Executive Summary
The Newton City Council meeting held on April 6, 2026, was highlighted by a memorial resolution honoring the life and legacy of former Board of Aldermen President Michael A. Malik. The Council took action on several land use items, including the approval of special permits for residential modifications on Otis Street and Lewis Street. Financial matters addressed included the approval of a $46,500 transfer for accessibility improvements, while a proposal to repurpose $150,000 for fire station renovations resulted in no action. The Council also scheduled multiple public hearings for April and May 2026 and received updates on upcoming charter and rule reviews.
Meeting Information
- Meeting Date: April 06, 2026
- Governing Body: Newton City Council
- Meeting Type: Regular City Council Meeting
- Attendees:
- Present (In-Chamber/Remote): President John Oliver, Vice President David Kalis, Councilors Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Charm, Dahmubed, Farrell, Getz, Golden, Gordon, Greenberg, Grossman, Irish, Kelley, Krintzman, Laredo, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Roach, Silber, and Wright.
- Absent: One unnamed member (23 members present for roll call).
Memorial Resolution: Michael A. Malik
Councilor Baker read a memorial resolution honoring Michael A. Malik, who served on the Board of Aldermen from 1980 to 1986 and as President from 1985 to 1986.
- Key Passage: "Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council joins in offering condolences to his family and friends and wishes them to understand how valued a colleague he was."
- Action: The Council observed a moment of silence in his memory.
Land Use Committee Report
Councilor Kelley presented the report from the March 24 meeting.
- Item 118-26: Request to further extend non-conforming FAR and lot coverage at 199 Otis Street.
- Outcome: Approved 8-0.
- Item 119-26: Request for a special permit to allow an oversized dormer extending a non-conforming three and a half story structure and to further extend non-conforming FAR at 25-27 Lewis Street.
- Outcome: Approved 7-1.
- Public Hearings Called: Items 131-26 and 130-26 were scheduled for April 14, 2026.
Zoning & Planning Committee (ZAP) Report
Councilor Baker reported on the committee's recent activities.
- Item 22-26: Request for a pre-budget planning discussion.
- Outcome: No Action Necessary (NAN) as the discussion was held.
Programs and Services Committee Report
Councilor Krintzman provided updates on upcoming committee work.
- Announcements:
- The Rules Subcommittee will deliberate council rules on Wednesday at 6:00 PM.
- The Programs and Services Committee will begin a review of the City Charter (Articles 6 and 7) on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
Public Safety and Transportation Committee Report
Councilor Lucas reported on the March 18 meeting.
- Action: One item was discussed and subsequently held; no official action was taken.
Public Facilities Committee Report
Vice President Kalis presented the report from the committee docket.
- Items 61-26, 105-26, 106-26, and 111-26: Voted No Action Necessary (NAN).
- Public Hearings Called:
- Item 122-26: Scheduled for April 8, 2026.
- Item 123-26: Scheduled for May 6, 2026.
Finance Committee Report
Councilor Grossman presented the report from the March 23 meeting.
- Item 111-26: Repurposing of $150,000 for the renovation of Fire Station 2 bathroom.
- Outcome: No Action Necessary (NAN) (Voted 6-0).
- Item 112-26: Authorization to transfer $46,500 for accessibility improvements.
- Outcome: Approved 8-0.
Committee of the Whole Report
President Oliver reported on the March 30 meeting.
- Discussion: The committee reviewed BERTO (Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance) regulations.
- Outcome: The item was held for future review; no specific report was issued.
Final Actions and Adjournment
The Council conducted a roll call vote to approve all "First Call" items.
- Vote Outcome: 23-0 (Approved).
- Roll Call (Ayes): Albright, Baker, Bixby, Block, Charm, Dahmubed, Farrell, Getz, Golden, Gordon, Greenberg, Grossman, Irish, Kalis, Kelley, Krintzman, Laredo, Lucas, Malakie, Micley, Roach, Silber, Wright, and Oliver.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the vote.