City Council Meeting Minutes
Governing Body: Boston City Council Meeting Date: October 01, 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. Type of Meeting: Regular City Council Meeting
Executive Summary
The Boston City Council convened to address several key issues, including the approval of collective bargaining agreements for Boston Public Health Commission nurses, the confirmation of appointments to various city commissions, and a significant discussion on Boston Public Schools exam school admissions policies. The Council also passed an ordinance amending the University Accountability Ordinance to improve data collection on student housing and initiated a hearing order to expand city composting services. A resolution was adopted to prioritize the creation of a recovery campus for individuals with substance use disorder, and an emergency hearing order was filed to address the impact of the federal government shutdown on Boston's veterans and military families.
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
- The meeting was called to order by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune.
- A roll call was conducted by the City Clerk to ascertain a quorum.
- Present: 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.
- A quorum was declared present.
II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
- City Clerk Gerntes delivered the invocation, emphasizing unity, compassion, and community.
- The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
III. Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the meeting of September 24th, 2025, were presented for approval.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: The minutes of the September 24th meeting were approved.
IV. Communications from Her Honor the Mayor
- Docket Number 1738: Message and order for approval to reduce Fiscal Year 2026 appropriation for the reserve for collective bargaining by $347,178 to fund the Boston Public Health Commission for FY26 increases in the collective bargaining agreement between the Boston Public Health Commission and SEIU Local 1199.
- Referral: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- Docket Number 1739: Message and order for a supplemental appropriation for the Public Health Commission for Fiscal Year 2026 in the amount of $347,178 to cover FY26 cost items in the collective bargaining agreement.
- Referral: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
- Docket Number 1740: Message and order for the confirmation of the reappointment of Philomene Lattiste as a member of the Boston Public Health Commission's Board of Health for a term expiring January 15, 2028.
- Action: Councilor Fitzgerald moved to suspend the rules and pass the reappointment.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: Reappointment approved.
- Docket Number 1741: Message and order for the confirmation of the appointment of Dr. Guy Fisch as a member of the Boston Public Health Commission's Board of Health for a term expiring January 15, 2028.
- Action: Councilor Fitzgerald moved to suspend the rules and pass the appointment.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: Appointment approved.
- Docket Number 1742: Notice received from the Mayor of the appointment of Noah Tewold as a member of the Black Men and Boys Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2028.
- Action: Placed on file.
- Docket Number 1743: Notice received from Governor Healey of the appointment of Matthew J. O'Malley as a member of the Boston Redevelopment Authority for a term expiring September 9, 2030.
- Action: Placed on file.
- Docket Number 1744: Notice received from the City Clerk regarding action taken by the Mayor and papers acted upon by the City Council at its meeting of September 17, 2025.
- Action: Placed on file.
- Docket Number 1745: Communication received from the Boston Air Pollution Control Commission regarding the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance regulations and statements of fiscal effect and small business impact report.
- Action: Placed on file.
- Docket Number 1746: Constable bonds of Dominique Chester, Inez Chester, Tyrone Grant, Michael A. Lopes, and Grismaldi Nova duly approved by the Collector Treasurer.
- Action: Approved under usual terms and conditions.
V. Reports of Committees
- Docket Number 1738 & 1739 (Reconsideration): Collective Bargaining Agreements for Boston Public Health Commission Nurses (SEIU Local 1199).
- Motion: Councilor Worrell moved to reconsider the placement of dockets 1738 and 1739 in committee and to suspend the rules and pass them.
- Discussion:
- Councilor Worrell explained the agreements span October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2027, covering approximately 30 registered nurses and nurse practitioners.
- Total cost: approximately $1.5 million.
- Annual costs: FY21: $23,552; FY22: $65,121; FY23: $118,614; FY24: $184,618; FY25: $263,199.
- FY26 appropriation: $347,178 to be transferred from the reserve for collective bargaining.
- Provisions include annual base wage increases of 2% (except 1.5% in FY22), structural compensation changes (new hires start at step three, step 13 added in 2026), and a $15 per week increase in education bonuses.
- Councilor Louijeune thanked all parties for reaching the agreement.
- Councilor Flynn supported the contract, recognizing nurses as "lifesavers and unsung heroes."
- Councilor Breadon highlighted the disparity in wages for public health nurses compared to other unions and the importance of retaining qualified nurses in the public health system.
- Vote on Docket Number 1738 (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
- Outcome: 11 votes in the affirmative. Docket Number 1738 passed.
- Vote on Docket Number 1739 (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
- Outcome: 11 votes in the affirmative. Docket Number 1739 passed.
- Docket Number 1570: Committee on the Community Preservation Act report recommending the confirmation of Michelle Holmes Foster for the Community Preservation Committee.
- Discussion:
- Councilor Pepén, Chair of the Committee on Community Preservation, noted the vacancy left by Ann Sanders' resignation.
- Six qualified candidates were interviewed.
- Councilor Pepén recommended Michelle "Michi" Holmes Foster, citing her 15+ years of experience in non-profit and private sector finance and operations, her residency in Dorchester, and her management of affordable housing development portfolios.
- Councilor Flynn acknowledged Ann Sanders' contributions and praised Vadine Brown and her team for their work.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: The committee report was accepted, and the appointment of Michelle Holmes Foster was confirmed.
- Discussion:
VI. Matters Recently Heard
- Docket Number 1350: Message and order for confirmation of the appointment of Napoleon Jones Henderson as a Commissioner of the Boston Art Commission for a term expiring June 1, 2029.
- Docket Number 1351: Message and order for confirmation of the appointment of Ian L. Teaver as a Commissioner of the Boston Art Commission for a term expiring January 1, 2029.
- Docket Number 1352: Message and order for confirmation of the appointment of Caitlin Gould Lowry as a Commissioner of the Boston Art Commission for a term expiring August 1, 2029.
- Discussion:
- Councilor Flynn, Chair of the Committee on Arts, Tourism, and Special Events, reported on a hearing held on September 29, 2025.
- Testimony was heard from Karen Goodfellow, Director of the Boston Arts Commission, and the appointees.
- Appointees' backgrounds: Mr. Jones Henderson (practicing artist, nominated by Boston Public Library), Ms. Gould Lowry (museum professional, nominated by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum), and Mr. Altiver (curator at Museum of Fine Arts, nominated by MFA).
- Councilors inquired about professional experience, qualifications, and vision for connecting residents with art and culture, particularly in underserved communities.
- Appointees emphasized public art rooted in community life, diversity, accessibility, and youth engagement.
- Vote on Docket Number 1350: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: The committee report was accepted, and Docket Number 1350 passed.
- Vote on Docket Number 1351: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: The committee report was accepted, and Docket Number 1351 passed.
- Vote on Docket Number 1352: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: The committee report was accepted, and Docket Number 1352 passed.
- Discussion:
- Docket Number 1282: Order for a hearing regarding the Boston Public Schools exam school's admissions policy and proposed changes.
- Discussion:
- Councilor Santana, Chair of the Committee on Education, reported on a public hearing held on Monday, September 29, 2025.
- Sponsors: Councilor Enrique Pepén, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, and Councilor Benjamin Weber.
- Attendees: Councilors Fitzgerald, Pepén, Flynn, Mejia, Coletta Zapata, Louijeune, Breadon, Weber, and Worrell. Councilor Durkan was absent.
- Testimony from administration: Mary Skipper (Superintendent, BPS), Monica Hogan (Chief of Data Information and Systems Improvement, BPS), Dr. Colin Rose (Senior Advisor for Strategy and Opportunity Gaps, BPS).
- Community Panel: Roseanne Tung (2021 Exam School Task Force member), Krista Mogunson (State Organizer, Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance), Peter Alvarez (Parent, Linden School).
- Councilor Pepén expressed gratitude for the hearing, emphasizing the intent to understand the process and proposed changes, and the importance of quality education for all students.
- Councilor Weber highlighted the need for a system that rewards students beyond test scores and the proposed changes to remove bonus points and create a citywide tier for 20% of seats. He questioned if both mechanisms were needed and emphasized focusing on all BPS schools.
- Councilor Breadon discussed inequities in access to resources and the importance of early literacy. She referenced the past "advanced work program" and the need for investment in elementary schools.
- Councilor Flynn supported the administration's recommendations and stressed the importance of supporting all high schools, not just exam schools. He also mentioned the value of advanced academic programs in earlier grades.
- Councilor Mejia expressed concern about the focus on exam schools, arguing it creates an "elite class" and diverts attention from other schools like Madison Park. She emphasized racial equity and supporting all students.
- Councilor Worrell highlighted demographic changes and the need for inclusive schools, advocating for bonus points for Section 8 voucher holders and increased investment in tutoring and enrichment programs.
- Councilor Breadon reiterated the effectiveness of the "Excellence for All" program as a model for increasing rigor.
- Outcome: Docket Number 1282 will remain in committee.
- Discussion:
VII. Motions, Orders, and Resolutions
- Docket Number 1747: Ordinance amending the City of Boston Code Chapter 10, Section 10, University Accountability.
- Sponsors: Councilor Durkan, Councilor Breadon (added as co-sponsor), Councilor Santana (added as co-sponsor).
- Discussion:
- Councilor Durkan introduced amendments to the 2004 ordinance, designed to improve regulatory enforcement and data collection on student enrollment and housing.
- Boston has over 160,000 college students, with over 69,000 living off-campus, occupying over 17,000 units, impacting neighborhoods and housing affordability.
- Proposed amendments:
- Move reporting deadline from October 1st to November 1st for more accurate data.
- Require an annual City Council hearing on the student housing trends report to inform policy and institutional master planning.
- Councilor Coletta Zapata, Chair of Government Operations, supported suspending the rules due to prior hearings and working sessions, and the straightforward nature of the amendments.
- Councilor Breadon emphasized the impact of off-campus student housing on housing stock and the need for oversight, especially regarding out-of-state investors.
- Councilor Santana highlighted that over 40% of higher education students live off-campus, impacting rental prices and public services. He stressed the need for annual review due to changing trends.
- Motion: Councilors Durkan, Breadon, and Santana moved to suspend the rules and pass Docket Number 1747.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: Docket Number 1747 passed.
- Docket Number 1748: Order for a hearing to discuss city services in regard to composting and the need for increased composting services.
- Sponsors: Councilor Durkan, Councilor Pepén, Council President Louijeune (added as co-sponsor).
- Discussion:
- Councilor Durkan highlighted the popularity of curbside composting and Project Oscar bins, noting demand outpaces capacity.
- Massachusetts aims to divert 780,000 tons of food waste annually by 2030.
- Expansion to commercial properties and larger residential buildings is crucial for environmental goals, waste management, and rodent control.
- Councilor Pepén noted the state's progress in diverting 380,000 tons annually and the need to double this by 2030. He mentioned the increase in service capacity from 10,000 to 30,000 households in 2023.
- Council President Louijeune emphasized the success of the program and the need for scaling up.
- Councilor Flynn stressed the impact of composting on quality of life, public health, and safety, particularly regarding rodent control. He advocated for public awareness and education, including for non-English speakers.
- Councilor Coletta Zapata highlighted the environmental sustainability aspect and the goal of zero waste, noting Massachusetts produces a million tons of food waste annually. She also mentioned the Food Recovery Ordinance as an upstream approach.
- Councilor Mejia emphasized the need to make composting accessible and understood in communities of color, promoting it as a quality of life issue.
- Councilor Breadon praised the increase in green composting buckets and suggested incorporating composting into new building designs. She noted the lack of Project Oscar bins in Allston, a "Rat City," and its potential for rodent reduction.
- Co-sponsors added: Councilors Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Fitzgerald, Mejia, Murphy, Santana, Weber, Worrell, and the Chair.
- Referral: Referred to the Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology.
- Docket Number 1749: Resolution celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic of Turkey and the 30th annual Boston Turkish Arts and Culture Festival.
- Sponsor: Council President Louijeune.
- Discussion: Council President Louijeune thanked Erkut Gumulu for his work with the Turkish community and looked forward to celebrating the 102nd anniversary and the 30th festival.
- Co-sponsors added: Councilors Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Mejia, Murphy, Pepén, Santana, Weber, and the Chair.
- Motion: Council President Louijeune moved to suspend the rules and pass Docket Number 1749.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: Docket Number 1749 passed.
- Docket Number 1750: Resolution in support of prioritizing a recovery campus for the city of Boston.
- Sponsors: Councilor Flynn, Councilor Murphy, Councilor Fitzgerald (added as co-sponsor).
- Motion: Councilor Flynn moved to substitute the original resolution with a revised version.
- Vote on Substitution: All in favor said "aye." Motion to substitute allowed.
- Discussion:
- Councilor Flynn emphasized the need for a structured environment for recovery, such as Long Island or another location, providing resources, treatment, and residential programs. He recalled the effectiveness of Long Island when it was operational.
- Councilor Murphy highlighted the 11-year gap since the Long Island bridge closure in October 2014, which led to the loss of shelter, detox, mental health, and medical services. She stressed the urgency of prioritizing a recovery campus, acknowledging the high cost and potential for a decade-long rebuild.
- Councilor Fitzgerald emphasized that the issue is city-wide, not just localized, and that a "campus" doesn't necessarily mean one physical spot. He noted the need to fill gaps in the continuum of care.
- Councilor Santana thanked the sponsors, stating that individuals with substance abuse disorder deserve compassionate care. He noted the Long Island campus had over 700 shelter beds and 200 recovery beds.
- Councilor Breadon suggested a deep dive hearing on the Long Island process. She noted the estimated cost to rebuild the bridge and facilities on Long Island is $550 million. She emphasized the regional nature of the problem and the need for state and federal funding.
- Councilor Weber pointed out that the City of Quincy has delayed the Long Island bridge project through appeals and urged them to cease litigation.
- Councilor Durkan stressed the tragic reality of limited access to recovery beds, regardless of financial status. She highlighted the immediate need for fire safety and addressing collapsing buildings on Long Island, and the importance of planning for state and federal funding.
- Councilor Worrell supported the resolution, emphasizing the regional and statewide approach needed for a recovery campus.
- Councilor Mejia acknowledged the fierce advocacy and called for addressing the root causes of addiction, including the role of doctors. She suggested reallocating $150-200 million from the White Stadium project to the recovery center if the city is serious about meeting the moment.
- Councilor Flynn proposed another visit to Long Island for councilors who haven't been.
- Council President Louijeune emphasized the need for a full and robust continuum of care, including transitional housing and employment opportunities, to address the disease of addiction.
- Co-sponsors added: Councilors Breadon, Durkan, Mejia, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell, Coletta Zapata, and the Chair.
- Motion: Councilors Flynn, Murphy, and Fitzgerald moved to suspend the rules and adopt Docket Number 1750.
- 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
- Outcome: Unanimous vote in the affirmative. Docket Number 1750 adopted.
VIII. Green Sheets
- Docket Number 1664: Message and order authorizing the City of Boston to accept and expend $10,000 in the form of an AI Research Grant awarded by Schmidt Sciences to be administered by the Department of Innovation and Technology. The grant will fund a project to deliver randomized evidence on how generative AI tools affect day-to-day work in a large US city government.
- Motion: Councilor Pepén moved to pull Docket Number 1664 from the Committee on City Services and Innovation Technology and to suspend the rules to vote in favor of accepting the grant.
- Discussion: Councilor Pepén stated that AI is present in everyday life and this grant will help research how municipal employees can use AI to improve city services.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: Docket Number 1664 passed.
IX. Late Files
- Personnel Matters (3):
- Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Santana (2 orders).
- Councilor Louijeune for Councilor Mejia (1 order).
- Vote to add to record: All in favor said "aye."
- Vote on matters: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: All three late-file personnel matters passed.
- Emergency Order for a Hearing: To discuss the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on Boston's veterans, military members, and military families.
- Sponsors: Councilor Edward Flynn, Councilor Murphy (added as co-sponsor), Councilor Mejia (added as co-sponsor).
- Vote to add to record: All in favor said "aye."
- Discussion:
- Councilor Flynn highlighted the federal government shutdown's impact on veterans' benefits and military pay.
- Agencies like HUD and the Department of Labor, which partner with the VA, could be affected, delaying benefits.
- He cited the New England Center for Veterans, which receives federal funding for job training, as an example.
- Concerns were raised about services for women veterans, homeless veterans, and veterans with disabilities.
- Councilor Flynn plans to invite Commissioner Santiago (City of Boston) and Secretary Santiago (State) to appear before the City Council next week.
- Councilor Murphy stressed the importance of ensuring no interruption in services for veterans, citing her own family's experience with VA hospice care.
- Councilor Mejia emphasized using the Council's platform to advocate for veterans during the shutdown.
- Co-sponsors added: Councilors Breadon, Coletta Zapata, Durkan, Fitzgerald, Pepén, Santana, Weber, Worrell, and the Chair.
- Referral: Referred to the Committee on Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs.
X. Consent Agenda
- One addition was made to the consent agenda.
- Vote: All in favor said "aye."
- Outcome: The consent agenda was adopted.
XI. Announcements
- Birthdays: Councilor Santana (this Saturday), Dulce (next week).
- Events: Roslindale Parade (this weekend), Go Red Sox.
- Councilor Coletta Zapata: Italian flag raising tomorrow (October 2nd) at 12 PM. Brunch and Learn on water transportation with the Seaport Transportation Management Association next Wednesday at 10:30 AM.
- Councilor Mejia: Annual School Vibes thrift store boutique on October 27th. Seeking gently used clothing donations by October 10th.
- Council President Louijeune: Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month celebration on Wednesday, October 15th, from 12 PM to 2 PM (12-1 PM in chambers, 1-2 PM in Pomonti).
XII. Memorials
- Councilor Durkan: Adjourned the meeting in honor of Katherine Kay Gallagher, a beloved Mission Hill leader who passed away at almost 97. Kay was the founder of Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services and Back of the Hill CDC, instrumental in creating affordable housing and sustaining neighborhood services.
- Other individuals remembered:
- Mary Alice Curry (sister of Michael Curry)
- John Pierce (on behalf of Councilor Pepén)
- Cameron "Cam" Peters (father of Caroline Peters in ONS, on behalf of Councilor Weber)
- A moment of silence was observed.
- Motion: The Chair moved that when the council adjourns, it does so in memory of the aforementioned individuals.
XIII. Adjournment
- The next council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 12 PM in the Ionella Chamber.
- Vote: All in favor of adjournment said "aye."
- Outcome: The council was adjourned.