WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=iZPqB0Zi01Y

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: iZPqB0Zi01Y):
- 00:08:50: Meeting Call to Order, Pledge, and Roll Call
- 00:09:51: Memorials, Celebratory Mother's Day Resolution, and Comments
- 00:14:10: Closing Public Speaking, Appointments to Boards and Commissions
- 00:16:21: Approval of Previous Minutes, Trash Pickup Enforcement Communication
- 00:18:00: Appointments to Disability Commission and Flood Barrier Update
- 00:24:28: Sewer Separation Project, Clean Water Loan Approval Request
- 00:32:22: FY27 Operating Budget, and Community Grant Recommendations
- 00:47:40: Free Cash Appropriations, Salary and Operating Account Deficits
- 00:52:23: Public Announcements and Meeting Adjournment


Part: 1

1
00:08:50.560 --> 00:09:13.440
like to call the members back to the deis so that we can start the meeting. Manuel, >> please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic

2
00:09:13.440 --> 00:09:35.120
for it stands nation indivisibley for all. >> Thank you everybody and welcome to our meeting of May 4th. Mr. Clerk, could you please call the role of the members? >> Council Taylor,

3
00:09:35.120 --> 00:09:51.200
>> I'm here. Council Cooper >> here. >> Council Jimenez Rivera >> present. >> Councilor Hines here. >> Council Tari Garcia >> here. >> Uh not you. >> Oops. >> Council Ch >> here. >> Council Kelly Garcia is here.

4
00:09:51.200 --> 00:10:07.120
>> Councilor Sand >> here. >> Council Deus >> present. >> Councelor Brown is absent. And councelor Robinson >> here. >> Nine members present. You have a quorum, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Um as per our new rules, we will now begin with memorials. So, if anybody has any uh folks who have recently passed that you would like

5
00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:23.360
remembered, um now is the time to name them. >> Announcements. >> Nope. Those are at the end. Uh right now, just memoriam. So, um remembering any fallen. All right, seeing none. Seems like good good week in Chelsea

6
00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:40.160
without losing too many folks. Um so, now we will move on to celebratory resolutions. We have our only one today for Mother's Day. Mr. clerk. >> Introduced by the council president and all members. Whereas Mother's Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May. And whereas the first official

7
00:10:40.160 --> 00:10:56.160
Mother's Day celebration was observed May 10th, 1908 at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, followed by a large ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And whereas Anna Jarvis advocated for a national observation of Mother's Day in memory of her mother and a prominent

8
00:10:56.160 --> 00:11:11.760
social activist following the Civil War. And whereas Andrews Methodist Church was incorporated as the International Mother's Day shrine in 1962 as a memorial to Anna Jarvis and dedication of all mothers. And whereas on May 8th, 1914, Congress passed a law declaring

9
00:11:11.760 --> 00:11:28.640
the second Sunday in May Mother's Day. And President Woodro Wilson issued a proclamation the following day, formally declaring the first Mother's Day. And whereas mothers have made immeasurable contributions toward building strong families, thriving communities, and a strong nation. And whereas the work of mothers is of paramount importance in

10
00:11:28.640 --> 00:11:44.480
the lives of their children, their families, and communities, but is far too often undervalued. And whereas we honor ourselves and mothers across the city of Chelsea and our nation when we revere and emphasize the importance of the role of the home and family as a true foundation for our community. Now,

11
00:11:44.480 --> 00:12:00.079
therefore, it be a result that we, the members of the Chelsea City Council, recognize May 10th, 2026 as Mother's Day in the city of Chelsea and urge all residents to celebrate the crucial role mothers play in the well-being of our families and community at large here in the city of Chelsea and across the

12
00:12:00.079 --> 00:12:16.000
world. >> Is there a motion on the resolution to this unanimously on the suspension? No objections. >> Seeing no objections. Um, so moved and any uh, councelor Desus, please, you have the floor.

13
00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:31.519
>> Thank you, Mr. President. I, um, I just want to shout out all of our, um, non-traditional moms as well, right? Um, when we talk about Chelsea, many of our youth, similar to myself, grew up in households where parents are working

14
00:12:31.519 --> 00:12:47.760
multiple jobs. And so, you have your neighborhood moms who are keeping an eye on you. Um, and it's it's a village, right? Um and so that as well as your daycare providers, everyone who touches the lives of our youth and in one shape, way or form um support and the

15
00:12:47.760 --> 00:13:03.839
mentorship and the guidance um as our mamas are out there working uh 9 to5 um and sometimes multiple jobs clocking in and out. So shout out to everyone um and I hope all of our beautiful mothers have an amazing Sunday um with their loved

16
00:13:03.839 --> 00:13:20.639
ones. Thank you, councelor Councelor Garcia. >> Um, I echo councelor de Jesus's words and sentiment. I will keep it brief. I want to shout out my mama bear, Soo Roga. She's in Puerto Rico living her best life. Uh, she's retired, welld

17
00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:36.639
deserved, and uh, shout out to all the moms out there in the city of Chelsea and beyond. Uh, really pushing forward and doing everything they can for their children. Thank you, >> Councelor Zanate. I want to just add to all the love for our moms. And I think

18
00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:54.000
one of the as someone who doesn't have children herself, one of the most beautiful things uh that ever happened to me as a teacher was when I was referred to as someone's second mother. Um so yes, the role that we all can play

19
00:13:54.000 --> 00:14:10.000
is so uh important and powerful and beautiful. So happy mother's day to all the mothers. Thank you, counselor. Um, just like to wish a happy Mother's Day to those of you here who are mothers as well as to the rest of the community.

20
00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:26.720
All right, with that said, we will move on to public speaking. >> Uh, public no public hearings today. So, public speaking, if anybody's here to speak, you may now go up and do so. Seeing none, I will close the public speaking portion of the meeting. And

21
00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:43.839
councelor Deesus, there was something you wanted to take out order. Yes, Mr. President, could I suspend the rules and move appointments out of order? >> Yep. Um, seeing no objections. So, this is the second reading of appointments. Um, because we have a at least one person here.

22
00:14:43.839 --> 00:15:00.000
>> Item taken out of order, you have a communication received from the city manager being read for the second time requesting approval of appointments to boards and commissions. Dear councilors, pursuant to section 4-2 of the charter of the city of Chelsea, I am writing to recommend the following individuals to boards or commissions in the city. For

23
00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:16.160
appointment to the community recreation advisory board, Mr. Mark Morelli, and appointment to the cultural council, Mr. Hector Cologne. I respectfully request your approval of these appointments. I've attached resume for new appointees. >> Thank you so much. Um, Mr. Cologne has

24
00:15:16.160 --> 00:15:29.760
joined us today. Thank you for coming. Um, is there a motion on the nomination on the Yeah, we need a we need a roll call vote to adopt. >> Motion to move forward with a roll call vote.

25
00:15:29.760 --> 00:15:48.480
>> Motion uh to a roll call vote. >> Roll call vote requested. Yes. Vote to approve. Council Taylor. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Rupo is absent. Council Jimenez River. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Hines. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Tenari Garcia. Yes.

26
00:15:48.480 --> 00:16:03.920
>> Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Council Santigette. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council De Jesus. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Rob Councelor Brown is absent. And Council Robinson. >> Yes. >> With eight members voting in favor. Zero

27
00:16:03.920 --> 00:16:21.839
opposed and three absent. Appointments have been approved. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Congratulations and we look forward to working with you. and thank you for volunteering. >> Yes, one of our one of our council priorities to get more folks on all of the boards

28
00:16:21.839 --> 00:16:36.720
and commissions. Um you are welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting. It should be a short one today, but you definitely don't have to. So, uh now we return to the regular order of business. Uh we move to approval of the minutes from the April 27th regular meeting. Is there a motion?

29
00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:53.120
>> Accept and file the minutes under unanimous consent. >> All right. Uh those in favor say I. >> Those against say nay. The eyes have it. Motion carries. Thank you, councelor. >> Moving on to communications from the city manager. First communication

30
00:16:53.120 --> 00:17:09.760
responding to council order 2633. Dear council, I'm writing in response to council order 2633 requesting the assurance of consistent enforcement of city ordinance prohibiting private trash pickup prior to 7 a.m. as well as the issuance of citations for said violations. The city of Chelsea has

31
00:17:09.760 --> 00:17:26.319
always strived to ensure minimal noise disruptions during our early mornings as well as our evenings. We understand and value the quiet hours that we have in place for our community. With that said, our inspectional services department is currently in the process of sending reminders to all private trash haulers that they cannot operate in the city of

32
00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:42.320
Chelsea prior to 7 a.m. Our inspectional services department has also most recently spoken to the trash hauler on Maverick Street to ensure this does not occur again. We ask our community to continue to report these issues as they arise, as we greatly value the peace and quiet our residents rightfully deserve.

33
00:17:42.320 --> 00:18:00.280
You may report these issues by calling our 311 service line and we will ensure our inspectional services will address it as soon as possible. >> Mr. President, I'd ask to wave the rest of the reading and accept and file the communication under unanimous consent. >> Seeing no objections. So moved.

34
00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:16.720
Next communication received requesting approval of appointments to the disability commission. Dear counselors, pursuant to section 4-2 of the charter of the city of Chelsea, I am writing to recommend the following individuals to a board or commission in the city. For appointment to the disability commission, Miss Fran Rosnowski, Miss

35
00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:33.760
Amy Jimenez Aoyo, and for reappointment to the disability commission, Miss Jennifer Rosa of Chelsea. and for reappointment to the disability commission, Miss Marie Montgomery of Chelsea, Miss Karen Zallayia of Chelsea, Mr. Alexander Floyd Vargas of Chelsea for new three-year terms. I respectfully

36
00:18:33.760 --> 00:18:49.760
request your approval of these appointments and reappoints. I have attached the resume for new appointees. >> Is there a motion? Councelor, >> move for second reading. >> Right. Um, seeing no objections, move to a second reading. Next communication received regarding

37
00:18:49.760 --> 00:19:05.120
imminent domain taking of properties needed for island and river flood barrier. Dear councilors, the city of Chelsea has been working for many years together with the city of Everett on the island and river flood barrier, a critical infrastructure project designed to protect thousands of residents and key facilities from severe coastal

38
00:19:05.120 --> 00:19:21.120
flooding. Although the loss last year of a $50 million brick grant has delayed construction timeline, the project remains a top priority. We are continuing to advance it using secured state funding for design, engineering, and land acquisition. It is essential we utilize these state funds now. Delaying

39
00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:37.440
their use could jeopardize our eligibility and result in the forfeiture of significant grand dollars. Moving forward at this stage ensures we maintain momentum and keep the project on track for eventual construction. With that in mind, I am writing today to provide an update on the city's negotiations with the marina at Admirals

40
00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:54.640
Hill located at 305 Way. As I have discussed previously, the city will need access and ownership rights to the property along the path of the island and river flood barrier to construct and maintain the structure. We are prepared to proceed with the next set of negotiated takings at 305 comingway. The

41
00:19:54.640 --> 00:20:10.080
city desires to acquire through a friendly eminent domain taking of a permanent easement on 3,728 square feet on the property. We also seek to acquire two long-term temporary easements on the property for the purposes of construction totaling 14,088

42
00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:26.080
square feet. The public purpose of these takings is to construct and maintain a flood barrier that will protect 5,000 residents primarily in Chelsea and significant critical infrastructure from flooding in the event of a coastal storm. Diagrams of this are attached to this council order. The current property

43
00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:42.159
owner is supportive of the project and has worked collaboratively with the city. It is mutually agreed that acquiring the necessary permanent easements along with temporary easement for construction is in the best interest of all parties. These takings will be financed with state grant funding from the municipal vulnerability preparedness

44
00:20:42.159 --> 00:20:58.480
program and by city matching funds already appropriated for this use in the CIP. With grant money in hand in cooperation of the property owner, now is an appropriate time to advance these takings. The city recently completed an independent appraisal of the easements. The fair market value as of March 21st

45
00:20:58.480 --> 00:21:14.559
is $287,643. And the breakdown of the value appraisal is as follows. Permanent easement worth $130,873. Temporary easement 145,954 and temporary easement 2 in the amount

46
00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:29.760
of $10,816. Our proposed schedule to initiate such takings is as follows. April 27th, review the initial communication and initiate public hearing process. May 4th, first reading of order of taking. May 18th, public hearing and second

47
00:21:29.760 --> 00:21:45.440
order reading of order of taking. June 18th as an alternative day for second reading. We appreciate your consideration of this request and look forward to taking this next step together to protect Chelsea's future from climate driven flood risk. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Clerk. Uh before we take action, I just want to note if

48
00:21:45.440 --> 00:22:01.039
anybody needs to leave um the meeting, we are at eight members. So we should take our financial items out of order just in case anybody needs to leave. If you don't, that's fine. we can do them in the regular order. Um, and so given the new uh order here, we are now dealing with the communication, we need

49
00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:17.120
to um accept and file that. But then after we're going to move right into the order to do the um to start the eminent domain taking. All right. Just making sure that everybody just to flag that for everyone. >> Point of So I I was absent last meeting. Is this this is a second rating for this

50
00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:32.559
order? >> No. So um so right now so the change is that we are now taking the associated order with the with the communication right after instead of waiting until the end to do it. So right now we are on the communication so we need to accept and file that and then we we will move right

51
00:22:32.559 --> 00:22:48.400
into the um order itself. That order has um needs to be scheduled uh sent to schedule a public hearing. >> Yeah. So right now I'm looking for a motion to accept and file the communication if anybody like to do. >> Motion to accept and file. >> Motion to accept and file. Seeing no

52
00:22:48.400 --> 00:23:09.120
objections. Um so moved. Um so now we move to the order itself uh which needs to be referred to a public hearing. I will let the clerk read it first. >> I'd recommend wearing the first where's as it's a 17page order. >> Um all right. Uh I can make a motion to

53
00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:24.720
wave readings but uh >> whereas by section 30 of chapter 43 section 14 of chapter >> Mr. President. >> Yes. May I ask to wave the rest of the reading and move it to a public hearing. >> Um, seeing no objections. Uh, so moved and >> public hearing will be scheduled for our

54
00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:40.400
first meeting in June, June 8th. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Thank you, council, for not having us read a 17page document. Um, yes, Councelor Senate would like to speak on this. So, um, um, I'll let her have the floor on it. I just wanted to say that um

55
00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:56.480
we've been down to this area with Senator Ed Marky after the brick funding was cancelled. We recently had a meeting with um at the New England Produce Center to talk about how catastrophic it could be if there's a major flood event

56
00:23:56.480 --> 00:24:10.159
in terms of the food chain for 9 million people. So I am so glad that this is a friendly thing that's happening and um it's extremely important right now um

57
00:24:10.159 --> 00:24:28.320
given the state of climate etc. So glad to see this here. >> Thank you councelor. All right, moving on to our next item. Next communication received from the city manager requesting council vote for loan order, sewer separation, and utility

58
00:24:28.320 --> 00:24:43.679
improvements at Park Street and Pearl Street. Dear counselors, I'm writing with a request for a revised vote on a borrowing authorization completed for FY27 CIP. On March 23rd, 2026, the city council authorized borrowing of water, sewer, and general obligation bonds in

59
00:24:43.679 --> 00:25:00.000
combination with other anticipated grants and loans to provide $16 million for sewer separation and utility improvements project at Park Street and Pearl Street. In April, we learned that the city has been approved for a $15,385,68 loan from the Massachusetts Clean Water

60
00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:16.480
Trust for this project under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The loan offers a 1.5% interest rate and eligibility of 9.9% principal forgiveness at the completion of the project, which are much better terms than we would have received issuing local bonds and provides a cushion against construction industry cost

61
00:25:16.480 --> 00:25:32.720
escalation prior to starting the project in spring of 2027. In addition to this loan, we have received a $5 million mass works grant specifically for the utility work at Park and Pearl. The sewer separation and enhancement is a critical project that will not only greatly reduce combined sewer overflow events,

62
00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:48.799
but will set up our vital business district for future flood resilience. The SRF program is very competitive and this award along with the grant provide a unique opportunity to execute a project of this scale and the current financial conditions. To remain eligible, the CWSRF requires that the

63
00:25:48.799 --> 00:26:05.520
city council vote before June 30th to authorize borrowing from the trust and recommend the municipalities vote to authorize the full approved amount to ensure the contractual obligation is met, regardless of the actual loan amount that will be requested at the start of the project. For all the reasons set forth above, I respectfully

64
00:26:05.520 --> 00:26:20.640
request the city council take the revised loan vote as attached. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your support. So like the last item, this is the communication, then we will do the order. >> Accept and file the communication under unanimous consent.

65
00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:36.880
>> Seeing no objections, so moved. Uh we now move to the order. Mr. Click. >> You have a proposed loan order introduced by council de Jesus ordered that in addition to the amounts previously appropriated for fiscal year 2027 capital improvement program pursuant to an order of the city council

66
00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:52.960
passed on March 23rd the sum of 15,385,68 be and hereby is appropriated to pay cost of sewer separation and utility improvements. Mr. >> President, I'd like to wave the rest of the reading and does this go into a roll call? So, uh, this has to either be

67
00:26:52.960 --> 00:27:09.360
moved to Ways and Means or if the council would rather have questions now, um, we can also do it that way. >> Council, >> it's >> roll call vote. >> Um, it has to go to a second reading regardless. So, we we can't roll call

68
00:27:09.360 --> 00:27:24.320
vote it. So, either it goes to a second reading um, if we have questions here or we can send it to Ways and Means for the conversation there. >> All right. Seeing as there's no questions, we can move it then to a second reading and then do the roll call vote. Then

69
00:27:24.320 --> 00:27:43.039
>> I think would folks have questions on this. >> Um I think I would like to hear the city manager. Yeah, I I think I think it would be better to hear from the city manager and then make a decision. Um because I I think if nobody if if nobody has

70
00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:59.440
questions, that's fine. We can move it to the second reading, but I don't want to um I want to send it to Ways and Means if folks have questions. Yes, Mr. Manager. >> Thank you so much, Council President. And and thank you for changing the rules. So now I u this can be uh fully

71
00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:15.200
interactive. So when uh when we submitted the CIP, we in parallel submitted applications for other funds. Uh, one fund was was the Mass Works grant, which which I believe is the largest Mass Works grant we ever received in the city of Chelsea, which

72
00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:31.039
is uh $5 million. Uh, we received amazing news uh uh a few weeks ago that that we were accepted into the state revolving fund, which which essentially is is a state pool that uh uh funds large water and sewer projects. This is

73
00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:48.880
the first time in in in our history that we have been accepted into that. um a few benefits uh come out of it. One is that um there there is a 10% uh loan uh principal forgiveness, right? So essentially it it's 10% free once we we

74
00:28:48.880 --> 00:29:03.600
do the project. Uh uh another benefit is is that um the loan rate is 1.5%. uh and and if anybody is buying a house right now or or talking about uh uh uh interest rates, it is impossible for to

75
00:29:03.600 --> 00:29:20.640
get this rate. Um so so it is a lot of benefits of of doing this uh uh of doing this program. Ultimately what will happen is is we will be fully designed on Park and Pearl. Uh and we will probably maximize the amount of this loan as much as possible uh and and not

76
00:29:20.640 --> 00:29:36.880
have to go and and borrow right the the final amount. Um so this is a it's a great thing. It it was very competitive as I said in in the uh u in the letter uh and and it's go it is it is kind of opening a new new frontier for us

77
00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:53.679
because uh uh um if we go to borrow right uh then then the rates are are a lot more expensive uh and and this will just create a a a new way for for us to fund large infrastructure projects which are really important for us.

78
00:29:53.679 --> 00:30:09.760
Thank you, Mr. Manager. Any questions? >> All right. >> Sorry. And I'll add one more thing. As as the letter says, uh uh this this vote this matter requires a vote of the city council by June 30th. Obviously, I I would really love it if if if the council takes a vote on at your first

79
00:30:09.760 --> 00:30:26.559
meeting in July. And that way if there's any issues, we can bring it to you. If if I'm sorry, first vote in June. First vote in June. >> First vote in June. June 8th. Um I I would really love it if the city council takes action on the first uh meeting in June. That way we can um

80
00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:42.960
submit it to the state and and get any feedback. >> Wonderful. Any questions? Seeing none could move. Um yes, go ahead. >> Could you just walk us through the timeline? So if we send it now to public hearing next meeting. >> No, no public hearing on this. So, so

81
00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:57.760
the two options are it gets sent to a second reading which means that it just goes on the agenda for our next meeting or if you'd like to send it to Ways and Means we would then have to schedule the Ways and Means subcommittee and then put it send it back to the next meeting. Either way, it ends in our next meeting.

82
00:30:57.760 --> 00:31:14.720
Um, but also at the next regular council meeting, this item will be read and we will have the opportunity to ask questions again if folks have them. Okay. So essentially it's just a matter of I think if we have like massive questions that would take up like you know 10 20 30 minutes of our time at the next regular meeting then we should send

83
00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:31.600
it to ways and means but if we feel like it'll just be you know a couple of questions and it wouldn't take too much long too too long I think it benefits to have the conversation at the um at the regular meeting but that is just my opinion >> for the public as well. >> Um yes exactly. So um with with that said I do need a I believe you you made

84
00:31:31.600 --> 00:31:48.640
a motion to send to a second reading. Um, I guess if there are objections, we can have a roll call on that, but I will just uh I believe councelor Robinson has a comment that he would like to make. >> We don't have another council meeting in May, so this will be we'll be taking

85
00:31:48.640 --> 00:32:06.320
this up in June. Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. All right. Well, seeing no objections to the motion to a second reading. All right. So, we will now move to a uh second reading. and this will be in our first meeting in June. Thank you. Um I

86
00:32:06.320 --> 00:32:22.159
will also note even though we are not having the meeting because of public hearings for the budget, if we do need to move on something quickly, we could always call a special meeting if necessary. So um fear not. If something comes up, we will be we will meet.

87
00:32:22.159 --> 00:32:36.799
>> Next communication received from the city manager requesting council vote for for FY27 operating budget. Dear councilors, I am writing to share the council vote for the city manager's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The budget funds city expenditures at

88
00:32:36.799 --> 00:33:01.840
$116,129,81 and school department expenditures at 156,248,491 for a total budget of $272,378,292. The budget allocates for city expenditures and for Chelsea public schools from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th of 2027. The school's budget

89
00:33:01.840 --> 00:33:18.080
increases by 3.55% reflecting the financial impact of an enrollment decline of nearly 350 students over the past year. City expenditures are rising 4.8% with 3.88% of that driven by non-negotiable fixed obligations including regional schools,

90
00:33:18.080 --> 00:33:33.360
healthcare, and charter school expense. This year, our administration was very intentional in having a robust community process ahead of the submission of our FY27 operating budget. Our administration held four separate community sessions on the budget. The sessions were incredibly engaging and

91
00:33:33.360 --> 00:33:50.240
communicated our priorities. We also shared the budget through our monthly our community recordings with Chelsea Community Cable and through the Chelsea record. The city council has scheduled budget hearings with all department heads from May 18th to May 20th. We appreciate the council's due diligence, questions, and meaningful dialogue. We

92
00:33:50.240 --> 00:34:06.320
look forward to continuing our conversation and answering any questions you might have regarding the proposed FY27 budget. Thank you for your support. >> Mr. President, I'd like to move like to combine some of these items. >> So, um, this is the first item. So, first is the communication which we need

93
00:34:06.320 --> 00:34:21.919
to accept and file and then the items will come up. >> All righty. Then I move to accept and file if there are no objections. >> All right. See no objections. So moved. And now we have the four um orders. Do we need to read them first? Right. >> We can read them. And if you want to combine them all, it's up to council. >> Yeah, because I believe counselor uh

94
00:34:21.919 --> 00:34:36.879
wanted to combine them. So, if you could just actually a motion to combine first and then we read them all, right? So, go ahead and make the motion. >> All right. So, move um motion to combine them and at least just read

95
00:34:36.879 --> 00:34:53.440
the little intro for each item um and then move them to conference and public hearing. >> Great. Seeing no objections. So moved. >> First order before you is the general fund operating budget order. Or order that the following sums as classified and designated with respect to each

96
00:34:53.440 --> 00:35:10.480
department or undertaking as salaries, operations and maintenance and capital are hereby appropriated in the general fund of the city of Chelsea as listed below and as summarized. Salaries in the amount of 65,277,21. Operations and maintenance in the amount

97
00:35:10.480 --> 00:35:30.480
of $26,770 291 and capital in the amount of $330,800. Grand total $272,378,292 various department listings below. The next order before you regards the

98
00:35:30.480 --> 00:35:45.359
sewer enterprise fund for fiscal year 27. ordered that the following sums designated as appropriations are hereby appropriated in the sewer enterprise fund as follows. Salaries in the amount of $900,260. Operations and maintenance expense in

99
00:35:45.359 --> 00:36:08.720
the amount of 12,454,751 and capital appropriations in the amount of 1,555,744 a grand total of 14,910,755. Next order is for water enterprise fund for fiscal year 27. Ordered that the following sums designated as appropriations are hereby appropriated

100
00:36:08.720 --> 00:36:26.000
in the water enterprise fund of the city of Chelsea as follows. Salaries in the amount of $900,260. operations and maintenance expense in the amount of 8,247,193 and capital appropriations in the amount of 1,48,46

101
00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:44.240
for a total of 10,555,859. And the final order for the budget is free cash appropriation for fiscal year 27. Order that the city appropriations and assessments in the general fund are to be financed in part by certified free cash of the city of Chelsea as follows.

102
00:36:44.240 --> 00:37:01.760
free cash in the amount of $4,495,000. >> So the motion before us is to uh send these four items to conference and schedule the public hearings which um as was mentioned earlier are May 18th through the 20th. Um so uh those in favor say I.

103
00:37:01.760 --> 00:37:17.680
>> Those against say nay. The eyes have it. Motion carries. Thank you everybody and hope to see you at our public hearings for the budget. >> That concludes communications from the city manager. We move on to communications and petitions received. Your sole communication received comes

104
00:37:17.680 --> 00:37:33.520
from the community preservation committee re providing recommendations for grants from the community preservation fund. Dear councilors, the Chelsea Community Preservation Committee is pleased to send to the city council six recommendations for grants from the community preservation fund. In the 2016

105
00:37:33.520 --> 00:37:49.520
general election, 66.5% of Chelsea voters voted to adopt the provisions of the Community Preservation Act and impose a 1.5% search charge on residential and commercial properties with exemptions for low and moderate income homeowners as well as an exemption on the first $100,000 of

106
00:37:49.520 --> 00:38:06.880
property value. On December 19th, 2016, the Chelsea City Council voted to establish by ordinance the Community Preservation Committee to make recommendations on expenditures authorized by the Community Preservation Act. The recommendations of the committee are sent to the council where amounts can be affirmed, rejected, or

107
00:38:06.880 --> 00:38:22.320
lowered. Funding recommendations may not be increased. The com the committee is composed of four members appointed by the city manager and confirmed by the council as well as a representative from five city organizations as required by statute. Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Park

108
00:38:22.320 --> 00:38:39.040
Commissioner, Planning Board, and Housing Authority. All the members are active participants in the community and current Chelsea residents. The Community Preservation Committee began soliciting applications for a spring round in February. The committee received seven project eligibility forms. Of these, six

109
00:38:39.040 --> 00:38:54.960
projects were eligible and invited to submit full applications. Six full applications were received by March. The committee also reviewed a request to allocate community housing reserve funds to the city of Chelsea's housing and community preservation manager position. These funds were approved by the

110
00:38:54.960 --> 00:39:10.160
committee through a formal vote which took place outside of the typical application process as these funds are serving an central critical administrative purpose of the community preservation committee. At its May 16th meeting, the community preservation committee recommended approval of the

111
00:39:10.160 --> 00:39:25.440
following six applications as follows. Chelsea Black Heritage Trail phase two $200,000 library archives phase one $200,000 community San Rades pre-development cost for 50,000 John Ruiz Park statue for

112
00:39:25.440 --> 00:39:42.240
200,000 50 Beacon Street facade restoration for 200,000 and CPC affordable housing trust fund coordinator role to the affordable housing trust fund for 71,000. The orders for council's consideration of these grants and a summary of each project are attached. The orders have been reviewed with the city auditor. By

113
00:39:42.240 --> 00:39:58.079
statute, council may affirm, reject, or lower the amounts of their committee's recommendations. Your timely consideration is greatly appreciated by the committee and the community. We would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. Copies of the full applications may be reviewed in the Department of Housing and Community

114
00:39:58.079 --> 00:40:13.040
Development. >> Is there a motion on the communication? Need to accept and file it before moving on to the order. >> Motion to accept and file. >> All right. Uh seeing no objections to that. Um so moved and then we move on to

115
00:40:13.040 --> 00:40:28.480
the order itself which I will remind folks is simply saying the same thing that we just read. If anybody would like to wave that >> make a motion to wave the rest of the >> We need to start we need to start reading it first. Sorry. Apologies counselor. Go ahead.

116
00:40:28.480 --> 00:40:44.160
>> She wants Yeah, she wants to wave this the reading of this. Um but I'm gonna let you start it >> if there are no objections. >> Yeah. The project's numbers are as follows. $200,000 for library archives phase one. >> I believe councelor you wanted to wave the reading. >> Yeah. Um

117
00:40:44.160 --> 00:40:59.280
>> I I'd like to make a motion to wave the rest of the reading. >> All right. Um and then uh seeing no objections, so moved. Um so now we this would either need to go to a second reading or move to Ways and Means. Um if anybody has questions from the city

118
00:40:59.280 --> 00:41:17.119
manager, we can also ask them here. Mr. Manager. >> Thank you very much. Uh, council president, I I am really excited about this round. I am very excited about this round. There there is a um u several investments that I think uh uh a few of the counselors are are really passionate

119
00:41:17.119 --> 00:41:32.560
about. One is the the uh the Chelsea Black Heritage Trail phase two. Uh um the city council h uh funded phase one already and and is gaining a lot of

120
00:41:32.560 --> 00:41:50.960
steam uh uh and a lot of momentum. Uh two other projects that I'll highlight is is the library archives which which was a a a direct request of councelor Taylor. uh a and and it it invests a a lot of money and resources into into

121
00:41:50.960 --> 00:42:05.839
um really making our archives at the library uh um really effective. Uh I am sad that councelor Cooper is not here because uh uh this includes $200,000 in funding uh to create the first statue in Chelsea that that we've

122
00:42:05.839 --> 00:42:21.920
built in a very very long time. We tried to find when was the last statue that was actually erected new here in Chelsea and we couldn't find it. So, so it was probably in the 70s or 80s, I would imagine. The last time that we erected a uh a a a bronze statue. So, I'm really

123
00:42:21.920 --> 00:42:39.359
excited about that. Uh I am also excited about it because it is it is a new thing that we're trying. Uh uh historically, our practice has been not to fund new projects. It is only to restore new projects. the there has been a change in in in state policy that allows uh uh CPC

124
00:42:39.359 --> 00:42:57.040
fundings to be used for the creation o of of things that improve open space. So so it's it's a new angle that that we are taking which which to me kind of opens up what what can be done with with the uh with the funds. In addition, we

125
00:42:57.040 --> 00:43:14.240
are are continuing to to to fund uh uh our uh investments in affordable housing and this round is really specifically to uh uh konades and risadas which which has a project on orange street uh to build uh afford of affordable home

126
00:43:14.240 --> 00:43:30.079
ownership units. I am happy to answer any questions. >> Thank you. Um councelor De Jesus. >> Uh thank you so much city manager. My question is on the position that was hired for the affordable housing trust

127
00:43:30.079 --> 00:43:45.040
fund board. Can you share a little bit more details on what the position looks like? What you know what are some um sort of success that we've seen? I know it's been a really short time. So >> yeah, absolutely. >> And sorry, Councelor Taylor, did you want to um

128
00:43:45.040 --> 00:44:01.599
>> I there's a lot of items here and a lot of moving parts with all these things. I think this is way better sent to ways and means so you can sit down and have enough time to ask questions about all this and not belabor us here. >> Just just wanted to make sure that that

129
00:44:01.599 --> 00:44:17.280
was mentioned. Um yeah, >> that's it's the will of the council. >> If I can ask the city manager to respond to that question and then we can move to ways and meet >> or um conference. >> Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So what what we learned early on in the process is that

130
00:44:17.280 --> 00:44:34.240
uh um administering these grants are are labor intensive and and and we we needed to have an additional staff person. So so we we uh um have hired somebody that is is uh part-time on CPC, part-time on affordable housing trust fund board and

131
00:44:34.240 --> 00:44:50.720
and obviously doing a lot of other tasks. Uh uh technically it's it's a grandfunded position. So if you don't fund this, the position uh uh will go away. But we have seen a a a lot of benefits. Uh um CPC we are doing a spring round and a fall round, right?

132
00:44:50.720 --> 00:45:08.720
And and getting uh uh really back on track uh on the affordable housing trust fund board. We are doing the same thing. So what what what it it has allowed us to do is is is to get uh a lot more support in in uh in helping people apply. So u you'll see here that that a

133
00:45:08.720 --> 00:45:24.319
lot new people have applied uh uh but it takes a lot of effort to help them you know uh help them along that is is one benefit that we we are seeing. >> Thank you. Um any other questions and I

134
00:45:24.319 --> 00:45:41.760
councelor Robinson please. Is this money replacing the person who was actually doing the work who was no longer working at community development? >> Yes. Uh the the person uh before was was uh uh was a person that was there for

135
00:45:41.760 --> 00:45:58.880
for I believe a year. Uh it is a steel worker job. So So it's a union job. So we we uh uh we followed all of the process in terms of uh uh refilling that position. Any other questions?

136
00:45:58.880 --> 00:46:17.359
>> So I guess to make a motion to move to the ways and means subcommittee. >> Yeah. So we can either send we can send to ways and means where we would be able to ask questions also when it comes back we can also ask questions. So right now we have a motion to send to ways and means on the table. Um is uh yeah

137
00:46:17.359 --> 00:46:39.440
those in favor say I. Those against say nay. The eyes have it. Motion carries. Right. Thank you. >> You can ask a question, please. Councelor Dus, >> city manager. Um >> Oh, on the Got it. Yep.

138
00:46:39.440 --> 00:46:54.880
>> Well, sort of but just in general, not related to the project specifically. I think since it's already been moved to is it mean >> it's not related to just kind of like just understanding if this is because this is great that we're able to see

139
00:46:54.880 --> 00:47:09.359
these projects and learn more about it. But we talked a lot last year about being able to see how grants um and funding is being used when we um award certain projects in the community. Is this the result of that or will we see

140
00:47:09.359 --> 00:47:25.520
more of this more of this content on like outcomes before the hearings? >> I think this is this is like common practice for the way that we've done CPC, right? The projects come to us and then it has to be approved. So this is not a change. Okay. >> As far as I know, right, Mr. Burke?

141
00:47:25.520 --> 00:47:40.800
>> Okay. So if there's anything else beyond that, that's probably a separate conversation with the manager outside of the meeting. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. >> Moving on. You have no committee reports or unfinished business. Second readings. The first item were appointments taken

142
00:47:40.800 --> 00:47:58.319
out of order. Next item under second readings. You have an order introduced by council de Jesus is being read for the second time. Ordered that the Chelsea city council authorizes appropriations from free cash to the following salary accounts to address deficits. >> Mr. President. >> Yep. >> I'd like to combine the next two items

143
00:47:58.319 --> 00:48:15.520
26F18 26F19 um and move it to a roll call vote. >> All right. Um so these are the two the two items uh would be uh free cash um to salary accounts and to operating accounts. Um so the motion is to combine the two items uh as a roll call vote. Um

144
00:48:15.520 --> 00:48:30.559
is there any objection to the motion? Seeing no objections, uh we'll have the count uh the clerk read them. Uh yes. >> First order to cover salary account deficits. Police department overtime $15,000.

145
00:48:30.559 --> 00:48:48.000
Fire Department overtime 406,000 emergency management overtime in the amount of 135,000 DPW streets and sidewalks overtime 40,000 DPW buildings and grounds overtime 10,000 employee benefits for health insurance in the amount of 80,000 employee benefits

146
00:48:48.000 --> 00:49:05.680
Medicare in the amount of 46,000 and employee benefits unemployment in the amount of 40,000. The second order is to address operating account deficits appropriations from free cash as follows. City manager community events line $10,000. DBW

147
00:49:05.680 --> 00:49:24.000
streets and sidewalks gasoline account $12,000. DPW snow removal contract services in the amount of $787,296. DPW snow removal salt line in the amount of $162,358. DBW solid waste trash pickup disposal in

148
00:49:24.000 --> 00:49:41.359
amount of $75,000 DBW Buildings and Grounds building maintenance $30,000 DPW Buildings and Grounds heating $55,000 DPW Buildings and Grounds Lighting 46,000 DPW Buildings and Grounds Telephone 6,000 judgments the

149
00:49:41.359 --> 00:49:56.720
claims judgment line in the amount of $10,000 fund 4641 special events fund $40,000 fund 7025 workers comp fund in the amount of $275,000. Sewer enterprise gasoline line $9,000

150
00:49:56.720 --> 00:50:12.720
and water enterprise gasoline account $9,000. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Um, we have the city manager up on the day if anybody would like to ask any questions on the order. Um, yeah, I don't know if Mr. Manager if you had anything, but just wanted to make sure that folks had the

151
00:50:12.720 --> 00:50:28.319
opportunity to ask any questions. Uh I'll start with a summary and and then it is that uh um usually as as the fiscal year wraps up right uh um we we have accounts that that we foresee are going to be in deficit. Um, one of the

152
00:50:28.319 --> 00:50:43.359
large ones this year is is one that we have talked about a lot, which is snow, right? So, so, uh, uh, obviously this winter has not been a nice one when it comes to costs. Uh, um, so so we are are combining them all. Uh, um, that that

153
00:50:43.359 --> 00:51:00.640
that the snow uh is is one cost, but it also has resulted in additional overtime in other departments, right? uh when we call a snowband, right, that we we we have to to dispatch a a a uh uh a lot of fire emergency managers uh and police

154
00:51:00.640 --> 00:51:17.520
officers to uh uh uh address it. So, uh what this is is it's it's a wrap-up. It's a wrap-up of of all all the accounts that are uh in deficit. Um and we wanted to get this before the city council uh uh um early on so that um it wouldn't be on your agenda by June. So

155
00:51:17.520 --> 00:51:33.920
this is this should be uh all of the deficits to wrap up this year. >> Thank you, Mr. Manager. >> Seeing no questions, we move now to the roll call vote as requested. >> Motion before you is to combine orders

156
00:51:33.920 --> 00:51:52.000
26F18 and 26F19 and vote roll call vote single on block. >> Yes. Vote to approve. Council Taylor, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Ricupo is absent. Councelor Jimenez River. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Hines. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Tennar Garcia is absent.

157
00:51:52.000 --> 00:52:07.599
Council Tesh. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Kelly Garcia. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Santigette. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor De Jesus. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Brown is absent. And councelor Robinson. >> Yes. >> With eight members voting in favor, zero opposed, three absent. Orders on block

158
00:52:07.599 --> 00:52:23.200
have been approved. >> Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Um, so now we move on. >> You have no new business. >> Public announcements. Any public announcements? Uh, Councelor Taylor, >> sorry, I've been under the weather, so

159
00:52:23.200 --> 00:52:39.760
pardon my voice. Um, the Rotary Club of Chelsea is having our annual fundraiser uh night at the races at the Chelsea Yacht Club uh on May 26th

160
00:52:39.760 --> 00:52:55.280
uh let's see, at 6:00 PM. So, if anybody uh would like uh uh to go, you can contact me. Tickets are $100. The dinner is $50. Um and of

161
00:52:55.280 --> 00:53:11.839
course, this goes to fund our annual scholarships for Chelsea High Seniors. Um and uh a bevy of other um you know, good projects that the Chelsea Rotary Club does. So, uh, I'd invite you all to

162
00:53:11.839 --> 00:53:27.920
to to come and have some fun at the Chelsea Yacht Club on May 26th. Thank you. >> Any others? I have one. Um, so, uh, Relay for Life is happening, I believe, for the first time in a while in Chelsea High School, um, on May 16th. Um, first

163
00:53:27.920 --> 00:53:45.040
time ever, Councelor San, thank you. Um, and then, uh, we have the budget hearings. Once again, just want to remind folks, uh, May 18th, uh, 19th, and 20th, uh, in the evenings. Uh and then the other one is May 16th is uh the Chelsea Chase 5K for the Boys and Girls

164
00:53:45.040 --> 00:54:00.680
Club. If anybody wants to come run the 5K with uh myself and the city manager and any others, uh let me know. All right. Um I think that's it. Any others? Seeing none. Thank you so much to everybody for being here and meeting a journ. Good job everyone.

