December 9, 2024

“4. ©0404-24 Order/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, as President An order requesting to approve the disclosure filed by Ms. Rosa Viveiros who has disclosed a financial interest in a municipal contract where she will receive a stipend from the Everett Adult Learning Center (EALC). Ms. Viveiros will be helping as an ESL Teacher as needed Referred to the committee on Ways and means. MOTION: Refer MOVER: Stephanie Smith SECONDER: Anthony DiPierro RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Smith, second: Anthony DiPierro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“8. C0418-24 Order/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, as President An order requesting approval to approve the disclosures filed by Roberta Suppa, Antoinette Octave-Blanchard, Caitlin Norden, and Cazandra Cherif de Urena who have disclosed a financial interest in a municipal contract where they will receive a stipend from the Elections Department. They worked outside their normal working hours to help the Elections Department, which is short-staffed MOTION: Refer MOVER: Stephanie Smith SECONDER: Anthony DiPierro RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Smith, second: Anthony DiPierro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“13. C0408-24 Petition/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, as President A petition requesting the modification of an existing livery license with the addition of one more vehicle, bringing the total amount of vehicles to four for Diamond Class Chauffeurs LLC at 30 Thurman Park MOTION: Refer MOVER: Anthony DiPierro SECONDER: Peter Pietrantonio RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Anthony DiPierro, second: Peter Pietrantonio)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“16. C0326-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins That the administration and/or engineering department consider creating a list of standards or a final punch list for construction sites across the city and actually check each site prior to payment being released to make sure job sites are cleaned up and built to satisfaction Mr. Swanson explained the department's role in ensuring private development projects meet city ordinances and conditions of approval. He described the challenges with the current high volume of projects and lack of a formalized process to handle the workflow. Solutions are not always quick or easy. He suggested councilors contact the engineering office directly with any specific development or permit concerns so they can be addressed. Administration and inspection of construction is only part of the engineering department's responsibilities. They are also planning and designing replacement of aging infrastructure while planning for infrastructure to serve future needs in parts of the city experiencing unprecedented growth. The scope and complexity of work ahead is substantial. Councilor Martins thanked Mr. Swanson for clarifying the concerns of residents. She emphasized councilors are reflecting the voices of constituents in asking engineering questions, not attacking anyone personally. She appreciated his efforts to structure the department amid so many projects. Councilor Martins asked if there is or will be a process to ensure worksites are satisfactory before final payment to contractors. Mr. Swanson said significant work needs to be done, including changes to ordinances and permits, to get the control and consistency the city is seeking. Ferry Street is somewhat of an outlier since it is a state-controlled project. Impacted businesses and residents can seek compensation by filing claims against the contractor's insurance to his knowledge. Councilor Matewsky thanked Mr. Swanson for updates on sewer work on Lewis and Paris Streets. He asked about the height of curbs on Ferry Street, some of which seem too high. Mr. Swanson explained curbs can be higher than 6 inches only at bus stop locations. Councilor Matewsky also commented the landscaping around the Ferry Street rotary seems sparse for the cost of the project. Mr. Swanson said perennials have been planted in the dormant season but will bloom in the spring, and annuals will be added. Councilor Smith asked if the city is considering filing claims against the contractor for work that had to be redone on Elm Street and elsewhere. She feels the city needs to take responsibility and some recourse for the negative impacts to residents and businesses, not just say it's a state issue. Mr. Swanson said there is a QA/QC process where the state's representatives work with the contractor. If work does not meet requirements, the contractor has to redo it at their own expense. Based on Councilor Smith's request, he will look into other avenues of recourse beyond just filing claims for physical damages. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: Katy Rogers RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: Katy Rogers)

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

“17. C0336-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, Councilor Holly D. Garcia That the Administration provide the City Council with an update on its ongoing efforts to reclaim the former Everett High School for expanded school purposes, including the relocation of certain other non-educational uses within the facility, and the reuse and redevelopment of the former Pope John property Council President Van Campen thanked the administration for the extra work looking at alternative space use at the former Everett High School. He appreciated the schematics showing a segregated 7th/8th grade academy. However, he is not prepared to commit to the project without neighborhood input. He asked if the administration would convene a neighborhood meeting to hear from residents near the property about the conceptual plan before the council considers it further. Councilor Garcia agreed and asked to also invite parents to provide input, as the schools are overcrowded. Councilor Martins asked about the administration's timeline to bring this back before the council after the community meeting. Mayor DeMaria suggested advertising a meeting in the next 10 days, potentially in early January, and allowing call-in participation so people don't have to attend in person. Mayor DeMaria was asked about using the former Everett High School site to build a new high school instead. He said while anything is possible, building a new high school there would not relieve overcrowding at elementary and middle schools, which moving 7th/8th grades out will do. The only way to address the high school overcrowding is a whole new building elsewhere. The city has MSBA approval for that but still needs to find a location. Councilor Marchese suggested it may be better to tear down the old high school and build a new, larger facility at that site rather than try to retrofit the old building. Mayor DeMaria said the city doesn't currently have the 7th/8th grade classroom space that would be lost in that scenario. Building an addition on the existing high school is another option to explore. To refer the item to the administration and request community meetings be held beginning in January 2025 MOTION: Refer MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: Michael Marchese RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Michael Marchese)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

“18. C0351-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen In the interest of public safety - and where it serves as a gateway into Swan Street Park - that the Department of Public Works and Engineering Department determine the feasibility of a raised intersection at Kinsman, Wall and Tappan Streets Council President Van Campen received communication from Mr. Monti indicating a raised intersection at Kinsman, Wall and Tappan Streets is feasible. It will hopefully get on the 2025 construction schedule. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: John Hanlon RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: John F. Hanlon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

“19. C0352-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen That the Director of Planning & Development provide an explanation and summary of the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee Program, including all revenues collected since its inception, the current balance in the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee Revolving Fund, and an itemization of the investments in affordable housing that have been made through this critical program since its creation. Director of Planning and Development Matt Lattanzi provided an overview of the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee program. It collects fees from private developments to fund the creation, preservation or rehabilitation of affordable housing. Fees are $1,000 per new residential unit, and $2-4 per square foot for commercial/industrial projects over 15,000 sf. Currently the fund has a balance over $600,000. An additional $1.2-1.8 million is anticipated over the next 3 years as projects are completed. Originally the fee collection was structured as a 7-year payment plan with 10% paid upfront at certificate of occupancy. This has since been reduced to a 3-year payment plan to collect funds faster. Linkage fees are planned to support the 25 Garvey Street project, which will provide 125 units of deeply affordable family housing. Of the $3.5 million the city has committed to that project, $750,000 is from CDBG funds for land acquisition and $2.75 million will come from linkage fees over several years. An additional $2 million will come from the state. This will be the first new affordable family housing built in Everett since the 1970s. Decisions about use of linkage funds are currently made by the planning department in consultation with other relevant departments. One recommendation from the recent Housing Production Plan is to establish an Affordable Housing Trust to oversee and make decisions about the linkage funds instead. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: Stephanie Martins RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Stephanie Martins)

Read it in the official minutes, page 10 (PDF)

“20. C0361-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Peter Pietrantonio That the Elections Director appear at the next meeting to give an update on any issues that may have occurred during the election, as well as anything that could be done in the future to make it run better. To postpone item to the December 23, 2024 City Council meeting and invite the Elections Director to attend a _*n MOTION: Postpone MOVER: Peter Pietrantonio SECONDER: Stephanie Smith RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Peter Pietrantonio, second: Stephanie Smith)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“21. C0375-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith As the 2024 ARPA deadline is approaching, that the CFO provide the City with all allocated and unallocated projects and the amount allocated - including the projects that Archipelago Strategies Group has been running for the Community recipients & the student funding The city received a total of 34 applications for ARPA-funded programs. A scoring committee including city staff, a member of the Everett Police Department, a representative from MAPS, and a member of the Everett Youth Initiative Council reviewed and scored the applications. Any member whose organization applied recused themselves from scoring that application. 25 out of the 34 applications scored high enough to move forward, with awards to be announced shortly. For public health programs, 11 out of 14 applications are being awarded. For housing assistance, 6 out of 8 will receive funding. The city did not receive enough applications to award all available funds, so amounts were adjusted to spread funds among all qualifying organizations. The Everett Chamber of Commerce is working with the city to distribute ARPA funds to small businesses impacted by COVID. The application process has taken time to set up but should open within the next couple weeks, with extensive outreach. Councilor Smith requested details on ARPA administrative costs, employee positions being funded through 2026, and the senior meals program. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: Stephanie Smith RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: Stephanie Smith)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

“22. C0386-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin That the administration consider allocating part of the $700,000 of ARPA funds dedicated to businesses to create a loss of revenue assistance program to assist local small businesses recovering from COVID and affected by street construction closures To refer the item to the Mayor's Office for a response by the next meeting regarding plans to assist all businesses impacted by revenue loss from COVID and construction MOTION: Refer MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: John Hanlon RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: John F. Hanlon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“23. C0387-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin That the administration provide an update on the names of the organizations that applied for ARPA funds and the current status before the funds expire MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: Katy Rogers RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: Katy Rogers)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“24. C0395-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Holly D. Garcia, Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, & The Entire City Council In the interest of public health and safety, that the Everett Housing Authority engage in more frequent extermination activities at Glendale Towers, and in all facilities operated by the Authority and raise greater awareness with residents about the need to raise rodent concerns in a more timely fashion MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Holly Garcia SECONDER: John Hanlon RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Holly Garcia, second: John F. Hanlon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“25. C0399-24 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Katy L. Rogers Regular Meeting of the City Council 12/09/2024 7:00 PM 7 An ordinance requiring the display of the UNITED STATES FLAG when foreign flags are displayed by businesses Councilor Rogers clarified this ordinance is not intended to stifle diversity, as anyone can display any flag. However, she believes a municipal effort is needed to promote inclusion of the US flag. She requested referring the item to Legislative Affairs to have a robust discussion and get feedback on the correct approach. To refer the item to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections MOTION: Refer MOVER: Katy Rogers SECONDER: Stephanie Smith RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Katy Rogers, second: Stephanie Smith)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

“26. C0402-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Katy L. Rogers A resolution to request the streaming of city council meetings YOUTUBE for enhanced accessibility and transparency Councilor Rogers urged the administration to look into streaming council meetings on YouTube for accessibility. Streaming only on Facebook and cable limits access for those without Facebook accounts or cable. Using YouTube would allow timestamping, captioning, and transcription for language access, and make it easier to search past meetings. She requested referring the item to the administration and ECTV for a response by the next meeting. MOTION: Refer MOVER: Katy Rogers SECONDER: Stephanie Martins RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Katy Rogers, second: Stephanie Martins)

Read it in the official minutes, page 13 (PDF)

“27. C0411-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Robert J. Van Campen That the Water Superintendent appear at the next meeting to clarify the purpose of the recent letters regarding lead that were sent to residents and the next steps Councilor Martins received messages from concerned seniors who got letters from the Everett Water Department about lead service lines that may serve their homes. The letters included steps to take with drinking water that may be contaminated by lead. She was unsure if only homeowners received the notices. Since Everett has had lead pipes for decades, Councilor Martins was unsure if the letters reflected a new notification requirement. She requested inviting the Water Superintendent to the next meeting to discuss the letters. MOTION: Postpone MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: Katy Rogers RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: Katy Rogers)

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

“28. C0416-24 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith An ordinance to amend live animal testing Councilor Smith explained Everett recently amended zoning to allow life sciences as a by-right use in the new Everett Docklands Innovation District, but the city's restrictions on animal testing now need to be updated as a result. She stated her proposal is not driven by any corporation or developer influence, refuting "false narratives" about her intentions. Councilor Smith said she voted against the animal testing restrictions two years ago because they were too broad, and she still feels they are overly broad. She expressed support for Everett being a leader in life sciences and medical research. This would bring high-skill, high-wage jobs across many functions. Breakthroughs made in Everett labs could bring the city global prestige. However, the current ordinance pushes life science businesses to other cities that allow animal testing. Councilor Smith's proposal does not remove all restrictions, but allows testing on small vertebrate species like mice, rats and fish in areas zoned for life sciences. She modeled the language on Cambridge's ordinance. To refer the item to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections MOTION: Refer MOVER: Stephanie Smith SECONDER: John Hanlon RESULT: Passed [5 TO 4] AYES: Garcia, Hanlon, Pietrantonio, Smith, Van Campen NAYS: Alcy Jabouin, DiPierro, Martins, Rogers AWAY: Marchese, Matewsky.” (Motion: Stephanie Smith, second: John F. Hanlon)

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

“Councilor Martins explained this ordinance amends the city's inclusionary zoning rules that govern the percentage of affordable units required in new developments. It removes obsolete language and reduces the affordability level from 80% AMI to 60% AMI so required affordable units are actually affordable to Everett residents. She made a motion to refer the ordinance to the Planning Board for review, as required, before it returns to the City Council. Councilor Smith added this is important to get into the zoning recodification the Planning Board is currently undertaking. Councilors Van Campen, Pietrantonio, Garcia and Hanlon requested to be added as co-sponsors. To refer the item as amended to the Planning Board MOTION: Refer MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: Stephanie Smith RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: Stephanie Smith)

Read it in the official minutes, page 15 (PDF)