City Council
City Council
lun, 21 de julio de 2025
Puntos de agenda
Registros de votación
Resumen del debate
Transcripción
RESUMEN DE REUNIÓNGenerado por IA
Sesión Especial del Concejo Municipal — 21 de julio de 2025
Esta fue una breve sesión especial celebrada de forma remota, convocada específicamente para tratar el traslado de lugares de votación antes de las próximas elecciones municipales. Un concejal se abstuvo de participar debido a un conflicto de intereses.
*Nota: La transcripción de voz a texto contiene varios errores de nombres ininteligibles. Según el contexto y la composición conocida del concejo, "President Kane" probablemente hace referencia a la presidenta del concejo Anne Mahoney u otro funcionario que presidió la sesión; los nombres "Campbell," "Divine," "Harris," "Leang," "McCarthy" y "Mitten" no coinciden con la lista conocida del concejo para 2025 y no pudieron corregirse de manera confiable. El resumen refleja los nombres tal como aparecen en la transcripción.*
Orden 2025-099 — Actualización de Lugares de Votación: Ward 4, Precincts 2 y 3, y Ward 6, Precinct 5
La secretaria municipal Crispo presentó una solicitud para reubicar temporalmente tres precintos electorales debido a problemas con las instalaciones que surgieron antes de las próximas elecciones municipales.
Ward 4, Precincts 2 y 3: La Quincy Lodge of Elks, ubicada en 254 Quarry Street, solicitó a la ciudad trasladar la votación al nivel inferior del edificio. La secretaria informó que visitó personalmente el lugar y lo encontró adecuado: cuenta con acceso para personas con discapacidad, estacionamiento suficiente, dos entradas, baños y espacio de almacenamiento para el equipo electoral.
Ward 6, Precinct 5: La Squantum Elementary School, lugar de votación de este precinto desde hace mucho tiempo, se encuentra en obras. La secretaria esperaba que el centro de medios pudiera seguir disponible, pero recibió aviso alrededor del 1.° de julio para desocupar el espacio. Tras evaluar alternativas, ella y el alcalde acordaron que el Nickerson Post, ubicado en 20 Moon Island Road, era la mejor opción. La secretaria señaló que es un edificio de propiedad municipal, accesible para personas con discapacidad y con amplio estacionamiento. El administrador acordó cerrar las instalaciones durante el horario de votación. El Ward 6 Precinct 5 es el precinto con mayor participación electoral de la ciudad.
Aspectos destacados del debate:
El concejal Ash planteó preguntas sobre la ley aplicable (M.G.L. Chapter 54, Section 24) y si la votación del concejo era legalmente requerida. El asesor jurídico municipal Timmons aclaró que la ley no exige estrictamente una votación del concejo para un cambio temporal de lugar de votación, sino únicamente una notificación pública. Sin embargo, la secretaria Crispo lo llevó ante el concejo dada la preocupación ciudadana y el debate en redes sociales sobre los cambios. Ash también preguntó si el Kennedy Center podría albergar dos precintos del Ward 6; la secretaria explicó que se consideró, pero se estimó poco práctico dada la alta participación de votantes, la cantidad limitada de tomas eléctricas y la preferencia general de la ciudad de mantener la votación de carácter vecinal distribuida en 31 precintos. Ash también confirmó que la configuración estándar (mesas, señalización, máquinas) sería suficiente para adecuar ambas nuevas instalaciones.
El concejal Harris expresó una preocupación inicial sobre la seguridad peatonal en el Nickerson Post, señalando que Moon Island Road soporta un tráfico intenso proveniente del campo de tiro y de los cambios de turno del departamento de bomberos, y que muchos residentes de Squantum están acostumbrados a ir a votar caminando. Indicó que quedó satisfecho al saber que la logística de seguridad pública se estaba coordinando con la Quincy Police, el DPW y TPAL, y que se enviarían cartas a todos los hogares de votantes registrados en Squantum para informarles del cambio. Posteriormente, se abstuvo de participar en la votación, declarando que técnicamente es empleado del Nickerson Post (aunque actualmente no trabaja turnos debido a las elecciones), y que consideró inapropiado votar para designar su lugar de trabajo como sede electoral.
Otros concejales mostraron un amplio apoyo. Varios elogiaron a la oficina de la secretaria por su minuciosidad, experiencia y compromiso con la accesibilidad y la votación de base vecinal. Un concejal destacó el beneficio práctico para la Quincy Lodge of Elks, que conserva el uso de su nivel superior. Otro subrayó que evitar el hacinamiento —en particular en el Kennedy Center— fue un factor importante en la decisión.
La secretaria confirmó que su oficina enviará notificaciones por correo a todos los hogares de votantes registrados en los precintos afectados, y que la votación anticipada, el voto por correo y el voto en ausencia siguen disponibles para quienes no puedan acudir a los nuevos lugares de votación.
Votación: Moción presentada por el concejal Campbell, secundada por el concejal Leang. El concejal Harris se abstuvo. Resultado final: 7 a favor, 0 en contra, 1 abstención. La moción fue aprobada.
Puntos clave
Tres precintos serán reubicados temporalmente para las próximas elecciones municipales: el Ward 4 Precincts 2 y 3 se trasladan al nivel inferior de la Quincy Lodge of Elks (254 Quarry Street), y el Ward 6 Precinct 5 se traslada al Nickerson Post (20 Moon Island Road) debido a las obras en la Squantum Elementary School.
La votación del concejo fue técnicamente de carácter consultivo — la ley estatal solo exige notificación pública para cambios temporales de lugares de votación — pero la secretaria Crispo la presentó en respuesta a la preocupación de la comunidad.
El concejal Harris se abstuvo de participar en la votación debido a su relación laboral con el Nickerson Post.
Los votantes afectados de Squantum recibirán una notificación por correo sobre el cambio; las opciones de votación anticipada, voto en ausencia y voto por correo siguen disponibles.
La próxima reunión ordinaria del Concejo Municipal está programada para el lunes 8 de septiembre de 2025 a las 6:30 p.m.
Resumen generado por IA a partir de una transcripción de voz a texto. No es el registro oficial. Verifique los detalles importantes con los documentos fuente vinculados arriba.
Puntos de agenda (1)
Order
1Order2025-099– Order – Update of Polling Places – Ward 4 Precinct 2 & 3 and Ward 6 C lerk Crispo Precinct 5 Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83519402195?pwd=GrXz2WkifnvMDQ8EgXIPaSTQvlCZLQ.1 Dial by your location - 312 626 6799 US (Chicago), 929 436 2866 US (New York) Meeting ID: 835 1940 2195 Passcode: 255564 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcLyVw8rwX
Votos adicionales registrados en actas
Approve update of polling places for Ward 4 Precinct 2 and 3, and Ward 6 Precinct 5
aye 7 · recused 1
Councelor Campbellaye
Councelor Mittenaye
Council Divineaye
Council Harrisrecused
Council Leangaye
Council McCarthyaye
President Kaneaye
Richard Ashaye
Transcripción literal disponible
70 segmentos de transcripción indexados
Good evening. Welcome to the special city council meeting on Monday, July 21st at 6:30 p.m. Uh, this meeting is being held in accordance with Governor Mar Healey's March 28th, 2025 extension of temporary provisions of the open meeting law, general law, chapter 30A, section 20.
The Quinsey City Council is convening via remote conferencing services that will air on Quinsey Access Television QAV channel QAV9 Government Access. Madame Clerk, please call the role. Councelor Ash, present.
Councelor Campbell, present. Council Divine, present. Council Deborah. Council Harris, present. Council Leang, present. Council McCarthy present. Council Mitten present. President Kane present. Eight members, you have a quorum.
Thank you, Madam Clerk. Would everyone please join me and observing a moment of silence. Please use this moment as you will. Would everyone please uh recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the stands indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. Madame clerk, would you please read the open meeting law? 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 unpersceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk.
First item on the agenda 202599 in order update of polling places ward 4 precinct 2 and three and ward 6 precinct 5. And if I may please madam clerk. Thank you. I appreciate that very much. I appreciate you all very much for being here this evening.
And I just wanted to give an update um on our ward 4 precinct 2 and three. Um the Quinsey Lodge of Alexs has asked us if we will go to the lower level at 254 Quarry Street which is um uh a hall there um has handicap accessibility.
It has parking. It has um restrooms. It has two entrances. Um I've been there myself, looked over um the space. They have a a closet for us to keep our um election equipment in um that will convene conveniently hold it for the year.
Um so um with with your um blessing here tonight, I would um I would like to um move the 42 and 43 precincts at the Quinsey Lodge of Elks at 254 Quarry Street to the lower level of the building. Okay.
Are we doing uh is this going to be one vote for both of the updates, W four and six? And do you want to speak to W six? Sure, it is going to be one vote. Um I did put it on um one order because we usually accept them all at once, so I thought it would just be cleaner.
um the ward 6 precinct 5. Um as many of you know um certainly all the counselors um that the um Squanum Elementary School is under construction. So, we thought we may be able to stay in the media center for this municipal election um year, but unfortunately um I got a email right around July 1st asking us to um vacate.
So, um with that being said, um I went out and looked at um the post um the Nichson Post on 20 Moon Island Road. And I got to tell you, um I found it to be very useful, handicap accessible. Um it's got plenty of parking.
It's a city-owned building. Um I spoke to um the manager there. He told us he will um close during polling hours and um it's our largest polling place in the city of Quinzy. It the most people come out to vote in Ward 6 precinct 5.
The second one is 15 followed right up by 63. So, that being said, um I just thought and I spoke with Mr. Mayor and um we we thought that it would be appropriate to vote at the Nichson Post. Okay. Thanks, Madam Clerk.
Any uh questions, comments from my colleagues? Uh Council Kane, Bill Harris. Yep. Yes. President, thank you. Thank you. First of all, I'd like to thank um uh obviously every year um of voting uh the clerk's office since I've been in office has been spot on and um but um I I do have some reservations about uh which uh it's been cleared up.
My my biggest concern is was the safety of you know um a change but um the more you think about it uh there is the people who you know the beauty of the Y65 is always popular is because people of Squantum can walk to the um the the the school and folks are probably going to try to walk to uh up to um up to the Nickerson post and It's very difficult and was one of the arguments with the Long Island Bridge and all the traffic that comes from the gun range and the uh fire department especially like around the beginning before that their shift changes and the end shift changes around 3:30 and at the beginning at 7.
So, the I I was I was I was worried about the biggest thing I was worried about was was, you know, I'm I'm being told that we're going to be able to figure that out uh as far as the public safety with folks who want to walk up to vote, which is is very popular in a lot of our uh neighborhoods.
And um another thing is the fact that the the uh the early um intervention school is going to be asked to be closed uh because that's another uh uh city public building as well. Um and uh so that parking lot is going to be secured and it's a parking lot and um from what I understand we'll they'll deal with as far as where people are going to be standing and greeting people that it you can't be on the parking lot.
You're going to have people that are going to be strange to coming to the post that haven't been to the post. Uh, and but I think with the parking, it's actually going to be probably easier to go and vote at the post than it is uh at Squantum School even.
So, but that being said, I have to tonight I have to recuse myself because I'm technically an employee of the post. Um, I don't work there right now. I uh gave my shift up because of the election and um I thought it was best and I and this was again I didn't know this that that the post was even in the um running to uh replace the Squantum School and I didn't think we I thought we were going to be at the Squanum School which is always very convenient closer to my home easier too and and there's a lot of walking people that come and and go but um I'm going to recruise myself because not only am I a member but I am uh again I I am technically an employee and um and I just want to assure that I want to my biggest concern though is the safety of the people that come that aren't used to doing this and um and that's really it all it is is a place the place is closed all it is is a place to go and cast your vote and I hope everybody comes out and casts their votes.
So with that, thank you for indulging me and I will not unfortunately I won't be able to. It's not right for me to uh vote on this. So thank you. Thank you. Uh President Kaine, thank you councelor Harris.
President recognizes councelor Ash. Thank you uh Mr. President. Um I I don't know I have a few questions. I don't know if if they'd be appropriate for um clerk Chriso. I also see uh uh city solicitor Timonss on the call.
Um I guess my first question is when we're and I'm sure some of my colleagues have reviewed um chapter 54 section 24 which is the designation of polling places. Um, I guess my my first question is whether we as a city and the charter have a separate or or anything uh any other authority that supersedes this particular statute.
I think you're you're on mute. So, will I uh answer that one? Yes. This is um the election law is governed at the state level by the secretary of state. So the statute is controlling. Thank you. And are we at the end of this particular statute?
Um, it remains to be seen, at least from my plain language, but certainly Solicitor Timmons with more knowledge in municipal law, whether this is supposed to be voted on or if it's supposed to be posted or kind of where we are in that process, if you have any knowledge.
Sure. Um what clerk Chriso had done which I had advised her and I think is the proper method was where this was merely a change. I think you are referencing the last section of that statute. This is merely a change in a polling place.
I think as all the councilors know you designate the polling places prior to the election and a fairly uniform vote vote at a public meeting. In this instance, um the initial driver was uh as I understood it at the scornum schoolwork and the fact that that site was just dangerous and offline.
Um I wasn't aware so much of the uh lodge of Elks request that for the relocation, but this is merely a change. Clerk Crisco reviewed this with the board of election commissioners and those folks technically oversee all this.
Um but then she felt that it would be appropriate for the council to consider and vote on this. I don't believe it's necessary. The statute merely says that when in the event of a change um you are to post in public places and announce um the description of the new polling places.
So it's the obligation of the city council make certain that public notice is given but it doesn't necessarily require your public vote. However, um there was a little bit of commotion as we're all very familiar with on social media.
Um I think that if folks wanted to challenge milk delivery in the city of Quinsey, that could become a prominent social media uproar for a weekend. And in this instance, there was a bit of an uproar or a bit of concern, I'll call it more appropriately, that was raised.
And so Clerk Chriso felt it appropriate to put it before the council and have you folks publicly consider it, have this discussion occur and then have the vote and designation by the council. But really all that's happening here is a change.
If this were a permanent relocation of a polling place such as the one I recall most recently was up at St. John's that polling area that type of uh consideration would be treated a little differently.
But in this instance, there was a requirement after the polling places had been designated that um two of them be relocated during this next election cycle. Thank you. Um I appreciate that, Solicitor Tim.
So, um, Cler Krispo, I believe the other suggestion at least that I noted with some, um, some comments online and discussions was the request and, um, to potentially explore whether the Kennedy Center was appropriate to host two.
I believe there's already one precinct that votes at the Kennedy Center, right? There is. Yes. And the the the suggestion or the question that was posed at least was whether that could that particular venue could could hold and substantiate two precincts.
Um is that is it your position and your office's position that that's that would be too many voters or is there another reason why that wouldn't be viable? So there were definitely um concerns there. Ward 6, precinct 5, like I said when I opened, is our biggest voting precinct in the city and then 63 falling right behind.
So, yes, it is a concern and yes, it's good for one um for sure, but for two, um it's a gymnasium. there aren't a lot of electrical outlets and things like that that we need to make sure that our election uh machines are running properly.
So, um we did we did think about it of course um we took a lot of things into consideration when when we before we came before you. Um, you know, I think the post is a great idea. Everyone likes to vote in their neighborhood and Joe always instilled in me that that's such a nice thing still about Quinzy is that you can vote in your neighborhood and you do see your neighbors and I like to take that and roll with it.
Keep it going. You know, I mean, we have 31 precincts. We could use three gymnasiums in the big schools and do the whole city, but we really like to keep it in the neighborhoods and keep people, you know, seeing their neighbors going to their bake sales and we want to accommodate that.
I'm working on um public safety of of course councelor Harris with um the Quinsey police, the DPW, TPAL. Um we're going to we're going to figure out these logistics and make sure that it's a smooth operating day um for everyone in our city.
Um that's first and foremost. Um the the other thing we're going to do um which is required is we're going to mail to every household that has registered voters in Squanum and let them know of this temporary change.
Um as well as um vote by mail, early voting, absentee voting. If you can't get out to the polls, those things are always available to you through our office. We're happy to help. Um there'll be um information on your card regarding if you wish to vote um early or by mail.
Um but you know, it's the they're closing. They're going to curtain off where the where the bar area is. Um it's a it's a public building. Taxpayers pay for that building. and I thought it was a great use.
Thank you. Um, just out of curiosity, do we know how many pe how many voters we'd be expecting in 63 and 65? I mean, if not, I'm sure I can find it, but I I really don't have the number right now. Um, but yeah, I'm happy to send it to you.
Okay. Is the facility going to be is the um the post going to be closed all night? Um, I don't know. I asked during polling hours. Um, is there I I think there might be some um at least from the conversations and some comments just wondering I don't even know how that works in in four at the Elks.
Um, is that building closed all night even after the polling even after the ballots leave the building? So, in the past, um, some candidates, um, have had parties at these places after the polls closed, were gone and they they have their um, it used to be the Mars at Post, the Elks um that people do um have parties or gettogethers after.
Okay. Um, I mean that would be I it would be I think I if the facility could would stay closed for the remainder of the evening, but um again I'm not um the polls close at 8:00 p.m. and we usually, you know, are out by 9.
And then my last question was with respect to um the vote before us. I think the language states it could be the facility could be fitted and changed for voting. Um what what does that usually entail?
Do you just I would assume that means you know hanging the requisite uh legislation and the signs and the tables and plugging in all of the machines. Um, but is there anything else that that in particular with these facilities the change in four and six that we're anticipating?
No. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Ash. Anyone else? I I do. President recognizes councelor Divine. Uh, I just wanted to say that uh I'm happy that um we're able to uh accommodate um the Elks because uh they're a small business and uh they'll have an ability to use that upper space for what it's meant for.
And uh it seems to me that this uh area that we're going to be able to use down below is handicap accessible and uh it has storage which uh clerk Chriso had mentioned. So I'm happy that we're actually uh this is something good.
uh they they easily could have something that could pop up um you know a week or two before their uh before the election and now they'll be able to use that facility since it's uh completely separate from the other area.
Um so I'm happy with this move. I think it's uh it's excellent. So thank you for taking care of this. Thank you councelor Divine. President recognizes councelor Leang. Thank you Mr. President. I just want to echo councelor Divine's sentiments um and extend my gratitude to you uh madame clerk because and I sing your praises all the time during budget season but I feel like especially during this conversation it should be reiterated that I know this decision did not come um you know quickly and without very careful um consideration for all factors right I mean over a decade now I've been very active with the work that you've been doing and making sure that with education and accessibility that that trumps everything right and making sure that above all else, the education pieces go out and accessibility for all residents are um sort of very top of mind, right?
And the safety too, of course. And you've never let me down. Your office has never let me down, right? When folks are asking about um language access specifically, like making sure there's translation services, interpretive services, um particularly for updates like this and important updates like this as well.
You've always been 10 steps ahead of me before I even ask the question, right? And so again, just over a decade of experience working with you, um I know that this decision came with a lot of thought and consideration and was not something that you took lightly.
Um and so I appreciate, you know, you bringing this to us knowing the history and the experience that you have behind making important decisions like this. I mean, you were what, president, former president of the Massachusetts Clerk's Association, and that wasn't by accident, right?
You were there at the helm of leadership across the entire Commonwealth because of your experience and your knowledge. It's not just the time that you've been a clerk, but assistant clerk as well. And so, I just hope folks know that that this isn't something that comes on a whim.
And it's not something that is done and born out of convenience. It's done with decades, decades of experience that you have behind you. And so, I'm very confident in your decisions. I'm confident given your experience and your history.
Um, and I'm I'm supportive of this. So, I just want to thank you, Madam Cler, for all the work that you do behind making these kinds of decisions. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Leang. President recognizes Councelor Campbell.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you uh the clerk's office for really putting in the time and effort into this. And I think that for me that what what nails it home is uh you know the you have to live with what you have around you.
And I think that maintaining the the neighborhood feel to this and also not making it overcrowded. I think that's a a big point that might get lost here. There's I I live in house next. was one way in and one way out and you can always tell, you know, what kind of day it's going to be with traffic sometimes when you're leaving the neck that you have no other alternative than to get there.
Um, and I know driving by um the Kennedy Center, I'm sure people look at the line and say, "I'll get on the way back and that may discourage voting." So, that's a that's a factor, too. So, spreading that out over the appropriate uh buildings, bringing it up to the to the post, I think, is is a really a smart move.
um keeping it in the neighborhood and keeping uh the having that um hometown feel. I think that's really important because I think that does um push things further um to to making sure that you have as much uh groups of people involved as possible.
So, I'm going to actually uh make a motion. Is it is it a single motion? Um it'll be motion second. Okay. Yeah. I'm I'm I'm going to make a motion to move that forward u for the for these changes. Okay.
Uh motion made by councelor Campbell and seconded by councelor Leang. Any further comments on the motion? Madame clerk, please call the role. Councelor Ash. Uh councelor Ash, we can't. You're on mute.
Sorry. Um yes, councelor Campbell. Yes. Council Divine. Yes. Council Harris. Council Leang. Extension. Yep. Council Leang. Yes. Council McCarthy. Yes. Councelor Mitten. Yes. President Kaine. Yes. Seven members.
Okay. Great. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Uh thanks to my colleagues, everyone for joining us tonight. Glad we could uh settle this. Uh we have our upcoming city council meeting on Monday, September 8th at 6:30 p.m.