February 10, 2025

“Minutes of the Regular Meeting if the City Council of 01/13/2025 MOTION: Accept Meeting Minutes MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: Anthony DiPierro RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Anthony DiPierro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

“MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Holly Garcia SECONDER: Katy Rogers RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Holly Garcia, second: Katy Rogers)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

“12. C0343-24 Resolution/s/ Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin That the Everett City Council engage the State Auditor's office for an audit of accounts, programs, activities and other public functions (in accordance with Mass General Law Part I, Title Il, Chapter 11,Section 12) MOTION: Refer MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: Anthony DiPierro RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Anthony DiPierro)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

“15. C0028-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Anthony DiPierro A resolution requesting Chief Strong, or a designee, appear before the City Council to discuss what steps are being taken to ensure public safety concerns are addressed at any state run emergency shelter in Everett Chief Strong reported on a recent review conducted by two officers on the conditions and operations at the Envision Hotel homeless shelter. It is run by a state contractor with 24/7 private security, houses both US citizens and immigrant families, and conducts background checks with the state. There have been 60 total police calls since it began operating, mostly for medical issues and disturbances, which Strong characterized as routine. The state has indicated the shelter will likely close by August or year-end. Responding to councilor questions, Strong noted criminal history from other countries would likely not show up on background checks. The police and security would respond to any major incidents. Wraparound services are provided to rehouse families when the shelter closes. Strong will keep the council updated on any closure date set. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Anthony DiPierro SECONDER: Robert Van Campen RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Anthony DiPierro, second: Robert Van Campen)

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

“16. C0030-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky That Fire Chief Joseph Hickey, and His Honor Mayor DeMaria appear with regard to the Jupiter lithium battery proposal and safety concerns Matewsky expressed concerns about the proposed Jupiter Lithium Battery facility, encompassing 20 acres of a 198-acre site purchased by the Davis Company. He worries about potential hazards given the site's proximity to LNG tanks and lack of alternative development like an Assembly Square style mixed-use project. He asked Chief Hickey's professional opinion on the proposal and any public safety requirements. Chief Hickey stated the proposed 700-megawatt output is one of the largest in the country for this type of facility, which is a concern. The split layout divided by a road presents challenges for emergency response and evacuation. Lithium battery fires cannot be easily extinguished, needing to burn out on their own which could release hazardous fumes - letting a major fire burn in an urban area is problematic. Everett has dealt with industrial hazards for decades and this feels like history repeating just with new technology. Hickey has openly expressed his reservations to the developers about the size, output and location. He is unaware of any comparably sized projects in other urban settings. Katy Rogers noted Everett's fire stations are significantly older and smaller than surrounding communities. She believes the city needs a 4th station, especially with the casino and other development, as call volumes have increased from around 1000 to over 10,000 annually while still operating with 1940s era infrastructure. Hickey agreed a new station is needed regardless of the battery project. Robert Van Campen asked where the city stood in the approval process and if there was still opportunity for local input. Chief of Staff Erin Devaney explained the state Energy Facilities Siting Board can override local control. The Mayor has written to state authorities objecting to the process and asking for more consideration of local concerns. He believes a project of this size and type is inappropriate for the location and could deter other desirable waterfront redevelopment. If the state does approve, the city will still negotiate mitigation requirements but the administration cannot unilaterally stop the project. Van Campen expressed frustration at the lack of communication to the council about the mayor's opposition before the council was asked to grant local approvals. John Hanlon felt the council was misled by the initial presentation describing a much smaller facility. He asked about the human health impacts of fumes from a catastrophic fire. Hickey said it would depend on the size of the fire and there are many variables. Modeling a worst case scenario is difficult. Hanlon stressed the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan designating routes, safety equipment and procedures. Hickey agreed the location and limited evacuation routes are a major concern. Anthony DiPierro said the economic benefits promoted initially sounded good but safety has to be the top priority. He expressed concern about the state overriding local control and wants to avoid a situation like Encore where a surrounding community agreement was not negotiated. He urged getting clear commitments from the developer if the project does move forward despite concerns. The amended motion to refer the resolution to the mayor and send letters to the legislative delegation and federal officials passed unanimously. MOTION: Refer MOVER: Wayne Matewsky SECONDER: John Hanlon RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Wayne A. Matewsky, second: John F. Hanlon)

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

“17. C0032-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Peter Pietrantonio That Fire Chief Joseph Hickey appear at the next regular city council meeting to see how his first couple of months are going Chief Hickey appeared and stated his first few months have been good, a lot of work to be done but the departent is running well and he is happy to be in the position. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Peter Pietrantonio SECONDER: Robert Van Campen RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Peter Pietrantonio, second: Robert Van Campen)

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

“18. C0033-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Stephanie V. Smith, Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin That the CFO provide an update on the ARPA funds expiring in December and the disbursement to recipients MOTION: Postpone MOVER: Stephanie Martins SECONDER: _ Holly Garcia RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Martins, second: Holly Garcia)

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

“19. C0034-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Stephanie V. Smith, Councilor Robert J. Van Campen That the Director of Health and Human Services and Interim Director of HR appear at the next meeting to provide a status on the efforts to hire new school nurses as funded in 2024 MOTION: Postpone MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: Katy Rogers RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Katy Rogers)

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

“20. C0035-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Stephanie V. Smith, Councilor Robert J. Van Campen That the CFO and Director of Planning provide information on whether the city was able to receive any funding from the state's Affordable Homes Act/Housing Bond Bill Planning Director Matt Lattanzi explained the state's economic development bill including the Affordable Housing Trust Fund contains several categories of funding that will become available via competitive application to municipalities, public housing authorities, nonprofits and in some cases directly to residents. The city has not applied yet as the programs are still being set up, but will likely seek funds for deeply affordable housing development. One key provision is a large increase in state low- income housing tax credits which could help advance local projects like St. Theresa's and 25 Garvey St that rely on those credits. Van Campen asked how residents will be notified of any direct assistance programs available to them. Lattanzi said there is no definitive outreach plan yet but likely social media, flyers, word of mouth and working with the Planning Department as they do for other assistance programs will be used once applications become available. MOTION: Refer Back to Sponsor(s) MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: _ Holly Garcia RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Holly Garcia)

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

“21. C0055-25 Ordinance/s/ Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, & the entire city council An ordinance regulating the demolition of historical structures in the City of Everett Robert Van Campen stated the intent of this ordinance is to preserve historic structures and neighborhood character in the face of rapid redevelopment, particularly "two-families to nine-families" conversions. He moved to amend the ordinance to name the entire City Council as co-sponsors, which Holly Garcia seconded and was approved unanimously. Van Campen then moved to refer the ordinance to the Committee on Legislative Affairs and Elections, and invite the City Solicitor, Inspectional Services Director, City Clerk, Historical Commission members, a Board of Assessors representative and City Planner Matt Lattanzi to attend. MOTION: Refer MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: Stephanie Smith RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Stephanie Smith)

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

“22. C0056-25 Resolution/s/ Councilor Michael K. Marchese, Councilor Robert J. Van Campen That a veterans square be dedicated at the intersection of Main Street & Woodville Street, in the name of Corporal Salvatore F. Sachetta, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and was a former member & President of the Everett Board of Alderman, as well as member of the new Everett City Council. Robert Van Campen noted in addition to Sachetta's decades of service to the city as a councilor and alderman, he was a decorated veteran of the Korean War. Dedicating a square is a fitting honor for his memory. Van Campen moved to refer the resolution to the Director of Veteran Services for action. MOTION: Refer MOVER: Robert Van Campen SECONDER: _ Holly Garcia RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Robert Van Campen, second: Holly Garcia)

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

“23. C0057-25 Order/s/ Councilor Stephanie V. Smith, Councilor Robert J. Van Campen, Councilor Stephanie Martins An Order amending the Everett City Council Rule regarding pre-planned expenses for travel and conference fees Stephanie Smith stated this order is a routine update to Council rules and procedures regarding city council travel expenses and use of city credit cards to optimize benefits. Refer order to Committee on Legislative Affairs & Elections. MOTION: Refer MOVER: Stephanie Smith SECONDER: Robert Van Campen RESULT: Passed [0 TO 0] AYES: NAYS: AWAY:.” (Motion: Stephanie Smith, second: Robert Van Campen)

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

“Meeting adjourned at 10:21 PM MOTION: Adjourn 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 14 (PDF)