Quincy City Council: March 23, 2026

• Governing Body: Quincy City Council (Finance Committee and Regular Meeting)
• Date: March 23, 2026
• Meeting Type: Finance Committee Meeting followed by Regular City Council Meeting
• Attendees:
  • City Councilors: Deborah Riley (Chair), Richard Ash, Noel DiBona, Walter Hubley, David Jacobs, Anne Mahoney, Maggie McKee, Virginia Ryan, Ziqiang Yuan.
  • Administration/Staff: Christopher Walker (Mayor's Representative), Interim Fire Chief Gary Smith, Rick Kosha (Capital Assets Director), Mario Massano (Mirrors & Co.), Molly Soares (Treasurer), Solicitor Timmons.
  • Subject Matter Experts: Thomas Bose (President, Local 792), Brian Hodges (Milliken & Company), John Sawyer (Fire Dex).

The primary item for discussion was Order Number 2026-038: Appropriation for $2,646,730, Fire Department new firefighter turnout gear.

Technical and Safety Discussion

• PFAS Concerns: The Council discussed the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in legacy gear. Thomas Bose noted, "I have two members that are really sick... My guys and women go out and get exposed to these chemicals every day."
• Manufacturer Testimony: Brian Hodges of Milliken & Company testified that the new gear is certified to NFPA 1970 standards and is non-PFAS and non-halogenated. He noted Milliken has been awarded 'World's Most Ethical Company' for 20 consecutive years.
• Performance Trade-offs: Councilor Yuan raised concerns regarding the oil-repellency of PFAS-free gear, citing research from North Carolina State University suggesting a higher risk of physical burns if flammable fluids are absorbed. Interim Chief Smith and President Bose countered that the health risk of cancer outweighs these concerns and that the department would implement a two-set rotation to ensure gear is clean and dry.
• Procurement Timeline: Interim Chief Smith clarified that all purchases were halted in August 2025 to allow for testing. The current request follows independent verification by Professor Peasley.

The Council debated the most fiscally responsible way to fund the $2.6 million purchase.

Bond Simulations

Rick Kosha provided the following simulations for the appropriation:

1. 5-Year Bond: Total principal and interest of $3,111,812.52.
2. 10-Year Bond: Total principal and interest of $3,335,625.00.

Key Financial Points

• Inflation Risk: Councilor Hubley noted that while a 5-year bond has lower interest, it compresses inflationary exposure. He modeled that a 5.5% average inflation rate would result in a $73,000 loss compared to a 10-year term.
• Debt Capacity: Councilor Mahoney expressed concern over the city's $1.6 billion total debt and argued against bonding for gear that has a limited 10-year lifespan.
• Savings: Chief Smith noted he negotiated a bundle package that saved the city approximately $51,100 on bunker coats and pants, plus additional savings on harnesses and gloves.

The Council adopted several amendments to ensure the debt is managed aggressively. Key legal passages read into the record include:

• Legal Recoveries: "Be it further ordained that the amounts the city may recover from any of the providers of the fire equipment and safety gear previously purchased by the city that was contaminated per the PFAS shall be applied in this instance to pay down the debt service."
• Grant Application: "Be it further ordained that any grant funds or reimbursements received by the city for Fire Department equipment and safety gear shall be applied to offset the cost of this appropriation."
• Free Cash Prioritization: "Be it further ordained that it's the intent of the City Council to the extent free cash is available in the fall that the administration shall prioritize the application of the amount no less than $311,850 towards the cost of lighter duty uniforms or towards the reduction of outstanding principle."
• Bond Term: The Council added language specifying a "recommended term of five years" for the bond.

Thirteen individuals spoke during the open forum:

• Heather Dhoni (912 Southern Artery): Supported the Council's right to deliberate and criticized the politicization of the fire department.
• Sue Dard (C Street): Thanked the QFD for their service to her late brother and supported Councilor Jacobs' efforts to reduce bond interest.
• Ernie Ariente (Retired Firefighter): Expressed frustration over the delay, stating, "These men don't have a choice in what they wear."
• Veronica Bertrand (195 Copeland St): Condemned vitriol directed at female councilors and supported the gear purchase.
• Brandon Lamb (Martinson St): Defended the 5-4 vote from the previous week as a sign of healthy, thoughtful debate.
• Ethan (95 West Quantum St): Criticized corporations for selling "poison" and then selling the "cure," supporting the Council's scrutiny of the budget.
• Nina Lam (82 Martinson St): A Nurse Practitioner who emphasized that while PFAS is dangerous, the science on alternatives is still evolving and requires caution.
• Kira O'Connor (Squantum): The girlfriend of a firefighter, she urged the Council to "bring humanity back to humans" and protect the health of young responders.

Vote on Amendments to Order 2026-038

• Motion: Councilor Jacobs
• Outcome: Passed 9-0
• Roll Call: Ash (Yes), DiBona (Yes), Hubley (Yes), Jacobs (Yes), Mahoney (Yes), McKee (Yes), Ryan (Yes), Yuan (Yes), Riley (Yes).

Final Vote on Order 2026-038 (As Amended)

• Motion: Councilor DiBona
• Outcome: Passed 9-0
• Roll Call: Ash (Yes), DiBona (Yes), Hubley (Yes), Jacobs (Yes), Mahoney (Yes), McKee (Yes), Ryan (Yes), Yuan (Yes), Riley (Yes).