City Council Meeting 09-22-25

September 22, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: Everett City Council

Meeting Date: Not explicitly stated in transcript, but implied to be in late September/early October. Governing Body: Everett City Council Type of Meeting: 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 addressed several key issues, including the appropriation of funds for park renovations, legal services, and capital improvement projects. A significant portion of the meeting involved public participation, with residents raising concerns about park funding, legal invoices, the proposed soccer stadium, ADA compliance, and various city services. The Council postponed a vote on the Chelsea Street Park renovation and a grant for Everett Square improvements, requesting more information from the administration. They also approved several appointments to the Council on Aging and amended City Council rules regarding agenda item submission deadlines and committee referrals for non-civil service appointments.

Public Participation

  • Peter Napolitano (Cottage Street, Ward 1): Spoke in favor of Item #6, an order requesting $945,000 for the renovation of Chelsea Park playground. He highlighted the need for recreational options in Ward 1, especially after the loss of Line Street Park, and emphasized the multi-generational and accessible design of the proposed park. He also raised a concern that the cost estimates might be outdated due to inflation.
  • Paula Sturini (100 Cleveland Ave): Questioned the mayor and school committee regarding the settlement of lawsuits with the former superintendent, demanding transparency on the settlement amount and details. She alleged that the situation stemmed from political maneuvering and cost taxpayers millions, stating, "There's no consequences for the people that cost the city millions of dollars."
  • Maria Malchiona (Thurmond Street): Asked why the proposed soccer stadium was not put to a public vote, unlike the casino proposal. She also questioned the $1 million cost for Chelsea Street Park renovations, stating, "Why is it costing a million dollars of money that the city does not have?"
  • Laura Fahey: Expressed disturbance over a city councilor's joke about ADA compliance regarding a bus stop relocation. She cited ADA Subchapter 2, Sections 121.31 and 121.32, to emphasize the city's obligations to individuals with disabilities. She also questioned the cost-effectiveness of repairing a tot lot at Maddie English Park, where a full repair would cost $150,000 compared to $75,000 for partial repair.
  • Dave Fortin (Ward 4): Commented on Item #2, an order requesting $185,000 for three DPW one-ton pickup trucks, noting the number sounded "awfully familiar."
  • Mary Fortin (Ward 4, Cedar Terrace): Urged the Council to withhold further funding approvals until an audit is conducted, stating, "I don't approve of just dropping money when he wants it, when we can't even get an audit done." She also opposed hiring new positions until January, anticipating a new mayoral administration.
  • Bill Thompson (Sacro Plaza): Spoke on Item #3, regarding the settlement with former Superintendent Priya Talaani. He criticized the mayor's alleged control over the school committee's decision not to renew her contract and demanded that all information regarding the settlement be made public, not destroyed.
  • Sal Sacro: Raised concerns about the functionality of city sprinkler shutoff valves in three city buildings and the need for upgrades to aging infrastructure. He requested written documentation and a competent answer from the city water department regarding the location and maintenance of these valves.
  • Paula Sturini (100 Cleveland Ave): Criticized the city's handling of trash overflow, rodent issues, and the lack of proper mitigation plans for developers. She highlighted overflowing dumpsters and the absence of trash barrels in many areas, stating, "We'll never get rid of the rodents until we get rid of the food source."
  • Laura Fahey: Criticized the city's tree waiver of liability form, arguing it unfairly shifts responsibility to taxpayers for maintaining city property. She stated, "I pay taxes in the city. The city expects me to maintain my property in a certain way, rightfully so... But where do I send the ticket for when the city isn't maintaining their property?"
  • Maria Malchiona: Questioned the excessive spending on flowers throughout the city and suggested planting perennials instead. She also inquired about the repeated digging up and replacement of sidewalks on Ferry Street between Chelsea Street and Elm Street.
  • David Fortin: Criticized the placement and effectiveness of speed bumps, stating, "I don't like going slower than funerals." He also inquired about the current status of the Veteran Services Officer (VSO) position.
  • Mary Fortin: Reiterated concerns about speed bumps and the narrowing of main streets due to round curbs, which she believes contribute to accidents. She also complained about the small size and cost of city trash cans.
  • Bill Thompson: Suggested that the current mayor (or future mayor) attend school committee meetings. He also raised concerns about motorbikes riding on sidewalks and the lack of helmet use, advocating for increased safety measures. He requested that the city charter be made available online.

Agenda Items

Item #6: Order Requesting Approval to Appropriate $945,000 by Borrowing to Renovate Chelsea Street Park

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to appropriate $945,000 through borrowing for the renovation of Chelsea Street Park.
  • Discussion:
    • Matt Lattanzi, Director of Planning and Development: Presented the plan, emphasizing its multi-generational focus, accessibility features, and the inclusion of amenities like a walking path, fitness equipment, and a bocce ball court. He noted the 90% design is complete, but pricing was based on a 2024 model, acknowledging potential cost increases due to inflation. He stated that some equipment could be removed if necessary to stay within budget.
    • Councilor Garcia: Inquired about the expansion of the park, noting it appears larger than the current footprint. Mr. Lattanzi confirmed a slight expansion towards the hill and an "L-shaped" addition for seating, shade trees, and a bocce ball court, based on community input.
    • Councilor Van Campen: Questioned the confidence in staying within the $945,000 budget given the 90% design and 2024 pricing. He also expressed concern about the project's timeline, citing delays with the Central Avenue Park project.
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Questioned the urgency of this project over other parks and the accessibility of the bocce ball court for the entire community. She stated she would not vote for the item due to other parks being prioritized.
    • Councilor Matewsky: Supported the project, highlighting the park's current state of disrepair and its importance to the surrounding neighborhood, which lacks green space. He noted the transformation would make it "the nicest little park in Everett."
    • Councilor Rogers: Expressed concerns similar to Councilor Van Campen, linking her support to progress on the Central Avenue Park project. She suggested delaying the vote until more information on other incomplete parks is provided.
    • Councilor Smith: Noted the plans were provided almost a year after the committee meeting, questioning the timing of the request. While acknowledging the reasonable amount and the park's location in her neighborhood, she echoed concerns about other parks awaiting completion.
    • Councilor Hanlon: Supported the project but requested a report on the costs and progress during construction to ensure the project stays within the $945,000 budget.
  • Motion to Postpone: Councilor Rogers moved to postpone the item with a request for a timeline for this project and an update on incomplete parks.
    • Vote on Postponement (Roll Call):
      • Yeas (8): Alcy Jabouin, Garcia, Marchese, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
      • Nays (3): DiPierro, Hanlon, Matewsky
    • Outcome: The motion to postpone passed.

Item #20: Resolution Offered by Councilor Peter Pietrantonio Regarding the Tree Waiver Form

  • Sponsor: Councilor Peter Pietrantonio
  • Summary: This resolution requests a representative from the legal department to explain the purpose of the tree waiver form.
  • Discussion:
    • Colleen Mejia, City Solicitor: Explained that a waiver of liability or right of entry is typically required when the city enters private property for tree trimming. She clarified that the tree warden mistakenly provided a waiver for a city tree on city property and that the form has since been revised to exclude gross negligence.
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Confirmed his understanding that the tree warden acknowledged the error and that the revised waiver would only apply when entering private property.
  • Motion: Refer back to sponsor.
  • Outcome: The item was referred back to the sponsor.

Item #1: Order Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend a Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Mental Health, in the Amount of $90,000

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to accept and expend a $90,000 grant to support an outreach clinician position for community services in conjunction with police personnel.
  • Motion: Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Item #2: Order Requesting Approval to Appropriate $185,000 from the Capital Stabilization Account for Three DPW One-Ton Pickup Trucks

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to appropriate $185,000 from the capital stabilization account for the purchase of three DPW one-ton pickup trucks.
  • Motion: Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with a request for maintenance reports of the trucks being replaced.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means with the requested information.

Item #3: Order Requesting Approval to Raise and Appropriate $36,975 to the Legal Department Professional Services Account to Fund Fiscal Year 2026 Legal Services

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to raise and appropriate $36,975 to the legal department's professional services account to fund legal services performed by Gallagher and Kavanaugh, primarily for the lawsuit involving the former superintendent.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Smith: Stated she reviewed the invoices with the city solicitor and recommended suspending the rules for immediate favorable action.
  • Motion to Suspend Rules: Passed by voice vote.
  • Vote on Appropriation (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (7): DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Matewsky, Rogers, Smith, Martins
    • Nays (4): Alcy Jabouin, Marchese, Pietrantonio, Van Campen
    • Outcome: The motion failed as it required a two-thirds vote.
  • Motion to Reconsider: Passed by voice vote.
  • Motion: Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Post-Meeting Clarification: Council President Martins announced that, after discussion with outside legal counsel, the item passed with a simple majority, rendering the reconsideration and subsequent Ways and Means vote null and void.

Item #4: Order Requesting Approval to Appropriate $2,000,000 by Borrowing for Streets and Sidewalk Construction Throughout the City

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to appropriate $2,000,000 through borrowing for streets and sidewalk construction.
  • Motion: Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means and request a list of streets and sidewalks to be included.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means with the requested information.

Item #5: Petition Requesting a New Auto Repair License for Romero Auto Repair at 2081 Revere Beach Parkway

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This is a petition for a new auto repair license.
  • Motion: Refer to the Committee on Community and Business Development.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to the Committee on Community and Business Development.

Item #7: Order Requesting Approval to Appropriate $1,782,072 from the Capital Stabilization Account for 19 Capital Improvement Projects and Purchases

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to appropriate $1,782,072 from the capital stabilization account for 19 capital improvement projects and purchases.
  • Motion: Favorable action and accept the committee report.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (9): DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (2): Alcy Jabouin, Marchese
    • Outcome: The order passed.

Item #8: Order Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend Funds from the Department of Energy Green Communities Competitive Grant Program in the Amount of $126,675

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to accept and expend $126,675 from the Department of Energy Green Communities Competitive Grant Program to fund energy conservation measures in municipal facilities.
  • Committee Report Summary (read by Clerk): Ms. Jenkins Sullivan, Planning Project Owner, explained the grant would replace a failing steam boiler at the Ferry Street Fire Station with a rooftop unit heat pump. An additional $10,000 cost would be covered by National Grid. The committee referred it back with a favorable recommendation.
  • Motion: Accept the committee report and favorable action.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (11): Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Marchese, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (0):
    • Outcome: The order passed.

Item #9: Order Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend Funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in the Amount of $216,434

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to accept and expend $216,434 from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to improve connections between the Northern Strand Community Trail, Main Street, the Village Neighborhood, Wellington MBTA Station, and Medford via West Street and Wellington Avenue.
  • Motion: Accept the committee report and favorable action.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (11): Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Marchese, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (0):
    • Outcome: The order passed.

Item #10: Order Requesting Approval to Raise and Appropriate $299,750 to Fund the Local 25 DPW Collective Bargaining Contract

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to raise and appropriate $299,750 to fund the recently ratified Local 25 DPW collective bargaining contract.
  • Motion: Accept the committee report and favorable action.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (10): Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Marchese, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (0):
    • Outcome: The order passed.

Items #11, #12, #13: Appointments to the Council on Aging

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary:
    • Item #11: Order confirming the appointment of Betty Martinelli to the Council on Aging for a two-year term expiring September 1, 2027.
    • Item #12: Order confirming the appointment of Noreen Feeney to the Council on Aging for a two-year term expiring September 1, 2027.
    • Item #13: Order confirming the appointment of Patricia Albano to the Council on Aging for a two-year term expiring September 1, 2027.
  • Motion to Suspend Rules and Take Collectively: Passed by voice vote.
  • Motion: Accept the committee report and favorable action.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (11): Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Marchese, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (0):
    • Outcome: All three appointments were confirmed.

Item #14: Order Recommending the Consideration of Amending City Council Rule 7.1c Agenda Item Submission Deadline

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order recommends amending City Council Rule 7.1c to change the agenda item submission deadline.
  • Discussion: The new deadline is moved from 5 p.m. on Wednesday to noon on Wednesday (or the day before if there's a holiday). This change aims to assist staff with last-minute agenda items.
  • Motion: Accept the committee report and favorable action.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (11): Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Marchese, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (0):
    • Outcome: The order passed, amending the rules.

Item #15: Order Recommending Consideration of Amending City Council Rule 20 So That Not All Non-Civil Service Appointment Orders Are Automatically Referred to Committee

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order recommends amending City Council Rule 20 to streamline the process for non-civil service appointments.
  • Motion: Accept the committee report and favorable action.
  • Vote (Roll Call):
    • Yeas (11): Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Garcia, Hanlon, Marchese, Matewsky, Pietrantonio, Rogers, Smith, Van Campen, Martins
    • Nays (0):
    • Outcome: The order passed, amending the rules.

Item #16: Resolution Offered by Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Stephanie Smith That the City Provide an Update in Regards to the Vacant Lot on Summit Street

  • Sponsor: Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Stephanie Smith
  • Summary: This resolution requests an update on the vacant lot on Summit Street.
  • Discussion:
    • Erin Devaney, Chief of Staff: Provided an update. The mayor is seeking proposals for the parcel to offer first-time homeownership opportunities, potentially for townhome structures with parking, based on community feedback. The city solicitor and chief procurement officer are exploring legal and procurement steps.
    • Councilor Smith: Emphasized the neighborhood's desire for parking and stated she would not vote to sell any land without on-site parking for proposed developments.
  • Motion: Postpone to the first meeting of December for an update on the plans.
  • Outcome: The item was postponed to the first meeting of December.

Item #17: Order Requesting Approval to Accept and Expend Funds from the Mass Gaming Commission in the Amount of $2,453,500 to Fund Programs and Services Provided by Fire, Police, Planning, and Transportation

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This order requests approval to accept and expend $2,453,500 from the Mass Gaming Commission to fund programs and services for fire, police, planning, and transportation.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Smith: Noted concerns from the previous meeting regarding the planning and transportation portion, specifically the inclusion of Everett Square improvements after the Council voted against it. She requested an update from the Chief of Staff on the specific plans for Everett Square.
    • Council: No update was available from the administration.
  • Motion: Postpone to the next meeting (October 14th) with a request for actual plans for Everett Square to be included in the packet beforehand.
  • Outcome: The item was postponed to the next meeting.

Item #18: Resolution Offered by Council President Stephanie Martins and Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin That the Administration Provide a Status and the Business ARPA Grant Application Decisions and Information on the Committee

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins and Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin
  • Summary: This resolution requests an update on the business ARPA grant application decisions and committee information.
  • Discussion:
    • Erin Devaney, Chief of Staff: Stated that 16 applicants still owe outstanding information. No applicant has been disqualified, and outreach is being made by the Chamber of Commerce. The city is considering a response deadline for these individuals to allow the process to move forward for compliant applicants. She clarified that the city has translation services available and that Accenture is reviewing technical compliance, while the Chamber of Commerce handles outreach.
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin: Reiterated her offer to personally assist in gathering information from businesses and questioned the effectiveness of the Chamber of Commerce's outreach, suggesting a language barrier might be an issue. She also inquired about the compensation for Accenture and the Chamber of Commerce.
    • Councilor Smith: Expressed concern for small businesses awaiting funds and urged a timeline for the process.
    • Councilor Hanlon: Inquired about the total ARPA funds received and the current balance, confirming that no new ARPA funds are coming to the city.
    • Councilor Van Campen: Questioned the bureaucracy and suggested a more direct approach to help applicants complete their information, especially regarding potential language barriers.
    • Councilor Pietrantonio: Asked how long the city has been waiting for the 16 applicants and suggested the city take a more active role in resolving the outstanding issues.
    • Council President Martins: Criticized the lack of proactive engagement with diverse communities, suggesting that the city's DEI efforts should have advised on better outreach strategies, such as in-person multilingual workshops. She requested email updates for all applicants.
  • Motion: Postpone to the next meeting (October 14th) with an update on whether all applications have been received and if applicants have been notified.
  • Outcome: The item was postponed to the next meeting.

Item #19: 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 Applicant and Intent

  • Sponsor: Council President Stephanie Martins
  • Summary: This resolution requests information on the process for advertising and distributing ARPA funds to local organizations.
  • Motion: Postpone to the next meeting for further updates.
  • Outcome: The item was postponed to the next meeting.

Item #21: Resolution Offered by Councilor Anthony DiPierro That the Department of Engineering or Public Works Take Steps to Address the Curbing at the Intersection of Sycamore and Ferry Streets

  • Sponsor: Councilor Anthony DiPierro
  • Summary: This resolution proposes that the Department of Engineering or Public Works address curbing issues at the intersection of Sycamore and Ferry Streets due to reports of residents tripping.
  • Discussion: Councilor DiPierro noted that handicap ramps are surrounded by curb borders, leading to falls. He suggested better identification, such as planters or paint, to differentiate the curbing from the sidewalk.
  • Motion: Refer to the Department of Engineering and DPW.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to the Department of Engineering and DPW.

Item #22: Resolution Proposing That the City, Through Senator Saldi, Request That the Army Corps of Engineers Dredge the Appropriate Portion of Chelsea Creek to Provide a Better Flow from the Culvert Outflow Pipe

  • Sponsor: Councilor Michael Marchese
  • Summary: This resolution proposes requesting the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge Chelsea Creek to improve water flow from the culvert outflow pipe, addressing flooding issues.
  • Discussion: Councilor Marchese explained that the outflow pipe backs up due to insufficient depth, causing flooding. He suggested dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers or, alternatively, using city equipment to clear the area around the outflow.
  • Motion: Refer to Senator DeDomenico with a request for an update within a month.
  • Outcome: The item was referred to Senator DeDomenico with the requested update timeline.

Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

Special Meeting Announcement: A special meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday, October 29th, at 6:30 PM for a presentation by forensic auditors.

Last updated: Nov 10, 2025

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