LIVE: Quincy City Council - June 1, 2026

• Governing Body: Quincy City Council and Finance Committee
• Meeting Date: June 01, 2026
• Meeting Type: Finance Committee and Regular City Council Meeting
• Attendees:
  • Councilor Deborah Riley (Finance Chair)
  • Councilor Anne Mahoney (Council President)
  • Councilor Richard Ash
  • Councilor Noel DiBona
  • Councilor Walter Hubley
  • Councilor David Jacobs
  • Councilor Maggie McKee
  • Councilor Virginia Ryan
  • Councilor Ziqiang Yuan
  • Christopher Walker (Mayor's Representative)
  • David Murphy (Commissioner of Natural Resources)

The committee discussed an order requesting the administration to provide a two-year fiscal capital bonding plan and financial projections for major projects.

• Discussion: Councilor Yuan expressed disappointment that a two-year plan was not provided. Christopher Walker stated that the administration intends to provide a five-year rolling plan in the fall, noting that upcoming projects like the Della Chiesa early childhood center and Squantum Harbor improvements would be within the city's capacity.
• Action: No official vote was taken; the item remains under discussion pending the fall update.

The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed acquisition of the ENC campus for $21 million, with a total appropriation request of $22.5 million.

• Administration Presentation: Commissioner David Murphy described the purchase as a "strategic investment." Key components include:
  • Preservation of the Babcock Arboretum and open space.
  • Potential use of the library as a Wollaston branch.
  • Development of senior housing and first-time homebuyer opportunities.
  • Stormwater mitigation at Bradley Field and the tennis court area.
• Financial Strategy: The administration plans to offset costs through the sale of 14 residential dwellings on the campus and two downtown parcels (the "Messina lot" and a portion of the Hancock lot).
• Council Concerns:
  • Councilor Mahoney: Highlighted the city's $1.8 billion debt and $508 million in Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) due in 2026. She questioned the legality and transparency of using Downtown Improvement District (DIF) funds and land sales to fund the ENC purchase.
  • Councilor McKee: Inquired about maintenance costs (estimated at $1.5 million) and pushed for affordable housing within the campus buildings.
  • Councilor Yuan: Questioned the city's ability to afford the purchase while maintaining other infrastructure like seawalls.
• Action: The items were discussed extensively but not voted upon, remaining in the Finance Committee.

Numerous residents spoke on various topics, primarily the ENC acquisition and Early Intervention services.

• Early Intervention (EI) Services: Parents (Eileen Nelson, Dallas Fights, Quinn Brockington, Tamika Oden, Olivia Smith) urged the city to keep EI services at the Molly Hershberg Learning Center. They argued the proposed relocation to 54 Miller Street is inadequate, lacking specialized facilities like sensory rooms and playgrounds.
• ENC Acquisition:
  • Support: Residents (Kristen Campbell, Neil McColl, Allen Swicker) supported the purchase to prevent high-density private development and preserve neighborhood character.
  • Opposition/Caution: Residents (Joanne Collins, Jocelyn Sedney, Bill Zamzow) raised concerns about financial risk, lack of appraisal transparency, and the city's history of land management.
• Emergency Management: Residents (Mike Griffith, Zachary Christopher) spoke against cuts to the Emergency Management Department, citing the city's vulnerability to coastal flooding.
• Council Decorum: Several speakers (Mary Travers, Hank Dondero, Jonna Dondero) criticized the incivility and "snarky" behavior of council members during meetings.

This order requested $35,000 from the City Council budget for contracted professional and legal services.

• Discussion: Councilor McKee argued the Council needs independent expertise to oversee a $500 million budget and $1.8 billion debt. Councilor DiBona opposed the request, calling it an unnecessary taxpayer expense. Councilors Hubley, Ash, and Ryan supported the concept but requested the item be sent to committee to establish guardrails.
• Action: A motion to refer the order to the Finance Committee passed with a roll call vote of 8-1 (Councilor DiBona voting no).

• Meeting Extension: At 11:00 PM, a motion to extend the meeting past the curfew required a unanimous vote per Rule 24. The motion failed with a vote of 7-2 (Councilors DiBona and Yuan voting no).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 PM.