City Council

Tue, January 20, 2026

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

City Council — January 20, 2026

This was a regular City Council meeting notable for tributes to three recently deceased civic leaders — former Mayors Arthur Tobin and James Sheets, and Shirley Tobin — as well as the introduction of several transparency and fiscal oversight ordinances. All nine councillors were present.

Opening Recognitions

The meeting opened with a moment of silence for former Mayor Arthur Tobin, his wife Shirley Tobin, and former Mayor James Sheets, all of whom passed away the previous weekend. Council President Mahoney later offered extended remembrances: Arthur Tobin served as the 29th Mayor of Quincy (1978–1981) and subsequently as Clerk Magistrate of Quincy District Court for over 40 years; James Sheets served as the 31st Mayor (1990–2002) and was a former Ward 4 councillor and educator who died at age 90. Councillor Ash noted that Arthur and Shirley Tobin, married for over 70 years, would be waked and buried at St. John's Church on School Street — the same church where they were married. Councillor Riley also announced the passing of Squantum resident and retired State Street Bank vice president David Mercier, a U.S. Marine veteran, with services scheduled for Friday.

The Council also recognized two Ward 1 residents: Ryan Healey, a Newton police cadet, and Kathleen Nent, a city building inspector, who together saved a choking patron at Off the Hook Bar and Grill in Houghs Neck. Nent spotted the emergency and retrieved Healey, who successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver.

Item 1 — Ordinance 2026-006: Safeguarding Transparency, Public Access to Information, and Democratic Participation (Councillor Yuan, with co-sponsors)

Councillor Yuan introduced this ordinance to require that supporting materials for agenda items be shared with councillors and the public in advance of meetings, not just at the meeting itself. He noted that while the Open Meeting Law requires agenda posting 48 hours ahead, supporting documents are frequently unavailable until the meeting begins, limiting informed public engagement and council deliberation. He acknowledged potential practical constraints around ADA compliance but argued those should not be used as justifications for withholding information. The item was referred to the Ordinance and Rules Committees.

Vote: Referred to committee — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Item 2 — Ordinance 2026-007: Establishing Fiscal Safeguards, Reserve Protections, and Financial Transparency (Councillor Mahoney, with co-sponsors)

Council President Mahoney introduced this ordinance to strengthen fiscal oversight, including clearer reporting requirements, disclosure of one-time versus recurring revenues, and protections for long-term financial sustainability. She indicated she would like the city's Chief Financial Officer to appear before the committee. The item was referred to the Finance and Oversight Committees.

Vote: Referred to committee — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Item 3 — Order 2026-008: Amending Council Rules – Establishing Public Participation Procedures (Councillor Mahoney, with co-sponsors)

This item was objected to under Council Rule 23, which provides that any member may object to passing a measure in one session, in which case it is postponed to the next meeting. The item was not acted upon and will return at the next meeting.

Item 4 — Ordinance 2026-009: Strengthening the Powers of the City Auditor (Councillor Mahoney, with co-sponsors)

Council President Mahoney presented this ordinance to restore and clarify the independence and oversight authority of the city auditor. She explained that a 2008 ordinance (2008-272) created the Department of Municipal Finance — whose director is appointed by the mayor — and effectively centralized functions that had previously been performed under the elected auditor's authority. This new ordinance would grant the auditor unrestricted access to all city financial records across departments and funds, require quarterly financial oversight reports to the Council, mandate annual audits of significant capital projects, and reinforce the auditor's ability to report independently on fiscal conditions. The item was referred to the Ordinance and Oversight Committees.

Vote: Referred to committee — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Items 8–11 — Orders 2026-013 through 2026-016 (Objected)

Four consecutive orders (items 8–11 on the agenda) were each objected to by a councillor under Rule 23. A brief procedural debate arose over whether one councillor could lodge multiple objections in a single meeting. City Solicitor Timmons clarified, when asked, that the council rules expressly designate the city clerk as parliamentarian and limit his own advisory role — but offered that the rules contain no limit on the number of objections a member may raise. All four items were postponed to the next meeting.

Items 5 & 6 — Ordinances 2026-010 and 2026-011: Sewer/Stormwater Prohibited Discharge Enforcement

Commissioner of Public Works Grazioso, appearing on behalf of Mayor Ko, introduced two related ordinances updating city code regarding prohibited discharges into sewer and stormwater systems. The department has been working with Inspectional Services and the Board of Health to educate Quincy's 500-plus licensed food establishments on the proper handling of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), which have caused sewer blockages and water quality problems. The ordinances would expand the city's enforcement authority and establish fines of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 for violations. Councillor Yuan raised concerns about the impact of high fines on residents and small restaurants, particularly given the absence of a clear appeals process, and asked about oversight mechanisms within DPW. The commissioner indicated a full presentation would be given in committee. Both items were referred to the Ordinance and DPW Committees, where a complete PowerPoint presentation will be delivered and public attendance is welcome.

Vote (2026-010 and 2026-011): Each referred to committee separately — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Item 7 — Ordinance 2026-012: Job Classification and Salary Schedule (Chapter 72)

Councillor DiBona moved to refer this ordinance to the Ordinance Committee without extended discussion.

Vote: Referred to committee — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Item 12 — Order 2026-017: Solar Energy Lease at Squanam Elementary School

Commissioner of Public Buildings Paul Hines appeared to introduce a request for the mayor to execute a lease and related agreements for a solar energy project at Squanam Elementary School. The item was referred to the Public Buildings and Oversight Committees for review and recommendation.

Vote: Referred to committee — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Item 13 — Resolve 2026-018: Residential Property Tax Exemption Analysis (MGL Chapter 59, Section 5C)

A councillor (name unclear from transcript) introduced this resolution requesting that the administration and the Board of Assessors present an analysis of adopting a residential property tax exemption, which would benefit owner-occupants and support housing affordability. Councillor DiBona noted he had asked to be added as a co-sponsor. The item was referred to the Ordinance and Oversight Committees.

Vote: Referred to committee — approved by voice vote (unanimous, all in favor).

Item 14 — Gift: $5,000 from Copeland Family Foundation to Friends of Wollaston Beach

Councillor Riley moved to accept a $5,000 gift from the Copeland Family Foundation to the Friends of Wollaston Beach. The Council also requested that a note of acknowledgment be sent.

Vote (roll call): 9–0 in favor. All councillors voted yes.

Consent / Routine Items

The Council approved minutes from the January 5, 2026 meeting. The city clerk referred six utility grants and three traffic/parking requests to the Public Works and Ordinance Committees for scheduling and advertising, covering locations in Wards 1–4 and 6.

The next Council meetings are scheduled for Monday, February 3 (corrected: February 6 per transcript — date unclear) at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, February 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Key Takeaways

Transparency and oversight package introduced: Four ordinances were introduced targeting council transparency (advance materials), fiscal safeguards, and a restoration of the city auditor's independent oversight role — the latter addressing a structural change made in 2008 that shifted financial control to a mayoral appointee.

Four items blocked by objection: Orders 2026-013 through 2026-016 were each individually objected to under Rule 23 and postponed; the city solicitor confirmed there is no limit on the number of objections a councillor may raise in one session.

FOG enforcement ordinances headed to committee: New enforcement tools and significant fines for improper discharge of fats, oils, and grease into sewer and stormwater systems are under consideration; concerns about fairness and appeals were flagged for committee review.

Residential property tax exemption analysis requested: The Council unanimously moved to request a formal impact analysis of adopting a residential exemption under state law — a measure repeatedly sought by residents to ease the property tax burden on homeowners.

Community mourning: The city lost two former mayors (Arthur Tobin and James Sheets) and Shirley Tobin in a single weekend; the Council paid formal tribute at the meeting.

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

2026-006 – Ordinance/Rules - Safeguarding Transparency, Public Access to Councillor Yuan Information, and Democratic Participation in City Council Councillor Ryan Proceedings Councillor Hubley Councillor Jacobs Councillor Mahoney C ouncillor Riley

Councillor Yuan introduced an ordinance on transparency and public access to information, emphasizing that supporting materials for agenda items should be made available to both the public and councillors in advance of meetings rather than only at the meeting itself. Yuan argued that timely access to materials enables councillors to ask more informed questions and allows the public to engage more effectively, though acknowledged practical considerations such as ADA compliance may require attention. The council voted to refer item 2026-006 to the ordinance and rules committees for further discussion and implementation details.

2026-007 – Ordinance/Rules - Establishing Fiscal Safeguards, Reserve Councillor Mahoney Protections, and Financial Transparency Councillor Jacobs Councillor McKee Councillor Riley Councillor Ryan C ouncillor Yuan

Councillor Mahoney presented an ordinance establishing fiscal safeguards and reserve protections, which includes measures for clear reporting, disclosures distinguishing one-time versus recurring revenues, and maintaining long-term financial sustainability. Mahoney requested that the item be referred to the finance and oversight committees with the goal of having the city's chief financial officer present and discuss the proposals. The council voted to refer item 2026-007 to the finance and oversight committees for review and recommendation.

2026-009 – Ordinance - Amending Municipal Code – Chapter 66 Article III City Councillor Mahoney Auditor Strengthening the Powers of the Auditor Councillor Jacobs Councillor McKee Councillor Riley Councillor Ryan C ouncillor Yuan

# Summary of Item 2026-009

Item 2026-009 proposes amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 66, Article III to strengthen the independence and oversight authority of the city auditor, restoring powers that were reduced in 2008. The ordinance grants the auditor unrestricted authority to examine city books, records, accounts, and fiscal systems across all departments and funds, while establishing quarterly financial reports to city council and mandating annual audits of significant capital projects. Councillor Deb moved to refer the ordinance to the ordinance and oversight committees, and the motion passed unanimously.

Agenda items (4)

Ordinance

1Ordinance2026-006 – Ordinance/Rules - Safeguarding Transparency, Public Access to Councillor Yuan Information, and Democratic Participation in City Council Councillor Ryan Proceedings Councillor Hubley Councillor Jacobs Councillor Mahoney C ouncillor Riley

This ordinance would establish new rules to increase transparency and public access to information about City Council proceedings, ensuring residents can better participate in and monitor council activities.

What happened

2Ordinance2026-007 – Ordinance/Rules - Establishing Fiscal Safeguards, Reserve Councillor Mahoney Protections, and Financial Transparency Councillor Jacobs Councillor McKee Councillor Riley Councillor Ryan C ouncillor Yuan

This ordinance would set up financial safeguards for the city, including requirements for budget reserves and increased transparency in how the city manages its money.

What happened

4Ordinance2026-009 – Ordinance - Amending Municipal Code – Chapter 66 Article III City Councillor Mahoney Auditor Strengthening the Powers of the Auditor Councillor Jacobs Councillor McKee Councillor Riley Councillor Ryan C ouncillor Yuan

This ordinance would strengthen the City Auditor's authority and powers, giving the auditor more tools to review city operations and finances on behalf of residents.

What happened

Order

3Order2026-008 – Order Amending Council Rules – Establishing Public Participation Councillor Mahoney Procedures for City Council Meetings Councillor Ash Councillor Hubley Councillor Jacobs Councillor McKee Councillor Riley Councillor Ryan Councillor Yuan

This rule change would establish procedures that allow the public to participate more easily in City Council meetings, making it clearer how residents can speak and be heard.

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Refer Order 2026-006 to Ordinance and Rules Committees

aye 1

voice voteaye

Refer Order 2026-007 to Finance and Oversight Committees

aye 1

voice voteaye

Refer Order 2026-010 to Ordinance and DPW Committees

aye 1

voice voteaye

Refer Order 2026-011 to Ordinance and DPW Committees

aye 1

voice voteaye

Refer Order 2026-012 to Ordinance Committee

aye 1

voice voteaye

Refer Order 2026-017 to Public Buildings and Oversight Committees

aye 1

voice voteaye

Refer Order 2026-018 to Ordinance and Oversight Committees

aye 1

voice voteaye

Accept gift of $5,000 from Copeland Family Foundation to Friends of Wallis Beach (Order 2026-019)

aye 9

Anne Mahoneyaye

David Jacobsaye

Deborah Rileyaye

Maggie McKeeaye

Noel DiBonaaye

Richard Ashaye

Virginia Ryanaye

Walter Hubleyaye

Ziqiang Yuanaye

Approve minutes from January 5, 2026

aye 1

voice voteaye

Motion to adjourn

aye 1

voice voteaye

Verbatim transcript available

92 transcript segments indexed

We're going to call the or the the meeting to order. It is January 20th, 2026, 7:30, and the city council meeting is in order. So, um, can we call the the role, please, Madam Clerk? Councelor Ash, pres.

Councelor Debora, present. Councelor Hubley, present. Council Jacobs, present. Council McKe, present. Council Riley, present. Council Ryan, present. Council Unres. President Mahoney, present. Nine members, you have a quorum.

All right, we're going to open the meeting with a moment of silence. Before we do that tonight though, I just like to ask everyone to join me in a moment of silence to remember the former mayor Arthur Tobin and his wife, Shirley Tobin, and former mayor James Sheets, all of whom passed away this past weekend.

They'll be deeply missed by their families and friends and by the city of Quinsey. Thank you. Now, if we could stand for the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indeliverable, with liberty and justice for all. Could we have the re the open meeting law read in please? 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.

Um and moving on to the first agenda. Um um madame clerk, could you announce that please? Honoring of Ryan Healey and Kathy Nent. Can I approach the Yes. Uh good evening. Um it's my honor tonight to introduce um two members uh two uh citizens of Quinsey uh from Ward One.

um uh Ryan Healey who is right over here and Kathleen Nent over here behind me who's also a uh a city building inspector here in Quinsey and um Ryan is a uh police cadet in uh Newton. Um, a few weeks ago it was brought to my attention uh that there was uh an event at Off the Hook Bar and Grill down in House Neck uh where a patron was choking um on their uh on their food and um Kathleen Kathleen Nent uh noticed this was happening um and was happening outside the restaurant and uh ran back in and got Mr.

Healey uh who performed a successful Heimlick maneuver um you know saving that person's life and uh I just thought it was you know worthwhile to recognize them uh for being able to act so calm, cool uh and collected during such a difficult uh situation.

They want to come up Um, and if we could just uh have a recess so we could take uh take pictures in the well for their families, that would be much appreciated. Okay, we're just taking a moment of recess.

Heat. Heat. We're back in session. All right. Um, moving on to um, item number one. Madam clerk, 2026006, ordinance, rules, safeguard, and transparency, public access to information, and democratic participation in the city council proceedings.

I recognize council. Thank you, Madame President. Colleagues, I'm introducing this ordinance because transparency is not just a value we talk about. It's something residents need to experience in practice.

And the open meeting law agendas are posted 48 hours in the once, but the supporting materials are often not available to the public or to counselors until the meeting itself. While counselors can discuss items at a later meeting, receiving materials in advance allow us to ask informed questions during the meeting when items are first presented, making meetings more efficient and enableing the public to engage more effectively.

This ordinance sets a clear expectation that when supporting materials are reasonably available, they should be shared in a timely way. I recognize they may be practical considerations such as meeting ADA compliance, but the technical challenges should not be used as an excuse to avoid doing the right thing, safeguarding public access to information.

This ordinance is about creating a cons consistent transparent process that helps both the public and the council do our work better. I look forward to discussing the details and implementation in committee.

Um by saying that I move that the city council I move that the city council refer order number 2026 06 to the ordinance and the ruth committees. Do I have a second? I second. Do you want to read a roll call?

Do we need a roll call on it? All those in favor. I Okay, so we're moving on to um item number two, 2026007 ordinance rules establishing fiscal safeguards, reserve protections, and financial transparency.

So, I'm going to wave the reading. This one I brought in. This is an ordinance to enhance our fiscal oversight and protect city reserves, including measures for clear reporting, disclosures of one-time versus recurring revenues, and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.

Um, I would like to move this into as a as a motion. I'm actually ask Debbie to do this, but we're going to want to bring this into finance and oversight with the hopes that we can have our chief financial officer come and speak with us in regards to these as well.

So, I'm looking for a motion for this. Motion. Yes. I move that city council report order number 2026-007 to the finance and oversight committees for review and recommendation. Second. And that's all those in favor?

Right. All those in favor? Okay. The eyes have it. And we're moving on to item number three. 2026008 order amending council rules. I object on the objection. Going on to number four, 2026 009 ordinance amending municipal code chapter 66 article 3 city auditors strengthening the powers of the auditor.

Okay, so that was number four. This ordinance is proposing to clarify and strengthen the independence oversight authority for the city auditor by expressing granting the auditor unrestricted authority to examine, audit, and evaluate the city books, records, accounts, and fiscal systems across all departments and funds.

It also establishes additional reporting requirements, including quarterly financial oversight reports to the city council and annual audits of significant capital projects. These enhancements are intended to improve fiscal accountability and transparency and public confidence in the municipal financial management.

Historically, the city auditor's authority in Quinsey was altered as part of the board's reorganization in city government in 2008. In that year, the city council adopted ordinance number 2008-272 establishing the department of municipal finance which assumed all accounting and financial responsibilities that previously had been performed by or under the authority of the city auditor.

Under that structure, many traditional auditing and internal financial review functions were centralized in that department whose director is appointed by the mayor rather than the elected council, effectively reducing the auditor's operational oversight role.

The current proposal seeks to restore and clarify the auditor's independent oversight role by res by ensuring unrestricted access to the city's financial records and systems subject only to lawful protections.

Recurring regular independent financial and performance audits, including large capital projects, mandating quarterly public oversight reports and council and reinforcing the auditor's ability to report independently and financially conditions affecting the city.

By re by by reinforcing these author authorities, the ordinance aims to strengthen the internal accountability structure, provide the council and the public with more timely, complete financial information, and support the city's long-term fiscal goals.

I'm I'm going to look for a motion for that. Deb. Yes. Hi. Um, I move that the city council refer order number 2026 amending the munal code to strengthen the powers and independence of the city auditor to enhance transparency, financial oversight and accountability and place this item into ordinance and oversight committees.

All those in favor did you need clarification? No. Okay, moving on to number five. 2026-010 ordinance amending chapter 270 sewer water adding article 4 prohibited discharge and enforcement on that order.

Council upon the recommendation of the commissioner question. Oh, she has a question. Okay. And I I have a couple questions. I would like to ask a commissioner of public works, Mr. Grant Zero. Do we have to have the motion first?

Through you, Madam Chair. Sorry, Madam President. Um, Commissioner Grazioso is here on behalf of Mayor Ko um introducing this ordinance. Uh the commissioner will give an overview of um the amendments to chapter 270 into chapter 300.

Um and then similarly afterwards we'll entertain a motion to move these into ordinance um and DPW uh committees. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Um through you um tonight we're asking uh for consideration to update the city code regarding prohibited discharges for sewer and storm water.

As a brief background, DPW has been working with the city inspectional services department and health department to you uh to to educate the Quinsey's five 500 plus licensed food establishments about the proper use of city sewer and storm water system.

We have focused on the licensed food establishments because uh a prohibited food discharge of fats, oils and grease into our sewer systems from restaurants and sometimes uh in production food production facilities um which has created sewer capacity limitations and sometimes blockages.

In additions, fats, oils, and grease have entered the storm water collection systems by way of direct and indirect discharges, which can lead to water quality issues. DPW performs fats, oils, and grease emergency response efforts and/or cleanup efforts more often than it's it's acceptable.

DP DPW has also found that we need to increase the strength of our city code regarding the department's abilities to address systemic non-compliance or neglig negligent use of public infrastructure and if necessary issue citations for major or continued prohibited discharges which impact our sewer system and our drainage system.

That is why we're asking for your consideration tonight uh for these code changes to chapter 270 water and sewer in chapter 300 storm water management. I respectfully request that they are advertised and moved into the ordinance and DPW committees where we will be able to give a full presentation and answer any questions you may have.

And I believe the presentation has been given to you that we will be giving it to the committee at a later date. Thanks. Fines of 1,00 2,500 and 5,000 are significant amounts for residents and small restaurants.

When fines are this high, mistakes can seriously hurt people, especially when there is no option to appeal. in the current process. That said, Commissioner, can you explain what oversight exists within the DPW when these fines are issued and how the department ensure enforcement is fair and the mistakes are identified and corrected?

Uh, I'll be prepared to talk about that in the committee meeting. Um, we had a presentation, but we were asked to give that in the committee meeting. Well, council Yuan. So, we're going to move this into committee and the full presentation will be done in the ordinance committee so it can be advertised and people can come and we can have all those questions ready and if you have questions in advance you can give them to the department head so they can have those questions ready for you.

Madame President, so in the committee meeting and the public also can attend to hear that. Well, you can have a public forum for the committee meeting too. Yes. Thank you very councelor Ash did nothing further madam president.

Um thank you commissioner. Uh we'll look forward to I'm sure your department will have um any all any and all questions and materials ready. Uh I know I received a PowerPoint today that you'll be presenting on in um the subcommittee meeting.

So um certainly we look forward to that presentation. Um, and I appreciate the overview and I would uh make a motion to move this into uh ordinance and DPW. Okay. I'd second. Okay. And on the motion, Council McKe.

Would you do the vote um yay and nay first to put that into committee? Nope. It's already it's been it's been um the motion's been made and seconded by um Councelor Ryan. And we you had on something on the motion.

So, do you have a question on the motion? I had a point of order about the objection. Gone. That's gone. That's gone. That's gone. Yeah. Okay. Okay. So, moving back. So, is this a yay? Yeah. So, all those in favor?

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Council Ashley, do you want to do the next one, too? We have to do them separately. Number six. Oh, I'm sorry. Um the Yes. Um the second ordinance, I'm sorry. Number six on our agenda 2026-0 uh11 amending chapter 300 storm water management section 14D and enforcement violations and penalties.

I'd make a motion um to move this to ordinance and DPW committees. Do I have a second? Second. All those in favor? I. Okay. Moving on to number seven. That'll cl ordinance amending municipal code chapter 72 article 1 job classification and salary section 72-1 official salary schedule.

Mayor. Um, Councilman Dabona. Uh, thank you, Madam President. Uh if if I could, I'd like to make a motion to move this into ordinance. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Mr. G. All those in favor? All right, we're moving on to order number eight, 2026 013, order to repeal May.

Point of order. Can we please have a vote to um move this into committee? um after it's objected to it has no more um there's no more conversation about it until the next meeting. It goes on the agenda as right away.

Sorry. Thank you. Could you repeat that so I can understand the rule? It's rule 23 in your book. And it says objection. An ordinance, order, or resolution may be passed through all its stages of legislation in one session, provided that no member of the council objects to.

But if any member of the council objects, the measure shall be postponed for that meeting, rule 23 cannot be suspended. Okay. Council, I'm not clear. And so according to that rule only when the item have to go through pass through every process at a meet that meeting and only one member and object then it can stop.

But this one we just move it to the ordinance committee. It's not voted yet. So it doesn't count. It's up to the counselor um to object and if they do so then it would go on to the next agenda and Okay.

Did you have a question? Yeah. All right. We're just going to move on and we'll bring it back to the next meeting. Okay. Moving on. Item number nine. 2026 014 order to repeal. I object. City Council refer Order 2026.

I already objected. I got that right as a council. Good for you. Moving on to order number 10, 2026 015. I object from what I heard councelor can only object one time during the whole meeting. I want I would like to clarify with either city clerk or the solicited.

It does not say that anywhere here. any or ordinance order or resolution may be passed through all stages of legislation in one session provided that no member of the council object thereto but if any member of the council objects the measure shall be postponed for that meeting rule 23 cannot be suspended Timmons do you think it could come up and maybe just explain a little bit more.

I'm just gonna make Yeah, just for fun. Good evening, Madame President. Um, the council rules expressly provide that the parliamentarian is the city clerk. Um, further expressly provides, I believe, that I cannot do what I've just been asked to do.

That's funny. However, uh to provide an opinion, there's no limitation on um objections and these are three related matters. So, it seems that a member of the council is concerned about this particular issue and um he's lodged objections timely on each one.

So, thank you. I would agree. I Well, I don't disagree with the parliamentarian. Madame clerk, I understand. Thank you. Number 11. So, where are we now? 11. So, moving on to number 11. 2026-016. Order.

I object. All right. Moving on to item number 12. 2026 017. Order approval of location of lease for solar solar energy implementation on Swanum Elementary School. Mr. Pleasure before this constituted body for the first time for those I haven't met personally.

I am Paul Hines Commissioner of the Department of Public Buildings. Okay. Is he introducing it? It's going to committee. No, it's going to committee. Okay. Someone needs motion. All right. So, I'd like to make a motion um that the city uh the city council refer refer order number 2026-017 authorizing the mayor to execute a lease and related agreements for the implementation of solar energy project at the Squanam Elementary School to the public buildings and oversight committees for review and recommendation.

Second by by Ryan. Um all those in favor. All right. Cool. Thank you. Thanks. Moving on to item number 13. Number 13, 2026 018 resolve adoption of Mass General Law Chapter 59 section 5C establishing a residential property exemption.

Recognizing. Yes. um introducing this resolution requesting that the administration and board of assessors to present an analysis on the impact of adopting a residential property tax exemption under Massachusetts general law chapter 59 section 5C to support housing affordability for Quinsey residents.

This is something that has been brought forth in prior um council sessions. It is uh been asked for repeatedly by our residents and I would like to ask that we move this into ordinance and oversight committees.

All right. On the motion, Councelor Deona. Uh thank you, Madam President. I just uh thank you, Madam President. Just want to let you know I talked to um clerk of committees Jennifer Manning recently over the next few la last days and um she's added me to co-sponsoring this uh item on the agenda this particular resolve.

So just want to let the public know um that I'm going to u co-sponsor this with the rest of the counselors. Just want to put that into the record. Okay. All those in favor? All right. Moving on to item number 14, 2026 019, a gift for $5,000 from Copeland Family Foundation, Inc.

to the friends of Wallist Beach. Um, councelor Riley. Yes. I'd like to motion that we accept this gift of $5,000 from the Copeland Family Foundation to the friends of Wallist Beach. Second. All those in favor?

We need roll call for them. Sorry. Roll call. Okay. Councelor Ash. Yes. Council Deborah. Yes. Council Hubley. Yes. Council Jacob. Yes. Council McKe. Yes. Council Riley. Yes. Council Ryan. Yes. Councelor Yen.

Yes. President Mahoney. Yes. Nine members. And if we could if we could just please send a a note of acknowledgement. Thank you. Thank you very much. All right. That concludes our agenda items. Um, now we're moving on to approval of previous minutes from January 5th, 2026.

I'm going to need a motion to approve. Council Deona. Seconded by all those in favor. All right. All right. Communications and reports from the mayor and city officials, city officers, city boards, clerk, and traffic utilities.

Um, yes. Thank you, Madam President. I do have um some utilities to refer to public works committee for scheduling and advertising. Ward one, utility grant to location, Mass Electric, 100 Codington Street.

Ward one, utility grant of election, Mass Electric Verizon, 587C Street. Ward two, utility grant to location, Mass Electric Verizon, 10 Independence A. Ward three, utility grant to location, Mass Electric Verizon, 58 Taylor Street.

Ward four, utility granted location, Mass Electric Verizon, Willard Street. Ward six, utility granted location, Mass Electric Verizon, 137 Sagamore Street. Traffic request to refer to ordinance committee for advertising.

Ward two, Councelor Ash at handicap parking at 57 Grafton Street. Ward three, Council Hubley, add no parking on the south side of Carlson Street from 18 Carlson to 70 feet west of 18 Carlson Street. Ward 4, Councelor Ryan, remove no parking June through September on Mullanav from Okonnell A to accepted portion of Molina.

Thank you. And any communications from mayor's office? Should I act as the mayor? Just kidding. Unfinished business and proceeding meeting. Proceeding meetings. None. Reports of committees. We haven't had any.

So, none. Um, presentations of petitions, memorials, and remresses. Recognizing councelor Riley. Yes. I would like to um announce the passing of Squantum resident David Mercier who passed away on Friday.

He was the beloved husband of nearly 60 years to his wife Jerry. They settled in Squantum nearly 60 years ago and raised their three daughters, Carolyn, April, and Adrien, who gave them seven wonderful grandchildren.

David began his career as a teller at Colonial Federal Savings Bank and retired as a vice president of State Street Bank and Trust. David was also a proud United States Marine. His services will be held on Friday 9 to 10:00 a.m.

at the Ham Hammond Lidle F uh Chapel followed by his funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church. David was a beloved member of the Squan community and will be deeply missed. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay, so I would like to actually take a few minutes to remember and honor some remarkable individuals a little bit more deeply.

This past weekend, the city of Quinsey lost three members of our community we all hold dear. Former Mayor Arthur Tobin and his wife Shirley Tobin and the former mayor James Sheets. Former Mayor Arthur Tobin devoted his life to public service.

Over the course of several decades, he served as the Quinsey as a city councelor, council president, state representative, state senator, and the 29th mayor of the city of Quinsey from 1978 to 1981. Following his time as mayor, he continued to serve as the clerk magistrate of Quinsey District Courts for more than 40 years.

His leadership, integrity, and commitment to the people of Quinsey left a la lasting legacy of our city. Alongside author was his wife Shirley Tobin. Shirley Tobin was a woman of deep faith, kindness, and quiet strength.

She was devoted to her family, active in her church, and known for her love of music, poetry, and learning. Together, Arthur and Shirley shared more than 70 years of marriage marked by a love and partnership of resilience.

They endured the profound loss of their son, Matthew, at a tra a tragedy that shaped their lives and strengthened their bonds of their family. Arthur and Shirley Tobin will be remembered not only for the public service, but their humanity, their devotion to their family, and the values they lived every day.

We also remember former mayor James Sheets, who passed away this past weekend as well at the age of 90. James Sheets served Quinsey as the Ward 4 city councelor and then as our 31st mayor of Quinsey from 1990 to 2002, guiding the city with dignity, respect, and a deep commitment to the people.

Beyond his work as mayor, he was an educator and a mentor who mentor who touched countless lives. All three, Arthur Tobin, Shirley Tobin, and James Sheets, will be deeply missed by their families, friends, and the city of Quinsey, as well as by many people beyond our community whose lives they've touched.

As we honor their memories, I ask that you keep their families in your thoughts and your prayers. Thank you. Does anybody else have any councelor Ash through you? Uh Madame President, thank you. Um just to to add um certainly my condolences to all three families.

Um it's beautiful and sad that the uh Mr. and Mrs. Tobin will be waked and buried this Thursday and Friday in the same church that they were married 70 years ago. So I um certainly wanted to to mention that.

uh married September 5th um of 1955, I believe, was the date. And um they'll be together at the the altar where they said their vows. Um on Friday at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, the viewing hours are 3:00 to 7 uh St.

John's on School Street. Thank you. Anyone else have anything to share? Okay. Um moving on to scheduling of committee meetings and public hearings. Do we have any meetings to schedule? Unfortunately, anybody?

All right. So, um, our next meeting will be Monday, um, February 7th. I mean, February 6nd. I think we're going to be starting that one at 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. And then Monday, February 23rd at 6:30 p.m.