All right. >> All right. Please rise 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, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. >> Thank you everyone and welcome to the first regular council meeting of the year. Um Mr. Clerk, could you please call the role of the members? Council Taylor >> here. >> Councelor Rupo >> here. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera
>> present. >> Councelor Hines >> here. >> Council Tari Garcia >> present. >> Council Tesh >> present. >> Councelor Kelly Garcia >> present. >> Councelor Santig >> present. >> Councelor De Jesus >> present. >> Councelor Brown is absent. And councelor
Robinson >> here. 10 members present. You have a quorum. Mr. President. I'd just like to quickly highlight that councelor Brown is away uh for bereavement uh after having lost his aunt. So our thoughts are with him in this difficult time for him and his family. Uh so next we will
move on to memorials and celebratory resolutions. First we have a um resolution for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Mr. Clerk, >> first item resolution for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Whereas the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was born January
15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, attended segregated public schools before enrolling at Morehouse College and was ordained in the Christian ministry, becoming associate pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. And whereas while pursuing a doctorate of philosophy degree at Boston University, Dr. King
met Kretta Scott, a fellow civil rights activist, and they married on June 18th, 1953. And whereas after serving as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. King returned to Atlanta to head the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, famously leading the Montgomery bus
boycott for 381 days in protest of the arrest of Rosa Parks in the segregation of the bus system, during which time he was arrested and his homebombed. And whereas during the march on Washington DC in August 28th, 1963, he delivered his famous I have a dream speech from
the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. And whereas between 1957 and 1968, Dr. Dr. King traveled over 6 million miles, spoke more than 2500 times, wrote books and articles supporting efforts to end segregation and injustice, and was a awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
And whereas after dedicating his life to securing the fundamental principles of justice and liberty for all, and preaching a doctrine of nonviolence and civil disobedience to combat discrimination, racial injustice, and segregation, Dr. King was assassinated while standing on the balcony of a motel
room in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4th, 1968. Now therefore, it be a result that the Chelsea City Council recognizes January 19th, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the city of Chelsea and pledges to advance the legacy of Dr. King so that as he hoped, one day this
nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed that we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Do I have a motion? Do we need councelor Dash?
>> Uh I move to adopt the resolution and if I could say a couple of words. >> Absolutely. Go ahead. >> Um in the difficult times that we're living at the moment, you know, we see the clear reflection of the struggle that um Dr. Martin Luther King fought
for. Um we are seeing a lot of movements of people trying to um implement civil disobedience as we move forth trying to find some way of giving peace to the families that are being separated by the
current administration. And I just hope that just as the dream for MLK turned true where we were able to go beyond the laws that oppressed people, now we can move forth and also find a way to also
overcome and provide some peace for our families. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Councelor Sagate. >> Um, thank you, President. Um uh as a teacher of young children, I had the honor of
um giving the kids a lot of information about Dr. King, about civil rights, about protest music. And I can tell you now that they
were so devastated even at age seven and eight about what was going on during the movement, what happened to Dr. King. And I can also say that even at a young young age, there was no hate in their
hearts. So, we really need to continue to educate because that is what will set that hate free. And so, um, in honor of Dr. King, I I can say that his words
meant a lot to my students and we need to continue to, uh, respectfully and peacefully resist. >> Thank you, counselor. Any other counselors? Councelor Robinson and then councelor Rupurra. Actually,
I was in Washington when he gave the speech at the Lincoln Memorial uh with friends. And for those who may not know, he did spend a lot of time uh in Boston at uh BEu. That's where he met his wife,
Loretta, uh here in the Boston um area. And I'll always have a connection to Martin Luther King because he actually got killed on my birthday on April 4th. And I had an opportunity um to bring my
daughter to Memphis to visit the Lraine Hotel to see the where he was killed. And there was an elderly lady who lived out there outside year round to turn that into a work development center
which is now a museum in Tennessee. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Rookar. >> Um my fellow counselor me and him as the old ones here. So me and him is probably the only ones that actually remember how when he died and what he did and uh was
a great thing. It changed the way life is today and I hope it progresses and it becomes even more better than it is and more people can get along with each other and they can all stop the racism and everything that happens because it's a bad thing. So for me and Mr. Robinson
which we were there at that time it's a good we seen how much it progressed in the way it used to be and what it is today. So thank him very much for what he did for all the people not just African-Americans for the all of us. We
all learn from him. >> Thank you counselor counselor Terra Garcia. >> So um a little fun fact um Dr. Martin Luther King visited Puerto Rico on many occasions and um the Young Lords are
were a group in New York who fought for um human rights and Dr. Martin Luther King was very inspirational to our people and always fought for love and
respect and you know he he holds a big piece in our history but a lot of it is untold. So, um, I advise people to read up on the Young Lords and the history of Martin Luther King visiting and and
being close to to many others who also fight for for their rights. So, >> thank you, counselor. Anybody else? All right, councelor. >> It's Thank you, um, Council President, the organizer. Let me just be remiss if
I don't acknowledge and um uplift um what our counselor Saggate shared that education will live within our streets. Whether they continue to get ripped out of our schools, we as a community have to keep it alive and continue to educate
our young generations the power of organizing and no better person than Dr. King, right? Um with his legacy. So, thank you. That's all. Thank you. All right, moving on to our second resolution on National Slavery
and Human Traffick and Prevention Month. Mr. Click, whereas human trafficking, including both forced labor and sex trafficking, not only represent a threat to international peace and security, but also undermine the rule of law, rob millions of their dignity and freedom,
and enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, threatening public safety and national security. And whereas there are an estimated 27.6 6 million people, adults and children, currently subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States, with a disproportionate impact on racial and
ethnic minorities, women and girls, LGBTQ plus individuals, vulnerable migrants, and other historically marginalized and underserved communities. And whereas the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 enshrined into law the United States's commitment to combating human trafficking
domestically and internationally. And whereas in 2010, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. And every year since, each president has followed that tradition. And whereas today, while
there are 178 parties to the United Nations Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, we continue to witness traffickers exploit people in the United States and around the world. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Chelsea City Council recognizes January 2026 as National Slavery and
Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the city of Chelsea, calls upon all businesses, community- based organizations, communities of faith, families, and residents to recognize the vital role we play in combating human trafficking and reaffirm our commitment to protect and empower survivors of all
forms of human trafficking as we all strive to bring an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk, do I have a motion? >> Oh, hang on. Hang on. We're still We're still in the resolution. Councelor Taylor, >> I'll move to uh adopt under suspension.
If there's no objections, I'd like to speak on it. >> Go ahead. >> So, I want to thank uh the president for bringing forth this uh resolution. this this is actually um a bigger problem than anybody here
recognizes. And I think that uh it's it's it's one of the it's one of the things that uh all of us need to try to understand and
and and put pressure on uh our leaders to actually uh try to get this uh under control. And you know, the the the misery of
especially children that are that are uh trafficked is is is unbelievable. And I think uh I think if uh anyone did or did not see the movie Cry Freedom, it talked about uh that and
showed the uh the predicament of how kids are stolen and then trafficked. And it's it's it's it is a abomination and I think it's something that we we really need to uh take seriously and
combat. I I ran into the police chief today at Market Basket and I mentioned this resolution. He said we have that's a problem in this city. So I I would just like to raise the
awareness of of of this problem because it does exist and it exists. Um we we have a lot of really bad stuff. If you pull pull back the roll over the log, you're going to see a lot of critters
underneath there. So, let's let's let's all try to uh this is one thing that we can all agree on, I think, and and I think we ought to work together to uh to encourage more action on this. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Any other comments?
>> Right. Um, I also after the MLK, I just want to mention really quickly an announcement for the uh the People's AM Church will be hosting their MLK celebration on Monday. Um, breakfast is at 9:00 a.m. and the program will begin at 10:15 at the Clark AB School.
Just confirm. Yep. At the Clark AB school. So, thank you. Anybody else? Great. We're moving on to public hearing. We have none today. Um actually councelor recuper would you like to >> go ahead? >> Absolutely. And that would be orders
um 2601 2602 and 2603. Any objections? Seeing none. Uh Mr. Clerk. First item introduced by councelor Ruparo regarding a home rule petition exempting income eligible senior owner occupied homes in the city of Chelsea
from property tax. Whereas chapter 59 section 5 of Massachusetts general law has several tax exemptions for seniors. And whereas the city of Chelsea has found that the city is experiencing an unfathomable increase in property values and current senior exemptions are not sufficient to allow owner occupied
seniors to pay their property tax. Now therefore be it ordered that a petition to the general court accompanied by a bill for a special law relating to the city of Chelsea be filed with an attested copy of this order be and hereby is approved under clause 1 section 8 article 2 as amended of the
amendments of the constitution of the commonwealth of Massachusetts provided that the legislature may reasonably vary the form and substance of the requested legislation within scope of the general public objectives of the petition. The petition reading as follows. Notwithstanding the number of property
tax exemptions for the elderly under chapter 59 section five of Mass General Law, the city of Chelsea may exempt all property tax for elderly homeowners, provided that the elderly homeowners are aged 65 and older with an annual income of $65,000 or less or a combined income
of $100,000 or less for married couples and reside in the property. Income eligibility to be determined by the city assessor. >> I adopt under suspension and objection I'd like to send at the subcommittee on the elderly. um to move move to a subcommittee on the elderly. Any
objections? Right. Seeing none. So moved. Next order introduced by councelor Rupuro. Ordered that the city manager direct the city clerk to provide the city council a report detailing the number of commercial and residential vehicles registered in the city of
Chelsea over the past two years. I thought Dr. suspension is an objection. >> Seeing none, uh, you'd like to speak on it or else? >> Okay. Yes, I I'll speak on it briefly if it's okay. Um, we have a parking problem
in our city. So, we want to exact I it's it's a good thing to figure out how much cars we actually have in this city. How many cars that are registered here? How many cars that are commercials that are given stickers to park in our street? So
they say that the parking problem isn't increased. Well, here's a way to figure it out. But in the last two years, is it increased or decreased? I believe that it's increased. So by asking this information, we would exactly know how many cars there is and how much parking
spots we really have. So when you we build future development, we'll put that into consideration that that that's what that what's there that we have parking problems. >> Thank you, councelor. >> Right. Seeing no other comments, moving on to the next item. >> Final order introduced by councelor
Rupo. Order that the city manager inquire from the neighborhood developers as to how many residents of 170 Cottage Street, 256th Street, and Park and Pearl Development were Chelsea residents prior to their tenency and these respective developments. and report back to the city council. As such,
>> I'd like to adopt under the suspension of an objection. >> Seeing none. Thank you, councelor. >> Moving back to the regular order of business. >> Public speaking. >> Public speaking. Anybody here? Thank you so much. Um, please state uh
your name and your address and you have four minutes. Thank you. >> Please, please turn on you press the button on the right. Here we go. >> Thank you. >> Uh Teresa Cherrapikica 21 Prospect A and sorry I'm here because I have a
complaint. I've been trying for two days to get a resident parking sticker. My car is 2020. So it means I had a I have a sticker. I have actually two of them on my car right now for the last two years. I was here Friday. I came in this
afternoon and I applied and basically my car is registered in the city of Chelsea. I have a license. I've been living at my house since 1973. I've been voting for many years. And sorry, I can't we can't give you a sticker because it says that my car is
reg uh garageed in Chelsea with no specific address. So, and that's that's the same issue. I mean, that's been on my registration for years. And I even try to show them like my car is in my driveway.
And then I've shown it two uh stickers for the last two years. Sorry. And trying to get uh that change. My registration doesn't expire till June of this year. Why should I pay for I lose uh six months worth of registration by
re redoing that registration? On top of that, the city has given me a a resident permit for years. I mean, it's a it's a resident. It's not vehicle resident sticker. It's for a resident and it it
says in Chelsea. I mean, if it's in Chelsea, I can garage it anywhere in the city. I don't need to specify and I'm having trouble. So, that's why I want to complain since they change it. And I know um uh there's parking can't park 12
to 6 at 12:00 a.m. to 5 and that's because of the city of Everett. I live on on the border and people used to cross over and park in Chelsea when we didn't have a restriction and they started doing the restrictions. So, I'm just trying to see whether the uh information changed on the parking
sticker, which I don't know. I've had it for years. So, that's my complaint. Thank you. >> Thank you. And just uh just to make sure uh the council cannot respond to public comment, but we will follow up with you after the meeting and you can follow up with the city manager as well, please.
Good afternoon or good evening rather. For me it's still noon time. I've been working all day like you guys. So my name is Justenni Al Faro. Many of you know me 12 high street. I'm here as a homeowner and I would like to get more information on the homeowners
um expansion program. I don't know if I'm calling it the right name. Uh, but this program I know is being developed uh in the city of Chelsea, but also in the state of Massachusetts. As a homeowner, I would like to have more information as a longtime resident. And
I know many homeowners, seniors, and others that has spent most of their lifetime here in the city of Chelsea. would like to continue to remain in the city of Chelsea and would like to continue to grow our families with this growing
uh rapid growing uh population of a lot of houses that are popping everywhere. Every time I drive, I see a lot of big buildings popping up and it has the issues that we then have no parkings. Um that being said, I would like to just uh
get more information on how what exactly are the eligibility criterias for the homeowners expansion program. What type of assistance or benefits for these programs are being offered? What outreach is being done to homeowners like myself? What documentations do we
require? At this point, I really would like to put it on your hands as a city council to uh on your coffee hours if you can come around in the city. And I do make myself available as a really longtime resident that um
work uh are in this community. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Seeing no other public comment, um I will now close uh public speaking.
Thank you so much. Uh and now we'll move on to approval of the minutes. Uh we have the minutes of December 15th, 2025 and the minutes of January 5th, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> Move to approve the minutes if there are no objections. >> Um would you like to do both uh
together? >> Both together. Yes. >> So uh motion to approve the minutes of December 15th. uh 2025 regular meeting and the minutes of January 5th, 2026 special meeting. Uh seeing no objections, seeing none, uh the motion carries. Uh
next we will move on to communications from the city manager. Um first we have a communication uh responding to council order 25133. Mr. Clerk, >> dear councilors, I am writing in response to council order 25133 requesting that members of the city council be given a parking pass to the
city hall lot. I have confirmed with our city clerk and director of constituent services that we are able to issue city hall parking lot passes to city councilors. Please note that this permit is not valid at parking meters or 30 minute parking spots reserved for quick city hall business. We would be happy to
process these at your convenience. Thank you for your support. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Do I have a motion on the order to adopt >> accept the file? >> To accept the file. All right. Um, seeing no objections,
so moved. Next, we have a communication received from city manager uh responding to council order on community preservation act funding, order 25134. Mr. Clerk, >> dear counselors, I'm writing in response to council order 25134, requesting an update on the community preservation act
funding between November 2024 and November 2025, CPC reviewed and recommended. Mr. President, I'd like to move a motion to wave the rest of the reading seeing as uh council recuper already moved it out of order and just accept and file. There are no
objections. >> I believe he he had received the information is what he had told me. Um but yeah, so so thank you for moving it out of order and um any objections to waving the reading and adopt and accepting the communication. >> Seeing none, uh so moved.
Moving on to um communication from the city manager on council order 25135, the neighborhood fund. Mr. Clerk, >> dear counselors, I'm writing in response to council order 25135 requesting an update on the neighborhood improvement fund. The neighborhood improvement fund was established in 2007 between the city
of Chelsea and Eastern Minerals. The terms of the agreement are outlined in the memorandum of agreement attached for council's reference. The MOA established the creation of Port Park and gives our residents access to the property while keeping responsibility of maintenance with Eastern Minerals. Port Park is an
amazing asset to the Waterfront District. I am happy to share the great news that the city's annual gala will be held July 9th, 2026 at Port Park and is being graciously supported by Eastern Minerals. At this gala, we will announce this year's winners of the All Chelsea Awards and we hope to be celebrating our
fourth victory at the All-American City Award competition. The neighborhood fund was assessed in 2019 when the city received $36,000 that partially funded improvements. Mr. >> President, I move to wave the rest of the reading and accept the communications if there are no objections.
>> Seeing no objections, so moved. Next, we have a communication from the uh city manager request for city council date for state of city address. Mr. Dear councilors, I am writing to request that the city council allow time for the city manager's annual state of the city
address at your February 9th, 2026 meeting. We are very excited to share our accomplishments in 2025 and more importantly, our shared vision for 2026. We will also share a snapshot of the city's finances, critical as we start our FY2027 budget. Finally, we are also
incredibly excited to update our residents on our comprehensive master plan, Chelsea Palante, which will also officially wrap up in 2026. We are incredibly grateful to the city council's support in 2025 and we are steadfast in our shared and commitment to continue improving the lives of all of our residents.
>> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Do I have a motion? >> Accept and follow communication on a suspension and then no objections. >> Thank you, councelor. Seeing no objections, uh so moved. Next, we have a uh communication from the city manager on Chelsea's letter of intent for the All-America City Awards for 2026. Mr.
clerk. >> Dear councilors, I am writing to share that the city of Chelsea has formally submitted a letter of intent to the National Civic League expressing our commitment to apply for the 2026 All-America City Award. Our team has already begun work on the full application which is due at the end of February. This national recognition
program celebrates communities that demonstrate inclusive civic engagement, collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact. Values that deeply reflect the work we do every day in Chelsea. We will be anchoring our application around three core initiatives that exemplify the strength and spirit of our community. Chelsea
Police Department's community trust building efforts, highlighting our commitment to public safety through transparency, relationship building, and meaningful engagement with residents. Chelsea's food distribution and food security efforts, which showcase our citywide collaboration to ensure access to food, and support for residents
facing food insecurity. and Chelsea's youth programs and cradle to career initiatives reflecting our long-standing investment in young people through coordinated efforts that support long-term success. These initiatives tell our story, a story rooted in partnership, resilience, and trust. The
Chelsea Way is the entire community working collaboratively to improve the lives of all of our residents. We are very excited to shine. >> Mr. President, I'd move to wave the rest of the reading um and accept and file the communication under suspension if there are no objections. Seeing no
objections, so moved and hoping for Chelsea to go back to back championships. All right, moving on to uh communication from the city manager. An invitation to the community meeting on parking for new developments. Mr. Clerk, dear counselors, I'm writing to invite you to attend a public meeting and community
conversation on parking requirements for new development in Chelsea. The meeting will take place Tuesday, January 13th at 6 p.m. at the senior center. Many communities across the Commonwealth are rethinking traditional regulatory parking minimums. Cities like Chelsea are allowed the market to propose parking ratios that are appropriate for
their specific. >> Mr. President, I move to wave the rest of the communications if there are no objections. >> Seeing no objections. Uh so moved. >> I'd like a moment to speak if that's okay. >> Yep. Please go ahead. Councelor Dus. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And so I just want for the public to understand this
meeting is tomorrow um at the senior center at 6 pm. An opportunity for us to talk about two very very important topics in our community, housing and parking. The topics that we see the most in this chamber. I hope that we can all
gather and and really, you know, thoroughly talk together, share with the city councilors, the city manager and departments the vision that we have, but also be very specific about the realities on the ground right now when it comes to these two topics. Thank you.
>> Thank you, counselor. >> Anybody else? All right. Uh councelor Hines, please. >> Um I'd just like to reiterate what um councelor de Jesus mentioned. Um, but also, you know, keep in mind that another meeting like this should
hopefully take place as this is a very short notice to recommend for people to show up to a meeting that is as important as this one tomorrow. So hopefully this can be an ongoing conversation and another meeting can take place to give the community more time to coordinate their schedules.
>> Thank you, councelor. I believe the city has been communicating out this before as well, but much appreciated and thank you for sharing that as well. All right. Uh, councelor Garcia and then councelor Robinson. >> Quick followup question. Will the notes from the meeting be shared with the
counselors? >> Believe we need to suspend the rules if we would like to ask a question of the city manager. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. Can I make a motion to suspend the rules to ask the city manager? >> Do I see any objections? >> Right. Seeing no objections, Mr. Manager.
>> Thank you. Thank you so much. Yeah, this this is going to be the start of of of of many conversations. So, uh uh point taken. In in fact, we applied for a grant from the MAPC to do a series of four workshops. So, there's no ask of of the council
right now. There is no uh no ask of the community. Basically, what we're doing is is is having a conversation with parking. It's going to start right now. Um uh we have uh four panelists that are going to come and and share basically their experiences in Salem in in in uh
uh in Lynn in Boston. Um but it it is the start of a conversation. Uh uh it will be televised uh on Facebook live and will be recorded by Chelsea Community Cable and posted on the website and of course we will share the presentation with the city council.
>> Thank you, Mr. Manager. Uh, Council Robinson, >> there's also a zoning board meeting tomorrow night in regards to Caruso's tuxedo place where they want to develop 60 some odd units on that possible land
and I know people have reached out to me talking about it. They're concerned about what's going to happen there. So, I just want to inform the council that's taking place. >> Thank you, counselor. Any other speakers? Seeing none, uh, moving on to appointments to boards and commissions.
>> Dear councilors, pursuant to section 4-2 of the charter of the city of Chelsea, I'm writing to recommend the following individuals to boards and commissions in the city. For appointment to the affordable housing trust fund board, Mr. Nicholas Libby, for appointment to the planning board, Mr. Hamza Abdul, and
appointment to the cultural council, Miss Kimberly Rzolo of Chelsea. I respectfully request your approval of these appointments. I've attached a resume for new appointees. >> Do I have a motion, >> Mr. Mr. President, I move that um these appointments be moved to the second reading. >> Thank you, councelor. Seeing no
objections. Uh so moved. And just a quick reminder for uh new counselor, um all appointments to boards and commissions have to go to a second reading. Uh next we move on to approval for department to pay prior year expenses. Um wait.
Yep. This is a communication from the city manager. Uh thank uh Mr. Clerk. Dear councilors, I am writing to request approval for the Department of Public Works and Emergency Management to make payments on prior year expenses using their FY26 budgets. The invoices are for service calls related to building maintenance, for outstanding fees with
Verizon, and for outstanding charges for electrical usage from Eversource. The two service calls are for minor repairs completed in city hall. The vendor did not bill for these service calls for several months and missed the fiscal year cutoff. The Verizon bills resulted from copper lines that are no longer
needed and have been cancelled. The Eversource invoices are a result of their complicated billing structure where the city has miss has over 80 individual accounts. Over the years, DPW has lost track of some of these accounts and missed payments and Eversource has misapplied payments on their end. Eversource has agreed to consolidate all
billing into five accounts which will be much easier to manage going forward. The request is to get DPW caught up with all their Eversource accounts. From time to time, municipal agencies are unable to effectuate payments to a vendor in the year that the goods or services are provided. When such instances occur, the
city council must approve the payments from the current year's budget. >> Mr. President, move to wave the rest uh of the reading and accept the communications. If there are no objections, there will be something coming up under new business. >> Seeing no objections, uh so moved. Thank you. Uh moving on to the communication
from the city manager uh on request for zoning amendment on accessory dwelling units. Mr. Clerk. >> De councilors. I am writing to request the city council adopt a proposed zoning amendment to establish regulations for accessibility dwelling units or ADUs in Chelsea through the affordable homes act
of 2024. The state require that all single family residential zoning districts allow ADUs by right and set the minimum regulations for the development. Since Chelsea currently does not have our own zoning regulations for ADUs, any proposal is subject to the state's minimum requirements. The
attached amendment establishes regulations that fit within the context of Chelsea to support the state's goal for edu development. While any >> Mr. President, I move to wave the rest of the reading. If there are no objections, I'd like to speak on it. >> Seeing no objections. Uh so moved and uh
please go ahead. >> I'm quite happy at seeing the communication from the city manager. I'm hoping that we can get uh the regulations in place so that people can start um creating and building their ADUs knowing that, you know, we're struggling with meeting the amount of housing that this city requires. Um so
this is going to help us uh you know, be able to use all that um open space that uh it's going to go to some very needed families. Um so I'm very excited to see it. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Any other speakers? Seeing none. Um so moved.
Next we have the request for establishing the revolving fund for 55 Hard Street. Uh Mr. Clerk. >> Dear councilors, I am writing to request the city council establish a revolving fund for 55 Hz Street. This request is pursuant to section 53E1-2
of chapter 44 of the general laws of the Commonwealth to support the operation and long-term sustainability of a city-owned affordable housing property located at 55 Herd Street. The city is in the process of acquiring 55 Herz Street, a six-unit residential building that will serve as a city's affordable
housing pywood initiative. Rental income generated from the units will be deposited directly into this revolving fund. Expenses associated with the property will be paid from the revolving fund. This includes property management service. Mr. >> President, I would ask to wave to the rest of the reading and accept and file
the communication under suspension. If there are no objections, there will be something coming up under new business. >> Seeing no objections, uh, so moved. Moving on to the next item. Actually, um, councelor Garcia, did you >> uh, can I make a motion to move my order
out of order simply because I'm not feeling too well and I'm going to step out a little early. >> This would be the um the communication on the Chelsea public schools indicators of success. Uh yes, that would be 26 CL1. Um
all right, u Mr. Clerk. Uh sorry, seeing no objections. Great. No objections. U go ahead. >> The communication received from councelor Kelly Garcia reported Chelsea public schools indicated as a success for December of 2025. I'd like to make a motion to um quickly
speak on it if there are no objections. >> Accept and file. >> Accept and file and to quickly speak on it. Um if there are no objections. >> Seeing no objections. >> The team before you, you have the indicators of success for the month of December. A couple of highlights are
that our dropout rate is much lower this time than it was last year. And so shout out to the Chelsea High School team for really giving it their all to support our students during these difficult times. Um I will continue to submit
monthly reports um about our schools. >> Any questions? >> Thank you. >> Seeing no questions. Thank you counselor and hope you feel better. All right. Coming back to regular order. Uh, next up we have the request to transfer funds
from free cash to stabilization accounts. Communication from the city manager. Mr. Clerk, >> day councilors, I'm running to formally request the transfer of funds from the city certified free cash balance into our stabilization accounts in accordance with prudent fiscal management practices that have been historically served. The
city of Chelsea will the city of Chelsea was fortunate to have $ 32.4 million in free cash for fiscal year 2025 as certified by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue in November of 2025. This substantial amount is largely due to a very positive return on our investments and a strong collection of
excise tax particularly from vehicle registration. While this is a favorable financial outcome is important to recognize that these sources of revenue are not guaranteed to remain at such high levels in the future. The favorable returns on our investments are primarily due to high interest rates currently set
by the Federal Reserve. As we are all aware, these rates are unlikely to persist for much longer and we must plan accordingly. Initially, our excise tax revenues are dependent on the number of vehicles registered within the city, particularly those related to businesses that rely on the operation of Logan
Airport. Given the unpredictability of these factors, we must act now to safeguard the city's long-term financial health. Therefore, I am requesting the Chelsea City Council authorize the transfer of $7 million into our general stabilization fund and $3 million into our school capital stabilization fund.
These transfers will help replenish these essential stabilization accounts which have provided the city with the flexibility to weather financial downturns in the past. Maintaining healthy stabilization funds is critical to ensure that Chelsea continues to have strong fiscal foundation and these
transfers are a responsible and necessary step to achieve that goal. With these transfers, the remaining balance will be more than sufficient for the city to cover both free cash allocations in the FY27 CIP at 8.197 million and any additional FY26 deficits
that may arise before the end of the fiscal year. Attached to the letter, you will find draft council orders to accomplish the transfer. Our administration is ready to answer any questions the city council might have on this matter. Thank you for your ongoing support. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Do I have a motion? >> Accept the follow communications. Some
will be coming up on the new business. >> Thank you, Council Robinson. Moving on to free cash requests. Mr. Clerk, >> dear councilors, I am writing to follow up on the November notification provided to you that the Massachusetts Department of Revenue has certified free cash for
the city at the close of fiscal year 2025 as follows. General fund 32,380,414. Sewer enterprise fund at $6,161,42. Water of Enterprise Fund in the amount of $4,499,757 is reserved. >> Mr. President, I move to wave the rest
of the reading. If there are no objections, that'll be coming up on uh something on new business. Um, alternatively, if the clerk could also just read the purpose and the amount that would also help the uh the name of the money that's being allocated to.
>> So, just just the headers. Seeing no objections. Thank you, Mr. uh councelor Tesh. Mr. Buildings and grounds. Building maintenance in the amount of $50,000. Buildings and grounds overtime in the amount of $30,000. Streets and sidewalks overtime in the amount of $110,000.
Water and sewer overtime in the amount of 30,000. Police details in the amount of 30,000. Uh part-time communication and automotive intern salary in the amount of 25,000. Electronic vehicle charging electric costs 75,000. Ever source pass due balances in the
amount of $48,4755. Symposium fire computer aided dispatch software in the amount of $21,500. Downtown Broadway holiday decorations in the amount of $30,000. Legal services in the amount of $25,000. Uh recreation part-time salaries in the amount of
15,000. FIFA World Cup community events in the amount of 125,000. Community events in the amount of 25,000. and new growth marketing campaign in the amount of 25,000. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. And councelor Tesh's order uh accept and filed, right?
Okay. So, we're all set on that one. Um moving on to the request to appropriate funds from the overlay reserve fund for 55 Hz Street purchase. Uh Mr. Clerk, >> dear council, pursuant to Mass General Law, chapter 59, section 25, I am writing to respectfully request that the
city council appropriate $2 million from the overlay reserve fund. In accordance with the statute, I requested the board of assessors to transfer $2 million from the overlay reserve fund. This request was approved by the board December 16th, 2025. The $2 million will be used to
purchase 55 Herd Street. The sixunit residential property is an opportunity to expand deeply affordable familysiz housing in our community. The city council and our community were loud and clear that the city must do whatever it can to preserve and protect affordable housing for Chelsea's families. This is
a particularly unique opportunity as the home is in receiverhip. If the city does not purchase the property, it will be auctioned and will be purchased by the highest bidder. We anticipate that lessons learned from this pilot will inform future housing strategies and help the city establish a replicable
model for maintaining long-term affordability in Chelsea. >> Mr. President, I move to wave the rest of the reading if there are no objections. Um, and if I could squeeze in a couple words. >> Seeing no objections. Go ahead, counselor. >> Um, I think it's a good initiative for
the city to pilot a program where, um, the city owns a property and, you know, we're able to provide some assistance to some needed families. Um, after some conversations with other counselors, you know, we're hoping that this is going to be a very open forum where, you know, we
all take part in the development of the pilot program so that, you know, we can we can at least tackle some foreseeable uh dangers with doing this because it's not going to be an easy task. Um but nonetheless, you know, props to us for u jumping on this. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, counselor. Anybody else? Councelor De Jesus and then councelor Taylor. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I echo the words of my fellow counselor here and I just um I want to share over the weekend, we heard from all of our departments during our retreat. Some of
our fellow counselors also mentioned the importance of having our workforce development be tied into these properties. Right? We're talking about six units. Correct me if I'm wrong. Right? But these are six units that we can hold long term. However, they shouldn't be long-term to a specific
individual family. They should be long-term for rotating families. Once they get back on their feet with the right services, we can ensure that that unit is then available for the next family in need. And so starting with six, but as our um councelor Teshi mentioned, hoping that this pilot goes
well and we can continue to build more of this to make sure that we are once again not pouring money into these other entities to house families for a week or two, but actually having transitional housing for when families fall through the cracks, we have an actual safety net for them.
>> Thank you, councelor. Counselor Taylor. Yeah, I just wanted to uh say that I think that uh a lot of times in Chelsea we're guilty of uh people trying to reinvent the wheel um over and over again, different people doing the same
thing. Um, I think it's important with especially with affordable housing that we have a um an actual plan to deal with affordable housing and all the issues that come with it. Um, I
know that uh there's going to be changes. There are new models that are coming up that the state wants to get behind the the the development of the Chelsea Housing Authority units in Prattville is the is
the next uh uh project that kind of deals with this this this problem. My point is is that I think there's a bigger conversation that needs to happen as far as how we can really be
more efficient in what we do and the dollars that we spend to get the appropriate number of housing units and not just you know uh money here, money there, money everywhere to do the same
thing. So I I just I want us to be smart about how we go about achieving this goal. I think everybody here agrees that that affordable housing as a necessity. Um
I just want to go about it in a smart uh uh way so that we can respect the taxpayers that are actually paying for it. Thank you. >> Councelor Hines >> permission to ask the city manager a clarifying question. Uh, so you need to move to suspend the rules.
>> I'd like to move to suspend the rules to ask the city manager. >> Absolutely. Uh, any objections from council? Seeing none, uh, Mr. Manager, >> we had a retreat um on Saturday, this past Saturday, discussing this
particular um, purchase. Um, and there was a reference to how much money that was being spent prior to making this decision to purchase this um, property. Could you clarify that a little bit? >> Yeah, I mean I I think this is a topic
that comes up a lot. Um where so just to give the council a little background on this property, uh 55 Hz Street was uh was uh put in receiverhip. Um uh because it was a property that was in in really poor condition. Um and uh
at the end of receiverhip essentially the the receiver uh moves to auction the property, right? So, so what would happen is uh uh the the property would be auctioned and it's open to anybody, right? And and and the highest bidder uh
then owns that property, right? Um what we have heard a lot is is that um a lot of homes here in Chelsea that have been historically affordable uh um essentially are put on the market and and and and are allowed to be bid in the open market, right? And and that then
the result is not affordable housing, right? So, so this is something that that we have heard at this podium a lot. We have heard out in the community a lot. So, so uh what we are doing is is our team uh uh essentially has an opportunity here to change the narrative, right? To to to basically say
we we are at a fork in the road with this one property, right? We can choose to say this is not for us, right? and and this is essentially is going to go follow the path of of all the other properties which is it goes to auction and then it's bought by by someone who
who who can do whatever they like because it's their property at that point or the city can can intervene right can step in and buy this property and and um and and set it aside basically for affordable housing. So so
the the there is a little bit of of a time uh crunch here. the the the property uh is is with the receiver right now. Um and and uh the receiver essentially has to make a choice, right? It's either uh it goes to auction or or it doesn't, right? And if it doesn't, it
it means that the city has to step into to to buy it. Um so so obviously if if the city council does not approve this appropriation, the city will not buy it, right? And and and then it will go on the path of of auction, right? uh uh and
the city is not involved in in that process. Um uh the point that was made uh on Saturday is that as councelor Taylor correctly indicated we we are doing a lot to support our residents with
regards to uh um uh raft with regards to uh uh uh you know uh helping residents that are in need of of eviction services. Uh and uh one one specific fund that was used tremendously in that
was was ARPA, right? So so in in the ARPA rep reports that the city council had received uh um the city uh spent about $6 million basically in in providing rental assistance rental assistance. So So uh it is a decision
before the council, right? uh uh whether or not uh this is a path that we want the city to to uh to go on it. It is complicated. Absolutely. We don't have all the answers, right? And it and we are being very clear in that this is a
pilot uh program that that allows the city to to uh essentially uh um you know uh figure this out. What um uh the last thing that I'll say is is that even if the city chooses to uh purchase the this
property, it doesn't mean that the city cannot sell the property in the future, right? So so if the pilot doesn't work out, the city then can auction it in the future. >> Thank you. Uh Mr. manager councelor Sanagate.
>> I was just wondering if there's um any precedents in other municipalities for this type of thing so that we could have a look at how it went and how successful it is. >> The um you know uh uh as far as I know
and and we have research uh um other municipalities handle it different ways. Cambridge, for instance, has has has a nonprofit that that is is kind of an arm of the Chelsea of of the Cambridge Housing Authority, right? Um so so is
done in that manner. Um uh and other cities and towns are are doing it in in very uh creative ways. To my knowledge, this would be the first time that that that a city uh uh is doing this. >> Thank you, Mr. Manager. Thank you,
councelor. Uh, councelor Robinson, >> I think the benefit here is for the people who actually live in Chelsea will have the opportunity to move in and there will be not a lot of restrictions
about state involved in how we select who's going to live in these properties. And I think um in some of my conversations uh with Cheryl, we're going to we're going to prioritize like veterans and families and the goal is to
help people get on their feet, be able to move out and and other tenants who are in need to be able to move in. So, we will be in control of this properties and and how well it works will determine
as to whether or not we should be looking at other buildings in our community as to letting them go out to the highest bidder and then our people can't get in. >> Thank you, counselor, for lifting something that's been very important to a lot of folks on this body. Uh,
councelor de Jesus, >> I will be very brief. It's just, you know, I've been in that chair, so now I get to speak. I'm just kidding, guys. I just wanted to make a statement that >> and you're gonna be surprised here, counselor Taylor, but I am fully on the same boat. I think that we need to be
able to do a cost analysis and ensure that in the times that we're moving towards where we are going to be tight. We need to ensure that we are investing in programs that have proven to work and not reinventing the wheel or starting from scratch and doing investing in
programs that will take overhead and startup costs like we are at a point where the crisis is so large um that if we can ensure that the right players that are already experienced in all these different fields right I'm
talking about all of our local experts right all of of our local organizations that already have been doing many of this work for years that they come together and at the table they complement one another, right? We have so many great organizations locally. We
don't have to go off out of Chelsea to find this expertise. We know that our community can trust build trust with these local agencies and we know that they have the resources and tools in house. So let's not recreate the rules um the the the uh the programs and let's make sure that
we are investing in our local experts, right? And ensuring that in that way the largest impact and outcomes are going straight into our families and they spend the shortest amount of money in these units that we pilot because that's the goal, right? We don't want them there for long term. We want them to
have it as a stepping stone, move on, make it available to the next family as counselor Robinson just shared. Thank you, councelor. Anybody else? Seeing none, um, thank you all. And we will now move on to uh new business.
Our first item under new business, we have an order introduced by councelor De Jesus. Order that in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter 44, section 64, budget management procedures, whereby cost incurred in FY25 were not paid and are owed to vendors. And to meet this obligation, funds are required from
current year FY26 budgets. As noted, the CH city council authorizes the following expenditures to satisfy unpaid balances that total $49,471.31 from prior years as follows. For DPW, $375 to Arc Mechanical for
radiator repairs at city hall, $495 for Lantel for security camera service repair, $2,927.90 for Evasource and Parks for electricity at parks. $14,285 for Eversource for electricity for city
buildings. $13,894.50 for Eversource for city street lights. $2,1704 from Eversource for traffic signal electricity. $15,129.91 to Eversource for electricity for the
pump station and for emergency management $193.76 to Verizon for charges for old phone lines. Councelor Deesus. >> Yes. Uh Mr. President, I would like to refer these to Ways and Means um as we
usually have in the past um term. Um if there are no objections. >> Wonderful. Seeing none, so moved. >> Mr. Cler, >> next item under new business, order introduced by councelor De Jesus regarding the authorization of a revolving account for 55 Herz Street.
Whereas Mass General Law Chapter 44 section 53E1 and two authorizes cities and towns to establish departmental revolving funds subject to certain budgetary restrictions. >> Mr. President, if there are no objections, I would like to wave the rest of the reading as we just spoke uh
lengthy amount of time on this topic and just refer to ways of means. >> Seeing no objections, so moved. Next order, Mr. Clark. Next order introduced by councelor de Jesus. Order that the Chelsea city council authorizes the following free
cash appropriations. $7 million from free cash to general stabilization account and $3 million from free cash to school capital stabilization account. >> Councelor de Jesus. >> Uh yes. Motion to refer to ways and means if there are no objections.
>> Seeing none. So moved. Mr. Clerk. >> Next item under new business order introduced by council order Jesus. Order that the Chelsea City Council authorizes the following free cash appropriations. 50,000 to FY26 DPW structures and
grounds building maintenance. $30,000 FY26 DPW structures and grounds overtime. 110,000 FY26 DPW streets and sidewalks overtime. 15,000 from water retained earnings to FY26 DPW water
enterprise overtime. 15,000 from sewer retained earnings to FY26 sewer enterprise overtime. $30,000 from free cash to FY26 DPW Streets and Sidewalks detail account. $30,000 to FY26 DPW
Streets and Sidewalks temporary salary 75,000 to FY26 DPW Streets and Sidewalks electronic vehicle charging station $48,4755 from free cash to FY26 DPW streets and
sidewalks in the amount of $2,927.90. Buildings and grounds lighting in the amount of $14,28520. Streets and sidewalks street lights in the amount of $13,894.50. Streets and sidewalks traffic signals in the amount of $2,1704. Sewer enterprise for the pumping station
in the amount of $15,129.91. $21,500 to FY26 emergency management computer maintenance account. $30,000 to FY26 Streets and Sidewalks other capital account. 25,000 to FY26 Law Department
for legal services. 15,000 to FY26 Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department part-time salary account. 125,000 to FY26 Executive Department Community events account for events dedicated to 2026 FIFA World Cup. 25,000
to FY26 Executive Department Community events account. and 25,000 to FY26 executive department marketing account to complete a new growth marketing campaign. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Councelor Dus. >> Yes. If I could move this to Ways and Means if there are no objections.
>> Seeing none. So moved. >> Next item under new business order introduced by Council De Jesus. ordered that the Chelsea City Council authorizes the appropriation of $2 million from overlay surplus to DPW buildings and grounds account capital series for land
and building acquisition and building enhancements including funds for an affordable housing project. >> Councelor Deesus >> moving to ways and means if there are no objections. >> Seeing none so moved. >> Next we have councelor recouper's three orders that were out of order. Uh we
moved out of order. Next, we have an order from councelor Hines. >> Order introduced by councelor Hines. Ordered that the traffic and parking commission explore traffic calming measures on Summit Avenue traveling in the direction of Lafayette Avenue and Warren Avenue to address concerns related to speeding vehicles. Councelor
Hines, >> I'd like to motion to adopt unanimously under suspension. And can I speak for a second? >> Absolutely. Uh seeing no objections, uh so moved and you have the floor. >> Okay. Forgive me because I am new at this. doing great.
>> But um definitely in regards to keeping constituents of the district and of the the city safer, um it has been several constituents of the district who've reported speeding issues in the area. Um and in several other areas, for example,
on on Broadway, there's a constituent who lives in the Broadway, Glenn, who's in her 80s, who had to dive out the out the way of a moving vehicle um and broke her wrist in response to this. Um, so I do envision that I'll be making some additional requests, but just hopeful that we can, you know, explore what it
is we can do to mitigate um some of these speeding challenges prior to just suggesting like a speed bump or something, you know. >> Thank you, counselor. Any other? Right. Seeing none, uh, so moved and we are moving on. Actually, I'm going to step down from the chair and have counselor,
vice president, uh, join up here for the next two items. Thank you. All right, Mr. Clerk. Next item. >> Next item on the agenda under new business. Order introduced by the council president. Order that a meeting of the subcommittee on housing and community development be held to discuss
expanding the city's abification requirements for new development. >> Is there a motion? >> Uh, Madam Chair, I'd like to move this to the housing subcommittee. Um, and I'd like to speak on it if there are no objections. Seeing none, you have the floor. >> So, this is just uh essentially the same
uh order that I had introduced at the end of the last council session. Um you know, there there have been a lot of conversations about uh renters at properties not being uh noticed about changes that are happening in zoning in
in their neighborhood. Um, and just in general, you know, I think we need to have a conversation about the the distances from the property that would trigger a notice and just make sure that, you know, we have a full understanding of what these are and why they are and seeing if there are changes that need to be made because at the end
of the day, we want to make sure that all of the residents in Chelsea understand and have the opportunity to speak on the matters that are happening in their neighborhood. Um, and at the end of the day, you know, there will be some who are in favor, there will be some who are against, right? But the opportunity for people to speak up about these issues is extremely important. And
so I just want to make sure that we give uh the neighbors um the the opportunity to speak on these issues. So that's that's the the conversation that we are that I am hoping we will have at the subcommittee. Um thank you. >> Thank you counselor. Moving on to the next item.
>> Next item under new business order introduced by the council president. order that a meeting of the subcommittee on rules administration be held to discuss revising the rules and regulations of the Chelsea City Council. >> Is there a motion on the floor? >> Um I would like to move this to the
rules subcommittee. Um and I'd like to speak on it if I if I may. >> Seeing no objections you have before. >> So this is just uh following up on our first meeting. um we adopted our current rules until um the time when the rule subcommittee presents any changes or or
additions or subtractions. So I just want to get that process started, make sure that we are revisiting our rules. Um there will be an opportunity after the rules uh subcommittee um speaks on this um to move this to conference for you know a final evaluation with the full council. Um but also as always I
will encourage all counselors to join us for the for the rules subcommittee if you would like to as well. Um, we want to make sure that, you know, we're listening to all of all folks as we as we make sure that we move forward with a set of rules that will make sure that we can continue to move the work of this council um as efficiently as possible,
whether that means faster or slower, more or less, right? We want to make sure that we are moving it as efficiently as possible, right? Um, and make sure that we're using our time well. Um, so that's that's my goal for this and I hope that we will have a robust proc process that will um
conclude in some good rules. Thank you. >> Seeing no other comments on to the next item and Mr. President, if you can join us. >> Next item under new business, we have an order introduced by the council president regarding authorization to
amend chapter 2 article 5 section 2-200 departmental revolving funds of the code of ordinances. Whereas on June 25th, 2018, the Chelsea City Council amended the revised code of ordinances of the city of Chelsea to add a new section 2-200 to chapter 2,
article 5 for departmental revolving funds. And whereas section 53E 1 and two of chapter 44 of Massachusetts general law authorizes cities and towns to establish departmental revolving funds for specific departmental programs subject to certain budgetary
restrictions. And whereas the city seeks to establish a new revolving fund to support the operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and administration of a municipally owned and managed rental property located at 55 Herz Street. And whereas the establishment of a revolving
fund will allow rental related revenues to be retained and expended for their intended purpose without further appropriation subject to annual spending limits approved by the Chelsea City Council. Now therefore be it ordered that the revised code of ordinances of the city of Chelsea as amended be
amended further and adopted as follows. Amending chapter 2 article 5 section 2-200 by adding a new entry to the table of authorized revolving funds regarding 55 herd street rental property revolving fund.
I have a motion. >> Need a motion to a second reading. >> Mr. President, uh oh, >> Councelor Hines. Sorry. >> I have a motion to send this to a second reading. >> Thank you, councelor. Um, seeing no objections. So moved. Last but not least, we have an amendment
to zoning ordinances of the city of Chelsea for accessory dwelling units >> introduced by the council president. Whereas the commonwealth passed a law and regulations to allow the development of accessory dwelling units by right. And whereas the city seeks to increase
housing production to address local and regional housing needs across all income levels and at all stages of life. And whereas the city wishes to incentivize small-scale infill housing that fits the context of zoning districts that allow single family housing while providing gentle and hidden density. And whereas
the zoning ordinances will provide regulations on accessory dwelling units that are specific for the city's needs. And whereas the zoning ordinance will reduce regulatory burdens for ADU development and streamline the approval process. and wherever as the city sees ADUs as a valuable tool to address the
regional housing shortage and stabilize housing costs for Chelsea residents. Now therefore be it ordained that the zoning ordinances of the city of Chelsea be amended to include a new section 34-157 accessory dwelling units which is attached as exhibit A.
>> Thank you, Mr. Cler. So we need a motion to send this to the planning board uh and move to a sec and schedule the public hearing. I'd like to motion to send this to um the planning board and to schedule a public hearing. >> Thank you, councelor. Seeing no objections, >> Mr. President, just a point of inquiry.
Um >> no objection, though. >> No. No. >> So moved and I recognize councelor Tesh. Would would this uh not you know uh call for a subcommittee on uh planning
um development and transportation subcommittee seeing as how you mentioned this council wants to revive subcommittees. So this is first being referred to the planning board and then Mr. clerk. Uh it
would return to us and at that point we could schedule a subcommittee on it. >> Correct. Bearing in mind the issues that we had at the end of the last term where there are deadlines for when things have to be enacted by council when they come back from zoning board for recommendation. So we would have to move judiciously if you wanted to have a
subcommittee before approving it >> perhaps >> or or do the um or do do it prior to sending it to planning board presumably. I don't want to speak for the city manager. I don't believe there is a time crunch for when they have to do it. I
think I think it might be June, but don't quote me on that. If there's no time crunch, then I would say the safe bet would probably be to have subcommittee first before referring it to conference. But council's call. >> Yeah. >> So, so has this motion has carried? Um,
so I want to um can councelor Tesh object? >> We we haven't moved on from the item yet. >> Okay. So, I will say we have an objection from the counselor. Councelor um has requested that we instead send it to the planning subcommittee. Um is do
we need a second for that motion? Okay. Um, councelor Taylor, >> I just got to say I I think we ought to let the planning board do its work and then after we get a recommendation from the planning board, that's the appropriate time for a subcommittee so
that there's actually something to discuss. So we we are not reinventing the wheel on this. Let the planning board do its job and then it'll come back to us and we can have a subcommittee. So I think I think the challenge councelor Taylor um that the clerk has
brought up is regarding the timing of the um because we have 30 days after yeah I believe it's 30 days from the time that planning sends it back to us. So you know it essentially that that is that is the ch that is the the challenge. So um I don't have a
preference here. I am I am simply say stating what the what the options here are. I would say the 30 days is plenty plenty time to schedule a subcommittee and and have it. >> Right. So, um, councelor Tesh, you are the maker of the motion to send it to
the subcommittee. How would you like to proceed? >> I would like to proceed and have the subcommittee first just so that the council may have a a quick conversation. Um, seeing as how there's no time crunch, I do want to move expeditiously. So, I will make sure that this get done
fast. So, at this point, I think the best path forward would be to have a roll call vote on sending it to subcommittee or not. And then if we prefer to not send it to subcommittee, we can then send it to the planning board as originally moved by councelor Hines.
>> Permission to ask a question. >> Uh, please councelor. >> Um, I also, you know, don't want to undermine the work of our other boards. Um, so if it makes more sense for this to go to planning and then for the subcommittee on planning to utilize the
30 days to have a discussion about what the recommendations are. That that also makes a lot of sense to me as well. >> So, um, yeah, I I I don't want to make this a conflicting issue. I don't think it it, you know, I was just again going
back to the wanting to revive the subcommittees, but I think we will still have a chance to talk about it. So I will withdraw my objection and then we can proceed as first discussed. >> Okay. So we will proceed by sending it to planning board. Council Robinson, did you want to share something? >> No, I just wanted to say I think it should go to the planning board and then
it should come back to us. I mean we have a if we have a hearing we might want to make some changes that goes to the planning board and then they might reject those. So let them do their work to come here and then we can make our
changes. We feel it's changes necessary. Um uh Mr. Clerk, could you please um share um additional details just to make sure that the council has full understanding of what we can and cannot do? >> Um my understanding is the proposed
ordinance before you was drafted by permitting and land use planning as it was already. Um, my personal recommendation would be if council were to seek to amend anything that you do it before it comes back from planning board because once planning board has made a
recommendation on something, you are not obliged to follow their recommendation. But um, zoning board, sorry. But um, if you choose to amend it, you can't amend it after the public hearing. So, >> but if we send it to planning, we cannot
amend it >> once the public hearing has been scheduled and had before council. No. >> So, if your goal was to amend it, >> it would probably be better for council to decide to amend it now and then send the amended version down to planning, if that was the avenue a majority of
council wanted to go on. But if there was no anticipation of amendments and it was just a overall conversation about the language about the topic itself then I could conceivably wait until it comes back from planning. >> Okay Tesh I will return to you one final
time. >> Thank you. I would like I don't like to walk back on my words, but I will walk back and revive my objection um and and allow the council to sit down and read this together and discuss it before we can send it to the planning board at
which time they will still will not be undermined and they will be allowed uh time to also um deliberate. Okay. So um so councelor Tesh objected and moved to send this to the planning um
subcommittee. We will now take a roll call vote on whether to do that or not. I will open it for debate if folks would like to discuss this. Um so that you know we will vote send it to planning or not to send it to planning and if we do not send it to planning we would then
move with um sending it to the planning board directly. Any comments on that? Councelor Taylor? I I guess I I I I guess I just don't see what why this is being made to be an issue where we
we we send things to plan. We we should have enough time to do it. I I understand um you know the scheduling things about but you know we're we are the city council. It's our responsibility to get this done and to
do it within 30 days. I I don't see why that should be a problem, you know, and and you know, >> um the the clerk mentioned that we may not have a chance to amend anything after. Um so,
>> but how are we going to amend something that doesn't exist yet? >> We are amending language that we are sending to the planning board so that they can bring it to life. >> Mr. President, permission to speak. >> What? And sorry, Mr. Clerk, could you just please clarify because there's two
things here. It there is the sending to planning board and receiving it and then there is the scheduling of the public hearing which are two separate things. Mr. Clerk, also I would just like to reiterate I don't have a preference here or another. So this is not I whatever the council wishes to do is is fine with
me. Um Mr. clerk. >> Um, based on what the calendar looks like from what I can tell, I don't want to speak for planning board, but I don't know if their agenda has been posted for the
month of January yet. They're meeting in two weeks. Um, I believe that if it passes council this evening to refer to planning, they might be able to consider it this month. Don't quote me on that, but I it looks like that if council does not move it to planning board this
evening and schedules a or committee instead it will not make it in time on the planning board's agenda for the month of January. So, they won't consider it until February, at which point council will receive it, I believe, at the end of February, at the
beginning of March, and if the process follows typical public hearing practice, it could potentially be adopted by council by the end of March, assuming that all the steps were followed properly, assuming that was council's desire. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Any other
comments, >> please, council? So based on that, I still don't see see the problem with like wh why why are we meeting before it goes to like what what is the what what is to be achieved by that?
You're talking about amending language, but I I don't understand why we want to put our thumb on the scale before they even get it. It doesn't it
doesn't make any sense to me and and and it's like we're usurping their authority and so or or their rights um to give us a recommendation if we're going to just send it to them with a recommendation of what they need to approve. That doesn't
make any sense. So to me like this whole thing is kind of ridiculous. Send it to the planning board. Sorry about that. send it to the planning board and then we can talk about amendments in the
>> subcommittee. And to be clear, I I am perfectly okay with scheduling it within the 30 days. That is that is not >> so so but what is the impediment to what I just said? >> Could I ask Jesus, please? >> Yes. Can I just get a point of clarity? The harm
>> in us proceeding with this language is that we will not be able to then make amendments on this order later on and reintroduce a whole new one if the council finds that they don't agree with something and they want to amend it. It's impossible to do that. Am I correct?
>> My understanding based on what the clerk has said is that we cannot make amendments after the public hearing has been has been held. Is that correct, Mr. Clerk? I do not believe the council can make amendments to something after the public hearing is held. I think it would
change the context of it and require a new public hearing. I would yield to the law department on that, but I believe we had that issue the last time >> and that would change our timeline that we just went through then. It would no longer be March. >> It could. >> Okay. And for from our city manager
perspective, that timeline is important in terms of like if we go past March, is there a problem? because then we're reintroducing new language and going through the steps. >> Is there a motion to ask the city manager a question >> through the chair, please? >> Um
councelor is making a motion to ask city manager a question under suspension if are there any objections? Seeing none, Mr. Manager, um any thoughts on the timeline? Yeah, I mean I I we we we have been getting a lot of questions on on on this. Uh just alfo
was here tonight asking us, you know, to to uh uh an update on on the accelerate dwelling units. This is something that the state uh passed right in in in 2025. We are basically copying the policy of the state, right? I mean, ADUs are a
thing that that has been happening in in I don't think this this one in particular is not as controversial as other zoning matters that are going to be be uh uh before you. Um so, so the the I I think I think the pressure is not from our staff. I think the pressure
is from the residents that that want to take advantage of of of this of these rules. Um, so, so I I I would say that that the um the planning board process is also an opportunity for the city council to weigh in and listen and and learn as you have in the past with with
other issues. Uh, and what what the clerk is is refer referring to is is that um when when a public hearing is called, you are calling a public hearing on on on a specific language, right? So, so once once the the hearing uh uh once
it is um once the hearing is is advertised, if you diverge significantly from it, right, then uh it uh it's it's probably uh legally prudent to readvertise for that hearing.
>> Thank you, Mr. Manager. All right. Um Councelor Robinson. >> Yes. Pretty much this was coming out of the state law. And actually, as you know, there are already been ADUs taking place in Chelsea.
Might be a higher number than that, but it's already happening. So, I think >> it's already happening. >> It should go to the planning board. Want to go to planning board, want to come back, then we can have a real conversation. >> Okay. >> We have had a number of speakers. I want
to come back to councelor Tesh. And are we still with the motion to send to the planning um subcommittee right now? I think we have all spoken on our thoughts on this. I would like us to now take a vote if unless anybody's opinion has
changed from what you have said. I would like us to vote on whether we are sending it to the planning subcommittee or not. And then if we are not then we can move forward with the rest of the meeting. point of information. >> Councelor Taylor, >> is there is there any kind of legitimate
uh repercussions that would happen if if I mean if we have to take or reintroduce something or whatever it is. I mean it it's just that we want to just get it done so that people can take advantage of of like
okay I get that but you if you want to get something done properly >> counselor your motion was for a question that >> I'm clarifying my question. >> Yes. Okay please. Thank you. >> So I mean if there's if there's any are
there any legitimate repercussions that will happen if we take the extra time to actually get it right is my question. No. >> Other than other than that? >> No. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. So, seeing no other comments on this, uh we will now move to take a roll
call vote on councelor uh Teshi's motion to move this to the planning subcommittee instead of to the planning board. Um so, Mr. Cler, could you please clarify the vote? The vote is on a motion by council to
introduce the proposed zoning amendment 26Z01 to the council subcommittee on planning. Motion is a majority vote for adoption >> and a no vote would then go back to councelor Hines's motion to refer to
planning board. Correct. >> I believe councelor Hines's motion was the last pending on the floor. Correct. >> Great. So, a yes vote to refer to planning committee, a no vote to not, and revert back to the original motion. >> Council Taylor,
>> no. >> Councelor Cooper is councelor Jimenez Rivera. >> No. >> Councelor Hines, >> no. >> Council Tennar Garcia, >> no.
>> Council, >> yes. Council Kelly Garcia is absent. >> Council Santigette, >> no. >> No. Council De Jesus, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Brown is also absent. And
Council Robinson, >> no. >> No. The vote on the motion is two in favor, six opposed, three absent. Majority vote required for passage. Motion does not carry. We revert back to the original motion on the floor from
councelor Hines to refer the order to planning board. >> Any comments? Okay, that counc >> I think we talked about this at length but again just for further clarity um this is a direct adoption from what the state has already approved.
>> That is what the city manager has has mentioned and and now the vote will be to do what you originally um requested. >> Okay. >> I have a question actually. There was no roll, >> right? And and just to clarify, there was no um request for a roll call vote.
So it is still um unanimous. Um so there will be no roll call pending any objection to the unanimous um request by councelor Hines. Um >> no objection, just a question, >> please. >> Uh thank you, Mr. President. So if
as we enter then the planning board um and then get back the feedback from um the individuals on the planning board. Would that be uh an opportunity for counselors to explore what other cities
have done with their version and language or would that then be submitting new language that we would have to resubmit? My understanding based on what has been mentioned is that we could do we could do so and we could amend as long as it is done before the
public hearing is scheduled. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, as long as before the public hearing is scheduled, whatever the planning board submits to this body, we can explore and do research on what other cities have done with this language and see if there's any way to
strengthen it more for Chelsea residents. Correct. >> That is my understanding. Uh Mr. Clerk, um is that correct, Mr. Clerk? I believe is looking up the >> zoning ordinance. The zoning >> zoning ordinance to make sure that we have the most correct information.
>> Just wanted to make sure because I do I do think that where my coun fellow counselor was coming from was from that point of view. And I don't want to put words in your mouth, but always being able to understand and question and do that research. And yeah, we all need to do our due diligence in doing that research, but I just want to understand the powers of the planet because I also
don't want to overstep and respect their power as well. I just want to make sure we don't do what some of the mistakes we've done in the past. So, >> absolutely. Also, separately, we could introduce a different zoning amendment after this one is approved. And that is something the council could do if if we chose to go above and beyond or retract
certain things from what we passed. Those are all options that counselors have. All right. Seeing nothing else um and no no further objections we will now um motion carries to send this to the
planning board. Um thank you all and I believe that concludes new business. So we will now move on to public announcements and moments of silence first please. Public announcements and then moments of silence. Um any public announcements from counselors? Seeing
none over here. Any over here? I'll just really quickly mention once again the MLK celebration happening uh by the People's AM Church on Monday. Um breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and the program starts at 10:15 a.m. at the Clark A
Middle School. Um any moments of silence and I have a couple here from Councelor Brown. Uh, Council Taylor, >> actually, I just want to go back to the announcements for I just want to reiterate because I don't want the public to come back later and say nobody
told us that there was going to be a hearing on this and that you have some input. So, tomorrow night, again, we mentioned it during the meeting, but for those of you who weren't paying attention before, there's a meeting tomorrow night. Um uh and uh uh
regarding the Russo's tux site and the and the and the uh uh potential uh 67 units uh going in there. So if you want to be heard on this subject, please come
to the meeting or you know don't come back to us and start complaining about it afterwards. Uh, I I I I would appreciate that. And also for those of us who are really concerned about parking and have been pushing for
meetings about parking, if you if you're not interested in the zoning board tomorrow night, go to the senior center 6:00 for the parking. This is a big issue in our in our city. And, you know, again, if you don't come and voice your
opinion, then your opinion won't be taken into consideration. So, you know, please show up and participate. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. >> Parking and housing conversation. Thank you, councelor. Thank you, councelor. Um, councelor Robinson. Uh, moment of
silence. Is it >> moment of silence for Don Han used to be the executive director at um Chelsea Chamber of Commerce for 13 years >> and the young Pelosi um resident from Chelsea also passed away. Councelor Tesh
>> moment of silence for my aunt who just passed. She was suffering for diabetes for a long period of time. Suffered amputations and you know my my family and I were were grieving and this is at
loss because multiple of my sisters also suffer from diabetes. So it's a reality. Thank you. >> Sorry for your loss counselor. Councelor De Jesus. I have two, but I believe one of the one of them is related to counselor um Garcia and so I'll I'll
allow her to share. Um uh the other person I wanted to um to share was Waldi um Wald Feliciano. He has passed away, longtime member of our community, very well known. Um and so we we hold his family and dear friends in prayer.
>> Counselor Garcia. Moment of silence for my beloved cousin Eric Vega. Um we shut the city down for him >> and we thank everyone who was involved. Um yep.
>> Anybody else? Uh councelor Taylor. >> I I just wanted to mention again uh Councelor Brown's aunt and that's the reason why he isn't here tonight. So we'd have like to have a moment of silence for her as well. >> Yes, I have her down. Her name is Peggy Blanco. who lives in North Carolina. Our thoughts are with councelor Brown and
his family. Uh he also wanted to make sure that we lifted Chelsea resident uh Nelly Avala who also uh passed recently. And last, I'd just like to hold um Renee Nicole Good, who was recently shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis uh for our moment of silence. Thank you. >> Thank you. Meeting adjourned.