vote today because I do think that this is about an individual personnel matter and so on.

Thank you, Councillor Durkan. Your objection to the vote on the resolution today?

This docket will go to the Public Safety Committee. Thank you Before we move on to green sheets, is there anyone who'd like to add their name to a docket that they may have missed? We'll start with Councilor Worrell over here.

I'd like to add my name to docket number 2046, please.

Yep. Good. We'll go to Councillor Pepén next. You have the floor.

Thank you. May I add my name to docket 02042, 2043, 2044, 2045 and 2046?

Is that good? Thank you.

Councillor Durkan. Sorry, can I remove my name from 2044? I misunderstood. I thought it was another docket. Thank you.

Coletta Zapata.

Madam President, please add my name at 2046, please.

2046. Thank you. Excellent. We're now on to green sheets. Is anyone looking to pull anything from the green sheets today? No? Going on to late files. I'm informed by the Clerk that there are two late files? One emergency hearing order and one resolution. in support of an emergency investigation. We'll take these late filed matters one at a time.

Mr Clerk, could we start with absent objection? This was the emergency hearing order. I want to clarify which one we're on. The first one is the emergency hearing order to discuss the October 27th bomb threats at Boston public schools and several universities, colleges and non-profit institutions in Boston. So, therefore...

There has been an objection to the hearing order and to both of them. There's been also an objection So we will move on. We'll move on, thank you. I have been informed by the Clerk that there are no 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're now moving on to announcements. Please remember that these are of our upcoming events and dates. Does anyone have an announcement? If you put your lights on I'll call on you. Councillor Worrell, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. And should have said this last week but I want to give a big shout out to Ron Cobb, his son, Ronnie Cobb who became the super featherweight champion in Muay Thai. One of the hardest martial arts last week, he now holds a championship belt in the 130 and 135 pound weight classes So a big congratulations to the Cobb family and to Ron Cobb who's part of Central Staff.

Thank you, congratulations too. That's wonderful news. Anyone else with an announcement? And we want to wish a very, very happy birthday to our colleague Councillor Culpepper who's got a birthday next week. Yay! A friendly reminder that this Friday we will be welcoming children from the City Hall daycare to the Council Chamber for a fun morning of trick-or-treating. We hope each office will be able to participate in decorating their chamber seat. and passing out candy and a costume contest, so it's always fun. I also, today is my wedding anniversary to my dear Marianne McCarthy. We got married nine years ago but we've been together for 29 years. We're sort of slow to get out of the box in terms of the matrimonial stakes Yes, the test of time has still gone strong.

So I wish a very happy anniversary to Mary Ann today. We're now moving on to memorials. Would anyone like to uplift a name? We'll start with Councillor Pepén. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today in honour and remembrance of John Colvert who passed away earlier this month in his home in Roslindale. John was a beloved resident who advocated and cared for Rossi Wetlands right behind his house, as well as volunteered in different ESOL programs specifically at the Matterhunt. He cared for his neighbors and they took care of him as he battled cancer in his last few months. We're gonna very much miss him and especially his character, he was someone who Thank you. Chair recognizes Councillor Flynn, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Gretchen Crowley was a beloved South Boston daughter, wife to Christopher Crowley, mother of Nick, Lily and Duncan Gretchen was a longtime teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy, an active member of the South Boston Youth Hockey Program. She was an exceptional person She'll be greatly missed in the neighborhood. She was always giving back, helping young families in South Boston. My wife Kristen and I went to The Wake last night and had an opportunity talked to her, expressed our sympathy to her family. But she was a wonderful woman, young woman. Her last name was Linsenfelser, was a longtime South Boston family

But I'll appraise it with Gretchen and her family during this difficult time. Thank you Madam Chair.

Thank You Councillor Flynn. Next on the corner there's Councillor Fitzgerald, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to lift up my old colleague at the BRA Eileen Rubmal originally from South Boston but now a resident of Dorchester who passed away last week She ran the front desk at the real estate office where I worked for five years and it was a pleasure just going in each day and chatting with her and griping about whatever the issues were of the day. But she always had a great attitude, a smile on her face and kept the office humming We certainly will miss Eileen. And I also want to lift up Maria Fonseca, who is the aunt to Jessica Correa Oliver in my office. She's a very close aunt to Jess and so we just want to make sure that We're thinking about Jess, her family and her Aunt Maria in these times. Thank you.

Chair recognizes Councilor Culpepper. You have the floor.

Thank You Madam President. I want to lift up the name of and my dear cousin, Larry Culpepper who passed much too soon. Thank you. Let the Culpeper family pray.

Thank You

I want to take a moment to recognize the passing of Dolores Huerta today. She's one of the most influential labor and civil rights leaders in American history. She is a giant. Her lifelong commitment to justice, equity and the rights of working people left a forever mark on our country. May we honour her memory not only by our words but by continuing the work of building more just and inclusive communities, and may she rest in peace. On behalf of Councillor Fitzgerald, we have Eileen Rumble, Maria Fonseca. On behalf Councillor Pepén, John Colvert. And on behalf of councillor Flynn, Gretchen Crawley and all the folks that have aforementioned, raised up by our colleagues. The Chair moves that when the Council adjourns today it does so in memory of the aforementioned individuals.

A moment of silence please. The Council is scheduled to meet again in the Ionella Chamber on Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 at 12 p.m. Thank you to my colleagues, central staff, the Clerk, the clerk's office and the council stenographer Ellen All in favour of adjournment please say aye.