Loading...
20220118 City Council Minutes Iq o City of Beverly Regular City Council Meeting Public Meeting Minutes ZOZZ FLJ -3 P b: r�U Tuesday,January 18,2022, 7:OOpm Julie Flowers, City Council President,called the meeting to order at 7:03pm and took the attendance by roll call. Members Present: Hannah Bowen, Kathleen Feldman, Scott Houseman, Todd Rotondo, Matthew St. Hilaire,Brendan Sweeney,Julie Flowers Members Absent: Steven Crowley, Estelle Rand Rotondo led the pledge of allegiance. There was a moment of silence for Harbormaster Dan McPherson. Resolution Order#027-Resolution-Green Future Act(H. 3292), a bill presently before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications,Utilities and Energy of the Massachusetts Legislature. Feldman,Houseman, and Sustainability Director,Erina Keefe read the resolution. Keefe gave an overview of the resolution. Beverly has relied on state programs, like the Green Communities Program,to enable important work that otherwise would be challenging to finance, like all of the energy upgrades at our schools in the past decade. We need a lot more, quickly,to set up the infrastructure needed to transition away from fossil fuels entirely. Resilient Together, the joint climate action and resilience plan with the City of Salem,joins the state in setting goals to halve our carbon emissions by 2030. The administration views the Green Future Act as a meaningful way to mobilize funds and enable cities to do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is not a perfect bill,but we support its advancement through committee at this stage. Keefe stated that after his decade in the statehouse, Mayor Cahill is now comfortable with this bill because he recognizes the significant opportunity for amendments once the bill comes out of committee. Once passed through this stage, the state legislature will have the time and energy to be able to prioritize the refinement of this draft over the next several months. Keefe said that Mayor Cahill plans to advocate to improve this bill and hopes that a strong final bill will win support enough to be passed into law. Keefe stated there is a new informal legislative subcommittee within the Clean Energy Advisory Committee that has been working on researching, vetting,prioritizing and elevating the bills that should be brought to the attention of the administration and the Council. Julia Long, chair of the Clean Energy Advisory Committee, introduced herself and other members and expressed their support. Fred Hopps, member of the Clean Energy Advisory Committee and Legislative Subcommittee Chair, stated that the City can't meet climate goals on its own;we need to have a state effort. He strongly urged the Council to vote in support of the Green Future Act. The motion to approve was made and seconded. Rotondo expressed concerns about the current language of the act and stated the resolution wording seems like the Council is supporting the Green Future Act as is. The beginning of the resolution supports the bill coming out of committee, but the end of the resolution supports the Green Future Act. St. Hilaire stated he is proud of the work Beverly has done on climate change but this seems like a slippery slope. St. Hilaire noted that neither Representative Parisella nor Senator Lovely are supporters listed on the bill and did not come to the meeting tonight for their support. St. Hilaire stated he does not want to undercut their work. It is encouraging that we all think climate change is an important issue. We don't really know what is happening on Beacon Hill and should leave it to Representative Parisella and Senator Lovely. Houseman underscored that it is a non-binding resolution asking the state legislature to continue the work on this bill. Houseman stated he has no doubt it will look different when it actually goes to the legislative process, but he would like to see it reported out of committee so that the legislative body can do their work. It is part of our role as a Council to advocate for our constituents whether it is in the Mayor's Office,to our fellow Councilors or to the state legislators. Feldman stated she views a resolution of this nature, in some ways, as supporting our representatives in doing the work of moving this forward, advocating on behalf of Beverly and going after funding that will benefit Beverly and its constituents. It is a resolution in support of further work to keep this going. A lot of times these things at the state level fall under the "not under our purview"bucket, but there are some things that are so important to our state, city and world, in terms of using whatever small piece of power we have to advocate for items such as this. Bowen stated there is both the content and the process piece. Voting on the resolution is not making an ordinance, but it is a way of thinking about how important expressing our opinion as city government is in moving things along at a state level and letting the state know what the city would like to see moved forward The content is very aligned with what our plans for the city are, like seeing more money come through to local control. We want to see those things happen while understanding that there is still work being done. Bowen stated she would be open to a different version of the resolution. Sweeney expressed his concern about endorsing incomplete legislation and wanting to make sure to keep the focus on the local work in front of the Council. Advocacy work is important and climate change is a crucial issue. Sweeney stated in this specific instance he potentially would support signing off on a letter to Representative Parisella and Senator Lovely but does not feel comfortable with a resolution supporting a piece of state legislature that still needs to be worked out. Councilors recognized the differences in opinion but the thoughtfulness in being able to listen to each other even when disagreeing. There was discussion of crafting a different version of the resolution or an additional resolution, holding the current resolution, or voting on it as is. Hopps stated this is a matter of some urgency because it would be February 2nd that it would come out of committee. If we don't make the statement, it is not a wasted process,but it has more strength if we do it before February 2nd and join the City of Salem as our Resilient Together sister in arms. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (4-3, Rotondo, St. Hilaire and Sweeney opposed). Beverly City Council Mteeting Minutes—January 18,2022 page 2 of 6 A motion to recess was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). The Council meeting recessed at 7:59pm. Flowers called the meeting back to order at 8:03pm. Minutes Regular City Council Meeting, December 20, 2021 Special City Council Meeting, December 29, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting, January 3, 2022 A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Communications from His Honor the Mayor Order#015-Grant-$20,939.99-FY 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant from Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to purchase structural turnout gear and new dryer for the Beverly Fire Department. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Fire Chief Peter O'Connor stated this will be used for six new sets of turnout gear and would be to replace a dryer for the gear. Houseman stated he had visited the central fire station, and there is no question that they need support and new equipment. Now that the police are in new quarters,the City can focus on infrastructure needs of the Fire Department. Order#016-Grant-$163,964-FY22 911 Support and Incentive Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security/Office of Grants and Research to assist public safety dispatch services in providing enhanced 911 service. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Order 9017-Grant-$115,017.54 FY2022 911 Department Training Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security/Office of Grants and Research to be used by the Beverly Police Department for 911 training courses and overtime costs coverage as well as for training meeting space. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Order#018-Earmark-$200,000-Earmark from the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation to be expended to the Parks and Recreation Department for construction to the many parks and recreation spaces in Beverly. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Barrett noted these two earmarks are from ARPA funds and were requested last week. Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—January 18,2022 page 3 of 6 Order 9019-Earmark-$200,000-Earmark from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to be expended for improvements and enhancements to the McPherson Teen Center. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Communications from other City Officers and Boards Order#020-City Clerk-Application for Renewal Amusement License-Beverly-Salem Lodge of Elks, 39 Bow Street. Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs. Order#021-City Clerk-Application for Renewal for a Class 2 Motor Vehicle License-DiBarrios Service Center. Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs. Order 9022-City Clerk-Application for Renewal for two Taxi/Livery Licenses-American Limousine LLC. d/b/a Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation 100 Cummings Center and Tri City Services Inc., 55R Walnut Street, Peabody, MA. Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs. Order#023-Council President Flowers-Amendment of the Rules and Regulations, Rule 19 Order of Business. Referred to Committee on Legal Affairs. Order#024-Councilor Houseman-Letter regarding the Financial Forecast Committee. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Order#028-Councilor Houseman-Financial Forecast FY2022 to FY2026. Referred to Committee on Finance and Property. Communications,Application and Petitions Order#025-Endicott College Campus Projects Update. A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(7-0). Order#026-Ward Two Civic Association-National Grid's Beverly Regional Transmission Reliability Project. A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). The motion to recess for committee work was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). The City Council meeting recessed at 8:17pm. Flowers called the City Council meeting back to order at 8:47pm. Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—January 18,2022 page 4 of 6 Reports from Committees Finance and Property Order#015-Grant-$20,939.99-FY 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant from Mass Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to purchase structural turnout gear and new dryer for the Beverly Fire Department. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(7-0). Order#016-Grant-$163,964-FY22 911 Support and Incentive Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security/Office of Grants and Research to assist public safety dispatch services in providing enhanced 911 service. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order#017-Grant-$115,017.54 FY2022 911 Department Training Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security/Office of Grants and Research to be used by the Beverly Police Department for 911 training courses and overtime costs coverage as well as for training meeting space. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order#018-Earmark-$200,000-Earmark from the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation to be expended to the Parks and Recreation Department for construction to the many parks and recreation spaces in Beverly. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order 9019-Earmark-$200,000-Earmark from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to be expended for improvements and enhancements to the McPherson Teen Center. Houseman asked if earmarks go into the general fund or enterprise fund. Perry stated there is a separate line item earmarked for requirements of the grant. There was discussion about having the YMCA come in to speak to the Council as well as the new ARPA manager. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(7-0). Order 9028-Councilor Houseman-Financial Forecast FY2022 to FY2026. St. Hilaire commended those who worked on it. A motion to receive and place on file was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Legal Affairs Order 9014-Reappointment-David Battistelli and Pam Gougian to Zoning Board of Appeals. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—Januauy 18,2022 page 5 of 6 Order#020-City Clerk-Application for Renewal Amusement License-Beverly-Salem Lodge of Elks, 39 Bow Street. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order#021-City Clerk-Application for Renewal for a Class 2 Motor Vehicle License-DiBarrios Service Center. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order#022-City Clerk-Application for Renewal for two Taxi/Livery Licenses-American Limousine LLC. d/b/a Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation 100 Cummings Center and Tri City Services Inc., 55R Walnut Street, Peabody, MA. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Public Services Order#011-Reappointment-Cathryn Keefe-O'Hare as Trustee of the Beverly Public Library. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order#012-Reappointment-Wayne Miller and Sean Leach to Cable TV Advisory Commission. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Order#013-Reappointment-Bryant Ayles and Darlene Wynne to Beverly Affordable Housing Trust. A motion to approve was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (7-0). Rotondo stated that on Monday, January 24th, from 2-6pm the Ryal Side Civic Association will be holding a vaccination clinic for boosters or first or second shots. Houseman welcomed colleagues to a new term and stated he is looking forward to working together over the next few years. Flowers stated the next regular meeting will be February 7th, and there may be a Legal Affairs Committee meeting next week. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried(7-0). The meeting adjourned at 9:05pm. Beverly City Council Meeting Minutes—January 18,2022 page 6 of 6 Scott D. Houseman-Chair Julie R. Flowers Ci l Matthew J. St. Hilaire - 27 FINANCE AND PROPERTY / CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES Tuesday, January 18, 2022 7:OOPM Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting City Council Chambers 311 Floor, Beverly City Hall 191 Cabot St. Houseman called to order the Finance and Property meeting at 8:19pm. Members present: Julie Flowers, Matthew St. Hilaire, Scott Houseman Sweeney joined the meeting at 8:30pm. Feldman and Bowen joined the meeting at 8:31 pm. Committee of the Whole called to order. Rotondo joined the meeting at 8:33pm. Order Number Date to Committee Description Action Taken Grant-$20,939.99-FY 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant from Mass Executive Office of #015 1/18/2022 Public Safety and Security to purchase structural Approved, 3-0 turnout gear and new dryer for the Beverly Fire Department Grant-$163,964-FY22 911 Support and Incentive Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety #016 1/18/2022 and Security/Office of Grants and Research to Approved, 3-0 assist public safety dispatch services in providing enhanced 911 service Grant-$115,017.54 FY2022 911 Department Training Grant from the Executive Office of Public #017 1/18/2022 Safety and Security/Office of Grants and Research Approved, 3-0 to be used by the Beverly Police Department for 911 training courses and overtime costs coverage as well as for training meeting space Earmark-$200,000-Earmark from the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation to be #018 1/18/2022 expended to the Parks and Recreation Approved, 3-0 Department for construction to the many parks and recreation spaces in Beverly Earmark-$200,000-Earmark from the Executive #019 1/18/2022 Office of Housing and Economic Development to Approved, 3-0 be expended for improvements and enhancements to the McPherson Teen Center #024 1/18/2022 Councilor Houseman-Letter regarding the Hold Financial Forecast Committee #028 1/18/2022 Financial Forecast FY2022 to FY2026 Received and Placed on File, 3-0 The motion to adjourn the Finance and Property meeting was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (3-0). The motion to adjourn the Committee of the Whole was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried unanimously, The meeting adjourned at 8:44pm. IT 7 Estelle M. Rand-Chair Todd C. Rotondo Brendan S. Sweeney LEGAL AFFAIRS / CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE` OF TH4-._W�19 MEETING MINUTES ` Tuesday, January 18, 2022 7:OOPM Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting City Council Chambers V Floor, Beverly City Hall 191 Cabot St. Rotondo called to order the Legal Affairs meeting at 8:20pm. Members present: Todd Rotondo and Brendan Sweeney Order Number Date to Committee Description Action Taken #014 1/3/2022 Reappointment-David Battistelli and Pam Gougian Approved, 2-0 to Zoning Board of Appeals City Clerk-Application for Renewal Amusement #020 1/18/2022 License-Beverly-Salem Lodge of Elks, 39 Bow Approved, 2-0 Street #021 1/18/2022 City Clerk-Application for Renewal for a Class 2 Approved, 2-0 Motor Vehicle License-Di Barrios Service Center City Clerk-Application for Renewal for two Taxi/Livery Licenses-American Limousine LLC. #022 1/18/2022 d/b/a Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation 100 Approved, 2-0 Cummings Center and Tri City Services Inc., 55R Walnut Street, Peabody, MA #023 1/18/2022 Council President Flowers-Amendment of the Hold Rules and Regulations, Rule 19 Order of Business The motion to adjourn the Legal Affairs meeting was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (2-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:29pm. Kathleen M. Feldman-Chair Hannah L. Bowen Steven M. Crowley PUBLIC SERVICES / CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES Tuesday, January 18, 2022 7:OOPM Within the Confines of the City Council Meeting City Council Chambers 311 Floor, Beverly City Hall 191 Cabot St. Feldman called the meeting to order at 8:20pm. Members present: Kathleen Feldman and Hannah Bowen Order Number Date to Committee Description Action Taken #011 1/3/2022 Reappointment-Cathryn Keefe-O'Hare as Trustee Approve 2-0 of the Beverly Public Library Reappointment-Wayne Miller and Sean Leach to Approve 2-0 #012 1/3/2022 Cable TV Advisory Commission pp #013 1/3/2022 Reappointment-Bryant Ayles and Darlene Wynne Approve 2-0 to Beverly Affordable Housing Trust The motion to adjourn was made and seconded. A vote was taken, and the motion carried (2-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.