Name: Quincy City Council meeting, Mar 2, 2026
Start: 2026-03-02
Location: City of Quincy

City Council

Mon, March 2, 2026

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Discussion summary

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

Quincy City Council — March 2, 2026

This was a lengthy session that included two committee meetings (Rules and Ordinance) prior to the 7:30 p.m. full council meeting. The agenda covered public forum, a detailed snow operations presentation, two appropriations, two housing authority confirmations, and several resolutions on financial transparency and oversight.

Rules Committee: Public Participation Rules (Order 2026-008)

The Rules Committee, chaired by Councillor McKee, took up a proposed amendment to the council's rules to establish a permanent, structured public comment period at every regular city council meeting. Councillor Riley noted this was a promise made to voters during the 2023 campaign. Councillor Yuan added that having public comment at every meeting — not just on selected topics — represents a meaningful step toward transparent government.

Discussion focused on practical details: Councillor Ash raised the question of whether visual aids like PowerPoints could be used; the committee concluded that printed materials could be left for councillors but that allowing electronic presentations could consume too much of the limited time. Councillor Ash also asked about the 20-minute time cap, and President Mahoney clarified that the cap can be suspended by a majority vote if more speakers are present, and conversely that the period can be closed early if no one appears.

Two friendly amendments were adopted: (1) the 20-minute total duration can be extended by a majority vote of the body; and (2) if no speaker approaches the microphone within the first five minutes, the public comment period closes. As amended, the committee voted unanimously to send the order to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

Full Council Vote (later in meeting): Motion by Councillor Jacobs, seconded — passed 9-0 as amended.

Ordinance Committee: City Auditor Independence (Order 2026-009)

Councillor Mahoney read the full text of a proposed ordinance to strengthen the independence and authority of the City Auditor. The ordinance would give the auditor unrestricted access to all city financial records (electronic records immediately; hard copies within two business days); require annual audits of capital projects exceeding $1 million; allow the council to request a State Auditor review if the city auditor deems it necessary; and mandate quarterly public financial oversight reports covering budget performance, capital project balances, overtime by department, and debt obligations.

Councillor Mahoney explained the context: a 2008 reorganization created a Chief Financial Officer and shifted many oversight functions away from the council-appointed city auditor. She noted that the current auditor, Susan O'Connor, cannot independently access backup documentation without going through the administration, and that pre-2008 the auditor signed off on all warrants before payment. This ordinance is intended to restore that independent check — not to interfere with day-to-day executive financial operations.

Councillor Ash flagged a potential code section numbering error (the ordinance references §66-38A, which appears to be the harbormaster section; the city auditor provisions begin around §66-11), which Councillor Mahoney agreed to correct as a find-and-replace. Councillor Riley stated flatly that the auditor "should be able to follow the money wherever it leads."

The committee voted unanimously to send the order to the full council with a favorable recommendation.

*(Note: The full council did not take a recorded final vote on 2026-009 during this meeting; it was referred out of committee for future council action.)*

Residents Open Forum

Thirteen residents spoke during the public comment period. Key themes:

Firefighter gear safety: Kathy Thorne, a resident with a technical background, expressed support for purchasing new gear but urged the council to require rigorous, EPA-compliant testing for PFAS chemicals — not just total fluorine screening — and to avoid "regrettable substitution" (replacing one harmful chemical class with another). Leah D'Gloria pushed back on any hesitation, arguing the union had already done extensive research and that every day of delay exposes firefighters to known carcinogens.

Quarry Hills lease payments: Attorney Jeff Toio read a statement on behalf of Mary Orlando, CEO of Marina Bay Management Services and property manager for Quarry Hills Associates, responding to allegations made at the prior meeting by a speaker named Jocelyn Sydney. Orlando stated that all 2023 rent payments were made in full and on time, consistent with the lease's quarterly accrual-based reporting structure, and that the city's independent auditors confirmed compliance. She called the prior allegations "unsubstantiated" and noted Quarry Hills has paid nearly $12 million to the city through rent and meals taxes.

Accountability and transparency: Joanne Collins, Joe Murphy, Steve Partios, and Veronica Burchin each expressed appreciation for the new council's willingness to ask questions and hold open forums. Collins drew a specific connection to the council's previous lack of awareness about the statues controversy. Murphy cautioned councillors to weigh both loud praise and loud criticism carefully and to stay independent.

Pension and fiscal concerns: Bill Zamzau raised detailed concerns about the pension fund's performance, the $16 million payment the mayor failed to budget for FY26, and the continued split between the city's retirement board and PRIM management — arguing the city foregoes roughly $25 million in annual income by not consolidating with PRIM.

Public records requests: John Roofield, a resident finishing a master's degree in accounting who previously worked in municipal finance, said two public records requests he filed on January 28th (for 1099 vendor payments and employee data) had gone unanswered for more than 30 days, and asked for council assistance.

Accessibility and infrastructure: Stuart Row gave a detailed statement about a wheelchair user he helped during the storm who had not left home in three and a half weeks due to inaccessible sidewalks. He called for a public accounting of car vs. non-car infrastructure spending over ten years, a dedicated ADA compliance fund, and a requirement that all future road and parking projects be evaluated for non-car mobility impact before approval.

Immigration enforcement preparedness: Robert Quinn urged the city to proactively develop protocols for enhanced federal immigration enforcement, covering city facilities access policies, police de-escalation procedures, school attendance impacts, and community support resources.

DPW appreciation: Debbie Napstead and Rick Don (Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services) both thanked the city — Napstead for DPW's blizzard work, and Don specifically for snow removal around Interfaith's food pantry, which serves 2,000+ households monthly and was able to reopen safely thanks to city crews.

Snow Operations Overview (Per Councillor Jacobs Resolve)

Commissioner Al Grazioso presented a detailed PowerPoint with Superintendent Larry Prenville and the DPW team covering the January 24–27 blizzard (approximately 27 inches in 48 hours) and the February 22–23 storm (21 inches). Key facts: 190 pieces of equipment deployed; 110 city employees involved; 27,400 tons of snow hauled from the January storm; 43,000 tons hauled after February's storm; three snow farms opened at the Quincy Shipyard at no cost to the city (donated by Dan Cork). The city used AI-powered, Quincy-specific weather forecasting divided into four geographic grids. A major challenge was the loss of contractor Feeney Brothers (60 pieces of equipment) in August, requiring rapid replacement.

Councillors raised several issues: Councillor Jacobs noted certain streets were repeatedly missed and asked about the communication chain from the hotline to plow drivers. Councillor Ryan asked whether Home Depot was fined for not shoveling — confirmed yes, fined February 12th. Assistant Commissioner Charlie Don reported the city issued approximately $13,000 in snow-removal fines to roughly 20–30 businesses this season. Councillors Ryan and McKee discussed possible residential fines for unshoveled sidewalks, with Grazioso noting enforcement challenges for elderly residents who physically cannot shovel. President Mahoney noted that the city legally cannot fine residents without further legislative action and that the administration has historically not supported that approach, though she acknowledged it is within the council's legislative purview to pursue.

Councillor Yuan raised multilingual access on the snow hotline and emergency management line, noting both were English-only and unanswered when she called on a Saturday. Grazioso said the police department has translation capacity and that Emergency Management Director McCarthy is working on multilingual voicemail options. Council on Aging Director Michelle Hanley described a student-athlete shoveling program that served 30+ properties in the first storm and 40+ in the second, with same-day turnaround in at least one case.

*No vote was taken; this was a presentation and discussion item.*

Appropriation: $2,646,730 — Fire Department Turnout Gear (2026-038)

President Mahoney clarified that a bond order must be publicly advertised for 10 days before any council vote — advertisement is scheduled for March 4th, making March 16th the earliest possible vote date. Councillor McKee stated she supports the purchase but has unanswered questions about the procurement of the prior gear (advertised as PFAS-free but later found to contain PFAS), the testing methodology, and the procurement process for the replacement gear. She requested a full committee discussion, potentially in executive session given potential litigation.

Vote: Motion to refer to Finance and Oversight Committee by Councillor McKee, seconded by Councillor Jacobs. Passed 9-0.

Appropriation: $325,000 — Quincy Homestead Exterior Painting and Repair (2026-039)

This Community Preservation Act request from the National Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts was flagged by Councillor Jacobs, who noted the building is state-owned (DCR controls the exterior) and questioned why limited CPC funds should cover what may be a state obligation. He has been in contact with Representative Chan to reach DCR. Councillor Ryan also noted discrepancies between the requested amount and the backup documentation, and the absence of clarity on whether labor costs are included. Councillor Riley, who sits on the CPC, explained the committee voted 8-0 to advance this application ahead of the typical May/June cycle so contractors could be secured for favorable weather conditions.

Vote: Motion to table by Councillor Jacobs, seconded by Councillor Ryan. Passed 9-0. Will return to council no earlier than March 16th.

Confirmation: Quincy Housing Authority Board — Mayor's At-Large Appointment (2026-040) and Tenant Representative Appointment (2026-041)

Both reappointment confirmations were tabled because councillors had received no background information on the nominees — no performance reviews, attendance records, conflict of interest disclosures, or updated resumes. President Mahoney noted that incumbents continue to serve until successors are confirmed, so there is no operational gap. She asked that councillors email Mr. Walker with specific information requests and suggested potentially inviting the Housing Authority Executive Director to give the council an overview at a future meeting.

Vote (040): Motion to table by Councillor Yuan, seconded by Councillor Ryan. Passed 9-0.

Vote (041): Motion to table by Councillor Jacobs, seconded by Councillor Ryan. Passed 9-0.

Resolution: ARPA Spending Transparency (2026-042)

Councillor Riley read the resolve into the record. It notes that Quincy received a projected $46.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, that all ARPA spending was required to be completed by December 2024, and that $15 million was used to purchase the Monroe Building on Hancock Street. The resolve requests a full public accounting of all ARPA receipts and expenditures. Riley noted an identical resolve was introduced in February 2022 and referred to committee unanimously but was never deliberated before that council term ended.

Vote: Motion by Councillor Riley, seconded by Councillor McKee. Passed 9-0. Referred to Finance and Oversight Committees for deliberation.

Resolution: Quincy Retirement Pension Theft Update (2026-043)

Councillor Riley read a resolve requesting the Quincy Retirement Board appear before the council to address the $3.5 million lost in a phishing scheme discovered in October 2021 — months after the loss occurred and during the city's issuance of a nearly $500 million pension obligation bond. The resolve asks what funds have been recovered, what the delay in discovery was, and what safeguards have been implemented. An identical resolve was introduced in March 2022 and never deliberated.

Vote: Motion by Councillor Riley, seconded by Councillor Ryan. Passed 9-0. Referred to Finance and Oversight Committees.

Consent and Routine Items

Gift of $2,000 from Munich Construction to DIA (2026-044): Approved 8-0 (Councillor Ash briefly stepped out).

Minutes from February 2, 2026: Approved by voice vote.

Municipal Technology Resolution (2026-036): Councillor Hubley noted the prior council vote only referred this to committee without approving it; moved to approve the resolution directly. Passed 9-0.

Traffic and ordinance items from committee (handicap parking at 257 Grafton Street, 2026-026; 2026-027; removal of seasonal no-parking on Mullen Avenue, 2025-028): All passed 9-0 on roll call votes.

Utility location hearings previously scheduled for February 23rd were rescheduled to March 16th, 6:00–6:30 p.m.

Memorial Remarks

Councillors remembered several community members who recently passed: Philip Leath (lifelong Quincy resident, Vietnam-era veteran, Quincy Shipyard worker, and postal employee); Craig Jackson, age 35; Timothy Zamboni, age 47 (North Quincy High graduate, Mass Maritime grad, youth sports coach and referee); Quincy Police Officer Michael Howey (20-year veteran, North Quincy High class of '92); and Louise Lavier, age 83, wife of former Mayor Joseph Lavier and the last of the former first ladies of Quincy, described as a devoted supporter of the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater.

Next Meeting

Committee meetings scheduled for March 16, 2026: Utilities 6:00–6:30 p.m.; Ordinance Committee (including presentation by City Solicitor Timmons) 6:30–7:00 p.m.; Finance and Oversight Committee (including the firefighter gear bond) 7:00–7:30 p.m.; Regular Council Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Key Takeaways

Firefighter turnout gear ($2.65M bond) cannot legally be voted on until at least March 16th due to required 10-day public advertisement; it was referred to Finance and Oversight Committee, where councillors plan a full review of the prior procurement and PFAS testing before voting.

City Auditor independence ordinance cleared the Ordinance Committee unanimously and heads to the full council; if adopted, it would give the council's auditor unrestricted, on-demand access to all city financial records and require annual audits of capital projects over $1 million.

Public comment rules were formally codified and adopted 9-0, making a structured resident comment period a permanent feature of every regular council meeting — a significant change from prior practice.

ARPA transparency and pension theft resolutions both passed 9-0 and head to committee — reopening two oversight matters that were introduced in 2022 but never acted upon by the previous council.

Community Preservation and Housing Authority appointments were tabled pending more information, signaling the new council intends to scrutinize routine confirmations and expenditures more closely than prior councils did.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.

What happened at this meeting

Residents Open Forum and Public Comment P resident Mahoney

# Residents Open Forum and Public Comment Summary

During the Residents Open Forum and Public Comment period, President Mahoney heard from several speakers on diverse city issues. Kathy Thorne from Wallis, Massachusetts expressed support for purchasing new firefighter gear (Item 3) while raising concerns about long-term chemical exposure safety for firefighters. Jeff Toio, counsel for Mary Orlando, submitted a written defense of Corey Hills Associates against allegations of unpaid rent, providing financial documentation showing full lease compliance, while resident Joanne Collins affirmed that elected officials are accountable public servants and that asking questions about government performance is appropriate. A resident concerned with cycling and pedestrian safety questioned the city's priorities given its $157 million 2024 parking garage investment despite existing complete streets and bike/pedestrian master plans, requesting that President Mahoney's audit proposals include accounting of car versus non-car infrastructure spending and evaluation of future projects' mobility impact. Robert Quinn raised concerns about potential immigration enforcement disruptions and called for the city to develop protocols and procedures for maintaining access to public facilities while coordinating responses across police, schools, businesses, and social service agencies.

Presentatio n – Snow Operations Overvie w per Councillor Jacobs Resolve

# Snow Operations Overview Summary

During presentations per Councillor Jacobs' resolve, staff and Commissioner Algraios provided a comprehensive overview of Quincy's snow operations, including response to the January 24-27 storm that brought approximately 27 inches of snow in 48 hours, utilizing 190 pieces of equipment and 110 city employees to clear 254 miles of roadway and approximately 90 miles of sidewalks across 42 snow routes. The presentation highlighted coordination between DPW (led by Superintendent Larry Prenville with 18 years of experience), police, fire, schools, emergency management, and contractors, with daily briefings to reprioritize routes based on safety and equipment availability, while emphasizing the city's use of AI-powered weather forecasting customized for four distinct weather grids within Quincy to optimize deployment timing and costs. Public comment praised the DPW's phenomenal work despite being understaffed, though Stuart Row and Councillor Ryan raised concerns about systemic gaps in sidewalk clearing—including obstructed accessible paths for wheelchair users and missed dead-end streets like Riverside Street and Adam Shua—highlighting broader infrastructure and accessibility issues that require improved communication between residents, code enforcement (which issued $13,000 in fines to 20-30 violators), and plow crews. Additional concerns emerged regarding staffing challenges (including a major contractor withdrawal requiring emergency recruitment), limited contractor availability for sidewalk work due to specialized equipment requirements, enforcement exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities, and lack of multilingual services on the snow hotline, with the administration indicating openness to council-led initiatives on these issues.

2026-038 –Appropriation – $2,646,730Fire Department New Firefighter Mayor Koch Turnout Gear

# Summary: Item 2026-038 – Fire Department Turnout Gear Appropriation ($2,646,730)

The council discussed a $2,646,730 appropriation for new firefighter turnout gear after the previous gear tested positive for PFAS chemicals. Public commenters expressed divided perspectives: Kathy Thorne and an unnamed commenter raised health and safety concerns about PFAS exposure and called for rigorous testing using EPA-approved methods, while Leah D. Gloria urged quick passage, arguing that firefighters are being exposed to cancer-causing uniforms daily and that Quincy has already conducted thorough testing. John Roofield and Debbie Napstead supported the purchase but had concerns about borrowing costs and funding procedures, respectively. Council President Mahoney explained that statutory procedures require a 10-day public advertisement before voting (earliest March 16th), and Councillor McGee requested detailed committee review of the previous procurement and testing processes. The council voted unanimously (9-0) to move the item to the Finance and Oversight Committee rather than voting immediately.

2026-039 – Appropriation - Community Preservation – $325,000 for National Mayor Koch Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts - Quincy Homestead Exterior Painting and Repair 2026

Item 2026-039 requested a $325,000 Community Preservation Committee appropriation for exterior painting and restoration of the Quincy Homestead (Colonial Dames property at 34 Butler Road). Councillor Jacobs raised concerns that the state maintains control over the building structure and questioned why Quincy's limited CPC funds should be used for work the state should fund; he requested contact with the DCR commissioner for clarification. Councillor Ryan seconded the motion to table and requested resubmitted documentation with clarity on whether labor costs are included and variance issues. Councillor O'Reilly, representing the CPC, explained the committee voted to approve the request early (rather than the typical May-June timeline) to secure contractors and complete work during optimal weather conditions. The council voted 9-0 to table the item until the next meeting on the 16th to obtain state-level information and additional clarification from the CPC.

2026-040 – Confirmation – Quincy Housing Authority Board Mayors At-Large Mayor Koch Appointment

Item 2026-040 concerns the confirmation of a Mayor's at-large appointment to the Quincy Housing Authority Board for Tim Baker. Councillor Jacobs raised concerns that the Council lacked sufficient information about the candidate, including how long they had been serving, how many terms they had completed, and other relevant qualifications. Jacobs outlined six categories of required information for reappointment review: performance metrics, attendance records, conflict of interest documentation, expertise evaluation, updated resume and statement of interest, and compliance with state requirements. The motion to table the item passed unanimously (9-0) to allow the administration to provide more detailed information before the next vote.

Agenda items (7)

Procedural (4)

1ProceduralResidents Open Forum and Public Comment P resident Mahoney

Residents will have an opportunity to speak during an open public comment period, with President Mahoney presiding.

What happened

2ProceduralPresentatio n – Snow Operations Overvie w per Councillor Jacobs Resolve

Councillor Jacobs will present an overview of the city's snow removal operations and winter weather response.

What happened

5Procedural2026-040 – Confirmation – Quincy Housing Authority Board Mayors At-Large Mayor Koch Appointment

Mayor Koch is requesting confirmation of an appointment to fill an at-large board seat on the Quincy Housing Authority.

What happened

6Procedural2026-041 – Confirmation – Quincy Housing Authority Board Tenant Mayor Koch Representative Appointment

Mayor Koch is requesting confirmation of an appointment to fill the tenant representative position on the Quincy Housing Authority Board.

What happened

Item 2026-041 concerns the confirmation of a tenant representative appointment to the Quincy Housing Authority Board. Similar to item 2026-040, Councillor Jacobs moved to table this item to obtain additional information from the administration about the nominee. The motion to table passed unanimously (9-0). Councillor Jacobs emphasized the need for the same categories of information as the at-large appointment and encouraged fellow councillors to email Mr. Walker with their questions so answers could be provided when the item returns to the agenda.

Appropriation

3Appropriation2026-038 –Appropriation – $2,646,730Fire Department New Firefighter Mayor Koch Turnout Gear

The city is requesting approval to spend $2,646,730 to purchase new protective turnout gear for firefighters in the Fire Department.

What happened

4Appropriation2026-039 – Appropriation - Community Preservation – $325,000 for National Mayor Koch Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts - Quincy Homestead Exterior Painting and Repair 2026

The city is seeking $325,000 in Community Preservation funding to repair and paint the exterior of the Quincy Homestead, a historic property maintained by the National Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts.

What happened

Resolution

7Resolution2026-042 – Resolve - American Rescue Plan Spending Transparency Councillor Riley Councillor Mahoney Councillor McKee Councillor Ryan C ouncillor Yuan

Councillors Riley, Mahoney, McKee, Ryan, and Yuan are proposing a resolution to require the city to publicly report how it spent federal American Rescue Plan funds.

What happened

# Summary of 2026-042 – Resolve - American Rescue Plan Spending Transparency

Councillor Riley presented Resolve 2026-042, sponsored by Riley and Councillor Mahoney, requesting a full public accounting of Quincy's $46.3 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and their expenditures, including the $15 million used to purchase the Monroe building on Hancock Street. Bill Zamzau raised separate concerns about the city employee pension fund cyber heist and the delayed release of the mayor's promised outside review on pension obligations. The council voted unanimously 9-0 to approve the resolve and assign it to the finance and oversight committees for further deliberation.

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Approve friendly amendment to extend 20-minute public comment period by majority vote

aye 1

voice voteaye

Approve friendly amendment adding five-minute closure provision to public comment period

aye 1

voice voteaye

Move Council Order 2026-008 (public participation procedures) out of Rules Committee with favorable recommendation as amended

aye 1

voice voteaye

Move Council Order 2026-009 (city auditor independence ordinance) out of Ordinance Committee with favorable recommendation

aye 1

voice voteaye

Move appropriation of $2.6 million for firefighter turnout gear (2026-038) to Finance and Oversight Committee

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Table appropriation for Colonial Dames Quincy Homestead exterior painting (2026-039)

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Table confirmation of Quincy Housing Authority Board appointment 2026-040 (Tim Baker)

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Table confirmation of Quincy Housing Authority Board appointment 2026-041

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve resolve on American Rescue Plan spending transparency (2026-042) and refer to Finance and Oversight Committees

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve resolve on Quincy Retirement Pension Theft Update (2026-043) and refer to Finance and Oversight Committees

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve gift of $2,000 from Munich Construction to DIA (2026-044)

aye 8 · absent 1

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashabsent

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve minutes from February 2nd, 2026

aye 1

voice voteaye

Approve Resolution 2026-036 (expanded online access for city services)

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve Council Order 2026-008 (public participation procedures) as amended

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve traffic order 2026-026 (add handicap parking 257 Grafton Street)

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve traffic order 2026-027

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve order 2025-028 to remove no parking June through September on Mullen Avenue

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Adjourn meeting

aye 1

voice voteaye

Verbatim transcript available

637 transcript segments indexed

Hi everyone. Um, I'd like to welcome to welcome you to the March 2nd meeting of the rules committee. Um, so can you you can't hear me? Can you hear me now? Okay. Um, so welcome to the rules committee.

Um, I will read out the open meeting law. Uh, 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 unpersceived, by those present, and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.

Um, madame clerk, please call the role. Councelor Ash, councelor Hubley. Council Ryan Riley, sorry. Here. Council here. Chair McGee. Okay. Oh, yes. Thank you. And so um we have um non So those are the members of the rules committee.

The also we have here the rest of the city councilors. So we have uh councelor um uh Ryan, councelor Deabona, councelor Mahoney, and councelor Jacobs. Um so I'm just going to start by reading um the order that we're talking about here, which is um to establish public partic participation procedures for city council meetings.

So whereas meaningful public participation strengthens democratic governance, transparency, and accountability. And whereas the city council is authorized under Massachusetts law and the city charter to establish rules governing its proceedings.

And whereas the city council seeks to provide a structured, equitable, and legally compliant opportunity for residents to address the council while preserving the orderly conduct of meetings. Now therefore, be it adopted that the rules of the city council of the Quincy City Council are amended as follows.

Um, okay. So this is section adding sections A through G. Public participation resident first at city council meetings. A open meetings. All city council meetings shall be open to the public except as allowed under the open meeting law.

No final action may be taken in executive session. B. Public comment period. A standing agenda item shall provide time for public comment at all regular meetings. Public comment is limited to matters with the city within the city council's purview.

Uh C. Speaker priority. Residents of Quinsey shall be recognized first for public comment. Speakers shall state their name and address for the record and may identify any group they represent. Uh D. Each speaker is limited to three minutes.

Time may not be transferred or pulled. The total duration of the resident public participation shall not exceed 20 minutes. E. Speakers may express opinions including criticism, policies or operations, not allowed, threats, incitement of imminent unlawful conduct, or actual disruption of the meeting.

F. Enforcement. Um, the council president enforces time limits and order, verbal warnings directing a speaker to conclude recess or removal if necessary. Enforcement is behavior-based and content neutral.

Public comment should follow roll call, approval of minutes, and announcements before sub substantive orders, resolutions, or votes. And it's effective immediately upon adoption and incorporation into the rules book.

Um, and I'm not going to read the order of business um, as it stands. But we will be, um, adding number four, public participation, uh, resident first after saluting the flag, um, at regular council meetings.

So, um is there any discussion on the order uh from the rules committee members? Oh, uh Councelor Riley. Yes. Good evening. Good evening. Um this order is something that we promised to the voters when we campaigned in 2023, and this demonstrates our commitment to deliver on that promise.

The proposed changes to rules 24 and 27 will make the opportunity for public comment permanent unless changed by a majority vote of a future council. The people of Quinsey will have an opportunity at every meeting to be heard, a significant improvement in our local governance.

Thank you to President Mahoney for bringing this forward. I support moving this out of committee with a favorable recommendation to adopt council order 2026-008 and bring it to a vote of the full council.

Um um councelor Ash. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I I agree, you know, the the public comment period is something that I um happily will happily support. There was a question, I believe, around the the time frame for the public comment period.

I know it's been clarified, um in President Mahoney's interviews, um and some of the press releases. Um it does say for section D time limits. Um as this is drafted um it says each speaker is limited to three minutes.

Time may not be transferred or pulled and the total duration of the p of the resident public participation shall not exceed 20 minutes. Um I know just from third party communications that the idea will be to u to kind of suspend that rule and allow folks to speak if they are here during that time.

Um, I just wanted to make sure that that was something that was put on the record and that of course the the folks in the audience and uh at home know that that the idea will be to make sure if folks are here during the resident uh comment period that they'll have the opportunity to speak.

Am I allowed to respond to that now? Okay. Um, so I think um, according to Robert's rules, we can uh we can always uh make a motion to expand to expand the time limit for something. So, um I would recommend maybe keeping this and then if we if we really need it, we can um make someone can make a motion and someone else can second it and then we can have a majority vote to expand extend the rules because we're sort of in this balance of wanting everyone to have an opportunity to talk um but also, you know, wanting to get a lot of stuff done.

Um, I think we can also, if we see a lot of people in the audience, we could, um, I I've seen this in other city council meetings, um, make a motion to, uh, change the amount of time that people have, so it could be, um, down to one minute or two minutes in a situation.

We'll also continue to have public hearings on issues that are really big and important. So, um, but what are other people's thoughts on that? Council, you have a question. So if one speaker didn't use up three minutes, can can his or her time be used by other speakers so we can have more speakers to speak?

Yes, it wouldn't be able to transfer to a particular speaker. Um it says you can't transfer or pull it but the total time can remain 20 minutes. And so if someone just says something in one minute that just leaves more time for someone else to come up.

Okay. So, so other speakers actually can use that time just not a specific. Yes. Yes. Thank you. And I also have a comment. So, uh, President, colleagues, I support this ordinance. I think it's a simple and reasonable step.

Having a public comment period before every city council meeting gives the residents a constant opportunity to speak. Not sometimes, not only on certain issues, but every meeting. People care about what we do here.

They follow the agenda. They have concerns. They have ideas. Sometimes they just want to be heard. And sometimes they bring up things we didn't think about. This is also about transparency. If we want a more open government, we need to make space for the public in a clear and a predictable way.

I don't see this as making meetings harder. Clear rules and the time limits keep things organized. Structure helps everyone. At the end of the day, we are elected to represent our residents. Making sure they have voice at every meeting just makes sense.

I'm glad to support this. Thank you. Any further debate from rules committee members? Councelor Ash. Um just a couple more questions, Madam Chair. Um will uh participants in the public forum um be able to uh bring PowerPoints or other materials?

But has anybody have have we discussed kind of We haven't discussed that. I actually have that question as well. Um, I don't know if there's any, it seems like we there's not necessarily a limitation to the ability because we have this ability, but maybe um, if they're going to do that, maybe we need to arrange that slightly in advance because it could take time to set up.

But what what do people think? Any objections to being able to do a PowerPoint presentation or pictures? Well, I don't have I don't necessarily have a preference either one way or another. I just don't know what the idea would be for if or if maybe people could if they're referencing something.

I'm sure we could obtain it afterwards. Um just a thought as as we're going through the different um the the the different steps and the the pieces of the rule is proposed. I just don't know if that's been thought about at all.

I um councelor Mahoney brought this forward. I I actually don't think it's a it's a it's a tricky balance because if you give one person the permission and they come with the right equipment, they can do it and somebody else doesn't, we'd be doing technical shots the whole way through.

So, if people have photos or things that they want to present or a PowerPoint that they want to share with us that we can take afterwards, we can. I believe at one of the last council meetings, I think they might have been the first one.

I can't It feels funny because of the snowstorm. I think one of the people who came up and speak to speak left um we had to leave um a a flyer or something on the table and we were all be able to get collect it afterwards.

I think that's probably the best way to do it personally because you just it it seems like a great thing to like let everybody use technology but it can turn into that 20 minutes can go by pretty fast.

And um the other thing I just want to mention too is 20 minutes is the the amount of time that we want to have. If there's nobody here in the audience either, I think we can we can suspend the 20 minutes too and move the meeting because if there's nobody here to speak, we should also be able to move our meeting along and not have to sit for 20 minutes.

I just want to make sure that this is really an opportunity for the public. If the public is here, we will have open forum. We'll wait five to six minutes for for that, but we're not going to sit for 20 minutes.

I think that's another thing that we want to make note of. So, we'll suspend it and and go into the meeting. So, those are my two comments for that. That was my uh my next question. And do you think it's worth adding in that we'll leave it open for 5 minutes and and then close it if no one shows up at the specific time?

Sure. If we could um I would submit that as a friendly amendment. Um maybe under under D for the the fourth bullet. Okay. And that would how do you want to phrase that? Um should know well let me think about this.

Should no speaker um approach the microphone or um state their intention to be here and heard during um the first five minutes of the public forum um participation period then the period will be closed.

Okay. I think that would just help so that there's no ambiguity if um if folks don't show up or um show up later or Okay, that makes sense. I've got that. Um and did anyone else Oh, yeah. Uh Councelor Riley.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I would like to suggest that under just the the wording, if I could, Richard, um, the total duration of the resident participation shall not exceed 20 minutes. We could just add maybe extended by a majority vote of the council or suspended if no speakers are present to speak or something to that effect.

Um, as far as the, um, you know, presentation materials, pictures, whatever, I just think the threeminut forum doesn't allow for that. But if somebody were to come forward with a, you know, a subject matter, we could work that into a future agenda and be more planned for um in terms of the audiovisisual.

So that's my take on that. Thank you. Um okay, now I guess I'll open it up to anyone. So any non uh rules members just any anyone here um on the council any further suggestions? Okay. So that's the final I need to Okay.

Are we in agreement? So Oh yeah. So broke it out just for clarity. I I I agree with with the first part of the the clause that you just proposed, but I do I think that the five minutes should be the the fourth bullet just so we are we have three minutes as the first bullet in bold.

I think we should keep the keep that uh format but add at by the majority vote of the body to the extension of the 20 minutes to the third bullet. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Um if that's all right, Council Riley.

Yes, absolutely. So on that point um so on the question of adding um after that point about exceeding 20 minutes um which can be extended um by a vote of the council. Everyone in favor say I. I. I. Everyone opposed say nay.

Okay that's accepted. Um and then the second um issue which is to add a fourth bullet point under um section D um which would say should no speaker approach the mic microphone or state their intention to be here uh during the first five minutes of the period.

The period uh will close. Um does everyone everyone who agrees with that say I I I opposed. Okay, great. Um so now we move now we take a vote of as amended. Um uh everyone who Oh sorry who would like to motion?

Who who on the rules committee would like to motion to Yeah. I'd like to make a motion that we u move for um move this out of committee with a favorable recommendation to adopt council order 2026-008 as amended.

Okay. Thank you. Okay. Oh yes. I just learned today that there's no second needed in committee meetings. So um so we're all learning this stuff. Um all right. So um all those uh in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no.

Okay. Thank you very much. I guess uh can we start the next? Nope. No. Okay. So we'll take a 10-minute break until the ordinance committee meeting starts at seven. Hi everyone. Um welcome to the March 2nd meeting of the ordinance committee.

Um, I'm going to read the open meeting law again. Uh, 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 unpersceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible. Madame clerk, please call the role.

Council Ash. Council Deona, present. Council Hubley. Council Jacobs. Council Mahoney. Council Riley present. Council Ryan. Council Yan. Um Chim present. Nine members have a forum. Okay. Thank you. Um uh can I please have councelor Mahoney read this order out?

She submitted it. So I was asked to read the whole thing out. So everybody get ready. an ordinance strengthening the powers of independence of the financial oversight authority of the city auditor where the city council of the city of Quinsey has a duty to provide effective oversight municipal finances on behalf of the taxpayers and the city whereas transparency accountability and independent financial review are essential for public confidence in city government.

Whereas in 2008, the city reorganized its financial operations through the creation of the Department of Municipal Finance, resulting in the transfer of certain operational finances duties previously performed by or under the authority of the city auditor.

And whereas subsequent experience has demonstrated the need for clearer, stronger, and more explicit authority from the city auditor to conduct independent financial and performance audits of the city department's funds and capital projects.

Whereas a city council finds that restoring and clarifying the city auditor's oversight authority will enhance fiscal discipline, protect taxpayers, and improve transparency without interfering with the administration or day-to-day executive functions.

Be it ordained that the city council will will city council that chapter 66 officers and official officials article 3 city auditor in the ordinance of the city of Quinsey as amended as further amended be below by deleting article 3 of the city auditor in its entirety by substituting therein following article two of city auditor now there be therefore be ordained that the city council of the city of Quinsey as follows section one amendment to section 66-38A financial off over O oversight authority Section 66-38A of the Quinsey Municipal Code Code is hereby amended to read as follows.

The city auditor shall have unrestricted authority to examine, audit or evaluate all books, contracts, records, accounts, financial systems, obligations and expenditures of every department, board office, sorry um office authority, enterprise fund and capital project of the city for the purpose of ensuring fiscal accountability, legal compliance and effective use of public funds.

Section two, access of records, records and preservations of evidence. A new subsequent and hereby added to chapter 66 article 3 as follows. All city departments offici offices, boards, commissions, and authorities shall provide the city auditor with unrestricted access to requested records as follow.

Electronic records, financial systems, database, and digital files that have been made accessible immediately upon request. Hard copy, archived, or off-site records that shall be produced no later than two business days after request.

Upon receipt of the request of the city auditor, all responsive records shall be preserved in their existing form with no with no record that may be altered, deleted, concealed, transferred, reclassified, or destroyed.

Any failure to comply with the section shall be reported to city auditor, to the city council, and such reports shall become part of the public record. Section 3, capital project audits. A new subsection is hereby added to chapter 66, article 3 as follows.

The city auditor shall conduct annual financial or performance auditors audits of capital projects um which which total authorized funding exceeding $1 million excluding but not limited to projects financed through district improvement funds, tax increment um increment financing, tiffs or other special funding mechanisms.

Audit findings shall be submitted to the city council and may be available to the public. Section for escalation of Massachusetts state auditor. A new section is hereby added to chapter 66 article 3 as follows.

Upon recommendation of the city auditor, the Quinsey City Quinsey council may vote to request that the office of the Massachusetts state auditor conduct a financial compliance or performance audit of any department fund capital project or activity of the city.

If the city auditor determines that the independent audit is necessary or finding of such audit is not authorized by the administration, the city auditor shall notify the city council and the city council may then vote vote to transmit um such request such with any relevant finding to the office of Massachusetts state auditor.

Any such vote in supporting documentation shall be transmitted to the city clerk of the offices of Massachusetts state auditor within five business days. Section five, quarterly finance oversight reports.

A new subsection in is hereby added to chapter 66 article 3 as follows. The city auditor shall issue a public quarterly financial oversight report to the city council which shall include at minimum analysis, budget to actual revenue and expenditure performance, capital project balances and cash flows, free cash trends and reserve levels, overtime expenditures by department, debt service and long-term obligation projections, position controls, staffing levels, vacancies and funded funded versus filed positions.

Chapter six, construction and limitations. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to transfer operational or executive financial functions to the city auditor, interfere with the administration day-to-day financial operations assigned by the city charter to the mayor or executive departments.

This ordinance is intended solely to strengthen the independent financial oversight, transparency, and accountability section seven severability. Any of these provisions in this ordinance is held invalid by court competent jurisdictions.

Such invalid valid validity shall not affect the remaining provisions which shall come in the in the full force of effect. Section 8 effective date. This ordinance shall take effect upon passes of approval by the public um publication as required by law.

This is simply um back in 2008 there was a reorganization of the city of Quinsey where there was a creation of the chief financial officer which is something that the city of this size should have and most most cities and towns do have.

But what we also have is we the city council have in our have Susan O' Conor who's our auditor, the auditor who's assigned to the city council. All of the people that I mentioned from the chief financial officer straight through as we all know when you go and meet with department heads they are extremely helpful to all of us.

However, they work and they are appointed by the mayor. They are not appointed by the city council and therefore we need to empower our auditor to be able to do the factecking that we need to do as well.

It's just to make sure that both sides are being completely informed and transparent to the general public. And that is the reason why it's been it's been since 2008, it's time to actually bring a little bit more transparency back to the city council side.

And that's the nature of what this this this ordinance is for. Thank you. Um any discussion? Oh yes, Councelor Ash. Thank you. Um, Madam Chair, uh, with respect to the to the site, when I was looking at the um the code for the city auditor, at least online, it looks like it's and I I this look it looks like it's section 66-13 would be where the duties start just for for continuity and for to obviously to make sure it goes in the code at the right spot.

Um, I don't know if that was if if that was looked at. It looks like third section 306-38 was related to the harbor master. So, we can certainly make that adjustment. So, I I I don't have it in front of me at this time and it was written several I want it feels like this point many months ago.

Um, okay. Um, at least that with my review of of the code, it looked like the city auditor was started article 3 section 66 uh-11 and then when you get down to 38, it looks like it's related to the harbor master.

Yeah, I don't this is really just meant to be about the auditor. Um so with with with respect to the duties as it stands in the code um one of the um enumerated duties states that the city auditor shall exercise the duties enumerated by Mass General Law chapter 41 sections 50 and 53.

Um, is it is it the thought process that those duties are not encompassing of what the body would like for the city auditor to be able to do? The the the problem is is back in 2008, a lot of the a lot of the power of what the city auditor was able to do for the city council has been wiped clean.

We don't we don't have access until after the fact. So, when we go to the auditor now and we ask a question, it's usually after the fact. And if we want to have an audit of something, we have to ask the department come up to do that.

And we what we really should be able to do is ask the auditor to look into certain things for us and report back to us, the committee. We shouldn't be asking the administration to present that presentation.

It should be something that's being presented to us through the audit. That's that's strictly how it goes. Back before 2008, the auditor actually signed off on all warrants. They signed off on they they were able to see everything that was being done before it went out to pay.

Now when we are seeing things, it's past that. And yes, Susan can see things into Munus, but she can't see that backup and she has to ask that request. And in some situations, you don't get that information right away.

I know that from being a city councelor prior to being back here on the city council. Sometimes you didn't get the information as timely as you wanted to get it. So, in this particular case, it gives her power back to be able to get it.

When she asks for it, it should be given to her and she shouldn't have to be jumping through any hoops. whether that's Susan or any other future auditor in the future for the city any future city councelor we need that balance to be able to strike between the administration and the city council to make sure we have the information and that's strictly what I'm trying to do not take away the power of the administration but to put put back some of the oversight into the city council thank you um I just want to just to to rectify you know to general law sections the powers and duties of auditors and municipalities I just want to make sure that we're not being too redundant or that it's been contemplated so that everything makes sense with respect to mass state laws and our ordinances.

Um but I don't have any further questions. I I will say if I if I what I will say is I did review this with Susan. and I sat down and spoke with her and I have spoken with her while I was six years on the city council prior to the limitations that are allowed through the auditor and all I'm trying to do as a body for the city council is to give some of that power back to the auditor that we appoint so that we can actually have her be part of or any future auditor um because I you I'd like to think Susan's going to be around for a really long time but as we all do you know there's going to be a new person who eventually comes into these seats and we want to make sure that they're empowered to be able to do the job the best they possibly Uh, councelor Ash, can I just um I didn't quite catch what uh so are you saying that um for the first point that you made that anywhere there's a mention of section 66-38A that should say I I believe that President Mahoney was I it from the code online the the city auditor um provision start at article 3 section 66-11.

Okay. So, it would just be a find and replace for those two things. Okay. I believe so. Yeah. Is there any further discussion? I'm sorry. Further discussion from anyone? Okay. Uh, councelor Riley. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Um, the auditor's role is critical in providing independent, accurate, and timely oversight of the city's finances. There should be no limits on their access to any and all records. Period. We need to know emphatically that the auditor can follow the money wherever it leads.

Fraud, waste, and abuse starts with opportunity and relaxed oversight. Regular audits and unannounced inquiries are a part of good stewardship of the people's funds. I support moving this out of committee with a favorable recommendation to adopt the council order 2026-009.

Okay. So, I guess we do not need a second. So, um all those in favor say I. I all those opposed say no hearing nothing that um it will go to committee it'll go to the council then motion is passed um right I think that's it for our you have any that's all uh that's it for ordinance committee for today oh I wanted to we forgot to um mention if there's anyone here for public comment which will start at 7:30 um please sign up in the front uh with your uh name and address.

Please write clearly. Um and then we'll start the next portion of the meeting at 7:30. Going to call the March 2nd, 2026, 7:30 city council meeting um to order. Um Madam Cler, could you call the role, please?

Councelor Ash. Council Dona, present. Council Hubley. Council Jacobs present. Council McKe. Council Riley. Council Ryan present. Council Yen. President Mahoney present. Nine members. If they could all stand for a moment of silence.

And if we could turn to to the pledge of face the flag for the pledge of allegiance. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. Madam clerk, could 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, whether perceived or unpersceived, by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible. Thank you very much.

At this point, we're going to start the resident's open forum and public comment. I'm just going to remind people we have three minutes. We do have a clock. We were requested to get a clock the last time.

We'll see how this works out. So, the first person we have is Kathy Thorne. So, Kathy, could you join us? If you could state your name and your address, Kathy, and then we'll start you. My name is Kathy Thrron.

I live at 234 Ever Street in Wallist, Massachusetts. I want to start by saying very clearly, I fully support purchasing new firefighter gear. I want our firefighters protected and I want them protected quickly, but I also want to make sure that that gear we are about to purchase is safe both for fire protection and long-term chemical exposure.

This is not what I'm about to say is not about delaying safety. It's about making sure the new gear does not create future health problems. I've emailed you all some more detailed information. I'm just going to summarize now.

Perfloral and poly floral alkal substances. Uh there are the infamous PASS are ubiquitous. There are tens of thousands well about a 10,000 of them. They're in non-stick cookware. That's your teflon cookware.

They're in waterproof fabrics, food packaging, cosmetics, and other consumer products. In firefighter gear, PAS has been used because they repel water and fuel and withstand extreme heat, critical protective properties.

But certain PASS have been associated with a lot of health problems, including causing kidney and testicular cancers. There is no finalized OSHA exposure limit. So the chemistry and the science on this is fairly new.

The occupational paradox is that the same chemistry that protects firefighters from flames may carry long-term risks. The Patriot Ledger reported that one of 30 gear sets was tested using a proin protonbased total florine screening method.

It's a useful screening tool, but it measures total florine only. It does not identify the individual PASS which are in fact the cause of health problems. It's not the total flooring P. It is not an EPA compliance method and it is not definitive for risk assessment or litigation.

I would ask that proper sample s sampling and accredited laboratory testing and confirmatory environmental protection agency methods be used to confirm that the new gear is indeed free of pas or is free as humanly possible and we need to avoid something called regrettable substitution that's namely replacing PAS with another chemical class that later proves harmful.

It's already happened. Some of the PAS equipment has been replaced with something called broine fire flame retardants and there's health problems with that. Kathy, you're in you're at 3 seconds. Okay.

Basically, I'm asking that and I'm hoping to hear about adequate test results that can prove this gear is safe. Thank you very much. Next up is Mary Orlando. Did I have your name wrong? I'm sorry. Hello.

My name is Jeff Toio. I'm council for Mario Orlando who is here. Also, uh council for Cory Hill Associates. I'm going to read a statement that I'll pass over to the council. Dear President Mahonian counselors, I am writing to respond to questions and assertions made by Jocelyn Sydney at your February meeting.

I've lived in Quinsey for 23 years and am the CEO of Marina Bay Management Services, property manager for Corey Hills Associates. I served as CFO beginning in 1987 and responsible for Granite Link's financial reporting and lease payments.

I was appalled by allegations made by Miss Sydney poses questions accusing Corey Hills of failing to properly pay rent in 2023. She cited a fourth quarter financial payment is suggested that Cory Hills failed to pay the full amount due.

Her assertions are wrong and suggest a basic or I suspect faint misunderstanding of how lease payments are made. The lease provides for quarterly payments of percentage rent. Each quarterly payment is accompanied by financial statements prepared on an acrruel basis in a fourth quarter reconciliation showing the earlier quarterly payments made.

The financial reporting structure was established with the mayor's office in 2003 and is followed strictly. The payment referenced by Miss Sedney was the fourth quarter payment only, a mere fraction of the total rent paid in 2023.

Adding together the four quarterly payments referenced on the statement, it is clear that the full rent was paid to the penny. Importantly, the city's independent auditing firm reviewed the reporting and payment practices, including 2023, and confirms Quarry Hills compliance.

As a resident and local business leader, I am dismayed to be need to respond to unsubstantiated claims made by Miss Sedney at the resident's open forum. Her comments were at best tangentally related to a matter within the council's purview.

There is value to inviting responsible public comments. However, the forum is not an appropriate venue to allow a trained lawyer to to insinuate that a tenant of the city failed to meet its lease obligations in direct contradiction with the public record and independent professional audits.

The public record shows that Quarry Hills has saved the city tens of millions of dollars in landfill closure and maintenance costs while providing recreational opportunities in paying nearly $12 million in direct revenues into the city treasury through lease payments in meals taxes.

Those are real dollars paid to the city that don't have to be raised through taxes. In closing, I personally and professionally affirm to residents and neighbors that there are no missing funds, no manipulation, and no failure to comply with our financial responsibilities.

Corey Hills has made all rent payments on time and in full, and I stand by the integrity of our reporting. Respectfully submitted, Mary Orlando, 68 Woodward Avenue, and she's also the CEO of Marina Bay Management Services.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Joanne Collins. Good evening. Joanne Collins, 88 Hillside A. I will not take the whole three minutes. I just have general comments. Um, elected officials are not above accountability.

They are public servants with responsibilities to the communities they represent. It is entirely appropriate to expect transparency, accountability, and effective performance. That is how democracy works.

For that reason, I find it concerning when members of this council seek basic information to properly fulfill their responsibilities and a small group of citizens takes offense to that request. Asking questions is not an attack.

It is part of good governance. Whether being asked to approve millions of dollars for new firefighter gear, requesting transparency of the American Rescue Plan, or asking for an update of the Quinsey Retirement pension theft, all questions are okay.

They are not attacks. They are asking for more information so the public can know what's happening. I feel like if we had had this kind of open forum and more of a transparency um with the last council, we wouldn't be where we are today with the statues that was done undercover.

The the council did not know about the statues. Nobody knew about the statues until it was leaked. We shouldn't have to find things out through leaks. So, I really appreciate this council allowing people coming up to speak, ask questions, and find out information.

So, thank you once again for having the open forum. Joe Murphy. Hi, I'm Joe Murphy. Uh, 18 Macy Street. Good evening. I want to take a moment to say something simple but important. There are many residents in this city who appreciate the work this council is starting to do.

Oversight is not obstruction. Asking hard questions is not disloyalty. In fact, it's often the highest form of loyalty. Loyalty to taxpayers, to transparency, and to the long-term health of the city. Political bravery doesn't always look like applause.

Sometimes it looks like discomfort. Sometimes it looks like slowing something down, asking for more documentation, requesting clarification, or insisting on process. That takes courage. And I want you to know there are residents who recognize that courage.

We understand that you can support public safety, support community institutions, and still insist on due diligence. Those positions are not contradictory. I would also encourage you to take both the loudest criticism and the loudest praise with an appropriate shaker of salt.

Volume in either directions is not the same as consensus. Your fans will not always be right. Your detractors will not always be wrong. The people who cheer the loudest and condemn the loudest rarely represent the full community.

Many of us value representation that is thoughtful, careful, and independent. Please keep asking questions. Please keep doing this work. There are more residents who support responsible oversight than you may hear from on any given night.

Listen to each other, trust each other, and you will fulfill your obligation to the voters. Thank you. Okay, Veronica Bertrren is next. Good evening. Veronica Burchin, 195 Copeland Street, Ward 4, Quincy, Mass.

I promise I won't go over tonight. I just have a couple of quick things. I too the uh idea that we must protect our firefighters. I am lucky enough to live within a stones throw of the West Quinsey Firehouse.

They've been my basically my only firehouse my entire life. So, I've come to know a lot of the firefighters at that bu in that building and I've also was part of the complaint team when they didn't really get the uh the improvements they needed and they finally did this year.

It's looking much better over there. Uh secondly, I'd like to thank uh El Gracioso. I just met him in person for the first time. and I email him often because I am the uh president of my board at 195 Copen.

I represent 12 families there. So, I might be the uh the resident uh complainer, but it's I'm doing it for all my neighbors there. Um he's always uh comes right back with a good answer. Takes care of our issues with trash or whatever.

And the the uh the I must say the plowing on uh uh Copeland Street was excellent. uh this last uh storm we had. So, and thirdly, I'd like to thank the the council for having open forum like many other people here um and asking questions.

And I know sometimes that people can seem to be like a little bit of a pain in the butt, but we have a right. We're taxpayers. We're citizens. And we live in the United States of America. And the last thing I want to say is God bless our troops.

Next is Bill Zamzo. Bill Zamzau, 46 Tilden Circle, Quinsey. Councilors, I again I'd like to thank you for the providing the opportunity for public input at council meetings. In turn, please consider additions to your seeking answers regarding the city employee pension fund cyber heist.

As two of you may recall, five years ago, I posed on the record concerns about issuing a half billion dollar pension obligation bond. My concerns were soon proven sound as shortly after the bond was subsequently issued, the pension fund suffered a 10% drop in value.

While the market has since recovered, the portfolio is still underwater by tens of millions of dollars on its obligations. In short, so much for the mayor's claim that issuing the pension bond would fully cover the pension fund's then woefully deficient pension obligations.

And more recently, the mayor failed to budget for a $16 million pension installment payment for this fiscal year. Something which both do and the pension employee retirement administration commission insisted be paid and so helped fuel a record-breaking going away 13.5% increase in the city's FY 26 spending along with a substantial increase in local property taxes this year.

Even so, the mayor asserted the PAR Act was wrongly figured the assessment and so initiated an outside review which was said to be completed by expected to be completed by the end of January. It is now March, but no report has no report or at least none has been made available to public.

Where is it? Next up, why excuse me, why does a retirement board continue to manage 47% of the pension fund, whereas these funds are seeing roughly a 200 basis point lower rate of return in up markets than the roughly 53% of the fund that is managed by the highly regarded Massachusetts Pension Retirement Investment Board.

Placing all the funds with PRIM would have seen a roughly $25 million pop in the pension fund's annual income over the past three years. The retirement board should thus explain to the council why it has opted to forego tens of millions of dollars in income when the pension fund has been upside down by an even more tens of millions of dollars.

After all, the pension fund is supposed to be fully self-funding via employee contributions, but it's not. For example, this year taxpayers are variously funding $53 million on pension funding obligations, roughly 11% of the budget, as well as roughly two and a half times what the employees will be contributing this year.

Further, the pension board recently voted to increase pension funds discount rate by 7 and 3/4%. The discount rate is the expected rate of return on fist funds assets. The higher the rate of return, the less is expected to be needs to be raised to fund pension obligations.

and so trimmed the annual. You have about 30 seconds left. Sorry. Okay. I've got a few other things. Um I ecopied you though and I appreciate your consideration of them because there are some serious concerns about the city's pension funds shortcomings.

Thank you. Thank you. Next we have up John Roofell. Hello everyone. Um, thank you for letting us speak. I mean, I love to speak. So, the fact that you're giving out this privilege is just great. Name and address.

John Roofield, 62 Ground Wall Road. Um, within my 3 minutes, thank you. You gave me an extra 15 seconds. I did. Um, basically, I'm for the firefighters. I believe they need the new equipment. Um, $2.6 $6 million is not a lot of money to protect the firefighters, but I do think we are borrowing um a lot of money and that's only 7% of their budget.

I would have rather seen that included in the next year's budget which is coming up and then we could pay for that with, you know, if the taxpayers have to pay a little bit more. That's just how it works.

The taxpayers deserve to protect the firefighters. So, I hate kicking the can down into the future. One of the things I've been trying to do is um you know I'm a little bit disappointed. I I actually used to be a contractor for the city up in municipal finance and I'm no longer doing that but I have some experience in what they were doing up there and they do do a good job but again all our departments it costs a lot of money for all the people that we have.

It is disappointing that with so many people in municipal finance that we've seen our bond rating go from the double A minus to the double A plus. I go to the taunt meetings all the time and we've done the exact opposite.

We've gone from double A minus to double A+ and our municipal finance department is just Patrick Delaruso which is just one guy. We do pay him like about $260,000 which is a lot of money but still he does a very good job.

So, as an individual person, what I'm trying to do is to do my own auditing and do my own research. I'm just finishing up my master's degree in accounting at University of Dartmouth. And I made two public public requests on January 28th.

I requested the um 1099 payments of all the vendors and I also requested all the employment data of all the people that work in Quinsey both for fiscal year 20 um 24 actually for calendar year 2024 and 2025.

More than 30 days has passed. I have not heard back on my public request. Um, when I was in September, when I was still at municipal finance, someone was making public requests on me, I made a request in September to try to find out who was making these public requests.

Again, that public request was not responded to. So, I want to do some free research and do some free auditing. And to do that, I need the request that I did honored. So, you know, the city council is here.

I called some people um you know I don't know who can help but the reality is is the city of Taton when I requested the 1099 data and when I requested the um employment data within 15 days it was sent to me in an email.

So I would appreciate that you know maybe by the end of the week if I could get that data sent to my email. Thank you very much. Thank you. So next up we have Steve Parios. Hi councilors. Good evening.

Steve Partios, 86 Ruggle Street. Um, just very quickly wanted to come up and say congratulations for starters to all of you on your recent victory and your appointment to city council. Uh, congratulations, great work, great job.

Um, wanted to say also thank you for the opportunity to come up and speak. This is quite a breath of fresh air in our city to have this opportunity to speak in front of the council. As you've heard tonight, few people say the same thing.

I wanted to throw my voice behind that. Thank you. It's very appreciated. Um, I I also want to congratulate all of you on your uh very aggressive agenda. I love the the agenda you're starting off uh your term with here.

Um, a lot of really good topics. Um I don't have anything specific about them. I uh great job. Keep u keep being aggressive as much as you can and taking on these these really important uh large issues.

Thank you very much. And uh mostly I just wanted to come up in a public hearing and say something positive because I'm always on the other end where I'm saying something negative and it's it's nice I've been labeled the naysayer and it's nice to be a a naysayer for once.

So congratulations and great job and keep up the good work. Way to go. Thank you. Next up we have Debbie Nesset. My name is Debbie Napstead. I live at 16 Cornell Street, Quinzy. Um, I just want to say congratulations.

It's nice to see a new board up here that's going to listen to all of us. Um, I'm for the fire department to get whatever they need. They shouldn't even have to ask. Like, it should be an automatic push through, just like if the police department needs something.

Our DPW workers. Um, I just want to say the DPW department did a phenomenal job over the blizzard and their bosses all need to know that the guys worked really hard and they did an awesome job. And I think you guys all need to hear that once in a while.

It's nice to hear that. You know, they worked hard. We have a very small department, but they really did a great job and I just want to let everybody know that they really did work hard. So that's it.

Thank you. Next up is Leah D. Dloria. I feel like I know you all. Okay. Uh, my name is Leah D. Gloria. I live on 141 Lakeshore Drive in Weimoth. Um, but Quinsey is my hometown, no matter where I currently reside.

Um, and it's been very sad and painful for me to watch what's been happening here in Quinsey from the other side of the Four River Bridge. Uh first I saw the spirit and heritage of police and fire departments attacked when their tributes to St.

Florian and Archangel Michael were blocked. And right now uh they're currently in court as interested parties uh fighting for that for the symbols of their heritage in front of their own workspace. And now um firefighters are literally fighting for their lives.

Um, I've heard some people say about has the gear been tested, but I feel that's a delayed tactic because Quinsey has already done more testing than anyone. Uh, the firefighters and their union have done hard work of finding gear that meets the strict new uh, standards.

So, just to cast doubt on the union's research um, while firefighters are being poisoned every day is completely unacceptable. Um, words and actions have to match. You can tell these men and women that you support them in a newsletter or in a campaign speech, but if you actively act against their health and their safety by keeping this bond in committee too long, your actions don't match match your words and then your words do not matter.

Um, that's really important. Cancer is insidious and there are no safe levels of exposure. For one person, it could be a shift. for another it could be a year. Um, you just don't know. So, every day that this is in council in in committee is another day that firefighters have to put on a uniform that they know is cancer-causing and yet they still do their job every single shift.

They do their job to keep the citizens of Quinsey safe regardless of the risks. So, counselors, you need to do your job. You need to not stall this in committee and you need to just get the bond out as quickly as possible and so there can't be any excuses for that.

Thank you. I'm not sure if I'm going to say this person's name right. Rick Davio Davio from 105 Adam Street. I'm so sorry. It I I thought it was you. I was like, I think it's him, but it's it's that's not the way it was.

Well, my wife can agrees that I have bad handwriting. Um, so sorry about that. That's okay. Hi, everybody. Um, my name is Rick Don, the executive director at Interfaith Social Services. I'm practically a resident at 105 Adam Street in Quinsey.

Um, so Interfaith has been serving uh the city of Quinsey for the past 80 years. We have a mental health counseling center. We provide rent and utility assistance. We have a retail thrift shop, but most people know us because of our very visible food pantry.

And um each month we provide food and essential hygiene assistance to over 2,000 households, most of whom are Quinsey residents. Um as is the tradition in New England, before a storm, everybody goes out and gets milk and eggs and uh you know, that's what they do and bread.

And when they can't afford to go to a supermarket, they come to a food pantry. And likewise, after a storm, they need to come to a food pantry. And during the two storms that we experienced, I just want to thank the city of Quinsey for everybody's help in cleaning up around our food pantry.

We would not have been able to open. We were serving when we're we're serving about 120 households a day. When we close for two days in a row, all of those households are coming in as soon as we reopen.

And that the snow was removed. and we are just so grateful for everybody's help. Um it made it safe for 160 volunteers that serve with us who are almost all mostly Quinsey residents and it's just wonderful to know that we can depend on the city in a time of real challenge.

And so on behalf of our board of directors, staff, volunteers, clients, we just wanted to thank the city for the cleanup during both of the winter storms. So thank you. Next up is Stuart Row. Uh, good evening, council.

My name is Stuart Row. I live at 53 Woodbine Street in Wallist. On February 2nd, I made a public comment about snow and ice clearance on sidewalks. Tonight, I want to examine the larger systemic reality that snow removal points to.

On February 18th, 3 and a half weeks after the large January snowfall, I was walking to the Y on Codington Street. At the corner of the Y parking lot across from Quinsey High School, I encountered a person who uses a power wheelchair stuck in the mud, their wheels spinning.

They had been forced off the paved sidewalk as most of the path was obstructed by a large utility box and snow and ice blocked the rest. 5T to the left, there were empty parking spaces cleared to bare pavement.

While pushing them out, they told me that this was their first wheelchair trip out since the storm. Three and a half weeks of not leaving the house. Uh not because of their disability, but because of our infrastructure and priorities.

Sadly, snow only makes more visible what is true year round. Looking around Quinsey, you won't find telephone poles, utility boxes, or light poles in travel lanes or parking spaces. While driving, the road never simply ends unannounced, forcing you to go off-roading or into oncoming traffic.

But outside a car, you see this every day. Cyclists in some ways have it worse. Staying safe means choosing between riding on the sidewalk, which is still illegal in Quinsey, or trusting that a white line of paint on the asphalt will protect you from a sedan door or garbage truck.

Fortunately, the city has plans to address these inequities for the roughly 35,000 residents who cannot or do not regularly drive. Quincy adopted a complete streets policy in 2018 and the 2014 bike and pedestrian master plan is being updated.

However, I have doubts about how much real change these plans will yield as actual spending suggests the city is doubling down on the car- centered status quo. For example, in 2024, the previous council unanimously authorized $157 million in public borrowing to build two more parking garages in Quinsey Center.

Of note, the city's own financing documents for this project site motor vehicle excise tax growth as a key revenue source to service this debt. Meaning the city has built a financial model that depends on putting more cars on the road, not fewer.

a model that harms both non-drivers and drivers. Let's be clear, you cannot build a multimodal city while financing a system designed to ensure we never become one. Tonight, I'm asking that President Mahoney's audit and accounting proposals on the agenda be expanded to include firstly a public line item accounting of city dollars spent and borrowed on car infrastructure versus pedestrian, public transit, cycling, and accessibility infrastructure over the past 10 years.

Second, a dedicated accessibility infrastructure fund in the next budget cycle with a binding commitment to close ADA compliance gaps on city sidewalks. And finally, a resolution that every future road and parking project will be evaluated against its impact on non-car mobility before approval, not after as an afterthought.

Thank you all very much. Thank you very much. So, next person we have up is Robert Quinn. I'm not sure if anybody else wants to speak tonight, but Robert's the last one on the list. If there's anybody else, we could line up behind Robert.

Thank you, Madam President. Members of the council, my name is Robert Quinn. I'm resident of the city for the last 47 years. I currently live at 20 Dixall Avenue in Ward 5. Um, I'm here tonight to talk about a potential disturbance that that could be coming to the city and the need for the city to prepare for that disturbance.

The disturbance I'm referring to is the enhanced immigration enforcement by homeland security. We have seen across the country cities and towns and states that have been uh immobilized and disturbed by this enhanced enforcement.

And I think it is necessary for this city either through the executive or through this city council to take action and take set up protocols and procedures so that the city and uh is in is prepared for when that happens here in the city.

Uh the city should be looking at what its properties are, what how how the public facilities are going to be accessed by uh uh by uh Homeland Security, including our libraries, our schools, our city hall, Council on Aging, and Recreational Programs.

We should be looking at our parks and cemetery area and determine whether or not before they come to the to our city whether they can use those facilities for their staging of operations. The police should also be uh looking at this issue and they may very well be, I don't know, but uh they should be looking at their deescalation policies to ensure that they not only take into account when uh uh divergent protests are coming together and how to how to uh stay between those and maintain the peace, but in this case, you're going to have protesters that come be before a law enforcement organization which is armed.

uh it's going to be a much different uh scenario than what what we faced in the past with respect to the schools. You got to remember that many schools many students will not be attending school because of this enforced action and that we the school should be preparing for either uh alternative uh schooling methods or making sure that when they do return to school that remedials uh locations um remedial remedial lessons are in place.

And then we must also look at um what the community at large should be doing. Businesses uh social service agencies, churches, they should be looking at what they can do in order to mitigate the uh disturbance that's going to be coming.

You can agree or disagree with the enforced enhancement that's coming. But we should realize that it is going to have a disturbance not only on the people that are directly impacted, but on our city at large.

Thank you very much. Thank you. So at this point, is there anybody else who would like to speak for open forum? All right, go once, twice. Open forum is now closed. Thank you for everybody who came up.

Um, next up is um, Commissioner Algraios for the snow operations overview per councelor Jacob's resolve. Before we start, Council J. Did you want to say anything before we start or are you all set to Okay, excellent.

Good evening, counselors. Tonight, as requested, I'm here with Superintendent Prenville and members of the DPW team to give an over overview of DPW snow operations and specifically the January 25th and 26th storm in its aftermath along with the snow hauling operation that followed.

I will also be happy to answer questions about the recent 21in storm uh from last weekend. Before I start, I want to acknowledge the men and women of the DPW and other departments that contribute and contributed to this storm and most recently the storm of February 22nd and 23rd.

I'm so proud of their hard work and the dedication under trying circumstances in extreme weather conditions. I want to acknowledge Larry Prenville, 18 years of experience running the snow operation for the city.

He has incredible knowledge of equipment and operations. He he's respected throughout the state. Uh many other communities including the uh state highway department always contact him at the beginning of a storm saying, "What's Quinsey doing?" Eddie Larry, 37 years experience in snow.

The dedication this guy has is unbelievable. Works all hours, sometimes days without sleep. Uh does a tremendous job. the DPW workers from the plow drivers, the shovelers, the sidewalk plow drivers, the clerks and dispatch that answer the phones or the emails, employees who give out the fake tickets, employees that work with police and towing.

Um, by water and sewer guys who work snow but then get called out on water made brakes or sewer backups in the middle of a storm. I also want to acknowledge the police department. Captain FL, Captain Flareity, Lieutenant Linky, Captain Ward, Sergeant Fatty.

They were unbelievable during these storms, working with us, towing cars, knocking doors, notifying residents to please get their cars off the off the road. They did it in a professional way, a courtous way.

They're with us during uh hauling operations uh when we need we need a lot of resources out there. They're always there for us. Uh I have to mention TPEL. TPEL is unbelievable. Eddie Brennan and Allison Luff, they work with us every step of the way.

setting up the take the fake tickets, getting signage out there, signage out there, working with the uh the police department, setting up the details, working with us, getting all of the uh getting sidewalks cleared, crosswalks cleared, bus stops, um and they work around the clock with us without days without sleep.

are snow chases. These are these are individuals from inspectional service department, public buildings, um TPAL and DPW employees. These are the individuals that are out there during a storm working with the plow drivers, working with Larry, myself, Eddie, Larry, going days without sleep, making sure that the plow drivers are doing what they what they do and what they do that that is correct.

Um, without these gentlemen, we we'd have a tough time. The fire department, um, I have to mention Chief Gary Smith. He was with us throughout these storms. He's working at the emergency operations center.

He was out at 3:00 in the morning in the middle of the storm with, um, Director McCarthy, uh, dealing with, um, flooding issues. Um, Gary was fantastic in these storms. I have to call out the uh the fire crews.

There's 2,250 fire hydrants in the city, and these men and women are out there shoveling these fire hydrants to keep all of us safe. Also, in the last storm, we had numerous wires down because of the wind.

If a wire goes down and we get a call, we have to stop plowing operations on that street. We can't send a plow down that street. The fire department has to come out and let us know if that's a live wire or if it's just Comcast or Verizon.

So, those men and women getting called out in the middle of uh total white outs doing that job. Just phenomenal natural resources helping us with the downtown, the cemeteries, the schools, trees down during the storm.

And then I have to actually call out Chris Walker from the mayor's office. Chris worked around the clock with us in these storms. Uh sometimes not going home for a couple days. Um did a tremendous job.

And I also have to thank Dan Cork publicly. Dan allowed us to open three snow farms in the form of a shipyard um at no cost to the city of Quinsey. If we had to pay hauling fees like a number of other communities, we we would have been in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

But thanks to Dan's generosity, um we don't have that. Um also, we want to thank the lieutenant governor. The mayor called the lieutenant governor, asked about setting up a snow farm at the marina if needed.

Fortunately, we didn't need that. But um those are the people I want to thank. And most of all, I want to thank Mayor Ko for his leadership and direction. No matter what the emergency, he directed us before the storm.

He was out with us during the storm and most nights during our hauling operation, making sure his high expectations were met. Most of these individuals worked through the winter of 2015 when we received 110 inches of snow and through the snow and flooding storms of 2018 when parts of the city were cut off and millions of dollars of damage were done.

The experience these individuals have is second to none during these type of emergencies. And I just want to publicly thank them and ask them all to stand up because I know a number of them are here. The DPW goals during a winter storm event are the reasonable management of snow and ice on the city's 254 miles of roadway.

ways, 320 mi of sidewalks, and the clearance of snow and ice around our schools, public buildings, tea stations, and bus stops, our pump stations and tide gates, and the maintenance of the city's water and sewer and traffic systems.

Our responsibility is to keep our community safe, our city functioning, and our road and transportation network accessible during winter weather. Every storm develops differently depending on the day, the date and time of the storm, tides, tide surges, temperature, wind and moisture content, amount of ice and snow, and the accumulation of snow by the hour and the duration of the storm.

with the proper application of storm forecast personnel equipment and materials and with the cooperation in the assistance of the public desired results should be attained. Flexibility is needed in order to adapt to a variety of circumstances and conditions during each storm and snow event.

I'd like to start the PowerPoint now. Tonight we'll be talking about the general overview of snow operations, our planning and preparation, management during a storm, and snow hauling operations. Again, we'll talk about the January 24th through 27th storm.

That was what was requested, but we can touch on in the questions on the previous storm. Uh as you'll see here, this is our oper uh snow operation or chart. It's um self desri self self- description. It's uh how we set up uh and access multiple disciplines throughout a storm.

Planning and preparation summer and fall. We start to plan for snow in the summertime. We develop our fleet of contractors. This year was a little bit uh tricky for us. As we all know, everyone's struggling to get snow drive snowplow drivers.

Uh different reasons. There's liability insurance, uh CDL licenses, um equipment cost. So, it's very difficult. All the cities and towns are struggling. We had a situation where we had a a major contractor for us for several years, Feny Brothers.

They supplied 60 pieces of equipment to the city. Um in August they told us it would not be coming back. So we were we really had to scramble and and again uh thanks to uh Superintendent Friend, we were able to fill that gap with various um uh companies.

Um and it and it's difficult because the cost of snow operations are going up. we compete with someone like Boston that pays very high prices to their plow drivers. So it's it's uh it's very difficult to compete with that.

But um we filled that void. Uh we start to we bid our hauling and disposal in the summertime. This year we bid our our weather forecasting and consulting uh services. We go out and we look at salt. We look at our equipment needs, our plows.

we start to find out if we need what uh snow farms where we can get those. Um we and we confirm those locations. In the fall, we do training. We bring in all the contractors and all of our uh employees.

We go over how to, you know, how we want our spinners set for salt. We don't want to waste money on salt. We we don't want salt going everywhere, ruining trees, ruining uh grass borders. Um but we it's a it's a balance.

You want to get enough salt to melt the ice and the snow, but you don't want to put it everywhere. Um so we train with that. We train uh we check all of our CDL licenses, hoisting licenses. Um we get all the paperwork in order, insuranceances and licenses.

Without any of that, we don't allow anyone to work in the city. contractors perform their own training as well. At that time, we also review all of our snow maps. As you can see, this is our snow map.

We have our city broken into 42 routes and uh specific contractors are assigned to each of those routes. During the winter time, we maintain and upgrade equipment as needed. We look at our inventory of supplies.

We coordinate our salt deliveries and we do ongoing coordination with our weather consultant Nexus. Uh Nexus um company Nexus we use is uh is really state-of-the-art. Um we work with former WBZTV meteorologist Ed Carroll who actually grew up in Quinsey.

Natasha McGrady is a um who was a former senior senior meteorologist and I can see there's a typo there um for the um US Navy. Um this is a customuilt risk dashboard. It's powered by AI. It calibrates the forecast specifically specifically for Quinsey.

Um, we have installed on-site weather sensors throughout the si uh city and it creates a proprietary model that is tailored to Quinsey's infrastructure and decision thresholds. The way we have the city set up, we have it set up in four different uh weather grids.

We have Squanum, we have House Neck, we have Quinsey Center, and we have West Quinzy. And each one of those sections gets their own separate weather forecast because we could be getting rain in house neck and swanum and we could be getting 4 inches of snow up in the hills of West Quinsey.

Um it's very uh the system is tremendous. It will it will it's very accurate and when the snow is going to start, will tell us how much snow we're going to get per hour, wind speeds, temperatures, uh road temperature.

Um and it has allowed us um in snow preparations, one of the most difficult things we have is trying to plan what time do we bring in those plow drivers. Um we're trying to save money the best we can.

Um we don't want to bring them in too early. We don't want to bring them in too late, but we don't want plow drivers sitting waiting and us city paying for that. It gets very expensive. So these um this weather weather weather forecasting system has been tremendous for for us.

when we for when a forecasted storm is forecasted the planning initiation um we start the mayor's office generally calls a meeting and we have all the uh people at the table DPW natural resources tal management public buildings school department police fire and Brewster ambulance um the mayor wants to know what's going on he wants to know the weather forecast what are we going to do you know are we going to receive flooding is it going be high winds.

Then we talk about when we're going to declare a snow emergency. That's when there's a public notification. We use Alert Quinzy um website and social media. We if necessary, we'll mobilize the emergency operations center.

Um and then we generally deal with them in TPAL and DPW have team meetings prior to a snow emergency. the parking ban goes into effect. Public notifications of the parking ban is alert quinsey once again, social media, website, signage.

Uh TPAL coordinates a dis distribution of fake parking tickets as a warning. One of the biggest issues we have is trying to get vehicles off the street so we can plow the streets. Um we try to give plenty of warning to our residents to move vehicles.

Um, we have the winter parking rules. Whatever uh whatever year um in October, whatever uh year that is, that's a side of the road. If it's an odd year, then people can park in that odd side of the road.

During the snow emergency, TPAL and DPW, we coordinate with the Quinsey Police Department. We knock doors. Um the police go out with their loudspeakers. We drive down the streets. We warn residents asking them to move cars.

Um, we do this before we call them the tow trucks to try to give people enough time to move their vehicles. We use four to uh tow companies and they're split over 42 snow routes. Priority areas are main emergency arteries and heavily congested streets.

During a storm, all the contractors and staff meet at DPW daily and nightly to review our plan. Plow roots are assigned. Maps are distributed. Snow chases are sent out. Sultting is done if needed. We try to stagger the plows during a long storm so at the end of the storm, we still have people that are fresh.

We continuously monitor our snow hotline, emails, and online requests. Ongoing re prioritization of snow roots are based on location, schools, safety issues, issues, and available equipment. We're frequently updating our maps and reassigning snow routes.

We're always planning ahead. We prep for the following day's operations. It's not just about plowing streets. We plow approximately 90 miles of sidewalks. Um, and that's timing and coordination is very important on that because we can't send those plows out right away.

We have to kind of wait till the, you know, the the streets are pretty much plowed. We're responsible for 19 public schools, 18 public parking lots, two public garages, over 20 public buildings, police, fire stations, library, senior center, the downtown, and the cemetery.

The water department tries to clear out our critical infrastructure, pump stations, tide gates, and catch basins, which we have 9,300 of, 14 pump stations, and I believe 49 tide gates. Our clerk's dispatch uh we get clerks, dispatch, and constituent ser continue to monitor and respond to our hotlines, our emails, and our online requests.

This is our sidewalk clearing routes. Um, and councelor Jacobs was was kind enough to let me know there was a little mistake down in Ward One and that has been corrected. Um, the next is our snowhauling operations uh or chart and you can see again this is self uh explanatory.

Um pretty much this is a combination of deep DPW and TPL. Uh hauling is a very difficult timely slow process. Um but um it's it's absolutely necessary in the type of storms we've had during a snow hauling operation.

As you can see the pictures here, that's one of our snow dumps. We prioritize our schools, our intersections, our crosswalks, our bus stops, public areas, resident concerns. We do around funeral homes and downtown business areas.

Each day we start out, we between TPEL and and um DPW, we drive around the city. We we review what was done the previous night. We look at the progress and we rep prioritize as needed. We have daily meetings to debrief and update our plan.

We update the hauling maps. TEL does signage. We try to do public notifications. We do snow farm management and staff management. We try to get people sleep. Um during the 24 and 27 January 24th through 27th storm, EPW consulted with our weather consultant and we were in constant communications with the mayor's office.

The mayor called the snow emergency preparation meeting and met with all critical departments on Thursday, January 22nd. On Friday, the city declared a snow emergency beginning January 24th. We began scheduling contractors, continuously monitored our Nexus computer software, and were commu communication with a meteorologist.

We're ongoing communication and updating the mayor's office and emergency management team. The emergency management team was working with Enrid to prepare for emergency shelters if needed. met with the police and city approved towing companies to formulate a towing plan.

We began distributing fake parking tickets. That Saturday, we continued to monitor our Nexus software. City team distributed a bulk of the fake parking tickets and this was done in basically subzero windchills.

So, our staff was out there in very tough conditions. The city's team distributed the bulk of the fake parking tickets. We door knockock with Quinsey Police Department. We drove through the streets with Quinsey Police Department urging residents to move their cars.

Emergency management team sends out alert not Quinsey notification and the emergency management team prepared warming shelters for potential power outages and prep the emergency management center. Ongoing communication with the mayor's office.

DPW continued storm prep, maintaining vehicles, loading salt trucks, reviewing snow routes, and reviewing our weather reports. Late Saturday night, National Grid had a power outage in Mry Mount. Mry Mount power outage on Sunday morning continued until early in the morning.

A second power outage more clear in North Quinsey. Um the length and time of the power outage precipitated emergency management to open our warming center at North Quincy High School. Towing efforts began to make access for plows, plowing and salting full operations began.

We had 190 pieces of equipment were active throughout the city. We continued towing and vehicle removal efforts. Uh sidewalk and shoveling teams were deployed. School clearing operations began. We continued snow clearing throughout the day and night.

Monday evening, most operations wrapped up. Then we had to be called back because there was a storm backlash. These are things that happen sometimes you can't plan for. The team reconvened with just a few hours sleep and sent out plows for the second time in a row.

Then Tuesday, January 27th, the hauling efforts began focusing on our schools and critical infrastructure. Our goal was to get the schools open by Wednesday morning. Sidewalk and shoveling teams continued.

On Wednesday, January 28th, our schools were open. Our plowing and snow clearing efforts continued. During the intensity of the storm, city crews were working 247 clearing 254 miles of roadway throughout the city to maintain plows.

We had to plow multiple times. Snow uh maps and snow routes were updated and daily nightly based on prior priority areas. Snow hauling operation began on Tuesday, January 27th. We focused again on getting the schools open and the crews were working overnights.

The hauling locations once again of schools first intersections and crosswalks, major common areas, fire stations, bus stops, all public buildings, funeral homes, critical infra in infrastructure, including catch basins and floodprone areas.

Quest from the mayor's office, city councilors and residents. We met daily with TPAL and the mayor's office to review the previous night's work and upcoming schedules, public notifications, coordination of signage, road closures.

Again, working with TEL, we're updating our daily map and working with Quinsey Police Department for details. And then we worked on snow farm oversight and coordination. The map you see here is a uh storm hauling map.

Everything you see in blue were all the roots that were hauled. Everything you see in red was a is a school area. Following weekend, we had potential flooding in our coastal areas on Sunday, February 1st through 1st through Monday, February 2nd.

the wind direction, the high tides and ice covering portions of Quinsey Bay played into that. We actually look back at 2018. We had a very similar situation in the January of 2018 storm. We had a lot of ice pack on the bay.

We had a similar tide and we had similar wind direction. So, we're really nervous that we were going to have the same situation because there was some there was some uh some pretty good damage back in that storm.

Uh we were prepared for that. Um we had a team meeting with the mayor's office. We met with emergency management, police, fire, and producer ambulance to prepare for potential flooding. Um we always try to protect the peninsulas in those areas.

We put uh make sure fire apparatus is out there and ambulances. Um we work with our GIS team, our engineering team to come up with critical infrastructure Um DPW declared the catch basins and flood floodprone areas.

TEL deployed signage for road closures. Uh and we coordinate with the police the depart and uh fire departments. As you see these are the potential flooding areas. Um and these were the area we cleared critical catch basins in these floodprone areas.

These are the streets in each ward. By the numbers, city got approximately 27 inches of snow in 48 hours and higher drifting in areas. Approximately 190 pieces of equipment operating throughout the city day and night, 40 city pieces of equipment and over 150 contracted plow vehicles.

Approximately 110 city employees involved in snow operations. These are the general people involved. We put out 1,500 fake tickets. We plowed 250 miles of roads multiple times, 90 miles of sidewalks. A total of 27,400 tons of snow were hauled.

Since then, since last week's storm, we hauled 86,000 cubic yards of snow. 43,000 tons of snow were hauled to our snow farms. The challenges obviously lack of snowplow drivers is an issue throughout the state, infrastructure issues due to severe cold.

Uh some workers were pulled off to deal with uh six water main breaks, a sewer collapse, and a sewer backup. Since that time, we've had 12 water main breaks, six more. We have equipment issues in that storm.

We had vehicles breaking down. We had a plow that caught on fire. So when things like that happen, we have to pull resources from other places to try to make up for that. Um some of the imp some of the impacts we have is when residents throw the snow back out onto a plow street.

It makes it difficult for us um and once again illegally park cars. Um we are we're limited by the uh approved tow companies in the city. We can only tow so many cars and we don't have that many places to put those cars.

Weather changes again. The first night we sent the crews home to sleep after a 40hour ship. Then we got another three or four inches and we had to call them back. National grid power outages, subzero windchills throughout the week, working conditions during plowing and hauling, water man breaks, all of this have an impact on our operations.

Um, but with that, I know it's been long, but we're open to any questions. Council Jacobs. Thank you, Mr. Graza. I really appreciate it. Um, and to everybody uh who works in the DPW and was involved in both of these snow operations.

You know, I I don't know everybody involved just yet, but I know a lot of people. Uh Larry Prenville uh was great. you know, we had an issue down on uh Wall Street and on uh Bay View A and he was in his truck and uh down on Homestead Street and uh he knew exactly what I was talking about.

It was almost like he was there with me when he was talking to me on the phone. So there's nobody who knows our streets, you know, better than than Larry Prrenville. And he proved that to me. That was the first time I think we ever spoke.

Um and he immediately came down um and addressed you know there were two issues one much more serious than the other. Um but it was you know immediately addressed and um you know again everybody you know just did a great job.

I live across the street from Athen High School for 40 years. Um every snowstorm that you know they clear all the snow out of there and um and it was you know again everyone just did a great job. Um, but one of the things that I I do have a concern about is there were a few streets um that were continuously missed, you know, over over and over again.

Um, like Homestead Street or that's not it's Sea Street, but it's like a portion of Homestead Street. And uh, you know, Mr. Prenville when he came down, he was like, "Oh yeah, you know, they really need to plow this street out like from the inside out." He knew that.

He was like, "It needs to be hit multiple times." But, you know, two days later, and I know it happened again in the second storm, and we we conversed about that. Um, you know, so it it it's continuously happening over and over again, and there's like a few kind of deadend streets like um Riverside Street in Adam Shua, like the little dead end where there's like, you know, there's like two houses on it, like continuously miss.

Same thing on Riverbank Road, you know, same thing on Don Street. And these these folks were calling it into the snowplow hotline. Um, myself included. I was calling it in as well, but you know, it didn't seem like it was getting done because and I know there's a timetable and I don't know what the timet is.

But um you we I call it in and then I call back like 3 or 4 hours later and you know the residents there are still saying it's not done and you call into the snowplow hotline and you know the lady who answers the phone is very kind.

You know she's like well they they told me it was done you know. So I I just feel like there might be like some type of disconnect and I was hoping you could maybe explain a little bit more the operations of how you know the communication between the telephone operator and the DPW gets that information to the plow driver.

Does it go to the plow driver? Does it go to the snowchaser? If it's in the middle of a storm, it would go to the snowchaser who would get in touch with the snow driver. Um, and after the storm, it would it would it would come up to us and we would if if it was a day after and something hadn't been done, uh, we would send out a city crew, you know, to take care of that.

Um, keep in mind in in, you know, in the middle of a storm, we are concentrating on our main roads, uh, uh, you know, um, main arteries first, um, you know, neighborhood roads secondly. But, um, yeah, I mean, we're not perfect.

We make mistakes. Um, you know, we we we take note of of those. Uh, I know one of those streets we did go down. I know we plowed it. We did have an issue with with uh residents snow plowing back in and I forget which road it was, but uh yeah, your points are well taken.

We uh we try to uh we always try to learn from our mistakes and each storm is different and um point well point taken. You know I um I really like your opening statement there. You know you said that the general overview of our snow operations is is reasonable management.

Yep. And um I think that's a good term. You know, but it leaves a lot to be interpreted. So, um, you know, one of the things we did during this last storm was we, I thought for the first time in a long time, really mobilized with the fake tickets.

Like I was getting phone calls from people like, "This is great. We're being proactive." And and we were. And then I feel like people kind of got let down a little bit cuz they they thought, "Okay, everyone's moved their car to the one side of the street." Like I drove around How Neck.

I couldn't believe it. I'd never seen so few cars on the street, you know what I mean? That was it was it was kind of impressive. Um but then you know at the end of the storm they were kind of let down because they you know they I felt like everyone thought like we're doing it we're going to do this you know right or but then the um snow banks were you know still 4 feet off the curb.

Now I don't think you know curb to curb is a natural thing because you have to be driving a snow plow at like 60 m an hour to do that on a side street. But you know what what what are we you know working towards?

you know, are we are we hoping to get like within 2 ft of the you know, how close can we get? Well, our goal is always curb to curb, but you know, when you have 26 in of snow or 21 in of snow, and I can let Larry explain some of this.

He's he can technically the goal would be to get as close to the curb as we possibly can. In this last storm that we just had, the conditions that we were working under, we were lucky to keep the roads open at all.

Other towns stopped plowing for from like 11:00 on. We continued to plow. So, yes, we kept the roads open. Once you you have a couple of feet behind you, the gear that we have in the neighborhoods will not push 4 ft to the curb.

Right. It's just not going to happen. On a main road, you will get that. Yeah. We have larger gear, you know, but you're just not going to get it on a flat side street in Wallist or And I know people don't want to hear that, but it's the truth.

Yeah, that's we do, especially down in Ward One, we had some issues. We did have Feny down there, so we had to bring in other contractors. We um have two chasers down there. where we used to have one chaser.

Um the contractors that we have down there, uh local guys and you know, can we do better? Absolutely. Can we do better up in West Quinzy? Absolutely. We're not perfect by no means. But I will tell you this, the men and women behind us, they did not let the city city of Quinsey down.

No, they did not. So you talk to anybody any other town. I mean maybe it's a little unrealistic this black street policy but yeah we were um we were very fortunate to have what we had at the end of the storm.

Um so you answered that question. Um so how many you know how many total plow operators you know you said I mean how many you know like like the people just plowing the streets right? How many, you know, they said there was 190 pieces of equipment, but how many plows are like actually on the road, do you think during, you know, that storm?

I would say there was probably 160 pieces between city- owned and the outside contractors. And how many of them is city owned versus like the outside? Do you know? I would say between 15 and 18 total.

What do you mean for out for the city owned pieces that we there's probably more but for the large large plows we have you know certain amount not including the sidewalk plows not including kabotas and every other thing.

Okay. Do we have one of those like um attachments that's like a snowb blower that Yes. We do it. And where do we use where do we utilize those? We use those on sidewalks. We have two of them. Yeah. And like in the square mostly like oil Hancock Street.

No, they they will run Hancock Street. Anyway, you have to be careful with this the snowblower because if we went up say um Billings Road for instance in 300 block, those people may not like the snow being thrown onto their property.

So we have to be careful with the snowblower. Um So did that. Then we have a lot of snowblowers that you know the walkbehind type that we Ben Feno Street and all those kind of places that were restricted with access.

So and and I know one of the questions I'm asking is can can we create a GIS map? I mean I know you guys have they have they they have just needs to be updated you know. They it's updated through the engineering department.

Paul Cassello uh heads that up and does a unbelievable job at that. Okay. Um, does anyone else do you want to ask any question? Yep. Um, thank you, Madam President. Just, um, want to thank the entire DPW department for coming in a lot of the other collaborations with the other departments in here.

Um, Al Gracios has done a great job out there. It's very difficult undertaking. Larry Prenville, the both of you. Um, I've called you a few times after hours. I've called you on the weekends. So, I just want to thank you for all your work.

I see the collaboration in your PowerPoint amongst the other departments which are huge um with the mayor's office, Chris Walker. Um I think over the years I think back at 2015 with the 111 in Alt extra inch on you.

Um it's always an inch short. Yeah. Um I was on the school committee at the time. Came on to the council the next year in 2016. Had to figure out a way to pay for the three $13.5 million. We did it over a course of three years.

a little different funding back then. Um I know Ally, you were up at the mayor's office at the time. Um just just you know um looking at this storm, this particular 27 in just thinking about it and thinking back is the snow's got to go somewhere.

I mean there's only so much you can plow at some point. There's private property out there. You can't put it on there all the time. At some point it has to be hauled away. and um the rate of acceleration of snow that was out there.

I mean, we're getting a couple inches in an an hour on some of the time, the duration um and just getting out there to try to do the the snow with the snow drifts. It's very difficult. It's very difficult undertaking that you guys have been um doing.

And then to top it all off, a couple weeks later, you get hit with another 21 in. Um it it's just um the protocols that you had in place prior to coming into this winter season. We really haven't had a major major storm in a couple years.

So we really a lot of the plow drivers out there saying I'm not making any money. I might as well hang it up. I don't know if the Phoenix brothers were doing that as well, but there's a lot of there wasn't much snow over the last few years.

So plow drivers were saying, "I'm not making any money. Am I going to continue to plow outside contractor-wise?" um your operation seemed to be the best you can do it. You were working overnight. Can you elaborate a little bit of what you were doing overnight um with the hauling?

Were you doing any um call it relocation of snow? Finding areas of public property that you could put some snow into areas to kind of buy time to haul that away. Were you doing either of the two? And what was kind of your operation?

hauling operation is uh it's it's difficult because generally we have to do it late at night because it's it's primarily on major roadways. We have to close those down. So they basically haul the snow, they they put it in the middle of the road and they just keep moving it into big big trucks and going to the snow farm.

The other part is you really need to cycle those trucks very quickly. If it's 5:00 in the afternoon, those trucks aren't going to get to the snow farm on time. So trucks are waiting. You don't want trucks waiting.

You want to fill those trucks. So that's pretty much the operation why we have to do it in nighttime. Uh you need police details. You need a lot of police involved. We have uh chases doing the same thing during hauling.

They're helping to block streets. They're making sure people are doing what they're supposed to be doing. So it's a it's a major operation. There's some tight streets out there. I'm going to be very honest with you.

Walk walk the streets all the time. There's some hills, bunches from Walston Hill area in W 3. There's just difficult areas to plow in general and then the snow gets so high on the corners. It gets so high it has to be removed at some point.

Um it's it's a tough undertaking. Then we had the 21 in just recently. Um it's made it really really difficult out there and I feel for you and and previous councils we talk about how much work we really need to dedicate ourselves as counselors is we got to work with the administration.

We got to work with the DPW department, which these guys do a really good job. All is a very meticulous person. If I call about something, he's going out take a look at it right away. Um I've called them at night for certain areas and thank you for all your work you did out there for some of the um constituent um requests that they had in the city.

Um but it's it's an ongoing Are you still doing the operation now? Are you still doing? We uh yesterday we did some hauling, but I I believe right now it's we're pretty much I mean in-house we'll go out, but we we're not using any outside contractors now to do anymore.

Just to take it a step further, I want to thank every department. I I see Al Gran out there with the TPAL and everybody else that's worked, police and fire, um everybody in the DPW department, you've got to fantastic job.

Just moving forward as we look forward to um the weather getting warmer. Um there's another area you talk about flooding. So se So we're back up. Um how about potholes? Potholes. That's another thing.

But it looks like March 8 March 8th, which is Sunday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, is going to get up into the 50s and 60s. Can you talk a little bit about mitigation of this snow melting and if there's any precautions or anything that you want to put u moving forward for recommendations for people?

Um this could this could melt pretty fast. We we always I mean obviously we have over 9,000 catch basins in the city. Just ask people if they can go out and if there's a catch basin that's that's still has snow on it in front of their house if they could help out.

You know, just shovel out that catch basin. That will help tremendously. I think um you know if it if it melts slowly fine. If we get heavy rain that's when you run into some problems. But um I don't see any we are we are getting some rain in the uh forecast the next few days but I don't think it's heavy.

So hopefully it will melt slow um going back to the blizzard of 78. It was it was it melted over a couple of months and it was great the way it melted. So hopefully that's going to happen. We're due for some uh decent weather for a change.

We all are. I thank I thank everybody that was involved with this uh the last two storms to be honest with you and moving forward. Thank you for everything you've done. Um, we'll I'll keep on getting on the phone with you, Al.

I'm not going to stop doing that. So, um, thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Council. Um, moving on to Council Hubley and then we'll go over to Council Ash. Yeah. Thank you, President Mahoney.

Um, I want to echo, of course, the sentiments of my colleagues. Uh this was a pretty impressive um display of resources and coordination and it was quite frankly a really important learning experience for myself and I imagine my fellow colleagues in terms of how this all works and the things that prior to our um joining the council we kind of took for granted.

And so I want to make sure um that I express my appreciation and gratitude for your staff uh the whole team, everyone involved in all the other departments. Um I really appreciate it and the patience with me while explaining you know what what we can and can't do.

So I definitely appreciate that. Um I have a few questions and I was hoping I want to be respectful with the time uh because people have been here a long time. So maybe we can do a quick little rapid fire on things.

Um, so it's my understanding I heard earlier and I've learned prior that there uh we clear 90 miles of sidewalks. That's correct. Um, now that work if I heard correctly is done by DPW staff and it's the same staff that also gets called upon with a water man water man break and other types of incidents that happens.

Um, let's see. Um, is there a reason that it's my it's my understanding that um, we don't contract that work. Maybe if you could help us understand like why we don't contract. I think we we have one contractor, right, Larry?

Um outside, but it's just you can't get outside contractors that want to do it's a specialized the sidewalk's 48 in. It's a specialized piece of equipment. So, not a whole lot of people have that piece of equipment.

Okay. So, we're mainly limited to in in-house resources and we have a couple of outside people that and a few Okay. Right. Great. um you know so if money were no object I'm sure we would all love every single sidewalk cleared and um but there is a prioritized list of or or map of sidewalks as was displayed earlier on the screen above um I think that was very helpful I would make one suggestion if if it's not already if that could be made available on the website for people to quickly reference that would be a really helpful thing I think um so Let's see.

To your knowledge, uh I mean I took a look at other municipalities and I found Cambridge for example also publishes their map and it didn't look like they had a much more extensive coverage than we did.

It it doesn't appear so at all. They they focus mainly on main arteries and then a few channels into some neighborhoods. So I think what we're doing today in Quinsey is, you know, quite extensive for for the resources that we have.

So, I appreciate that. Just a a comment, too. We we have outside of that map, if we can get to additional streets, we try to like uh if it's a week later, it's a heavy snow, we'll send our our teams out in other areas that aren't on our list, but are somewhat important.

So, it it all just all depends on resources and time. Yeah. The one thing about the sidewalk group that goes out, they're going out, as the commissioner said, at least halfway or threequarters of the way through the storm.

So, a lot of times they're out at night. A lot of times they have 12 inches or more that they have to push. They don't really know where the sidewalk is, so they're pushing. They have private property issues, fence, all kinds of things.

And there it's very expensive the damage that we do every time we go up. Yeah. There is a there is a a very big cost to all these sidewalks. Yeah. And there's intricacies as well. You have um different plantings and so forth that are landscaping things that are in different places and and it's really Yeah.

It's difficult to know under 2 ft of snow what's been what is sidewalk and what is not. Um and so I was very happy to learn that the city has sort of a hierarchy of priority and it's something that I truly appreciate.

A lot of thought went into it. Uh it seems like we start in a sort of student like much like the school budget budget student centered focus because students have to go to school and so it seems like we we prioritize around schools, essential services and business districts and then try to work our way out um for coverage.

And I also learned that the custodial staff also does help out a little a bit on in the parks on the on the grounds of the schools, but then you guys the DPW does sort of the surrounding areas. Um, you know, I I appreciate that uh prioritization.

Let's see. Now, I imagine this is something you you probably routinely revisit over time as the city changes and as the population centers start to change. You probably revisit these maps and they kind of evolve as necessary over time.

The other thing I reached out to um Superintendent Mulvy and I asked him I said um you know how are things going and and are have you had any feedback from families and so forth and and and that was very helpful.

He said he he basically said that you guys have a great communication with with your department very happy with the way things work. You're very responsive to all the you know reports from families that come in through the schools which I think is the appropriate place for them to come come in through.

Uh though people should be able to reach out directly as well if they'd like to. Um let's see. Okay. You also have four train stations here, right? So exactly that's another issue that we have to deal with and try to make sure that we have the sidewalks and crosswalks to those stations taken care of.

Yeah, I think if if the viewers at home or people who can get a chance to look at the map, you will see it's quite intentional where where they clear. Um, let's see. And so I I had a conversation with one of my neighbors who reached out to me during the storm and asked me about uh a certain sidewalk, a pathway him and his children take to go to school.

And um once I explained it to him, once I I kind of laid out what I learned from both of you um and explained how there are sort of major pathways to and from each neighborhood and its neighborhood school and explained how, you know, these were actually the same routes that I took with my kids and that I took as a kid because I've been in the same neighborhood my entire life.

Um and so these are very commonly known. and it's they're not necessarily advertised, but people kind of know where the city clears things and they kind of know how to get there. He was fairly new to the neighborhood.

I want to say maybe just a couple years. And the minute I laid it out for him, he responded like in with great appreciation. He appreciated how thoughtful that we were in the selection of our pathways going from different neighborhoods to different schools.

And I even I I went out a couple of mornings just to to watch where people were walking and to see if people were walking down different pathways. And I I did talk to a few of them and and they just said, "Oh, I just kind of like to walk this way." And I said, "Well, do you realize there's a, you know, cleared sidewalk two blocks away?" And was like, "Well, this is kind of the way I I've always walked.

This is just the way I like to walk." And they were walking in the street. So, I kind of pointed out that there was another pathway that they could have taken. Um, but they were they were fine with it.

Now, when it comes to areas around parks and um some Yeah, like parks, I guess I'll say. Um, are those I imagine our parks aren't necessarily designed for winter use. Like we can't clear the snow from playgrounds because the the surface of the playgrounds isn't conducive to snow removal.

Um, those are probably things that get kind of dealt with a little bit later. They're not necessarily included in Yeah. Okay. That's what I thought. Um, let's see. Now, I imagine we get occasional requests to clear additional sidewalks.

Um, I've gotten a bunch and I've kept track of them and written them all down. If there was um an opportunity to provide some feedback from people, um, I imagine sort of after the storm season might be the optimal time to to do that to just explain what people and then that way that can factor in.

But I do feel like um it's really through the schools that is sort of the best the feedback from the principles which comes from the parents is probably the best avenue. So um you know I'd love to be able to provide a list of sort of pathways but in my mind I think it's a priority one to make sure that if we are able to potentially expand any sidewalks that it be very student centered.

Um so I'd love the opportunity to continue and talk further about that afterwards. So, and let's see and one one yeah one closing remarks and that is uh so I took a drive around after this one of the storms I think it was the first one and it's more just to illustrate a point.

So I I went I think it might have been Willow I can't remember it was somewhere on the border of W five and W three. I drove down a street and I pulled over because I saw someone shoveling out their front walk and driveway and I asked him I rolled down the window and said introduced myself and he remembered me from knocking on his door and I said, "Hey, how's it going here?

How's the snow removal?" And he's like, "Oh, beautiful. It was just this is great. I'm very happy with the way this this worked out." I'm like, "Oh, that's good to hear." And I, no kidding, drove one block down, same exact street, same exact conditions, no discernable difference from my perspective.

And I asked another gentleman who was out shoveling. I said, you know, what do you think? How'd they do? And he's like, oh my, will you look at this? This is terrible. Right? So, so it's sort of sometimes in the eye of the beholder.

And and it's sometimes about where your expectations are, you know? So, if you're expecting to see cleared ground and, you know, all you know, everything completely cleared and so forth, I think you'd be disappointed.

But I think if you have an expectation of being able to successfully navigate a sidewalk, I think then you're pro your your needs are probably satisfied. So anyway, I just wanted to share that uh that experience.

So thank you very much. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Ash. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. I'm going to try to be brief because I know everyone's tired. We've all been we've all been working very hard.

Um gentlemen, you're consumate professionals. Um, and I think that the, you know, the the uh snowstorm for a ward counselor, you know, we've I've got to go get bread and milk and eggs and also usually uh increase my data on my cell phone because that's um the the the amount of communication and requests, all legitimate, rightfully so, they come through um constituent constituent concerns to me.

Um, just so you know, folks at home and in the audience, many who are working the storm and know that, but these types of issues are residents that had surgery and they they can't shovel outside. Um, handicap individuals that need to get on the ride or need to go to a day school or individuals that have an appointment at a certain time.

Um, I represent Quinsey Point and Pens Hill. Quinsey Point is narrow side streets. They are just wide enough to warrant parking on both sides which creates that issue in the in the storm and Pence Hill which obviously is a hill and and a slope and presents its own um issues with topography.

Right? I have an event at a school. What do I do? Um there's an event at a school. It's Ramadan. I have two mosques in Ward 2. um and they're in neighborhoods and so we have very um wellattended great events.

A snowstorm comes, 911 help. And every request whether it whether it affect hundreds of people or affect two people, the every request uh was um met with we'll see what we can do and it was handled. It may not have been done that day.

Maybe it was the next day. things need to be prioritized, but the level of professionalism and communication um I don't know how you do it. Um it's it's um I'm sure you have to grin and bear it sometimes, but u the that first storm in January, it had been a long time since we had a lot of snow.

Um and I think everybody, you know, you forget what you don't know. It's been 10 winters since presumably we've had that amount. and the very few minor issues um that that were experienced at least from from where I was sitting um you know they weren't repeated the next storm which was even better.

So um I really do um it's it can be daunting when you know that there's a storm coming um and you're you're representing a neighborhood of people that pay taxes and work hard and want city services. But what I know that I can constantly and continuously call and make sure that whether it is an issue or um uh a request that affects two people or 200 um it will be addressed and taken care of.

Um that doesn't just uh include of course Commissioner Grazioso, Superintendent Prenavville, but also Mr. Walker, uh Director Grenan um I see here, as well as both Chiefs U Smith and Kennedy. Um and the list goes on.

And you know, I have the the joy of working with Tom Peekaro and Quinsey Point who lets me who lets me put my hazards on and ski down the streets with them and uh address um some of these issues. But all a um really um an extension of the administration and of how hard you both work.

So, um thank you very much. Thank you, counselor. My my question is whether from a uh legislative standpoint or whether with respect to city ordinances if you see or could recommend any areas for improvement for us um to maybe look at or or um spend some time going through um kind of how how we're able to do things with the city charter and the city code, whether it be fines or exploring other avenues.

for people that aren't in compliance with removing their cars or shoveling their sidewalks. Um, and it's not necessarily something that needs to be answered tonight, but if if there are any things that come to your mind um that you think can be addressed from a legislative standpoint that would assist the city in responding to these storms in the future.

I I think the biggest thing the biggest issue was cars and um I think you'd probably notice from the first storm to the second storm um a lot more people move their cars. Uh we found out we were towing and we were uh asking people to move their cars.

Uh we actually towed less cars in the second storm, but people move their cars. They got the message from the first storm. So that's critical. Um if we can if we can instill that. Another issue is, you know, sometimes you get some of these private plow companies that will go out and plow out their uh whatever a driveway or something and move that snow right back into someone else's property or block the street.

Those are issues we have. And if we don't catch them, and we've Larry and myself have caught a few in the middle of a storm, but if we don't find that out, we miss it. and and it it it creates a huge issue things like that.

Uh problems we run into. Um so look at that and just trying to get people to everyone to help each other, you know, neighbors helping each other. That's it's it's huge. Yes, it is. Um well, thank you again.

Um and uh hopefully we got 10 more years without a storm. How's that? Awesome, Councilor Ryan. Uh, thank you very much uh, Commissioner Graiosa for coming here tonight. Um, I had a chance to meet with your whole team and I was very impressed as I am with the job that you did in both snowstorms.

I did have a couple of questions with regards to the first one. I do see that um, Ward 4 wasn't on that list of critical catch basins that you had to clear and um, do you was there any specific reason for that?

Were they cleared out already? No, we addressed because of the flooding, the the the coastal flooding. It was a coastal flooding issue, uh, severe high tide. So, those were the areas in those title areas that flood during those storms, and that's why we concentrated on those.

Okay. Well, that's good to know. Yep. Glad that we weren't on the list. Anyways, so um the other item is in chapter 30 in the charter this Quinsey city charter chapter 305 article 2 section 305-24 states that we give a fine to businesses if they don't clear their sidewalks.

Do we do that? Do we enforce it through you madam president? Yes we do. You do? Okay. All right. So, was there a fine given to Home Depot for not shoveling their sidewalk on street? Through you, Madam President.

I can certainly track back to um ISD and figure out who was fined during these past couple storms. I would definitely like to see that. And in regards to um the suggestion made by councelor Ash, I definitely think that maybe we could small maybe like um smaller um form a small task force just to take a look to see what improvements we can make with regards to people shoveling their sidewalk.

One of the biggest concerns that I had this past storm were that children had to walk in the street because people were not shoveling their sidewalks. Going down Center Street to Southwest Middle School.

I took a ride down and I could see that there were a lot of um apartment buildings, small ones, and some homes where their sidewalks were not shoveled. So I really think that we need to take a look in the future a small fine to make sure that children can have a safe route to school.

I think one of the issues if again it gets back to neighbors helping neighbors but we do have a lot of elderly in the city who own homes that can't get out and shovel. Uh it doesn't seem like you know you know when I was a kid we all went out and shoveled made money doing that.

I don't know if we see that anymore. And uh it's a shame. You know, I don't know who can go out and help these people, but some of them just aren't capable of shoveling shoveling their sidewalk. And and I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Maybe we have to take a look at um using social media in the future for help with that because I did see a few ads on social media saying, "Hey, we can help you with your sidewalks." So other than that, that's all I had for questions.

Thank you very much guys. So moving on to councelor McKe and then we'll come back to you. So um I'll try to gather these uh together. But thank you very much and um it's really wonderful to see this presentation.

It's very clear. Thank you for taking the time to get all this information together for us. It's really helpful for a new counselor especially to understand how things work. Um, I also do want to thank Chris Walker for um, responding uh, very quickly.

That was really helpful and throughout the day and night. Um, a few things that may not be directly for you but just sort of an issue that I noticed. Um, sometimes it seems like um, not everyone is on the same page.

So maybe we could think about how departments can communicate with each other um to make sure everyone knows um rules about businesses needing to shovel um and you know whether people can whether people are responsible for their own shoveling their own sidewalks.

Um I've had some residents call different departments and get different answers and then just be very confused. Um, one thing that maybe the DPW newsletter could do, um, if it doesn't already, I always have mine up on my, uh, fridge, but apologies if this is already done.

um maybe put some of those rules for what people are responsible for um in that so that something that goes out to everyone is you know people will know okay this is this is my duty um so just kind of communication sometimes the fake tickets I heard from someone um were going on non-emergency arteries and so when someone called the um different departments they were told to ignore them but then they were getting visited again by the people.

So get, you know, these things are going to happen sometimes, but well, we we do the fake tickets on e on non-emergency arteries if they're they were parked on the even side of the street, right? Just so I think it was sometimes, you know, not that not that situation, but these things are going to happen.

Um, and I agree with uh, councelor Ryan that it would probably be helpful to think about um, possibly instituting fines for residents. Um, I don't know if anyone is here from code enforcement. Is there um, someone?

No. Through you, Madam President. I know the director uh, suffered a little bit of an injury last week. Was not going to be able to be here tonight. I don't know. We do have the assistant commissioner here, uh, Charlie Don.

Oh, great. Thank you so much. So, I just wanted to ask, um, how many people are out, um, looking, you know, doing code enforcement specifically for snow during storms? They have one code enforcement officer in the whole city.

Yes. One. Okay. One. We try to help each other out with the building inspectors and myself especially, but Okay. As just one co- enforcement officer. Yes. Okay. Do you have a sense of how many um tickets were I do.

Um to answer councelor Ryan's um question, Home Depot was fined. Um they was fined. Yes. I have a list over here. They were February 12th that they were fined. And for the businesses, I have a list over here.

If you're interested, I can give it to you. Um, but total we issue $13,000 for snow removal fine from the sidewalk this year. And how much per per ticket? Is there like a standard by the ordinance that um councelor Ryan said 305-24 is $50 per day, but every day is a separate violation.

So total up to be the between um this is 20 something 30 businesses that did not shove their sidewalk add up to be a little bit over $13,000 in violation fines. Um sorry I just lost my train of thought there.

Um uh oh is there a way for is there a form at all on the city website where people could report violations? most reports um the violations or it could come from the counselors yourself or you can send an email directly to co- enforcement officer or you can um give ISD a call um many different ways.

We have been to every single one of the complaints that came in to take a look at it or have them aware to remove the snows or if they ignore us we issue violations. I'm wondering if it would be possible for a later discussion or or um for you to just think about in-house having some form like that just because it seems like it would be a good way to just you guys if there's one code enforcement officer you can't be that person cannot be everywhere right this is a huge city it's a team it's a department effort we go to multiple places depends on who's available yeah um yeah if there was like a centralized I'm sort of thinking like a systems what system can we put in place to sort of make this easier.

We could just think about having like a form where people could say, "Oh, this this business on this maj, you know, Hancock Street on the way to the out going on and to and from the tea is not clearing their street, you know." Um, we're looking into that.

Yeah, that would be great. Um, oh, and then I separately wanted to ask um Michelle Hanley if you would. Um, I don't know if you had a separate thing, but I just was I understood that um I learned about this program through Thank you so much um through uh social media actually.

So, if you could tell everybody just so we all can hear a little bit about this great program that is fairly recent, I guess um that had that pairs up high school students with folks who need it. Thank you.

Yes, thank you for this opportunity. Of course, we always thank um Mayor Ko for his ongoing support for all of the programs at the Council on Aging and thank you counselors and councelor McKe for this opportunity to publicly recognize um the dedicated staff of the Council on Aging, but also the student athletes, their coaches, their parents um who took part in this wonderful program this winter.

It is not necessarily a new program. We just have not had snow um to implement this program. Um, in fact, I might have to apologize to Al Grazioso and the whole team here because I think I jinxed us in um the first week of tryyouts for the varsity teams when we met with the student athletes.

Um, the outreach coordinator and myself met with the kids and said to them, "We haven't had snow in years. We probably won't have to call on you here. Sign up. Sign up." Well, we did call on them many days uh with many people across um all six all six wards in the city.

Um we receive phone calls for snow removal at the Council on Aging beginning after Labor Day. The seniors are worried in September about the snow removal that winter. They want to make sure they have everybody lined up.

Most seniors in the city um have the means to pay for removal and we have a list of um resources that we hand out and um we do our research to find out who can give senior discounts, veteran discounts, disabled folk discounts.

Um next of course in our wonderful city as Al mentioned our terrific neighbors and neighborhoods. many of the seniors. We have 25,000 seniors in this city. Um, which are adults age 60 and over. That number is growing by the year.

Um, but many live in wonderful neighborhoods and have family and neighbors who shovel them out. They don't need um the extra resource. The folks who end up on the list with us um and the student athletes are folks who don't have anybody else.

And that's where we come in with um the coaches and the students um and their parents. We actually had some moms helping shovel this past storm um because they were quite excited about it. And so um what we did was just um walkways and sidewalks for folks so that if they um needed to call for emergency um response uh they would uh be able to get in.

Are you um I guess how many people are signed up for the program? Uh the first storm we took care of over 30 properties in the city and the second um storm is over 40 because once word was out that um we had able-bodied youth to help um they were called upon even some that very day.

We had one um case where a grandparent was coming home from the hospital um unexpectedly released early and they asked if we could go and within 2 hours we had the property clear. Wow. For them. So um we had many many seniors coming in to thank us and thank the kids.

We actually had two different appreciation pizza parties for them. Um and that's when I was reminded of the story today at the hockey rink that um I jinxed us. Sorry. Um and um how do you how do you make sure that the the kids have gone to or how do you know that someone's been sort of they're they're do they let you know that they've cleared the Yeah.

So the logistics the actual logistics our outreach coordinator um had the list of the students names and addresses um who we met with as I said right after Thanksgiving. We also then used um a city map and paired them up with folks from our list of seniors uh who needed help and um got people in the same neighborhood um so that in most cases the kids could just walk over.

Um she then followed up with with the seniors. Um we didn't work directly with the students. We let their coaches do that um because they're all minors of course. So their coach was the liazison for us with the students but we did confirm with the seniors.

Okay, great. Thank you. I don't want to stay on this too long, but um sort of similar to my previous point, um I wonder if it would be helpful to put a form, you know, Google form or something on the website so that people could, you know, apply.

It doesn't mean that they would necessarily get paired up because there's there's probably more. That's a wonderful idea. Okay. And I'll talk to my computer science my computer teacher at the center to teach the seniors how to use Google.

That's true. But I mean maybe some people use it. We love Google forms. Okay. Thank you so much. This is an exciting program. Thank you. Council Yan. Hello. I I try to be quick. So I have a couple questions.

Resident reported. So first about the sidewalk snow clearing. I understand that some residents such as seniors or people with disabilities disabilities may not be able to shop snow themselves. However, residents reported that in some cases younger residents did not clear snow at all while elderly neighbors did.

So they are asking whether the city could consider enforcement with clear exemptions for seniors and people with disability through you madam president. I'll take that one because that's sort of a policy legislative issue not a a boots on the ground uh department of public works issue.

Counselor I this discussion has been had over the course of a number of years. Uh it's come up from time to time, most frequently when we've had winters like this about um enforcement on residential sidewalks and how we would do that.

Um traditionally our administration has not been supportive of that based upon some of the reasons that Commissioner Graioso mentioned and the amount of uh logistics that would be involved in that. But if that is a legislative priority of this body, that is a legislative right of of this body uh as well uh to delve into that issue uh in greater detail and perhaps develop uh some sort of uh language that may that may work.

Okay. Thank you. My second question is so some neighbors reported uh if they have disputes related to snow plowing with their neighbor which department they should contact. So they reported their their neighbors and pushes snow onto their properties and blocked their carbon oxide the channel.

So that's dangerous and they want to they did made a call and then their calls were transferred between departments and let know well so they are asking which exactly they want to have a one clear point of contact in this situation which department which person they can contact in this situation do they call police DPW health or code enforcement Mr.

Walker through you, Madam President. Code enforcement would be the first step council. Okay. Thank you. I have a one last question. So, language access during snow emergency. So, after I shared the snowstorm notice with the Asian community, residents asked whether multilingual lingual service are available on the snow hotline in the emergency management numbers.

So I called both numbers myself on Saturday, February 7th just to give a try. No one answered and the both voicemail message were in English only. The snow hotline never returned my call. The director of emergency management, Dave McCassie, later called me back and said he would consider adding multilingual information to their voicemail, which currently directs the residents to call 911 outside of their office hours.

He informed me that the emergency management department's working hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. So that mean after their working hours, people can only call 911. Um, so I assume 911 has the multi- language service, right?

Well, yeah, 911 is uh is police and fire. That has nothing to do with DPW, but I would Yes, counselor. I I think um I know director McCarthy is working on uh some multilingual options within the department of emergency management.

Um and those things are sort of a progression. Um there's been improvement in that area over the last number of years. Um the police department generally has uh whether it's the business line or 911 generally has uh officers and and civilian staff available uh for translation.

Um so that is not the business line in particular the police department is always a good place to to start. Um, and by after hours, if someone's not happens not to be in the office in in the Department of Emergency Management, it's because there's nothing uh operational that's going on at that point of time.

They work a regular business day um during um times of non-emergency. But the folks at the police department and the fire department and the 911 dispatch know that if there is an emergency that they can reach the Department of Emergency Management.

they have an internal communication capability to get in touch with those folks right away. Okay. Um I did not have any prepared remarks and I know it's a late night but I happen to be able to meet with um Commissioner Graioso and his team between the two storms.

Um, I did not plan to spend the first four weeks of our of our tenure here, um, dealing with this stuff. And I just tried to encourage people to be patient, um, to be, you know, respectful of their neighbors.

Um, and if someone had an emergency, I reached out either to you directly or through the hotline. And I mean, it it seems to me that we we did a pretty good job considering how much snow fell in such a short period of time and how long it's been since we've had to deploy this.

So, I I have no complaints. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor, did you want to call again? No. Okay, awesome. So, I think we've covered everybody. Is everybody else? So, I didn't get to speak.

So, I just want to say thank you. And I think I've made it very clear to Mr. Walker. Nobody ever gets an A in snow removal. No matter how hard you try, as Mr. As counselor Hubley had mentioned, you know, you talk to one person at the beginning of the street and they're very happy and the next person's not.

It is a very difficult thing to in a city in a dense city that we have or any community to be able to move the volume of snow that you had especially after the first storm and then the second storm it was heavy.

I'm not sure how big your equipment was but moving them on small streets that amount of snow can be very difficult and it was also white out conditions. there was a there was a state of emergency, but that still doesn't matter because you still have to be out there and it's it's a lot and it's a lot for people that have to do their own yards and and just everything that everybody has to do.

It's a lot and people get very stressed during during snow, but it does take a while to clean things out and I I do know walking routes. So, does the school committee give you walking routes for the schools so that you know what streets to have cleared sidewalks?

I'm just curious about that. Uh we I don't know if we get them from the school committee, but we just try to use common sense and uh we work with TPAL who's phenomenal uh giving us direction on what needs to be done.

And then the buses when they're picking up the kids. I only asked this because these are this is where the collaboration happens with the city, right? So when we have a big snowstorm, you're not only just taking care of our streets and taking care of our communities and our sidewalks, but you're also getting the kids back to school.

And that is terrifying for parents to put their kids back into school. But some people are just rushing their kids back to school, too. So, so again, it's the same thing. When school's out, people want their kids back in school.

Some people don't want to run the risk. I just remember bus stops getting cleared out. It was really tough getting those school department does give us a list of bus stops. Yeah. For for the students.

And I know I got, you know, you, as we all do, and whenever I get any information, whether it's because I'm at large, I'll make sure I include any board counselor that I'm dealing with, I tried to share with Ward 4.

Just letting you know what we hear. I know we are very responsive to those things. It's just again I'd say we could give everybody an A in snow. You guys all work really hard. You you're up all night sleepdeprived, hungry, exhausted, and you know, it's it's a lot of work.

Um, and it's it's also a lot of communication coming from the mayor's office. So, I I it's a it's a people don't understand that that that's part of what what's happening. Then, of course, equipment breaking down.

Was that our equipment or was that contractor's equipment? Uh, we had some sidewalk plows breakdown. Uh it's mostly contractors. Yeah, we I mean we have if it breaks down our own equipment, we have mechanics working 247.

Uh but but still but still when your equipment breaks down, that's a whole other issue. And your sidewalk machines, what people don't realize is you're out clearing those sidewalks and your next thing you know, you're you know, you're you're sucking up, you know, a fancy stone that's telling people that this is a marker stone that's, you know, that's breaking your sidewalk machine.

And when the sidemark machines are down, it's really hard to get those parts too. So these these especially if even if you can fix them in house, you don't always get the parts. Um I know I got I think this was something in Ward 4 a lot of people were getting in touch with this is all over the city when you have walking Cory Corey um hill down by the um the on one side it was completely plowed but on the side where I think it what field we call this now it's by the ter room but it's the field along that side walk.

Yes, we I think um yeah council brought that up to our attention. Yeah. And I what I say to people too is that sometimes these sidewalks aren't going to get clear, but a lot of people that live um live in the apartments or condominiums in that area that we've encouraged not to have cars do do a lot of walking down towards the star market and you see a lot of people walking at night time.

So those are concerns. I just didn't know what specific streets in particular are walking routes that we do clear. That's something that's tricky too. But I will say that, you know, it is nobody nobody gets excited for snow but the kids when they and even then I don't think they get excited for the days off.

But we don't get snow like we used to and we're not used to it. And although you know, thank you very much, Mr. Penderville, for being as good as you are. It's it it's it's like a it's like a memory muscle.

We have to go back to remembering how to do these things. And you know, that first storm was a memory muscle. And also you had 60 plows that weren't coming back for you. So now you had to train all those people to be able to go out and do that.

But it was amazing how quick the second storm and that wasn't just here. It was everywhere. You saw everybody improve through every town surrounding. You know, it's a lot of work every town's doing and we're all working together and the kids all got back to school safe and you know, we'll continue to work to make things better as we go forward.

I hope we don't have another snowstorm to tell you the truth though. Um because as much as it looks pretty for the moment, it's you know, it's a lot of work. So, I just want to thank you very much and thank everybody and you know your work didn't go unrecognized and I and you know as much as sometimes we're looking to how we can do things better.

We got through this one and you know as we as we always do we'll get they're going to be really good and then probably we won't have it for hopefully another five years. Right, Al? Thank you councelor and thank thanks to all the other city departments that help us.

It's it's it's a great team. Yeah. Well, it's definitely a it's definitely a team that has to work together to get the stuff done. From the schools to the police to the fire to the emergency management to all of you guys in DBW because you're not just taking care of the streets, you're taking care of the water main breaks.

It's not glamorous, but you do keep everything moving for the city of Quincy and I want to make sure you all know how much that we appreciate that. I I appreciate that. So, thank you. Thank you. All right.

So, with that, we conclude the um we conclude the snow operations. Moving on to item number three, which is the appropriation of $2.6 million for the fire department new firefighter turnout gear. Um, who wants to speak?

Do you want to speak? I can speak on it. Do you want me to do you want to read it? You created it. 2026 038 an appropriation for 2,646,730 for the fire department new firefighter turnout geek if you want you know as a council I'm just going to start this as a council president I just want to clarify that the process regarding the proposed $2.6 million safety bond this matter has been publicly discussed for more than six six months Mr.

Mr. Walker, is that about right? 6 months um prior to the current council taking office. Given that timeline, it's reasonable to ensure we'll follow and proper follow the proper statutory process rather than bypass it.

Now, by law, any bond must go must be publicly advertised for 10 days before any action can be taken. Um I'm going to ask um clerk, what when did is it getting advertised? March 4th. It's going to be advertised on March 4th.

So, it'll be ready to come out for the first meeting on the 16th. Correct. So I just wanted the public to know that um as well as that um that advertisement it's not it's not optional any after the advertisement referral to committee is standard next steps to review the final approval in committee um firefighter safet is not the question just want to make sure that people know that that is not what the question is it's following the proper procedures urgency cannot be created retroactively we will move this into and and move this forward promptly in a full compliance with legal requirements and also by making sure we are doing our due due diligence and asking the questions that my fellow colleagues need to have answered for them to be able to make their proper votes.

And I know I've worked with Mr. Walker about this. We all want to work together on this. This isn't something that anybody's trying to pre prevent from happening. But we can't do it without putting into committee.

And we can't do it without advertising. So the earliest that any of this could be done would be the 16th. Is that correct? The 16th of March. Um, reason responsible leadership means protecting our firefighters and respecting the law at the same time.

So, I just want to make sure people understand that. I know there's been a lot of communication to everybody here up here on the council. We've heard you and we recognize it and we're going to do our jobs and we're going to do it as efficiently as we possibly can with collaboration with the administration.

I don't think anybody is trying to do anything different than that. So, with that, I'd like to see if there's anybody else who has any comments or questions that they'd like to make. Councelor McGee. So, I just wrote something earlier.

Um, I support moving this proposal to committee uh for discussion for several reasons. The first is that we legally cannot vote on it tonight. As you mentioned, according to section 23 of our city charter, as well as chapter 43, section 23 of state law, any proposed ordinance or loan order must be advertised in the newspaper for at least 10 days before it can be voted on.

That hasn't happened yet. Second, I have questions about the procurement of the previous gear which was advertised as being PAS-free, the testing of that gear for signs of PAS, and the procurement process for the newly requested replacement gear that I need answers to before I can consider voting to approve this purchase through you.

Madame President, I will send these questions to Mr. Walker so that we can have a productive discussion when this is taken up in committee. I request a full and rigorous discussion in closed executive session if necessary given the discussion of potential lawsuits.

Finally, the mayor held a press conference back in August of last year about how gear that was supposed to be PAS-free had in fact tested positive for PAS chemicals. The city council has just now 6 months later received a request from him to take out a loan to pay for replacement gear.

Given the possibility that a rushed approval process led to the purchase of faulty gear the first time around, I believe it is in everyone's best interest, the firefighters especially, for the council to take a few weeks to make sure we do our due diligence in considering the bonded purchase of replacement gear.

So, looking for a motion. Did she motion? No, there's a motion. I'd like to motion that we move this to finance and oversight committee. We have a second. Second by council Jacobs. Can we have a roll call vote on that?

Oh, sorry. Council Ash, would the expectation, madame president, be to move this into finance and then have a finance committee on the 16th? Okay. All right. Um again um that you know it would be great if this was something that we could support tonight but I understand that we need to have a committee meeting on it.

Um and those are the laws. No I I I appreciate that if we if we are moving it into committee then you know we can I I would think refrain from the deliberation on the movement into committee. So I will just say that I look forward to the discussion in committee in two weeks.

Thank you. Excellent. So, we have a motion on the table, seconded, and it's going to be going into finance. And I'd like to take a roll call for vote for. Councelor Ash, yes. Council Dona, yes. Council Hubley, yes.

Council Jacobs, yes. Council McKe, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes. Council Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Nine members. All right. So, now we're going to be moving on to item number four.

2026 039. An appropriation for community preservation 325,000 for National Society of Colonial Dames of Massachusetts Quinsey Homestead Exterior Painting in Rupia 2026. Recognize Council Jacobs. Yes. Uh, thank you.

Um, I've been I looked into this um CPC um application. Even in the application they sent us um it clearly states that the state has some control over the actual physical structure of the building and the maintenance of the building.

And the lease is the Colonial Dames which they're leasing the building back from um the state and they're they're responsible for the interior of the building and all the money they're seeking is for most of the money I should say no most of the money they're seeking is for the exterior um you know upkeep of the house.

Um I've been trying to get in contact with the deputy commissioner of the DCR who's on here but you can't actually get in contact with them. I've been in contact with Representative Chan um who's working to get in contact with um the DCR commissioner just to find out, you know, why are why are we trying to use our limited CPC funds on, you know, uh something that the state should be, you required to or or should have a part in.

So, I just ask that we table this to the next meeting so we can get some communication from the DCR. Is that in the form of a motion? Yes, that's a motion. Yeah. Do we have a second? Seconded by councelor Ryan.

Can we have a roll call vote on the tableing of this issue for this evening? Do you want to say did you want to say something? Oh, sorry. Sorry. Councelor Ryan to um request for CPC money. I would also like at the same time to request to resubmit the documentation because of the fact that the the variance in what they're requesting as to as opposed to what they provided for backup documentation.

Also in the um application there's no mention of whether or not labor is to be included in that. And I would really like for it to be clear. Um, councelor right if it's okay with counselor um gonna have counselor speak if I could just provide a little bit of background here.

Um the community preservation committee which I sit on met on February 20th 12 12th to review four applications for the 2025 uh 2026 2027 CPA cycle. Um two were requests from the Colonial Dames for the Quinsey Homestead located at 34 Butler Road.

Um the committee voted to approve one of the requests in the amount of 325 325,000 for the exterior restoration work earlier than the typical May June time frame um so that the appropriate contractors could be secured and the work performed under the most optimal weather conditions.

The committee has not yet received a full accounting of the funds available or been through all of the applications. Um but we did agree to move this forward. What I can do is I I can bring it back to the CPC for maybe a little bit more clarification.

Um, but it really was more of a timing issue. All of these will come to the council for approval in the May June time frame um, as a package, but this one was asked to be taken out a little bit earlier.

So, if you want, I can try to get a little more clarification or um, a little more vetting. Um, but they would like to earlier approval so that they can um, take advantage of the weather. So recognizing that we want an early approval but that we have a motion on the table to table the motion by councelor Jacobs seconded by councelor Ryan.

Councelor Ash, did you want to just it may be helpful. When is the next CPC meeting? That is a good question Ash. I'm sure it's on my calendar somewhere, but I don't want to hold people up while I search for it.

We can certainly look into that and we can determine whether we come back on the 16th or the next meeting after. Yeah, I mean I think whatever if if there's no meeting between now and the 16th, it it may make more sense.

I think councelor O'Reilly if if this could be maybe there's more information to bring back on the 16th to to I mean I would hope that so so we can't all talk Yes. Yeah. Um, so I I if there's no if there's no community preservation meeting between now and the 16th, um we maybe we'll get some answers either from the state or from um council Riley as the as the um counselor that sits on the CPC.

So the way the motion works for tableabling it was tableabling this evening. They'll have a roll call vote on it and when it comes off the table, whether it's the 16th or after the 16th, that's when we'll take it off.

So if I think we'd like to move it to a move this to a vote because we're just tableabling at this time. So, if we could do a roll call vote for the the vote. Councelor Deona. Um, thank you, Madam President.

I just um so just to elaborate a little bit about this. Um, so the community preservation committee voted 80 to vote for this to move this forward. Is that correct? Um through you to Mrs. R. Okay. I, you know, previously being on the community preservation committee for the last 10 years, whenever this does happen, it's just a timeconsuming.

You got to get these bids in. Um, they're trying to like So, does every So, rec So, I'm just interrupted for a second. So, recognizing that, and I've already let this go outside of of a a table in a second means to go right to a vote.

So, we we've tabled it, and this is going to go to a vote at this point. It will come back, but but it's been requested to table for more information at the state level. Okay. Whether we have it in the 16th by the if if David if councelor Jacobs has it by the 16th, we'll work with Mr.

Walker and councelor Riley to bring it back on the 16th. It's just 16th would be good. Yeah. Okay. So, we have a table seconded by Councelor Ryan. If we could do a roll call vote, please. Councelor Ash, yes.

Council Dona, yes. Council Hubley, yes. Council Jacobs, yes. Council McKay, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes. Council Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Nine members. Okay, moving on to item number five.

2026 040 confirmation of Quinsey Housing Authority Board, Mayor's at large appointment. Tim Baker. Okay. Did you want to speak? Okay. The table um you know, both of these appointments. So uh 2026 040 and 2026 um 041 um just in the nature that you know we hadn't get much information about these uh these candidates.

So hoping hoping we can get some more information like maybe how long they've been on. They're both being reappointed. I don't know how many terms they've been on. I don't we don't know anything about them.

So I was hoping we could get some more information. So, do we have a second for the tableing of this? Second by council. Anybody on the motion? So uh to ask a city council to confirm this reappointment, we need some key information to review such as for reappointment of the board member.

We need a performance metrics review of the members contributions during their previous attempt. Specifically regarding the financial and operational health of the housing authority, we need attendance and participation, a record of attendance at board meetings, workshops, and relevant committee meetings.

Third, conflicts of interest documentation ensuring the appointee has no conflicts of interest that could prevent them from serving in a fiduciary capacity. Fourth, expertise and qualifications. Evaluation of whether the member's skill set, finance nor community advocacy is still relevant to the authorities needs.

Fifth, background and qualifications, updated resume and a statement of interest for the new term. Six, compliance with the north confirmation that the appointment adheres to the state general north such as for in for instance in Massachusetts requirement for five member boards and for appointment of the tenant representative we need a tenant eligibility verification confirmation that the nominee is a resident in a unit owned operated by the housing authority or participant in a rental assistant program.

Okay. And approve of nomination process. So, oh, okay. That's so we talk about the second one. So, we have we have to have two motions for the table. So, we're we're focusing right now on item number um 040.

So, we have a table in a second and um what I think what we can do because this is going to get tabled and it seems like there's going to be a lot of information, maybe we can email Chris, Mr. Walker in regards to what we're hoping to have for this next um this ne when it comes off the table so we can be a little bit tighter what we're bringing forward.

Um and Mr. Walker, if it's possible, maybe even um bringing um the director forward just to kind of give us a highlight of what's happening at the Quincsey Housing Authority. That might be helpful to with all the new counselors.

Does that work? I'll ask. You can. Oh, certainly. Oh, it can always can work if we ask. Right. So, we have a table a second. So, can we have a roll call vote in 040? Councelor Ash. Okay. Both of these ordinances say that the uh appointments are effective February 2nd, 2026.

Um, is is the appointment being extended or is there a full board without these appointees? just to make sure that there's if there's anything substantive that goes to Quinsey Housing and they don't have a full board.

No, they I don't want to hold that up through you, Madam President. You serve until your uh your successor is appointed. Okay. So, regardless of the the the date on that, you are still a member of the board as long as your successor has not been appointed.

Mhm. And are the No, that that's fine. All right. Thank you. So, we have a motion to table for 040, second by councelor Ryan. If we could have a roll call vote. Council Rash, yes. Council Deona, yes. Council Hubley, yes.

Council Jacobs, yes. Council McKay, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes. Council Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Nine members. Moving on to order 041. Council Jacobs. Motion to table this. next uh meeting until we can get some additional information um you from the administration about you know the uh the nominees um that are being you know selected or or nominated for we have a table do we have a second council councelor Ryan second it can we have a roll call vote for that councelor Ash yes council deorna council Hubli yes council Jacobs yes council McKe yes council Riley Yes.

Council Ryan. Yes. Council Yen. Yes. President Mahoney. Yes. Nine members. So, I'm going to encourage my fellow counselors that had questions in regards to this, if we could email Mr. Walker and we can work to get those back on the agenda as soon as possible to be able to have answers.

Okay. Great. Um, moving on to the next item on the agenda. Number seven, 2026 042 will resolve American Rescue Plan spending transparency. She recognizes councelor Riley. I'd like to read this into the record.

Um, order number 2026-042, American Rescue Plan Spending Transparency. Whereas the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, otherwise known as ARPA, was signed into law on March 11th, 2021. And whereas it was reported by various media outlets that the city of Quinsey was projected to receive $46.3 million through ARPA.

And whereas the four categories of eligible uses for these opera funds include responding to the public health emergency, providing premium pay to employees, conducting essential work, providing government services to the extent of the government's reduction in revenue due to CO 19, and investing in water sewer or broadband infrastructure.

And whereas all ARPER funding delivered to municipalities was to be spent on projects and programs through December 2024. And whereas the administration use 15 million of the city's allocated ARPA funds to purchase the Monroe building on Hancock Street.

Therefore, let it be resolved that the city Quinsey City Council formally requests that the administration provide a full public accounting to the council regarding the funding the city received through ORPA and a full and final accounting of opera expenditures.

Um, so this order was actually previously introduced by councelor Anthony Andronico on February 14th, 2022 and referred to the finance and oversight committees by unanimous vote. There is no record of it being deliberated in either committee when that council term ended in December 2023.

I would like to make a motion to approve the resolve and assign to the finance and oversight committees for further deliberation. Do you have to do it separately? We don't have to do it resolve and we we can do no one.

Yeah. One vote. So we have a motion seconded by councelor McKe. And on that we just have a Do we need a roll call vote for that? We need a roll call vote for that. Councelor Ash. Yes. Council Bona. Yes.

Council Hubley. Yes. Council Jacobs. Yes. Council McKe. Yes. Council Riley. Yes. Council Ryan. Yes. Councelor Yen. Yes. President Mahoney. Yes. Nine members. Moving on to the next order. Number eight, 2026 043.

Resolve Quinsey Retirement Pension Theft Update. Council R. I'd like to read this one into the record as well, please. Whereas the Quinsey Retirement Board lost $3.5 million in February 2021 attributed to a fishing scheme.

And whereas the loss of funds was not discovered until October 2021. And whereas the city was in the process of issuing bonds for nearly half a billion dollars for the purpose of unfunded pension liabilities in the Quinsey retirement system.

And whereas the responsibility for the funding of the retirement system falls on the city of Quinsey. And whereas the pension board undertook a forensic audit and hired outside legal counsel to assist in responding to the theft.

And whereas the work of that legal council has concluded and the forensic audit is publicly available. And whereas the Quinsey Retirement Board has not appeared before or provided any update to the Quinsey City Council, the citizens of Quinsey, or the participants of the pension system.

Therefore, let it be resolved that the Quinsey Retirement Board appear before the city council to discuss the loss of the 3.5 million in funds under its control, the delay in discovering the loss, what funds, if any, have been recovered or reimbursed, and communicate the specific policies, procedures, and safeguards that have been implemented since this incident.

This order was previously introduced by councilors Palmucci, Andronico, Failen, Harris, Dabona, and Mahoney on March 7th, 2022, and referred to the oversight committee by unanimous vote. There is no record of it being deliberated in committee when the council term ended in December 2023.

I'd like to make a motion to approve the resolve and assign to the finance and oversight committee for further committees for further deliberation. Motion on the table. Do we have a second? Second by council on the motion.

Anybody? Council Ryan and did did you want to speak? No. Okay. Okay. So, we have a motion and we have a second. Um, and this one needs a roll call vote as well. Councelor Ash, yes. Councilor Deona, yes.

Council Hubley, yes. Council Jacobs, yes. Councelor McKe, yes. Councelor Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes. Councelor Yen, yes. President Mahoney. Yes. Nine. Members. Moving on to item number nine. 2026 044.

A gift for $2,000 from Munich Construction to Dia. Motion to approve. Motion to move. Um motion to approve from council Deona. Do we have a second? Second by council Jacobson. Please send a letter. And all those in favor?

Oh, this is a roll call vote. Sorry. Roll call vote. Councelor Ash, he's just stepped out. Council Debana, yes. Councilor Hubley, yes. Council Jacobs, yes. Council McKay, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes.

Council Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Eight members. Okay. So, now we're moving on to the approval of previous minutes from February 2nd, 2026. Do I have a motion? Approve. Motion provided by by councelor Deona, seconded by councelor Jacobs.

All those in favor? Any opposed? The eyes have it. Communications and reports from the mayor, other city officers, and city boards. None. Oop, sorry. I I do have uh some traffic requests to refer to ordinance committee for advertising.

Okay. Ward five, Councilman McKe, add no left turn on Hancock Street northbound at 839 Hancock Street. Power Wash Driveway, add no left turn from 839 Hancock Street, driveway eastbound at Hancock Street, and the utility requests that were scheduled for February 23rd meeting to go to the um next council meeting of 3:16 from 6:00 p.m.

to 6:30 p.m. Grant a location, Mass Electric, 100 Cington Street. Granted location Mass Electric Verizon 587 C Street Mass Electric Verizon 10 Independence A Mass Electric Verizon 58 Tyler Street Mass Electric Verizon Willlet Street Mass Electric Verizon 137 Sagamore Street Thank you.

You're welcome. So moving on to unfinished business of proceeding meetings. None is what we have. And then reports of committee. Oops. Council Hily had his hand first. Hold. Oh, I'm sorry. Councelor Hily, is it okay?

It's on. All right. Y um so this this is an update from the municipal tech uh committee. And it appears that in the previous vote that we did on the resolution to provide potentially expanded online access for city services, the one we voted to refer to committee in the not last meeting, but I think the meeting meeting prior if I'm not if I'm remembering correctly, um I believe we only voted to refer it to committee not to approve it.

And what I'd like to do is instead of convening a MUNCH committee meeting just to say yes, we all agree we want information to talk about, I'd prefer to have a vote to approve also in addition to the referral so that we can have a more productive meeting when we convene the municipal tech committee meeting.

So I'm I'm looking for I'm making a motion to vote to approve the resolution. I don't have the resolution number handy at the moment, but uh 036. Yeah. Roll call. Yes. Um motion made by councelor Hubley, seconded by um councelor Jabona.

On the motion, does anybody have questions? Um roll call vote, please. Councelor Ash, yes. Council Dona, yes. Council Hubley, yes. Council Jacobs, yes. Council McKe, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes.

Council Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Nine members. Moving on to Council McGee. Yeah, I just wanted to say that we had a positive recommendation um for 2026008, the order amending the council rules from earlier tonight um made by the committee.

Oh, yes. Motion to approve uh 2026008 by Councelor Jacobs. Any questions on the motion? Is this motion to approve as amended? Motion to approve as amended. Yep. Um, is this a roll call vote? Yeah. Roll call vote, please.

I'm sorry. As amended. As amended. Yeah. Yes. Thank you. Um, Council Ash, yes. I'm sorry. Council Dona, yes. Council Hubley, Council Jacobs, yes. Council McKe, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes.

Council Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Yes, nine members as amended and council key. Um, and I just wanted to um say that um there were also uh positive recommendations made by the ordinance committee um uh for 2020 uh626 2026 and 2025 028.

These are all part one one at a time. Oh, I'm so sorry. Um 202626 um add handicap parking 257 Grafton Street. I'm a motion to approve 2026 026. Do we have all those in favor? Second. Who's got a second for that?

Doing traffic. So these are traffic requests. We have a motion to approve. Do we have a second? Second by council Ash. Roll call vote. Council Ash, yes. Council Dona, yes. Council Hubley, yes. Council Jacobs, yes.

Councelor McKe, yes. Council Riley, yes. Council Ryan, yes. Council Yen, President Mahoney, yes. Nine members. Uh, so the next one, 2026, there was a positive recommendation uh for from the ordinance committee.

U motion to approve. Motion to approve, seconded by councelor Deona. Roll call vote. Councelor Ash, yes. Council Dana, yes. Council Hubley, yes. Council Jacobs, yes. Councelor McKe, yes. Council Riley, yes.

Council Ryan, yes. Councelor Yen, yes. President Mahoney, yes. Nine members. Um, final one. Uh this is 2025 028 to remove the no parking June through September on Mullen Avenue from Okonnell to the accepted portion of Mullen Avenue.

There was a positive recommendation by ordinance committee. Motion to approve. Motion made by councelor McKe. Second by councelor Deona. Roll. Any questions on this street? What street? Uh this was Mullen Avenue from Okonnell.

This is in Ward 4 to the accepted portion of Mullen Avenue. So we have a motion second by councelor Deona. Roll call vote. Councelor Ash. Yes. Council Deona. Yes. Council Hubley. Councelor Jacobs. Yes.

Councelor McKe. Yes. Council Riley. Council Ryan. Yes. Councelor Yen. President Mahoney. Yes. Nine members. Does it finish it? Yes. Yes. Okay. So, anybody else for committees? I don't think so. So, we're going to be moving on to um presentations of petitions, memorials, and remmonstrances.

Councelor Jacobs. Um sad news report that uh Philip Leth of House, well, he lived in House Neck, but I believe he grew up in West Quinsey. Uh was a lifelong resident of Quinsey died on February 25th, uh 2026.

He uh attended Quinsey public schools. He graduated from Quinsey Vocational School um in class of 1972. Uh he served in the United States military during the Vietnam era um and he carried that with him quietly um in dignity throughout his life.

Um he went on and uh worked in the Quinsey shipyard as many people did. Um and then when uh that job was no longer uh there, he went on and worked for the US Postal Service and was a maintenance mechanic.

Um he was a very quiet man. I knew him personally. my entire life. Um, but he was a he was a worker. He had three or had had three wonderful children. Um, who when I was growing up was proud to call all of them my friends.

Um, Philip uh Leth Jr. Um, Aaron Leth and Jill uh Sabin who uh some people may be familiar, she was the head of the citywide PTO uh recently. But um he also had two grandchildren uh Pierce and Payton.

uh Payton uh her their do his granddaughter my daughter uh played soccer together and Jill his daughter was actually the coach of the team and I grew up with Jill. Um but you know he was a he was a great man.

Um you know um one of the things he used I remember as a kid uh we would go over to the house and they would make uh grilled cheese sandwiches and uh somehow it made it into this obituary. Uh so must have been a big you was a big thing you know you didn't know about it but I remember eating grilled cheese sandwiches there.

So, um he's the best grilled cheese maker. So, uh very sad to report that uh he's passed away and uh we just hope that uh we know that everyone's supporting their family at this time. Councelor Ash, thank you.

Um I would like to uh mention and pay uh respects to the family of Craig Jackson. Um Craig passed away at the age of 35 on February 1st, 2026. I grew up uh with Craig Quinsey Point family. Um, strangely and um, serendipitously enough, um, looking at his brother Scott right now in the audience, um, Craig was had a larger than-l life personality.

Um, he loved football, loved sports, loved music. Um, as as these things happen, you um, you don't see people that you grow up with very often after a certain point in life. But I recently um saw Craig last year working at the craft fair with um um with his mother.

Um and certainly 35 far far too young. Um he there was a a beautiful celebration of life this weekend for Craig. Certainly um my condolences to um Scott and Teresa and Donald and um the Jackson family.

Um and um I I am sure that the the family will uh continue on his his legacy of comedy, music, sports, and um a very large personality. So, thank you. Anybody else? Councelor um Dabona, sorry. Um thank you, Madam President.

It's a sad heavy heart uh that Timothy Zamboni passed away just on February 11th. He was just 47 years old. Um he grew up in the South Boston area, but he had a longlegging um you know advocacy to help out the city of Quinsey.

Um he graduated from North Quincsey High School, was a captain of the baseball, football, and hockey teams. He was inducted to the Hall of Fame in baseball and football. He played American Legion for the Quincy Marset Legion.

Um he was a graduate of Mass Maritime Academy and captain of the baseball and football teams, inducted their athletics hall of fames. He was really really good with um he coached umpired and referee youth football and baseball including the brain b baseball club.

I mean he had difference he made a huge difference on a lot of athletes lives over the years and he continued passion towards sports through coaching. He was a proud member of the Verizon communications for 20 years and he joined a lot of time on Cape Cod and uh rollerblade in Castle Hill and Wall Beach.

um you know heavy heart to his family um you know son of Arthur and Dolores Zambon of Weimoth um beloved husband Daryl Zambon of Quinsey and stepfather um Beverly Beverly Nan of Quinsey um and a lot of other uh sisters and brothers just you know keep them in your thoughts and prayers um the entire family um you know dying at that age 47 years old um the visiting hours is this um week on Wednesday the 4th at the Cohen on 4 to 8 and the celebration of life will be held at the funeral home uh and the mass will be at St.

Agatha's. So please keep your um thoughts and prayers with the Zambon family. Thank you K Hubi. Yeah. So, um just a day before our previous meeting, uh we had a loss a former Monontlair resident and um a Quinsey police officer, Michael Howey.

Um he grew up in Monontlair, graduated North Quinsey High School, class of 92, immediately went in to serve in the armed services and then subsequently 20 years as a Quincsey police officer. Um I I didn't know Michael, but the response at his services was truly heartwarming to see how many people in the community in the city and um just showed up to to pay their respects.

Um he clearly made an impact on those around him and I just wanted to acknowledge that. Does anybody else have any? So I'd like to take a moment just to remember Louise Svaji Lier. She was 83 years and she had just she was a brain trooper formerly of Quinsey.

She died peacefully on February 21st, 2026 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Um Louise was married to Joseph Laurier. She was the former mayor of Quinsey for 59 wonderful years. She was very proud to have served as the first lady of her hometown and was supportive of his 22 years of elective service.

Um Louise spent most of her years raising her children, but in the late 1980s she went back to college and she became a registered nurse. She began her career working at Quinsey City Hospital and she moved on to working at Even Tide Home in Quinsey where she made many lasting friends and later um returned to Quinsey City Hospital and retired in 2013.

Um she was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Larer, devoted mother of Joseph Larer and his wife Deborah of Plymouth, um Lisa Stevens and his and her husband Mark of Brainree and Robin Larer of Weimoth.

Um, I did also want to mention that the the LAR were very special because they they actually created the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater, which became, you know, obsolete for some time and then had a rebirth with the friends of the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater and she really didn't miss a time at the Ruth Gordon Amphitheater.

I saw her at every event there. I know she's going to be greatly missed. Um, but I will say that she was extremely proud to see that come back to life and I know that was a big part of her and her family um, coming to Quinsey and seeing that and it made it made the world of difference to her.

So, we had a lot of people we spoke about tonight. So, I just want to keep everybody in their thoughts and prayers because it's hard to lose somebody. But again, this is um that this is kind of the end of a of an era when you think of it.

There's almost there's really not a lot of people left in the the the the history of Quinzy where where this the liberator is. I think she's the last one of the the wives that has passed away now. So, let's keep everybody else healthy in Quinsey, I guess.

So, that print that there's anybody for any other remmonstrances or anything? No. So, moving on um for motions and orders and resolutions? Okay. Scheduling of committee meetings and public hearings. Okay.

Council McKe, sorry. I I'd like to schedule um a community engagement uh committee meeting for March 16th. Um I would also like to schedule um an ordinance committee meeting for March 16th as well. Okay.

Council Deona. Yes, madam. Um, President, um, if I could through you to, um, um, Finance Chair Riley, um, if we were looking to, um, if we could have move the out of, um, the appropriation for the firefighter gear out of committee for the meeting on May 16th.

On March 16th, I think March 16th, I think she was about to do that. Councelor Riley had her hand up to council. I'm sorry. Yes. I'd like to um with um councelor Jacobs uh schedule a combined oversight and finance committee meeting for March 16th.

Okay. Thank you. Anybody else for committee meetings? Yeah. Um but so we have a looks like we have the six six um and we have utilities, right? 6 to 6:30. 6 to 6:30. Okay. So, I think we could do 6:30 to 6 um 45.

I don't think it'll take too long for community engagement. And then I'm happy to do 6:45. I don't know if you want to do finance oversight after that or it doesn't really matter. We can Yeah, I say let's squeeze them together a little bit because we obviously ended up with some free time here tonight.

So yeah, we could always come out of and reconvene, right? Is that how it works? So So we can come out of We need some time so we can come out of committee um and reconvene the the council meeting and then go back into committee if we need be.

So So we can go past 7:30. So 7:30 we'd open up the the council regular council meeting and we can then um pause the regular council meeting back into finance or whatever committee meeting it happens to be at 6:45.

So we could do so community engagement. We we could just do 15 minutes or something. Mhm. And then we could do 6:45 to 7:30 for ordinance or oversight uh and finance whichever ones. What are you moving out of there?

Is that the was that finance? Do we know what we're moving out? Do you know you want to take long? Do you know what you're moving out? Yeah. So, I think for community engagement, we were going to just um move the dignity index.

Um, and um, I just wanted to uh, also move um, the ability for people to uh, sign up for a general city council um, newsletter perhaps. So, we can just talk about that a little bit, but it won't take long, I think.

And then how about for ordinance? What What are you doing for ordinance? for ordinance. I want to um do uh at least um our raises and um have uh solicit solicitor Timonss too much on the agenda. It's a little bit too much.

Let's let's move that time. So, councelor um councelor McKe, you have to make the decision. Are you going to what I would suggest is maybe um rather than move the the dignity index, maybe hold on that and and work on the ordinance um starting at 6:30 with um ordinance and maybe go to maybe just have a half an hour with having a presentation from from the city solicitor in regards to kicking that off and then from 7 to 7:30 we can do the the finance sl Okay.

And then we'll move into the regular meeting. Does that work? That works. Yeah. Okay. So, we'll take the dignity index off piece off or the community engagement piece off. We'll leave it at 6:30 to you say 6:30 to 7 for ordinance and 7 to 7:30 for um finance.

Okay. And then we'll move on to the regular meeting at 7:30. Okay. So, what what's going on? So, Council Dubone is asking what's going on. So 6 o'clock we'll have the we'll have the um utilities that removed at 6:30 we will have the ordinance which will be um the beginning conversations with city solicitor I'm confused to what orders what order can you tell me what the orders are do you know what the orders that you're pulling out so we'll get your little book can I um everybody's Okay, we can do it.

I know. Yeah. Well, we want to do the ones for um We can do this offline. We can do this. We can figure this off offline. So So what we're going to have is from 6:00 to 6:30, 6:00 to 6:30 will be the utilities.

6:30 to 7 will be ordinance and we will let you know what ordinance she's pulling out and and 6:30 and sorry 6:30 7 to 7:30 will be finance sorry and then we'll move into regular meeting and all right um so do we have a motion to adjourn motion to adjurnn all those in favor second thank you very much everybody