Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Gaveling the meeting to order. Welcome everyone to budget hearing evening two. We are starting off with the treasurer's department. We are at page 85. Thank you
to Devon for getting us the the page numbers on the sheet. Um yes, we'll get started. We'll pass it off to you. Oh, um please turn on the mic. Thank you, councilors. Uh the next budget up is the Treasury Department, which as the council is a >> If we could just keep the folks in the
crowd, if we could just keep it down. Sorry. Thank you. Uh thank you. Uh the next budget up is the Treasury Department, which as the council is aware uh is responsible for protecting and managing the city's financial resources. Uh this department receives and invests
all city funds to maximize earnings, while also preserving safety and liquidity. Uh they issue and collect all property and excise tax bills, and as a result uh the office has a lot of interaction uh in person and on the phone with our
residents. Uh treasurer is the only person in the city who is legally authorized to borrow money for the city uh as we do as part of our capital improvement plan. Uh Treasury payroll department and the city's liability insurance, uh, which will be
pre- be presented separately after this discussion. Uh, there are no changes in staffing proposed for Treasury in fiscal year 27. So, the increase of 6% is a result of contractual wage increases for employees. And on the operating side, we have a
three 3.5% increase, which is primarily the result of increases in the postage line. And a staff registration for attendance at the MUNIS conference, which is the city's financial software. Uh, our city treasurer, Patrice Bonifasco, is here to answer any
questions the council may have. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you so much. Any questions? Uh, Counselor Sanagate and then Counselor Recupero. Hello. Hello. Um, I'll just start with a couple of comments and then I have one question. Um, I wanted to commend you for the
$6.1 million you made for the city in investment income. That's fantastic. >> And also, uh, um, the electronic property folders, I actually needed that for myself when I went into your office and so it was very
efficient and so congratulations on those and goals that you achieved and um, I was wondering about leveraging technology to process revenue in a more timely manner. Is that something that
you have as a goal for this coming year and I was just wanting to know a little bit more. Well, we we would always have that as a goal, but right right now most most of our revenue comes in and we process it on a daily basis and it goes through lockbox.
We have a lot of people that come in to the window. Most are parking. Excise. During February and March, we have a long line. But, most people like to pay online other than you know, the people who used to come in
and on a monthly basis to see us and pay their bills. But, we Yeah. It Good evening. Good evening. How are you? Good. How are you doing? >> The best city treasurer of the city had, right? You know, the A number one triple A rating will give you.
Thank you. All right. I got I got to ask you a question. There used to be a machine downstairs. They took the money when people wanted to pay it. Why'd you take it away? We took it away because we weren't being serviced with it anymore. We would have to service it ourselves. So, we we put it out there
for people that they could pay online the same same way. We showed them on their phone how to do it, come into the window. It was just an extra cost to the city to keep it there. >> but a lot of people have called me and told me that they that machine was beneficial to them. So, what was the actual cost of this machine? Was it
a a extraordinary amount of money that you had to take it away? It was because they weren't servicing it anymore. So, any any anything that happened to it, we'd have to pay for for it by ourselves. And then it cost us 12,000 a year just stand-alone.
Was that a convenience for the people? Did they When they When you had the machine, did they use it a lot? I would say 20%. Not not even. Used it. All right. Another question. I see here, right?
You technical service went up. Why Why did the technical services professional technical service go up so much? Professional technical services is in the accounting services. It says treasury, right? And it We went
up 20%. Professional technical service. 20%. Professional It's the fifth line. Oh, that that's our that's our financial system, QuickBooks, that we use to to do all our recording of deposits and interest and reconciling our bank
statements. >> maintains that? I maintain the system, but we pay it through IT. You mean we pay our own IT to do it? No, no. IT pays Somebody else do it? >> They bring in the software
and IT loads it on all our computers. So they >> But every year it seems to go up because it's software. So it it it's like the the the police cars, they got to change the software up every year. So is is it worth it?
Yes, because our financial systems are are well intact. Okay. And and then there's another one here, too. Use sick leave. You using a lot of sick leave? It went up 15%. It depends on people who don't use their
sick time, they get a bonus for it. Yeah. Unused. So that means your office is good, right? Yes. Okay, that's what I wanted to say. I understand what it means. It says it right here. You know, your sick leave, that's the one you carry over. Mhm. So your office I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I We have a good
rate of Mommy, because I have a great boss. >> Well, thank you. No more question. Thank you. Thank you, Council. Council Hines. Hey, I also want to commend you for um the 6.1 million in investment income. Thank you. Um my question regarding that
is will fluctuating interest rates affect your um investment strategy or >> Absolutely. Absolutely. We check it every month. We go out to every bank that we can for our standards and we we get
we get some good rates out there because, you know, we go out every month and they know we're aggressive and we want to we want to invest. See, oh, Counselor Taylor. It The light in the thing is on, but this light is not on and it's not >> Okay, so that's I'm just going to use his for now.
But if if you can work on it. I know. I mean, different sound runs. Boy, this is a lot just to say that you the budget looks great and that and that I will reiterate for whoever's watching what I said [clears throat] last night
is that we have a deep uh pool of talent as far as our um our department heads and I I would I would say that that definitely includes you and I'm thankful for the job that you do and I wanted to to just it's it's
not it's not so much for me to tell you. I think you know how much we appreciate what you do. It's for people at home that may not know what what a great job you and most of the others that work at City Hall do. And and I wouldn't say that if it if it
weren't true. Trust me, I'm I'm a little skeptical of government sometimes, but you do a great job. I just wanted to get that on the record. Thank you. Thank you very much. Counselor Garcia. Hi Patrice. >> Hi Cinthia. Um I just want to thank you.
Um you are I I don't know if you guys know this, but I work with Patrice alongside Patrice for six years here at City Hall and I have to say your work ethic is on point and you don't skip a beat and we would
not be where we're at if you weren't at our treasurer's seat. So, we appreciate you and just keep looking out after our our well-worth um investments. So, thank you. Thank you.
All right. I think that's all. Thank you so much, Patrice. You're up next. Excellent. Thank you, councilors. Uh the next >> We have two more with >> Yeah. It's also Patrice. There we go. is the city's liability insurance. Uh this budget handles all the varied
lines of insurance coverage needed for the city, uh property and casualty on our buildings, automobiles, uh public officials' liability, and many others. Uh the largest components of these policies renew in October. So, Patrice has estimated an increase of about 3%
for fiscal year '27. Um schools also uh carry liability insurance within their budget, but we manage it as one program with one broker. So, we're working it together. Uh we and we split up the cost when it comes in to gain efficiency there. Uh
and Patrice is here to answer any questions the council may have on on liability insurance. Councilor Sanegare. Again, I um I saw just knowing that the insurance premiums are going up everywhere, when I saw that
it was only 3.5%, I just had wondered if you were negotiating and shopping around and working with a broker to get the very best thing. We work we work with them and um we've been doing business with
them for the last 10 years and they try to keep it steady for us. Yeah. And and all the departments help out. Yeah, this is really low compared to what I'm seeing. Great. Thank you. Seeing no other questions, we can move
on to payroll. Uh thank you, counselor. Page 89. Uh the payroll department prepares all the payroll checks for the city and school employees, uh over 66,000 payroll checks a year. Uh there's no changes in staffing in this office, so the increase
in salaries uh reflects contractual wage increases only. Uh operating expenses are level funded uh with the exception of a $200 increase uh to the copier lease, which I think we've seen in a couple uh couple of the other budgets that you've reviewed already. And once again, Patricia has
oversight over the payroll department, and she's here to answer any questions that the councilors may have. Counselor Senegate. Um I had a couple of questions about um the staff for your goals obtaining certification. Um
as an educator, I'm all for that. I was just wondering how that will help your department, and um I guess I don't know that much about payroll certification, so I don't know how you've managed without it so far.
So, I was interested in knowing a little bit more. It helps us with all the new enhancements that are that are coming aboard and and all the changes that are coming. And we went on to the direct deposits, which are now online and through your email.
And um we're going to work on other other items this year that that they've been working with with their schooling, so hopefully hopefully we can even better it. Thank you. Seeing no other questions.
Thank you so much. Thank you. Next we have assessing page 80. Hello Mr. Sullivan. Uh thank you counselors. Uh next up is the assessing office. The assessor's office performs many vital functions here in the city. The
most important of which is evaluation of all real property for the purpose of taxation. The duties of the office are heavily regulated by Massachusetts General Law and the State Department of Revenue. The office is also responsible for
processing property tax abatements, statutory exemptions, excise tax abatements, residential exemption applications, and a variety of other programs. They make inspections of building permits for valuation updates. And the assessor's department has the
responsibility of defending the city's valuations at the Appellate Tax Board and has done an excellent job of doing so. We only have about 30 open cases there and we have over 7,000 parcels of land within the community. So that's a pretty good record right there.
There no changing changes in staffing levels for this department so salary changes are only reflect contractual obligations. On the expense side of the budget we have a reduction due primarily uh to our data processing line where we
contract out for the creation of new maps for the department and that sort of fluctuates from year to year. And we're able to make that reduction for fiscal 27. We have the city's assessor Jim Sullivan here to answer any questions related to the assessor's office.
Counselor Sandigate. Um I Hi Jim. I think it was excellent that you scanned all of the documentation um so it's searchable. Yes. Um
and I wondered about your goal as far as developing a training plan for all employees and I was wondering if that was connected to um your department having had high turnover
or is it just to retain the good people you have now? Well, in the in our office, there's many training um organizations. The the MAAO, the IAAO. Unfortunately, the classes are infrequent. Luckily, they're on Zoom,
but they're not as frequent as they used to used to be. So, I wanted to process a set of internal training to develop people that we have in house. Um we had three certified appraisers and two of us were designated assessors. That's unusual and it's hard to keep those people. So, we want to
grow everybody in the office. We just hired a new um office manager who I started teaching all sorts of things on Excel and she's she's immune and she is now teaching me things after 2 months. It's fantastic. So, when we get somebody that's in the office that's motivated and wants to learn, want to
train them and grow them so they never leave the city. We can have an employee for life. Any others? Councilor Recupero. I think it was excellent. Great job. Ever since you've been on board, the city's made more money. You more more Councilor
Mike. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. Ever since you've been on board, the city's made more money. You more more fairly to all the residents by adjusting the taxes how they go from three to two to bit. So, that's a great thing. It's nice to have you and I hope
the city retains you for a long time. You do a great job. Uh I wanted to ask you one have a How come you don't spend any money traveling? Money traveling? Yeah, you have an expense account, but you didn't spend any. We use Zoom. Oh, so Why don't you go for what
Once in a while go meet the other greatest assessors all over the place. >> We are but then we found it under our mileage. So, typically everything in Massachusetts we might have to I had to drive to Holyoke. Wow. $100 expense for gas. So, I can use it. But, we have no We have no real need to
um go internationally and actually prior to me joining here I took all my classes before working and I did them in New Hampshire. So, I came on board with already Oh, but you went overseas, right? New Hampshire is over the border. Okay. Counselor, that's uh I I hear enough of the questions. So, unless we have
um Counselor DeJesus, please and then Counselor Heinze after. Um just curious, what trends are we seeing in terms of home ownership? Are we seeing like um a number of absentee landlords or like what are Are we seeing anything any movement at all in terms of um buying in
Chelsea? We will We have seen the pretty much it's this trend has stayed the same with the the rates of landlord. Um What What's happening is this when we go into the residential exemption program where we started to enforce it about 5 years ago.
People would sign up and get it automatically would stay on forever. So, a lot of people after they get on they will move out of the city. So, we've we've uh made it a simple process. And last year if if we didn't do it last year the tax rate would have been up gone up 25 cents per thousand. So, it's
a significant savings. We ask for a driver's license and a current utility bill. So, it's it'll strictly stay for the residents. If somebody can't prove it, they get removed. And like they have to make they taxes will go up to 3200 will increase 3200 because they're not eligible for it.
So, that's how we try to enforce it. Um we're putting a program together now. Every year we're doing 20% uh with the some new technology we'll will to check everybody every year. so we will have a greater enforcement and it will have a It doesn't bring any more money into the city, but it it keeps the tax
rate lower for the residents because the money is distributed differently. Councilor Heintzman and then Councilor O'Connell will go. How's it going? Fine, thanks. Some of your accomplishments and your goals overlap and me being someone who's appreciative of like transparent and
accessible information um so to to echo Councilor Sandigate with the appreciation of the uploading of the PDF files um could you speak briefly to um you know, switching to the cloud-based computer-assisted
mass appraisal system and how that will support the work it is that you you guys do? Sure. So, currently we use um Vision. It's a soft um it's a canvas software that we use in assessing and it's when it first came out, we checked with
IT and it it didn't have it it required us to buy some middleware, so increase the expense. So, now it's it's right and true other communities are using it, so the the dust has settled on it. We're not the the first adopters in it, so it's it's a much better program now and this will enable
our vendor to work with us more closely because what's happening they'd have to log into our system would have to it was um it's just a lot easier to do it in with the backups and things like that. We have it offsite and it'll be a
redundant backup system that's uh hosted by the by the um by the uh provider. And what that also does is when there's upgrades, IT doesn't have to do them. They don't have to update everybody's computer that's a user. They're updated on the server
on on their site. We log in and we're good to go. I have two questions, Mr. Sullivan. Okay. One is Have you seen an increase of home ownership by individuals? Is uh more people moving to our city are buying houses? Are staying here? And the
next one is Who is the biggest landlord in our city? Is it homeowners or corporations? Well, I'll answer the The first one is the the home ownership When people When the deeds come in, we do the deeds every Monday, and they'll list the residents
of the They'll say now of 100 votes on the way. So, we obviously have to assume that that's true. Um people can change after that. They can change the addresses. So, we don't necessarily track unless they give us a change of address form, we don't know if they move. So, the
trends have stayed about the same, and again, that's what I uh earlier point was with the residential exemption program. That's how we try to enforce it that once you get on, you're not on for life. You can renew We'll renew you, but you have We have to some kind of proof that you're still in the in the home.
And as far as corporate um versus individual, it depends on the 75% of the city of Chelsea is residential. But, it's about 40% of the value. So, it depends how you look at that metric. Is it homeowners or corporations? Uh the
biggest per- uh the biggest taxpayer in the city of Chelsea is Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which doesn't come through the assessor's office. That's a very important um client to keep. The other The next
two are through personal property. They're the uh They're the gas company and the electric company. They're the two big- the two largest taxpayers. So, when we report to the state every year the top 10 taxpayers, they're all commercial because they have the largest value,
and the tax rate is essentially about twice the residential rate, so. So, here's a question. So, we have hundreds of apartments here that are owned by corporations. >> Mhm. Do they pay the same tax as everybody else cuz you didn't list them as being the top
taxpayers? So, in other words, we have some we have corporations here that own big buildings. The majority of them are owned by these corporations. But you didn't list them as being the top taxpayers. No, they're they're the residential an
apartment unlike banking where a four a five unit and above is considered a commercial property in assessing anything that's a class one property like an apartment 325 Commons has hundreds of units. It's still residential because it's only a residential customer. So, they are taxed
at the tax rate of $11.48 as opposed to commercial. And most commercial properties have a greater market value. So, the greater market value and and a high a much higher tax rate than residential. That's why the commercial properties are the typically
the top taxpayers. I understand. If I might clarify, I think counselor I I think what you're trying to ask is about the concentration of essentially in the top 10 property like landlord owners, right? What is the
concentration of percentage owned at the top of that list, right? >> far as personal I would say is zero. Um They'd be corporations who would own them. No, right, right. So, so like so like he's essentially asking who the biggest landlords are in the in the in the city. That is I I think what the counselor is trying to ask. The biggest
landlords I would say at this point would be T&D. Um Mr. DeMicco and probably Michael Linell. And uh Out of those out of those those ones, right? Mhm. Do they pay the same tax
revenue as regular people or regular homeowners they own a three-family home? Everybody pays the same every residential property pays the same tax rate. The only ones that have valued differently is it's a it's case law in
Massachusetts are the low-income housing tax credits typically with T&D. They've valued differently based on the tax um because their financial reporting is different. So, we have to do it separately. They don't get taxed because when they put the deed
restrictions in place other restrictions in place with those low-income properties, they can't turn around sell it. They just restricted their own income, so their cash flow is minimal. So, in other words, when you have a low-income property, they tax revenue
is not bringing back to the city. They pay a lot less tax revenue. And in return, the city gives more services, but they in return are making money, but they're not making money. So, I'll I'll give you an example. There was a slide I
I made last year. So, if if you take a a uh uh three properties, they're all valued the same. Let's say at a million dollars. The commercial property, million-dollar commercial property, will pay twice as much tax as the residential.
And four times as much much tax dollars as a low-income property. So, in other words, low-income properties don't make any money for a city. Well, they I don't know about that. I don't beyond my realm. They pay they pay a lot less in taxes.
>> Councilor, can we get to the point, please? All right. The point is that I was just trying to understand. The city the city gains money by low-income or loses money by low-income. That's what I was trying to to get to
the point. I'll put it bluntly. Does the city make more money when you have more buildings like that or does the city lose money? I don't know if the the city loses money. I have no idea. But, the they will pay less tax in taxes. >> Can I have a I have a follow-up question
to that. My understanding is that this is all capped by prop 2 and 1/2 anyway, so the amount in revenue is the same or is this separate from 2 and 1/2? Property values can change anything. It's the 2 and 1/2% is only the budget increase. So, whatever the tax levy is, we can only
add 2 and 1/2% to it the next year and then add any growth dollars that comes in. So, the property values can fluctuate accordingly. Got it. Thank you. Any other questions? Counselor Hines. With With everything my fellow counselor just said, have you noticed any strain
in the tax revenue? What do you How can you ask the question? Like with the income based on the properties that have been developed, the ones that have not been developed, 40% being from residential,
has there been any like decrease in how much it is that we've been receiving? We don't collect any taxes. So, as far as receiving, that we treasury, they would know who's who's in default. Things I haven't come I'm not aware of any real problems.
Um The low-income tax credit properties typically were never an issue because they'll have 2,000 applicants. If so, if if they need to get If somebody isn't paying, they have to get rid of them. There's a long line of people ready to to fill in.
Councilor Hines, I would just add that, you know, the city's collection rate on taxes is extremely high as most communities in Massachusetts are. Uh the properties are very valuable and um if their taxes remain unpaid, the city can move forward and foreclose on the
property to to recoup the taxes. So, we have very strong laws in place to to ensure that the taxes get paid and the treasurer's collector's office does a fine job of following through and collecting those funds. >> [clears throat] >> Councilor, keep it keep it short,
please. Okay, well, I would want to clarify one thing. Yes, the the city can take the the property for nonpayment of taxes, right? But, it also can't take it if the people decide that they're going to pay you. They can only put a lien on it. They can't actually take your home. They
can put a lien on it. And when you do sell it, then you have to pay it all back. Is there a question there? Yeah, that's a question. >> Sorry, I I I heard a statement. I did not hear a question. >> The question is, can does the city have the ability to take someone's home if
they turn around and make an agreement? It starts out uh Council, thank you for the question. Uh it starts out as a lien. And again, the city always wants to try to work with with uh property owners to uh allow them the ability uh to pay their taxes. And if they set up a payment plan, then the city will
certainly um allow that and will work with them on that. Um you know, there's pretty stiff interest penalties on taxes as well, so that uh you need to really stick with the payment plan in order to pay off the liability. Uh but, ultimately, uh the city does have the ability to uh proceed after a certain
time in land court and uh move to ask a judge to foreclose on the property. I asked that question because I want the people of the public outside to understand cuz the question was brought up about, you know, taking the the homes of people. I want the people to understand exactly what the procedure is
for them before they can lose their home. That it's not a helpless case where they just come in and take it from you. That was the the question, you know, that I wanted it that I I actually wanted to ask you and, you know, because the way it was presented, like people would think that they have no choice. They do have a choice. The Kansas City
doesn't just come and take your home. Thank you, Council. >> say that the city would consider that to be the last resort after all other uh attempts to collect the funds have been have have been uh exhausted. >> Thank you. That was all I only wanted to make clarification. Thank you, counselor. Thank you. All right. Um any
other questions for Mr. Solomon, Counselor Taylor? Yeah, I I just there was some confusion, I think, on the council about um you know, the collecting of tax revenue and and what the difference is or if something was capped by by Prop 2 and
1/2 or or what I think I think what um kind of what needs to be flushed out here is uh can you explain what the new growth is and what and and how that
how that comes with new kind of tax revenue. Okay. So, new growth is anything new that happens to the city. So, if someone or Which is not capped by by Prop 2 and 1/2. That's the only That's the only way we can increase our our our revenue.
Correct. So, you'll have your budget, you can add your 2 and 1/2%, and above that is growth, and that's any new development. So, if a new building gets built, we value it, that goes onto the tax roll, and that's tax dollars get added to the levy. So, that's how we can increase um
the increase the budget cuz obviously there's variable expenses that go along with the property. You need You have more people, you'll need more firemen, you need more police, and things like that. >> so correct correct me if I'm wrong, and tell me if I'm getting this this correct, that
if if if if we kind of have a a a a stasis, right? And and we don't really have much news income coming in, and it's just the regular people that have been living here, and there's no there's no additional
our our revenues are going to stay the same, right? But as as we've seen, our bills are always going up, and and some bills are going up dramatically, like health care, uh energy costs, and and so on. I mean, I think any any All
the people watching at home know that their own uh their own expenses are going up and up and up. So, that new growth is would be vital for the for the city to have enough money to actually pay its bills at some point. Is that correct? >> Absolutely. Thank you.
>> [clears throat] >> Thank you. All right. Seeing no other questions. Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. Moving on to personnel. Uh page 96. Good evening, counselors. It is my pleasure to introduce the Human
Resources Department to you tonight with Director Denia Romero here to give some statistics about the department and answer any questions that you have. I do want to mention that this department is level funded and that the only increase you see are the
contracted salary adjustments. I also want to make a note that not reflected in this budget document is one of the department's employees decided to leave us to pursue higher education, which we are excited for her. We will not be
backfilling that position you know, as we prepare for the financial hard times ahead and just wanted to make that note ahead of this presentation and I'll turn it over to Director Romero. Thank you. Good evening, council members. It's a pleasure to be here tonight. I'd like to
begin to by extending my sincere appreciation to the men and women of the Chelsea City Council for your leadership and dedication to the community. I'm here to introduce our Human Resources team. They play a key role in supporting
our workforce and strengthening the organization as a whole. My team is composed of our HR assistant, which is Andy Monsalve. He helps us to ensure our daily operations are running smoothly. Our benefits manager, Milly Gonzalez, who
oversees employee benefits and supports staff staff's well-being, and our assistant director of human resources, Charlotte Valentin Rivera, who provides leadership and strategic direction across our HR functions. Um Our human resources team supports the
city of Chelsea by ensuring we attract, attain, and support a strong and dedicated workforce. We manage recruitment efforts to bring a qualified and diverse talent, oversee fair and consistent progressive discipline practices,
administer employee and administer employee benefits. We also prioritize employee well-being by promoting a healthy, supportive, and productive work environment for all of our staff. Together, we are committed to fostering supportive, efficient, and responsible
workplace that ultimately benefits the employee and the community. Um I thank you for your opportunity tonight, and I look forward to working with all of you. Thank you. Any questions? Seeing No, Counselor Sanagate.
Counselor Brown and then Counselor Sanagate. Thank you, Mr. President. Again, I apologize. Came in from Boston. Traffic was horrendous. Want to thank our department head here for the dedication yourself. You've been here many years, and your staff has been very helpful in recruiting talent and
keeping talent. And sorry the um here that you won't be replacing the student that's going on for higher education, but I just want to We quickly I quickly looked at your um your budget, and as it was spoken, um
it's level funded. Um position that's not being refilled. Um You guys do a lot of great work there. Every so often, I pop up there. So, I just want to thank you for your dedication and continue the good work. Thank you. Thank you. It's all right. Council Taylor, what do you Yeah, sorry.
I I just wanted to let people know I'm going to run across the street to the planning board meeting to speak in front of the planning board and I I I ask your excuse. I will be back very shortly, but this is a extremely important thing that
needs my attention. I I will be back. Thank you. Thank you, Council. Council Santiago, go ahead. Thank you. Hi, Danielle. Hi. I wanted to congratulate you, too, because you have worked your way up in your department and that's wonderful, so
congratulations again. Thank you so much. I was going to commend you for the union negotiation stuff, which I know is very, very difficult, so I'm glad that worked out well for you. Yes. And also, I am a huge fan of the senior and veterans work
off program. I'm eligible to use it now, but I haven't yet, but you'll see me one day. Okay. I was wondering a little bit about the flex spending that is one of your goals for 2027.
If I understand it correctly, people can use something like their um IRA or something for medical? >> It's a benefit that we're we're exploring at this time to be able to
offer it for our city employees and our school employees. It would be obviously paid by the employee, so they get deducted and then they can use that money to buy to pay for co-pays, any surgeries that they might be having in
you know, in near future. At the end of the year, so what what happens in a lot of places is at the end of the year, if you have money that's left, you would have to spend that money. So, you go to the pharmacy, buy Band-Aids, you know, cough syrup, etc.
Thank you. I I I didn't realize it was that you'd be paying for it. I thought it was tapping into your other Oh, well, no, it's not it will not be funded by the city money. No. >> or fun or being able to tap into your own
things, which I think can get dangerous. >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> The real benefit for the employees [clears throat] is a pre-tax benefit. So, like your health insurance is pre-tax. You can set aside a small fund to pay for some of those things that are are not pre-tax and have it, you know, there's there's a significant tax
benefit to the employee by using by using the account. >> [clears throat] >> Councilor Brown. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That's great. It's a great addition and again, I use that too. It's that kind of flex account. You could do it for MBTA bus
passes. I do it for my dental care. You can put money in and you're right at the end of the year. I'll plan if you don't use the money, you lose it. So, it's a great way that you can do exactly what you guys are trying to do. I I hope a lot of the employees buy into it. It's obviously
comes out of their check first, so they don't really miss it. But it's times like health care, where especially with dental care. It's It's that's the biggest thing me and my family use it for. Thank you. Councilor Garcia. Super quick question. Do you have any of
our youth working in your department? By any chance? We don't have anyone working in the department because we've had senior tax work-off people working in the past few years. We've had some
students from the collaborative come in and help us with filing, shredding, etc. Okay. Awesome. You know, my my mind is always thinking about what are ways in which the city can create pipelines for youth. And when
I was younger, I remember my sister worked here at City Hall. But, um can I ask you? And maybe this isn't the right forum, but what piece of advice do you have for the youth in the room that perhaps one day want to work here in this building? >> Mhm. Um how can they get get a job here?
I think perseverance. Um I'm you know, one that has started from being an HR assistant uh years ago in the city of Boston. And I always look for opportunities. So, I think that you have to always look for
opportunities, advocate for yourself, and definitely, you know, learn how to sell yourself because no one's going to do uh that job for you. You you have to do it for yourself. Awesome. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you.
All right, seeing no other questions. Uh we can move on to employee Wait, wait, employee benefits? Ooh, you're still here. We're going to move right on to employee benefits. Yes, you're with Denia for a for a couple of sections here. >> Yeah, we also touched on benefits. So, I was like, wait a minute, did we just do both of them at the same time? >> Yes, and and we're very lucky and
fortunate that um and I'm I'm happy that Counselor San Diego mentioned that we're we're very fortunate that Denia took the role of director after being our benefits manager for many years. She has cared for every single uh city employee who has walked through these doors and and we're fortunate to have her in this
leadership role. Um but she will just quickly take you through the benefits if there are any questions. Obviously, one of our most glaring cost increases this year is health insurance. That is not uh unique to the city of Chelsea. That is something that uh municipalities across
the Commonwealth are facing. Uh and and I believe that our team um the finance team, the HR team, and our consultant worked really strategically to keep these costs as low as possible and try and minimize the impact on our employees. Uh so, if there are questions about that, uh Tanya is happy to answer
them. Yes. Yeah, my question was how you managed to do that because the percentage increase um is so much lower than what I know the individual things uh are being raised
by. So, I Yes. I wonder how you managed to do that. So, that's a great question. So, we uh were actually at the beginning uh stages of um negotiating, we were looking at a 27%
increase. And so, um you know, that's a lot for all of for our employees. So, we came down to a 12% and by doing that, um the only you know, and and it's not just us, it's many other communities are doing the same. So,
um in order for us to bring down the cost, we had to um we're no longer offering GLP-1s. So, that will minimize the cost um on our um formulary on our pharmacy.
Mhm. I just want to quickly say that it is a bummer that that is not the case and I understand the reasons for cost, but given what we're seeing and the the downstream effects that it can have on people, I I hope that at some point we are able to to go back to offering that benefit cuz I know that it it can have downstream savings, which I think are
ultimately good for the city and for our staff. So, >> Mhm. yeah. Yes. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. All right. I think now we're all set. Okay. Thank [laughter] you. All right. Okay, moving right along. We are
at the Inspectional Services. And we are on page 168. Uh I am pleased to introduce the Inspectional Services Department budget tonight. I know that this council knows Director Mike MacIntire very well. His service to the city needs no
introduction. Our Inspectional Services Department covers a wide range of tasks from building, electrical, plumbing, all of our permit work, in addition to public health work in the form of our housing and
habitability inspections, food inspections. Um, and so the work that this department does is some of the bedrock of our communities work. And and one point of privilege that I'll take is that in the past year we implemented our
new permitting software through OpenGov. And I'm not sure if anyone on the council has yet had to pull pull a building permit or lodge a housing complaint, but I am so incredibly proud of the Inspectional Services Department and this team who
worked tirelessly over the last year after your free cash allocation to really help us level up and make sure that the same complaints that you were hearing year after year around kind of an opaque process, slow processing times.
We have seen huge strides in this department's modernization efforts and really the team was all in. They did a lot of work. They built this program and and they really worked it. So I want to give a shout out there. An unintended benefit um is that we have implemented
our good standing check at the beginning of every permit process, which means you cannot pull a process if you owe any money, if there are outstanding 40U violations, and we are collecting. So that is a nice interdepartmental connection as well. The Treasurer
Collector's Office is manually reviewing all of those good standings at the beginning of every permit that is pulled for Inspectional Services, and they are truly helping us collect. So I know that the director will be able to expand on that a little bit more, but um if you have any questions,
we're here. Councilor Sanigate. Oh, yeah. Mike, I don't know if you have anything uh if you don't, it's fine. We're going to ask you questions, but I don't know if you have anything that you'd like to say. >> I have a few Just exactly what Devon said, this pro- I can't even tell you how good this
pro- program is. Great. It helps It helps us track things much better. It helps us schedule inspections better. And like she mentioned, like we've tried 20 years ago, 25 years ago, every 5 10 years we tried to make that a mandate for issuing a building permit is that
they have all their taxes paid, and it was It was someone manually walking down with a building permit in their hand to to a big line in the treasuries, and and then someone just and from the treasury was seeing it for the first time. It didn't work. The The complaints would pile up, and they they they discarded the program. With this, they get it
right away before it like So, it's basically almost as soon as they the applicant applies. So, the treasury's been great. They have everything set up. We haven't We haven't had to wait for anything with them. And the city has collected money, so. Great.
Councilor Sanigate. Um Hang on. Councilor Sanigate, and then you can go. Thank you. My first question was going to be how did that go? So, it sounds like from both of you that it went really well. So, congratulations. Um
My first comment is about your goal for the housing complaint management. That seems like a big goal just because of 5,000% increase in formal housing complaints. That's astounding to me.
>> Yes, it is. And so, I'm not surprised you need to put something together. So, good luck with that. And um comment about the ADUs. And I'm hoping I mean that's again an important initiative
that the state has adopted adopted and I'm just hoping that um with your hard work that that will the process will be I guess easy just you know to increase our housing stock so I
I um I'm sure that you're forging new territory. Yeah, it would be >> good luck. Thank you. And I hope it goes well. Thank you. Councilor Brown Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I just um if you can tell us a little bit about the the enforcement um
that now you're saying is very successful. How did the public actually get to know about this? Did you do any educational? Did you send notes out to residents or business? For for which enforcement? For For enforcement where you talk about here uh you said enforce
our sanitation concerns like when or even going before the board and say, "Look, I want to do put a second dwelling on or something, but you got to make sure that all your bills are paid, all your um up to date with everything." How would one find out
about that? About about owing money to the city or about the Or just what they need to do prior to pulling a permit. There really is no there is there's no notice for for like one of the one of the proper they owe $20,000 and and and
when they found out they said, "We didn't even know. Our our mortgage company didn't tell us." I mean, I'm sure Treasury's just too busy to to go hunting all these down. So so it worked out, but there was they had no notice. If they weren't for this If not for this system, they wouldn't have known they owed that kind of money. >> So that's why I bring it up. That's the
problem. It wasn't the property uh the developer said, "Well, they they had no clue that the bank wasn't paying it." So so what are you doing to fix that? That folks will know. I mean, cuz if someone I know hypothetically there is a young lady live up on, you know, um Marginal
Street. I want to say Marginal Street. She has this problem with flooding in her basement. She wants to go and do some plumbing work. She comes in and they say, "You know what? You're behind in $1,700. How would she have known that?" Uh this is
this is the only way. I don't know. That's not my department. I'm sure the uh I don't know if it's Treasures I'll jump in. Yeah. So, this has actually been This was something that we didn't even realize that was happening. Counselor, you've raised a great point that it was a a void that we didn't even know
existed. And what is great about the OpenGov tool and the interdepartmental work that ISD has helped facilitate is that because the good standing check happens at the very beginning of the process, this applicant is coming in. They're usually talking to uh Director
Macateer or Deputy Director uh Prieto and just saying, "Hey, here's here's kind of what this process is going to look like. We have it outlined on our website as well." The applicant can see exactly where they are in the process. So, they see good standing. There's a sentence under there that says, "We're just checking to make sure that all of
your bills are paid." I think one of the best parts of this tool is that our Treasurer Collector team, because they are um autonomous within the system, [clears throat] they can send a direct message to the applicant and say, "Hey, it's Colleen, the Assistant Treasurer here. You owe
$2,000. And unfortunately, your application cannot proceed until that payment is made." And then it takes the um kind of bouncing around that we've heard that can happen at City Hall like, "Oh, I'm trying to get this, but I actually owe money here. So, I need to go to this other department." That um
consumer, that resident is having now a direct conversation with the department who they need to instead of being bounced around going to ISD saying, "Why isn't my permit ready?" Um they're they're communicating directly with Treasurer Collector's Department who does handle those things and saying, "Hey, here's how we're going to help you work through this. This is the payment
situation, etc." And then once they're paid, they go on to ISD, who, like Mike said, is is ready to help them in like that building process permit. That's where their expertise lies. So, this efficiency that we've gained, it like not only illuminated a void that we
didn't really quite have a grasp on, but I think it's making it a lot easier for our teams to communicate directly with residents and kind of cut out some of the confusion that was being bounced around city hall. The reason why I asked that and dwelling on it is because that's what folks say to us, "Oh, you know, I got this problem with my
basement. I go to city hall, they tell me all this money. I've never heard anything. I've never received a bill. And now, because they have the desire to fix the plumbing issue, they can't because they can't now they have $1,700 up front before." So, my question is, is
there anything on your website, FYI, if you are thinking about doing any permit or pulling any permits, this is what you need to know. We have an FAQ that kind of talks about the permitting process, but we recently, in
the last year with the help work of the housing task force and at the direction of the council, revived our good standing policy, and I think we can do a better job of saying, "If you're going to do anything in the city, if you're going to apply for a grant, if you're going to pull a permit, you need to make sure that your bills are paid and that your affairs are in order." So, we can
do a better job of kind of highlighting that front and center. Yeah. I think I I want to dwell on it much more, but I think when you because you already have that and someone to someone go on to the city website and see, "Okay, I want to apply for a permit." And you can say, "Oh, make sure
that you check with the treasurer to make sure there's no outstanding bills." That's some of the other things that could help before they come and get really like upset about the government because, you know, "I've been living here for 14 years. Now I want to upgrade
my plumbing and they tell me I was $1,700. Absolutely. And it's also when folks want to try to get you know, add ex- a little rooms on and they find out that someone said you got a bathroom in here, so you're renting it out and so on and so on and
they find out all these other things they have to do. So, thank you. Councillor the Hassells, and Councillor Brown, your mic is on. Thank you. Thank you. Um Hi, Mike. Hi. How are you? Good, and you? Um thank you first and
foremost, um for your work, your team's work. I see Hector in back. You guys are amazing. Um my question is I'm really excited, first off, with everything Devon has shared, with all the stuff that we have been able to accomplish in terms of our interdepartmental
collaborations and communication. Um when I think about your department, Mike, I think a lot about our health department and how Board of Health is also being integrated into the conversation whenever there is an apartment where children and families
are living with extreme uh conditions. How is that connection happening? Is the the new model that we're using supporting that collaboration or that conversation? I'm I'm curious to know more about that. So, you have an apartment that in in in
lousy shape? Well, uh lousy shape, right? Like we I on the ground I see a lot of or even with um work that I've been doing with um MGH and a lot of health partners. In general, we're looking, at least after COVID, at looking at stuff through the
health lens, right? And how um our environments impact our health. It could be uh physical, mental, whatever the case is, but how are we um how are we also, you know, with everything that we have learned, how are we also implementing that through your department and the Board of Health? So
so a big thing is is the lead. So we have a new lead program. I'm I'm sure Ben told about told you about it last night. I'm guessing he did. And and and that's kind of like it's almost like a worry that we're not going to find enough enough units that need to be de-leaded that that qualify.
But like you say, we're out of apartments out there going to the apartments. We see a kid 5 years old, 4 years old. He lives in the apartment. Um they need they need a lead certificate. Mhm. And in the past uh people didn't have an avenue like a landlord didn't have an avenue. So the city now does
have an avenue and and uh the health department they're kind of like the the lead on finding these properties. But now that we're in them, you know, hopefully we work together with them between them and and then you know, us contacting them, them contacting the owner of the building cuz we don't see
the owner sometimes. We just see the tenants. And and explaining the program and signing them up. So we now we have this federal money that we we're going to get. And uh That would be amazing. I really want to to ensure that, you know, within those two departments in
particular um that we are seeing sort of that conversation um whether it's through the task force or whatever the case may be. I mean, we see we see a lot of strange and rare unique situations in these apartments.
>> Um For sure. And and I think that making sure that even if it's um even if it results that, you know, everything is clear that we we are at least tracking any patterns that we're seeing and working with our medical experts or Board of Health experts um to
ensure they also have a larger sort of picture of what what's going on in the community. One of the things I'll add is that we've recently recommitted to our North Suffolk Public Health um collaborative and consortium. Um we just had a meeting with the public health
directors and ISD directors from Winthrop, Chelsea, and Revere. And we're going to be doing that on a quarterly basis to talk about how we can create redundancy measures within our communities, and we also have some shared resources um through MAPC that we uh we're talking
about, you know, shared goals and pain points, and you know, where can we try and maximize uh our work together in the public health and ISD because they really I like to say they're like the handshake emoji. Um they're they're working together. Um one is like kind of systems, you know,
tracking trends, things like that, and the other is like the boots on the ground enforcement, which is what Mike's inspectors are doing, and we're we're really leaning into that right now. So, thank you for flagging it. That's awesome. I love that. My last question is, how are we promoting more of the
ADUs? I think it's amazing, and to my fellow counselor here's point, um I always like to see how we can also make these opportunities um not not such a far reach for small home owners, right?
Like if there is, for whatever reason, a large bill that they haven't paid, um is there a way that the city can work with them based on their income so that they can still come up with a plan to reach that goal because at the end of the day, that's another unit that's going to help another family in Chelsea.
Yeah, so so it started last February. That's That's when the law changed. It was slow in the beginning. Now it I feel like it's just it's picking up. Like we got 25 permits out there and someone someone working on it, people working on it. Five five ADUs already in place. Um
we do find some some apartments that are below standard. We find we find il- illegal living conditions in the basement. And if they're in the right zone, uh we have our enforcement to do, but I say, "Listen, if you do this, this, this, uh you can make this into a legal unit."
That That That's happened twice last week. It's happening more and more. And then we we do have something on the um um, on the website. Uh and yeah, know, I think the building inspectors promote it when they when they know they're in the right zone. The housing inspectors mention it to them and and and refer people to the
building inspectors. So, it's a lot of word of mouth. >> mean exactly? >> It's only It's It's not It's allowed in most of the city, but it's not allowed in the BR zone. It's not allowed in the BR 2. It's allowed in the R1, R2, R3, and I believe waterfront zone. So, if you're not in that zone, it's not
allowed. So, if I'm a homeowner and um a low-income homeowner and I just happen not to be in that zone, then there's really not much the city can do. >> Your only option is to is to go to the ZBA and you're at the mercy of the ZBA. And if it's if it's a valid project, you
know, you you might but that's 2 and 1/2 months. That's, you know, maybe you maybe not hiring a lawyer, um, you know, uncertainty. >> then. Yeah. Yeah, it's possible. Okay. Councilor Brown. Thank you. I just want to back up.
So, your goal Councilor, please turn on your mic. Brother Um, your goal is improving housing complaints. Tell me a little bit about that. Do you So, someone comes and say, "Hey, you know what? I rent this apartment out and I got rats or roaches or whatever."
Um, do you go after the Do you talk to the owners, the tenants? How do you >> It's the landlord. It's streamlined because cuz now the tenant uh apply like They register online. So, now they can they can Register a complaint online? They can They can No, they register
Yeah, they're registering a complaint online. And maybe out in the front counter, we help them fill it out. Scheduling's easier. Updating's easier. Everything's easier. And and and and now we have a a list. It's not like you're going to forget about this, you know, we We had 126 housing complaints last year.
It's kind of hard to juggle it. Now there's a list and and and you know exactly where it is. You can You can auto schedule the the re-inspection. We never could do that before. Okay. Yeah, it's just it's just it's made it a lot easier. So, here you say you have 5,000 in 6 years, is that correct? No,
we had one we had one in 2019. And so, there has been oh, 5,000% increase. Okay. Over the years it's come up. Since COVID, it just it just kept increasing, increasing. I think I think the the violations were always there. I think in 2019 people were were just
happy to live in Chelsea. And now I think maybe for whatever reason, maybe they can't live in Chelsea anymore, maybe for whatever reason people that didn't complain before that wouldn't file one before now are filing them. A lot of education from from
different groups. Uh Okay. A lot of issues. So, I know you guys and your your staff go out cuz I see, you know, you folks out there in in communities and housing developments. Um So, you go out, you you get this complaint.
In the last year, has it been better received? Are you getting putting your teeth in it or is it still the same? I mean, it's it's We got we probably have 50 complaints. So, so the frequency isn't really down. I think the um every single one of them we we we sooner
or later we we do get compliance in all of them, so. My last part of that, is there any fine in if you find out that the landlord is just not being obligated? If they don't if they don't uh make corrections, it's fines. It's There were a couple buildings the city
took for receivership, all all related to this. So, there's a bunch of tools on our table. The tools get better every year. So, it's getting better, not worse. And can they not pull their permits because they're in somewhat That hasn't happened yet. I mean, I mean, I I hope I hope common sense
will will will give way. If someone needs to do something that that's going to save someone's life, that you know, we'll all talk and and you know, they'll maybe put on a payment plan or or or be late so we can get the permit going. I I'm I don't see the city not letting someone fix a a dangerous deck over over
a tax bill. The reason why I just go on about it because the residents complain about their conditions and everyone know they're paying good money to be here, you know, so >> We haven't had a problem with with the Okay, that's good. Whenever anyone whenever anyone finds out they owe
something, they pay it right away. They Okay. Uh they >> They fix it? They get rid of the rodents and stuff like that? >> Oh, that. Uh yeah, I mean they might come up with complaints. They might not They might not um make repairs in as timely a manner as I would like it to be, but they get
fixed. It gets done eventually. All right. Thank you, Mr. President. You're welcome. I just Thank you. I've Counselor Heinz and then Counselor Garcia. I just got two questions. Um could you like specify, I know you said the regions that um ADUs are allowed cuz you just
specify like the area that that those are? >> Right. So, the state what's So, what the state says is any any region that allows a one or two family. So, it's all of Prattville. It's like a way down like like Mill Hill, all of Mill Hill.
It's it's like a on on the hill like uh what's it like Maple Grove, all that area. Um all around the the Soldiers' Home. Uh and a couple of and and waterfront Waterfront's cut down, but you know, waterfront would be like um
like the lower end of of Beacon Street. Got it. Those areas. And um for um uh complaints, do ADUs follow the same process for like inspections or issues for
>> Yeah, once once you um once you get an ADU, once you once you finally have it, we only have five. They're all very recent, but they follow the they still need an inspection from a housing inspector every time you get a new tenant. They still need an inspection from a housing inspector after 5 years.
A house they're still subject to same rules that that a regular apartment falls under. Um there are really just barely any difference. You can't use it as an Airbnb and it can't be any larger than 900 square feet. Other than that, it's a regular apartment. Got it. Hola, Mike. Hola, Patches.
>> Um I have a similar question about the ADUs. So, I would love um maybe if we can create a map where the resident can see, "Oh, my house is on this and I I could apply." But I would
love to see um how the five dwellings that are already made um maybe if if someone can volunteer and make a video or or of of the process because I think people
are afraid of coming to city hall and asking to to create this dwelling, right? Um how easy or or or how difficult it was for them and and see how the resident applied. Like the whole transition
maybe. Yeah. I hope they're not uh um nervous to come in. A lot of people do come in and ask if their if their if their property is in that zone. I hope there isn't. We could we could we could easily do a map for that. >> Okay. >> one of the observations I see is a lot of people think, "Oh, I'll just slap in a bathroom, slap in a kitchen, and I'm
done." Yeah, I know. >> You know how much a bathroom costs, right? You do got you you got a home on a kitchen. If they seem to be a little bit more complicated and a lot more expensive than what people initially think. It's an investment. It's a good investment. But but [snorts] it's going to cost money. And out of the five um dwellings
that are and that have been completed, how um I don't want to say difficult, but how long did the permitting take? And were there any big hiccups that people need to So, uh
permitting didn't take long. One of them was a burned-out building. It was a two-family, and and they just put an ADU in the basement to make it a three-family. Okay. >> The one element that does kick in is if it's two-family, you want to convert to a three Whatever It's a crazy building code. It's a state building code. I didn't design it. If you go to a three
three-family to a four-family, you don't need to sprinkler the building. If you go to a two-family to a three-family you have to sprinkler the building. It's a change of use group from That's the problem. Oh. So, it doesn't make sense, but that's the law. Mhm. So, if you go from a two-family home to
a three-family home unfortunately, you're going to have to sprinkler the whole building. Wow. That's what the state says. Okay. That's That's the only caveat. That's That's expensive. Other than that Okay. Okay. And do you see your your office um a question with the
budget. Do you see your office um acquiring someone else in the future just to deal with this, or do you think that the capacity that you have in your office right now can deal with Yeah. this work? Do you feel like you need to hire more? So, right now, that's
25 25 permits isn't a lot for my inspectors. Yeah. Well, we we we have the capacity. I don't I don't see it getting out of control. I I mean, I hope I hope we get a lot more, but Yeah. right now, I you know, it's just it's it's not it's not uncontrollable. Okay. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome.
Thank you. Counselor DeJesus. Counselor DeJesus and then sorry, Counselor DeJesus first. Yeah. Mine is brief. I'm just piggy piggying off of Counselor Garcia. I would love to see how we could maybe get
um some of these projects with the ADUs connected to Ben in our workforce development and some of the union trade opportunities for youth in the community and I think supporting low uh low-income homeowners
and also supporting our youth who are on that pipeline to those union jobs. I think that would be amazing. I'm just like brainstorming here as you guys are talking, but I'm excited for all of this. That'll be great. So So this is really a comment. I I see
this commercial on television now more than so. It talk It directly targets Chelsea. It says, "You can get your bathroom finished in a few days." Have anyone seen that? Do they have to register with you
because I think they talk They don't >> putting a a sheet of vinyl over the other sheet. It's almost like those those laser laser um comats they put in. Right, but they don't have to register. >> They don't touch the structure. They don't need a permit for that. I don't I've I've seen people do it a long time ago.
>> Okay. Someone asked me, that's it. >> homeowners do it. It comes out okay. I I I've I don't know how it is. I've never seen I've seen the commercials, too. I've never seen a finished product. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. I think we are all set. Thank you, Mr.
Magatier. Have a good night. Thank you. You're welcome. Next we have Health and Human Services, page 212. Welcome, Ms. Tracy. Hello. If we're ready.
Good evening, everybody. Good to [clears throat] see you all. Um Tyrone, welcome to your first budget hearings. Hope it's going well. It's going I'd say. >> [laughter] >> So HHS as you see
it's about a you know 3,893,000 you know budget and I wanted to just point out that 800,000 about 800,000 dollars of that is contract services and grants are about 430,000
under health and human services and then we can break it down per department. Of that 800,000 250 under HHS 455,000 under public health and 100,000 under
elder services. And then I have the grants broken down again it's 430,000 in grants and under that mass and motions about 19,900 dollars MAPC's 60,000 dollars
mass calls 125,000 dollars Chelsea public library state aid is about 120 give or take whatever the year is Mystic Valley elder services is 15,000 and the formula grant funding again that that's under elder services is 88,000.
I'm sorry and you're you're are we going over multiple of these cuz I I know that they're set they're split out um I I I I broke them down and then when the department the division heads are here yep so I just kind of wanted to give an
overview and how also it was broken down between contract services and grants. Thank you. Yes you're welcome. And I will say that so HHS um, with the departments is looking, um, at several wonderful
initiatives, um, separate from the goals that were set and the accomplishments. Um, we are exploring several different initiatives, but with that being said, we're also looking at
how our departments are going to interact with one another for services. So, that we will public health may utilize the library a little bit more, vice versa. Elder services will interact more with library, vice
versa. Veteran services, also. Just so that we're able to kind of come up with creative ways to, um, develop more programs and services for the community. Uh, the other thing I
wanted to mention under public health, the regional effort, that has been really, really great, um, because again, that is that allows us to provide services without having to utilize city funds. Um, so the regional effort has been
great and under that, um, we have the childhood vaccine, um, nurse. We have the Mass in Motion, um, who focuses on food security. And then we have the Mass Call, who
focus and the these are regional positions that focus on, um, the youth substance between Chelsea, Revere, and Saugus. Um, and then we're developing programs again on a regional effort with, you
know, some initiatives under MGB funding, um, to support, you know, food security. That being a farmer's market soon. So, that'll be great. So, I know that Floor's on her way. >> Now is a good time. Yeah, now is a good
opportunity to ask um Director Nwikie any just general HHS questions, and then I think you'll bring up each of your division heads when >> when you're ready to to move on. Any general questions on HHS? Councilor Sandgate.
Hi Tracy. Um I just wanted to say excellent work with the warming center, and also creating a healthy work culture. And I think your inter interdepartment interdisciplinary uh initiatives will be very successful.
Uh I saw that thread when I was reading each of the things that are under your category. Um I wanted to touch on your goal for 2027, which was the needs assessment for the Chelsea Public Library.
>> Yes. I think that's really uh I know as a uh a public space that that comes with a lot of issues and concerns. And so, I'm really pleased as a former
uh board of trust member of the board of trustees for many many years that together with the archives, and also just really thinking about the space >> Yes. >> um because I know a lot of the issues that
come up there really are not under the purview of library staff to handle what comes along with being such a public venue. So, I want to uh just make note that I think that's a really really important goal for I agree.
>> a lot of reasons. So, >> And and so, just to touch on that so, some of those issues that do arise at the library, which is happening not just in Chelsea. This is kind of the trend. I feel like though Chelsea has a unique way of
coming together as a team to be able to do some of the work that maybe is the library staff is not equipped with. So, um just bringing all of the the departments together to be able to deal with some difficult situations that
arise. Um and Lisa's been great with letting all that happen and kind of being open to what do we need to do and come together. That that space is beautiful. It really is. And uh we just have to do
everything we can to Yeah. Yeah. And we're looking forward to transforming and growing. Yeah. Mhm. It's a focal point for sure. Councilor Asia. Hi Tracy. >> Hello. Um a quick comment. I just want to uh thank you for uh creating this web
of resources for our residents and and connecting the senior center with the library. And I feel like we sometimes um underuse our spaces and and you are doing an excellent job in using everything we have. So, I appreciate that.
>> Um yeah, I just want to thank you. Thank you. Councilor Brown. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to also thank you for the work you do and your staff that's here, everyone. Um engaging um you guys got you ladies have a lot of opportunity. You engage in
a lot of our communities, whether it's the library, the senior center, um what I activity. I see a lot of the activities and y'all know I'm one of the champs over there. >> Yes. Blow my horn over here. But um I just love the way that you, especially with some of the seniors there, you
know, at times that they want to get together and gather. Um you offer safe haven where they go and play pool and dominoes and you know, even music. The one of the guys that come over to do the music lessons. It's very nice to see
that um whether it's the library or the senior center that it's being used other than you know you have to book something to come near. I go on Tuesdays and I just really have a really great time. I know it's an extension of what we do here in Chelsea
but it's even on the parks and stuff and recreations your collaboration with them to just host things is really worthy to be praised about. So thank you for doing the work you do. No, thank you. I have a great I have a great staff division heads are wonderful. We're also
I wanted to bring up one other goal that I have. I'm hoping to get it done. I I found that sometimes what I started is taking a lot longer but to also bring everyone together under one roof. So we're working on that and so then one
location will be kind of a one-stop shop for veteran services everything done under one roof. So I hope that'll come to fruition. I'm working on it. There's some logistical issues but I'll hope to update you soon
on that. Thank you. I appreciate your consideration for just including us but also your dedication to the seniors and you know also the stuff that you put out for the seniors just to take to. I appreciate that crafts and
arts that's another thing that I noticed over there with the females and stuff. So thank you very much. Thank you. We'll invite director Flor Amaya Yeah. All right. Counselor DeJesus has one more question before we move to public
health. Go ahead. Sorry. It just I'm curious with regards to housing. I know that our senior population is probably one of the hardest to find a re-housing or shelter.
Have you what have you been seeing in terms of homelessness with our elders and how have you been able to support them? Yep, great question. So, we do see them. Um, and so we'll we'll Geraldine, the new director of elder
services, will and her team under elder services, will walk people through um application processes. You know, we want people to get housed quick and sometimes those wait those waiting lists are are frustrating. Um,
but if it's somebody that's unhoused, we will connect them with um shelters. And so, um until they get So, they often times they'll have to utilize the shelter until they're placed in permanent
housing. Sometimes, and it depends on the situation, a rooming house might be an ideal spot for a person, which sometimes opens up quicker. Um, so it's kind of a match and it works out. Um, but it's really about walking
them through the application process, several applications. And then it's not just to Chelsea. It'll it'll go out through, you know, around surrounding communities just to see what would become available first for that person. Thank you. And for the
um the folks that are um I mean, I'm assuming that these This is just dependent on state resources, right? Because we don't really have anything particularly specific for our senior community when it comes to housing.
Well, we do we have um Admiral's Hill, like those private Okay. Um, 10 Forsyth Street. So, there's a lot of those private developments that are not just for seniors, but they'll you know, it's it's for anybody. But Admiral's Hill are mostly senior age group, but there's
those private developments like PBD properties at 10 Forsyth Street, T and D, um that are not, you know, public housing, um that they will apply to. And sometimes that works out. Okay. Yeah. Um
in terms of um the warming center, what ages or what what was the population like that you saw most in that um Uh I would say um middle-aged. Okay. It it it it it was open for 18 and older,
um but it was we saw more of the middle-aged. It's hard to tell too sometimes when they kind of had a rough they look a lot older. Um but I would say middle-age. And when >> Mostly men. Okay. Oh, okay.
>> Few women, but mostly men. Got it. And would you say that um or could you walk me through the screening piece? I'm sorry, I'm just curious in terms of like what we've been able to see with especially with like new projects and programs that we've implemented. Um through the screenings that you guys did, what were some of the
main causes to that led them to the warming center? Addiction. Okay. Mhm. All right. Thank you. You're welcome. All right. Welcome, Flo. Hi. Good evening, everyone. Go ahead. I I don't know
I don't know if you have any remarks. If not, we can move to questions. Um yeah. >> I think Tracy did a great job opening it up for our department. So, I'm happy to answer questions. Any questions on public health? Yeah.
Councilor Saniga. Hi. Um accomplishment-wise, especially since the end of Healthy Chelsea, your food regional food initiative uh is so important and I know that there'll be a farmers market, I think, and you
were recruiting someone to run that. I I hope that you found someone and that it is successful because that was a a big piece of my life and when Healthy Chelsea uh went away, I was very concerned. So, I'm
glad that it's on our radar. Especially with healthy food. Absolutely. So, I think with the sunsetting of Healthy Chelsea, the public health division has actually been able to continue many of the programs that they initially had. So, as Tracy
mentioned, uh the city was always part of Mass Call grant. However, it was supervised by Jen Kelly and Healthy Chelsea. >> Yes. Since the sunsetting of Healthy Chelsea, that has come under full supervision and operations of Tracy and myself.
Uh so, the city has now taken every aspect of the oversight, the operations, logistics, uh and day-to-day supervisions of the Mass Call coordinator. Yeah, and I hope that that funding will continue um just because I work closely with Crystal
for the Youth Hub. Exactly. So, the grant currently we have uh the grant up until uh fiscal year uh '27, I believe. And then we have an additional year to extend. Our hope is to be able to keep
the grant up until 2029. Um So, that is one activity that Healthy Chelsea had a lot of the oversight over that we have taken over, as you mentioned, food insecurity. With our um collaboration, regional collaboration
with Revere and Winthrop, we were able to receive $2 million awarded from the MGB determination of need process. And that has facilitated growth within our three communities. So,
in Chelsea, it has been Saint Luke's Revival, Green Roots, and the Public Health divisions that were recipients of those funds. Both GreenRoots, uh actually sorry, St. Luke's and Revival have used that those funds to now be
able to pay for staff, to increase their capacity, to now be able to feed more people. Since the award of this uh grant, St. Luke's operations this last Saturday, they had a historic increase. They went
from 150 to close to 300 people that they fed. And similarly, Pastor Elaine in Revival, her ability to now provide more food for residents has increased directly related to the DON funding that
uh we we led as a coalition. I'm so glad to hear that. And then, as you mentioned, the Public Health Division will be using those funds to launch a farmers market. One of the benefits of farmers markets is that uh recipients of SNAP programs can then double up on their benefits
through their HIP incentives that the state offers. So, essentially, each time a SNAP recipient uh or SNAP enrollee buys from a farmers market, they receive additional uh HIP benefits. And so, that is part of the reason why we've really
want to increase the availab- availability and also opportunities for residents to um you know, take advantage of the incentive programs that are available. Great. Um thank you. Uh the Play for All sounds
really interesting, and I know that it's a goal that's going to go from 26 to 27 as well, so. Um I look forward to learning more about that, but I was wondering about the visiting the regional visiting mothers program, which Yes. Uh so, going back to
Healthy Chelsea, Healthy Chelsea, many of you are aware they had the Early Childhood Initiative. I had been part of that for a really long time, and we believe that that was a program that we did not want to go away. There were definitely a lot of
coalition building and connections with family based providers, and a lot of work that had been done to build this network of essentially Chelsea residents organizations that are very
invested in early childhood health. And so, we decided to come together and applied for planning grants. And again, when I say come together, as Tracy mentioned, a lot of what public health does has to be regional. We are a staff
of three people. So, for ourselves to be able to have programming, develop programming, take the risk of programming and pilot programs, we have to do it regionally, and we have to look for regional grants. So, we did receive a planning grant from the Boston
Foundation to be able to spearhead a visiting mothers program. And what that is, or what it would be, you know, once we achieve it, is that anyone who has recently given birth or
is a new parent in the city of Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, will have access to one to two visits. We're still figuring out the details, but the objective is that we will have a nurse going to their home, provide resources.
A lot of what we heard is that new parents have challenges with even like the social support or really not knowing where to go for resources. And so, if something like that lives within the public health divisions, and we're working with organizations with existing
systems and hospitals as well, we're able to then provide more support to the community. And our goal is that it is low entry. A a of the programs that are available are either through birthing centers or MGH
for example has a program that is totally geared towards a high-risk pregnancy. So they will follow recent or new parents who have had whether it is, you know, a condition that rose during pregnancy. So they want to ensure that
the mom is stable thereafter. Um so we're really excited. I think that plan also aligns with uh the state's uh blueprint for public health excellence that indicates that one of the pillars for public health is maternal and child
health. And as um you know, it has been great for us for me, I should say, the public health division to now have like a dedicated health and human services director. We have always had someone, but you know, people have been juggling multiple hats. So I think one of the
benefits that I have had with working with Tracy is now really thinking long-term about the public health division and aligning our goals with state goals and looking strategically on how we can then grow our programming.
One final final comment. Um as a member of your special needs registry myself, uh I suffer from fibromyalgia, and I have been extremely impressed with um the notifications, etc. that I receive
as a member of that community in the city. So the fact that you have that as as a goal to continue to um develop that was is very encouraging. And the fact that you for all these
programs are looking for grants, etc. um is just excellent. So keep up the good work. Yeah, a lot of that work is definitely being spearheaded by Julissa, our community health worker, and she's definitely, I think, the voice and the face for the special needs registry as
well as the safety net. >> Yes. Um And and it's really important and uh much appreciated. >> Thank you. Thank you. Counselor Hines. Hello. Hi. I just want to echo similar sentiments as Counselor Sandigate. I
appreciate and believe in all the initiatives that you guys are doing in being a department of three as you just mentioned. Um and I also like that you guys are taking the initiative to be more involved and do more community events. Um
I know we kind of like glanced past it, but could you speak a little to the play and the play for all initiative and the impact and the goals of of that? Yes. So, the Play for All initiative surfaced um essentially through the
community health needs assessment identifying mental health as a priority for the community. Also, uh my background I have a background in physical therapy, so movement and activity is definitely something that is important to me. Uh which is also part of the reason why we spearheaded the
special needs registry really keeping I think uh disability, movement, and ability for people to engage in leisure activities uh to the fullest of their potential. And play is actually a social determinant of health as I mentioned, uh but with so many other priorities in the
root causes of health such as housing and food insecurity, it's often left out of the equation. Um so, last year or about a year and a half I engaged in conversations with the Department of Recreation, so Charlie and B were really crucial in uh really thinking through
this idea of you know, how can we promote leisure activities in the community through play? And we had never well, at least in my short tenure here had never really thought about that question
broadly. And um what we wanted to explore was one, what are residents' beliefs and value systems towards movement, towards play. Identify assets and barriers for engaging in activities in the community.
And then really using that information as a launching pad to really promote more of an environment that I think encourages movement and play. I think all of us know that our own behaviors are influenced by the places we live,
by our infrastructure, and all of that shapes the decisions we make. And sometimes having the knowledge is not enough if you don't have the choices to exercise that knowledge. And so uh really what we discovered, and again,
this is preliminary. We conducted 101 surveys. We did observations at parks as well, and we also did stakeholder interviews. So from the surveys, uh one of the biggest barriers that people identify, and this it's it's important to look at the age category for that
because it was um the working age, so like 25 to 65. And the biggest barrier was time. And we recognize that that time is scar- is scarce, and we don't always have the
ability to um to make time for everything that we would want to do. However, the other uh barrier that they identified was a bit of awareness, or like not really knowing where opportunities were. And so I think that is like a really good opportunity
for us to take this information and launch campaigns to really inform the public. And I think this is where everyone plays a role, right? As city leaders, residents, uh neighbors, where we can then share information with our residents of like,
you know, there's this opportunity for you to engage in. Come in, you know, hang out with us or do something in in a group setting. And then what we also learn from the observations in the parks is that
in most of the parks, adult activity was mostly sedentary. However, the one park where they engage in more moderate to vigorous activity was Admiral Hill, which does make sense. It is the space that offers the biggest green areas. It
has trails. It has a playground. It also has a tennis court. And so as we're thinking of shaping our environment, how can we create spaces where all ages can participate in activity and also have
essentially designed spaces where we do have a little bit of everything for for everyone. So I thought that information was really compelling. And again, it is the beginning stages. We did receive a technical assistant
grant to be able to expand this beyond this. Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Garcia. And then Councilor Sananikone. I also know we're right at time, so I want to be super respectful of of our time and for the others that are on the list. But
very quickly, for those of you who don't know, I have 10 years in special ed and so immediately when I read the special needs registry, I thought of our students in our 18-to-21 program at the Chelsea High School and I'm wondering what is the connection between this program and
really connecting with the younger population in the city of Chelsea. I also went door knocking. I I've seen students from the youngest, you know, the ages of 5 years old with significant needs and so Um, I guess my question is what are the How do
you get enrolled in this? What is Are you connecting with our Chelsea public school system to connect families with this resource? Yes. So, we have a couple of ways of enrolling. We have done um a lot of info sessions at the schools we've worked
with. Um Oh my god, why am I escaping on her Cindy? Yes. We went to We have gone to the Cpac meetings. Uh we have tabled so many community events. And um I do agree though that the population of 18 to 21,
it is often times difficult for us to reach. So, I think I'm always looking for additional connections. So, if you have an ability to connect us to uh you know, anyone who would be able to to support that. Definitely. Definitely.
So, the 18 to 22 or 21 program lives in the city at Chelsea High School. It is It is for students who require significant um uh instruction to gain independence. Um but they are Their needs are very very
significant. And so, I'm thinking again of those families who are Once the student graduates at 21, families thinking, "Where can they work?" etc. And so, I know I'm more than happy to connect offline to connect you with the families because I've worked very close to them. Would that be great? And And
just putting like a really small plug, uh we're also working on an event, a citywide event called United in Ability, uh different ways, one community. And uh the name has been uh essentially a partnership with the Disability Commission as well. And so,
what we uh By we, I mean city departments, recreation, constituent services, elder services, schools, uh having a community-wide event that uh not necessarily only raises awareness of disability, but also celebrates.
That's incredible. The is >> date of that? >> July 11th. Okay. Uh and we're working See. And her team working on uh creating banners and flyers, so all of that information will be available to you all. Thank you. Any
way that I can help? I just want to I would appreciate that. >> We have Counselor DeJesus and then Counselor Sanigeg. I just want to flag that we are past time, so just let's try to keep it short. Thank you. >> I will be brief. Um so, I wanted to I had a few questions and just to piggyback off of what Kelly said, the classes she's talking about actually
attends La Colaborativa with Angie and they do a cooking class. And so, these students at Chelsea High are able to gain independence through learning how to do basic meals, so that when they do graduate, they're able to be more independent and and have a more independent life. So, I would encourage
you to connect with Angie. She has a number of hubs around the city, but my question is regarding navigators. Um and I might be asking the wrong department, but are the health navigators Okay, the health navigators are under you guys. I always connect them to um North Suffolk
and the substance navigators, but I think that we also have mental health navigators. And the mental Or is it the same? Are we I think we only have >> Yeah, so then the navigators through North Suffolk Mental Health is the same. >> That's the cut. Okay. Could you share
more the number of cases that they've seen? What are the patterns we're seeing? Has there been a shift in the previous years? Um and are we seeing in particular um anything I I know that for me, for example, when I think about
the navigators, I automatically go to the substance use, but I know that under some of the um sort of work that we're doing in this department, we're also looking for chronic diseases and, you know, folks who are suffering with cardiovascular disease
and things like that. So, how are we handling or balancing all the different needs through the navigators? So, in terms of you ask in terms of the percentage of Just outcomes. Like So, we we do receive reports, quarterly
reports from that, and I'm happy to share that with you. >> be great. Um just to get more specific detailed information for you. Um there's also an additional um navigator, I believe they're called, Devon, through
Latino Court program through North Suffolk, which is a an additional support geared toward Is that still running? I thought that >> is a new This is a new initiative um through the opioid through Rise, right?
The um Yes. But they're they're they're also a navigator, I believe. So, it it emphasizes Latino Court. Got it. >> Currently with that mental health component. >> Okay. And at a glance, um and thank you for sharing the report. Um but at a glance, what would you say are the
biggest concerns that we're seeing through the navigator cases? The unhoused, um the addiction substance use, I would say. Okay. Yeah. Um and then for um
the surveys that we conduct, um when we're talking about um planning ahead, I'm really excited that we have I I feel like we're going in the right direction working with B and and Charlie and really getting that uh
health perspective in in that space, right? With all these different departments. I'm excited for that. How um now that we see that the responses are sharing barriers with time and sort of awareness, how are we shifting the um
events to really meet the needs or meet people where they're at, right? Are we doing more Saturday things? Are we doing more evening things? How are we pivoting to make sure that we're we're able to catch those who are not sort of available in our traditional sort of work time? I I think it may be event
dependent. So, for example, the United in Ability Day event most of the feedback has come also from people who work with families who have children with a lot of complex needs. And those were essentially the times
that they determined. So, I really do think the idea of really working collaboratively with many different planning groups helps to promote events and also helps to create events that are um
catering or targeted to the population that we are looking to have available. So, for this event last year, we had a really small one and transportation was something that was raised. So, this year we're working with our Seedlink to be able to provide transportation. And
again, each year we're learning. And with each event, I think and feedback, we learned even more. So, we're really just trying to take this feedback and do it better each time around. Awesome. Awesome. I think my last
comment would just be um I mentioned it earlier to Mike during the ISD. I just want to see how we can also get him into the table. Separate conversation to what the conversations look like with Charles, but with Mike, I really do
think there will be much more benefit to the community to have that health lens in the conversation as they're going through the conditions that they're living under. As you mentioned, you know, even the environments we live under cause uh very specific conditions to our health and and many times our community members don't know how to
advocate for themselves, but if we're able to be there connecting those dots and supporting them in reaching the right services for their health, I think that would be beneficial. Absolutely. Thank you. Councilor Sanegare? Yeah, and that's a perfect um segway to my comment, which was
what um the collaboration is like between housing, ISD, and public health. Just because if ISD has an increase of 5,000% of housing complaints, I can imagine that many of them are connected to
public health. And I just didn't know what the cooperation collaboration is like. And if there's a way to sort of apply for um monies for that specific thing.
Or if you already do that. Yeah, so I think uh definitely ISD does a lot and handles a lot of really complex cases. Uh with public health, we collaborate on lead. Recently, especially with Housing and
Community Development being awarded the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant, we're really creating internal workflows to connect the clinical side, the public health side, with ISD, and obviously our Housing and Community Development as uh the
the the the group who handles a lot of the renovations, but um the knowledge of ISD is imperative in that. Um and we are also in uh conversations with our regional
um ISD directors to be able to So, through the North Suffolk Health Collaborative, we may have some funding available to help support additional ISD uh activities, especially around uh habitability inspections. And
so, we're really exploring those conversations right now, early stages, uh but I think everything is looking really really promising and moving in the right direction. Thank you. Thanks so much. Thank you everyone for your time and apologies for going over. >> You are totally fine.
You are answering questions being asked, so not not your fault. Um, thank you so much. We'll now move on to Elder Affairs. All righty. Any questions on culture? Hello. Welcome. Welcome. Kelly, go
No questions except um, I had such a blast in Salem with my sister and my mom when we joined the seniors. So, thank you for um, organizing such fun events. Um, yeah. Thank you. I'm so glad and you guys came with great energy, too, and in
costumes with which I really appreciated. >> We'll do it again. We'll do it again. Councilor Sanagain. I love everything that you're doing and your goals as far as um, counseling services and art therapy like just
excellent. I I love coming to the senior center. Uh, I'm I'm a member of the senior >> [laughter] >> center. I don't take advantage enough of all your offerings, but when I do come and visit, just the energy there, um, I'm so
grateful that uh, everything that you do is is just helping the elderly who are often isolated um, in our community. So, I can't say enough about all of the things
that you offer. So, Thank you. I appreciate that cuz as you mentioned, isolation is so big among the elderly, so we want them to feel like it's an experience to go there. That's that's that's that's the that's my vision, you know, I want them to walk through the doors and just
forget about any problems they have. I have Councilor Hines and then Councilor Garcia. Question. Is is that um isolation and like transitional life experience like the identified need for like the counseling service? Yeah, cuz we notice like a lot of people that go through grief or or maybe they don't
have a lot of family involved. Um so I feel like we've tried to refer them out to other agencies, but I'm noticing that if it if it's someone that could come to the senior center, it would be so beneficial cuz they can develop a rapport with people there. Um and sometimes they'll come to you know, they'll come to a staff and say, "Can I
vent to you?" And and you know what? Honestly, I say, "Yes, if you need someone to talk to you, my door is open for you." And also my senior advocate does the same. But if we could have like a mental health yeah. Yeah, a counselor specialize in that would be great. That's beautiful. That's beautiful. One more question. Um
restoring the rooftop, is that is that going to impact your operation hours or will anybody have to like No, my my vision is to actually develop programming during our regular hours if we do do restore that rooftop. But I feel like if that rooftop was
redesigned and almost like you know, like how we envision like a rooftop in a not in a bar, but you know what I mean? Like something really nice, it could be used for other purposes too. You know, if a city department wanted to use it for an event. Counselor Garcia.
One of the things I noticed um the other day when I was at Bloomingdale's um an older gentleman and again, I don't know if this is the correct platform, but an older gentleman was waiting for the ride >> Mhm. um to pick him up for an appointment and it took him hours to get
there. And so I'm I'm I would love to know what can I do the next time anyone else sees someone waiting for the ride. He didn't know who to call or etc. So Yeah, I mean definitely if there is a senior that's looking for transportation services or any resources out there, I
would definitely have them reach out to our senior advocate to see you know, what resources he can connect that person with. Um cuz there is the ride, there's also programs through Uber and Lyft. Um, also we have our transportation, but it only operates within the city, which I know can be very limiting.
Um, there's also maybe some programs through Mystic Valley Elder Services, so I would definitely always, please either shoot me an email or Michael DeJesus directly. We're happy to connect them. Great. Thank you. Great. Thank you so much. All set.
All right. All right. Well, thank you everyone. Have a good night. And please come visit us. The door The doors are always open. I know. He's the Domino's man. All right. Next we have Veteran Services, Mr. Toro. All right.
Any questions for Mr. Toro? Councilor Brown. I just wanted to say thank you for the work you do. We've been talking over the last few weeks. I appreciate you keeping me up to speed with what you're doing and you know, as a member of the service board here, it's a committee, um, thank
you for just always looking out for the veterans and the family members of veterans and looking forward to the service coming up next week. Thank you. Appreciate that. Thank you. Councilor Sandigate. Um, I've definitely seen, um,
this past year so much more in, uh, outreach, which is fantastic. Um, and I'm happy to attend everything that I can in support of your work with veterans. So, um, I also know that your goal is to,
uh, continue to improve the Memorial Day celebration. I thought last year was fantastic for us in the Garden Cemetery and then coming down, and I really look forward to doing that again on Monday. So, um excellent, excellent work. Thank you,
Loretta. Sorry. If it rains, I just wanted to mention this. If it rains Monday, which I hope it doesn't, the garden cemetery is still on, and the procession is still on. And we'll, you know, we'll worry about it then, but We won't melt. Umbrellas.
Not far. Ponchos, so nice work. Thank you. Councilor Wright? Question. Um with the upcoming redevelopment in the area up there, how does will that impact your work? Um
so the housing is is the big ticket item. It is probably the most difficult thing to provide. Uh so, this project basically was born many years ago, and it's going to provide 250
new low-income units for veterans. And as a a case worker who, you know, um provides services for low-income veterans, it it's obviously going to impact the
department significantly. Um so, yeah. So, it's going to be a lot of work. Yeah, absolutely. But, we've been uh communicating a lot with uh leadership up at the home, and um
also to the development company, and and you know, we're keeping eyes on it. Things are running a little bit behind, but as you saw, there's there's progress up there. All right. I think we are all set. Thank you so much. Outstanding. Thank you.
Moving Hope to see you all. Moving on to the library department. Welcome. Welcome. Thank you. Hello. All right. Any questions around the library?
Just want to say, Lisa, thank you. Every time we call and try to get little meetings over there, your staff and you are always very accommodating and helping us. Um there's a lot of nice young um teens and youth working over there. They're very pleasant. Um I know they don't know
they don't know a lot of us um when we come in and they're still pleasant. So, you know, they're very respectful. So, you got a great staff over there in your absence and appreciate the work that you folks are doing in building up the bottom with the youth
>> that. Appreciate. Okay. Councilor Councilor Garcia. Hi, Lisa. How are you? A quick question. Can you provide um uh top of mind number of how many students enter through the doors of the library?
I I can imagine over the years it kind of has declined, but tell me tell me a little bit more about um who do you see? Who do you see in there? Um and that's one of the things that's on my my list of purchases is people counters at the doors, but um this past this current
school year we saw huge numbers. In fact, um it was it challenging for the staff, you know, because there were so many students and middle school was the the biggest amount of kids that we saw. And so, we start
having them sign little agreements about using the space. And we got over 250 signed agreements. So, that was a really busy school year this year. That's awesome. And I'm assuming it's field trips and research papers and etc. Or
Um yeah, well, they came on their own, but we do have school visits for the younger kids. The lower grades come in regularly for school visits. Awesome. Thank you. You're welcome. Councilor Garcia. And then Councilor Rossia. Hi. I'm glad that you're um
here and feeling better and back. Um Thank you. I'm getting there. Yeah. Take care. Thank you. Uh I wanted to I know that the archives were something that you wanted that you had been thinking about and planning for
for um a long time. So, I'm so glad that everything came together and that uh that can move along. That's really important history. So, Definitely. I'm glad that's going That
was one of your goals and also the long-term strategic plan. So, good luck with those. Thank you. Councilor Garcia. I have um a quick question. Hi Lisa. Hello. Um So, because we don't have a community
center for our children for Do you feel like at the library is an outlet for those individuals who come home to parents who are working and and are not home and do you see like the library being um
their outlet or like their hangout spot? Do you feel like you need more support from the city or um I don't know. Do you feel like you need more resources for those children who who have hard-working parents and are
not and and don't have that support at home and and look for other outlets and are go into the library just to be in a shelter Yes, this this school year we really saw the space used as basically a hangout space because they really
weren't using, you know, the resources, but it was really important for them to have a space to come to. And we like I said, we saw huge numbers and it was basically myself and either one or two other staff handling it. So, um like I
said, it was challenging. So, definitely we could um use more hands. We did bring in our partners, recreation came in, Youth Hub, and and they worked with us. Yeah. And um do you think that in the future
um I know that um well the library has changed dramatically since I used to go and I I felt like I was in a museum when I went. Um And and I always looked forward to going to and I hope our children still
continue to feel that way, but um because we're evolving, right? And and technology is evolving and AI is so out there and and do you see um the need for I don't know, like a lounge area like
since you say that they're hanging out more, do you do you see it changing drastically in the future in the near future um for our community since we don't have a uh
a youth center or anything like that, I feel like that is the right space to accommodate. Yeah, I mean, we've even purchased purchased some furniture in both spaces that is more sort of you know, youth friendly. Um rather than desks and chairs, more easy
chairs, bean bag chairs, things like that. So, it's definitely going that way. Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Can I I just want to add to that? I also think that this need the needs assessment that we're planning is also going to bring a lot of those answers in
terms of because it's going to be community based, it's going to be involved all of you. Um so, we're going to gain a lot more knowledge on all you know, as you alluded to, libraries are transforming and what does the community want? And what are the
kids looking for? So, we're looking forward to that. I'm excited to see the the change and the transformation, but anything you need from us, just you know, let us know and and we'll be able to you know, have a conversation and and see the bigger
picture in the near future. Thank you. >> All righty. I think we're all set. Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. >> Thank you, both. Thank you, Tracy. Next up, we have Miss Charlie. Yes, we'll welcome up Charlie and B. >> And B, welcome.
Welcome, Charlie. Welcome, B. Good to see you both. I believe we're headed to page 238. Yes, [snorts] and we are proud to have Charlie and B up here this >> evening to present the recreation department budget. This budget um >> [snorts]
>> speaks for itself. This department speaks for itself. Amazing programming. Lots of work going on here. Um and and we're incredibly proud of of this team and the work that they're doing and and the budget that's being presented before you tonight. So, I will let them both take it away. Uh Mr. President, through you to the uh
committee. Um to summarize it real quick, we were able to identify $37,000 in savings. Uh we reallocated 20 and are cutting 17. Uh that savings was through two positions that
had been in there for a while. Um it had to do with field monitoring. Uh they were unfilled and because I'm down the field a lot uh and and we're activating Vote Park a lot more. Um
So, there wasn't really a need and so we were able to cut this from the budget. Um not to oversell it for next year, but I think you're going to see even more uh streamlining and efficiency here next year as well. So, this is hopefully a trend for the next two or three fiscal years. Um you know, we're making sound investments. We're we're pursuing every
grant possible. Um we've moved a lot of programs in-house and so I that reflects that for the taxpayers and and we hope to continue that trend. Thank you. B, would you? I don't know if you have anything for us before we open to questions. I'll be here for questions
Okay, great. Wonderful. Any questions for Charlie and B? Councilor Arceo. Hi team. One question that constantly comes up from the community, I'll speak a little louder, um is access to our schools. Are like the gym, the
playgrounds, um and the different soccer teams out in the community trying to get a spot. Can you please share with us and the public who's watching at home what that process entails and if for example, you know, is it a budgetary
um issue or is it a lack of staffing for um having an open gym kind of time for our our families and and students in the community? And I know we have um shout out to Councilor Hines, we have a subcommittee
on that um subject matter in the coming weeks, but would love to take an opportunity here and and and bring that question to the table. Absolutely. No, thank you, counselor. This is a a daily issue for sure. I'm going to divide it sort into two buckets. We have
um winter, and then we have spring, summer, fall. So, spring, summer, fall space indoors is not an issue. We have open, you know, Clark is open June, July, August, and halfway through September
three or four days per week. Once we start getting closer to Thanksgiving, it starts to really tighten up. And from probably right as high school season starts, the day after Thanksgiving, to when the last team plays their last
tournament game, February vacation, um it's more of a pop-up nature. Uh but one thing that happened this year that we're so excited about is we are now the school department, rec department, DPW, every city department is on the same schedule now. We all have
We've invested $4,500 a year into a new software, and we can all pull it up and look, and this is something we were doing by hand before, and it was in multiple multiple departments. So, this is now all synergized, and it allows me in real time. So, like last year, for example, my I don't I have one office at
the Clark, and I would walk by the gym like, it's Thursday at 5:30. Why is this place empty? And I'd have to send a text message or an email and try and figure out why it's empty. Now, I can just Oh, it's it's going to be open next Tuesday. You know, or you know, who needs time. And so,
for residents, that spring, summer, fall season, there's an application and a process on the website, but you can also email the rec team directly. We we um we're not overwhelmed by these requests, so we can
handle them on a case-by-case basis as individuals. And then winter, another thing that we worked on was we had a basketball master plan meeting and sort of got all of our organizations on the same page. We had that soccer summit
and we're able to, for example, before we would sort of shut down Highland Park early November. This year and moving forward, Highland Park will be open all the way through December 1st. Portable toilet, lights, everything. That has allowed our soccer
community to stay outdoors an extra two or three weeks, which has alleviated that three weeks for CYBL to sort of get going. And then that has allowed sort of Mass Warriors for their season to end cuz then they pivot to the travel program. And so it's we're synergizing
and it's getting better every year. There's more hours. I can pull the data and get it to you, but we issued more permit hours than we've ever issued in the history of the department. And um we also expect we're I mean we're always looking for additional gym space. Um
we have explored Shore Collaborative. We've looked into Temple Emanuel. We have the new Teen Center opening up in October, which should free up a number of different things and it's all domino effect, right? But that software and those
team meetings with each sport and all the stakeholders have really made a difference. And as much as we want to embrace sports, we're also needing to embrace the arts and organizations that are needing to come in that want to have community meetings, they want to have
other activities. And again, our goal is affordability. I mean these are public spaces, public schools, taxpayers' dollars, state of the art and we consistently want to make sure that they're affordable and they're accessible and they are there as and trying to continue to get the word out
that they're here to be used. And we're very proud. I mean it's it's a really a pleasure to work with buildings and grounds of the Chelsea public schools. They work extremely hard to be able to keep these beautiful schools as beautiful, even more beautiful every time we walk into them. But, it's
important to again keep reaching out not only to the organizations that are here in the city, but also organizations among above and beyond the city that also take care of Chelsea residents. And if they need they take care of Chelsea residents, they have access to our schools. And again, as was mentioned, we
have software now that helps us to be able to track this. And we're learning more about that software and how to use it to its maximum. And again, I want to get back to the variety of program, the affordability of program, and the also the the quality. The quality is a very very important [snorts] of who's coming
in and what we can do for all age groups. Uh and um yeah, we just see this expanding and getting better. That's incredible, and it sounds like the software was a game-changer. As someone who loves calendars, that brings me so much joy. Thank you for sharing
that. Yes, ma'am. Councilor Heinze, and then sorry, Councilor Sky. Councilor Sky. Heinze, then Taylor. I got you. >> [laughter] >> Could Could you guys discuss briefly um I know you guys talked about um
limited space or or maximizing space in this new software being able to support with that? Um and I I'm looking at the goals and it's talking about maximizing and and the management of municipal and nonprofit facilities. Um is that like what it is that you're
speaking to just then, or is there like more that could be done? Um and then the second question to that I'll wait. Now, it's it's a great question, and and this is a um a layered question. So, um it you know, being mindful of time, but I'm glad I could follow up. So,
um you know, the gyms do sit sit empty on Sundays. There's no question about it. The gyms do sit sit empty Saturday nights. The gyms do sit empty from 8:30 to 11:00 every night. Some cities open them up, some cities don't. Sometimes it's funding. Um in my
old position, we set aside sort of a custodian fund to just pay custodians in overtime and that covered our open gym program and that unlocked uh Sunday gym time because, you know, it's double time. So, it's you know, you have to be mindful of how expensive it grows
exponentially. And um so, it's it's there are ways to open this up uh but it it's a I'm looking forward to our subcommittee meeting to start exploring that, to be perfectly honest. My My second question is, what are some of you guys' most sought-after programs
or like what other programs are people interested in? Like what's coming? >> I think one of the most popular is swimming. We have it's damn just hands down. Uh we had the arc for grant and we had
probably we are filled within weeks. Like within a week or two, we bring in people. So, swimming is something again in a my you know, immigrant community. Uh I did uh research years ago after a little girl from the Clark drowned up in
Mary O'Malley Park off the wharf. I looked I brought a person in from a Boston University School of Education and we went to the library and started looking at the drownings that were happening in this community. So, we're uh both of us and our team
we're looking at all different grants and things that we can be able to find for funding for how we can be able to get more um funds to help with swim lessons and not for you know, it's sixth to adult but we're looking at infants and preschoolers to
be able to have the best programming and aquatic education for parents. So, swimming is a big one. I mean, soccer's always big, but swimming since I've been here has been a number one program. So, I got to say um
th- th- this is I think my favorite department. And and I I it's only because, you know, uh I I I think we I think we've been working on things for for quite some time. First, on the on the cultural side and getting these really cool events in
Chelsea that that have just I think transformed and get getting A lot of times in Chelsea, we get the usual suspects that show up to every event and nobody else comes. The the events that we put on now, the car sh- everything. I mean, it's it's it's it's
amazing and it's transformed, I think, our public spaces and especially coming out of the pandemic, it was really needed and I I just you know, I sometimes Chelsea gets a lot of um criticism, you know, as a crappy place
or whatever it is, you know, the people people talk like uh uh like like this is not a a good place to be or live. And I resent that. And and and and I think that this department has done so much to
make Chelsea a better place not just today, but in the future because keeping our kids occupied after school and and with with uh team programs where they learn valuable skills and lessons for life that are
going to going to um uh keep them or prepare them for for adulthood, but also to keep them away from bad elements. And I I I just it was something that was lacking, I think on the on the sports side of it and and
it has been such a transformation. I am I I I'm flabbergasted about it. And so I think both of you deserve a lot of credit. And I said this before and I'll say it again just for people that are watching at home that Chelsea is a very
deep talent pool in our in our departments and I'm proud of of not just you guys but but our department has we have we have the best city staff I think in the in the entire Commonwealth. And I'll I'll I'll bet on that. Any anybody
else watching this from another municipality want to take me up on it I'll And you know we're very proud of partnerships. We have the best of the best organizations working between all of us the five of us that are working. We're always searching for I mean we've
got top popular um well-known organizations from Harvard to Berkeley to the revolution. We have so many amazing programs that are coming and wanting to help us. >> needs to know that because and I know that I know that there's been a great
interest in in in in in all the programs. I mean you know the the new ones that have been introduced lacrosse about you know volleyball all these all these things that that give our kids something to do so they don't have to go to Revere. They don't have to
go to Everett. I mean we were we were plugging other people's things because we didn't have enough of our own you know and that those days are over. So so I really give both of you um big kudos and especially like you know
on this budget I mean this is >> [snorts] >> great level budget you know and and that's what we like to see and I I I would only say this and I know you and I have talked about it you know offline um multiple times uh Charlie
that as we go into kind of rougher economic times which are assuredly coming. Yes, sir. Um we we can't forget to to reach out to the to the private sector
and for even even you know private members of the community here to to develop you know whatever uh whatever nonprofit uh uh that we can develop a friends of Chelsea sports or whatever it is that I'm sure
that there's enough will out there because I've talked to people you and I have been knocking on doors asking people about you know in uh connection with Vote Park and and things like that. Yes, sir. But but I really I I really um
I I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart because it really goes not just for your department but for how your department is so key to all the other things that we try to do our our public safety and and uh and our school department. And and we know how
we know how bad it was when when you know uh without the software without getting everybody on the same page it was a real struggle and my hats off to you. Thank you very much. I I No, thank you. >> and the public needs to understand what
a great job you guys are doing and to get your kids into these programs. >> we're very proud and we have a really good staff. We have a super super well dedicated staff and we've gotten more I mean staff. That was most important that we needed more staff even a recreation
coordinator that we received and we can't you know tell you how much that has helped us a hundredfold. So, thank you. So, on stack I have counselor De Jesus. I'm going to give Councillor Cooper a minute cuz you already went Councillor Hines and then
um Councillor Hines, yeah, yeah. Oh, yeah, Councillor Garcia, yep. All right, I will be brief. Um as the chair of ways and means, the way that you guys opened up your segment in
sharing how much we're saving, I absolutely love it. >> [laughter] >> That is exactly what we're hoping we can do in these times is really go in, evaluate, shift, pivot, right? And not to say that we want to reduce the funding, but like be
more strategic about it and if if it's need you know, need be, you know, let us know what areas need to be more funded or just at least, you know, try to go through it and see how we can potentially save especially in the times that we're in. Be 100% agree with you. My kids went to
the Boys and Girls Club to do swimming and they absolutely loved it. Are the current spaces like Boys and Girls Club still offering the same amount? Is the capacity issue? So, years ago, um we got together with Josh Kraft and this
is years ago and we started to have a splash learn to swim program. Two intensive weeks, we brought close to about 180 people through it, children. And we had adults in it, too. And it was and it was every day again, two weeks and it was three 45-minute
um slots. It stopped once um COVID came. Okay. We lost a lot of a lot of in headway. I I was working at Boston University at the time in the in the aquatics program and so was able to bring over people from WSI. We're now
thinking, we're working down with them to hopefully bring that back and I know that the you know, speaking for the Boys and Girls Club, they would they would also work very hard with us to bring at least that back here for a learn to swim. But it's still not enough. It's
still not enough because the learn to swim at the Boys and Girls Club, uh their license um their is at 6 years old. You can start from 6. And really, we're looking also to preschoolers and to infants. So, um the amount the amount of pool a over in East Boston is helping
us with that. Also, um the Charlie uh Alex Bianca Nubia all of us are working very hard for children with special needs, okay, adaptive programming. Um to be and I know that they're the the people over at um the Y M C A in the
amount of pool there are are wanting to help us with that. Um so, we're going to just keep looking at different grants for this because it's expensive. Mhm. And how we can be able to keep that, you know, uh alive even after the ARPA grant, which
will probably we will lose it as of December. Mhm. So. Um thank you, B. And then, similar to the conversation I had with um Flor, I know that in the community when we survey, when we talk to folks, you know, it's it's a no-brainer. Folks are
working multiple jobs. Time is hard for them to manage and be able to take part in certain activities. How are we adapting some of the programs that we're offering for the community to ensure that we are flexible or at least uh um
making sure that the schedules are at a time that work for the community. Are we Are we measuring it through the participation? Um It's facilities, too. It's facilities during the day. And as Charlie mentioned, uh even at the temple, I mean, we're we're looking at different
facilities that are open during the day that we could have programming during the day because we have 7 months of winter. So, that flexibility is so important because with the schools, we can't really get in until after, you know, school is over with, which is of course
we understand, and but we really it's space during the day will give us more you know flexibility to have more programming. And then are there any I saw the menu of um uh programs that you're offering?
I can't remember what we offered last summer. Have you changed any based on the turnout and like the number of interest based on the community? Are we making sort of those cross references to previous years and then changing, you know, maybe it's no longer
a guitar class because it wasn't as interesting for the community and now we're doing ukulele or Yeah. Yeah, so the um we have a lot of data and not only from a
from Eunice, from our facility software, from our registration software, stakeholder interviews, social media interactions. We are analyzing First off, recreation is a throw everything at the wall and see what sticks type of job, right? So we're
always putting new stuff out there no matter what. But yeah, I think the reflection in our savings, I think the movement of programs in-house uh demonstrate the sort of um rotation out of programs that weren't successful. There are a few more that
we're monitoring, but we've introduced and we'll continue to introduce more summer programs you know, our partnership with Play Ball Foundation and bringing more intramurals to the schools, our partnership with Harlem Lacrosse. Um we have a number I mean we we now move
all of our toddler sports in-house and that led to more savings, more programs. And so yeah, we are always looking to be better. It is very much a growth mindset department. And it has to be. You know, you are you are
constantly watching national and and regional trends and adapting to them. Um, but yeah, there's definitely a few more programs that we are monitoring closely and um, and you know, trying to save more money and trying to reallocate these resources
into uh, more gym time, more art programming, summer camps, things like that. So. And we're adults, you know, not just kids. There is we don't have an adult education program here and so to work more, you know, hopefully with uh,
with Bunker Hill, uh, trying to uh, where we've we've been having a very successful partnership right now with the Veterans Home. Uh, we've been having ESL classes up at the Veterans because we have found out again that there with the residents
they some of the times their only, you know, good friends and family are those that are working in uh, housekeeping or working in culinary. And so they've been very very excited for us to be up there. We're we're um, you know, we are work looking carefully
at um, English language which has taken a big hit with immigration. And um, we're, you know, putting out different types of programming, like a book book club and advertisement seeing if we can have people trust us and to
bring them more in and this is a community-wide effort that we're trying to do. But not just children, but looking at young adults and adults um, in general for their learning. Computer and um, also uh, language. I love that.
Well, um, once again, you guys are doing amazing. Uh, Charles, I don't know when you sleep. I know that you're always on the field because my son sees you all the time. >> [laughter] >> Um, and we are very lucky to have you. If I can just plant a small seed for
brainstorming in our future programming, I think a lot of and and this is also from personal experience. I take my daughter to a bachata dance class in Lynn. Communities like Lynn that have similar um uh
culture um or even like uh I know a lot of our community members go out to Everett for Funk Phenomenon. We don't have I see in our menu a lot of the dancing opportunities that really connect with the culture in the community. I would love to see some hip hop, bachata, salsa, whatever. Even back in the day Roca used to have a baton
group that would go out and danced with um Don Omar during concerts at our Puerto Rican festival, which then turned into our Latino Hispanic festival. Um but I do think that there is a good um interest in the community for those types
>> had those. We're just going to turn them around again. We've had if you look at the extension of our programming over the years, we have had baton we I know those very very well and salsa and bachata. We but that doesn't mean that we we need to connect need to look into
to bring that back cuz we've got great facilities especially in the evenings. Love it. >> certainly will will be looking at that. >> Thank you. Thank you guys for the great work. >> Thank you. Counselor Gopro. Good evening. Um I only have a few questions. I noticed
the program grew from when it first started with the sports program and the program there for summer camps. I was wondering how much summer children go to how much children go to summer camp now?
Is it increased or decreased? Yeah. The the trend for our summer programs is decreasing based off the data. Um there's a number of factors to that. Uh it's outdoors, it's hot. Um there is not a full day
option. It's 9 to 12, 1 to 4. Um we are exploring. So I come from the summer camp world. That's how I I was going to be a teacher and started, you know, working in the summer camp after school and fell in love with recreation. I'm used to 140, 150 kids and just being
together for 7 weeks, 8 weeks. That is the goal. We we have FKO, we have Camp Pic, we have a number of of summer programs and including the Y M C and other regional partners, but there's incredible demand and all of those programs
come with a significant cost. We know that we can produce an in-town option. It's there are a few more problems and just things that we need to solve and talk about, but that is the goal right there is to develop an indoor full-day
summer program that is affordable, that is built off successful models that are all over the Commonwealth and that utilize youth work for youth workers who allow us to scale up and that's where we are headed. My goal is, you know, FY 28, FY 29 and
and I I I want to make it happen. Um when the program was first started the program was started because the need of mothers that had children and couldn't afford to send their children. So there was a specific amount of money
to put so many children like I don't know what it was, but I think it was $400 a child to send it. So now you say it decreases. It should have increased because the budget went up. So I don't understand how is that decreasing? Well, the I'm
sorry. >> No, it's a great question. I'm here. It should have never decreased. It should have went up, made more children eligible for it. >> Can I take this? Oh, my fault. It's on. I I'm And then
from that program you got the sports program. If it wasn't for that, you wouldn't have no sports program. So, when we initially started this program, it was meant for that purpose. So, I've been here through the years since it was
initially started. I would automatically assume that there would be more. The program was actually called Mothers in Need. Was it the need for mothers that had children and couldn't afford their children to go to camp. So, we started that program. And then from there, eventually we went to your program, the
sports program. But now, you're saying that that program is decreased. It, you know, it decreased in which sense? That not enough people apply or you don't have enough money for as many people to apply. Uh you know, great great question, great
follow-up. Uh let me be clear. So, our internal camp has decreased, um but that's a free program. There is no cost associated to that. Um but your question for external camps, which that uh scholarship fund funds, I don't have their data, but I'm going to assume it's
up. I'm going to, you know, summer camps are up across everywhere. And um so, yeah, I think that program is working. Uh but it but our internal summer programs are not meeting the community where they're at. And but there's no
cost associated to them. If that makes sense. Can I Can I add? I remember when this started. Thank you, Councilor Recupro. We had probably at the time about four registered camps. And at And at that time,
um all $10,000 was used. It was just And this was right before >> Or 20,000, excuse me. Well, there was 10,000 specifically that we were doing for the areas of of camps with 500 uh four >> $400. >> Or yeah, three around four or 500. But
what has happened, too, is that, again, COVID. Several closed down, and several also, especially after COVID, became got ARPA grants like they didn't need they said we don't need the funding right now. So, the only one that's lucrative that's
been reaching out that is our um is with uh public health is the Boys and Girls Club. So, what we have done now with the grant with that with the money not grant but the actual money is that we've made
also uh it available to any organization that is having that has summer programs for them to reach out and to be able to help to cover the cost of transportation, programming. And so, we're we're pretty excited and hopefully
again that they will be able to reach out and have more programming. So, that's what we're looking at for this summer and we started last week to put out um press releases on it to have that money be hopefully used by a wealth of
organizations in the city that can um general programs. And well, when that program was started, right? It was started with the intent that it wasn't just for low-income. No. It's It's available to anybody, any
mother that worked that couldn't afford it that didn't fit the standards. Mhm. I remember when we started it that they had a standard that only favored low-income kids. It didn't favor mothers in need, you know, mothers that were working and made $100
over. So, it became universal where now then later on we adopted the formula of a $400 to each child. And I remember you had four things they did it. They had the Boys and Girls Club, CAPIC uh St. St. Luke did it. >> St. Luke's, yeah. No, I remember those
programs, right? So, now those programs you still have them but you said you're underfunded. Well, the St. Luke's is has now gone defunct. Um there's was at that time that we didn't have for kids only. Other grow programs have grown, you know, a
long. So, some have gone, some have taken their place. And so, again, I think that it's again looking at this whole area of the need for the summer. We We do have We don't have a camp that goes the whole day, but we do have at
least at this point down at Voke Park a Wild Wonders nature program and a Tenacity program going simultaneously. >> free? Free. Completely free. All free. So, we could have, you know, 60 kids that are down in Tenacity and again another
whatever 30 40 kids that would be in the other program. And it'll go It'll go 9:00 to 12:00 and then there'll be lunch. And there's breakfast, too, but lunch and then it would go 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon. And so, there is something that we're very proud of and as we're very very proud of what Voke
Park is looking like right now and how much Voke Park is being used. And so, there is that right now how we're using that park to be able to have additional programming through the day. >> But I'm I'm sorry if I interrupt, but from what I understand, back the program when
it was done, right? The city will put an amount of money and the parents will put a certain percentage of money. So, does that program still exist? So, now if you send them to the Boys & Girls Club, it's completely free? No, for the Boys & Girls Club, there is
a cost and then That's what That's what I was asking again. The Boys & Girls Club is telling us they're you know, working with what and again we very much respect the medium income. It doesn't have to be someone very low income. They're looking at people to subsidize the the the people that are wanting to
be in their program. And so, they're helping to choose and they're screening people >> to choose? They're They're do it They're doing that and that's what it's always been. So, the city before they will come to you and you will send them. It will always go to them. Right, but it
would have your final approval. >> That's true. It first came to us and we found out that that wasn't working very well when we first did this. So, we had the organization manage it. And once the organization started to manage it, because they know their their clientele, it worked a lot better.
So. All right. And um, another question. When we did the program, we split it between that and Charlie's program, the what is it? The the sports program. So, now, is it equally funded on both sides or one side is more than the other?
Uh, based on the Muniz research and everything I've seen and and have have been told and uh, from old ordinances, it was always a um, it was never balanced. It was a 50 20 or 60 10 split. >> No, it was supposed to be 50 50. It it was it was 10,000 for we had it
for sports groups that needed it. Right, we we we made it when we did it. We we spoke in your office that time with Tom when we changed it. We made sure that there was money for the sports program. Yeah, and then >> point I'm I know, I'm trying to make a point. Well, you're always telling me I I'm
asking a question. I want to get to the answer. >> not telling you. I'm just I'm just trying to make sure that other people >> Yeah, I know, I know. But I well, I'm getting I want an answer. >> I'm not cutting you off. Please, go ahead. Councilor Kremer, you're right. It was 10,000 for sports, it was 10,000 for summer camps. And we did that for
definitely um, a while. Um, so, uh, again, that's what's what, you know, we we are we're definitely looking at um, we're we're doing that now, too, making sure that our sports are covered in any way possible and whatever they need. Um, we can assure you that that that
funding is being used well. Yes, I'm not I'm not doubting you that the funding is being used well. I'm not saying that. What I'm saying is when the program was done, it was done to be equal on both sides. Because as much as you have people that want to play sports, you
have mothers that have children that want to go to camp. So, the purpose of it was to create a balance between both. So, I won't want to have one more than the other. You know, because I understand the sports program is needed. That's why we did it. If we didn't think it was
needed, we wouldn't have started it. We would have just left it as one. But, I also understand that the mothers that have children, you know, it should have increased cuz a lot of There's a lot of single mothers that have children. There's a lot of mothers that work and their children need to go to camp. So, I
would like to see a balance. I won't want to see one more than the other because it wasn't created for that. All right. Thank you, counselor. I think we're going to move move on. I did not hear a question at the end there. So, I'm just going to move on to counselor Arcia. Real quick. Um
Thank you. Thank you, B. Thank you, Charlie. Um B for for giving and bringing light and and color to to Chelsea and um Charlie for uplifting the sports department that needed much uplifting.
Um now, with the summer program, I have a I have a question. So, it's two programs, you said? So, right now at El Segundo Park, we have two programs going simultaneously. Okay. >> A nature program
and um a sports program. And from what hour to what hour? So, the They can drop off the kids at around 8:30 for breakfast. 8:45, the kids can eat breakfast. And then again, they can go into either program. We'll reg- We've registered them.
And um it's from 9:00 to 12:00. And then there's lunch again. And then it goes again from 1:00 to 4:00. And the lunch is in the park? >> are in one could go into the other program. They can They can cross. The parent needs to pick pick the child at 12:00? If they want to. And if they want
to sign them for the next program, they can. So, they can stay there the whole day, but they would have to be registered to the two programs. They would be registered with us. >> the city provides school lunches. And the great lunches that come, yes,
breakfast and lunch. Okay, and how are we promoting this to our residents? Like, what is the outreach? What are we doing? Is it solely in the schools? Are we sending like a mass text to the parents when the summer program is
starting? Like, what And what's your capacity? Yeah, I think we're we're going to hit it from all different ways. I mean, we're we have we have our social media is right now. We are working as hard as we can to get a lot of things out and there's so much. But, one thing is the school department's great with
with parent squared where we have a a database of about 6,000. We're sending it out to constant contact. We certainly are so very, very happy to have the city manager's office with a you know, that they could help us with press releases and that will go out.
You know, we also have clientele that have kids from last year. They're in martial arts and people are in soccer and they hear because we are tabling. And you know, we all we have so much of a capacity, but we're I think we're doing a good job and we can even do a better job getting the information out.
>> Okay. And what is the capacity? The capacity probably for 10 capacity maximum depending if again we have interns, especially summer interns, probably max is 40 each time. So, 80 really max. We We
mean, we'd love to have about 30, but it's depending again on how much staff we have down there. Especially, we need summer youth employment to be as you know, consistent regular. And [snorts] that is the only summer program opportunity that we have for
our families for the whole day. >> day long, but we have many different programs going on throughout the day. >> But they're shorter, right? This is the longest that a parent can say, "Okay, I can drop off my >> This is a Yeah. So, we only have 80
spots for the long program. >> we have another one going on simultaneously that probably 25 would be the max. And that's a brand new program with with Again, we could get more depending on staffing. And we have to have staffing
that is reliable and um skilled, but reliability and consistency is the most important for safety. Okay. So. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. So, we're we're And we please know for all of you that we will keep expanding.
Okay. as much as we can. We're about 30 minutes over, but I'd be remiss if I didn't take my turn to sing your department's praises. As a for- As a former adults program coordinator, I appreciate the keen attention to developing more programs
for adults, whether that be language, activity, arts, what have you, because, you know, um Flor mentioned earlier for a lot of our working-class people, play and getting active and and being involved, there being like a gap in like time and
the inability or not having the awareness of where programs are can be found. Um and I appreciate taking that on and and creating more adult opportunities for adults to get involved. Um I also want to say, in part
tied to that public health play initiative, I appreciate creating a very robust athletic opportunity for kids to get engaged and be involved in sports that they haven't even been exposed to here in the community. And I'm going to try to land this a
question. All right, so so I noticed that um I'm going to try to land >> great, sir. So I I noticed that um there's been an increase gradually in the community events. Um and I want to echo sentiments that my fellow counselor Taylor mentioned um and
counselor De Jesus mentioned. There's like a you know, an enhanced pride and appreciation for your community when there's more public events and you see people outside engaging and taking on these different activities. And whether it be a more uh uh uh
culturally connected and relevant opportunity like through dance that is bachata or salsa like all like many other communities are incorporating currently or just more showing or showcases of like culture and art um
that we have within our community. And and looking at the increase, like do you guys foresee like uh uh uh an increase in that specific section for your community events? Is there anything bigger coming like just Can I just say for it comes to Fidel, I I just think
this is really so important that our department worked so hard to have an arts, culture, and creative economy manager. And that manager is able also with things going on in the gallery, the person is expanding. And so I just want to really put a plug in for
this administration to be able to support that position. And again, Charlie will say more about it, too, but that position has been key. So to address your question, uh special events mean everything to me. They're They're community building, they drive economic impact. They They give our youth workers
opportunities, they give our youth workers skills. Um they connect multiple generations and um they are everything. Uh and so for me, um you know, a special event to me is anything more than 30 or 40 people.
Um, we're probably at 30 a year, 40 a year. I think we could be at 60 or 70 a year, you know, as we get go get closer to it. Um, and so for me, uh, you know, we added the Tuesday night events in the summer, right? We're all here until 7:00 every Tuesday night anyway. Might as well get out of our desk and go to a
field and and go play. Um, we added a flag football tournament. We added a a community soccer field day. Uh, we've expanded and added a um, an adult tournament and a number of other activities. We are now partnering hand-in-hand with Chelsea Day with our
solicitor's office. This is what is to come. And And if you look at the budget, we shaved We've been identifying savings throughout the budget, but we moved um, money from the printing budget and we'll move another chunk of the printing budget next year back into community events. And we are going and and
one thing I love about com- community events is the ideas come from community, right? I'm just the instrument. I'm just the custodian and the facilitator. And so, anytime I meet with, uh, you know, or someone sends me an idea or sends us an idea or at at the Clark, these kids
just have so many cool ideas. You know, I'm like, "Yeah, we can do that." And so, that's the mindset. So, I say to the residents, please send us what you want and we will move heaven and earth to make it happen. >> That's how we got moon and stargazing. That's how we got at mob. For the that we have Dem, bike rodeo, Halloween. I we
we're trying to again be egg hunt. We're trying to be able to six banded in so many ways and get better every time we do it. So, um, yes, it's very true. We get it from the community and the community gives us the idea and then we go with it. So.
Thank you. So, thank you all. Councilor Sanagate. Yes. Um, very briefly, I just wanted to give you a shout out for the Youth Rise Festival and the Youth Commission. Um, I've really enjoyed working with those young people and that Youth Rise Festival is such an incredible addition to our
community and the fact that those young people have put that together it it has really they are incredible incredible >> We are very proud of them and also it's important for the council to note that that the money for that they wrote the
grant and they they they got the the money and so we're very proud of that as well. Councilor DeJesus Could we just share a little bit of what's coming up with FIFA Charles? Oh yeah. So we're we're we're already underway
with our community events bucket. This Saturday is a an adult tournament and I'll get to the watch parties. This Saturday is an adult tournament I'm making a plug because we are looking for one more team. So if anyone's interested please. We have the community soccer event. We have a number of other events in Highland Park that are all on you know
Chelsea Prospers or the or the city website. But our watch parties are happening at Chelsea Square. They will run the entire length of the tournament except for the 4th of July and we will not be screening the 9:30 and 11:30 games. So it'll we'll have a
cut off I think one night we go past 10:00 or maybe two nights. Everything else is is pretty much before 8:00 p.m. So we have we have almost 64 viewing parties. We are hiring over 40 youth workers. We have a $40,000 budget to pay them.
That's that's state money and that state grant was made possible by the council to provide the matching funds which we would never been able to pull it off without you. We are very focused on capitalizing the fact that we have 900 hotel rooms they're almost all going to be full. We
know people from England, Scotland, Cape Verde, Haiti, Iraq they're all coming here. We are going to capitalize on that. We're going to drive them downtown and we're going to hopefully we share a border with Um, immigrant populations of Revere Revere
is one of the highest Moroccan populations in North America. Um, and we are also coordinating with our partners. And so, Everett recreation and I are talking almost every other week. Going to be start talking weekly. For example, they're showing the Haiti game. Uh, I think it's the second game.
We will not show the Haiti game that night. We will show the Brazil game. Um, Revere is going to show a Morocco game. We're going to pivot away from Morocco and go to another game. And then the they are nowhere near the number of viewing parties we are. So, they'll be pivoting in right as residents back to us as well. So, it's a it's a good
partnership. Um, we are looking for volunteers. We are looking for cultural programming. Uh, we still have a couple more weeks to enter some requisitions. And so, uh, this is something that is for all community members. And and if you have
an idea or if you're an entrepreneur, we'd love to hear from you in the next 2 weeks to to get you involved. Thank you. Can I put one last plug in for the Chelsea Road Race? So, the Chelsea Road Race is September the 5th. It's going to be a Saturday this year, starting at 9:00 and we're having 750
runners. And uh, we're also having a wheelchair division, which we're very excited about. And we're hoping to also to have bikers help us. We're kind of looking through how we can bring more people in the community to this event
and we're hoping to grow it incrementally every single year so we can get, you know, more and more into it. But, we're very very excited. Thank you. September 5th. Uh, July June 1st starts registration online. Okay.
All right. Thank you all so much. Thank you very much. Okay, last but not least, we are inviting up our city solicitor to present the law department's budget, which you will find on page 92.
I wonder if we could have her do the overview for the three and then do questions. Let's do that. Thank you. Hi everyone. Good evening. So, um It's been an interesting year for the law department.
We now um we have moved staff around a little bit to be able to meet the needs of the department. Um So, as you know, in the law department we do licensing, we do public records requests, we do the 40U appeals,
we do this we permit the special events that um you were just discussing. Um We um boy, judgments and claims and and you name it, a lot of it goes through the law department. Never mind, we we're responsible for the major litigation both the city and the schools, and we
are part of the school department also, and we do the investigations on discipline, on harassment in both the city and the schools. And um I guess I say that part of the administration team. >> [laughter] >> So, I we do a lot of stuff. Our budgets
reflect mainly salaries and and expenses. Um we've had a busy litigation year the past year in the law department. As you know, we have these outstanding um laws- lawsuits. Forbes is out of control
and has gone before the Supreme Judicial Court. We have a long-term um sexual harassment matter from the 1980s that the school department is involved in um and that's up there at the appeals
court. We have um this ridiculous public records request and an old contracting issue that um won't seem to go away. So, we have a lot of I mean literally Forbes filed bankruptcy in California. So, I've had to hire in a bankruptcy attorney in California, not cheap by the way. Um
so, we've had a lot of outside legal fees that are from old matters, not new matters. Um litigation-wise, a lot of the um day-to-day litigation of appeals of the police department suspending a license to carry, stuff like that is in court.
Um so, the law department, I believe we we we don't have a lot of expenses. Uh every now and then we have to service a subpoena. We are pivoting this year and we've already started. So, what's new to the law department is the confidential business manager. I sit on the opioid team where we put
put out the grants because I am responsible to the Commonwealth to report the um the spending of our opioid funds that we get through those settlements from the pharmacies. Um so, I needed a confidential business manager to help me keep track of that reporting. It's very difficult. We also
have to present why we gave the money. And I believe we've done a really good job. Devin sits on that, Flo sits on that, Tracy, and um Dan Cortez. I'm just trying to be fair of how we um grant the funds for um prevention of opioids.
Uh and we've done some crazy stuff this year. Boys and Girls Club, there was a play for the youth against not using. Last time um we spent a lot of funds on sports-related activities on children. We did do a matching grant this year with North Suffolk because of the mental
health issues. Uh CA CAPIC runs a very good program in the city. I don't know if anyone understands about um helping those coming out of rehabs stay off of get their lives back together. So, that particular program is funded through the
opiate. It's not the day-to-day programming that they do. Um we have Rourke looking into some new programming around how to reach people who um to prevent the actual beginning usage of it for youth. So, we have done a lot of our
opiate spending is across the board impressive. >> [laughter] >> For in all the cities and towns want to know, you know, I get a call from the city solicitor, "Sheriff, how are you doing this?" So, um it is really nice that we did a community needs reach out prior to the beginning of that.
Confidential business manager also is part-time funded through um IT from what you understand public records, even though I believe in transparency, is a nightmare to manage. It is everything from I need a copy of my divorce agreement, which by the way, we don't
have in city hall, go to the court you got a divorce in, but to long-term searches of emails. As you all know, you're um we have asked you to provide your private emails. It is yes, the unit um the Massachusetts
wants us to be transparent, but it's an unfunded mandate from the Commonwealth, and it is a use of time, and computer systems are not caught up with how do we produce the emails and search the emails to get somebody what they want. So, I don't release confidential private
information. I have students, and I protect students as much as you can, trust me. To protect them against AI is even harder. I'm trying to figure out those guidelines that DESE has um produced. So, um public records is something that both
our new confidential manager, Naomi's here, is also going to be um handling with Jessica um Morales in my office, and the lawyers we always have to review what goes out the door. And um Devin can tell you she does it for Inspectional Services. Every permit is requested once a week, it feels like. [laughter]
So, um that is a a huge help with this new position. But, I also have a lot of bills to pay, not just So, remember I have the celebrations line that also we're bringing in revenue. FYI, we have Chelsea Way um sweatshirts and t-shirts
for sale, and that helps us fund the gala that's happening this year. Please vote um for the businesses and nonprofits and employees and seniors. Um and we're actually going to hold that in Chelsea this year at the Port Park. So, that's nice cuz it will be in Chelsea on
July 9th. Um I know there's a game that night, but you can go in between Chelsea Square and Port Park. So, it helps us also fund parts of Chelsea Day, and recreation is involved with Chelsea Day. Not just recreation, every department in the city helps with Chelsea Day. It's a big [clears throat]
deal for the for the city. We also manage um So, let's talk about licensing. Licensing has a new software. We needed to make it a little bit um more user-friendly, and um DPW was looking for a software, so we shared
those costs with DPW on the sidewalk permits. So, special events, licensing, um permitting is all now under um a new software, which is um easier for us to manage in uh the law department. Licensing now issues those property
management um licenses that the council had requested, and um it's interesting. We are making sure that they are complying with the state sanitary code, building code, fire code, and becoming responsible for it. If you're going to manage a property, manage the property and be responsible.
Um so, that's a new license that we issue, but we have over 100 tobacco licenses, liquor licenses, and um I actually mentioned today we got to start looking at increasing fees because, you know, when a package store
is only paying $2,500 a year, They're making that in a a week. Okay. >> [laughter] >> Um so we just need to stop balancing revenue as to those bigger businesses versus our smaller businesses. Um We uh Beatrice Hernandez is now the new
licensing administrator. Um we have We're trying to and we've relaxed or attempting to relax some of the rules around just different types of businesses in Chelsea like today. I was mentioned Devin and I are trying to figure out how to get the shaved ice. That's a big cultural um thing in the um
summertime. How do we do shaved ice and get around the sanitary code and food permitting? And just different types of businesses that are out there. Now, as you can tell, we have food trucks based on our food truck um pilot program that we are managing along with HCD um
and ISD. So we it's very collaborative more in this um city now that all the departments aren't saying, "Oh, well, I do this. I do that." We all sit up in the law department conference room and say, "Can we work this out? Can we get this done?" So we've been doing a lot of that this year. Um
and then um one of my biggest projects this year, hopefully you will all be at the ribbon cutting, is um Chelsea 55. Chelsea 55 is the new affordable housing um um building that the council, thank you very much, has allowed us to purchase this and and there's a lot of people applying
and we're going to have two units that are Section 8 units, four units that are below at least lower level 60% AMI for the um for families in Chelsea. As you know, we prioritized residents. We prioritized veterans and the displaced
residents in the past 2 years. We heard what council has said to us. Thank you. Oh, fly. Um So um that managing that, collecting the rent, um we have a revolving fund to do that.
Um as you know, um DPW is there already getting this um prepared so that we can have people move in this this October before school starts. Um so, my department is also going to become the property manager of the building, meaning we will be the
landlord you call. We have leases. FYI, I have instituted a program I met with Worcester about I would like a parent if to either work so many hours a week or go to school so many hours a week or volunteer with the city so many hours a
week cuz this is not a long-term. It's about learning how to save your money and take some classes and the city does some training and help on how do I get out of affordable housing or how do I make my situation better so that these units flip over right every 5 years. Um
So, those are the things that we're going to be working on. I myself grew up in affordable housing and yes, you can get out of affordable housing and that's the positive- -ness that we need to show our Chelsea residents they can do. Um So, then
now we have judgments and claims. And the wonderful new CFO, we have a lot of claims but we're not bad. I mean, luckily insurance pays for the slip and falls and the car accidents and trust me this past year the snow was a lot of car accidents, plow issues.
Um My office probably deals with if we illegally towed a vehicle, if we lost somebody's personal property at the police They still little things like that that I don't want our insurance to go up on so we may settle out of judgments. Judgments also settles
lawsuits. Um And I guess we level funded judgments this year because you just really don't know what it's going to be. I My goal is to never pay anybody anything. And then Treasury and my office is now have started a new
project on collections. So, my confidential business manager is sending out what I call as a sheriff's letter is that if you don't pay your taxes or enter into a payment plan with the city treasurer's office, we're thinking about foreclosure, which
is a big scare, but I remember during the last recession, the city was losing so much money. Why increase other property taxes if we have property taxpayers who are not paying at all? And so, once they got my letter, immediately we've got a few phone calls
and some some checks in. So, this is another way to start looking at the bottom line in the city. I know I just said a whole bunch. Yes. >> [laughter] >> Um let's open up for questions. Um Counselor Hines, Counselor Garcia.
I don't even know where to start, but >> [laughter] >> you mentioned um the the food truck uh uh situation initiative with like the licensing. I want to express an appreciation for that because the food truck scene is very restrictive and
challenging Oh, we have get into. So, what um traffic and parking and has allowed me to do is to create areas in Chelsea that they don't have to go through this whole public hearing and traffic and parking and that there's certain areas that if
you're part of the pilot program, pick a date and time and you can be there. So, Highland Park is a busy area. I'm trying to get them across from City Hall and then Arlington Street over by where the business district is and maybe down by the courthouse. Um you know,
they picked some people want Carter Park because Carter Park is busy on the weekends in the summertime. So, it's just a way to help those get going. A major issue in food trucks is commissary kitchens. I would love for us to invest in one in some location in the city so
that um so, we're working with GreenRoots. I believe we've We with their kitchen. Um La Cantina has a a commercial kitchen. So, I'm trying to relax the rules about cooking at home. So, I you know, we have to go with the times, but we also have to be safe and sanitary.
>> Yeah, for sure. And then the carts were a big uh um Councillor McCook likes the food carts. So, but those are so hard because of food and the state laws around refrigeration >> Yeah. and cleanliness. So, you know, I'm going
back and forth. It's ice, Mike. You know what I mean? We could do shaved ice in the city. I know you can't do cut fruit. So, we're we're we're doing the best we can to be creative around allowing these other um economies to start spurring. FYI, Coffee Glow is a very good food
truck. And we have one, I forget it's called Mooshi or something that sits at Highland Ave. It's Asian related food. Um, and we have a couple of others that are coming our way. I believe there's a Colombian one that's been um discussing with licensing. I love that. On on on the same note, um you mentioned in or
you have here one of these pages for the the outdoor dining that there's two currently. Do you think we have the capacity for more? What is the >> So, we after COVID went crazy with outdoor dining. So, there's this balance
between parking spaces >> [laughter] >> in Chelsea, especially downtown. So, Ciao has outdoor dining. They do it. Um, the New Bridge does it every every now and then. Some of them have outdoor dining. I know the Brown Jug has a section that is is approved. I keep
telling them if you go before the state has relaxed a lot of rules, so the Commonwealth is making it easier. Um, I just feel like some of them downtown is hard because we went through the construction, but we just got to get out there again. We're we with Omar to go
out talk to them again about trying to get some more outdoor dining because um I think some of the residents liked it. Yeah. I think we'll pass the baton. Um, I have Counselor Garcia, Recuero, then Taylor. Um, I just want to thank you for
everything that you've done. I feel like your your office and department need like 100 people working there and it's a small mighty team. So, I want to thank you for that and kudos to you for you know, despite all the professional
and and like all the the tedious court work, you have the availability to create this elegant gala for us and you know, that to to pivot so quickly from being so
serious and let's dress up and get beautiful and and dance the night away. That is beautiful. So, I appreciate that because I think we all need a balance in life and and the city also needs it too and you bring that to us and I appreciate that. Um, I also have a
question on how with with everything happening, right? Um, do you expect or foresee your office growing? Um, and needing more staff. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, Leo. Um,
so I I I would never have the space for it. I I um, at one point I used to think, you know, the school alone could probably use five or six people, but um, I feel like when you have an administration that is qualified, you
don't need more attorneys. The whole point is more attorneys in the room, more money. It gets crazy. Um, so no, I I you know, I I would like to I'm down an attorney right now, so I would really like to fill that spot. Um,
and because I have outside counsel, because it's certain things that's specialty. To have a general person in the office isn't going to help me when I have a bankruptcy and you and if I have um specialty type of cases. Um could we do special letter
pills in the office? Yes, right? Um could we do um um on the city side major construction law cases? I'm not sure that we have that capability litigation wise in-house, but we don't have that structure in-house to
really do litigation. Um I'm lucky because Jessica is also a paralegal, so she could she could do a proof of claim. I mean, she's amazing in my office that she can teach these attorneys some stuff, right? Um so I have been lucky to hire people who know the city well.
Yeah, and and they they love Chelsea strong and they are willing to learn new things all the time. I mean even I learned Munis and that was one of my goals in my assessment. So, I'm very proud of myself because I ignored it for 20 something years. >> [laughter]
>> So, I I have a good team. And and that's what's part of being a manager, I think, is hiring your team and picking up where you think you're you're lacking. >> Yeah. All right. >> Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Rubulotta. I have a couple of question. One, regard to the food cart, the little carts that
you're talking about. One, there seems to be people coming up to me and asking me a question, right? And I never answer question unless I know exactly what to say cuz I don't want to say something that I do not know because then it's the wrong thing to do. So, one of the things that the people asked me was on a food
cart. Do they need a peddler's license? Someone said that they do not need a peddler's license to have a food cart. Do they need a peddler's license or do they don't need a peddler's license? So, they need a license from us. You don't need the state hawkers and peddlers if
you're just going to be in Chelsea, okay? And a hawkers and peddlers license only allows you to stay in a place for 20 minutes and you got to keep moving. So, it's better to get a food cart license from the city. So, if you get So, okay. But if let let
a food cart license, does that give you the same as a food truck? So, in our pilot program, if you don't want to go before the licensing of the traffic and parking commission and say where you're going to be for so many hours, we have pilot spots that it would
be just exactly like the food cart food truck. So, it's difficult with a cart to do the get past getting a food permit from ISD on refrigeration, can washing, um all that stuff. >> the question I was going to You answered
a question I was going to cuz when we were doing this, remember, that was one of the things that was very important to me was I wanted to have equality between these big corporations that got these food trucks and the little because in Spanish society, you have or even in any society, it doesn't matter, it doesn't
have to be Spanish, it could be any society, people are always going out and sold food with their little small carts. And um I see that now here, it's happening in Chelsea. And I see it happening. People got these little three-wheelers or whatever they doing,
they put mangoes and they go and sell it, right? And like I want it to be fair to all of them. So, I real A lot of people don't really understand how they go about with these little carts. I would like a bigger a program to exactly show them how it works, you know, how it
operates cuz I I know our peddler's license does. I know what it does. It allows you to peddle for 20 minutes or 30 minutes, then you got to move a foot at a time, whatever it is. I understand all that. But a lot of these people really don't understand what an encumbrance to do.
They you know, and they don't want to break the law. They want to go and do it the right way. So, they really don't know how it is between a big giant truck and a little food cart. So, do we have any particular laws for these little carts? So,
we allow the carts and are they're part of our food truck ordinance, okay? Um the issue with the carts and Omar's job is he walks people through a lot of that. Like how to get a If you buy a little hand-washing part to it, you know, um they're expensive. I
believe we give out um some grant funds for it. Um but um it's about sanitation. It's about not getting people sick, right? So, we balance public safety, public health with entrepreneurship. We're trying to get this so that it's
easier, um but the state laws I can't overturn. The city ordinance and you know, and they're not going to overturn this for public health reasons. So, if you have a cart where you have a refrigeration and you have hand-washing, you can't cut fruit in Massachusetts. I
know that's a big Central American um thing. So, um >> but you can maybe figure out shaved ice. You can maybe figure out how to hand out a full mango. Um maybe have a commissary kitchen where you make the little fruit
in a in a package and sell it that way. So, we're trying to find new ideas so that people be can um raise money and and and and and still enjoy their culture. Yeah, so going back to the food cart again, right? It's very important cuz I want
people to really understand. So, now on a food cart, you still would need a safe certificate, right? You have to go to school to get one of those safety certificates. What is it called? Safe Serve Serve Safe. Serve Safe, right? >> it's online.
We're um um Omar would show them how to do it. You can even go down to I I think Bunker Hill gives free classes or down to the chamber, you can watch the video. I made my one of my own staff members did it because when we do our our programming, one of us has to be
ServSafe unless we have Tanari there if we're going to Garcia or we have Miss Cromwell there doing something. We have somebody who has ServSafe. So, and and it's great because it teaches people about some of the stuff that is
required. And also, I want to point all these things out before because I was there when we did it, right? So, I want the people to understand how it really works because you're going to see it more and more because I'm seeing it more and more that they're going around with these little carts. So, if you have a
cart, you don't have to spend a million dollar insurance. You should have insurance cuz people sue. I'm just going to tell you that, but >> [laughter] >> you don't need a million dollars maybe. >> Okay, there you go. Let's When we worked it, remember?
>> give out that advice, though. I'm not, you know. >> No, no, no. But, I remember when we did it, right? We did it that the big trucks needed to have a certain amount and then we didn't do it for the little people because it wouldn't be worth it for them to do. Yes, true.
Okay. Right? And the next question I got is a simple one. Uh I want you to tell the people, right? Cuz I get calls. I want to make clear clear this make this clear to them. If you go in a pothole and you break your car, the city will pay you as long as
it's in a city street and you can prove that the city caused your problem, right? It's in the city. And there's a difference. Now, now now wait a minute, Cheryl. Tell them to Tell them No, wait. You tell them because somebody went through it. The within the city, the city does not cover state roads.
So, I will clearly state Route 16 is not a city of Chelsea state a road. Commandant's Way is not a city of Chelsea road. If there is a pothole on route 16, if there is a pothole on the Tobin Bridge, even the ramp up the Tobin Bridge, those are not city. Please
contact Mass. dot and file your claim. If you hit a pothole in the city, we're not always liable. The city is liable if we knew of it in in advance. So, that's see click fix or whatever you do. If you don't tell 311 there's a pothole and we didn't know about it, we're not always
going to pay. And FYI, if you're going through a pothole fast and your axle is broken, City's solicitor is not paying that. You're supposed to drive slow. And they should have gave you a flat tire, all right? So, I'm just telling you, my job is to defend the city, not the public, but
always if you believe the city's at fault, file a claim with the city clerk's office. That's I understand what you're saying. That's what I wanted you to clarify with the people because people automatically believe if they break their tires, they can come to you. I don't know how many do it, but Oh, they do. Huh? They do.
>> They call me, so I know. And and I tell them there's a difference between you got to prove that the city actually is responsible for that, and there's two types. There's a city road and a state road. The city is not responsible for the state. So, I'm glad that you
clarified it, so people now understand what it is before they come to you and file these things cuz they call me and I explain cuz I already been through with you before, so I already know all these things. So, I want you to Councillor Thank
>> [laughter] >> Thank you. Councillor Taylor, and then I have Councillor Brown. Okay, I got to be brief. Um >> [laughter] >> I know. Listen, over the last several years I've I've gained a new respect for your department and all the things that you
do, and you've been doing a lot recently, and I'm glad we got to finally um you know, boost your boost your department a little bit with an extra extra lawyer. Um,
>> [clears throat] >> one of my one of my concerns is we seem to have a really hard time keeping restaurants open in Chelsea. And we we, you know, I I often tell people, you know, there's a
reason why Chelsea can't have nice things, right? And and we just lost Tambo, um, which was a great asset, I think, to the neighborhood and to the city in general.
Um, we're going to soon lose, you know, another beloved restaurant that everybody goes to. I I just, you know, we got to figure out something and kind of think outside the box and
so we can so we can actually have um, nice restaurants where people can go to and it's not just, you know, your your the stuff that we usually have. And so, I don't know if there's a way to
I mean, I I I know the situation with the outdoor dining, which which I think is, you know, we've already tried to to do that. It doesn't seem to really be the answer to to that specific thing, but, you know,
maybe some of the the amusement and entertainment stuff that goes on where where people can try to, you know, bring people in for stuff. I I guess this is the question about what can we do to try to relax regulations
in order to kind of spur people coming out and and and actually spending money. Um, in in in places and I I know there's a there's an economic component to this which I won't doesn't relate to you, but I mean
all these things need to be considered and done in concert in order to really kind of make a a a dent in the problem. So, I'll I'll What can we do? So, restaurants are having a problem pretty much statewide, countrywide, right? You might have those
pockets where I'm doing well. Especially statewide. Yes, especially statewide. But even if you go to the seaport, they're not lasting 5 to 10 years. It's just not what happens in the restaurant industry. So, what I think all of us should do is
start thinking about um different areas of Chelsea where restaurants could go, increasing the amount of liquor licenses, increasing all of our food palettes. I'm trying to think of like every year I do the gala, I always want to bring something
different. So, don't get mad at me if you get a little Caribbean both Haitian and Puerto Rican food this year because you know my team and I, even in Chelsea, what we are going to do and the boss lets me do the craziest cultural stuff. We got a mini Italian feast coming in
October. So, I'm just trying to say is that when people taste different things, maybe perhaps there's an appetite for something different in the city. And I always bring out both Chelsea and different food trucks to Chelsea Day. We
always want to mix it up in Chelsea, right? So, if people see that there's a need for something different and I I really think and I think sometimes and I'm going to push it back on the city councilors, your social media should be highlighting that you're you're at a different restaurant. Your social media should be highlighting the businesses in
Chelsea, right? Because I tried. We lost Lime, we lost Tambo. You know, these kind of higher end things. We just can't have nice things in Chelsea because we don't have the we don't have the people to support them. And and and this is a real this is a real problem that we need
to try to solve. >> I know. We do I mean I mean I mean I wish I had somebody you know I mean communications with Saturn over maybe I can talk to Lily about we have a new restaurant on Central Ave right next to John's Pizza that is American and
um um um um I think Central American food and he's going to have pancakes for breakfast like I I mean you know I see the menu. >> [laughter] >> Not that I eat breakfast every day like that but I'm just saying is that you just need to there's new places that do crop up. We do um have um new people buy
other businesses um it's just the businesses that stay here maybe we start having some seminars. So that is definitely a chamber matter that is um more so than a licensing matter. Um we we've never said no to anybody. But I
mean in terms of in terms of of kind of relaxing existing policies is that is that an is that an option or or no? >> So none of our policies stop restaurants from coming to Chelsea. It's the overhead. >> I mean I mean I mean other other things
like like the entertainment and and amusement light licenses that that you know you can't you can't do you can't play music unless you have this license. You can't have you know so I I guess what I'm saying is those are the things
that we might try to to to relax to help existing restaurants survive because that's I mean So you have to understand when they have a comedy show in a restaurant which is not a normal day-to-day business and the
ABCC walks by or the state walks by they need to know what's allowed in that space. So when you have a comedy show and you're selling tickets we charge $75. It's not stopping people from doing that. >> I understand. Even if they show up that day and they forgot to do it and get it that night, if my staff is available,
they're issuing licenses. We've never said no to anybody. We just want to know, right? Because if the cops show up, they look at your licenses, it's not there, they're shutting you down. That's all that's about. Um we we I don't think anyone has we have said no to people.
>> I personally feel like some of these are nightclubs and we shouldn't allow a nightclub until we do we understand that what that means, right? So that's why we have to >> issue, but yeah, I >> issue. So but that's one of dancing by patrons is an entertainment category. >> Yeah. So if I could figure out of I
don't think that's the reason why our business is a problem. >> I think in four on the other end, enforcement is really important. Enforcement is for safety. So whatever. But thank you, I appreciate it. I won't take up any more of your >> think of it. If you got ideas, send it our way. Okay. Thank you. Counselor
Brown. Thank you. Thanks, Cheryl, for the work you do, dedication to the city. I know you've been here a long time, so appreciate your staying power. Um earlier you was um you just alluded to it. Um it came up in your remarks. You stated that, you know, the city of
Chelsea um our liquor license are Did you say 2,500? So for a full liquor store, all alcohol, yearly is $2,500. Is it possible you can give us um what surrounding cities maybe
Winthrop, Chelsea They're pretty much on the same par with the city. We look every year, we try to recommend to the city manager, we review the um liquor licenses. So it's really no consideration >> to start doing that. But >> [laughter] >> But if if if it's with much better
bigger cities, Everett, Revere, Chelsea, I mean, Everett, Revere, Boston, then it's really no there's no teeth to go up in it. I mean, it's not fair to the people. >> Boston's expensive. Um here, you don't even buy the licenses anymore. I think
we have a couple of beer and wine available, but um the liquor stores, we have eight full liquor licenses. And Market Basket is about to open. >> Correct. And going to pay us $2,500 a year to make that probably in a week. So, I I that is
something to review, right? On the revenue side. But if it's the standard, I mean, is it really? I mean, you you're asking us to be hired in other communities. >> Well, there's not a Market Basket liquor store in other communities. There's only Danvers. So, it would be So, so you would say we would attract
the bigger liquor stores, not the I'm just thinking it out, and I don't want to waste >> saying most of our liquor stores, I don't think they're hurting for money right now. That That's just But I haven't done collected data on that, but I don't I have not heard any of them about to close. No, I I actually think
it's a I think it's a discussion we should have, but again, only if it's fair, and see if it's fair for us around the community. Cuz again, we don't want folks to leave our community to go to Winthrop and and Revere because they, you know, The businesses are not leaving
Chelsea. >> No, not the businesses. The cost that they're putting putting on, you know, the consumer. That's all I would I'd like to talk to you more about that. Okay. At a point. Yep. Thank you. All right. Seeing
no other counselors, I'm sorry. I'm a I'm a little confused. Was the question about, and I'm probably about liquor licenses? >> So, the annual fee for a a package store, which is a a full full all alcohol package store, is
$2,500. If you're a all alcohol on premise, that would be a restaurant serving all alcohol, it's about $5,000 a year. Got it. Um beer and wine is less than that on both. Yeah. Okay.
My My actual question was, um, regarding, um, we we had the conversation about safe serve and about uh and I don't want to put words in your mouth. You mentioned something about leniency with like cooking from home. I I know during COVID like this whole
ghost kitchen concept was like a really big thing. Is that something that is And you see the little bakeries that people are setting up when you're on TikTok that they cook their sourdough and sell it out of a little farm stand? Yeah, yeah. Some people have been I'm shut down in Massachusetts for doing that. Um,
it's about the how clean your kitchen is. It's about if your water temperature is correct, if your refrigerator temperature is correct. Um, and it's a state issue, right? In the in the codes are through the state. So, it's not like ISD's being tough, but commercial kitchens is what we prefer.
You have to have a commercial-size stove. You have um So, it's very difficult and and we meet I feel like every 4 months to try to figure this out, right? Um, and that's where we have to figure out how to meet that type of um business economy that is growing since um
the pandemic. Got it. Uh, currently is there a This is just random. I'm sorry. No problem. Um, applications for like new liquor licenses or like So, um so, liquor licenses in the Commonwealth, you use the light application that's on um ABC,
the state website, and you submit that full application to us. We do not have any all alcohol retail. So, we get 16 Total. package stores. Okay. Eight are all alcohol.
Eight are convenience stores beer and wine. Okay. Those are I we might have one beer and wine. And then on premises uh is a restaurant. I believe we might have some beer and wine and maybe one all alcohol right now. It's It fluctuates, right?
Some people don't get approved, some people don't renew. Um So, I believe one there is a a potential pending application. I think somebody moved into the Tambo space. I know that my cheese moved into the Tambo space. I just don't know if he applied for all
alcohol or beer and wine. Got it. I'm just I'm just going to flag for folks that are 45 minutes after time. I know Councillor has a question. I I would like for that to actually be brief. >> yeah, all right. You don't have to tell me to stop. I I My question is brief. I
want to ask you one question one quick question, Cheryl. If you got a disabled veteran's license, you don't have to apply for any city license, right? If you have a disabled state license, for what? To pedal. So, I don't So, the >> Councillor, we already talked about the
pedaling. No, we didn't ask about veteran. This has to do with veterans. Sure. Go ahead. So, we now accept the state peddlers and haw- hawkers and peddlers licenses. No need to go through the city cuz the state authorizes you to be here
anyway. So, the veterans have to do whatever the state requirement is. Well, from Well, from I know somebody that has one, right? And he asked me this question. So, I'm going to ask you this question. He has a license. The license allows him
to go to any city without permission of the city as long as he follows the guidelines. Is that true? Yes or no? That's correct. We always ask that they check in with the police department to let them know they're here so people won't bother them. Okay. So, that's So, I can tell
that that person that that is correct. They don't have to come to your office. No, we don't track them. We don't Thank you. Does anybody have any other questions for Cheryl tonight? Good night. >> Great. Thank you, everybody. We're all done. >> Woo! Woo!