All rise for the pledge of >> allegiance. indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you everyone. Uh Mr. Clerk, could you please call the role of the members? >> Council Taylor
>> here. Councelor Rupo. Councelor Jimenez >> present. >> Councelor Hines absent. Council Tenari Garcia >> present. >> Council Tesh absent. Councelor Kelly Garcia >> present. >> Councelor Sandigette >> present. >> Present. Council De Jesus. Is that right? Council Brown >> present.
>> And councelor Robinson >> here. >> Seven members present. You have a quorum. Mr. President. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. I'll just quickly know that councelor Tesh and um councelor Deesus are out for a family emergency and councelor Hines is out of the country so they will not be joining
us. Uh we hope that councelor Ruper will join us later in the evening. Um so we will move on. Uh we have first um public speaking. um since we have no public hearings today. Um so if we could have
>> you got >> I didn't see anything. >> Sorry. Apologize. Uh counselor, your mic is on. Yeah, there we go. Um so uh you have four minutes. Um if folks would like to line up, you can. You're not required to do so. Uh if you could please uh state your name and your
address. Uh and you have four minutes. Thank you so much. >> Hi, good evening to everyone. My name is Stacy Smith and I live here on Grove Street. I'm here for a couple reasons tonight. My first reason is to be in support of Lisa Sanigget's um proposal
to um communicate better with city management, local law enforcement to create a more safe district. I live on Grove Street and I will say that aside of what's in there, you have drug dealing, using, prostitution, crime, and
currently I'm actually have a court case involving somebody who just straggles in the area and was pretty violent toward me and my daughter. So, there is an imminent danger in the district of Grove and through Chestnut Broadway. Um, more
importantly, when I was reading uh Lisa's um agenda and the rest of the council agenda, something caught my eye and it was something that is proposed by Mr. Roberto uh Gimenez. Um, and it's
basically the verbiage that caught me um using the term West End Chelsea. I don't really know where this comes from. We're a two-mile city and to my knowledge my for generations back in my own family that's been known as the ghetto. So to
now call it that and to see these developments that are now coming to our community. It's great that we're moving forward in a more positive way. But are we forgetting about the $2.7 million bond issued to construct a hundred units
of housing in that district back when uh the fire occurred or the churches that have been burned down in the black community that have still yet to be rebuilt? Um, I see you guys do a lot of work and I hope that you guys paying
close attention to things like this and you're on the right side of history when we continue to move forward and make changes because some of us feel like we have been left behind and oppressed and that's not a good feeling especially
when you read things like this tonight. I would like to pass out something for you guys to look over and I would like you to just take your time, read it, and see what we can do. As our council, I'm looking to all of you for some type of
solutions and answers for what has occurred since urban renewal and the 73 fire. Thank you. Hi. Uh, my name is Wenda Coochinowski and uh, I'm also here in support of councelor Santaag's order to mitigate
loitering, littering, and excessive noise around the monument out across from the city hall. Um, I know Lisa has put so much energy into trying to deal with this issue and it affects the entire neighborhood. Um,
I know that she's tried to bring in community members. She's definitely brought me into this um issue and trying to find solutions and she's brought city um city workers in and um has been working to try to find solutions. Uh I
think this is um I read this as a uh as asking for more help. Um, just this past weekend I had interactions with various people in my neighborhood. Uh, one of them was a man who was peeing on
my building. He was not he was on the corner of Shliff and Marboro. And when I approached him because I was bringing things out to the back of my building, he continued to to pee as he talked to me about the fact that that was not a
place for him to do that. Um, on another day this past weekend, there were three people hanging out in the alley behind my house, um, behind our building and I asked them to move on and they did. And, uh, last night I had a
friend over for dinner and she arrived around six o'clock and when I went out to walk to meet her, there were um, three guys hanging out on the corner of Grove and Sherliff and they they were just hanging out. Um, and we walked to
my house and then 11 o'clock at night and they were still there. Uh, we did interact with them. They were clearly under the influence of something. And, um, it's just, um, you know, it's the weather's starting to
turn warm. It's been winter. It's been a little more quiet out there than it normally is. Um, but I, you know, once we turn into weather where people want to be outside and they want to hang outside, it's going to become uh more of an issue and
more of a stress point for everyone who lives in the neighborhood to try to um deal with the the issues that come from it, which is a lot of noise, a lot of littering, people hanging out. People
hang out on our door, our steps of our building. People hang out on the steps of the building next door to us. They hang out in alleys back on Marboro Street. Um, so I do think that the the monument and that area there is an area
that it's it's it looks like an area that's inviting. It's meant to be inviting. It's got stairs that you can sit on and that's great. But I do think that it it in inviting people, it also um is
like a bit of a setup for people to come and and hang out there in a way that is not positively affecting our community. Also, just really quickly want to remind folks that the council cannot respond to public comment. So just want to if you
you can follow up with folks after the after the meeting but in the meeting we cannot respond. Thank you. >> Good afternoon, good evening. My name is Beverly Martin Ross. I am a long time resident of Chelsea. I live on Washington A and I am here good evening
my lovely city council members. I am here this evening to speak about the church that burnt down in 1973 during the fire. And at that time when
the church burnt down to the ground, it was supposed to be rebuilt. As you read the paperwork with uh Sister Stacy passed around, the city of Chelsea promised, they did promise it that the church would be
rebuilt, the black church, but that never came to fruition. But I'm here to ask, why not? Why didn't this? While we are building this new these new developments all through the
city of Chelsea, we have been left out again. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a church. We have been in the wilderness ever since. And it's time for us to come out of the wilderness and into a place so deserved in the
community. We do outreach. We do community events. We do food drives. We are also ready to serve the community of Chelsea in any way we can. And not to mention the spiritfilled service. When you come into our church, you leave out
a different person because we have when you know when you came into People's Amy Church, you have been touched by the Holy Spirit. And so we just ask, we're just asking that you just can see about getting us a building, a place out of
the wilderness in the city of Chelsea where we can continue to serve this great city of Chelsea and its community. Thank you for hearing me. It's time for a change. Amen. Sister Bev just brought us a church
service. Amen. Amen. Uh my name is Joan Cromwell. I live at 38 Addison Street and I um echo the sentiments in the words of my uh fellow sisters that spoke prior to me, Stacy as well as Beverly.
But um I'm here to speak on first of all I want to say hello counselors. Good evening and thank you for supporting Black History Month. Activities celebrated together as one community. That's what we strive for as CBC. Each event helped commemorate, celebrate, and
educate our community about the impact black Americans have had from Chelsea to Louisiana to South Carolina to Canada and back to Chelsea. Your support made these moments a reflection, learning, and a celebration. all of the
celebrations possible. So, thank you for any part you um um shared with us. I just wanted to say for past several years at CBC, we have felt a sense of rebirth at the close of Black History Month. Each year brings a renewed vision
for how we focus on our community and how we continue to build with and invest in our community members. So, it's kind of like a rebirth. It's kind of like our New Year's to see what else we can do, how we can improve um our partnership
with the city and with the community. That reflection brings me to the city's potential purchase of 55 Herd Street. I understand this project is a pilot and is intended to address displacement and may include a transitional housing
program with wraparound services. While these programs are often well-intentioned, our community has seen many come and go without truly changing the long-term reality of housing in security. Let us be more creative and intentional
with this opportunity. Instead of repeating the same model, let's create pathways to home ownership and long-term stability. Too many renters in our community live with the constant threat of displacement due to rising rents.
For that reason, I am advocating for an affordable rentto own model at 55 Herd Street. One that includes support services such as financial education, credit building, and home ownership readiness. Projects like this can create
pathways to generational wealth, economic empowerment, and true stability for our families. Chelsea is a diverse community with many residents who want to become homeowners but find the current systems stacked
against them. Let this project represent a different path, the Chelsea way. Let us represent Balante, moving forward with purpose. If we are truly invested in preventing displacement and creating upward mobility, then we must create a
real opportunity for ownership. >> Tony, you have one minute left. I just want to >> home one minute. Cool. Home ownership is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the trajectory of families and communities. When black and brown
families are able to own homes, it strengthens neighborhoods, builds generational wealth and stability, and ensures that people who helped build Chelsea can actually remain here and continue to live here. And if you ask me how I know
how I know this can work, I will tell you this. 28 years ago, it was me and my husband, two struggling students with a part-time jobs. It was my friend, a teacher's aid and whose partner worked in customer service, and another friend,
a daycare assistant whose husband was a mechanic. We were given the opportunity to become homeowners. Sometimes all people need is a chance. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Good afternoon, council. My name is Andy
Ramos and I reside on Clark Avenue, Chelsea Public School alumni, and I'm here to advocate for the fellow students that are here with us today. What I'm reading is now an ask of one of my students, KK, on our school budget that is soon to come to the table.
When you get the opportunity to look at the school budget, please take a moment to really think about what you guys believe are good, positive investments and how these investments will impact our students. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Thank you.
Good afternoon every gra. You can grab the mic and bend it down. Yeah, there you go. >> Good afternoon everyone. I'd like to thank you for having us and giving me the opportunity to speak and advocate for my community. My name is Anita. I live on Chester Avenue. I'm currently a freshman attending Northeast. But last
week, me and my friends attended the latest school committee meet committee meeting. It had came to my attention that there is a budget cut coming to my to my families and friends schools. Unfortunately, this does upset me knowing their their effects and knowing the effects in their education and
mental health. I'd like you to take into consideration on the amount of families and faculty members that that will be affect affected. For example, the current situation in our comm in our community is already ne neg negatively impacting our families. Now more than
ever, students need mentors and trusted adults. And this comes and this comes from teachers and student facing positions at school. Schools are meant schools are meant to be a place where students feel supported, safe and are able to succeed. When budgets are cussed, it often means fewer resources
for students, fewer programs, and less support for things like mental health activities and academic help. I respect I respectfully ask I respectfully ask to rethink priorities to ensure that we are supporting and inspiring the next generation of professionals in Chelsea. Please me, please remember that we are
the future. Thank you. Um, good morning, afternoon. I meant sorry, I meant to say good afternoon. My name is Day and I go to Chelsea High School and I just wanted to talk about our school budget and how it's going to affect us negatively. One way is less
educators. I meant less educators which includes cutting staff that is fa face to face meaning less educators and less learning which adds to our low graduation rate. So please look at the budget carefully when making decisions
and how your decisions are going to impact the entire school district. Thank you. Good evening everybody. My name is Litzy Flores and I want to thank the committee for giving us the time to speak out. Um, last week me and my community health cohort were at the school budget meeting
last week and we were all pretty upset about the students up upset as students over the possible cuts. My dad came to this country looking for better education. But since he wasn't able to get this, it was left to me to continue his dreams. I am currently a junior at
Chelsea High and it has been a very rough year considering this is a vital year for many students. Last week at the school budget meeting, it was made aware that about 70 studentf facing positions are at risk of losing their job. Not only will this be
difficult for those at risk, but it will create a major problem for students for students. It is already difficult for students to ask for help and these unnecessary cuts will just lead to more problems. The school committee focuses on their own benefit rather than the
people they are working for. students, teachers, and families. There are unnecessary positions and funds being placed instead of them being used for what will help med educators be the best they can be for students. And this
wasn't made clear during the meeting. I asked for the council to review these plans and shift it to a better plan for educators, families, and most importantly, students. This should look like equal cuts across the the board and
not student facing positions. Thank you. Good afternoon everybody. My name is Julana Padia and I live on Chester A. I'm also a student at CHS. Ever since the fund cuts came to my attention, I've been worried about it. This would affect me and many of my
peers. Education is a way we prep the youth to build a stronger future generation. Many of my teachers have changed my life in various ways by being mentors to me, and I would never want to see their lives changed due to fund cuts. Please be mindful when you discuss
funds and put a lot of importance to this issue. Thank you. All right. Any other speakers? Going once. Going twice. All right. I will now close the public comment speaking portion. I just want to thank everybody who joined us today,
especially if it was your first time. Thank you. And as I mentioned, we cannot reply. Um, but our contact information is all on the website as well as um I believe next door they will have it. So, please reach out to us. Thank you. Um, we will now move on to the approval of the minutes.
We have uh two items. First, the minutes of March 2nd regular meeting. Is there a motion of councelor Sagate? >> I make a motion to um accept and file under suspension. Seeing no objections. >> Seeing no objections. Uh so moved. Uh we
also have the minutes of the March 3rd special meeting. Uh councelor Sanagate. >> Same thing. I make a motion to accept and file under suspension. Seeing no objections. >> Seeing none. So moved. We will now move on to communications from the city manager. >> Mr. Clerk.
>> First communication received from the city manager. Dear councilors, I'm writing in response to council order 2621 requesting the city manager provide an update on parking enforcement. The past two years, we have worked very hard asking residents to file their parking permits early in the renewal season. In
fact, many residents were in city hall on January 5th, ready to file the new parking permit as soon as we were open. We believe digital stickers will make it easier for residents to apply for their permits, and we believe it will make parking enforcement more efficient. We will continue our marketing in future
years, encouraging residents to apply online and apply early. The chart below shows how many permits were issued in person and online by week. There is a steady number of permits issued in January and then a very large >> like to make a motion to accept and file and wave the rest of the reading.
>> Seeing no objections. Uh so moved. >> Next communication received from the city manager. Dear council, I am writing in response to council order 2620 requesting that the city manager look into purchasing a snow melter. Our commissioner of public works has looked into this purchase for a size of a 150
ton per hour melter at a cost of $900,000, a lead time of 9 months from getting a purchase order from a supplier in Canada. Aside from purchasing the unit itself, public horse would also have to continue getting crews to load the snow into the melter. We would likely set up
the melter in a central location on a large street with a large sewer pipe such as the city yard, a park, or a school parking lot. We estimate that the crew would cost $25,000 per night per crew for loaders, skids, and dump trucks to take the snow to the melter. In addition, we will spend approximately
$3,000 per unit on fuel. If this is something the council would like to pursue, we can dig into details further and can add this to a purchase to a capital improvement plan figure. >> Council Rupra, >> you can, but please turn on your mic. Uh, seeing no objections, go ahead.
Thank you to the city manager for supplying. This will be a very greatly appreciated by the people of Chelsea. They right they they know what we're going through right now with the snow that was here. This will help immensely and
I don't see no issues with us getting one. It should be very appreciated by the people. And thank again to the city manager for providing us all the information that we need. Thank you. >> Thank you counselor. Seeing no others, uh, we move on to the
next item. >> Next communication received. Dear councilors, I write today responding to council order 2619, which requested a comprehensive account of how the city of Chelsea supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness not primarily related to substance abuse.
Specifically, the order asked the administration to address current services provided, pathways to access service, identified gaps in support, and recommendations for improving or expanding service delivery. The sections below describe the city's three primary areas of response, contracted service,
emergency support, and city operations, followed by a recommendation to strengthen this framework through a coordinated hub model. Chelsea has developed a multi-layer response to housing instability that combines direct service delivery, emergency response, and long-term policy initiative. No
single program or department is solely responsible for addressing homelessness. Instead, the city relies upon an interconnected network of connect contracted providers, internal departments, and community- based organizations. This report provides an overview of those resources and proposes
a path towards greater coordination. In 2023, the city entered into a multi-year homelessness prevention contract with Luck Collaborativa, a trusted community-based organization with deep roots in Chelsea. This contract funds both personal and direct service and represents the city's most significant
dedicated investment in homelessness prevention. Funded positions include program director, housing case manager, and rapid rehousing specialist. Additionally, the contract funds a range of direct services, including intake assessment and triage, individualized case management, transitional housing
placements, hotel stays for households without immediate alternative, and wraparound supportive services designed to stabilize residents and maintain long-term housing. The office of emergency manage >> like to make a motion to accept and file
and um wave the rest of the reading, but before that, I'd also like to speak briefly speak on it. >> Yep. Um, seeing no objections to waving the rest of the reading, we will move with that and you have the floor. >> Awesome. I'd like to take a moment to thank the city manager and um our deputy
city manager Devon who really put this together uh in such a comprehensive way for us to further understand the supports that we offer on a multi-tered kind of system. I would also like to bring to the attention um the second page to our city
counselors obviously and those watching at home. Um city hall also has a ton of different uh types of supports and so thank you to those who would con are constantly bring um unique situations to our attention as counselors and thank
you for um putting it all together in one cohesive document. So thank you for that. >> Thank you counselor councelor Taylor. So, I'd just like to add if if if anybody out there does need help with with anything really. Now, it doesn't have to be homelessness. It could be,
you know, that you have a problem, you don't uh know what to do, you could um uh always uh get city hall with 311 and somebody will will will get you to the right person to get whatever help that
you need. Um so, I just wanted to add that. So, if you're if if you do have a have some sort of an issue problem, uh, and you need help dealing with it, uh, just just pick up the phone and call there. There's a lot of help available in this city, probably more help in this
city than any other city or town in the Commonwealth. So, please take advantage of it if you're in need. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Taylor. Councelor Rupra. Um, yes, if you need help, you can call 311, but many times you call 311 and people will like to speak to the
actual department and they cannot. So, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. So, if you actually want to speak to the actual department, 311 can send you to the department and but the departments have to be the ones that
that will help you. whatever department you're looking for, they'll be the ones to help you. I know because people have called me some and said they call 311 and 311 relates them to the departments and the
departments don't call them. So, I don't understand how that works, but you 311 can only tell you where to go. If you really want to get help, the departments would have to tell you. They're the ones they can tell. exactly tell you how it
is. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Seeing no others, we'll move on to the next item. >> Next communication received. Dear counselors, I'm writing to share that we have a preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027. After a thorough preliminary review, the city budget is increasing by
4.8%. This is the lowest annual increase since fiscal year 2022, which is not easy to achieve, particularly when costs outside our control are so high. In fact, if we removed unavoidable or non-negotiable costs, our budget would only increase by a very sensible and
conservative 0.92%. In other words, the majority of this year's budget increase or 3.88% are non-negotiable items. Attached to this letter, you will find a full list of these budget items. To put in further perspective, in fiscal year 2022, our health insurance costs went up by
$25,000. This year, they are going up by $1,53,545. This is after we made tough decisions and project using some of our in our trust fund. In fiscal year 24, we paid $1.4 million for regional schools. This
year, we will pay 3.2 million due to our share of the cost of the new vocational school in Wakefield. Charter school costs are going up by $2.6 million. In fiscal year 24, the line increased by 560,000. This perfect storm is affecting most cities and towns around us. We are being
fiscally responsible at this moment while keeping the tremendous momentum we have built. I firmly believe that this budget achieves that balance. We will also continue leading the effort for new growth which is going to be our way out of the storm. We have scheduled two community meetings on the fiscal year 27 operating budget. The first will be on
March 25th and the second will be on April 15th. Both will be at 6 p.m. at the Chelsea Senior Center. We will provide pizza and branded as a budget and bites information session. Please join us for these sessions as we prepare the final budget for submission to the city council on May 1st.
>> Council Taylor, >> accept and file the communication under suspension if there's no objections. >> Seeing no objections, so moved. >> Next communication received. Dear councilors, I'm writing to share the incredible news that we have successfully submitted Chelsea's
application to the 2026 All-America City Awards. I want to thank everyone that contributed to the application, those that wrote sections, submitted examples, and those who reviewed the entire application for grammar. We are very excited and proud of the final product. The National Civic League receives
hundreds of applications every year. Over the next few weeks, they will select 20 communities that will be invited to compete in Denver and bring back the title of all America city in 2026. I will share. Mr. >> President, I'd like to u wave the rest of the reading, accept and file the communication under suspension if
there's no objections. Seeing no objections, so moved. >> Next communication received. Dear council, I'm writing to share additional information on a blue bikes program in Chelsea. Blue Bikes is a regional program that allows Chelsea residents to seamlessly travel between many of our
neighboring communities. These include River, Everett, Malden, Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, Brooklyn, Salem, Arlington, and others. The system has great portal that allows us to share a lot of data. Attached to this letter, you will find an infographic for your reference. Over the past 5-year period,
from March 2021 through February of 26, Chelsea residents made 20,172 trips from five blue bike stations across the city. That number has grown substantially over time, and ridership more than doubled in 2024, reaching 6,160 trips and remain strong in 2025 at
5,440 trips. The highest usage is in the station next to the commuter rail across Market Basket on Everett Avenue. the use to file the communication if there's no objection like to speak on it. >> Uh like to wave the rest of the reading. >> Wave the rest of the reading. >> Seeing no objections. Uh so moved and
you have the floor. >> Thank you. Uh all these numbers are fine. I can see all this. I don't know. Uh down here it says uh Chelsea has one of the highest carfree household in Massachusetts. I don't know if that's
true that this this city has tons of cars. I know the blue bike serves this purpose and they do a decent whatever they for people they can use it but I mean I don't believe that 6,000 people took those blue bikes
you know that that's I I don't know if the blue bikes are good but I don't know if it's all the like they say all the people use it. I wish they did use it but I don't think as many people use these blue bikes as they say they use them. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Taylor. >> So, I appreciate this communication and what the uh city manager sent to us uh via email on this. I would say that the information that he sent was well and good, but it uh failed to address the
concerns during the subcommittee about actual uh numbers. You can say that there were so many ch trips generated, but that's not the issue. The issue is how many blue bikes do we have? How many blue bikes are actually being used? And
why on earth would we want to spend more money on getting more blue bikes if the ones that were using aren't being used to capacity? So, you know, all this other information is great, but it really doesn't answer that question. and
why we ought to be spending money in a year that we're tightening our belts. We just heard uh a bunch of students come up and are are are worried about uh the school having enough money. I myself am worried about the school having enough
money. And I think that uh that's uh one of the top priorities I think in Chelsea uh among our our our uh Chelsea voters that have said to me that the school uh is one of the top priorities right after public safety. So
I would appreciate it if the city would actually dig down and get some real data for us so we can decide whether it's worth the money to spend. just the fact that we're getting money that, you know, the state's paying or or the company's
paying part of the fees for us to get the bikes, we're still going to have to outlay money. And, you know, we we we have a lot of people in our ears about money, money, money, money. And people uh we put ourselves in a position now
where we where we have a lot less money coming in from the federal government. So, let's try to get some real information so that we can make uh sound decisions about our finances. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Uh councelor
Brown. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um I'm not advocating for or against. I appreciate the numbers that we got here. Um I took my time to go around and I went to these stops where they have these blue bike stops and I've watched them. I watched
them over the weekend. And I before I came here tonight, I went to River and I came back and the location at 8:55 on Broadway. I see the usage there. I catch the commuter rail every day. Commuter rail order Silver Line every day into Boston. I have been doing that
for the last 35 years. And I know there's a use to a use of these bikes. um what percentage um we have of bicycles not being used, I don't really care. But I know if it's a if it's a a
tool for our residents here that as the um language said car-free riders, they're not driving cars, they want to get around. We've invested in a lot of bike lanes and bike trails. So I think it's a service that, you know, residents in this city want. Um, if we need to
have a subcommittee to find out exactly how much we should spend and how much we shouldn't spend, that should be the conversation. But I do think that these bikes are being used and I see them being used daily. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Um, seeing no
other speakers, we will move on to the next item. >> Next communication received from the city manager. Dear councilors, I enclose a proposed zoning amendment to establish a new zoning overlay district called the West Chelsea mixeduse Overlay District. This overlay district will cover roughly
the area bounded by the Chelsea Ever border, Second Street, and the Route 1 Memorial Highway. This amendment presents an exciting opportunity to unlock the potential of the area and transform it into a vibrant, walkable, mixeduse destination for current and future residents. As the city concludes
its master planning effort, the central finding is the need for new growth both to increase tax revenue and address our local and regional housing needs. Strategic growth is essential to strengthening the city's fiscal position in an uncertain economic climate while responding to pressing housing needs.
The master plan specifically identifies West Chelsea as an area well suited for transformation due to underutilization of existing parcels and the area's access to transit. This effort builds upon prior planning initiatives. Is that it? >> Councelor Brown, please. And also,
sorry, before you go, Councelor Taylor, your mic is on. Just want to make sure. Um, councelor Brown, >> can I make a motion to wave the rest of the reading? And can I speak on it briefly? >> Uh, are we moving to accept and file as well? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yep. So, seeing motion to accept
and file and to wave the rest of the reading. >> Um, >> I'm a speaker. This yeah this is come the the zoning amendment itself is coming up under do business uh later on. So I will um see no seeing no objections to the motion. We will accept the motion and you have
the floor counselor. Uh also your mic. Yeah, there you go. Cool. >> Thank you Mr. President. Um we did have a speaker up here tonight. Um they was a little upset I believe um if I heard right about the name of what this zone over is. I was hoping that during that
meeting that we have coming up on this year that we can discuss and find out why this name is being used, the West Chelsea mix overlight, and if it's offensive to folks, maybe we should consider trying to scrape that out. So, I just want to bring that to our attention. Thank you.
>> Thank you, counselor. Seeing no other counselors, uh we will uh move on to the next item. >> Thanks. Communication received. Dear counselors, I'm ready to share the news that we have completed our feasibility study for a new community center. The feasibility study was funded through a
state budget earmark secured by state representative Judith Garcia with supplemental funding from the city council. We look forward to reviewing the study in more detail with the city council. The study represents the first comprehensive look at what it would take to build >> and
um >> y accept and file the communication objection and wave the rest of the reading. Yep. You'd like to speak on it or Yes. Okay. Uh, seeing no objections, so moved. You have the floor. >> Thank you. Um, for years we've been trying to get a community
center. I think the community center is going to be coming. I hope it comes sooner than later and it will be a great thing for our city. Most cities have community centers. This is the only one that does not have a community center within the surrounding areas. And what
by this study and everything it's done, it uh the city is showing good faith that he intends to put a community center. It will be great. I think I grew up in a place that had a community center and it was a great thing for me.
It helped me and I'm sure it helped a lot of young men when they go there. It teaches them responsibility. It teaches them that the rest of the city, they get to know other people within the city itself. And it's not only young men but also older older people. A community
center brings all the city together and it's a great thing and I'm be very happy when it does happen and I hope it does happen and by the city manager addressing the issue I think it's going to happen and I hope it does happen. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor. Seeing no Oh, councelor Brown go ahead. Another reason why I was in Riviera tonight again I wanted to go up there. I read this uh my package over the weekend and I just wanted to really go up and look is as you go down Broadway you see that
big beautiful youth center they have there. First thing came to my mind. You know what is much bigger than Chelsea. They got this beautiful youth center. I know we got some work here in Chelsea to do. I knew this was coming up. I think you know we need to try to draft a
committee for this year. This is a lot of work. Um, I think we need some private donors. I I would hope that we can get together as a body and really put some real good thought into this here uh along with some of the other things. Um, we can do these things, but
we just can't do it alone on our city budget. Um, you know, those places um especially in River and Boston, they have donors, they have, you know, private money coming in and maybe we should have that conversation also. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor.
All right, seeing no others, moving on to the next item. >> Next communication received. Dear council, I'm writing in response to council order 2616 requesting a report on the amount of funding provided to human service nonprofits. We are very proud of the deep and trusting relationship we have with our nonprofit
partners. These organizations allow us to provide services to residents while leveraging other funding available through private and state sources. We will continue to celebrate the Chelsea Way, which is working together collaboratively to address our residents needs. Attached, you will find a report showing information requested by the
council. I am also excited to share that we have launched a finance dashboard that allows anyone to dig deeper into the city's finances and look at all city expenses. Transparency is a cornerstone of our administration. I respectfully request the council arrange a subcommittee on conference to invite
nonprofit partners to discuss the impact we are able to have on our community. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Do I have a motion? >> Uh, councelor, your mic, please. >> Stopped under suspension. If I could speak on it briefly.
>> Uh, seeing no objections. So, move and you have the floor. >> Just very briefly, just want to say thank you to our colleague who's not here tonight. Um, was um so adamant about bringing this to our attention and working on it with other council members. Um I'm glad we have this discussion and I'm glad our city
managers is keeping us ab breast with it but I just wanted a big shout out to council vice president who's working Dylan G on it. Thank you. >> Thank you councelor councelor Taylor. So again, I think we need real data
uh from the city in order to address um you know the the programs that are that are being paid for by the city and given to nonprofits to administer these programs. Uh and we need more data about uh the
results of these programs and you know uh we need to be able to make sound financial decisions for the city and what's really working and what we're wasting our money on. So uh you know
this is all well and good about transparency and I'm all for that and I love it. Um, we need more of it. Uh, especially when it comes to our budget and who gets the our hard-earned taxpayers dollars uh in order to do uh
help do the city's business. So uh I would just I would just ask that we uh uh move this to a subcommittee on conference and uh I will be happy to arrange the
schedule uh if that if that is uh if that's necessary. So, uh, again, thank you for bringing this up and, um, thank you for your for your answer and your transparency, Mr. City Manager, and, um,
I look forward to discussing, um, some real data by the time we get to a subcommittee on conference. Thank you. >> So, um, just to clarify, councilor is making a motion for a subcommittee on conference. Seeing no objections to
that, okay, then we will move it to the subcommittee conference. Thank you, counselor. >> Next communication received. Dear counselors, I'm writing to share an executive order on immigration enforcement. Chelsea joins our neighboring communities in our efforts to protect our residents. On February
5th, Chelsea joined Boston, Brooklyn, Cambridge, Lynn, Newton, and Somerville at a press conf standing against unjust and unconstitutional immigration enforcement. Suffach County District Attorney Kevin Hayden and Middle Sex County District Attorney Marian Ryan also attended the event. Governor Mara
Healey filed legislation on January 29th to protect our residents. Our state representative Judith Garcia has filed the Protect Act, which is before the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. Chelsea will continue working with our state partners and neighbors to protect our residents.
>> Councelor Taylor. Uh move to we accept and file the communication under suspension. If there's no objections and I'd like to speak on it. >> Seeing no objections. So moved. Uh you have the floor counselor.
>> Okay. So I've been receiving calls about this. I just want to make one thing clear and this is not for or against or this this entire uh about this entire topic. I just want to make one thing clear is that in this entire executive
order, there's actually nothing in this executive order except for the fact that we're denying federal officials a place to park. Um that that is anything other than what
is currently the law. And um he makes it clear in in scope in the section five under scope um that this should not be interpreted as the
the city intervening in any kind of lawful uh uh law enforcement action. Police are always under the obligation if they see some
illegal act going on by a law enforcement officer to act. That is the state of the law right now. So, while this is all well and good and I I I understand the the the political nature of it, just everybody understand that
this is just a a a a way to let people know that we're not going to we're not going to tolerate any illegal actions by any law enforcement. And that's already the law, but this is
kind of a way for people to feel more comfortable about it, I think. So, nothing has really changed at all other than I think the city manager making it clear that um they're not going to allow federal agents to park in our parking
lots or on our city property. And that's and and for what it's worth, that's the city's prerogative. And it's it's not it's not incumbent upon a municipality to um enforce federal immigration law.
That much is true. So, you know, I I I thank the city manager for this, but I I just want everybody else who doesn't understand that this doesn't change anything. This is what was in existence before other than not letting the feds
park on our property. Thank you. >> Seeing no other speakers. >> Just quick. >> Oh, sorry. Uh, Council Robinson, please. >> If we can have this available for tomorrow night when we meet with the group that everybody will be have access and a copy of this.
>> Absolutely. Okay. Um, so just for the public, uh, tomorrow at 6 p.m. we are having a subcommittee on conference on the petition that was submitted to us by Luc, uh, Chelsea, um, where we will be discussing a petition that is related to
this. So, we will make sure that all counselors have a copy of the executive order for the uh, subcommittee as well as this will be covered under the subjects to be discussed. Uh, councelor Garcia. >> Yes. Um, I want to thank our city
manager um for always sticking and and protecting our residents and our families and our children, most importantly our children. Um, this executive order brings light and brings a little bit of hope in our city and I
appreciate that. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you, counselor. Seeing no others, uh, council, your mic is still on just to make sure. >> Um, and now we will we will move on to the next item. Final communication received from the city manager. Dear councilors, pursuant to section 4-2 of
the charter of the city of Chelsea, I am writing to recommend the following individuals to boards and commissions in the city. For appointment to the planning board, Audrey Jones of Chelsea, reappointment to the Chelsea Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Mr. Tony Hernandez of Chelsea, and for reappointment to the woman's commission,
Miss Deborah Washington of Chelsea. I respectfully request your approval of these appointments attached to resume for a new appointee. Council Robinson >> has to move it to a second reading if there are no objections. >> Seeing none. So moved. >> Moving on to our next item.
>> Move on to communications and petitions. First communication received comes from the planning board regarding a recommendation on proposed zoning amendment. Dear councelor Herman Rivera at a duly posted regular meeting of the planning board held Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. The board voted unanimously
to recommend that the council amend the zoning ordinances of the city of Chelsea to include a new section 34-157 accessory dwelling units attached as exhibit A as written. >> Is there a motion on the Oh, sorry. Uh,
yep. Do I have a motion on the order? I believe this is not the item itself. So, um, I'm looking for a motion to accept and file. Um, councelor Taylor. >> Yeah. Uh, I'll move to accept and file uh the communication under suspension. If there's no objection, there'll be something coming up under new business. >> Right. Seeing no objections, so move.
Thank you, counselor. >> Final communication received comes from the assistant parking clerk regarding the agenda items approved at the March 3rd, 2026 meeting of the traffic and parking commission. Is there a motion on the floor? >> Accept the follow communication on the suspension. If there's no objections,
>> thank you, Council Robinson. Seeing no objections, so moved. Move on to committee reports. First committee report received comes from the council president from the meeting of the subcommittee on conference held March 2nd, 2026. >> Is there a motion?
Seeing no objections from councelor Brown. So moved. >> Sorry. Are you looking to to speak on it, counselor? I just didn't know if we could wave the uh rules if the chair wants to speak. Um you would
>> No, I I I am not not requesting to to speak on the on the report. Yep. Thank you, counselor. >> Final committee report received comes from councelor De Jesus from the meeting of the subcommittee on ways and means held March 3rd, 2026.
>> Is there a motion on the committee report? Council Brown. >> Oh, sorry. >> Go ahead. >> And um if there are no objections. >> Seeing no objections. So moved. >> You have no unfinished business. Moving
on to second readings. First item under second readings. Order introduced by council de Jesus is being read for the second time. Whereas um order that pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 44 section 53A1-2 and section 3-5 of the code of ordinances of the city of Chelsea, the
Chelsea City Council hereby accepts the donation of $10,000 to the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs from the Boston Foundation as detailed in the attached inventory. >> Councelor San President, I'd like >> Sorry. Um I believe the um the item
needs to be amended. Uh it should be the Goodports Foundation rather than the Boston Foundation. So if we could have a motion to amend uh prior to >> so moved. >> Um seeing councelor Taylor make the motion. Um do we need a second on that counc
uh so councelor Sanagate. Uh >> yes I was going to make a motion to move this to a roll call vote >> on the amended version. >> On the amended one. Uh seeing no objections we will move to a roll call vote. Can you just read Can you just read it back? I'm just still absolutely amended order that pursuant to Mass
General Law Chapter 44 section 53A1-2 and section 3-5 the code of ordinances of the city of Chelsea, the Chelsea city council hereby accepts a donation of $10,000 to the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs from the Good Sports Foundation as detailed in the inventory.
>> We will move on to the roll call vote. >> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. Council Taylor, >> yes. Councelor Cupro, >> yes. >> Councelor Jimenez River, >> yes. >> Councelor Hines is absent. Council Tennar Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Tesh is absent. Councelor Kelly Garcia, >> yes.
>> Council Santigette, >> yes. >> Council De Jesus is absent. Council Brown, >> yes. >> And councelor Robinson, >> yes. >> With eight members in favor, zero opposed, three absent. Order is adopted. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. And thank you to the good sports foundation. Mhm.
>> Next item under second readings, order introduced by council de Jesus is being read for the second time order that in accordance with Mass General law chapter 44 section 64 budget management procedures whereby cost incurred in FY 23, 24, and 25 were not paid and are
owed to vendors. And to meet this obligation, funds are required from current year FY26 budget as noted. The Chelsea City Council authorizes the following expenditures to satisfy the unpaid balances that total $32,82848 from the prior years as follows.
>> As for a roll call vote on the adoption, if there are no objections, >> thank you, Council Robinson. Seeing no objections. So, uh, we will move on to a roll call vote. >> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to adopt. Council Taylor, >> yes. >> Councelor Ricupro, >> yes. >> Council Jimenez Rivera, >> yes.
>> Council Hines, absent. Council Tenary Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Tesh, absent. Council Kelly Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Santa, >> yes. >> Council De Jesus is absent. Councelor Le Brown, >> yes. >> And councelor Robinson, >> yes. >> Eight in favor, zero opposed, three absent. Order has been adopted.
>> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. >> Your final item under second readings, communication received from the city manager requesting approval of reappointments to boards and commissions being read for the second time. Dear counselors, pursuant to section 4-2 of the charter of the city of Chelsea, I'm writing to recommend the following
individuals to boards and commissions in the city for reappointment to the economic development board, Miss Tatiana Budva of Broadway and Chelsea and reappointment to the board of library trustees, Miss Alexandria Christmas of Cook Avenue, Chelsea for a new three-year term. >> Councelor Taylor,
>> move to a roll call vote on the adoption. >> Seeing no objections, moving to a roll call vote. And I believe Miss Tatiana Bugdeva just left chambers. So, thank you. Is that her? Yep. Just want to thank her for coming to our meeting.
>> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to confirm appointments. Council Taylor, >> yes. >> Council recuper, >> yes. >> Council Jimenez River, >> yes. >> Council Hines, absent. Council Tener Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Tesh, absent. Council Kelly Garcia, >> yes. >> Council Santigette, >> yes.
>> Council De Jesus, absent. Council Brown, >> yes. >> And councelor Robinson, >> yes. With eight members in favor, zero opposed, three absent. Reappointments have been approved. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. >> That concludes second readings.
Moving on to new business. >> First item under new business order introduced by councelor council president Jimenez Rivera regarding an amendment to zoning ordinances of the city of Chelsea section 34-157 accessory dwelling. Whereas the Commonwealth
passed a law and regulations to allow the development of accessory dwelling units by right. And whereas the city seeks to increase housing production to address local and regional housing needs across all income levels and at all stages of life. And whereas the city wishes to incentivize small-scale infill
housing that fits in the context of zoning districts that allow single family housing while providing gentle and hidden density. And whereas the zoning ordinance will provide regulations on accessory dwelling units that are specific for the city's needs. And whereas the zoning ordinance will
reduce regulatory burdens for ADU development and streamline the approval process. And whereas the city sees ADUs as a valuable tool to address the regional housing shortage and stabilize housing costs for its Chelsea residents. And whereas pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 4A, the petition was forwarded
to the Chelsea Planning Board for a public hearing which was held Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. Now therefore be it ordained that the zoning ordinances of the city of Chelsea be amended to include a new section 34-157 accessory dwelling units which is attached as exhibit A and that a public
hearing be scheduled to discuss the proposed zoning amendment pursuant to Mass General Law chapter 48. >> Is there a motion on the item? Councelor Robinson >> accept and file a communication and set up a conference in regards to the ordinance.
>> There are no objections. Seeing no objections. So moved. Councelor, there's a question about whether we are moving to a public hearing or just conference. Okay. Moving to a public hearing is the
motion. Seeing no objections. So moved. >> As of now, public hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 6th. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk and Councelor Robinson. Next item under new business order introduced by the council president.
Whereas the master plan has identified the need for new growth in the city to expand its tax base and address the region's housing crisis. And whereas the master plan and West Chelsea economic development studies have identified West Chelsea as a strategic area for transformative growth. And whereas the
city wishes to allow for mixed use development by right with active ground floor space to bring vibrancy and dynamism to an underutilized area. Whereas the city wishes to see more housing production to meet the current and future needs of Chelsea residents. And whereas the city wishes to
capitalize on the area's transit density to maximize full social and economic potential and allow for multimmodal transportation access. And whereas the city wishes to transform Everen into a walkable mixeduse boulevard to connect Chelsea's commuter rail station with the city center. And whereas the zoning
ordinance will create an urban form that promotes an engaging and enjoyable pedestrian experience. And whereas the zoning ordinance will increase open and green space that are publicly accessible and lend themselves to community activity in an area devoid of such space. And whereas the city wishes to
establish a sense of identity and place for West Chelsea that promotes live, work, play, learn space. Now the FOB had ordained that the following petition for the adoption of amendments to chapter 34 article 11 section 34-190 West Chelsea mixeduse overlay district
WC mod of the zoning ordinances of the city of Chelsea be forwarded to the Chelsea planning board for a recommendation pursuant to mass general law chapter 48. >> Is there a motion on the item? Councelor Recupra >> accept and file the communication of
this or objection. >> It needs to be referred. It's not a communication. It's a >> it's a zoning amendment. So need to either refer to planning board >> or >> refer to the planning board. >> Okay. Seeing a motion to refer to the
planning board. Seeing no objections. Um so moved. Uh councelor Brown uh you have the floor. >> Thank you. Is it possible we can suspend the rules and ask the city manager if you can get give us a little history on the title and the name of this district
that we are now calling the West >> West Chelsea >> part of Chelsea? >> Yeah. West Chelsea. Yeah. Yeah. Um seeing no objections on the motion. Uh susp uh rules are suspended. Uh city manager, you have the floor. >> Absolutely. I I I think that this was a
miscalculation on our part, right? Uh um so we we have been talking about uh uh a reszoning of of of the Mystic Mall essentially for a long time, right? Uh uh probably about a year that so we we we should have probably just called it
that, right? The the the Mystic Mall. We were trying to be creative, right? and a and and it was a a well-intentioned idea of of of making maybe a a a new area that sounded good and and uh uh was
going to be maybe maybe more easily marketed, if you will, but uh uh it was something that was made by our consultants without any any deep history or analysis of the history of the area. So, we we apologize by all means. Uh we're not tied to this name. Uh uh and
and we had a meeting actually cuz we saw a few of the feedback online, right, of of what is West Chelsea? Why are we calling this area West Chelsea? Uh and again, it it it was probably a miscalculation on our part. Uh again,
what we're talking about is is the area around Market Basket, right? Uh and essentially is the area that that is is uh uh is around the Mystic Mall. So maybe we should call it a Mystic Mall or or maybe we should open it up for a survey, right? And in the community like
we we uh uh um we just launched a our uh redesign of of downtown Broadway and we're calling it uh the center and in Spanish it's called El Centro, right? So and it's going to be catchy like like it's and that was the idea of of of West
Chelsea. Uh but maybe maybe what we should do is is put out a survey online and ask the residents what they would like to call this area. We again the the it really doesn't matter what we call this this area and this this is going to
be a very technical document is a zoning amendment right that is it's not going to be used for any educational aspects at all but we recognize that that we were not as diligent uh on the name as we should have been.
>> Thank you Mr. Manager. I have councelor Taylor and then councelor >> Tener still on the question. Oh. Um, >> I asked for a suspension and >> let's have councelor Brown follow up. Sorry. Councelor Taylor and Councelor Garcia, do you guys have questions for the manager as well or is it comments?
No questions. Just comments, no questions. Okay. So, let let's let's wrap up with uh the question and then >> I appreciate that, Mr. Manager. And I think that's warranted and that's important to have. I mean, I remember when folks of Somerville, they went out and they got all these names and they
wanted to call this area something and all this and the the community came together and say, "Hey, we can't call it this." They end up calling it Simy Row. So, they came up with a name that was catchy, a name that created a lot of great vibe and everything. And I think
um again because we've had a that the past is that we have put um things like this out into the public and have them have some say so and let them know that it lease is taking place. And when I heard the speaker come up tonight and I thought about some of the work that we
have done over the past few years by renaming that area and streets over in that same area that we should give some consideration to the public but be aware that we're all doing things down there. We're not going to call it assembly row, you know, hopefully it's going to be a
row of stores and housing and market and commercial and it look really nice. But again, I think the public should be aware of it before we just throw something at them. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you, councelor. Counselor Taylor.
>> So, I just like to point out a couple things. number one um in in in this document refers to the master plan as identified or the master plan and well and west Chelsea economic development
studies have identified let's make this clear there is no master plan at the moment we have not adopted a master plan and so while the planning committee which I'm a part of is going
through these things and has identified certain things that still this is not an official document. We have not endorsed that plan or this is a little premature as I believe your marketing plan may may have been. I personally don't uh have
any objections to West Chelsea. It's obviously a rebranding uh attempt. I do however always believe that it's great to to um tap into the public and get their feedback on certain things because there may be some sort of
uh better idea that's tied to a historical uh thing which which we want to kind of cultivate in Chelsea anyway. So I I think that's a I think that that's a good idea for uh for the city to do and to have a you know more transparent dialogue. I wouldn't say
transparent. I don't think this was an attempt to hide anything. I just think it was a a a uh an attempt uh to rebrand this area. We're certainly not going to call it the ghetto, but but you know, we we do need to we do need to to uh uh
refer to this area as something. So, I would I would suggest reaching out to the public, getting their input, and then making a final decision on whatever um this is. But I think in general this is an important part of of moving
Chelsea forward because it will provide uh the the thing is there's a slippery slope here. So yes, we do need this I think in order to to do the right thing and to to encourage new growth. However,
this cannot be used as just a way to bring more people outside of Chelsea and not use this as an opportunity to solve the problems of illegal overcrowded
apartments, public safety hazards. This has we have got to uh have a better enforcement on this thing so that when we build additional housing, we can get the people that are already living here
in dangerous overcrowded apartments into legitimate safe housing. And and that really is if we're just bringing in more people, that doesn't solve any of our problems. In fact, it makes it worse. So, so let's be diligent
about this and not be afraid to kind of break up these these things where they exist. Let's get people into safe housing that's probably a lot better than what they've got now. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Tiner Garcia, >> I will be brief. Um, I just think with
all this growth and all this new development, um, a name should should also integrate the old-timers. And you know, I was raised here, born and raised here. And I feel like having something
related to Mystic will identify our our people that have been here and have not been displaced because of high-rise um cost and and will also be welcoming to those who are coming to
Chelsea. and maybe we can have um pictures and and demonstrate the history of Chelsea how it was before and it'll it'll be a better um everyone will feel welcome. No one feels
left out. That's all. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Rupra, >> I agree with my fellow council. They should be the old people. They've been here a very long time. They know that area by that they should maybe name it so they'll be what they used to be. People will remember what they used to
be called instead of west or east or north or south. I don't think that makes any sense. But hey, if that's what they want to do, but I would rather call it like my fellow counselor said, the area what it used to be named that people understand what it is. It's it's a great
thing to want to build more, but it's also great to remember your past. Don't forget what was here. And that's my my point is don't forget what was here in the past. It needs to be never forgotten. So we remember or the ones
that were before the ones that are coming in that like they say they paid their dues in this city. Thank you. >> Thank you. Counselor >> uh councelor Robinson. >> Actually a person who grew up in that neighborhood was a very diverse
neighborhood. It was always referred to as World War II. And I think it would be appropriate to take a look at what that area looked like back when we were growing up here in Chelsea. And I think it's appropriate to take a look at the name Wu.
>> Thank you, councelor. Right. Seeing no others, uh, we will move on to our last item. >> Last item under new business. Order introduced by councelor Santigette. ordered that the city manager work with the city solicitor, Department of Public Works, and the police department to
explore ways to mitigate littering, loitering, and excessive noise around the Civil War Memorial near Shirtless Street, Broadway, and Grove Street across from City Hall. >> Councelor Sagate, >> Mr. President, I'd like to um make a motion to >> adopt
>> adopt. Thank you. >> Adopt under suspension, seeing no objectives, and I'd like to speak on it, please. Seeing no objections and you have the floor. >> Um, thank you. For the past few years, we've been dealing with an increase in
uh the number of people at all hours of the day and particularly at night and um more so in warmer weather uh loitering and littering and making a lot of noise in the area
across from city hall at the Civil War monument. So, uh, as the warmer weather approaches, I've already seen people and as you heard in public comment, other residents have also started to see
things ramping up. And so for uh the quality of life of the people in my district, I'm asking the city manager to liaz with the police and the department of public works and the city solicitor
to see what we can do to try to mitigate some of the issues that we've had there. And uh I hope that we can consider all things increased patrols, which we have had signage. Um I'm not sure if
enclosing that area is a possibility. And it's not just this area, but this is the area I would like to start with. There has been spillover um onto other streets uh adjacent to the
monument, but that monument is in the center of our city. And I think we really need to do better just even from uh an optics perspective. It doesn't look good now when people who are new to the city or
people who live in the neighborhood have to walk through people using drugs. We find drug paraphernalia. We find litter. We find people hanging around. Uh people um when asked politely to sort of move
along have become at sometimes violent. So, I'm just trying to get ahead of this as the warmer weather approaches and uh sort of try to use whatever we can use in the city's power to try to mitigate
some of the issues. >> Thank you, >> Councelor Taylor. So, I couldn't agree more with with this and I I I would ask that we actually forward this to the public safety uh committee. And the reason being is so
that we as a city council can be at the table while we're discussing exactly how this should happen. People hear me talk a lot about uh having Chelsea having a little balance. Okay. I think that and
there's no bigger fan of the Chelsea Police Department than than I am. I'm a big supporter of of what they do. If there's one uh uh constructive criticism that I have is that sometimes
the police department is reticent to uh do the necessary maintenance work to keep things kind of under control. They want to deal with the big ticket items all the time and let the small ticket items go because this this is their, you
know, they they they're more concerned about community policing and all this. I get that. But I think that if you neglect uh the maintenance, just like in a garden, you don't go out there and pull some weeds, you're going to have a
problem pretty soon. So, this is a real quality of life issue for the residents. When we heard the public speaking earlier, I I thought to myself, this doesn't just happen on Marlboro Street. This happens in Prattville. I know
because I've seen it. So, this is not this is not in one area of the city. And I don't I don't doubt doubt the counselors uh you know I'm sure there is a big problem there but these problems also exist in other parts of the city
and I think that this is probably rises to the level of something that the city council should weigh upon and not just leave it up to the the city manager to deal with with the with the uh uh with the police department. This city
council is the boss of the city manager. So we need to be in that conversation about what we think should be happening and that that necessary maintenance actually
occurs in some form so that we can solve this problem. Thank you. >> Thank you councelor. Um I'm just going to I'm going to mention a procedural thing. I just want to start off by saying that I don't disagree with you. However, the motion was made to adopt under suspension and that passed. So we
now that has the document has been marked as adopted. So we can no longer refer it to another committee because it has been adopted. With that said, I think the council would agree that we need to be in communication with the city manager about it. Um
>> may I may I amend my motion then? Um, I don't know if is there I just I actually don't know what you can or cannot do. So, I'm going to let the clerk uh inform us on what is doable at this point. >> The order was presented to the body. A motion was made regarding acceptance of
the motion. It was adopted unanimously under suspension. Technically, it has already been adopted. Technically, >> that that is actually not my I understand that and that's fine. What I would move to do is to uh to convene the
because this is specifically regarding that area. I I would like to call for a public safety call for a public safety uh committee uh hearing regarding the entirety of Chelsea regarding this.
That's correct. This a citywide thing. I will ask the clerk to let us know what is doable or not. I I don't know because I my my my my understanding is that this requires an item to be on the agenda. And so I will I will defer to the clerk
to see how we can do something like this. >> If council desires, somebody introduce an order at the next meeting calling for the meeting this public safety committee meeting in question. >> If there if there's no objection, we could we we could do that now though. Correct.
>> Point of point of uh point of order. >> That's that's a it's a interesting question. I I wonder if you know it is related to the item that we are discussing. I unless there is uh I don't know I I I will defer to the clerk on matters of procedure. I I don't know if
any counselor also wishes to speak. I see councelor Sanage wanting to speak. I don't know if he would like to speak given that it's your order. Um and then any other counselors. I am happy to open the floor. >> Do we have a motion to reconsider? Um, >> a motion to reconsider is not in order at the meeting until the next meeting.
>> Correct. Yeah. >> Okay. I I think I will say I don't think uh and and I don't think the council is in disagreement with this. I just think we simply need to properly introduce that item and then move it along. And I
I think that we would be able to do so quickly. If if you if if the clerk would just uh uh enlighten us about if if there if if we can introduce something that is not on
the agenda if there are no objections. >> Council is allowed under its rules in the charter to introduce things that are not on the agenda. They're considered late. Technically, they're supposed to be devolved to writing, which this one has not been. So, it's questionable. Um,
I would remind council that guidance under the state for open meeting law strongly recommends that any item not included on the agenda that is of pertinent public interest not be acted upon at the meeting that it is made guidance from the state. >> I would I would draw I'll I'll I'll
present something at the next meeting. I think that this is an important uh enough thing and that we got to be careful about what we do. I know we're working on the rules, so that'll that'll solve, I think, some of these problems, but this this topic is
is important enough that we need to weigh in on that and I would I would ask that the city manager waits for that to happen. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Um, councelor Brown. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I think it's relevant. I think um what the council is
trying to do is ask for friendly amendment by the council, district council instead of having meetings throughout council. Since this is about the the ruling that has already been made, we can >> I'm speaking on the motion. I'm speaking >> there is no there is no motion. The motion has been adopted already. So there can be no friendly amendment at
this moment. That that's that was >> Yeah. Yeah. No, you can speak on the item, but we can no longer amend. >> Yeah. >> No, it's not. >> Apologies, counselor. Thank you. >> Councelor Tenary Garcia. Um, I want to thank our counselor Lisa San for this.
Um, I'm going to speak as a counselor and as a mom. Um, when I was younger, my mother would not allow us to cross the Washington Bridge and go over to what was Grove Street, Marorrow, um, or Bellingham. We were not allowed
to go there. And as a mom of a 12-year-old, I am feeling the same way as my mother. And that is a big problem. I think that we need to do better and um I thank you for this and I'm sorry that you have to live in so much turmoil and
and the rest of the residents. I feel like there should be um more police um patrol officers on site at all times. Um just because the summer is approaching and it's going to get worse.
So, I think that we need to um attack, not attack, but um create and address this matter as soon as possible because it was beautiful out today and I could imagine 911 was busy today. So,
>> thank you, counselor. Right. Seeing no others, uh I believe that concludes our new business. We will now move on to announcements, public announcements. Uh councelor I'm calling first two announcements. One, I want to congratulate and wish all
you women uh a happy women's month celebration of amazing women that we have on the council dedicate themsel to come up and do the work. And as we just heard, some of them are mothers. They put their personal lives on hold to come
and help their community and dedicate themselves to make their community better. So as we celebrate this um month of women's um month um we just thank you for your dedication, your work, um you women also make us men better because if
it wasn't for women, men wouldn't be here. So we are grateful for you and I just want you to know you're all worthy. So thank you for the work that you do. And secondly, um again, I hope I don't um spoil in this, but I want to um say thank you to my colleague Alisa Sanate
for allowing us to share in her mother's birthday tonight. Um and the cake that she brought up here. Uh it was delicious. Um it is um very nice to include your colleagues and celebrating. And I know your mom's won't come out,
but if she's um hearing or seeing, we want to wish you merry happy birthday. >> Thank you, counselor. Uh councelor Rakupo and then councelor Tener Garcia. >> I'd like to remind the people the street
cleaning wasn't done yet because of the storm, but it starts on the 16th. So, make sure you remember to move your cars on that particular day. Thank goodness for the warm sun melting all that snow. Councelor Garcia.
>> Um I want to thank uh two local nonprofit organizations that celebrated um the women in our city. Uh I wasn't able to attend Laora Divas, but I saw videos and it was amazing. Um but I did
attend the one in Roa and the stories there were phenomenal. I want to thank those brave women who who spoke. Um, and yeah, I just want to thank our nonprofits for uplifting our women. >> Thank you all. Um, I'd like to take a
moment to thank uh to wish all of our Muslim community members a blessed Ramadan um as they go through this month of fasting. Um, now any uh council is a moment of silence or >> no? Uh, please >> just announce the Chamber of Commerce
event is also on Thursday night six o'clock at Chelsea Station. Thank you, councelor Councelor Sanate. >> Um, there's also the Chelsea Palante Festival on Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 in Chelsea Square. And last year it was
a very fun occasion and I'm looking forward to it again and it'll be great to sort of learn one year later um how much we have palanteed. >> Thank you, counselor.
All right. Uh, seeing no other announcements, do we have any moments of silence? Right. Seeing none, uh, oh, councelor Sanag, please. >> Yes. I would, um, like to offer a moment of silence for Denise Tiro, who was an
educator in Chelsea public schools who passed away recently. Um she is the wife of um the Ti of Robbie Turo um Chelsea family and uh very very big loss
for the city. >> Thank you counselor. Right. Seeing no others Meeting adjourned.