Quincy City Council: July 21, 2025

Governing Body: Quincy City Council Meeting Type: Special City Council Meeting Meeting Date: Monday, July 21st, [Year Not Specified in Transcript] Attendees:

• Councillor Ash
• Councillor Campbell
• Councillor Devine
• Councillor Harris (Recused from Vote)
• Councillor Liang
• Councillor McCarthy
• Councillor Minton
• President King
• City Clerk: [Name Not Specified in Transcript, but referred to as "Clerk Crispo"]
• City Solicitor: Timmons

Executive Summary: The Quincy City Council convened a special meeting to address proposed changes to polling place locations for Ward 4, Precincts 2 and 3, and Ward 6, Precinct 5. The changes were necessitated by the Quincy Lodge of Elks' request to move voting to their lower level due to accessibility and storage, and the ongoing construction at Squantum Elementary School. After extensive discussion regarding accessibility, public safety, and voter convenience, the Council voted 7-0-1 to approve the proposed polling place updates.

• President King called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
• The meeting was held remotely in accordance with Governor Maura Healey's March 28, 2025, extension of temporary provisions of the Open Meeting Law (General Law Chapter 30A, Section 20).
• The meeting was aired on Quincy Access Television (QATV) Channel 9.
• Roll Call:
  • Councillor Ash: Present
  • Councillor Campbell: Present
  • Councillor Devine: Present
  • Councillor Debarna: [Not present or not recorded]
  • Councillor Harris: Present
  • Councillor Liang: Present
  • Councillor McCarthy: Present
  • Councillor Minton: Present
  • President King: Present
• Outcome: Eight members present, constituting a quorum.

• A moment of silence was observed.
• The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

• The City Clerk read the Open Meeting Law statement: "Pursuant to the open meeting law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made with the perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible."

• Discussion:

  • Ward 4, Precincts 2 & 3: City Clerk Crispo proposed moving these precincts to the lower level of the Quincy Lodge of Elks at 254 Quarry Street.
    • Rationale: The lower level offers handicap accessibility, parking, restrooms, two entrances, and a dedicated closet for election equipment.
  • Ward 6, Precinct 5: City Clerk Crispo proposed moving this precinct to the Nickerson Post on 20 Moon Island Road.
    • Rationale: Squantum Elementary School, the previous location, is under construction and unavailable. The Nickerson Post is handicap accessible, has ample parking, is a city-owned building, and the manager confirmed it would close during polling hours. Ward 6, Precinct 5 is the largest polling place in Quincy by voter turnout.
  • Councillor Harris's Comments:
    • Expressed initial reservations about public safety for walking voters due to traffic concerns around the Nickerson Post, but was assured logistics would be addressed.
    • Noted the Early Intervention School's parking lot would be secured.
    • Recusal: Councillor Harris recused himself from the vote, stating, "I have to tonight I have to recruse myself because I'm technically an employee of The Post. I don't work there right now. gave my shift up because of the election and I thought it was best. And I, and this was, again, I didn't know this, that, that the post was even in the running to replace the Squamish school. And I didn't think we, I thought we were going to be at the Squamish school, which is always very convenient. It's closer to my home, easier too. And, and there's a lot of walking people that come and go, but I'm going to recruse myself because not only am I a member, But I am, again, I am technically an employee."
  • Councillor Ash's Questions:
    • Legal Authority: Inquired if the city's charter superseded state election law (Chapter 54, Section 24) regarding polling place designation. City Solicitor Timmons clarified that state law, governed by the Secretary of State, is controlling.
    • Voting Requirement: Asked if a council vote was legally required for a polling place change. Solicitor Timmons stated that while the statute primarily requires public notice and posting for changes, the Clerk brought it before the Council for public consideration and vote due to public concern.
    • Kennedy Center Alternative: Asked why the Kennedy Center, which already hosts one precinct, could not accommodate two additional precincts (6-3 and 6-5). Clerk Crispo explained that Ward 6, Precinct 5 is the largest precinct, and combining it with 6-3 would overcrowd the gymnasium, which also lacks sufficient electrical outlets for election machines. She emphasized the importance of maintaining neighborhood polling places.
    • Voter Numbers: Inquired about the number of voters in 6-3 and 6-5. Clerk Crispo offered to provide the numbers.
    • Facility Closure: Asked if the Nickerson Post and Elks Lodge would remain closed all night after polls close. Clerk Crispo stated the Post would be closed during polling hours and that the Elks Lodge has historically hosted post-election gatherings.
    • Facility Preparation: Asked what "fitted and changed for voting" entails. Clerk Crispo confirmed it involves setting up signs, tables, and machines.
  • Clerk Crispo's Additional Points:
    • Logistics for public safety (traffic, pedestrian access) at the Nickerson Post will be coordinated with Quincy Police, DPW, and TPAL.
    • Every household with registered voters in affected precincts will receive mail notification of the temporary change.
    • Voters will be informed about vote-by-mail, early voting, and absentee voting options.
    • Emphasized the value of using a public building like the Nickerson Post and maintaining neighborhood voting.
  • Councillor Devine's Comments: Expressed satisfaction with the move to the Elks Lodge's lower level, citing its handicap accessibility, storage, and allowing the Elks to use their upper space.
  • Councillor Liang's Comments: Commended Clerk Crispo for her thoroughness, experience (including her past role as President of the Massachusetts Clerks Association), and commitment to accessibility, education, and safety in election planning.
  • Councillor Campbell's Comments: Praised the clerk's office for their efforts, highlighting the importance of maintaining a "neighborhood feel" and avoiding overcrowding at polling places, which could discourage voting.

• Motion: Councillor Campbell made a motion to approve the polling place changes.

• Second: Councillor Liang seconded the motion.

• Vote:

  • Councillor Ashe: Yes
  • Councillor Campbell: Yes
  • Councillor Devine: Yes
  • Councillor Harris: Recused
  • Councillor Liang: Yes
  • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
  • Councillor Minton: Yes
  • President King: Yes

• Outcome: The motion passed with 7 votes in favor, 0 against, and 1 recusal.

• President King announced the next City Council meeting for Monday, September 8th, at 6:30 p.m.
• The meeting was adjourned.