Quincy City Council: July 21, 2025

Meeting Minutes: Special City Council Meeting

Governing Body: Quincy City Council Meeting Type: Special City Council Meeting Meeting Date: Monday, July 21st, 2025 Attendees: Councillor Richard Ash, Councillor Scott Campbell, Councillor Jim Devine, Councillor William Harris, Councillor Nina Liang, Councillor David McCarthy, Councillor Dan Minton, President Ian Cain. Absent: Councillor Noel DiBona.

Executive Summary

The Quincy City Council convened a special meeting to address and approve changes to polling place locations for Ward 4, Precincts 2 and 3, and Ward 6, Precinct 5. The changes were necessitated by a request from the Quincy Lodge of Elks to relocate polling for Ward 4, Precincts 2 and 3 to their lower level, and ongoing construction at Squawnam Elementary School requiring the relocation of Ward 6, Precinct 5. The Council voted to approve these changes, with one abstention due to a conflict of interest.

Official Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

• The meeting was called to order by President Cain 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.
• Roll Call:
  • Councillor Ash: Present
  • Councillor Campbell: Present
  • Councillor Devine: Present
  • Councillor DiBona: Absent
  • Councillor Harris: Present
  • Councillor Liang: Present
  • Councillor McCarthy: Present
  • Councillor Minton: Present
  • President Cain: Present
• Outcome: Eight members present, constituting a quorum.

2. Moment of Silence & Pledge of Allegiance

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

3. Open Meeting Law Announcement

• The Town 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."

4. Order 2025-099: Update of Polling Places for Ward 4, Precincts 2 and 3, and Ward 6, Precinct 5

• Discussion:
  • The Town Clerk presented the proposed changes:
    • Ward 4, Precincts 2 and 3: Relocation from the upper level to the lower level of the Quincy Lodge of Elks at 254 Quarry Street. The lower level offers handicap accessibility, parking, restrooms, two entrances, and dedicated storage for election equipment.
    • Ward 6, Precinct 5: Relocation from Squawnam Elementary School (due to construction) to the Nicholson Post on 20 Moon Island Road. The Nicholson Post is handicap accessible, has ample parking, is a city-owned building, and the manager confirmed it would be closed during polling hours. Ward 6, Precinct 5 is the largest polling place in Quincy.
  • Councillor Harris expressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety for voters walking to the Nicholson Post due to traffic from the gun range and fire department, particularly during shift changes. He was assured that public safety logistics would be addressed. He also noted that the early intervention school's parking lot would be secured. Councillor Harris recused himself from the vote due to his employment at the Nicholson Post.
  • Councillor Ash inquired about the legal basis for the vote, citing Chapter 54, Section 24 of the Massachusetts General Laws regarding the designation of polling places. City Solicitor Timmons clarified that while the statute primarily requires public notice for changes, the Council's vote was appropriate given public concern. He stated, "The statute merely says that in the event of a change, you are to post in public places and announce the description of the new polling places. So it's the obligation of the city council to make certain that public notice is given, but it doesn't necessarily require your public vote."
  • Councillor Ash also asked about the feasibility of using the Kennedy Center for additional precincts. The Town Clerk explained that Ward 6, Precinct 5 and Ward 6, Precinct 3 (the second largest precinct) would be too many voters for the Kennedy Center gymnasium, citing concerns about electrical outlets and maintaining the "neighborhood feel" of voting.
  • The Town Clerk confirmed that the city would mail notices to every household with registered voters regarding the temporary changes and would coordinate with Quincy Police, DPW, and TPAL for public safety.
  • Councillor Devine supported the move to the Elks' lower level, highlighting its handicap accessibility and dedicated storage, and the benefit to the Elks as a small business.
  • Councillor Liang commended the Town Clerk for her thoroughness and experience in making these decisions, emphasizing her commitment to accessibility and voter education.
  • Councillor Campbell supported the changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining neighborhood polling places and avoiding overcrowding at single locations like the Kennedy Center.
• Motion: Councillor Campbell moved to approve the changes to the polling places as outlined in Order 2025-099.
• Second: Councillor Liang seconded the motion.
• Vote:
  • Councillor Ash: Yes
  • Councillor Campbell: Yes
  • Councillor Devine: Yes
  • Councillor Harris: Abstained (due to conflict of interest)
  • Councillor Liang: Yes
  • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
  • Councillor Minton: Yes
  • President Cain: Yes
• Outcome: The motion passed with 7 votes in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention.

5. Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned.
• The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8th, at 6:30 p.m.