City Council Meeting 11-10-25

November 10, 2025
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City of Everett City Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: November 10, 2025 Governing Body: Everett City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting

Attendees:

  • Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin
  • Councilor Anthony DiPierro
  • Councilor Holly Garcia
  • Councilor John Hanlon
  • Councilor Michael Marchese
  • Councilor Wayne Matewsky
  • Councilor Peter Pietrantonio
  • Councilor Katy Rogers
  • Councilor Stephanie Smith
  • Councilor Robert Van Campen
  • Council President Stephanie Martins

Executive Summary: The Everett City Council convened a regular meeting on November 10, 2025, addressing various city matters. Key actions included the approval of donations for the City's homecoming celebration, the reappointment of members to the Everett Cultural Council, and the renewal of several Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer Licenses. Several agenda items related to ARPA funds, the Old High School Roof Renovation Project, and an overflow trash day were postponed due to a lack of administrative updates. Public participation highlighted concerns regarding city finances, the ARPA fund distribution, and the recent roof renovation project.

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

  • The meeting was called to order by Council President Stephanie Martins.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Present
    • Councilor DiPierro: Present
    • Councilor Garcia: Present
    • Councilor Hanlon: Present
    • Councilor Marchese: Present
    • Councilor Matewsky: Present
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Present
    • Councilor Rogers: Present
    • Councilor Smith: Present
    • Councilor Van Campen: Present
    • Council President Martins: Present
  • Quorum: 11 members present, constituting a quorum.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

III. Welcome and Congratulations

  • Council President Martins welcomed and congratulated:
    • Ward 1 City Councilor-elect Michelle Capone
    • Ward 5 City Councilor-elect Vivian Nguyen
    • Re-elected City Councilors
    • Mayor-elect Robert Van Campen

IV. Point of Privilege

  • Councilor DiPierro rose on a point of privilege to acknowledge the passing of:
    • Former School Committee member Dennis D'Antasio.
    • Lifelong Everett resident Jack Darling.
  • A moment of silence was observed.

V. Public Participation

  • Motion: To open public participation.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
    • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Speakers:
    • Peggy Serino (Agenda & Non-Agenda Items):
      • Agenda Item Summary: Raised concerns about the funding source for the City's homecoming celebration, specifically questioning the origin of funds beyond the $2,000 donated by Sabatino Insurance and Cataldo Ambulance. Suggested an investigation into city finances and questioned the transparency of the Old High School roof renovation project, stating, "Do you think covering over the old high school roof that has been leaking for decades and must have mold is making it as good as new? I don't. What a waste of ten million dollars of opera money." Also highlighted issues with trash, rats, and mice, advocating for fines for overflowing trash barrels and addressing illegal rooming houses. Noted the outage of local access channels 22 and 6.
      • Non-Agenda Item Summary: Criticized the time taken to fix the local access channel issue. Expressed concern about potential tax increases post-election and suggested assessing large apartment buildings as commercial properties. Advocated for support for Everett renters, homeowners, the elderly, and small businesses.
    • Paula Stariti (Agenda & Non-Agenda Items):
      • Agenda Item Summary: Questioned the discrepancy in cost estimates for the Old High School roof renovation, noting a study estimated $11.3 million while the bid went out for $7.9 million. Criticized the allocation of ARPA funds, stating, "What a waste of $47 million. An opportunity of a lifetime." Expressed dismay that only a "handful of businesses" received $18,000, questioning the eligibility of businesses like liquor stores and those not open during COVID-19. Highlighted that the majority of the $12 million distributed went to a few non-profits.
      • Non-Agenda Item Summary: Emphasized the city's "revenue problem and a spending problem," citing a $21 million retirement liability and $1.5 million spent on buybacks. Thanked Tony Raymond, John Pablo, and Walter Rice for their work with the Everett Reporter. Stressed the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating mistakes and expressed concern for senior citizens at risk of losing their homes due to city spending.
    • David Fortin (Non-Agenda Items):
      • Non-Agenda Item Summary: Recounted an incident involving his 74-year-old wife, Mary Fortin, who was holding a sign on a street corner before the election. Expressed disappointment with the current mayor's dismissive remark, "oh, it's only Mary Fortin," indicating a loss of respect for the mayor.
  • Motion: To close public participation.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
    • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.

VI. Agenda Items

1. Order Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend Donations for Homecoming Celebration

  • Order: An order offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting approval to accept and expend donations in support of the City of Everett's homecoming celebration.
    • Donations:
      • Sabatino Insurance Agency: $1,000
      • Cataldo Ambulance Service: $1,000
  • Motion: Favorable action with a letter of thanks.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Yes
    • Councilor Garcia: Yes
    • Councilor Hanlon: Yes
    • Councilor Marchese: Yes
    • Councilor Matewsky: Yes
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Yes
    • Councilor Rogers: Yes
    • Councilor Smith: Yes
    • Councilor Van Campen: Yes
    • Council President Martins: Yes
  • Outcome: 10 Ayes, 0 Nays. The order was approved.

2. Order Requesting Confirmation of Appointment to Transportation Advisory Board

  • Order: An order offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting the confirmation of the appointment of Gabriel Ponce-Limas as a member of the Transportation Advisory Board for a term of one year expiring November 30, 2026.
  • Motion: To refer to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: Item referred to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections.

3. Order Requesting Confirmation of Reappointment to Everett Cultural Council (Cromall, Mark Hand)

  • Order: An order offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting the confirmation of the reappointment of Cromall, Mark Hand to the Everett Cultural Council for a term of three years expiring November 30, 2028.
  • Motion: To take items 3 and 4 collectively.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
    • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Motion: Favorable action on items 3 and 4.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Roll Call Vote (for items 3 and 4 collectively):
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Yes
    • Councilor DiPierro: Yes
    • Councilor Garcia: Yes
    • Councilor Hanlon: Yes
    • Councilor Marchese: Yes
    • Councilor Matewsky: Yes
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Yes
    • Councilor Smith: Yes
    • Councilor Van Campen: Yes
    • Council President Martins: Yes
  • Outcome: 10 Ayes, 0 Nays. The reappointment was approved.

4. Order Requesting Confirmation of Reappointment to Everett Cultural Council (Katy Rogers)

  • Order: An order offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting the confirmation of the reappointment of Katy Rogers to the Everett Cultural Council for a term of three years expiring November 30, 2028.
  • Outcome: Approved collectively with Item 3.

5. Petition Requesting Renewal of Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License (New England Body Works, Inc.)

  • Petition: A petition offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting the renewal of the Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License for New England Body Works, Inc., at 39-43 Mystic Street.
  • Motion: To suspend the rules and take items 5 through 9 collectively for favorable action.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
    • Vote (on taking items collectively): All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Discussion: Councilor Pietrantonio inquired about item number 7, referencing a past issue with a state trooper and asking if there had been any complaints since. Council President Martins confirmed no further complaints from residents, constituents, or police, and that the establishment was being monitored and operating correctly within limits.
  • Motion: Favorable action on items 5 through 9.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Roll Call Vote (for items 5 through 9 collectively):
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Yes
    • Councilor DiPierro: Yes
    • Councilor Garcia: Yes
    • Councilor Hanlon: Yes
    • Councilor Marchese: Yes
    • Councilor Matewsky: Yes
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Yes
    • Councilor Rogers: Yes
    • Councilor Smith: Yes
    • Council President Martins: Yes
  • Outcome: 10 Ayes, 0 Nays. The renewals were approved.

6. Petition Requesting Renewal of Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License (Unidentified)

  • Petition: A petition requesting the renewal of a Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License.
  • Outcome: Approved collectively with Item 5.

7. Petition Requesting Renewal of Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License (Unidentified)

  • Petition: A petition requesting the renewal of a Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License.
  • Discussion: Councilor Pietrantonio raised a question regarding past issues with this specific license holder. Council President Martins confirmed no recent complaints and ongoing monitoring.
  • Outcome: Approved collectively with Item 5.

8. Petition Requesting Renewal of Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License (Unidentified)

  • Petition: A petition requesting the renewal of a Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License.
  • Outcome: Approved collectively with Item 5.

9. Petition Requesting Renewal of Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License (Unidentified)

  • Petition: A petition requesting the renewal of a Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License.
  • Outcome: Approved collectively with Item 5.

10. Petition Requesting New Mechanical Repair License (Everett Auto Center, Inc.)

  • Petition: A petition offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting a new mechanical repair license for Everett Auto Center, Inc. at 35 Orient Ave.
  • Committee Report: The committee met and voted 3-1 (Councilor Hanlon in opposition) to report back with a favorable recommendation.
  • Motion: Favorable action.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Yes
    • Councilor DiPierro: Yes
    • Councilor Garcia: Yes
    • Councilor Hanlon: No
    • Councilor Marchese: Yes
    • Councilor Matewsky: Yes
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Yes
    • Councilor Rogers: Yes
    • Councilor Smith: Yes
    • Councilor Van Campen: Yes
    • Council President Martins: Yes
  • Outcome: 10 Ayes, 1 Nay. The petition was approved.

11. Petition Requesting New Class II Motor Vehicle Dealer License (Intercar Auto Sales Corp.)

  • Petition: A petition offered by Council President Stephanie Martins requesting a new Class II motor vehicle dealer license for Intercar Auto Sales Corp. at 70 Chelsea Street.
  • Committee Report: The committee reported back with a favorable recommendation, 4-0.
  • Motion: To accept the committee report for favorable action.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Yes
    • Councilor DiPierro: Yes
    • Councilor Garcia: Yes
    • Councilor Hanlon: Yes
    • Councilor Marchese: Yes
    • Councilor Matewsky: Yes
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Yes
    • Councilor Rogers: Yes
    • Councilor Smith: Yes
    • Councilor Van Campen: Yes
    • Council President Martins: Yes
  • Outcome: 11 Ayes, 0 Nays. The petition was approved.

VII. Unfinished Business

12. Resolution Regarding Status of Business ARPA Grant Application Decisions

  • Resolution: A resolution offered by Council President Stephanie Martins and Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin that the administration provide a status on the business ARPA grant application decisions and information on the committee.
  • Discussion: Councilor Alcy Jabouin noted no update from the administration and expressed concern for businesses awaiting funds.
  • Motion: To postpone the item to the next meeting.
    • Moved: Councilor Alcy Jabouin
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: Postponed to the next meeting.

13. Resolution Regarding ARPA Funds Advertising and Distribution Process

  • Resolution: A resolution offered by Council President Stephanie Martins that the administration provide information on the process to ensure ARPA funds distributed to local organizations are being properly advertised and distributed in accordance with each application and intent.
  • Discussion: No information had been received. Councilor Alcy Jabouin requested postponement due to the absence of administrative representatives.
  • Motion: To postpone the item to the next meeting and request copies of signed MOUs, sub-recipient applications, and invoices paid to date.
    • Moved: Councilor Alcy Jabouin
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: Postponed to the next meeting with additional information requested.

14. Resolution Regarding Old High School Roof Renovation Project Bids and Expenses

  • Resolution: A resolution offered by Council President Stephanie Martins that the Administration and Procurement Office provide the winning bids and the expenses incurred by the Old High School Roof Renovation Project to date.
  • Discussion: Councilor Smith reported that the procurement director had provided all requested information, satisfying the item.
  • Motion: To refer the item back to sponsor.
    • Moved: Councilor Smith
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Discussion: Councilor Pietrantonio thanked the procurement officer for providing the information.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: Referred back to sponsor.

15. Resolution Regarding Overflow Trash Day Update

  • Resolution: A resolution offered by Councilors Stephanie Smith and Holly Garcia that the administration provides an update for when the overflow trash day this year will be and is discussed during budget hearings.
  • Discussion: No response from the administration. Councilor Smith requested postponement. Councilor Pietrantonio questioned if city hall employees were still on the payroll given the lack of responses.
  • Motion: To postpone the item to the next meeting and request information on whether the relevant personnel are still employed and will provide answers.
    • Moved: Councilor Smith
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: Postponed to the next meeting with additional inquiry.

16. Resolution Regarding Status of Louis Oswaldo Detained by ICE

  • Resolution: A resolution offered by Councilors Katy Rogers and Guerline Alcy Jabouin regarding the status of Louis Oswaldo, who was reportedly detained by ICE in Everett on September 10th.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Rogers stated she had communicated with Chief Strong and received an update on Mr. Oswaldo's whereabouts, but would not disclose it publicly. She emphasized the need for improved protocols and checks and balances between ICE and the police department.
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin highlighted the chaos caused when individuals are detained by ICE, leaving families unaware of their whereabouts and cars abandoned. She stressed the need for better communication between police and ICE to prevent people from "randomly go missing."
  • Motion: To refer the item back to sponsor.
    • Moved: Councilor Rogers
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: Referred back to sponsor.

VIII. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
    • Moved: [Unidentified]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified]
  • Announcement: Veterans Services of the Connelly Center event scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m.
  • Vote: All in favor. Motion passed.
  • Outcome: The meeting was adjourned.

Last updated: Nov 12, 2025

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