OT for Police, Safer Roads, Seating for Councilors, Multi-Family Dwellings
Four committees held meetings this week. All the approved motions, or proposals, will be addressed by the full city council at forthcoming meetings.
The City Council meets on Nov. 7, a Thursday, at 7 pm. This is to accommodate the national elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Both Mayor Joshua García and Treasurer Rory Casey met with the committee to explain the process that is in place for paying police officers and auxiliary officers assigned to details.
The topic is in response to a proposal by City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, which reads on the agenda:
“Ordered that the City Council invite the Mayor, Police Department and relevant financial department heads to a future meeting of the Finance Committee to provide an update on the status of the off-duty police account and former vendor Off-Duty Blue.”
Treasurer Casey said: “Since I’ve been here, we started with a vendor by the name of Roll Call. Six months later, we went to a vendor called Off Duty Blue. And, now we’re back with Roll Call again. During the time we were with Off Duty Blue, the reason that they’re mentioned in this, order, there was a concern.”
A lengthy discussion ensued.
FULL VIDEO OF MEETING HERE. EN ESPAÑOL AQUÍ.
AGENDA HERE.
DOCUMENTS HERE.
CHARTER & RULES COMMITTEE
Kevin Jourdain
The seating arrangement for councilors was discussed.
Just over 15 minutes into the amicable discussion among councilors who do not want the city council president to assign seats but for it to be randomly done by tossing names or numbers into a hat, City Councilor Patti Devine said: “I don’t know why we’re making a big deal of this.”
City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboleti said: “I just feel like keeping it random … is just the best way to ensure that there’s no drama. And that’s all I’m looking for.”
FULL VIDEO OF MEETING HERE. EN ESPAÑOL AQUÍ.
AGENDA HERE.
DOCUMENTS HERE
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
Kocayne Givner
The committee addressed many instances of making streets safer. Stop signs, handicap signs and slowing traffic flow were discussed.
FULL VIDEO OF MEETING HERE
AGENDA HERE
DOCUMENTS HERE
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Mayor Joshua Garcia appeared before the committee to listen to property owners of three+ apartment buildings regarding notices and fines they received.
The issue is are the fines appropriate.
The meeting began with the mayor and property owners in response to:
“That the Mayor issue an Executive Order temporarily suspending all fines related to 110.7 Periodic Inspection of the MA State Building Codes for a 6 month period until all records have been completely reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Further ordered that all current fines already paid should be rescinded or held in escrow until all records have been reviewed by the Building and Law Departments.
Item 2: 6-4-24 JOURDAIN – Ordered, that the Building department come to the Public Safety committee to discuss the new inspection initiative for 3+ family homes and the implications for owners. A general notice to owners should be published on Building dept and City Council website inviting them to attend the meeting if they wish to give feedback.”
