City Council Meeting 11-24-25

November 24, 2025
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City of Everett City Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: November 24, 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
  • Councilor President Stephanie Martins
  • Town Clerk

Executive Summary

The City Council convened for a regular meeting, addressing various community concerns and administrative matters. Key discussions included public participation on issues such as the appointment of council members, the proposed data center, and the distribution of ARPA funds. The Council approved the city's municipal aggregation plan and several license renewals. Significant debate arose regarding the borrowing of funds for the Police Station roof improvement project and the delayed disbursement of ARPA grants to small businesses. The Council also initiated a temporary pause on data center facility approvals to allow for further review by the incoming administration.

I. Call to Order & Roll Call

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

II. Pledge of Allegiance

  • The Council and attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Public Participation

  • Motion: To open public participation.

    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Public participation opened.

  • Speakers: Six individuals signed up (four on agenda items, two on non-agenda items). Speakers were allotted two minutes per item.

    • Peggy Serino (Everett, Mass.)
      • Agenda Items Summary: Questioned the timing of council appointments, suggesting they be delayed until the new administration. Criticized the proposed $100,000 for watering trees as "insane." Questioned borrowing for the police station roof, suggesting the use of "free cash." Expressed concern over post-facto approval of donations for the homecoming celebration, specifically regarding the source of funds and potential impact on the Department of Public Works budget. Stated, "The people of the city voted for change and transparency, not more of the same."
      • Non-Agenda Items Summary: Reiterated the call for change and transparency, opposing a "good old boys network." Criticized the contract extension for Superintendent Billy Hart, citing a lack of state-required credentials and suggesting a qualified person was discouraged from applying. Stated, "Do we want the good old boys network or do we want qualified people working at City Hall?"
    • Paul Oster (Reading)
      • Agenda Items Summary: Expressed understanding of objections to the data center due to power and environmental concerns but questioned why similar concerns weren't raised for the stadium. Criticized the handling of the ARPA grant program, stating, "Words cannot explain what a total eff up this is." Highlighted the payment of "hundreds of thousands of dollars" to a consulting firm (Ansere) for a project that lacked transparency and timely disbursement of funds to small businesses. Noted that rental and mortgage assistance were provided, with the "600" (Garvey Street) receiving the most funds, up to "$5,000."
      • Non-Agenda Items Summary: Raised concerns about unknown tax assessments, citing other cities raising taxes and cutting budgets. Questioned why the city's assessors were not present to explain the delay. Emphasized the public's desire for change and community involvement, stating, "people do not want business as usual in this city." Noted that information about financial assistance programs is not widely known, benefiting only "people in the circle."
    • Philip Spadley
      • Agenda Items Summary: As a volunteer for a cleanup effort, expressed concern about the impact of a new data company on Everett's water and electricity usage. Stated, "I hope we can find things that are better for the Everett residents."
    • Bruce Conrad
      • Agenda Items Summary: With experience in data centers, expressed general support for the project, noting that while data centers require significant power, air conditioning, and generators, they are "generally good neighbors" and "very quiet." Suggested they would be a long-term investment for the city.

  • Motion: To close public participation.

    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Public participation closed.

IV. Department Head Sign-ins

  • No department heads were present to speak.

V. Suspension of Rules & Calendar Items

A. Item #12: Municipal Aggregation Plan

  • Motion: To suspend the rules and take Item #12 from the calendar.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.
  • Description: An order offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins, requesting approval to adopt the city's municipal aggregation plan and authorize the City Administration to prepare the plan for submission to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities pursuant to MGL Chapter 164, Subsection 134.
  • Motion: To accept the committee report and favorable actions.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Alcy Jabouin: Yes
      • DiPierro: Yes
      • Garcia: Yes
      • Hanlon: Yes
      • Marchese: Yes
      • Matewsky: Yes
      • Pietrantonio: Yes
      • Rogers: Yes
      • Smith: Yes
      • Van Campen: Yes
      • Martins: Yes
    • Outcome: 11 Yeas, 0 Nays. The order passed.

B. Item #6: Police Station Roof Improvement Project

  • Motion: To suspend the rules and take Item #6 from the calendar.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.
  • Description: An order offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins, requesting approval of an additional amount of $455,000 to be appropriated by borrowing for the Everett Police Station roof improvement project.
  • Motion: To refer to the Committee on Ways and Means.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Marchese questioned the borrowing of funds.
      • Councilor Van Campen suggested inviting the Procurement Officer, a representative of the Police Department, and the Facilities Director to the committee meeting.
      • Councilor Pietrantonio questioned why "free cash" or ARPA funds from the school could not be used instead of borrowing.
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, with a request to invite the Procurement Officer, Police Department representative, and Facilities Director, and to discuss the use of ARPA funds and free cash.

C. Items #7-11: License Renewals

  • Motion: To take Items #7-11 collectively off the calendar for favorable action.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.
  • Descriptions:
    • Item #7: Petition requesting renewal of a Class 2 motor vehicle dealer license for Parkway Auto Sales at 1673 Revere Beach Parkway.
    • Item #8: Petition requesting renewal of a Class II motor vehicle dealer license for Carolina USA LLC at 353 3rd Street.
    • Item #9: Petition requesting renewal of a Class II motor vehicle dealer license for Casino Auto Sales at 163 Ferry Street.
    • Item #10: Petition requesting renewal of a Class II motor vehicle dealer license for White's Auto Sales at 79 Vine Street.
    • Item #11: Petition requesting renewal of a lodging house license for 134 Linden Street, LLC at 134 Linden Street.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Pietrantonio questioned if the property at 134 Linden Street was still a lodging house, noting it had been rebuilt. It was confirmed that it remained a lodging house by right, as the Zoning Board of Appeals did not approve units.
    • Councilor Van Campen initially considered referring Item #11 to a committee due to resident awareness but maintained the motion for favorable action, noting it was a renewal for a year.
  • Motion: To accept favorable action on Items #7-11.
    • Moved: Councilor Marchese
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Alcy Jabouin: Yes
      • DiPierro: Yes
      • Garcia: Yes
      • Hanlon: Yes
      • Matewsky: Yes
      • Pietrantonio: Yes
      • Rogers: Yes
      • Smith: Yes
      • Van Campen: Yes
      • Martins: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yeas, 0 Nays. The petitions were approved.

D. Items #1 & #2: Homecoming Celebration Donations

  • Motion: To suspend the rules and take Items #1 and #2 collectively.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.
  • Descriptions: Orders offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins, requesting approval to accept and expend donations in support of the City of Everett's Homecoming Celebration:
    • Item #1: Andrew and Jessica Erickson, $1,000.
    • Item #2: American Contractors Corp., $1,000.
    • Item #2 (continued): Anthony Ferraro, $1,000.
  • Motion: For favorable action on Items #1 and #2.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Alcy Jabouin: Yes
      • DiPierro: Yes
      • Garcia: Yes
      • Hanlon: Yes
      • Matewsky: Yes
      • Pietrantonio: Yes
      • Rogers: Yes
      • Smith: Yes
      • Van Campen: Yes
      • Martins: Yes
    • Outcome: 10 Yeas, 0 Nays. The donations were approved.

E. Items #3 & #4: Food Policy Council Appointments

  • Motion: To suspend the rules and take Items #3 and #4 collectively.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.
  • Descriptions: Orders offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins:
    • Item #3: Requesting confirmation of appointment of Elizabeth Cordero to the Food Policy Council for a term of three years expiring November 30, 2025.
    • Item #4: Requesting confirmation of reappointment of Christina Neese to the Food Policy Council for a term of three years expiring November 30, 2025.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Smith inquired if these were paid positions. The Clerk confirmed they were paid positions, with a stipend of $1,500 for the Food Policy Council.
  • Motion: To refer Items #3 and #4 to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Items referred.

F. Item #5: DCR Grant for Watering Trees

  • Description: An order offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins, requesting approval to accept and expend a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in the amount of $100,000 to be used for watering trees.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Pietrantonio questioned if the city currently waters trees, the location of these trees, and the necessity of spending "$100,000" on watering. Suggested it might be for DCR-supervised areas like rotaries.
  • Motion: To refer the item to the Committee on Ways and Means.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item referred.

G. Item #13: Transportation Advisory Board Appointment

  • Description: An order offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins, requesting confirmation of the appointment of Gabrielle Ponce-Limas as a member of the Transportation Advisory Board for a term of one year expiring November 30, 2026.
  • Motion: To accept the committee report and favorable action.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Alcy Jabouin: Yes
      • DiPierro: Yes
      • Garcia: Yes
      • Hanlon: Yes
      • Marchese: Yes
      • Matewsky: Yes
      • Pietrantonio: Yes
      • Smith: Yes
      • Rogers: Yes
      • Van Campen: Yes
      • Martins: Yes
    • Outcome: 11 Yeas, 0 Nays. The appointment was approved.

VI. Unfinished Business

A. Item #14: Vacant Lot on Summer Street

  • Description: A resolution offered by Councilors Wayne Matewsky and Stephanie Smith, requesting the City provide an update regarding the vacant lot on Summer Street.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Matewsky noted the property has been vacant for a long time and the neighborhood desires information on its future, including adequate parking if development occurs.
    • Councilor Smith expressed disappointment that the administration had not provided an update since August 11th.
    • Councilor Matewsky clarified that the City owns the property, which could allow the Council to set parking requirements for future development.
    • Councilor Pietrantonio questioned the Council's ability to impose parking requirements given existing ZBA rules.
  • Motion: To postpone this item to the second meeting in December (December 22nd) for an explanation from the administration.
    • Moved: Councilor Matewsky
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item postponed.

B. Item #15: ARPA Grant Application Decisions & Information

  • Description: A resolution offered by Councilors Stephanie Martins and Guerline Alcy Jabouin, requesting the administration provide a status on business ARPA grant application decisions and information on the committee.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin expressed frustration over the lack of administration presence and the delay in disbursing funds to businesses, stating, "They are holding hostage checks that should have been cut already to the businesses."
    • Councilor Pietrantonio echoed the frustration, noting a constituent's 2021 application still lacked information and stating, "we're probably not going to get no answers from here out till the administration changes."
    • Councilor Smith emphasized the urgency, as small businesses rely on these funds for rent and livelihood. She proposed referring the matter to the Treasurer, CFO, and Chief of Staff for an immediate answer.
    • Councilor Pietrantonio suggested withholding payroll checks for non-responsive administrators.
  • Motion: To request an answer from the City Treasurer and CFO by the close of business tomorrow (November 25, 2025) regarding the status of cutting the approved ARPA checks.
    • Moved: Councilor Smith
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed.

C. Item #16: ARPA Funds Distribution to Local Organizations

  • Description: A resolution offered by Councilor 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.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Alcy Jabouin expressed frustration over receiving an inadequate response from the administration, stating, "If they're not showing up for work, if they don't want to work here anymore, they should not get paid."
  • Motion: To postpone the item to the next meeting, hoping for answers to the emailed questions.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item postponed.

D. Item #17: Speed Bumps

  • Description: A resolution offered by Councilor Stephanie Smith, that the administration and the Traffic Commission provide answers to the attached list of questions regarding newly installed speed bumps.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Smith added a new question: "now that they're taking up the speed bumps, are they filling in the holes so that the water does not seep through and then the ice spreads and cracks the streets?"
  • Motion: To postpone this item to the next meeting, requesting responses to all submitted questions.
    • Moved: Councilor Smith
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item postponed.

E. Item #18: Overflow Trash Day

  • Description: A resolution by Councilors Stephanie Smith and Holly Garcia, that the administration provides an update for when the overflow trash day this year will be as discussed during budget hearings.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Smith requested an "overflow trash day," not just an "extra bag day," as promised by the administration due to budget savings.
  • Motion: To refer this item to the next meeting for an answer.
    • Moved: Councilor Smith
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item referred.

VII. New Business

A. Item #19: Licensing Commission Probationary Period Policy

  • Description: A resolution offered by Councilor Stephanie Martins, that the Licensing Commission reconsider their probationary period policy on new licenses in order to truly support new businesses.
  • Motion: To refer to the Licensing Commission.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item referred.

B. Item #20: Residential Tax Exemption Increase

  • Description: A resolution offered by Councilor Anthony DiPierro, requesting the City Council to investigate the feasibility of increasing the residential tax exemption from 25% to a percentage between 26% and 35% per MGL in the future.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor DiPierro explained that the state now allows municipalities to increase the exemption up to 35%. He suggested further investigation into the implications and benefits before proceeding, noting that it shifts the tax burden from owner-occupied to non-owner-occupied residential properties. He had discussed this with Mayor-elect Van Campen, who agreed it warranted further review.
  • Motion: To refer this item to the new administration.
    • Moved: Councilor DiPierro
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Item referred.

C. Item #21: Temporary Pause on Data Center Facilities

  • Description: A resolution by Councilors Katy Rogers and Stephanie Martins, recommending a temporary pause on the processing and approval of data center facilities.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Rogers stated this was brought to her attention by Planning Board members regarding "unidentified data centers" in a Davis Company proposal. She emphasized the large scale of the Davis Company project and the need for a thorough understanding of the benefits and consequences of new industries like data centers. She expressed concern about rushing approvals during the transition to a new administration and highlighted potential issues like noise, water usage, and power usage observed in other communities.
    • Councilor Marchese supported the intent, noting a different vision for the 75-acre area, which includes a 25-acre lithium energy storage facility. He expressed concern that restricting the entire area to energy/data centers would be too restrictive and not align with previous discussions of a "similar to Assembly Square Mall" development.
  • Motion: To suspend Rule 18 (requires a two-thirds vote).
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Roll Call Vote:
      • Van Campen: Yes
      • Martins: Yes
    • Outcome: 11 Yeas, 0 Nays. Rule 18 suspended.
  • Motion: To refer the resolution (expressing the sentiment of the entire City Council) requesting a temporary pause on the approval of data center facilities to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. Resolution referred.

VIII. Announcements

  • Councilor DiPierro wished colleagues and residents a Happy Thanksgiving and reminded them of the tree lighting on December 5th.

IX. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
    • Moved: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Seconded: [Unidentified Councilor]
    • Vote: All in favor.
    • Outcome: Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned.

Last updated: Nov 25, 2025

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