Quincy City Council: October 6, 2025

City Council
October 6, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: City Council Meeting

Meeting Date: Monday, October 6, 2025 Governing Body: City Council Meeting Type: Public Hearings and Regular City Council Meeting Attendees:

  • Councillor Ashe
  • Councillor Campbell
  • Councillor Devine
  • Councillor Dabona
  • Councillor Harris
  • Councillor Leang
  • Councillor McCarthy
  • Councillor Minton
  • President King (9 members present)

Executive Summary: The City Council convened for several public hearings regarding utility grant of location requests from National Grid and Verizon, all of which received positive recommendations and were approved. The Council then held its regular meeting, where a significant portion was dedicated to honoring the 75th anniversary of Quincy Youth Football and Cheer, recognizing their historical contributions and community impact. Key legislative actions included the approval of an order to increase the supplemental annual allowance for survivors of disabled employees and the re-approval of the Municipal Broadband Project's procurement method using Chapter 149A. Traffic-related orders were also passed, including the addition and removal of parking restrictions and the installation of new stop signs.

Public Hearings

Council Order 2025-104: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid, Verizon, West Quantum Street at Arlington Street

  • Discussion: No public comments were received in favor or opposition.
  • Outcome: Public hearing closed.

Council Order 2025-105: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid, Verizon, Federal Lab at Goddard Street

  • Discussion: No public comments were received in favor or opposition.
  • Outcome: Public hearing closed.

Council Order 2025-106: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid, Verizon, Chubbuck Street at Washington Street and Raycroft Ave

  • Discussion: No public comments were received in favor or opposition.
  • Outcome: Public hearing closed.

Council Order 2025-113: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid Gas, General Dunford Drive and Hancock Street 101, General McConville Way

  • Discussion: No public comments were received in favor or opposition.
  • Outcome: Public hearing closed.

Regular City Council Meeting

Roll Call

  • Attendees: Councillor Ashe, Councillor Campbell, Councillor Devine, Councillor Dabona, Councillor Harris, Councillor Leang, Councillor McCarthy, Councillor Minton, President King.
  • Outcome: 9 members present.

Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance

  • Outcome: Observed.

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, whether perceived or unperceived, by those present and are deemed acknowledged impermissible."
  • Outcome: Read into record.

Honoring 75 Years of Quincy Youth Football and Cheer

  • Presenter: Councillor Noel Dabona
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Quincy Youth Football and Cheerleading Association.
    • Recognition of the dedication of volunteers, coaches, and mentors over the decades.
    • Historical overview:
      • Founded in 1950, first season in 1951 with four teams: North Quincy Apaches, Quincy Point Panthers, House Neck Manets, and Mayo's Clubs All-Stars (later West Quincy Elks).
      • Notable figures: Bill Chubba-Meyer (player, coach, franchise holder for 38 years), Frank Brillo (Panthers coach for 38 years), Joe Desmond (involved with North Quincy Apaches since 1961, with multiple generations of his family participating).
      • Squanam Storm (Sailors) established in 1976.
      • In 2018, all teams combined to form "Quincy United" with one team per grade.
    • Nathan Knowles (President, Quincy Youth Football and Cheer):
      • Expressed gratitude for the recognition from the City Council and Mayor Tom Koch.
      • Highlighted the program's continuous service for 75 years as a remarkable achievement.
      • Emphasized the program's role in investing in children and strengthening the community.
      • Acknowledged the support of Mayor Koch and the Quincy Parks Department for maintaining fields.
      • Recognized Councillor Dabona, Councillor Bill Harris, Councillor Dave McCarthy, and Councillor Scott Campbell for their long-standing support.
      • Stated belief that Quincy Youth Football and Cheer is one of the oldest continuously run youth football and cheer programs in the nation.
      • Praised coaches, staff, and volunteers for teaching discipline, teamwork, and character.
      • Thanked current board members: John McNeil, Steve Kosky, Matt Gardner (Director of Football Operations), Stacy LeMay (Director of Cheer Operations), Michelle Corey (Treasurer), and Sean Halpin.
    • Councillor Dabona: Recognized Steve Kosky for 38 years with the program and Amy Sampson for photography.
  • Outcome: Acknowledged and celebrated. A team photo was taken with board members, players, cheerleaders, and flag football participants.

Order 2025-116: Approval of Quincy Retirement Board Acceptance of Disabled Employee Supplemental Annual Allowance

  • Sponsor: Mayor
  • Presenter: Mr. Walker (Mayor's Representative)
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • Prior to 1996, survivors of disability pensioners received $550/month if the pensioner did not die from the disability for which they were pensioned.
    • A special act in 2010 allowed cities and towns to increase this amount to $750/month.
    • The Retirement Board unanimously recommended adopting this change.
  • Motion: To approve.
  • Mover: Councillor McCarthy
  • Seconder: Councillor Leang
  • Vote:
    • Councillor Ashe: Yes
    • Councillor Campbell: Yes
    • Councillor Devine: Yes
    • Councillor Dabona: Yes
    • Councillor Harris: Yes
    • Councillor Leang: Yes
    • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
    • Councillor Minton: Yes
    • President King: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

Order 2025-117: Municipal Broadband Project Use of Chapter 149A, Design, Build, Delivery Method of Procurement

  • Presenter: Councillor Leang
  • Key Discussion Points:
    • This order corrects a technical error from a previous approval of the design-build process for the Municipal Broadband Project.
    • Councillor Ashe: Inquired about the project's general update and timeline.
      • Councillor Leang's Response:
        • Phase one (Quincy Point and Marymount areas) is still in play, and this document governs its construction.
        • A revenue bond is awaiting approval at the state level (last in third reading).
        • A community engagement process will soon begin to market the project and secure subscriber commitments, which will fund the revenue bond.
        • Construction is realistically expected to start next year, but financing and commitments can move forward sooner.
      • Councillor Devine: Asked for a rough estimate for city-wide build completion.
        • Councillor Leang's Response: Five years is a conservative estimate for a city-wide build, dependent on the success and popularity of the initial phases and community engagement.
      • Mr. Walker (Mayor's Representative): Clarified that after the two pilot neighborhoods, the project would likely proceed city-wide rather than in multiple smaller phases, supporting the five-year estimate as an outside number.
  • Motion: To approve.
  • Mover: Councillor Leang
  • Seconder: Councillor Harris
  • Vote:
    • Councillor Ashe: Yes
    • Councillor Campbell: Yes
    • Councillor Devine: Yes
    • Councillor Dabona: Yes
    • Councillor Harris: Yes
    • Councillor Leang: Yes
    • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
    • Councillor Minton: Yes
    • President King: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

  • Motion: To approve.
  • Mover: Councillor Leang
  • Seconder: Councillor Dabona
  • Outcome: Approved by voice vote (Ayes have it).

Communications and Reports from the Mayor, Other City Officers, and City Boards

  • Traffic Request:
    • Item: Refer to Ordinance Committee for Advertising Board for Councillor Devine: Add two stop signs at Kimball Street and Campbell Street, creating a four-way stop.
    • Outcome: Referred to Ordinance Committee.

Unfinished Business and Proceeding Meeting

  • Outcome: None.

Reports of Committees

Public Works Committee (Chair Harris)

  1. Council Order 2025-104: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid, Verizon, West Quantum Street at Arlington Street

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation from Public Works Committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Harris
    • Seconder: Councillor Dabona
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  2. Council Order 2025-105: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid, Verizon, Federal Ave at Goddard Street

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation from Public Works Committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Harris
    • Seconder: Councillor Dabona
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  3. Council Order 2025-106: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid, Verizon, Chubbuck Street at Washington Street and Raycroft Ave

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation from Public Works Committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Harris
    • Seconder: Councillor Dabona
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  4. Council Order 2025-113: Utility Grant of Location, National Grid Gas, General Dunford Drive, in Hancock Street, 101 General McConville Way

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation from Public Works Committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Harris
    • Seconder: Councillor Dabona
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

Traffic Committee (Chair Leang)

  1. Council Order 2025-114: Remove three-hour parking on the south side of Coddington Street, Newcomb Street to 500 feet northeast of Newcomb Street (Ward 1)

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Leang
    • Seconder: Councillor Campbell
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  2. Council Order 2025-115: Add two-hour parking on both sides of Coddington Street from Newcomb Street to Southern Artery (Ward 1)

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Leang
    • Seconder: Councillor Campbell
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  3. Council Order 2025-102: Add no parking on odd side of Oak Street (Ward 2)

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Leang
    • Seconder: Councillor Campbell
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  4. Council Order 2025-103: Add no parking any time between 53 and 55 Somer Road at Nelson Street (Ward 4)

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Leang
    • Seconder: Councillor Campbell
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  5. Council Order 2025-107: Remove handicap parking at 57 Buckley St. (Ward 4)

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Leang
    • Seconder: Councillor Campbell
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

  6. Council Order 2025-112: Add two stop signs at Pembroke Street at Lurton Street, creating a four-way stop (Ward 4)

    • Recommendation: Positive recommendation out of committee.
    • Motion: To approve.
    • Mover: Councillor Leang
    • Seconder: Councillor Campbell
    • Vote:
      • Councillor Ashe: Yes
      • Councillor Campbell: Yes
      • Councillor Devine: Yes
      • Councillor Dabona: Yes
      • Councillor Harris: Yes
      • Councillor Leang: Yes
      • Councillor McCarthy: Yes
      • Councillor Minton: Yes
      • President King: Yes
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

Presentations of Petitions, Memorials, and Remonstrance

  • Councillor Harris:
    • Congratulated Councillor Leang and the administration on the broadband project.
    • Thanked Brad Crowe (Executive Director of the Retirement Board and former Councillor) for his outreach regarding the disabled employee supplemental allowance.
  • Councillor Dabona:
    • Gave a shout-out to the Wallace and Hill Neighborhood Association (Walter Hubley and Catherine Hoopley) for successful "Saturdays in the Park" events in Ward 3 during September.
    • Acknowledged Councillor Ashe for "Sundays in the Park" in Ward 2.
  • Councillor Devine:
    • Announced a time capsule digging event tomorrow (Tuesday, October 7th) at 5 PM across from the firehouse by the Quantum School. All are welcome.
  • Councillor Leang:
    • Wished everyone a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, emphasizing its importance as a holiday for unity and community.
  • Councillor Ashe:
    • Thanked Councillor Dabona for the plug regarding Ward 2 "Fall Sundays in the Park."
    • Announced another event on Sunday at Faxon Park (live music, kids entertainment), noting it is weather-dependent.
    • Expressed condolences for the passing of Edie Wallace (59) of the Four River area, Quincy Point.
      • Summary of remarks: Edie Wallace, born September 10, 1966, was the devoted wife of 35 years to Leroy Wallace, cherished mother of Jessica, Leroy Jr., Christopher, and the late Jennifer. She was known for her warm, welcoming home and maternal figure in the neighborhood. She passed away after a long chronic illness.
      • Direct Quote: "Family meant everything to her. The love that she and Roy shared for their family turned their house into a home, a warm, welcoming place for all who entered."

Motions, Orders, and Resolutions

  • Outcome: None.

Scheduling of Committee Meetings and Public Hearings

  • Councillor McCarthy:
    • Requested that the Mayor present on the city's debt service at the next City Council meeting.
    • Suggested Paul Della Barba and Rick Kosher as support for the presentation.
    • Recommended listening to the Mayor's podcast with Mark Carey on the debt service.
  • Outcome: Mayor Koch is expected to present on the debt service at the next City Council meeting.

Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
  • Mover: Councillor Leang
  • Seconder: Councillor Dabona
  • Outcome: Approved by voice vote.
  • Next Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Last updated: Jan 10, 2026

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