Meeting Minutes: Everett City Council Committee on Ways and Means
Meeting Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 Governing Body: Everett City Council Committee on Ways and Means Meeting Type: Committee Meeting Attendees: Council Smith, Council DiPierro, Council Hanlon, Council Petritonio
Executive Summary
The Everett City Council Committee on Ways and Means met to discuss several financial appropriations. Key discussions included a proposed $945,000 appropriation for Chelsea Street Park renovations, which was referred to the full City Council without recommendation due to concerns about cost and project scope. The committee also favorably recommended a $1,782,072 appropriation from the Capital Stabilization Account for 19 capital projects, including significant upgrades for police and fire department vehicles, technology, and equipment, as well as new accessible voting machines. Additionally, a $126,675 grant for energy conservation measures at the Ferry Street Fire Station and a $216,434 grant for transportation improvements connecting the Northern Strand Community Trail were both favorably recommended. Finally, a $299,750 appropriation to fund the recently ratified Local 25 DPW collective bargaining contract was also favorably recommended.
Agenda Item 1: Order to Approve Appropriation of $945,000 for Chelsea Street Park Renovation
Sponsor: Councilor Stephanie Martins
Summary of Discussion:
- Council Hanlon expressed concern about the high cost of the proposed renovation, stating that the current use of the park as a temporary dog park does not warrant a nearly million-dollar investment. He requested to see detailed plans before voting.
- Council DiPierro moved to invite Mr. Matt Lattanzi, Director of Planning and Development, to provide information.
- Vote to invite Mr. Lattanzi: All in favor (Aye).
- Matt Lattanzi, Director of Planning and Development, clarified that the appropriation is for constructing a "people park," not a dog park, designed for multi-generational use (children, adults, seniors).
- The park will feature elements for people with mobility issues, bocce ball courts, and will retain as many trees as possible.
- He stated that the park was designed with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds by SLR, with a 90% design completed in early 2025, including a cost breakdown.
- Community meetings were held at the Connolly Center, where seniors voted on park features.
- Council Hanlon reiterated his concern about the cost and the change from a dog park to a people park, noting that current users anticipate a dog park. He requested to review the plans.
- Council DiPierro inquired about the origin of the cost figure and whether equipment pricing had been sought. Mr. Lattanzi confirmed that the cost breakdown includes equipment expenses and was based on community input.
- Council Smith raised concerns about the timeline of this project compared to Central Avenue Park, which has been in the budget for several years. Mr. Lattanzi clarified that Chelsea Street Park was within his purview due to its readiness for bidding.
- Motion to excuse Mr. Lattanzi: All in favor (Aye).
- Motion to refer the item to the full body with no recommendation:
- Mover: Council DiPierro
- Seconder: Council Smith
- Rationale: No information was provided to the board beforehand.
- Vote: All in favor (Aye).
Agenda Item 2: Order to Approve Appropriation of $1,782,072 from Capital Stabilization Account for 19 Capital Projects
Sponsor: Councilor Stephanie Martins
Summary of Discussion:
- Council DiPierro moved to invite Police Chief Strong and Fire Chief Hickey to appear before the committee.
- Vote to invite Chiefs Strong and Hickey: All in favor (Aye).
- Police Chief Strong provided details on the police department's requested appropriations:
- Non-Administrative Vehicles (Patrol Division): $300,000 for four new hybrid patrol vehicles to replace older models (one 2018, three 2017). The goal is to maintain a three-year replacement cycle.
- Administrative Vehicles: $200,000 for eight new administrative vehicles (detective cars, drug unit, Gaming Enforcement Unit vehicle) to replace an aging fleet (2013-2017 models).
- Radio System Replacement (Channel 2 Repeater): $100,000 for new equipment at the Wooden Hospital repeater to enable direct communication with Boston PD, Gaming Enforcement Unit, and Greater Boston Marine units, aligning with digital system changes.
- Police Computers: $150,000 for adding computers to cruisers without them, replacing aged computers, and purchasing printers for vehicles to comply with registry requirements for printed citations. This also includes new mounts and will extend to special operations and detective units.
- E911 Antenna Replacements: $50,000 for replacing old and damaged antennas as part of an upgrade to a digital radio system.
- BAPRN Replacement: $100,000 to update aged BAPRN system hardware due to BAPRN going digital and requiring over-the-air programming.
- Patrol Rifles and Less-Lethal Shotguns: $50,000 for updating patrol rifles and acquiring four new less-lethal shotguns for frontline vehicles as de-escalation tactics.
- Council Hanlon inquired if new police cars would come fully equipped or if equipment would need to be installed separately. Chief Strong confirmed that the purchasing company installs all new equipment. Old vehicles will be passed down to other city departments like DPW.
- Fire Chief Hickey provided details on the fire department's requested appropriations:
- Turnout Gear: $65,000 to fund turnout gear for seven new hires and repairs for existing members. Each set costs approximately $4,500.
- Administrative Vehicles: $150,000 to replace three 2014 Ford Explorers, which are 11 years old. Quotes from MHQ are slightly under the requested amount and include new equipment (radios, lights).
- Reporting Software (RMS System): $100,000 for a new RMS system to achieve NARIS compliance, replacing a three-decade-old system. This system will integrate with CAD and MDTs, providing real-time information, property details, and hazard notes for increased safety and efficiency.
- Computer Automated Dispatch (CAD): $133,072 for the fire department's portion of a new CAD system. Chief Hickey emphasized the need for a single, integrated CAD system for both police and fire departments to ensure consistent information and improve inter-departmental communication with surrounding cities.
- Council Smith questioned if the allocated funds were sufficient for the computer systems and stressed the importance of a unified CAD system for both police and fire departments that is scalable for future needs. Chief Hickey confirmed the funds are based on quotes, with potential for slight increases, and reiterated the goal of a single city-wide CAD system.
- Motion to excuse Chiefs Strong and Hickey: All in favor (Aye).
- Council DiPierro moved to invite the City Clerk to discuss the voting machine expenditure.
- Vote to invite City Clerk: All in favor (Aye).
- City Clerk provided details on the voting machine expenditure:
- Handicap Accessible Voting Machines: $60,000 for 13 new handicap accessible voting machines (12 for polling locations, 1 spare). These machines will replace 21-year-old units with 30-year-old technology.
- The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office is expected to certify new machines from three different companies in the coming months.
- The funds are intended to be ready for the next state election, which will feature federal and state offices.
- The cost per machine is estimated between $3,000 and $5,000.
- The city has already upgraded tabulators and check-in tablets.
- Motion to excuse the City Clerk: All in favor (Aye).
- Motion to refer the item to the full body with a favorable recommendation:
- Mover: Council DiPierro
- Seconder: Council Smith
- Vote: All in favor (Aye).
Agenda Item 3: Order to Accept and Expend Funds from Department of Energy Green Communities Competitive Grant Program ($126,675)
Sponsor: Councilor Stephanie Martins
Summary of Discussion:
- Council DiPierro moved to invite members of the Planning Department.
- Vote to invite Planning Department members: All in favor (Aye).
- Kate Jenkins Sullivan, Sustainability Manager for the Planning Department, explained the grant:
- The $126,675 grant will fund the replacement of a failing steam boiler with a new heat pump rooftop unit system at the Ferry Street Fire Station.
- The new system will provide both heating and cooling.
- A $10,000 city match is required, which will be covered by National Grid's on-bill repayment program using Sincarfa solar credits, thus avoiding the use of capital or city funds.
- Council Smith inquired about the size and weight of the rooftop unit and the structural integrity of the Ferry Street Fire Station roof. Ms. Sullivan confirmed the unit is significant but the roof can support it, and facilities management is looking forward to the project.
- Motion to excuse the guest: All in favor (Aye).
- Motion to refer the item to the full body with a favorable recommendation:
- Mover: Council DiPierro
- Seconder: Council Smith
- Vote: All in favor (Aye).
Agenda Item 4: Order to Accept and Expend Funds from Massachusetts Department of Transportation ($216,434)
Sponsor: Councilor Stephanie Martins
Summary of Discussion:
- Council DiPierro moved to invite Mr. Eric Molinari from the Transportation Department.
- Vote to invite Mr. Molinari: All in favor (Aye).
- Eric Molinari, Senior Transportation Planner, explained the grant:
- The $216,434 grant is from the MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program and will fund "Neighborways" projects.
- Neighborways are designed to create comfortable, low-stress networks for walking, biking, and rolling on streets with low traffic volumes (under 2,000 vehicles/day) and low speeds.
- This specific project will improve connections between the Northern Strand Community Trail, Main Street, the Village Neighborhood, Wellington, and the MBTA Station, and Medford via West Street and Wellington Avenue.
- Funds will primarily cover street pavement markings, signage (including "Neighborway" and wayfinding signs to important destinations), and placemaking/cooling structures at Weston Wellington Plaza.
- The only construction piece is a new sidewalk between Kelvin Street and May Street along Bizarro Avenue, which is included in the budget.
- Six outreach events, including walk and bike audits, were conducted to gather community feedback.
- No traffic lanes or parking spaces will be eliminated.
- The grant is a reimbursement grant, and no city funds will be spent on the project.
- Council Smith inquired about the inclusion of Bizarro Avenue sidewalk construction in the $216,434 budget, which Mr. Molinari confirmed. She also expressed concern about the effectiveness of pavement markings in areas with limited space and high parking, suggesting that clear signage might be more effective. Mr. Molinari clarified that pavement markings would be in the center of the road and not delineate lanes.
- Council Hanlon requested a chart or layout of the streets involved, which Mr. Molinari agreed to provide.
- Motion to excuse Mr. Molinari: All in favor (Aye).
- Motion to refer the item to the full body with a favorable recommendation:
- Mover: Council DiPierro
- Seconder: Council Smith
- Vote: All in favor (Aye).
Agenda Item 5: Order to Approve Appropriation of $299,750 to Fund Local 25 DPW Collective Bargaining Contract
Sponsor: Councilor Stephanie Martins
Summary of Discussion:
- Council DiPierro moved to invite Mr. Rusolillo, Director of Human Resources.
- Vote to invite Mr. Rusolillo: All in favor (Aye).
- Mr. Rusolillo, Director of Human Resources, explained the appropriation:
- The $299,750 appropriation is to fund the recently ratified Local 25 DPW collective bargaining contract.
- Training Fund: The city will contribute $0.10 for every 40 hours worked per DPW employee into a training fund, totaling $15,000, to be used for employee training.
- Clothing Incentive: An additional $250 for boots has been added to the clothing allowance due to increasing boot costs.
- Certification Incentive: A monetary incentive is provided for employees to obtain 34 different certifications, promoting a more robust and versatile workforce.
- The funds are broken down by department, with the training fund going to the Local 25 benefits account.
- Council Hanlon inquired about the $64,000 allocated for certification incentives, asking if it's mandatory and what happens if employees don't pursue certifications. Mr. Rusolillo clarified that it's an incentive, not a requirement, and the amount is budgeted assuming full participation. Any unspent funds would revert to free cash at the end of the year.
- Motion to excuse Mr. Rusolillo: All in favor (Aye).
- Motion to refer the item to the full body with a favorable recommendation:
- Mover: Council DiPierro
- Seconder: Council Smith
- Vote: All in favor (Aye).
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn:
- Mover: Council DiPierro
- Seconder: Council Smith
- Vote: All in favor (Aye).
- Meeting adjourned.