--------- Good evening. Let's get started. Um, all right. Clerk, please do a roll call for us. >> Councelor Tanari Garcia. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera. >> Present. >> Councelor Coopo. >> Councelor Taylor here. >> Councelor Robinson here. Council Aesh
>> here. >> Councelor Kelly Garcia >> here. >> Council Santa >> here. >> Council Vega and Councelor Brown and Council Dus >> present. >> Eight members present. You have a cor. >> Thank you. Cler. All right. Welcome everyone. We are ready to start.
Michael, you have the floor. Milive. >> Good evening, counselors. Uh it's an honor to be here tonight to we're going to present to you uh the overview of taxes and fiscal 26 valuations. Uh tonight I have here with me the chief
assessor uh Jim Sullivan. Uh he did an extensive amount of work to get us to this point um where we are at. And so I'll I'll kick this off and then hand it over to Jim Sullivan from there. So, we'll first start with an overview
of budget and taxes. And uh my apologies is that you're missing a two on your your printout. Um there was a a cut when we were um printing out print out the the presentations. It was an accidental error, but
I assure you that we do not need Well, we do need $200,000. So, it was 287,559 uh I'm sorry, 287,559,625 is what the city needs to operate. And um this includes all the appropriations um that the the council has made
already. um water, sewer costs, any uh necessary need from the overlay overlay reserve which we do transfer over annually an amount and then um any charges and assessments from the the state of Massachusetts.
Um so how do we meet the need that we've outlined um in how much the city needs? Um so part of our funding is we're funded over 144 million comes from the state through state aid. Uh majority of
that is chapter 70 funding for the schools um which Chelsea public schools uh funding and then we have um unrestricted government aid um that's also another portion of that. Um there's also other
assessments in there that is tied to charter schools um and other random items for the library, but that is part of the state aid. Then we also have local receipts um that those are tied to
things like excise taxes for motor vehicles, hotel tax revenue, meal tax revenue. Um that is the other um items to to meet this need. And then we also assess property the property values personal
real estate um or personal property real estate items which is um approximately 86.7 million which Jim will get into. Um and then we add in new growth. Uh so on top of the limitations
of proper two and a half um there is growth that is outside the assessed values that uh we have for the baseline that gets us to the 287.5 million. There's also um what was appropriated in
the original budget for fiscal 26 was $1.7 million that was set aside for um going to be used for free cash. It does not necessarily mean that we will tap it tap into it, but that is what we've budgeted for this projection. Um,
I will now hand it over to Jim and he will walk you through the rest of the presentation. >> Okay. So, at the beginning of the year, um, I'm sorry, ending last year, the the levy was $84.6 million and with that, we add in the amended growth, which is only $11. So,
it's essentially the same. we can multiply that or add an additional two and a half percent for proposition two and a half which is basically an adjustment for inflation. So you your purchase uh power will be the same and on that number we get um we are able
then add another 2.1 million to get 86.7. From there we add additional growth and growth is the contributo value to the real estate based typically on new construction and personal property that gets added to um let the utility sites
or businesses things of that nature. So it's u most of the growth in the past comes from construction costs construction projects um and it's this is the tax dollar amount again not the cost of the construction because
commercial um rates vary from resial. So the high uh more commercial projects we have the more tax dollars will we get. So it's again contributo value the real estate and then based on the tax rate or whatever class they fall in residential, commercial or personal property. So that
will get us to about 8 point 87.77 million um for our amended uh levy. And one thing to consider is the 2 and a half% the adjustment for inflation is based upon the levy. It does not pertain
to individual individuals taxes. They can raise it more than two and a half percent. People's values and taxes can go up and go can go down depending on um it's all a reflection of the budget. So again the change a lot of people will have the misunderstanding they can't go over two and a half%. Again that's just
pertaining to the budget. Um so for the valuation update what we did in the office we are about five weeks ahead of where we were last year. So, we did submit uh some prelim preliminary numbers to the department of revenue and we're just waiting for their approval.
So, we still have some more work to do to get these the these have been submitted. We have to wait for their approval and then take the next step. So, um there is there is a process and every year we have to revalue the properties. So, we have about 7,000
properties that we do have to take a look at and we have to actually value the exempt properties and people that don't pay and bring them up to market value. And this is the the only way that we can as assessors be fair and equitable is through the valuation process. Again, it's a function of the budget and the setting of the tax rate.
But if a taxpayer feels that they don't or they have an issue, it's all based upon the value. If someone complains about their taxes or thinks it's too high, the issue the real issue or the or their point is they can come back and take a look at the value and we do take a look at the numbers and make sure
they're reasonable and they're they're in line. But if somebody has an issue in the month of January, they can come file an abatement um and we'll we'll look further and investigate it. And that's a every taxpayers's right to do that. And what we do is we have every 10 years we
have to make an effort to get in inside every single property at least once every 10 years. Not everybody lets us in but we have to make an effort to get in. So people can deny to let us in but then we have to make assumptions on their properties and we do that by reviewing. We do exterior
reviews. We would use our um technology to measure from u aerial photographs and things like that. um similar to Google Earth but um a court defensible system and we'll review everything and come as close as we can. Again, if somebody wants to file an abatement, they will
have to let us in. So, we do that. We and we do exterior reviews. We do everything we can to update our records every 3 to five years. And we we give people the the purpose of the tenure is to give people the opportunity to make sure our data is accurate. So, again,
they don't have to let us in, but we're giving them a chance. You know, we're going to come out. we're going to give you the chance to explain it to you and if you want to take advantage of that, you can. And we have to turn those records in the state to show show that we made an effort to be fair to these taxpayers. Um, last year we went through
a full five-year reertification and revaluation. So, this year is an interim. So, it's think of um this year is more like an audit where last year was more forensic where they go in much more detail. So this year
because the val the values were reertified last year. So every five years we go through more of a sampling and they they will review the same things but again not not the large in depth that they did last year and our next full re uh uh reevaluation will be in fiscal 30.
So again what our job is to bring everything up to a fair market value. So this is basically coming to a value that somebody would pay in a full and fair cash value without any undo influence things like that. Um
some of the things that when what we do is we value what we see. Um typical appraisals they'll appraise as highest and best use. We don't do that. So we do whatever we see there is what we appraise. If someone said I can sell it it's worth a lot more as an apartment
building could go here. We don't do that. no apartment building there. We we value what we see and that's how we do it with it may differ from an appraised value. And again, here's a definition of um market of uh full and fair cash value. And
so what we do with the residential properties, we take it based upon the sales. So our effective date is January 1st 20 uh 25 for fiscal 26 which is based off of 2024 county at 24 sales when the residential uh properties we
get enough data from from the sales sales of the data as opposed to the commercial we focus we look at sales but also a lot of is the form 38D the income and expense form because there obviously those purchase uh properties are
purchased and their values is predicated upon the income and that's how we derive certain things in the cap rates etc. So we have to look at both methods for the for the uh commercial properties because we don't have as many sales but we do have the the data available so the resources that we use and collecting the
380s. So on the following page, we went over and look at the value changes um per property class. And one things we did, we do check, we obviously compare our these numbers here to the actual appreciation rates of real
estate in the Boston area. So all these classes fall below the typical appreciation in the area. So for example, three families in Boston, they're up 12%. We have our valuation increase at 8 and a half% and the inflation rate was 2.9. So
we're not doing too badly. These people when the values increases obviously they're getting more equity in their homes as well. So everything's going everything's going up and the good thing for the owners of the property their properties appreciation great appreciating greater than the rate of inflation. So they are again making
money off on their properties which is great. Um so the numbers here they're they are attested again against against against the inflation rate against other towns where they're coming in with the values and so we feel very comfortably again the numbers have not been approved
yet by the by the department of revenue but again a test of reasonableness that these these do fall well within the uh acceptable parameters. And one thing with Chelsea what we do have is we have a split tax rate where we shift the burden of the tax rate over
to commercial and typically we've had at 175% which makes that's the reason why we have the difference rate the tax rate for and I will go over is a lot less for residential properties as as compared to commercials. Um and again we at the uh
historically the city of Chelsea has done a 1.75 um or 175% shift and uh obviously we have the residential exemption in Chelsea. is one of only about 13 communities that have it and
it's a great um opportunity for homeowners and the limit it allows 35% of the overall value of all the residential properties to be reduced and what this this year uh we estimate it's
going to remove $279,000 in value from the taxable um from the taxable number. So we'll assess say we assess a property at $500,000 for a single family, they're going to their tax will be based on $221,000.
So, it's a great reduction. Uh estimated at $3,200 in tax savings and for the again for the average resident average single family home in Chelsea, that's 52% of the tax bill would be relieved from the residential exemption. So, it's
it's quite a gift um for these folks. So what we did is we factored out the um or computed what the tax rates would be based upon these uh the data that was presented for this year. We're estimating 11.49
uh for the residential properties. So the tax rate is estimated to go down 2 cents and the commercial rate is going to be $23.79 with a slight reduction uh from last year's. Again these since these numbers are preliminary they have to approve our growth other things like that. If they
come back it could it could uh change slightly and on the next slide. Um so again with the with the shift the the commercial properties will bear um more the brunt of of the of the tax levy in in the this fiscal year and and then in
the past um with the residential exemption. All taxation has to be progressive and the greatest example of a progressive tax is a residential exemption because it's a stain it's the same amount for
everybody. So if you have $300,000 condo and you get $279,000, you'll be a 10% minimum. Everybody has to pay 10% minimum of the tax bill. No one gets away without paying tax. So the greater value of your property, the lesser impact. So again, your effective
tax rate will change based upon your value. So again, using the average um residential um average value for a single family home, their their reduction uh and I will do and when everything is approved, I can uh do my
year-end summary that shows what the effective tax rate is for the people. But again, the lower value properties have the greater it gets a greater impact. therefore that the residential exemption is a progressive um tax that
um we have to uh pass certain parameters with the state to ensure that taxes are progressive. So on the following slide it gives an example of what the average values are going to be and what the tax tax bill compared to last year. So again they're
a modest increase on a monthly for single families. We anticipate they go out a little over $10, $5 for condos, $2 for two families, and $50 for three families. And you can see the difference with um some of the three families. That was still the the greatest impact or
increase in value of all property classes. Again, a lot of um a lot of properties in Chelsea still being bought for conversion into condominiums, things of that nature. And with the rents, they are getting higher value because a lot of these um lack of
three family I mean sorry threebedroom units a lot of these a lot of these um three families have them and we're looking at rents well over $3,000 for um three-bedroom units. So the other type of assistance that we have offer this is
statutory and in clause 17 it's for elderly and elderly people can apply for 17 or or uh clause 41 and we'll determine which one they fall which which one they um will
receive. So for them to receive the 17 it's it's a lot less. It's uh $243 or 486. it'll fall somewhere in that range and they have to uh pass a test with their asset limits for the um single and married people. So if they make more than a month, they do not qualify for
anything. And but the other thing again it's the same form and it's the same process for the clause 41. They have to do um income and assets. They'll have to do both. So they have to bring in their tax statements, I mean their uh bank statements and things of that nature showing that their assets and their
income. So if they're on social security, we need to see that. And again, we have a database that I built that calculates all this and will approve. So there's no subjectivity in what we do. That has been a problem in the past. Um so now by doing the data entry and having the formulas written,
everybody's going to get the same answer. We don't have it's not open for interpretation what um the gross and net numbers should be applied. Uh so this is truly a way to keep it fair. And if they qualify for one or the other, they we will obviously give them the higher
value. they're going to get the greater exemption that they qualify for. So, and we encourage people if they don't if they feel they do qualify and they didn't bring in their paperwork, we'll tell them to take the paperwork back, bring everything bring in your um income limits, income um your bank statements,
things like that, and to see if they can't qualify. We do want them to max out their opportunities. Um and these you already have in the past approved the doubling of of the statutory exemption. So nothing has changed there.
And for small commercial owners, they are exempt if they have less than $10,000 in equipment. They are completely exempt. If they own $11,000, they'll pay an $11,000 valuation. So they don't get it's not they will not get $10,000
subtracted from their value. But if they are below 10,000, they will be exempt from personal property tax. And that's a a decent number of the I don't know the number of I did for calculated um of the small businesses. So a lot of the small mom and pop shops that along Broadway won't have to pay any tax if they if
they don't have that. Um one thing that's happened this year that uh you folks voted was the Hero Act. And I don't know any other community that has accepted this. I'm sure there are. I just don't know who which ones. But I believe Chelsea was the first to adopt it. And what this did is it doubled the
amount of exemption, the dollar amount for our veterans. And so in the prior years, the veterans for 10 to 90% disabled, they will get between 4800. This year it's 823 to646. 100% disabled went from 1,000 to 2,000.
Now it's 258 to 4116. So what that does is does is that we adjusted it by the inflation rate given us to by the department of revenue. So they came in at 2.9%. So every year this number will go up for inflation. So again the exemption amount will keep
keep in line um with the inflation. So they do not bas essentially the purchasing power will not decrease each year. It'll it'll increase with with the uh economy. So in we do have a class 22D. These are service related deaths. Nothing has changed. These folks, uh,
widow survive widows, they're completely exempt from taxation. So, there's nothing there will be no changes. They will not pay any taxes. Um, on November 10th, the we'll have a second classification hearing. You folks will vote. And the
two two votes are for the percentage of the shift, which historically has been 175% and the residential exemption amount of 35%. And that's what was presented here. tax rate was predicated uh tax estimate was predicated upon those numbers because historically that
is the way it's been voted and I think we the city manager would like that to continue that will give the best uh for the residential residents of Chelsea that is the best um situation that they can have is the that max shift
and the max excuse me max residential exemption Okay, >> at this time we'll heat back to the council. >> Awesome. Thank you so much for this presentation. Um I'm going to open it up now for questions. Um, we'll start in
this corner with councelor >> recuper Michael and let's use the >> I want you to explain something to the public. Is it okay if you can explain it? >> Absolutely. Okay. So, I want to know exactly when you build
affordable housing, does the city get the maximum revenue or do they pay less money? So in other words, if you're building more affordable housing, does the city create more revenue or does it create less revenue?
>> So what happens is the valuation methodology used in affordable housing, it is there's restrictions on the income. So the way it's devised with the tax credits that these apartments can only charge so much, which is below
market. So they're valued they're valued I'm sorry the same methodology but their income is much lower. So therefore their valuation is going to be lower. Their the same tax rate is applied but because their income is restricted based upon the low income
tax credits the valuation is is much lower. So that's where you have the discrepancies okay in in valuations. >> I understand that section. So let's say you have an apartment building, right? Which is 10% low income, 10 uh 40%
market rate and 20% whatever. You know what I mean? Uh low whatever it's market rate and the other ones, right? So does the market rate value? They don't lose any money. They're making money. The apartments buildings are the people here are
talking. They're telling me, so I'm asking you, they're paying $3,500 for an apartment. So how does it factor in that they're paying $3,500 in an apartment unit which only has 10% affordable
housing? The other is market rate value. So, h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h how does how does it determine that these people because they have a lower income pay less money, pay less taxes than an average person that has a house? Let's say I own a house, right?
So, my tax goes up because I don't have any affordable housing units. So, if they put affordable housing units where they just like you just explained, the tax revenue is less because they're not making any money. But in these big
apartment buildings that I know, people can't afford to live in them because they market rates, which is combined market rate and affordable housing. Is it all the building? This is simple. Let me clarify it simpler. >> Counselor, can we just make sure that it's a question?
>> It is the question. I want to know. Okay. >> Well, how you know the revenue how how because we're charging three family to so I want to know exactly how these you know how they determine who gets it. So here's the question. And a simple question, okay?
If you have an apartment building and you have 50 units in it and 10 of those units is affordable and the rest of market rate, do they still pay the same tax as everybody else? >> Well, again, their valuation will be lower because 10 of 10% of those 10 of
those units would not bring in the same amount of money. So essentially, the net operating income is going to be lower than a typical apartment unit that's completely market. the same capitalization rate will be applied but the valuation will be different. So no they will not their tax bill will be
lower because the valuation is lower based upon the deed restrictions of the low income. >> So here's the question I want to ask you simple one >> counselor is this your last question so that we can >> yeah okay be my last question. >> Okay. >> So if we build more affordable housing units does the city gain money or lose
money? >> It all depends. >> Are they building on vacant land that's not producing anything? If it's on vacant land, there the city's getting minimal amount of money on it anyways. And again, the housing decisions are not made through the assessor's office at all.
>> So those come other areas and so basically essentially what we do is after they're already built, we value them and get the taxation. So those decisions get made long before we're ever involved. >> But typically anything that's has a component of low income or de any type
of deed restriction, they will be lower. The valuations That is you just answered a question. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Jimenez. >> Okay. Councelor Robinson, >> can we u touch upon whether or not we
get any new growth this coming year and what effect will that have back on our residential exemption? The growth is a separate number from the residential exemption. So the valuation the residential exemption
after we value everything out we we will take a number and say the total valuation of class of anything residential rate of single families condos uh multifamilies etc apartments take a that total of all the values of
that will come up to I think it's like four four billion they take um 35% of that gets applied gets divided by the total number of properties that are eligible and it comes out with a valuation number and it gets applied um
the rate gets applied. So that's how we get the $279,000 reduction in in value. But the the growth numbers again there's different um different ways I shouldn't say there's different ways of growth but some sometimes growth is not applicable
in certain standards. If a property is exempt, we cannot capture growth on it. If um but again because it's a tax dollar number, commercial properties will increase essentially twice contribute twice
amount because of the difference in in tax rates >> as opposed to residential. >> All right. Thanks. That's my question. >> Councelor Vega, Councelor Tashi. Okay. So, one of the first things I'll give
you the one that I'm looking at lastly. Um, do we do we have information um as to the number of homeowners that own single family homes versus um let's
say LLC's that own multiple multiple properties in the city. >> Um, we do not track track LLC's. We trying to make an effort to do that because what happens is someone can own multiple properties with different LLC's. So they're not eligible for any type of
exemption. But right now, I did the C the math today. 42% of all eligible residential properties are receiving the residential exemption. So again, I don't I don't track LLC's because there's, you know, limited partnerships, there's S corporations and things like that that don't that are not uh don't apply. And
then there's the absentee landlords. So every year, every year we take 20% of the database and we make the folks renew because people will apply for it and disappear. They they move and then they have to prove to us after five years that they still live in the house and
driver's license and a utility bill, recent utility bill and they're good. Um but by doing that by that was implemented three years ago, we it it's very advantageous to the rest of the folks that if people moved out of town, they shouldn't get it. and we remove
them. We do our best to remove them and >> you know we have an extensive methodology we follow to make sure we we're not perfect but we do our best to >> to get rid of them to keep that >> to keep that number as low as possible. >> Now on page 10 with the with the chart
um it talks about the value change on the different types of properties. Um, is this just to confirm is this let's say single family home that's 5%. Are you are you saying that the person is paying 5% of the total fair market
value of the property? >> No. No. The evaluation from last year to this year increased 5% on average. So this is a median. We do not use a a mean. We use a median um because of outliers and things that could skew the numbers. So, so you're saying that this
5% represents the increase in tax payment of their last year's tax. >> So, >> no, that's just a change in the assessed value. So, th those again the other things um and when you apply the
residential exemption, you'll see the difference in the increase in value versus increase in taxes. >> Yeah. So again, what this does is by we're taking the sales data and everything out there and coming up establishing the base rate so we know what people are paying on a per square foot basis for
properties. We apply it and we say the average again that the median change is 5% for a single family house. >> Some people obviously be be more or less. And I'll just add if you slide down to the other slide where it talks about the
average tax bill um on doesn't have a slide number but but the slide on the screen this kind of goes over the actual effect of the changes. >> Okay. Um
going back a little bit to what you stated um with regards to how much the city needs to operate. Um the the what's would you say is the main reason uh driving the every year increase? Is this um is this to match you know with
the with the costs that keep increasing every year? Um is it uh because you know this is what's done by every community. um what I mean what's the you know driving factor here? >> So the main driving factor for the
increases is inflation. Um if you kind of go to the like dive deeper into it, um our largest expense is our human capital and uh there's a cost of living
at that everyone has to incur. And so to to keep up with the rate of inflation, we also have to provide salary adjustments. And uh we have uh several unions in the the city and the schools that come to the table that uh bargain
their salary um through collective bargaining. And those are usually set out in three-year terms. And so um those the cost living adjustments uh are usually supposed to acknowledge the rate
of inflations. because sometimes and and what happened during COVID there were periods where um cost living adjustments were with were withheld or not or didn't happen. So we are now catching up with those cost of living adjustments and the
current collective bargaining agreements and so that's why there's a need for the increases >> along with contracted services from vendors and all the other items that provide the services. And my last question would just be um are there any
tax exemptions for the disabled community, the veteran community or the senior community? >> Yes, those are the statutory exemptions. Actually, I believe it was I think it was 15. I don't have a numbered slide, but there are two possible for the for the elderly, the 17 and 41 depending on
which category they will fall in. Uh the veterans are clause 22. So if they're um and again that was doubled this year with the Hero Act and that can range anywhere from 800 to $4,000 depending on the disability
rating of the veteran and um the and again that one is also adjustation but we will determine which um clause 17 or clause 41 that the elderly will will qualify for. Thank you. >> Thank you counselor. Um I have just
three quick questions. One of them is connected to councelor Teshi's question on the LLC and I don't know if our city manager maybe can chime in a little as well but with the new good standing uh policy with um property managers are we
tracking the LLC's when developers are coming to do new development and is there a way that we can share the wealth of that information with other departments? >> I would love to be able to share with other information. So we track the legal owners that come off the a recorded deed
from the registry of deeds in Boston. So we have the I can export anything out of my database and give it to somebody else and they can link to it. Um we have a a database that is we can't link them together but we can certainly work together with people by giving them
certain cuts of data or my goal eventually have a data warehouse where we could do that but we can we can absolutely give them that data. that's not a problem and I don't that's a law office that's handling that now and it's something new but that's certainly something they can accommodate them with. >> Awesome. I'm excited to see um that
collaboration among the different departments. My other question is to follow up um I think you shared that you don't know the exact number of uh businesses that fall into the category under 10k. Um if you can share with us in the future uh you know
>> I just I can run a report I can get that >> perfect perfect I would be I don't want to misspeak. >> No, no, no. Totally understand. Um, and in connection to that, um, I'm just I'm really nervous about our small businesses, right? And, um, I guess I'm
just wondering, we have programs. I saw that, you know, we have voted here in the chamber for programs to protect our small business owners. Um, how many of those business owners are actually tapping in or how this information of these programs are getting to the
business owners? Um, and how are we measuring the impact of the the the current programs so that then we can re-evaluate them and find other ways that maybe we can reinvest that money in ways that it can go further. >> Um, that's something we can't do as
assessors to get into like political decisions. Um, we can certainly provide the information to somebody who who wanted to make a business decision based upon that. Okay. But we try to stay >> and then in your role then how do you make sure that the businesses know the programs that are available to support them?
>> Right now we have we have everything available on our website. We do go out to them every single year. They have to complete a form of list with the department of revenue. So everyone is mailed um every every March we send them out tell us what you have and it's
depending on their structure um it's their inventory and basically their equipment. So then they'll take a look at it and see where they fall in the valuation. I know there's 315 taxable personal property accounts. I don't know how many are exempt, but there's quite a
few. But I know we have 315 because once they kind of full up the radar screen, we we don't tax them. We we know they're we know they they're not going to pay tax. We're fine with it. Um so we just focus on the 315. But um that that's something that they have to
do because if they didn't do it, we would have to. Again, we don't like to make assumptions, but we have to. And I don't want to assume that they're taxable when they're really not. So, we do have a a very good co uh participation with the with the business
owners. >> Okay. Thank you, Councer. just have one quick follow-up question. Um, every year we give pretty much the same um percentage on the 2.5. Can you tell me um are we still doing the best
we can for the residents here? Um we know that you know with the shutdown and what's going on nationally. We know that money will be drying up next year, but we're talking today um by helping them today. um if you can just give us a just
a brief um look at what's ahead in the next year. >> Well, the 2.5% we have no control over. That's the proposition two and a half. So >> that obviously the the levy has increased every year because it's getting larger. The only variable component to that levy is the growth and
that's the to cover variable expenses associated with the new construction because you have to build new apartments, you might have to new schools, more police officers, more firemen, things of that nature. So there's a variable component in the growth will help cover that. >> Um so again as far as
>> what we we don't collect money, we don't distribute it, we just do the valuation piece and then another group will determine how that money gets spent and how it's allocated. Okay, on the last part of that, um I see the three families over the last four years, have
you seen a decline? Because we know folks sell their three family, they turn them into condominiums. Is it are the three families still staying strong? >> Three families are the strongest class. Um over the years, keep in mind these the numbers here, the the changes to the
valuations are not the market appreciation rates. They're changes we made to get them in line. So they're below um the actual appreciation rates, but they're close. So the good news is we're not hammering people to get right up
there. We're we're giving them a good fair fair valuation of the of their uh properties, but nothing has come down. The we're seeing sales of 1.2 1.3 million for three families. We have a million dollar sale of a single family in Prattville. So there's still people
are still paying a lot of money for properties. And as that continues again, we just report what's the market what the market dictates. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> councelor. Councelor uh Garcia, >> councelor Sanate.
>> Yes. I just wanted um to get confirmation for another form of assistance which I think is the workoff program that is for people age 60 or over and that is um a maximum discount
of uh $1,500 that you could work off. So >> a 100 hours at $15 an hour. Is that still um >> on the books for us? >> That is controlled by human resources. Okay. >> And I'm assuming it's still $15 is the rate. I think that will change from year
to year. So, what we do is we work with human resources because not everybody needs to work 100 hours. So, if they live in a a smaller condo, it's only valued at $350,000. >> They're not they don't need to work at 100 hours to maximize their discounts.
>> So, basically, you become a volunteer at that point if you go over. So, we tell people you only need to do 40 hours and you'll hit the maximum. >> So, we we do that on a case- by case basis. Yes. And so we don't want to, you know, people find out because everyone has to pay a 10% minimum. >> Yes.
>> So we we'll we'll tell them in advance. There's only it's limited. There's a limited number of people who can get into the program. So we will check their values in advance and tell them, you know, you only have to do 40 hours to maximize, but u most of them will do 100. >> Is that advertised by HR since they
handle it or is it through on your >> We do not advertise. Human resources will take care of that. We have and um we have we participate in the program. We have a fantastic person in our office now who is doing a great job
>> and it's um it will end the end of this month, October 31st. >> Yes. >> But I believe the to apply it starts in January, but I would check with human resources for the exact details. >> Great. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Councelor Dan Garcia
and councelor um Taylor. Welcome. Um, I'm happy with all this as as the city manager had thought that I would be. Um, I do have one question that I'd like to
explain uh that I'd like you to explain to the public here. um for the for the elderly exemptions, can you explain the asset limit? Uh and and and by the way, it it's incumbent upon
the residents to to to check with with the the city government as to what's available for them if they need if they need help. I think if if anybody you know uh advertises these programs should
be the city manager's office uh in a general um you know education campaign that uh that can give the requisite you know residents the help that they need. Um but people need to take
responsibility for for their own situation too and ask uh the questions so that you know we can't we can't go knocking on everybody's door seeing if they need help. You need if you need help contact the city. Um so with that
just if you could explain the asset limit for the elderly and what that covers and what's counted and what is >> the asset limit is is set by state law and it's adjusted by again that 2.9% li uh number that is issued through an IGR from the department of revenue every
April. So we will adjust those those figures and the assets does not include their home. So if they have a stocks and bonds and a lot of equity build somewhere else, they will not be
applied but their home. So if a person is essentially hous but they don't have anything else, it does not go against them. They can't apply for it if they do not have money in the bank. >> So it includes the contents of the house and and and any kind of other financial
car, whatever it is counts. you know, if they have a find out they have a yacht, that probably doesn't they won't qualify. But, um, their primary vehicle and primary residence, we don't look at. >> So, their assets are essentially anything above, you know, um, and again, with the with the ads
>> 75,000 for for married, >> with the assets, we don't um, we're not looking at the equity in their home. We will look at the >> we will look at I mentioned earlier the qualification of the two pieces. Um, we do not look at their gross revenue.
So, if they have a three family and they live in one and rent two and they're getting $70,000 in rent, >> that's not profit. >> Yes. >> So, I say bring in your expenses. We know roughly what your operating expenses are going to be and your vacancy rates and things like that. We know what you're probably going to net
>> and we don't go into their debt service with that either. So, we'll we'll know where they are and say what they're going to pull in. If they bring their tax returns, it's going to be on the schedules. So, we can say this is how much profit you made off that $72,000 in income. You may maybe they only made five grand, 10 grand, depending where
they are. Um, so it it's beneficial for them to bring in their tax returns. >> So, so I just wanted the public to know that this does not include the house. >> No. >> So, and and and uh and so I I think that that's helpful. So, if you do fall into these categories,
um you know, contact contact the city and see if you're you're you're eligible for these things. And I would encourage all the all the homeowners to make sure that you check to see that you're still getting the residential exemption because it is substantial and and uh you
know everybody should I know everybody's busy but >> so just when we do the residential exemption program we instituted the renewal process because it was there's quite a bit of fraud in it where people will >> right change their change their license bring it in and then they go to the
registry and they change it back. We catch people having in multiple towns. They do it all over the place. So, we get rid of them. >> Before we remove anybody, there's two direct mailers. >> AI is going to make that pretty difficult, I think. >> So, um we send two direct mailers telling them they need to renew.
>> Yeah. >> We call them, we send them an email, and we uh go to their house and physically put a door hanger with an application on their door knob like you need to bring this in, right? >> Prior to ever getting removed. And they have a basically have a year to do it. >> And when they don't do it, year. We have
to draw the line and say you you failed to prove it. You didn't take it upon yourself to and quite frankly for 10 minutes worth of work. It's 3,000 bucks a year, >> right? >> It's it's not much to ask. >> Yeah. >> So again, it'll it'll guarantee that you're you're in the program.
>> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. >> I have two more counselors that haven't spoken. Uh councelor Daid and then I'll bounce over to councelor Himenez. I didn't have a question, but now that um councelor Taylor mentioned um the elderly folks, thank you. Um the elderly
folks, I know that um councelor Recupo had done the math and he got a list of how many elderly folks own their homes and I think that we can do a better job at communic, you know, letting them know what is out there and available to them.
Um, and I think it's in the 30s if I'm not mistaken. Um, 30 something. I'm sorry, what was the number of recuper >> the number? First of all, we do not track elderly people. We do not track ages on who owns homes. Those are the people that applied for the program and
are eligible. So, we do not track anybody's age. Those are the people that get mailed and they come to us to do that. and those numbers. >> So the only ones that I'm sorry to interrupt. The only ones that have applied are >> that are applied and are qualified for the program.
>> So that's not a that's absolutely not a direct reflection of the number of elderly people that own homes. >> Got it. Got it. So we don't have ages in the database at all. >> We do not track it. No. And the other thing is too with multiple owners um
>> depending how laws are written and put in trust and things of that nature you could have five owners if one of them is elderly they will qualify. So again it depends how the the rules are written that number could explode. >> We could have hundreds of them that are
eligible for example >> because of the trust and everything. Okay. All right. Got it. Thank you >> councelor Jimenez. >> All right. Thank you so much. Uh, so I just want to first I just have wanted to clarify u statistic that you mentioned earlier. You said 42% of eligible
homeowners take advantage of the residential exemption. Okay, got it. Thank you. >> Um, so that was just I just wanted to double check that. So >> I I want to talk about the tax levy and you said earlier, right? The tax levy is only allowed to increase by 2.5% year-over-year, which you said it's
pretty much inflation, right? And >> well that's what his predictor can two and a half historic inflation rate two two and a half went into >> except we've had some years recently where it's been significantly higher and I I'm going to get to that in a second but I I first I just want to kind of ask you is the fact that we are only able to
increase the tax levy by 2 and a half% which is pretty much inflation. Does that mean that in order for us to expand or create any type of new programming, we need to either cut something else or get outside money from something else? Or of course, we could use growth, but there's only so much space in a city
that is two square miles. So, there's not a whole lot of growth that we can do. So, I guess I'm curious, is there any other way for us to be able to expand our revenues without or I guess expand programming without having to cut? Uh well as far as the growth that
number again is to to cover the variable expenses that comes into place with having new residents and new services that they will need. The assessing office does not get involved in the distribution of any funds or money or anything like that how how things get distributed. So that would fall more
onto um I guess >> well I guess yeah either Mr. Mason or or city manager, I I'm curious to hear how how we are able to keep up with existing demand for programs when our ability to raise revenues is hampered by inflation
and is capped. >> Yeah. So a lot of this is common for all the communities in the commonwealth with this uh proposition two and a half um where we are limited to raise the total
tax base in aggregate by two and a half%. Um, so to in order to get around this is enticing or enticing residents, new business owners or business owners in the
community or those that are interested in investing in the city to invest funds here to help produce growth and additional revenue. That is one way. Other ways is like a allocart method.
you start charging for all the fees and services for services that we provide um to supplement the need for the the the revenue that we're not getting. Um that's not ideal and is not what's best
for the residents of the city of Chelsea and I would argue for many communities. Um so the other alternative is when you're not able to generate enough revenue um is you do have to start looking at programs and what are the
return on investment on each of the services that you're providing and how much you're paying and trying to determine how to best service the community. and by uh finding efficiencies whether it's efficiencies
in the service itself or what we call budget efficiencies um by looking at key areas to reduce. >> Thank you. No, I appreciate that. So and and I think that you guys have all done a fantastic job in finding those efficiencies. So I really appreciate that. But but pretty much right in order for us to be able to expand services,
you're looking at fees or cutting somewhere else. Both things that I don't think anybody up here wants. So, I just want to really highlight for folks that, you know, we've had high inflation years, which means that this cap is hurting us, which means that we're able to provide less uh for our residents because of this cap. Um, and people keep
asking us to do for more, right? People want us to do more and the trade-offs are really, really hard. And part of it is because state law prevents us from, you know, adding uh revenues to our city. Um, and also the the amount that they provide for us has not really grown
all that much. Can you talk about that a little more? How has the state's aid over the years, you know, is it remaining the same, especially after accounting for inflation >> or is it going down? Is it going up? >> Council, and I'm sorry to interrupt. We have two minutes if we can.
>> Yeah. So, I I think state aid has been uh increasing mainly due to the student opportunity act, which had an infusion of dollars in for education, uh which is also the largest part of our budget. Um >> but on the non-school side, have we seen
>> the non-school side, the budget does also the the the state aid does increase as well? Um it's probably hasn't been increasing at the rate of the chapter 70. Um I I what I did forget to uh mention is another way to also raise
revenue. Part of Proposition 2 and a half um is the ability to do an operating override, >> which is something that I don't think it makes sense for this city. Um, but a lot of communities that are heavily residential based, not have a a
commercial industry base, they do have that option to ask the taxpayer for more money. Um, but that's what Proposition 2 and a half is supposed to have us as city leaders come to you to say, "Hey, we need more money." >> Yeah. Thank you. I I really appreciate that. I just want to make sure that the
people understand that when we say that, you know, we we we want to be able to provide more services, right? And people are asking us for that. I want to make sure that people understand the challenges that we face in that if we want to we can build something now but in order to sustain it we have to make sure that we have the funding uh next
year and the year after that. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you so much. Um this meeting is now adjourned. >> Yeah. Part: 2
Thank you. All right. Good evening. Let's >> Yes. All right. Everyone join me with the pledge of allegiance, please. America to the stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Uh, clerk, please take us off uh with a roll call. >> Councelor Tari Garcia, >> present. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera, >> present.
>> Councelor Cupo, >> here. >> Council Taylor >> here. >> Council Robinson >> here. >> Council at Tesh >> here. Council Kelly Garcia >> present. >> Councelor Santigette >> here. >> Council Vega >> present. >> Councelor Brown >> present. >> And councelor Deus >> present. >> All members present. Madam President.
>> Thank you cleros. We're really excited today. We have a lot of amazing leadership in the room and we can't wait to hear all about the great uh recognitions that we're going to be hosting this evening. So, I will have our clerk um start us off with the
memoriams and celebratory resolutions. >> The first item before you are presenting individual citations for Hispanic Heritage Month. >> We will start with um our counselor Verupo. And once again, just to give some
context [Music] [Music] So, we know that we are going through some challenges in this beautiful community um that we call home. Um and If there's anything that I know is that
and that I'm sure of is that Chelsea's really good at making sure that even through the struggles, we stand strong in celebrating the beautiful diversity of our community. And so that is why I am so excited to have you all here this evening. Uh we will be celebrating folks
who are well known in the community, folks who own businesses in our community, folks who um you know work in the uh schools or work in the hospitals, folks that keep our community alive, but most importantly folks that keep our our
culture alive. Um so Good evening. I I have I would like to recognize uh my son. His name is Michelangelo Raupro. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Mont recognized Michelangelo Gupo for his extraordinary contribution
to the city of Chelsea. Michelangelo a long long lifelong resident of Chelsea was a standout football player for the Chelsea High School in Pana where he played on the team that won the 2001 Paul Wana National Championship. After
high school, Michelangelo placed duty in the n for his nation and the army, United States Army where he was deployed in Afghanistan. After obser observing a lack of opportunities for Chelsea youth to play football, he
founded the Chelsea Beer, a new co-educational spring football league for youth 6 to 15 named after a football coach James Beer Burke. I am very proud of my son and of his Hispanic heritage.
He grew up in this city and it knows what it's like to come from a poor environment. People that know my family know all about them. They've been here for 50 years. They all got raised here. And I can't say much more. He couldn't come here tonight because he's taking
care of his his kids. But as a father, I'm very proud as for him being part of this community and giving back to the community because he could have just forgot about it. But he didn't because through the years he has struggled to be something when Mr. Burke helped all the
poor less fortunate kids of our city. So he gave back to the community in the best way he could to try to help the young man. And I hope he when I give him this, he appreciates and he can understand what a great person he truly
is. Thank you. [Applause] >> Counselor, would you like to hand it to him now? I mean, >> he's not here. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, I'll hand it to me and then I'll give it to him.
>> Sounds like a perfect plan. All right. Thank you, counselor. Councelor >> Himenez. >> Um I believe Okay, I think I just got confirmation that both are here. Wonderful. Um so let's see. So I uh I'm going to start off by uh uh presenting
this uh let's see certificate of recognition presented to Anna Vanas Ria in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. We recognize Anna for her extraordinary contributions to the city of Chelsea. Anna has long been an advocate for the people of Chelsea and today she fights against the forces that are pushing so many of our residents out
of our city. As the program coordinator at Komodas and Riceada's Community Land Trust, she advocates to give low-income people dignity and control over their housing and a voice in their city. Anna came to the United States from Guatemala in 1997 and lives with her husband and
son. Thank you, Anna. [Applause]
Alma and then second uh I have a certificate for uh Mr. Tito Mesa. Uh in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Tito for his extraordinary contributions to Chelsea. Tito has been a community leader in Chelsea for decades since he moved to the city in the 1970s. He was
one of the founders of Central Latino and has been very involved over the years with Projectto Dureno and with Chelsea United Against the War. He is deeply connected with his home country of Honduras and has been an activist for peace in his in his country and beyond alongside his wife Lynn. He is remembered fondly by many in Chelsea for
his singing and dancing at many community events. Thank you for everything that you do, Tito. Councelor Robinson. >> Yes. I I will be brief. I'll summarize go back a long way uh with this family
actually. Uh Joanna, Jose the father, Juan and Andre started a bu a business on the corner of Shortlift and Central Avenue. They grow
that they went from that business to a hair salon and they went on to establish 15 different bars and restaurants and they are proud to call Chelsea their home. I'd like to recognize them for all
the work and all the give back that they give back to the community. So if Joanna and Juan will come and accept this
[Applause] Felician Felicia
Okay. Councelor Melinda Vega. Um, my first certificate of recognition is presented to Jasmina Este. I am proud to recognize Jasmina for her incredible
dedication and leadership at Chelsea High. Her care and commitment to our students truly make a difference every day. And this is something that she carries outside of school, which I had the privilege to experience on a personal level with my own two children.
I am grateful for all she does to uplift our children and our youth. Chelsea is very lucky to have her. Thank you. [Applause] My next honore is um to is a certificate
of recognition to present Leslie Santiago um in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. We recognize Leslie for her extraordinary contributions to Chelsea High School and the Chelse in the city of Chelsea. I am honored to recognize
Leslie Santiago, a true example of strength, love, and leadership in our community. A former Chelsea High School basketball coach, Leslie went beyond the game, she mentored, guided, and uplifted her students with compassion and heart.
Recently, she made a life-changing decision that reflects who she is at the core. At her core, she adopted her foster child, who was also her best her son's best friend, officially becoming a proud mom of two boys.
Leslie's story is one of courage, devotion, and unconditional love. She continues the powerful legacy of her mother, Miss um Miss Gray, embodying what it means to be a strong, independent, and nurturing woman who leads by example.
Example. Thank you, Leslie Margaret. Again, [Applause] we are so lucky to have all these amazing leaders be part of my our community. Uh, councelor Teshi. >> So, my person could not be here today,
um, but his name is Julian Cruz. Um, he and I, we arrived to the United States in 2013 together. We went to middle school together. We went to high school together. Um, unfortunately on August uh 14, 2024, his f his uh home burned down.
This was the fire at 185 Washington. Um, he is the father of two kids. Um he has three jobs. He works hard. I think he's a very, you know, he's a representative of this community with what it means to fight even when, you know, everything seems to just burn down. Um and I think
that was, you know, the perfect resemblance of what's going on right now. You know, even despite everything that's going on, we still fight and we still keep going. So, I'll be giving that to him uh hopefully one of these days when I see him again. U but yeah, I wanted to recognize him for just
continuing to fight. Thank you. Okay. So, I have chosen two amazing leaders. Um, I'll start with one who has been in our community since the 70s when her parents decided to uh move from
Puerto Rico to this beautiful little city of Chelsea. Um, this woman dedicated many, many years to ensuring that Latinos in our hospitals have access to health care and attention in
their native language. instrument. [Music] Okay. [Music] I mean, you know, [Music] Chelsea
[Music] fun. Good job. My next honore, my next honore is someone that um that also is near and dear to my heart, a very good friend of mine
who as I work with youth in the community and I see the challenges again that many of our youth face, you know that saying from Selena, you're not enough American to be American, but you're not enough Mexican to be Mexican. when you're kind of in between the struggles of migration, the traumas that
you carry from generations. Um, this individual in our community uses theater as a way for youth to unpack that and to understand um a life of healing and to understand the power of their voice. Um,
District Three. [Music] Um, Um, Armando Pava.
[Applause] >> Congratulations. being excited for um some more to come on that. Thank you. Thank you so much,
Ar. [Applause] >> Okay, Councelor Brown. >> Thank you, Madam President. And I'll be offering two resolutions during this month his um Hispanic Heritage Month. The first one I will be offering is my
dear friend Santiago Fernandez of Santiago Hairstyle and Barberhop. I think someone's here on his behalf. Uh someone here. Oh, he just snuck in. His brother is here who runs the second.
Whereas during the Hispanic Heritage Month observed from September 15 to October 15 each year, we celebrate the many contributions made of our community by Hispanic Americans. And whereas there are approximately 5,000
Hispanicowned businesses there in the United States, supporting millions of employees nationwide and contributing more than $80 billion in revenue to our economy of the United States. Whereas Santiago Fernandez of Santiago's
Hairstyle has owned and operated two barber shops in the city of Chelsea since 1997. First on Washington A and the second one on 185th Street. Whereas Santiago has employed more than 40 inspiring barbers
mostly from Chelsea and the surrounding communities over the past 28 years. Santiago's passion for love for his work is evidence of the first class experience he you receive as a customer customer on a daily basis as well as his love and appreciation for the community
he calls home. He still lives here but his brother's here tonight because he's working. Santiago Fernandez expressed the fawn in countless returning customers, including many visits by Johnny Ruiz, the first Latino heavyweight champion boxing of
the world. Now be that Calvin Brown and the members of this city council do recognize the extraordinary work of Santiago Fernandez of his 28 years of business celebrating the positive income and social impact of our community as small business owners like Santiago's
barberh shop hairstyle. In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, we offer this resolution to this great person of our community for his dedication and his love for our city. Thank you. >> And Madam President, I have one more
that I actually read into the records, but it's still in the spirit of the Hispanic Heritage Month. Whereas Aydah Cruz of Bless Shears Beauty Salon on Washington A some was Washington A has
owned her has owned her barberh shop hair salon located at 156 Washington A for the past 33 years. Adah's passion for her work is clarity of display through the positive comments she received in the countless times the
residents continue to come back to her place. The city council welcomes the opportunity to recognize not only women but small business owners through their hard work, their dedication, their passion, and their love in being the
backbone of our community. Again, whereas we have today now there be resolved that I, Calvin Brown, and members of the Chelsea City Council, congratulate Adah on her 33 years of business, celebrating with a positive impact in our community for small
business like Bless She's Beauty Salon. And in keeping with the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize her on her accomplishments here in Chelsea. She's not here tonight, but um we did want to also offer that because of this significant
Councelor Garcia, I am a little sick. [Music] And tonight I have the great privilege and honor of recognizing Carlos Fernando Kamacho. Um, can I just have his family
stand up for a quick second? For a quick second. Yes. Awesome. Wen Carlos, also known as Ao Carlos. You are the best grandfather to my niece, to Tener's daughter, and we wanted to thank you. So, thank you for
not only being the awesome grandpa, but the awesome dad that you are. You are you are accompanied by your children, your family, and you have left a legacy here in Chelsea. So, for those of you who don't know, uh Carlos Kamacho is the proud owner of El Dorado Cafe, and I'm
going to read a little bit about his history. So, Cafe Dorado story is one of community, culture, and perseverance. Founded by the Kamacho family, the original El Dorado bakery on Congress a became a neighborhood anchor until a
devastating Thanksgiving fire in 2013. Even in the face of loss, the family's commitment to serving Chelsea never wavered. They rebuilt and reintroduced the bakery as Cafe El Dorado, reopening on Broadway in 2019, and welcoming
neighbors back with the flavors so many missed. Raise your hand if you enjoy pandeo peso bunos and crisp crisp empanadas recipes passed down through generations.
Today at 24 at 241 Broadway, Cafe Dorado remains a testament to resilience and the power of small businesses to sustain tradition and connection in Chelsea. We proudly honor Cafe Dorado during Hispanic Heritage Month for its enduring contributions to our city's flavor,
identity, and pride. Gracias. >> We love you. >> Good job. >> Congratulations. Um Oh. Oh, sorry. [Applause]
Well, and shout out to his son who is also a sergeant. Sergeant Kamacho. Thank you for keeping us safe. All righty. So, my second honore is not here per it is for Kasa Ortiz. I know many of us know exactly where it is. Uh,
first opened in 1982, Casaltis is one of the city's longest standing Latinoowned businesses, Akin Chelsea. It has welcomed generations of residents with goods, celebration essentials, and warm community centered services. For more than four decades, the Ortiz family has
strengthened our local community, persevered cultural traditions, and provided a gathering place where neighbors feel at home. Gracia Casortis, >> Councelor Sanate. >> In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Tuani Irrizari for
her extraordinary contributions to the city of Chelsea. Tuani is of Puerto Rican descent and very proud of her heritage. She's a kind and giving member of District 5 who frequently cleans Boston Park and contributes generously
to the micro food pantry program. Often seen in the neighborhood with her precious elderly dog Faith, her selfless actions represent community engagement at its finest. Congratulations, Tani.
[Applause] Congratulations. [Applause] councelor
Galia noce. Uh my certificate of recognition goes to Nolberto Alvarez. I don't know if he's here to restaurant owner. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage
Month, we recognize Nolto Alvarez for his extra extraordinary contributions to the city of Chelsea. Nolberto has owned and operated Tugasa restaurant located at 403 Broadway for 30 years and opened a second restaurant, Koasa,
at 109 Shortlive Street, three years ago. His restaurants truly embody the heart of our community, serving as places where families gather to celebrate milestones and traditions. Beyond his businesses, Nolberto has been instrumental in saving Highland Park,
and transforming it into a safe haven for our youth, especially those passionate about soccer. His dedication has also helped beautify both Central Avenue and Broadway, bringing pride and vibrancy to our city. Nberto, thank you
so much and thank you for allowing us um to to get to know Colombia and all the traditions that Colombia has to bring to the city. So, thank you. All right.
And then my next my next one um I'm gonna present it to Almando Montes. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Armando Monte for his extra extraordinary sorry two languages here contributions
to the city of Chelsea. Armando has owned and operated Montes Jeweler, a familyowned business located at 275 Broadway since 2018. Almando has been a steadfast advocate for local businesses, supporting not only his own but those
around him. A proud Chelsea native with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Armando exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and community pride. His continued efforts to stren strengthen our small businesses. Our
small business community reflects his commitment to seeing Chelsea thrive. Armando, thank you so much. come and accept your [Applause] Last but not least, Councelor Taylor.
>> Thank you. So, unfortunately, my recipient couldn't be here uh tonight. He is uh he is working and uh for that I salute him. Uh in celebration of Hispanic Heritage
Month, uh we recognize Hugo Purdomo for his extraordinary uh contributions to the city of Chelsea. who goes uh has lived in Chelsea for 13 years, has volunteered with TND and Green Roots. He currently works as a lab assistant
technician at Boston Children's Hospital Hospital, uh which is affiliated affiliated with the Harvard Medical School. Uh in addition, Hugo previously served on the Chelsea Creek Municipal Harbor Planning Group and currently serves as a member of the zoning board
of appeals. uh and I salute him for that because that is no easy job um as we all know. So, uh, I just want to take one moment to salute all of the recipients tonight because
when you go out, whether you're whether you're just a regular Joe or or or you're a leader in this community, when you go out and touch other lives and make a difference, that's what life's all about. and when you and and
all of you that received rewards tonight, thank you so much for making the lives of people in Chelsea better. >> That's all that's what we're all supposed to do. So, um I salute you. Thank you.
I echo my colleagues words and we'll share as we um wrap up this section and then ask all of our honores to please join us in the front that this is truly special. Uh the city manager and I um were talking all year last year about
how amazing it was that we were able to do a festival and work with our city solicitor and some of our local businesses to have a huge celebration on our city hall on. And so this year we had to uh sort of cancel last minute and there was there's been a lot of
rearranging and sort of you know shifts um in our agendas and obviously it's because of some of the fear that has been instilled in the community. But to see this room right now and all the faces of so many leaders, this brings me
hope because no matter how much, you know, fear and intimidation is instilled in our community, we stand strong with one another. And I can look around and see so many different generations. And that's the beautiful piece that the older generations are turning over the
baton to the younger generations. And then the legacy continues and the work continues. And so, thank you to each and every one of you for all of your contributions. Thank you to your families. Thank you to your children. There are sacrifices that come with
leadership. And so, we value each and every one of you today and um every day as we continue to fight here in Chelsea for our families. So, I'm going to ask if we can please have all of the honores just bring your
certificates and stand here in front of the council. Madam President, can we I have one request from the city manager about moving out of order on the uh board nominations for the youth commission because we have nine students who are here um who should probably get
home. >> Yes. So maybe um we do the picture and then when you when we sit back down you move it out of order. >> That sounds good. Yeah. Yeah. >> Perfect. Okay. Yeah. >> Just know we can uh take half an hour. >> Thank you counselor. All of my uh
honores, please join me in the front. We're going to take some pictures and um I will ask um that we also take a 4m minute break. Um >> so that we can celebrate briefly.
You see that? >> I got to stay back there, right? >> Yes, we should. >> I'm sure you can find somebody to take a picture for you. Get on up there. [Applause]
[Music] [Music] Hey, you should have got three of You should have got three. Should have got three. [Applause] >> How are you? >> Good to see you.
See, [Applause] okay. [Music] I got ask [Music] Or I can bring it to the >> No, no, no, that's fine. >> Not right here.
>> It's right there. [Music] [Music] Sier, if you for youth here today that will be receiving recognition. If you can please come to the front um so that we can uh continue with our youth commission. Yes.
Just grab a closer seat to us and let's give him a round of applause. [Applause] Thank you. Okay,
you guys can definitely come on in. Una, congratulations. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] >> Uh, councelor Jimenez, >> motion to move out of order uh the
appointment of the youth commission. >> If there are no objections, >> seeing no objections, >> all appointments, move up. All appointments for a roll call vote. >> You're totally fine. >> All right, clerk, kick us up. >> Yes. Let's name all of our amazing youth
leaders. >> So before you tonight, appointments as follows. Appointment to the board of library trustees, Ashley Quacowski of Chelsea. Appointment to affordable housing trust funding board, Art Gordon. for appointment to the youth commission.
Allison Osorio, Allison Rivera, Ashley Yumano, Katherine Hernandez, Hazel Hattleberg, Jennifer Mendoza, Kendra Morales, Madison J, Emily Garmentia Morales, and for reappointment to the youth commission,
Yuri Lee, Nina Young Lee, Daniel Prudencio, Dariel Medina, and for reappointment to the Chelsea Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Sharon Caulfield. Roll call. Votes been requested. Yes. Vote to confirm. >> Council Tinari Garcia.
>> Yes. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera. >> Yes. >> Councelor Rupo. >> Yes. >> Council Taylor. >> Yes. >> Councelor Robinson. >> Yes. >> Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Council Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Santigette. >> Yes. >> Council Vega. >> Yes. >> Council Brown. >> Yes.
>> And councelor Des. >> Yes. >> All 11 members voting in favor. Appointments and reappointments confirmed. Thank you. Congratulations to all of our youth. Um I think I will open it up now for um for
us to take a 4m minute break or few minutes. Yeah, let's take a quick break um so that we can take pictures with our amazing youth leaders. [Applause]
>> I won't flap my hair on you. I promise. I'm get my father to come see second. >> Oh yeah. >> Yes. All right, let's continue. >> Last but not least, we have another uh
resolution. Um if our clerk could please uh proceed with the reading. The final resolution before you introduced by councelor Vega for pregnancy and infant loss awareness month. Whereas every year approximately 1 million pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage,
still birth or the death of a newborn, leaving a lasting impact on parents, siblings, extended family, and the community. And whereas approximately 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. And approximately 1% of all pregnancies,
approximately 24,000, end in still birth, which is the loss of a baby at or after the 20th week of pregnancy. And whereas the primary causes of infant mortality, which is defined as the death of an infant within the first year of life, are birth defects, pre-term birth
and low birth weight, maternal pregnancy complications, sudden infant death syndrome, and injuries. And whereas the loss of a pregnancy or death of an infant are deeply painful experiences which can profoundly affect families long after the loss. And many parents endure these losses silently and without
the support of their families, workplace, or wider community. And whereas a more informed public educated about pregnancy and infant loss, can better learn how to respond with compassion to affected and grieving individuals and families. And whereas in 1988, the month of October was
officially proclaimed National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month to recognize the grief of families, remember all the pregnancies and infants lost, and increase awareness about these issues. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Chelsea City Council hereby declares October 2025 pregnancy and
infant loss awareness month in the city of Chelsea in memory of John Peter Martin III and all babies gone too soon, encouraging awareness, reflection, and support for families and individuals impacted by such loss and calls upon community members to honor the memory of children gone too soon.
>> Thank you, Cler Counselor. >> Um, Madame President, I like accept and file and I'd like to also speak on it. >> You have the floor, counselor. >> Um, this resolution is
very near and dear to my heart given that earlier this year I experienced a very traumatic miscarriage that involved that impacted mentally, physically, and emotionally. And I would like to recognize women that I know
personally have experienced this pain alike. Um I would like to recognize I'm going to finish reading and then I'll read the names. Um losing a child whether during pregnancy
or after birth changes you forever. It's a pain that words can't capture but it's also a love that never fades. So many walk, so many women walk through this silently. By speaking our truth, we let others know they are not alone. Grief
shared is grief lessened. Healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means finding new ways to carry love and loss together. Today and every day, we remember our babies. Let's continue breaking the stigma around pregnancy and infant loss
and support families through their journeys with empathy and care. At this moment, I would like to recognize women that I know personally. Um, Tanya Bayz, if you can join me. [Applause] I'm gonna if I can go down there. Well,
um, Jacqueline Garmia Oh my god. [Applause] And Terary Garcia. [Applause] Um, while I know this changes the tone a little bit for today's celebration,
um is still something that needs to be highlighted and recognized throughout our city. And um I'd like to say and and give thank you to all the women that supported me, all
these women in this space and um that have felt the same loss. Um, we're not alone and I think it's important to share our grief with others and to be a support system to others as well. Um, thank you for being brave and allowing
me to share your stories. Um, I love you all. I'm here. [Applause] Can I ask for like a minute break just
so I can take a picture as well >> and like clean faces? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. So, how do I >> um I'm sorry. >> Um let's go into a two-minute recess.
>> Okay. What's happening? No, I don't believe Um before before folks leave, I just want to make sure that um my colleague is able to interrupt the rules real quickly.
>> Yes. >> Um yes, absolutely. Um, can we do it right after this interruption because it's it's so connected. >> Madame President, I would like to suspend the rules. So, Jeff, um, can I have a few words for us tonight? Thank
you. >> Seeing no objections, Jefferson, please join us at the podium. >> You have the >> turn on the mic. Yeah. >> Is this on? >> Yep. >> Okay. So, um, I just wanted to first I
wanted to I wish all the other leaders were here so I could thank them. Um, you know, uh, growing up outside of Chelsea, you I was like fed this one-sided narrative about like what what Chelsea was, right? But it wasn't until I began to reside in Chelsea where um, I got to
learn the rich um, history, the beautiful and rich history of Chelsea. And it's um, solely because of the amazing um, leaders, the men and women that make up Chelsea, the ones that contribute to to um making Chelsea beautiful. And um I wanted and and
something that I recognized in all of the um leaders of Chelsea is that they're all strong. They're all resilient. Um and I I just want to recognize Melinda as well for being um
embodying that as well. Right. as she mentioned, as she touched on it briefly, she earlier this year, she um we had the unexpected loss of of um a young infant, right? And yet, even through that heartbreak, she never stopped showing up. She didn't stop showing up as a
devoted city counselor for the city of Chelsea. She didn't stop showing up as um a hard worker, as a director of her fellowship program. She didn't stop showing up as a um uh a loving partner, as a loving mother to her be two
beautiful boys, as a loving mother to my daughter, her bonus daughter, right? Um um even with showing up for um maintaining my daughter's beautiful crazy hair, you know, she was still showing up, taking care of that um despite all the pain that she was going
through, right? Um staying strong, determined in and out of the hospital. um and and maybe a little too strong for my likings when those hormones kicked in. But um what what stood out to me the most is that um Melinda, your strength, you know, wasn't about pretending everything was fine. It was about um
leading with honesty. It was about leading with compassion. It was about leading with heart um and showing us that true resilience means uh continuing to serve and love even when you're still healing yourself. So tonight, as we honor the the incredible leaders, um the men and the women who make up the heart
of Chelsea, especially those who have faced similar um challenges, I wanted to add um the light by recognizing you um and and thank you for continuing to show up, to lead, and to shine even through the storm.
[Applause] I want to give you your flowers, too, but um they're in the back. >> Thank you, Jefferson. Um I'll open it now to any counselors who would like to share a few words.
Councelor Brown. >> Thank you, Madam President. I just want to um stand up in support of the encouragement um that the council has demonstrated tonight. I'm sure the experience that we hear and speak of and we recognize this um resolution because
it's an annual monthly award that's being recognized not only for the the trauma and and the sorrow but also um tonight um counselor gave the opportunity to women that was courage enough to come up and stand have the
honor and recognize and let people know that you know they've been through something similar to what we recognize in the resolution uh today where you honor those that babies that's no longer with us because they lost two miscarriages or some symptoms that does
not allow them to hear. So, I just wanted to um get up and and say, you know, um you know, I appreciate your your your honestness and your truthfulness and when you were going through it, I was there with you and I know how difficult it was and I know how
tough it could be. I didn't experience it in my family, but you know, when a mother and mothers lose children, it's always a tough situation. So I I give you all credit for showing up and also bringing this up because it's a very tough thing. You know, I wasn't for sure
to clap or, you know, just pray, >> but thank you for sharing this with us. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor, councelor uh Taylor, and then counselor Garcia. I just want to thank the counselor for
bringing this uh forward and um I can say that uh my family has also had this happen more than once. So um and I can assure you it's it it affects not only the women but the but the men as well.
And so um I join you in in in mourning the unborn and uh and uh celebrating their value. So um
it has this this issue has a has a uh has a real resonance with me. So >> thank you. >> Thank you all. And uh and uh I I really appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor Councelor Garcia. I'll be super brief. Um, and we'll try
not to get emotional, but I want to thank the women who are here who walk uh through every single day with battles you may not know they carry, right? And
I um I want to applaud my matriarch, my mama beari. um who has also had miscarriages. Now that I just want to thank you for your strength and yeah, and your courage and thank you for
showing us how to be resilient every step of the way. Thank you. Thank you, Kelly Garcia. A counselor Tanidi Garcia. >> I'm gonna be brief because I'm going to cry. I mean, I'm usually the stronger sister.
So, um I just want to thank my um my This is too terrible. We went from celebratory to this and it's um I just want to thank you for being
courageous. This takes a a lot um you know and we leave everything in the back burner and we try to keep it going. So um thank you for allowing this space. Um
and yeah, thank you Councelor Tesh. >> Um, many people know this fact about me. Uh, but I have six sisters. Uh, and unfortunately, uh, three of them have experienced this, uh, devastating
experience. And you know what's difficult being, you know, in that position is that I can't help them other than just give time
and and be faithful that they have the strength necessary to pull themselves and and be supportive and do what I can. Um and I think you know today I would like to give a lot of merit to uh
Melinda for pulling yourself because you know as a c as a colleague here in the council you know I can say with all certainty you never felt your community
and you stepped up for others even when it was difficult to step up for yourself. Um, and I see the same struggle that my sisters went through in you and you took it like a boss.
So, praise to you. >> Thank you, [Applause] >> Counselor Sanneate. >> Um, I I can't imagine a loss as
profound. Um, and as you said, it affects women from everywhere all over the world. Every family has experienced something like this. And I just want to say that uh, no one should be alone. So if there
is anyone in the community that's alone and needs anything, you can always call on me. Um, always. >> Thank you, counselor. In closing, I'll echo all of my
colleagues words. Thank you, Melinda, for your bravery. Um, Robert and I have not talked about what we went through and only a few people know. Um, when we No, it's fine. I think it's it's so important to be able to
unpack and be able to normalize that this really is a thing and that life doesn't stop during this thing and that women still have to show up to work and they still have to show up for their children and um are expected to kind of
just go on. Um, so thank you for for acknowledging for making the space um and for being my rainbow baby's godmother. >> All right. Um, with that being said, let's proceed um to the next item.
>> Next item, public speaking. >> Anyone here for public speaking? >> Please join us in the podium. Name and address. >> Name and please. >> My name is Robert. I am fiance of Noris
de Jesus. Um I'm nervous as hell right now. Give me a second. Okay. >> Robert, can we have your address, please? >> Um to Lisa Lane. So um I would like to really recognize I never really come here you know but today is a
special day and I want to recognize not Jesus for being a strong hero not just here but in my house in the streets in the collaborative everywhere she goes. I want to tell you that you are a powerhouse. You give strength to my
daughters to know that one day they could be president, be in the Congress, be in the state house, and looking at you every time I see you in that chair. And you make me so proud. Um, I remember when you was eight months pregnant. Um, you was eight months pregnant
knocking on doors and I would tell you, "Sit down. I got this." And you never stopped. And I always told you if I was to die tomorrow, my biggest thing for you is to be in Congress or be in Senate. They need a person like you. We all need a
person like you. And I love you. I will always love you forever and ever. And also before I end this, Melinda, Donnie, and Kelly, you guys deserve your flowers, too. You guys are like my sisters. I love y'all. And keep fighting
for the city of Chelsea. I love y'all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> For the record, I love you too. [Applause] Anyone else here for public speaking?
Okay, that closes our portion of public speaking. Moving on to uh approval of the minutes. >> Approval of them. Seeing no objections, moving right along. >> Minutes approved. Moving on to communications from the city manager.
First communication received providing a preliminary response to council order 25109, update on ARPA funds. Dear councilors, I am writing in response to council order 25109 requesting an update on ARPA funds. The city has received the most recent third-party audit report by the city's external auditors, Vcelli,
Clark, and Associates, certified public accountants. Based on the city's most recent FY24 audit cycle, which includes a governance letter and single audit report attached for your reference, there were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified in internal controls over financial
reporting or compliance. No instances of non-compliance related to ARPA or other federal awards and no lapses in internal financial controls that pose a risk to the city or taxpayers. >> Madam President, like to wave the rest of the reading and accept and file under communication if there are no objections. Also, just to highlight for
folks watching that that we have a subcommittee on this tomorrow if anybody's interested in learning more. >> Thank you, councelor. Seeing no objections, moving right along. >> Next communication received from the city manager responded to council order 2511, Chelsea Housing Authority. Dear councilors, I'm writing in response to
council order 2511 asking the Chelsea Housing Authority how many Chelsea residents were placed during the calendar years 2024 and 2025. Following our meeting, I reached out to executive director of the Chelsea Housing Authority, Mr. Paul Noiki, who responded quickly with the following information.
In 2024, 53 Chelsea families or individuals were housed at the CHA. And in 2025, 37 Chelsea families or individuals were housed at the CHA with three months left in the year. >> Uh, can I wave the rest of the rating and accept and follow communication and suspension? There are no objections.
>> Seeing none, thank you, counselor. Moving on. Next communication received requesting approval of union contract with APSME local 708 library. Dear councilors, pursuant to section 4-3L of the Chelsea city charter, I am writing to request city council approval for the
cost items of the new collective bargaining agreement negotiated with APSME local 708 covering library employees for the period July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2029. A copy of the memorandum of agreement is attached. The major cost items of this particular
agreement are the annual raises on the following amounts. FY27 3% FY28 3% and FY29 3%. In addition, in FY27, there will be a onetime $1,000 base wage increase. >> Madam President, move to wave the rest of the reading and accept and file under
communication if there are no objections. >> Seeing none. Thank you, councelor. Moving on. >> Next communication received regarding denial to first appeal COVID 19 FEMA reimbursement. Dear councilors, earlier this year, we shared news with the city council that FEMA denied a reimbursement
request for expenses related to the city's food distribution effort during the CO 19 pandemic. The city of Chelsea and the state of Massachusetts submitted an appeal to FEMA for these expenses. I'm writing to share the somber news that the city received a denial letter from FEMA for the first appeal.
Seeing that councelor councelor >> Madame President I would just like to see if uh the amount um >> be read. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um let's proceed with the amount that's being denied.
According to the response issued by FEMA, the denial, the amount ineligible for district under the grant was 3,22,361.76. >> Thank you, clerk. Moving on to the next item. >> Next communication received from the
city manager regarding immigration support and legal resources page. Dear counselors, I'm writing to share that we have launched a page on our website with immigration support and legal resources. We have shared resources through our newsletter and have shared it on social media. Many of the regional legal support organizations are overwhelmed by
the level of need in our community and they continue to offer support and services. The Massachusetts Office of Refugees and Immigrants continues to provide support to our city. We will also continue hosting know your rights trainings virtually. Please share these resources with anyone that needs them.
have the follow communication on the suspension if there's no objections. >> Uh seeing none, uh however, councelor Dedi Garcia, you'd like to speak? >> Yes. Um Fidel, I want to thank you
for providing these resources for our families and such crazy times that we're living. Um, I want to make sure that we as councils inform our community and make sure that our community has this
information. This is very important. Um, but yeah, I just want to highlight you and and thank you for for being so proactive with this. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Moving on to the next item. >> Next communication received from the
city manager. We're providing an update on interdep departmental collaboration efforts. Dear counselors, I am writing to provide an update on interdep department collaboration which is a major focus of our administration. Specifically, we will highlight five initiatives. Bi-weekly operations
meetings, the quarterly board and commission staff training, the housing task force, the mun improvement team, and the open gov implementation teams. for open gov implementation team. >> Madam President, I'd move to wave the rest of the reading and accept and file the communication under suspension if
there's no objection. >> Seeing no objections, if I may quickly just briefly thank the city manager for this as well. I'm looking forward to this. Earlier in our uh conversation regarding taxes, um I brought up um you
know how many of the concerns or um issues and gaps that we see is sometimes lack of departments being able to share information with one another one another and so this is going to address a lot of that and so we are very excited and grateful for your work on this city
manager. Moving on to the next item. Next. >> Next communication received from the city manager providing an update on affordable housing pilot at 55 Herz Street. Dear counselors, I am writing to provide an update on the status of the 55 Herd Street project. The city of Chelsea is exploring a new affordable
housing pilot program at 55 Herd Street, a six-unit residential property that presents an opportunity to expand deeply affordable familysiz housing in our community. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among the law department, department of housing and community development, assessor's
office, and the city manager's office to create a sustainable model for city-owned affordable housing. >> Madam President, I move to wave the rest of the reading accept and file under communication if there are no objections. Um, this is the same program that was spoken about at the last meeting. Um, folks want to hear more about it.
>> Awesome. Thank you, councelor. Seeing no objections, moving on. Next communication received from the city manager providing an update on downtown Broadway construction. Dear counselors, I am writing to report that the utility construction on downtown Broadway is wrapping up and will be completed before the Thanksgiving holiday. The crews are
working on paving, replacing missing curbstones on sidewalks, as well as milling the surface to prepare for paving. During this time, the surface will be uneven and drivers should take caution. There will be no construction during the holiday season in our downtown. The next phase of the downtown Broadway project will be completed by
MASDOT and will include installation of traffic signals, replacement of all sidewalks, and full replacement of the road. Masdot has not shared a final project schedule with the city yet, but we expect that construction will restart in early 2027. >> Madam President, move to wave the rest of the reading except file under
communication if there are no objections. >> Seeing none. Thank you, councelor. >> Moving on. >> Next communication received from the city manager providing an update on Faith and Blue events. Dear counselors, I am writing to thank the city council for joining our faith and blue celebrations in the month of October. We
have held meaningful events at Temple Emanuel Blueto and St. Luke's Church. We have three events remaining and we know they will be successful. >> Madam President, move to wave the rest of the reading and accept and file under communication if there are no objections. >> Seeing no objections and councelor
Brown, you have the floor. Madam President, >> uh just want to highlight some of the opportunity that um myself and I believe some of the counselors have went out. We were out last Friday night with the faith in blue. It's a base premises strong to build community engagement. Um
one of the things that we heard from last week, oh one of our interpreters here, hi. Um from the event, it was a packed house. It's very well attended. Um we had clergy, we had elected officials, myself and councelor Lisa
Sanate was um present. City manager um I believe it was over a dozen police officers in blue might have been two. Um we heard some from residents um obviously when you have a great um room small with a lot of people and what's
going on in our society there's some kind of fear in the back room but there was no fear that night. everyone was engaging and embracing. Um it was very helpful in a way um that it gives us an understanding of the police, how they have to react, how they go out, what
their job is and they want to build trust. They want to build respect and mutual respect. Um the residents also was implying that's how um strong communities come together and really the the the vibe that really make a
community successful is when you have your police able to engage and and and and talk about their job and and explain why certain things happen. You know, we see them on Facebook and we believe that's how it happened. We see it on the news
nationally and we think that's what they're doing, but you know, there's reasons why everything take place, but um you know, they explain the change of command. Um, so it was really uh helpful to brace the bridges that we need in our city, especially the urban communities.
Um, we need folks to be able to know that, you know, everyone's here for a reason. The police obviously they're here to keep peace. They're here to keep order. And when they have to arrest, they have to arrest. Um, but it's great that we have the mutual respect and it's
great that we took place. And just uh tomorrow, I believe there's two more left. tomorrow um at the People's Baptist Church and then there's one I believe on the 25th Revival Revival Revive Church. So if you haven't made
it, if you're counselor, if you got time, it's really worth making. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Counselor Garcia, >> I'll be brief. um counselor uh Melinda Vega and I attended one and it was truly
truly beautiful to see our community um come together and really be at peace and and the police officers actually asked one of the members how do you feel in this space? What do you feel? And she said and that's what our police officers
bring to our community. That's something beautiful. That's something that we've created over years. This hasn't happened over this didn't didn't just happen. Um, our police department has collaborated with us for decades and we've been we've
been a full advocate of of this movement and it was truly beautiful to witness and be there present. So, thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Moving on to the next item. Next communication received from the city manager providing a draft of the
FY2027 capital improvement plan. Dear council, earlier earlier this year, we communicated to the council that we were launching our annual capital improvement plan process. Our finance teams and department heads are actively reviewing all past projects, discussing their status, and most importantly determining
if any unspent funds can be used for upcoming projects. We understand clearly the council's desire to spend old funds before asking for new ones. Our team has been working hard on the capital improvement. >> I ask the uh clerk to read the last paragraph and it's okay except and
follow communication on the suspension. >> Seeing no objections, counselor. Thank you. >> Last paragraph. Chelsea has done a fantastic job with capital planning. We invest in our public buildings, our parks, public safety fleets, and our infrastructure. We appreciate the input that the city council gives, and we will
incorporate it into the FY2027 capital improvement plan. Please send us any requests for projects from your constituents, whether it is replacing sidewalks, paving a street, or improving a park, and we will incorporate them. >> Madam President, just like to speak on it real quick. Just want to make sure uh for anybody still watching the meeting,
uh we are having a meeting on Tuesday, November 18th at 6 p.m. at the senior center to make sure that we um are talking about the the capital improvement plan. So, please uh please join us. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Councelor Tesy,
>> um a little bit I don't know if to say bold, it's just out of place. But um one of the things that I'll be pursuing and see if we can get uh within my district will be a parking lot. Um and uh I'll be really fighting to see if we can make that
happen because honestly parking is a big problem and the more developments we have the bigger the problem. Um so putting that out there for people to give their opinions on it. Um and just expect that that will be coming through. I am sure this is going to be a long meeting if it includes parking.
Thank you, councelor. U moving on to the next item. >> Next communication received from the city manager regarding fiscal year 2026 tax rate. Dear council, in preparation for our October 20th presentation on taxes and valuations, I am writing to
request the two votes required by the city council prior to the setting of the tax rate. We request that the city council hold a public hearing at your meeting on November 10th, 2025 followed by a vote. This will >> res move to wave the rest of the reading accept and file a communication and move to schedule the uh public hearing.
>> Seeing no objections. Thank you, counselor. Moving on to >> we have one communication received from the city manager received late. If there are no objections to acceptance, >> seeing none, >> communication received from the city manager providing an update to council order 2586, request for feasibility
study on stipens. Dear councilors, I am writing an update to the previous response to council order 2586 requesting that the city manager complete a feasibility study on providing stipens to appointed residents off our boards and commissions. The administration is putting the implementation of the board and
commission stipent administrative order on hold. After significant discussion with several city councilors and board members, we have decided that is not the right time to implement this order. We significantly value the work of our volunteers and we will continue exploring ways to support and acknowledge members of our boards and
commissions. >> Accept and file the communication on the suspension if there are no objections. >> Seeing no objections and uh councelor Brown you have the floor. >> Thank you madam president. Quickly I just want to commence the city manager for this here. Um when it first came out, a bunch of us had a lot of concerns
about it. But you know, talking to the members on boards and also the city manager, we felt that, you know, a lot of folks that was really taking pride in being heavy to have the opportunity to volunteer their time and come out and work with these boards, they did it, you
know, um willingly more so than because there was a fee attached with it. Um it's great that it's uh an offer that was on the table, but I think this is the right thing. Um the city residents, they are not crying about it and um they really want to continue to serve on
these boards and stuff. So I want to thank the city manager for him and his team on effort. Thank you, >> Councelor Taylor. >> I also want to thank the city manager for taking this action. I think um you
know this this uh this request was uh was premature and um I I just want to reiterate my support for the independence of the of the boards and uh it is a
especially uh concerning the past history of Chelsea where we don't want too much power concentrated in one place. uh that's that's when corruption um really starts uh going and we want to avoid that at at all costs and I think
there were some suggestions that uh we do away with the boards and invest all the power in the city council. I think that would be an absolutely horrible move to do. I'm all for the city council, but the dispersement of power makes our our our uh our city a
lot uh more democratic and uh I support that 100%. And thank I want to say thank you to people that volunteer for the boards and show up and do the work that's necessary to make this city go. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, counselor.
All right, moving on to the next item. >> Moving on to communications and petitions to the council. Sole communication received from the assistant parking clerk regarding the agenda items approved at the October 7th, 2025 meeting of the traffic and parking commission. >> Is there a motion on >> accept the trial communication on the
suspension if there are no objections? >> Seeing none, thank you councelor. Moving on to committee reports. >> Our sole committee report before you is from councelor Taylor from the meeting of the subcommittee on ways and means held October 14th, 2025. >> Councelor Taylor.
You have the floor, counselor. I'm >> sorry. Like to accept and file the committee report uh under suspension if there's no objections. Thank you. Sorry, I didn't have the microphone on. Uh so
there were uh five agenda items uh uh in the committee uh so far and uh the first one was to uh accept uh the donation of gym equipment and uh and
that that was the valued amount of uh about $9,800 uh for the Chelsea Fire Department. So we we we uh we'd ask the approval on that. Um the next order um
was uh the the unexpended uh funds uh for projects uh appropriated under the fiscal years 21 and 22 capital improvement plans. Um and uh
the total sum was 182,717 uh dollars. And uh so this had to do uh also uh with the uh moving the amount uh that that was no longer needed and transferred uh in the
amount of 66,000 uh excuse me $116,621 uh uh to the FY24 CIP Island and River Flood Resiliency Project account and uh in the amount of $66,000 to the FY21 CIP Beach and Williams
corridor reconstruction project. Um, and the remaining balance of $87,887 of the 21 upper uh FY21 Upper Broadway Easements Project will be held to finish
uh paying outstanding balances for easements and acquisitions uh along the upper Broadway. Uh the third item uh uh were uh budget management procedures uh were where the costs incurred uh in 24
and 25 were not paid and are owed to vendors. So we need to uh approve that. That balance is about $1,300. Uh the fourth item was uh the ex the acceptance of a donation of two Patriot
clocks. Uh and uh those were valued at $570 uh dollars and uh were presented to the uh as prizes for the winners of the Chelsea 5K road race. And the last uh order was uh
for the sum of uh 1,750,000 appropriated under the fiscal year 24 capital improvement plan for the city hall attic expansion. Um and uh they're mo we're moving that money over uh to
the 26 capital improvement plan uh for buildings and and renovations that that's going to go to the new DPW. So, we appreciate um the u city manager's office and the DPW for um
not having to expend any new monies and finding old monies that were already appropriated to uh take care of the costs of our current needs. And that concludes the report. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Moving on now to
the >> we have one item before you pending on our unfinished business if there's a motion on the floor or not. >> Uh would the clerk uh be able to read the order and then I can make a motion. Pending item under unfinished business
was an order introduced by council Aesh ordered that the city manager refer to the city council an appropriation request to provide an organization $1 million to contract legal services in order to combat rights violations perpetrated by immigrations and customs enforcement in Chelsea.
>> Madam President, um I move to withdraw this order. uh councelor Tani Garcia already asked to schedule a meeting where we are going to review what resources we're going to provide to um all the victims. So I think with that you know the intent of this order um
will be fulfilled. >> Awesome. Thank you counselor. Moving on now to second readings. >> First item under second readings was taken out of order. We move on to an order introduced by council Taylor being read for the second time. Order that pursuant to Mass General Law, Chapter
44, Section 53A1-2, the Chelsea City Council accepts the donation of gym equipment and related items from Bobby Cobb, owner of today's auto sourced through Grank Fitness in the amount of $9,814.98 for the Chelsea Fire Department. >> Thank you, Cler.
>> Madam President, move to a roll call vote. >> All right, seeing no objections, moving to a roll call vote. >> Roll call vote requested yes vote to adopt. Councelor Tenari Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Jimenez River. >> Yes. >> Council Cupro is absent. Council Taylor.
>> Yes. >> Councelor Robinson. >> Yes. >> Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Council Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Santigette. >> Yes. >> Council Oega. >> Yes. >> Council Brown. >> Yes. >> And councelor Deus. >> Yes. >> 10 members in favor, zero opposed, one absent. Order has been adopted.
>> Thank you, Cler. Moving on now to the next item on the agenda. >> We have an order introduced by councelor Taylor being read for the second time. Order that in accordance with chapter 44 section 20 of Mass General Law, the sum of $182,71712 represented unexpended portions of
projects appropriated under President asked to wave the rest of the reading and move to adoption under roll call vote. >> Seeing no objections, moving to a roll call vote. >> Roll call votes requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. Council Tennere, >> yes. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera,
>> yes. >> Councelor Cupo is absent. Council Taylor, >> yes. >> Council Robinson, >> yes. >> Council Tesh, >> yes. >> Council Kelly Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Santigette, >> yes. >> Council Lee Vega, >> yes. >> Councelor Brown, >> yes. >> And council Jus, >> yes. >> 10 in favor, zero opposed, one absent.
Orders has been adopted. >> Madam President, >> ju just really quick, just um for the for clarity for folks watching, we we did wave the the rest of the reading on an order, which you don't normally do. These are all the things that councelor Taylor uh talked about on the report. So, just want to make sure that people understand that. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. I I I just
explained all of them. So that's why >> can we take them all together? >> Perfect. It's been a long night. >> Not to vote on them individually. >> Next item under second readings, an order introduced by councelor Taylor refer the second time order that in accordance with Mass General law chapter 44 section 64 budget management
procedures whereby costs incurred in FY 24 and 25 were not paid and are >> then president asked to weigh the rest of the reading and move to adoption under roll call vote. Moving to a roll call vote. >> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to
adopt. Council Tennere Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera. >> Yes. >> Council Rupo is absent. Council Taylor. >> Yes. >> Council Robinson. >> Yes. >> Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Councelor Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Santigette. >> Yes. >> Council Vega. >> Yes. >> Council Brown. >> Yes.
>> And councilus. >> Yes. >> 10 in favor, zero opposed, and one absent. Order has been adopted. >> Thank you, clerk. Moving on. Next item under second readings, we have an order introduced by council Taylor being read for the second time. Order that pursuant to Mass General Law, chapter 44, section
53A1-2. Chelsea City Council accepts the donation of two Patriot Clocks by Jackson H. >> President asked to wave the rest of the uh uh reading and move to a roll call vote on the adoption. >> Seeing no objections, moving on to a roll call vote.
>> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. Councelor Tennar Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councelor Jimenez Rivera. Yes. >> Council Raupo. Absent. Council Taylor. >> Yes. >> Council Robinson. >> Yes. >> Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Council Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Santhus. >> Yes. >> Council Vega. >> Yes.
>> Council Brown. >> Yes. >> And Council Dus. >> Yes. >> 10 in favor. Zero opposed. One absent. Order adopted. >> Thank you, Cler. >> Next item under second readings. Order introduced by Council Taylor being read for the second time. Order that in accordance with chapter 44 section 20 of
Mass General Law the sum of $1,750,000 appropriated under fiscal year 2024 capital improvement plan for city hall attic expansion project which is >> and president asked to wave the rest of the reading and move uh to a roll call vote on the adoption.
>> Seeing no objections moving on to a roll call vote. >> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. Council Tennar Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Jimenez Rivera. >> Yes. >> Council Rupo is absent. Council Taylor, >> yes. >> Council Robinson, >> yes. >> Council Aesh, >> yes. >> Council Kelly,
>> yes. >> Council Santigette, >> yes. >> Council Oega, >> yes. >> Council Brown, >> yes. >> And councilus, >> yes. >> 10 in favor, zero opposed, one absent. Orders has been adopted. Final item under second readings. We have an order introduced by council being read for the
second time. Whereas the city of Chelsea was a recipient of 40 million. Madam President, I move to um wave the rest of the reading and accept and file the order if there are no objections. The city manager has already provided the information that this order requested. So I appreciate that on his part.
>> Seeing no objections. Thank you, councelor. Moving on. >> Moving on to new business. First item under new business, we have an order introduced by the council president and all members ordered that the Chelsea City Council adopt a 35% residential
exemption for fiscal year 2026. >> Thank you, Cler. Is there a motion? >> Move to schedule the public hearing. Right. >> Yeah. >> Public hearing. >> November 10th is the public hearing for this. So, just move it to the meeting.
>> All right. Moving on to the next item. >> Second item under new business. We have an order introduced by the council president and all members ordered that the Chelsea City Council adopt the minimum residential tax factor for the fiscal year 2026 with a 1.75 commercial, industrial, and personal property shift factor.
>> Move to uh the same meeting on November 10th for public hearing. Um this and the previous item were items that we discussed at our subcommittee uh just before this regular meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Moving on to the next item. >> We have an order introduced by councelor
Kelly Garcia. ordered that the city manager provide an update to the city council on the status of the youth center project with an emphasis on funding sources, governance of the center once completed, site review construction timeline and possible partnerships with schools and community organizations.
>> Is there a motion? >> Um, madame madame president, I'd like to make a a motion to adopt um under suspension. Thanks in advance, city manager. >> Thank you, councelor. Seeing no objections. Moving on.
>> Next item. Under new business, we have an order introduced by council. Order that the city manager provide an update to the city council on the response to council order ID number 2529 requesting the department of housing and community development, double the number of businesses that receive funding through the storefront improvement program to
help at least 10 businesses per year. Madam President, I move to um accept and file um the order. There are no objections. Um and uh I would like to speak on it. >> You have the floor council. >> Um this is in support of uh downtown
businesses. Uh you know, we've we've had our fair share of uh listening sessions to how much they are struggling and how much they are losing currently. Um as I understand there's money set aside for all the storefront uh grants uh that are
coming also in the future. Um, I would like to see that we can move up the timeline a little bit so that more businesses are benefited from this and hopefully we can help them survive because at this moment a lot of them are looking at mere survival and we're
talking about one or two months. Um, so thank you. Thank thanks to the counselor for the support. >> Thank you counselor. Councelor Taylor, >> I'd also uh like to voice my support for um our local businesses.
Um, normally I don't think it's the role of government to try to, you know, help subsidize businesses, but the problem here is specifically the um the downtown um Broadway project that
has really impacted the business of of of these uh businesses. And and I think um I think that it's that it is incumbent upon the city to try to mitigate some of that damage uh a little
bit. Uh the the problem comes um during uh you know a hard kind of economic uh uh period that we're that we've been going through. Um, so I would like to see what what can be done within reason
to to to try to mitigate those uh those problems that are that are done by the city and are really no no fault of the businesses themselves. So um you know I I I'm certainly not in favor of any bailouts of any any any businesses, but
any kind of assistance that is affordable and we can we can do I think is appropriate. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Moving on to the next item. >> Next item under new business order introduced by councelor Tesh. Ordered that the city manager provided an update to the city council on the response to
council order ID number 2486 requesting the city look into creating a program to provide support for entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow businesses in the city of Chelsea. >> I move to accept and file um the order if there are no objections. Um I'm
pleased to announce that there are 15 potential recipients and uh we are uh waiting to see when the chamber of commerce would hold an event and then we can see the grantees. >> Thank you councelor. Moving on to the next item.
Next item under new business, order introduced by councelor Resh. Order that the city manager provide to the city council any mitigation study for businesses that was conducted prior to the start of the second phase of the Broadway construction project. >> Madam President, I move to adopt and there suspension if there are no
objections. I would like to speak on it. >> Seeing none, you have the floor council. Uh this was one of the points that I addressed when we first started the downtown uh Broadway construction project. Um I'm just concerned, you
know, whether or not we did another study to review how the second phase will impact uh the businesses. Um you know, I would also be a hypocrite not to acknowledge the good job that the city manager has been doing in in you know, leading this project. you know, I think
with the immensity and the scale, um, the city has still managed to, you know, do good work. Um, but, you know, I I think, uh, a study on how this would impact businesses would be the least, um, moving forward.
>> Thank you, counselor. Moving on to the next item. >> Next item. Under new business, we have an order introduced by councelor Tesh. ordered that a meeting of the subcommittee on public safety be held with the police chief to discuss the ongoing presence of immigration and customs enforcement in the community. >> Is there a motion?
>> Madam President, I move to adopt under suspension. If there are no objections, I would like to speak on it. >> Seeing none, you have the floor, council. >> Um, you know, thankful to the city manager for organizing the faith and blue um events. I think that has had a really
tremendous impact on the community recognizing that the Chelsea Police Department um stance with protecting the community members of this city. Um you know that being said um you know with what happened in Everett, it it's a
little bit concerning and I just want to you know hear of how we're doing here in Chelsea. The chief is always responsive and he always communicates to me and he's amazing. um you know but it's always good to have a room and a space and a time where all counselors can talk
on these issues. Um so thank you. >> Thank you counselor. Moving on to the next item. >> I'd like to just say one thing. >> Yeah. Thank you madam president. Um just um to to follow up on that in the faith in blue. This is an excellent I mean again tomorrow's one and there's one on
Saturday. This is an excellent opportunity. You can actually hear how the police and how the captains they go from step one to all the way to if it has to lead into a custody release or an arrest or not an arrest. So, it's been
very educational and very understanding to not only the folks that's been attending, but I think that we as city councils owe it to ourselves to see it right there. And you know, sometime a lot we wait to get in city hall where we try to get folks together. it can't
happen and things happen in between. But the exact um scenario that was played out in Everett um was actually talked about and showed up how our cops would have maybe done it differently or what they do and what the law required them
to do and what not to do. So, it's good um to get a meeting. Um we've been talking about this, the city manager and myself a while, but it's an open forum already. That's why I attend these things because it's really open. Okay. And again, it's about 12 14 police
officers to show up. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Counselor uh Himenez. >> I just like to really quickly thank councelor Teshi for this order. Um you know, like he mentioned uh that he speaks to the chief pretty regularly. I think you know, myself and most other
counselors uh also do, but I think people in the community are asking us to have public conversations about this. So I I think it's you know it's important that we do this um to make sure that the the people the public understands um what I think many of us might know things but if it's not communicated adequately you know there there can
still be a lot of questions. So I I appreciate uh the opportunity for for having the space for for discussion. Thank you. >> Thank you councelor counselor Taylor. So, I just wanted to um also uh point out I I I I think it's a great thing
that we have um public discussions of all these issues and uh but but I do want to point out that uh there there was a city meeting held. I don't believe it was a a public safety committee
meeting, but there was one over at the public library um some time ago where all of this was discussed and it was a it was advertised in the public. So, so you know that that I just wanted to point out that the city has not been
remiss in trying to educate people as to the actual procedures that go on and and you know there there's been a great deal of concern about all of this. Um, so, you know, I I wanted to thank um the
chief and the and the Chelsea police, I think, for doing um a really good job in in kind of walking a walking a tight rope uh that they that they are required to do. So, um I look forward to the discussion.
>> Thank you, councelor. Moving on to the next item. Next item under new business, order introduced by councelor Kelly Garcia. Ordered that a meeting of the subcommittee on conference be held with the city manager relevant city departments Chelsea Chamber of Commerce
and any impacted local business owner to discuss potential support for small businesses negatively impacted by factors beyond their control. >> Thank you, Cler. >> Madam President, I'd like to adopt under suspension and if there and if there are no objections, I'd like to speak on it and also take some day.
>> I will take. Yes. Almost done. Uh team, you know, we continue to hear um the concern for our local businesses, right? And we've we've invited them to our to our space and we've heard from some during
public comment in previous meetings, but I think they're eager for a dialogue. They're eager for back and forth discussion and communication between departments and us. And so I'm hoping this subcommittee on conference can serve as that space where there are
multiple key stakeholders that can provide support and I think it goes along with the previous motions of you know the study. We're all eager to learn what can be done and so I'm hoping that this meeting can be the space where
there is a delivery of information of resources and ideas. Um, I think when we get together, we are more powerful, right? And when we brainstorm together and collaborate together, we come up with amazing ideas and pilot programs. And so, I'm I'm excited to work together
with everyone here and and support our local businesses. So, thank you in advance. >> Thank you, counselor. Moving on to the next item. >> Next item under new business, order introduced by councilor Tanari Garcia. Order that a meeting of the subcommittee on conference be held with the city manager and any appropriate departments
related to mini grants or funding administered through the city to discuss audits and ensuring that funding opportunities for local nonprofits are reaching the greatest community impact with a particular focus on ARPA funds and any other small grants distributed directly by the city to local
organizations and community groups. >> Councelor D. >> Accept and file under suspension. No objections. Sorry, >> Madam President. I haven't I have an objection to I I just have a question, but I'll let the counselor speak. Um I'm not sure if I Yeah, I I'll probably
withdraw it. >> Okay, councelor, you have the floor. >> Um this is I asked for this order um well the subcommittee for full transparency for our residents to know exactly what resources were
provided with ARPA funds and for us too. Um we want to make sure that you know transparency is is um all throughout with counselors and our our local organizations.
And I want to make sure that that our city um and and our local organizations have have made sure to make our community a priority and make sure that those funds were resources and services for our residents. So, um I appreciate the
report that you sent out and um gave us the list of of where and how much the money how much money was was allocated to each organization. But I would love to to hear back from them and make sure um
whether or not it was successful, whether or not um whether or not they need more. And um yeah, just want to make sure that we we know. >> All right. Thank you, councelor. Counselor uh Himenez and then councelor
Taylor. >> Yeah, my my objection was really just to make sure that I understood what the difference was between the report that we just received and you know, do we need to have a conference? But she explained why and I'm all for it. So, I will withdraw my objection. >> Awesome. Thank you, Councelor. Counselor Taylor.
Yeah, I actually think that this is an important um thing and as as we all know that I have been calling for more uh uh subcommittees so we can actually discuss some of these things. I think that this is a topic that has been uh circulating
around the community uh and uh people have various uh views on uh the role of nonprofits in our community and uh how how these funds get appropriated, what's what's done with them, how effective are
are these things, and is the city better off filling out some of our departments and do doing it ourselves rather than farming it out. Uh you know this was all started uh uh when the uh city was in receiverhip and this whole
system was developed because of that. We are now in a different position and I think that this um this topic really bears deep discussion. So I would I would actually look forward to not just
one discussion about this but an ongoing and continuing discussion because one hour on this subject is clearly not enough and I think I think that people are engaged in the community about this as well. So I I look I look forward to
that discussion. Thank you. >> Thank you councelor. Moving on now to the next item. Next item under new business order introduced by the council president order that pursuant to section 4-3L of the Chelsea city charter. The Chelsea city council hereby approves cost items set forth in the collective
bargaining agreement negotiated with ASME local 708 covering library employees memorialized in the memorandum of agreement for the period July 1st 2026 through June 30th 2029 dated October 2nd 2025. >> Thank you cleric. Is there a motion?
Motion to adopt under roll call vote. >> Thank you, counselor. Moving on to a roll call vote. >> Roll call votes been requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. Council Tennere Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Jimenez River. >> Yes. >> Council Cooper is absent. Council Taylor.
>> Yes. >> Council Robinson. >> Yes. >> Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Councilor Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Santh. >> Yes. >> Council Vega. >> Yes. >> Council Brown. >> Yes. >> And council Dus. >> Yes. 10 members in favor, zero opposed, one absent. Order has been adopted. >> Last item,
>> final item under new business. We have an order introduced by the council president. Order that the Chelsea City Council approve the warrant for the city election to be held on November 4th, 2025 as attached. >> Move to um adopt under roll call vote. >> Moving on to a roll call vote.
>> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. >> Yes. >> That works. That works. Council Jimenez Rivera, >> we're with you. >> I I missed that, but yes. >> Council Rupo is absent. Council Taylor,
>> yes. >> Council Robinson, >> yes. >> Council Tesh, >> yes. >> Councilor Kelly Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Santi, >> yes. >> Council Lee Vega, >> yes. >> Council Brown, >> yes. >> And council Dus, >> yes.
>> 10 members voting in favor, zero opposed, one absent. Luckily, that concludes new business. Motion to keep the meeting open for another hour because why not? >> Public announcements. Madam President, >> it has been a night. Um, any public announcements? >> Councelor Teshi?
>> Uh, reminder that we're going to have the reimagining pro uh Broadway presentation at the Chamber of Commerce um tomorrow at 5:00 PM. >> Awesome. Councelor Di Garcia, >> I just want to remind everyone November 4th is election day. I want to encourage
everyone to vote, even our youth. Um, yeah, and um, let's play a fair game. Let's run this campaign with respect and dignity and and do our things. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Brown,
you >> want to go? >> Thank you, Madam President. I just got a big shout out. Um, I didn't read it last month. It's about three weeks old. But um big shout out to Sophia Vasquez of Chelsea High who was recently compete um
competed in Boston City Debate Club. She was the first time candidate and she was first place. She also holds a 4.7 GPA here in Chelsea High. Her story was highlighted on Channel 5 News um of the
who's who. Great job, Sophia. Um, I caught that. Um, we're proud of you here in Chelsea. A lot of folks are looking up to you. Keep debating. We hope that you'll be a really big-time lawyer sometime soon. So, I want to congratulate you on being on Who's Who
on Channel 5. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you, councelor Counselor uh Garcia. >> Um, quick quick announcement. Uh, on behalf of the Chelsea Commerce, the pot of gold is happening on Wednesday, uh, October
29th. It's a great old time. Tickets are on sale. Um, hope to see you there. >> Thank you, counselor. And a quick shout out to our uh superintendent and Dr. Erin Jennings who uh invited uh
counselor Kelly Garcia, myself um and members of LAiva to join a uh conference in California. And um the conference was the power of place. It was an amazing conference. Um,
I received info that also our state rep and our state senator have also been informed of these amazing programs. It's all about how do we get our children to um be successful from cradle um all the way to graduation day. And so we are
excited to continue to work um for with our schools um here on the council and continue to have strong conversations um and just shout out for collaboration between these two bodies. It's It's exciting to see that happen here.
>> Counselor, >> one last announcement. Um, uh, Senior Center is taking the seniors to Salem on the 29th. >> Yes. So, um, we're chaperoning and it's going to be a good old time. Um, yeah.
So, and karaoke senior center every other Thursday. It's a lot of fun. >> All right, everyone. Thank you so much. Are there any moments of silence? >> Okay. Councelor Taylor. >> Uh, Councelor Rupo asked me to uh he had
to leave because he's actually taking care of his uh u ailing father and uh who is not well and uh but he wanted me to have a moment of silence for his brother-in-law Paul Fear who who passed
recently. And um I also received some disturbing news that my my my own neighbor um Johnny Gore passed um on Nicholls Street and uh and I just somebody called and told me that. So I I
uh my heart goes out to his his uh family and boy was he a great guy. So um just uh prayers to uh prayers to those families. >> Yeah. Uh a moment of silence for my
childhood friend 's brother Michael who passed um after a long battle with some health issues on Saturday morning. So just prayers to the family. He was only 58. >> Robinson
>> Jay uh Rosen Swag who was a retired probation officer at Chelsea Courthouse who passed away last week. >> Good guy. Very nice guy. >> Okay Jesus. Meeting adjourned.