Newton City Council - November 17, 2025

November 17, 2025
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Newton City Council - November 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Governing Body: Newton City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: November 17, 2025 Attendees: Councilors Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Danberg, Downs, Farrell, Gentile, Getz, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Oliver, Wright, President Laredo. (Note: Two council members were absent.) Online Attendees: Councilors Downs, Wright, Lipof, and Councilor-elect Dhammabed. Councilors-elect in Chamber: Roach, Irish, Gordon, Silber.

Executive Summary

The Newton City Council addressed several key items, including the "Walk, Roll, and Bike Network Plan," which was ultimately referred back to the Public Facilities Committee for a public hearing due to concerns about process and transparency. The Council also approved a conceptual plan for the Newton Highlands Village Improvement Project, with an amendment to establish a working group to guide its future development. Discussions on amendments to the inclusionary zoning ordinance and changes to City Council rules were also held, with the former being recommitted to the Zoning and Planning Committee and the latter adopted with amendments regarding remote participation and item review timelines.

Official Meeting Agenda

I. Land Use Committee Report

  • Public Hearings Requested:
    • Item 241-25 (Page 270 of docket) - Public hearing set for November 25th.
    • Item 340-25 (15 Clinton Place, Page 270 of docket) - Public hearing set for November 25th.
    • Item 339-25 (112 Garden Road, Page 270 of docket) - Public hearing set for November 25th.

II. Zoning and Planning Committee Report

  • Report found on Page 262 of docket.
  • Item 181-24 (Request for discussion and possible amendments to remove or reduce parking minimums for commercial uses in commercial centers):
    • Approved 7-0-1.
  • Item 181-24 (Request for discussion and possible amendments to reduce or remove parking minimums for commercial uses in commercial centers involving Business Use 1 and Business Use 2 districts):
    • Approved 8-0.
  • Item 23-24 (Update on short-term rental ordinance compliance and enforcement):
    • Voted No Action Necessary 8-0 after discussion.
  • Item 269-25 (Requests discussion and possible amendments to policies for abutter notifications for proposed large projects):
    • Voted No Action Necessary 8-0 after discussion.
  • Item 293-25 (Requesting amendments to Chapter 30 Zoning relating to creating an adult daycare use):
    • Public hearing held.
    • Approved 8-0.
  • Item 328-25 (Reappointment of Scott Friedman to the Newtonville Historic District Commission):
    • Approved 8-0.
  • Item 316-25 (Community Preservation Committee recommending the appropriation of $1,997,000 in Community Preservation Act historic resource funding from the unrestricted prior year reserves to control of the Planning and Development Department for a grant to the West Newton Cinema Foundation for their building stabilization project):
    • Approved 8-0 by the Zoning and Planning Committee.
  • Climate Action Discussion: Anticipated for December 8th, not the last meeting of November.

III. Programs and Services Committee Report

  • Report begins on Page 264 of docket.
  • Only item not held was on second call.

IV. Public Safety and Transportation Committee Report

  • No report this evening.
  • Item 281-25 (Parking fine revision):
    • Approved 7-0 on October 22nd.
  • Item 365-24 (Discussion and possible ordinance change on residential parking programs and fee structures):
    • Approved 7-0 to refer to Finance Committee.

V. Public Facilities Committee Report

  • Report begins on Page 265 of docket.
  • Item 312-25 (Appropriation of $1,650,000 from June 30, 2025 certified free cash for a vehicle replacement program):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 320-25 (Eversource Energy petitioning for a grant of location to install and maintain approximately 120 feet of conduit in Armory Street northerly from Washington Street and 30 feet of conduit in Washington Street northerly from the manhole):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 338-25 (Mayor requesting authorization to provide access to electrical equipment at the West Newton Armory):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Public Hearing Assigned:
    • Item 308-25 (Councilors Farrell, Lucas, Laredo, Wright, Lobovits, and Block requesting a public hearing and approval to rename 18 roadways in Oak Hill Park to commemorate fallen veterans who have served during their military conflicts): Public hearing scheduled for November 19th.

VI. Finance Committee Report

  • Report begins on Page 266 of docket.
  • Item 281-25 (Councilors Downs and Grossman requesting to amend city ordinances to modernize parking fines in line with surrounding communities and to deter unsafe parking):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 312-25 (Mayor requesting authorization to appropriate and expend the sum of $1,650,000 from June 30th, 2025 certified free cash to support the city's vehicle replacement program):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 313-25 (Mayor reappointing Sean Murphy as a constable for the City of Newton):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 316-25 (Community Preservation Committee recommending the appropriation of $1,997,000 in Community Preservation Act historic resource funding from the unrestricted prior year reserves to control of the Planning and Development Department for a grant to the West Newton Cinema Foundation for their building stabilization project):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 322-25 (Mayor requesting authorization to expend $17,290.73 from the legal claims settlements account for full and final settlement of an insurance claim):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 333-25 (Mayor requesting authorization to transfer and expend $8,000 from the Handicapped Fines Disability Commission to the Operation Disability Commission to conduct holiday targeted enforcement of the accessible parking violations):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 334-25 (Mayor requesting the correction of Council Order 165-25, a sum of $450 that was transposed, regarding some inflow and infiltration projects):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • Item 365-24 (Downs, Grossman, Leary, Farrell, Oliver, Danberg, Lipof, Lobovits requesting a discussion and possible ordinance change on residential parking programs and fee structures and whether they need to be adjusted):
    • Approved 7-0.
  • 2026 Tax Classification Hearing:
    • Suspension of rules approved to allow late-filed report.
    • Director of Assessment Administration, James Shaughnessy, and Chief Financial Officer, Maureen Lemieux, presented.
    • One public speaker.
    • Recommendation to support a factor of 175% (decimal residential factor of 0.937074).
    • Approved 7-0.

VII. Roll Call Vote on Committee Reports

  • Vote: 22 Ayes, 0 Nays, with the exception of a "No" vote on Item 321-25 by Councilor Lucas.

Second Call Items (Unfinished Business)

1. Item 267-25: Walk, Roll, and Bike Network Plan

  • Description: Mayor requesting approval of the walk, roll, bike network plan as part of the city's comprehensive plan.
  • Public Facilities Committee Report:
    • The plan provides a roadmap for planning, prioritizing, and delivering improvements for walking, rolling, and biking.
    • Goals include enhancing safety and comfort, connecting destinations, building a core network, managing speeds, advancing accessibility, and encouraging active travel.
    • The plan aims to reduce maintenance burdens, transportation emissions, travel by automobile, and the risk of fatal crashes.
    • Initial vote in committee was 8-0 in favor of approval.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Albright: Stated an error was made in docketing the item as "part of the city's comprehensive plan" and moved to amend the docket item to remove this reference.
    • Councilor Gentile: Argued that the docket item was clear and changing it now would circumvent the process, advocating for sending it back to committee for a public hearing. Noted his committee vote was 7-0-1 or 7-0-2, not 8-0.
    • Councilor Block: Questioned if the item was referred to the proper committee, suggesting comprehensive plans typically go to Zoning and Planning.
    • Deputy Clerk Flynn: Confirmed the item could be voted on in the Public Facilities Committee, and the amendment to remove the comprehensive plan reference could be made.
    • Councilor Oliver: Cited City Council rules (Paragraph C) stating "community development authority comprehensive planning are to be assigned to zoning and planning," suggesting a joint referral to PF and ZAP.
    • Councilor Lucas: Read from the City Charter (Article 7, Section 7-2, Paragraph B, Adoption) regarding the process for comprehensive plan modifications, implying the administration sought to avoid this process. Stated he would vote against removing the language.
    • Councilor Malakie: Expressed dismay at changing docket language to circumvent a public hearing, emphasizing the importance of process and public faith.
    • Councilor Albright: Argued the document is not a typical "plan" and should not have been presented as a comprehensive plan, noting extensive public input already occurred.
    • Councilor Wright: Stated the plan is not a final version and will have updates, questioning voting on an incomplete document.
    • Councilor Downs: Supported the plan as a "living document" similar to the street design guide, arguing it doesn't fall under Zoning and Planning if not a comprehensive plan.
    • Councilor Baker: Noted the document itself stated its purpose was to be "adopt[ed] into comprehensive plan" for consistency and long-term investment.
    • Councilor Kalis: Believed the initial docketing was a mistake and the reference to the comprehensive plan should be removed, but also supported sending it back to committee for public hearings.
  • Motion to Amend (by Councilor Albright): To remove "as part of the city's comprehensive plan" from the docket item.
    • Seconded: Councilor Danberg.
    • Motion Withdrawn (by Councilor Albright): In favor of a substitute motion.
  • Substitute Motion (by Councilor Albright): To send Item 267-25 back to the Public Facilities Committee for a public hearing.
    • Seconded: Councilor Danberg.
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Leary: Supported a public hearing, but expressed frustration with the "ruckus" and accusations surrounding the plan, emphasizing its positive goals.
      • Councilor Gentile: Emphasized the need for realism regarding increased car usage with new housing developments, urging consideration of both active transportation and car infrastructure.
    • Vote on Substitute Motion (Roll Call):
      • Ayes: Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Danberg, Downs, Farrell, Gentile, Getz, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Oliver, Wright, Laredo (22)
      • Nays: 0
      • Outcome: Motion passes (22-0). Item 267-25 is referred back to the Public Facilities Committee for a public hearing.

2. Item 317-25: Newton Highlands Village Improvement Project Conceptual Plan

  • Description: Councilor Albright requesting review and discussion of the conceptual plan for the Newton Highlands Village Improvement Project prior to advancing to the final design phase.
  • Public Facilities Committee Report:
    • Initiated as an accessibility project for the Newton Highlands T Station renovation, evolving to address traffic, economy, safety, parking, beautification, and green infrastructure.
    • Approximately $500,000 in ARPA funds already spent on planning.
    • Final design will return to Council at 25%, 50%, and 100% stages.
    • ARPA funds must be spent by December 2026.
    • MassWorks grants are a potential funding source for implementation.
    • Controversies include undergrounding wires (estimated $750,000 for design, $6-7 million for construction) and perceived lack of public input.
    • Committee approved the conceptual plan subject to conditions 5-0.
  • Motion to Amend (by Councilor Bixby): To add a condition establishing a working group to report on whether to continue the current project scope or redirect remaining planning funding to another ARPA-funded contract.
    • Key Provisions of Amendment:
      • Working group to include city staff, elected officials, and Newton Highlands community representatives designated by the mayor in consultation with the mayor-elect.
      • Initial report due by March 31st, 2026.
      • If the project proceeds, the working group will be incorporated into the remaining planning process.
    • Seconded: Councilor Kalis.
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Wright: Questioned the composition of the working group.
      • Councilor Kalis: Suggested a larger working group and a cap on spending for the remaining planning funds.
      • Councilor Malakie: Asked if the amendment would freeze consultant spending during the working group's review.
      • Councilor Lucas: Asked if Newton Highlands Area Council members would be on the working group.
      • Councilor Danberg: Clarified $389,000 in ARPA funds remain, the March 31st deadline is for the working group's report, and state funding (MassWorks) is a strong possibility for project implementation.
      • Councilor Farrell: Emphasized the working group's role in achieving consensus and that remaining funds would not be overwhelmingly spent without specific needs.
      • Councilor Lobovits: Noted the March 31st deadline allows for potential redirection of funds if the project doesn't proceed.
    • Vote on Motion to Amend (Roll Call):
      • Ayes: Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Danberg, Downs, Farrell, Gentile, Getz, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Oliver, Wright, Laredo (22)
      • Nays: 0
      • Outcome: Motion passes (22-0). The amendment is adopted.
  • Vote on Main Item (as amended) (Roll Call):
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Lucas: Stated he would vote "No" due to lack of buy-in from the Newton Highlands Area Council, suggesting starting over.
      • Councilor Farrell: Argued the working group provides a serious discussion opportunity and that the remaining funds are not being "thrown away."
      • Councilor Kalis: Supported the project to ensure funds are spent in Newton Highlands.
      • Councilor Danberg: Disagreed with the "good money after bad" characterization, emphasizing the working group's role in addressing past issues.
      • Councilor Leary: Supported moving forward with the project and the working group.
    • Vote:
      • Ayes: Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Danberg, Downs, Farrell, Gentile, Getz, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Micley, Oliver, Wright, Laredo (20)
      • Nays: Lucas, Malakie (2)
      • Outcome: Motion carries (20-2). The conceptual plan for the Newton Highlands Village Improvement Project, with the added working group condition, is approved.

3. Item 44-24: Amendments to Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance

  • Description: Requesting discussion of amendments to the inclusionary zoning ordinance.
  • Zoning and Planning Committee Report:
    • Seven meetings held with planning department and consultant.
    • Recommendation for various changes outlined in an October 29th memo from Barney Heath, Director of Planning and Development.
    • Final committee vote was 5-0-3 abstentions.
  • Requirement: Requires 16 affirmative votes (two-thirds of the entire council) to pass.
  • Motion to Recommit (by Councilor Wright): To recommit Item 44-24 to the Zoning and Planning Committee.
    • Seconded: Councilor Lobovits.
    • Discussion: None.
    • Vote on Motion to Recommit (Voice Vote):
      • Ayes: Unanimous.
      • Outcome: Motion passes. Item 44-24 is recommitted to the Zoning and Planning Committee, with the expectation to return for the December 1st meeting.

4. Item 206-24: Changes to City Council Rules

  • Description: Changes to the rules of the City Council.
  • Programs and Services Committee Report:
    • Approved 7-0 subject to second call.
    • Councilor Oliver led the subcommittee.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Oliver: Highlighted a change on page 23 regarding the City Council Caucus, allowing the presiding officer to recess between series of votes for the same candidates.
    • Councilor Humphrey: Clarified the intent to allow breaks for deliberation during the caucus.
    • Councilor Kelley: Asked if remote participation is allowed for the caucus.
    • Councilor Baker: Explained the caucus is not a formal council meeting, but the law department ruled open meeting law applies. Traditionally, in-person presence is required for the caucus, but remote participation is allowed for formal council meetings post-COVID.
    • Councilor Krintzman: Suggested the caucus itself votes on its rules, and remote participation could be included in that motion.
  • Motion to Amend (by Councilor Albright): To include language in the rules for the caucus to allow remote participation.
    • Seconded: Councilor Humphrey.
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Lucas: Sought clarification on the legality of remote participation in the caucus.
      • Councilor Baker: Reiterated that the council cannot bind the caucus's rules, but the intent for remote participation is clear.
      • Councilor Oliver: Offered to work with the clerk's office to ensure remote participation is included in the caucus rules.
      • Councilor Grossman: Raised concerns about deliberation under open meeting law during recesses.
      • Councilor Humphrey: Acknowledged the difficulty of open meeting law interpretation for informal deliberations.
      • Councilor Krintzman: Clarified the rule change allows a recess of up to 10 minutes, not an invitation to violate open meeting law.
      • Councilor Kalis: Expressed concern about the specificity of open meeting law application for councilors-elect.
      • President Laredo: Suggested a consultation with the law department for guidance on open meeting law for the caucus.
    • Vote on Motion to Amend (Voice Vote):
      • Ayes: Unanimous.
      • Outcome: Motion passes. Language to allow remote participation in the caucus is added.
  • Motion to Amend (by Councilor Humphrey): To amend Section City Committee Reports to require committees to act on docketed items within 180 days (approximately six months) and to specify that requests for further time must be approved by a majority of the committee.
    • Seconded: Councilor Lobovits.
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Baker: Preferred keeping the one-year timeframe due to complexity of items and summer breaks.
      • Councilor Humphrey: Rejected the friendly amendment, arguing 180 days ensures items are addressed and encourages timely action.
      • Councilor Leary: Supported 180 days for efficiency and committee check-ins.
      • Councilor Lucas: Preferred keeping the one-year timeframe but supported the majority committee approval for extensions.
      • Councilor Krintzman: Expressed concern that 180 days is too quick for complex items.
      • Councilor Kalis: Worried 180 days would hamstring chairs and disrupt planning.
      • Councilor Oliver: Acknowledged the intent to ensure items are heard but noted the responsibility it places on committees and individual councilors.
      • Councilor Albright: Suggested allowing the docketer's approval for extensions.
      • Councilor Grossman: Questioned who would enforce the new timeline.
      • Councilor Leary: Stated no one currently enforces the timeline and the 180-day rule provides a check-in without being overly restrictive.
      • Councilor Krintzman: Would be fine if the "report thereon" requirement was removed.
    • Vote on Motion to Amend (Roll Call):
      • Ayes: Albright, Bixby, Danberg, Downs, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kelley, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Malakie, Micley, Oliver, Wright, Laredo (16)
      • Nays: Baker, Block, Farrell, Kalis, Krintzman, Lucas (6)
      • Outcome: Motion passes (16-6). The amendment to require committee action within 180 days is adopted.
  • Motion to Amend (by Councilor Baker): To change the 180-day period back to one year.
    • Seconded: Councilor Lucas.
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Humphrey: Argued the previous vote was clear.
      • Councilor Krintzman: Supported one year as 180 days is too quick for many items.
      • Councilor Kalis: Agreed with one year to allow chairs flexibility.
      • Councilor Oliver: Discussed the implications of the timeframe on committee behavior.
      • Councilor Baker: Emphasized the burden on chairs and the complexity of some items requiring more time.
    • Vote on Motion to Amend (Roll Call):
      • Ayes: Baker, Block, Farrell, Getz, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kalis, Krintzman, Lucas (10)
      • Nays: Albright, Bixby, Danberg, Downs, Kelley, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Malakie, Micley, Oliver, Wright, Laredo (13)
      • Outcome: Motion fails (10-13). The 180-day period remains.
  • Motion to Amend (by Councilor Humphrey): To make the adopted rule changes effective immediately.
    • Seconded: Councilor Leary.
    • Discussion: None.
    • Vote on Motion to Amend (Voice Vote):
      • Ayes: Unanimous.
      • Outcome: Motion passes. The rule changes are effective immediately.
  • Vote on Full Item (as amended) (Roll Call):
    • Ayes: Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Danberg, Downs, Farrell, Gentile, Getz, Greenberg, Grossman, Humphrey, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Leary, Lipof, Lobovits, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Oliver, Wright, Laredo (21)
    • Nays: 0
    • Outcome: Motion carries (21-0). The changes to the City Council Rules, as amended, are adopted.

5. Item 375-24-2: Amendments to Chapter 30 Zoning (Residential Alterations)

  • Description: Requesting discussion of amendments to Chapter 30 zoning to allow certain residential alterations by right, specifically additions to buildings with existing non-conforming height that increase the non-conforming height but do not get higher than the existing ridgeline.
  • Requirement: Requires 16 affirmative votes (two-thirds of the entire council) to pass.
  • Zoning and Planning Committee Report:
    • Planning department brought forward the item.
    • Committee voted 7-0-1 (Chair Baker abstained).
  • Motion to Recommit (by Councilor Baker): To recommit Item 375-24-2 to the Zoning and Planning Committee for clarification of impact.
    • Seconded: Councilor Danberg.
    • Discussion:
      • Councilor Lucas: Suggested holding the item instead of recommitting, to allow for discussion in committee.
    • Vote on Motion to Recommit (Voice Vote):
      • Ayes: Unanimous.
      • Outcome: Motion passes. Item 375-24-2 is referred back to the Zoning and Planning Committee.

Meeting Adjourned: 10:26 PM.

Last updated: Dec 6, 2025

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