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>> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Good evening everyone. I'll call the city council to order at 8:00 on Monday evening, March 9th, 2026. This meeting is being recorded. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Uh there are 18 items on this evening's
agenda and I'll ask the city clerk to please read agenda item number one, >> minutes of the city council meeting, February 9th, 2026. >> Council vital. >> Mr. President, I'd like to accept and place on file the minutes. Motion's made in second to accept and place on file the minutes. Any discussion on the
motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? The minute meeting minutes are filed and the vote is 100. Agenda item number two. Now it's the time for the public hearing on the petition of Mass Electric and Verizon to relocate one joint own pole on Jefferson Street. Beginning at a point approximately 420
ft northwest of the center line of the intersection of Highland Street and continuing approximately 10 ft in a northwest direction. National Grid is proposing to relocate pole 4 10 ft from its current location on Jefferson Street, order number 26-1009663. And in addition, we have a communication
from National Grid requesting to withdraw the petition for Jefferson Street and also from the city engineer for recommended conditions. Council Fill. >> Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you to the city engineer for sending over the conditions. However, the applicant has indicated that the customer no
longer needs to move the poll. So, I move to withdraw the petition. Motion's made and second to withdraw the petition and there'll be no need for a public hearing. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, good. All those in favor
opposed. Motion carries. The uh no need for the public hearing and the petition has been withdrawn and the vote is 100. Agenda item number three. Now is the time for the public hearing on the application for special permit from attorney Brian Faulk on behalf of Malro Northro Land Trust to build and operate two multif family dwellings with a total
of 90 residential units, accessory parking, resident amenities, landscaped areas, and open space areas to be located at the corner of Ames and Four Streets. Order number 26-1009664. Okay. The public hearing be conducted in four stages. First with the public speaking in favor starting with the
applicant. Second, questions from the public. third public speaking in opposition and then finally questions from the city council. So I'll open the first part of the public hearing with the public speaking in favor and I'll ask for please state your name and address for the record. >> Thank you President Austin and
counselors [clears throat] excuse me attorney Brian Fog from Mrick 100 Front Street in Worcester. Here on behalf of the applicant Marorrow Northro land realy trust which is an affiliate of the Gutierrez company. Um, here with me tonight from the Gutierrez Company is
Scott Weiss. This is an application for a special permit in the brand new Ames Village Overlay District. The district was added to the zoning ordinance by the council late last year, allowing for multif family development that preserves open space near existing neighborhoods.
The overlay and the project site consist of 11 acres. It's at the corner of Ames and Forest Street. Um there's a single family home at 343 Farest Street. Otherwise, the site is open. Um through the land trust, Gutierrez has owned this
property since 2000, and the applicant purchased the home at 343 Forest Street in 2025. This is a transitional area in the city as a as a land use matter. Um a lot of different land uses all in in the vicinity of this property. Um, we have
the single family neighborhoods on Sandini Road, Teller Street, Glenn Street, and McKay Drive north and east of the site. The Avalon multif family community is located across Forest Street to the south. And the Malro Technology Park on Nickerson Road and
Aim Street are to the west. One of the purposes of the overlay district was to maintain the property's buffer between the existing single family uh residential neighborhood and these other denser and commercial uses uh nearby.
This is an overview of our plans. This is nearly identical to the concept plans that we presented to the council uh when we sought the overlay district last year. Uh these two buildings would contain ownership condominium units, not rental apartments. Uh the community
would be age targeted designed for empty nesters to remain homeowners without the upkeep of a larger single family home. And this approach would shift developed areas towards aim and ames and far streets, leaving most of the site's open areas untouched.
In addition to being a better design for the site than the underlying zoning, we think this proposal offers better revenues for the city. Um, in terms of the layout, we have driveway entrances off of both AM Street and Forest Street. Um, the Forest Street driveway would be
right in, uh, left in, but it would be restricted on exits to, uh, right exits only, help reduce traffic flow that might otherwise go towards Sandini Road. Um it's a little hard to see on this plan, but we have a pvious path that surrounds the back of the buildings. Um
so this would allow for emergency uh vehicle access uh completely around the buildings, not just from the front. [clears throat] So um the city zoning for the site specifies the parameters of development. Just going to run through the basics. Um
not more than 90 residential units. We have to comply with the city's 12% affordable um housing requirement. Um 50 foot side and rear setbacks. Maximum building setback from the road of 200
ft. 50% lot coverage. Preservation of four of the 11 acres on the site is untouched open space and at least 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Um the overlay district does allow for by special
permit modification of those dimensional controls. Uh we will not be needing that. We meet or exceed all the standards in the zoning ordinance. Um so we're going to have 90 residential units total divided between the two buildings. 42 in one building, 48 in the other
building. Um our side setback minimum is 120 ft and our rear setback is 230 ft. That's in far in excess of the 50 foot minimums um for the zoning district. Um the building set back from Ames and
Forest Street is 180 ft total um leaving 20 ft um to spare a little bit closer to the street than would otherwise be required. Total lot coverage is just 18.4% which means 4 fifth of the site is pvious not built areas. And we're
preserving 5.87 87 of the 11 acres just shy of half the site uh where four is required to be reserved as open space and we're providing 1.6 parking spaces per unit up from the minimum of 1.5. So in in the two buildings the 42 unit
building we have 42 parking spaces in a garage um at the basement level and the 48 unit building has 48 spaces. So each unit has a garage space and then we'll have 54 spaces um in the parking areas in the front of the building. Again,
keeping the activity in the front of the building um not in the rear where there might be uh noise and visual issues for our neighbors. Terms of the city's revenue, this is our tax projection. Um because this will be age targeted for older homeowners, we do
not expect to have school-aged children in the community. As a result, we believe the project would generate over half a million dollars in net revenue to the city each year. Um, and the contrast, a byite single family neighborhood um would be a slight loss
to the city each year with an expected larger number of school children in the community. So, overall, we think this is a good development for this site. um from our our zoning amendment hearings last year and we had four of them total, two before the council, two before the
planning board. Um we heard from neighbors that came to those hearings and we had met with many neighbors before those hearings that this was a preferable development to buy single family homes which would be located much closer to the existing neighborhood and occupy a lot more of that open space.
Um, and this design resulted from early neighborhood meetings before we got before the council and planning board in terms of what folks were looking for. And what they were looking for was maximize the open space between the neighborhood and the developed area. And we think that accomplishes uh that goal.
So we have a nearly 6 acre buffer area helps maintain that transition between the single family neighborhood and the denser commercial areas nearby. And I mentioned previously this is an ownership project. Many of the multif family communities that have come up in Malro in recent years have been rentals.
Um these will be ownership units. So condominium um all two-bedroom and again age targeted geared towards empty nesters, folks looking to downsize locally. Um don't want to be renters for the first time in 40 years. Want to own um but don't want to have a large single
family home to maintain. Um and one of the things Whoops. One of the things we do hear of many things people um complain about with the current housing market, and there are many things to complain about, but one gripe we do hear is from those empty
nesters who would like to downsize, but there's not a lot of availability in terms of what you could own. Um, and so with a project like this, assuming our 90 residents are going to be largely local, looking to stay in place and downsize in in their home community, we're now going to have 90 um larger
homes that are going to be coming onto the market available to younger families. So, we think this this addresses some of the concerns folks have in terms of new projects coming online, rental versus ownership, um, and a net positive fiscal impact to the city. In terms of process, if the
council grants the special permit, we would then go through formal site plan review with the city site plan review committee. We met with that committee last month to go over these initial plans. We provided the city engineer with a traffic study we did for the project. We also provided the fire chief
with a fire access plan showing the largest truck being able to get in and navigate around both of the buildings. We look forward to working with the council, the urban affairs committee, and the site plan committee as the city continues to review this project. That concludes our formal presentation. We
thank you uh for your time and look forward to your questions tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, Attorney F. Are there any other members of the public speaking in favor? Any other member, please come on up and state your name and address for the record, please.
[clears throat] Fred Meyer, Mr. 125 Sandin Road. Okay, this building is going to be in my backyard. The one because I live on the corner of Sand Indian Forest Street and I don't mind it. If you have a lot of
houses, it's going to be destroy a lot of the property and it's going to be uh it's not as user friendly for the people that already live there. We don't want more houses in our backyards. We want mother nature in our backyards. the deer, the
squirrels, whatever, you know. Um, at one of the other meetings they had, one of the counselors, whatever it was, said, "Oh, what about walking paths? We don't want people walking through our backyards either." So, that's one of the reasons might Some of you might be asking, "Well, what about that?" And
they're not going to have picnic areas or anything else like that. It's just grass, trees, and a place to live. That's about all I got. It's okay. Thank you, Fred. Any other members of the public speaking in favor?
>> Hello. Um Tiona Brown, 347 Milham Street. Um I would just like to go on the record as being in favor of this project just as a continuence of being in favor of the project when it was presented last year.
And I believe all my comments are already on record. Thank you. >> Thank you, Tiona. Any other members of the public speaking in favor? >> Good evening. My name is Jacob Ratliff. I live at 33 Flynn in the neighborhood.
So overall I want to say so I think I've missed a couple of the previous meetings for this specific design but I have been at other meetings previous to that. Um I think overall this seems like a good design and it is improved since the housing was being developed. I do have a few other questions though that are not
necessarily about the design but are more systemic to the city in general related to the fire station that is still yet to be built on this side of town. Um, there's another topic later this evening about more units being built in the campus area. There's still
other buildings being built down on Simono Drive. Has there been a look because I know you said there was a traffic study, which is great. Has there been a systemic traffic study of all of these together when they all start hitting at the same time and all of that? Because that's a lot of different things going on at once. And
so a lot of my questions are not necessarily about the specific projects, but more about all of these things happening in similar time frames and how all of them hitting at the same time will cause more of that to happen. >> Thanks, Jacob. This is for the public speaking in favor. The next part of the
questions, but I I'll answer this one by saying the urban affairs folks will can take a look at that. Uh we have we done a comprehensive sitewide >> uh traffic stud or citywide traffic study? That answer is no. Okay. Uh, it's usually project specific. As each project comes in, they build on each of
the prior projects that have come in, Jacob. So, hope that that helps. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome, Jacob. Any other members of the public speak in favor? Any members of the public speak in favor? Any other members of the public speak in
favor? Hearing none, I close that portion of the public hearing. Questions from the public? My name is Dana McI. I live at 33 Flynn A. Um my first question is regarding um
the uh runoff that will come as this bu this these are being built. So when that Avalon um apartment complex was being built um the amount of runoff that came into the neighborhood was excessive like to the point we have a
full um house um filtration system and we usually have to replace it every six months and we were replacing it like every two because of the amount of runoff because it's such a steep incline. So I'm curious how you're going to mitigate that. >> Sure. So, we have to comply with current
storm water standards which require that we keep everything on site. Um, once the project is built, nothing gets to leave the site. It'll also be retained on site. That's what current standards require. And that's something that will be reviewed and enforced as part of the site plan review for the project once we
get through the special permit phase. In terms of during construction, that's something that's also addressed during site plan review where the city departments take a look at what is our construction um um storm water mitigation plan. How are we keeping any runoff from leaving the site during
construction. So there's both a during construction phase that reviews that and also post um construction. City departments are are well aware of this site, the topography. Um we've had initial discussions with the site plan committee as I mentioned earlier um and those discussions will be ongoing but um
city departments are are are quite good at um holding u builders feet to the fire in terms of um complying with storm water standards. >> Um and my second question is if you're so ageargeted and I don't really understand what that means. I mean I
understand what that means but why is this not like a 55 plus community? Um because I think that to say you're age targeted and say that there's not going to be a single schoolage child feels very unrealistic. >> Understood. So one of the reasons and
I'll let Scott speak to this too if he's got more to say. Um doing an over 55 requires a deed restriction. Um and it can be cumbersome when folks um are looking to buy and looking to sell. I know the council has had certain deed restrictions actually come before the
council to release the the over 55 requirement because it's been problematic for um certain owners. So, um it's both somewhat bureaucratic and also difficult for owners often. So, when we say age targeted, what we mean is the product that we're building is is
really not geared for young families and kids. It's geared for empty nesters. So, the point of having the cover garage is that there's an elevator from your car to your unit. um so you never have to go outside um during winter time. It has that convenience. The amenities that will be there are going to be pretty
minimal. Um this is not designed for young folks coming in having having a good time. There are many communities in Malboro, newer communities where where that is the case and they're built that way. Um this will not be one of them. This is built to be a quiet place. Um we're not building playgrounds. We're not putting in a pool. There aren't
going to be amenities that draw in younger folks. That that's what we mean by age targeted. It's in the design and in our experience, this particular product um virtually has no children. It's just not a place that folks tend to move to with kids. Um you're not wrong
that without an age restriction, does that seem like that might be a higher risk? You're not wrong, but in the design of this, that's how this is designed. That's how it's targeted. That's the price point. It's it's geared towards empty nesters and older older people. >> Thank you. >> Yep.
>> Thank you, Dana. Any other questions from the public? Question. >> I have a one more additional again. Jacob Ratliff at 33 Fleet. Again, um one more additional question about the right turn on forest. You said it'd be right turn enforced. Is this going to be
enforced by just signage or there is actually going to be construction or design to say that there is only a right turn out of here and only a right turn in? Because speaking from being in the neighborhood and having a buses only turn in on that street, it does not work.
>> Understood. It's going to be both. It'll be signage and then also the physical construction and arrows. So, you're not wrong. Short of spiked gates, is is it is it possible somebody might make uh an illegal left onto Forest Street? Yes. Just like the folks that drive down
Sandini now, ignoring the giant sign that says school buses only. Everybody else go around. But designing it this way we think is the best protection we can provide while also providing you know reasonable access for folks to come and go. >> For the traffic study was that was done
was it also done with the idea of when AMSA was in school because the traffic on forest is atrocious during those times rightly so. So I just wanted to make sure that was taken into account. >> Yep. And we we can we we've um shared that with the city engineer and we
posted it on the city's u uh permitting review system. And we can make that more publicly publicly available. We had MDM transportation in Malro do the traffic study. They take into account first of all the baseline projects that are coming online in terms of figuring out what's the traffic impact. U but they
look at the the morning peak and the afternoon peak based on when school is in session. Yes. >> Great. Thank you. My last question is about the fire station. I just didn't know if you had if I should ask that now or if that's another time. >> You you this is your time. You can ask Jacob any question you would like.
>> I'm just curious because we've come to a number of these especially for the fire station, but I think that was early in COVID when we did it online. And so I'm curious what the process is for that because of all of these different air um things being developed and moving well,
which is nice to have the additional housing, but without the infrastructure to support it on this side of town, start to get a little nervous, especially for that for things like fire and all of those other necessary infrastructure projects. >> No, valid concern, Jacob. I will tell
you the city, you should hear in the next two months the progress the city's making to acquire space for a fire station. I I I there'll be stuff that will be coming out, but it's not available yet for public consumption, but we are very aware of the need for a
westside fire station. I think a good portion of the counselors want to see that Westside Fire Station and, you know, I'm hoping that, you know, before summer, you're going to hear something on a westside fire station. >> Great. Uh, last question. Um, for all of
this and the construction going on here and the timing of it, has it been addressed the timing of all that construction along with the construction of Richer? Because that's a lot of action going on in this neighborhood in that period of time. >> Yeah. Well, the richer one hasn't been approved yet by the council. I mean,
that that's still that's still has to come before the council to get approved. Again, you probably hear something about that in the next couple of months. We've been to a number of those meetings and know what's going on there and the timelines are similar. Yeah. >> And so I want to make sure that it's kept in mind. >> That's correct. Yep. >> Thank you very much.
>> Right. Thanks, Jacob. Well done. >> Any other questions? >> Hello. >> Hello. >> My name is Valerie Zamulus, 19 McKay Drive. Um, I'm concerned. I guess my question is
what would stop this? Is there anything that would stop this? What would it take to stop it? That's my question. >> To stop the project? >> Yes. Because before in 2007, I remembered they cleared the whole land and they were in favor of the single
family homes. Then the recession hit and we were left with a completely decimated backyard and we overlook the as you can see we're that house up there on the top. So we're pretty much right in the backyard of this. I'm concerned about
the lights at night because right now we overdo overlook the business and that's very bright at night into our backyard. Um in the summertime there's drag races on that road. Um, there's people that camp out on on the business dwellings.
You can hear them at night. And I guess my question in a way I was kind of looking forward to a nice single family home neighborhood because everywhere I look now in Marboro, something's knocked down and it's another apartment building
and more apartment buildings and it seems to be taking away the beauty from the s the city. Not everywhere do we need a tall building or a an apartment building. Sometimes it's nice to have a little quiet neighborhood to drive into
in the city. Now, we've been lucky. I understand the gentleman we were talking about the wildlife. Right now, our backyard is like a little park. We have everything from coyotes to bobcats,
every conceivable thing. And when they built the apartment buildings that were up, I believe it was a little further back. I'm not sure the road we had at that time every fox, baby fox came into our family. We've seen all the wildlife
had to migrate, but in the meantime, they migrated into our backyard. And when I called to share concern about children in the neighborhood with coyotes and all the other animals, I was just told, "Oh, let them do their thing." That's the response I got when I
called the wildlife. Now, I enjoy the wildlife and I feel like the poor little creatures have nowhere to go. But I am concerned because I'm concerned about the light at night. I'm concerned about the noise. I'm understand what you're
saying, the 55 plus community that you're hoping for, but sometimes things don't always go that way. And my question is, is there anything that would make people pause and think maybe this isn't such a great idea? Because
I'm feeling like it's it's a formality for us to just be here. And us, we've already gone through the Apex Center. I remember all that. Um, I had expressed concern about having a mural painted on the side so it wouldn't be so obtrusive.
And I was laughed at. Of course, some people in the neighborhood did like that idea. And I just don't understand. How many apartment buildings do we need in this community? And that's all I'm asking. If there's anything that would make you pause and
think, I'd like to know what it is because I'm feeling like there's not. And it's is just a formality to be here. So, so >> you said Valerie, right? Is >> Valerie. >> Valerie. So, >> it still requires eight votes. If there's not eight votes on the council,
the special permit gets denied. >> I mean, it's literally literally that simple. I mean, that that's that's how the process works. The formality I mean, as I tell anyone that asks, if you want if you don't want something built there,
buy the property. I mean, they have a right to build on the pro. I mean, people don't like hearing that a lot, and I understand, but but they own the property. They have a right to develop it. They're asking for a special permit. Well, they need now eight votes of the city council in order to
uh approve that project. So, that's the short answer. The >> the other questions, light, there's all sorts of light mitigation strategies these projects have now with downfacing lights, so they prevent light from going beyond the the border, the wildlife
part. You know, I've seen a lot of projects, we don't get many projects that are willing to give half of the project to open space. That's a pretty generous offer on the applicant's part, but you know, you might not think so, or someone else might think it's too much, too little. That that's okay. Um I'm
trying to think noise. We have noise ordinances that uh is in effect to mitigate noise. Um, the folks that are partying on the other places, I can't I mean, other than calling the police when it happens and have them go down there, I I I the
council doesn't have control over that, unfortunately. >> It was just something to consider. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Well said, Valerie. Thank you very much. Anyone else with questions? Any other members of the public with questions?
Member of the public with questions? Hearing none, I close that portion of the public hearing. Public speaking in opposition. Members of the public speaking in opposition. Members of the public speaking in opposition. Hearing none. I close that
portion of the public hearing. Questions from the city councilors. Questions from the city councilors. Councelor. Thank you, Mr. President. I didn't know if I was I didn't know if there were other questions I was waiting to see.
But I [clears throat] will say this body has heard a tremendous amount of concern and questions from our general public and they will not be forgotten. I for one am concerned myself. These are large buildings.
There's no guarantee. And the council presenting tonight, the attorney and I spoke on the floor prior. There's no guarantee that this will not have children in there. So to wipe out what the school budget may become, I think is
inappropriate, but we'll discuss that. I'm sure it's going to go to urban affairs and those questions that were asked tonight, I think, are valid and fair. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, councelor. Any other questions for the counselors? Councelor Ducet.
>> Thank you very much, Mr. President. Um, so what [clears throat] I appreciate being done here is how much outreach you guys have done um to the local community and it we can't uh emphasize that
basically, you know, almost half the property is going to be conservation land uh when this is done. Um this is still an overlay district special permit proposal. Um the maximum of 90 units is the only thing we really can control
here. Um you know they are condominiums. This is an apartments. This is owner occupied. I think that's an important part of this because I don't think there's enough owner occupied in the city and right now condominiums condominium is the most affordable way to get there. Um I agree there will be
children you know um but uh that will be limited and constrained. Um, you know, couples move in and get busy, but you know, that happens as well. Uh, in any case, um, [clears throat]
I think, uh, overall it's it's reasonable. Is most of the parking actually underneath the uh the buildings themselves? >> Yes, that's correct, Councelor. So, we have 144 parking spaces total. 90 of them will be in the garages under the
buildings. Are they going to be tagged for each of the individual units or is it just >> That's that's the plan. Yes. They're going to own the unit, so they're going to have rights to parking space, >> right? Not on the outside. You're on your own basically. >> Most likely. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Um is it uh all electric? Is it going to be gas? >> Um we haven't gotten that far in terms of construction drawings because it's special permit >> at this point given the given the building codes. It's, you know, certainly um favored or or um difficult
to do things that aren't all electric, but certainly something we can talk about um with urban affairs. >> Sure. Okay. Um so that's about it. We'll see what happens in urban. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Council Det. Council of Idol. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Council Faulk.
Right now, we're deciding on the Ames Village condos. However, the single family homes would not require a special permit. Is that true? >> That's correct. >> So, if we if we don't do this project, the developer can just put 22 homes on that property. Correct.
>> The the the applicant if they were pursuing by zoning in A3, they would need um the the current subdivision or the most recent subdivision has expired. So, they would have to go through the planning board for subdivision approval, but it wouldn't come before the council's a special permit. And based on
your experience in handling a lot of projects like this, would there be more children in the 22 individual homes that would be flooding our school systems or more from this condo program? >> We believe the data indicates um from the school department, data showing
newer multifamilies um have very few school kids and those are projects that are not necessarily age targeted, some of which may have three bedrooms, which which this this project would not. Um, so our math shows that there would be more school children in 2122 single
family homes than there would be in in 90 age targeted condominium units. >> Thank you, Council Faulk. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Council Vital. Council Nan. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Attorney Faulk, you were talking about um the age targeted piece of this and how that's kind of, you know, aimed at a certain
demographic and you mentioned um the amenities and the price point. Um can you speak a little bit more about what the price point will be recognizing it obviously going to be market driven but perhaps a range um that you could offer for what the final product will be? >> Sure. Our estimate is between 500 and 600,000. The the numbers you see on our
tax projection we went with the higher end 600,000. These you know if we got approvals this year and started construction this year we're looking at 18 to 24 months of construction. So it's a bit of a of an estimate but that's what we would think if they were coming online now between 500 and 600,000.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Naven. Council Presiato. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, thank you, Attorney F, for being here. Um, uh, I just want to uh, you know, thank you for reaching out to the neighborhood quite a few times.
Um, but I kind of saw an issue with when you guys were reaching out to the neighborhood. When you reached out to the neighborhood, you gave them two options. you gave them the single family homes and you gave them this project. Um, and I feel as though they were kind
of forced up against the wall to give positive or negatives for each project. Um, without knowing that there was a third option, which was not building anything, right? Um, here are some positives from the neighbors for this project, which includes no neighbors,
no families, no noise, no noisy kids, no noisy barbecues in their backyards. It seems as though it's not really a communal place for that immediate neighborhood. And I do respect um
u you know their their thoughts and their concerns for that sing that piece of land there including their backyard. Um but I'm kind of seeing this as a project for the city not just for this specific neighborhood.
Um you say it preserves nature in the back. Um, what I see is an isolated nature corridor or an isolated area of nature right here. You've essentially cut off the corridor for anything to go
in and out. Um, my worry is wildlife coming out to the neighborhoods or coming out this way. I don't know what that's going to mean in the future for the for that wildlife. I don't know if it will continue to thrive in that backyard, especially
during construction. It's probably two years of construction, I would assume. Um, not sure what's going to happen there. Um, on the the point of age targeting these units, I'm still not sure how you guys
are going to do that. Um, it seems as though you guys are removing amenities that you would typically see in uh uh units like these. Um could you kind could you expand on how you're targeting that specifically that age group?
>> Um so one of one of the things that many newer multifamilies which are rentals are doing is as many amenities as possible because they're competing with each other who's got the better pool who's offering a beer every Saturday. Um those types of things are not going to
be here. Again this is an ownership property. So, the folks buying in here um are are again targeted at people looking to downsize, empty nesters who want to simplify their lives and quite honestly don't want to have to be paying um monthly condominium charges for
amenities that they don't really want. Um they don't want a pool. They don't want um outdoor space. That's not what what they're buying in here. they're buying in here so they can have a um quiet um calm place that is you know within their budget coming down from
usually a much larger and more expensive home that they would be selling. So it's in the amenity mix and again here fewer amenities is what we're doing because we're not trying to attract folks who are looking at different multifamilies they might want to rent in. We're looking for homeowners who want a
specific type of a product and this is this is what we're going for. >> Thank you. Do you have a specific age you're targeting or is this kind of senior home seniors? >> I mean, the target age really is 55 plus. It's just not restricted that way for the reasons I stated before.
Um, so to expand on that, my concern on top of that is that looking at some statistics, the average salary for a retired senior in Malbor is 60,000 a year, which seems
like it would be unaffordable to live here. Statewide, it's 31,000. So, I'm not really sure how seniors are supposed to afford these condos and how you're going to aim to target that given the amount of money that they have to
spend on these properties. Um, another worry I have is because there's such lack of amenities here, um, and they're targeted for seniors, my worry is isolation for seniors, right?
When we have isolated seniors, there is an incredible um higher risk for dementia. There's a higher risk for heart disease. There's a higher risk for stroke. And this is all from the institute on Aging. Um people
in isolation, people missing a partner, these are the effects that they suffer from. So when we have housing that is targeted for this specific age group and you remove all those amenities, I worry for the population that lives here.
>> Council Pia, just remind this is questions for the applicant. If you want to state your position that's better served at urban affairs. >> Understood. >> Thank you. >> How are these units going to be affordable for senior citizens living in MRA? So, our typical buyer is someone
who is selling a home that they own for a whole lot more than they're buying this this unit for. Um, these these are typically cash buyers that we find that are buying into this product. So, they've already paid off their home. They own a 800 1 million 1.2, which is
that seems huge, but if you look at what fourbedroom uh three-bedroom homes are selling for in Malro, that's that's not out of whack. um folks would be downsizing both in terms of the size of the unit, but also in in the price point. Um so they're they're selling an $800, $900,000 home and they're buying
one for 500 600,000. That's that's how they're affording it. >> Understood. I have been looking at home prices in Malro lately, um they are kind of high, but what I've noticed is a lot of the homes that do sell sell at a significantly lower price. Um is that
something you've taken into consideration? um >> they are moving from this home to some place like this. >> Yeah, I I I don't espouse to being a real estate expert in terms of pricing. Anecdotally, that's not what I've seen, but I'm I'm not going to, you know, dispute what you may have seen.
>> Okay, >> that's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Presiato. Any other questions from the counselors? >> Questions from the counselors? Councilman. >> Thank you, Mr. President. question would be, we talked about incomes, houses
selling and all that. Any projection on what the condo fees will be once someone buys one of these units? >> I I don't know. We can certainly look into that and get that to you at urban affairs, but I don't know off the top of my head. >> Thank you. That that would be fine. Y Thank you. >> Thanks, councelor. Mr. President,
>> any questions from the counselors? Councelor Villo. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I will keep it brief. Um definitely have a lot of comments for the urban affairs committee which I'll I'll present. But um couple of quick questions and then just one clarifying factor. I know I've brought this statistic to the floor many times
but since 2019 we have added 598 units to the city. We have added 27 kids to our school district from those units. So the idea that these 90 units are going to bring tons of kids just is not true. We've seen time and time again the statistics tell us otherwise. I do want
to thank Fred, Councelor Brown, Jacob, Dana, Valerie, thank you for being here and asking the questions. Councelor Presiato, I think you had a couple very good questions there. Um, and on that note, looking at saw that there's some significant side and rear yard. Is there any kind of plan for that? You had mentioned no picnic tables, nothing like
that. This is just going to be open green space, I assume. >> Yeah, there may be some outdoor amenities, but they're going to be fairly subdued. Um, you know, will there be a grill and a patio? Probably, but it's going to be fairly limited. um this is not going to be a place for pool parties, >> right? Thank you. I appreciate it. Next,
just any idea of what lot coverage could look like with the single family homes, right? I know we're um at something like 18% if we go the the condominium route. Single family homes, what does that plan look like? >> So, the the lot coverage in A3, off the
top of my head, I don't remember. I think it's around 30%. So lot coverage wouldn't be a whole lot more, but it's more what portion of that parcel is going to have built areas. Um, and we don't have that slide here because we're not, this is not a a zoning amendment.
We're looking at what baseline could be and what overlay could be. Um, but I believe the images we had showed almost all that dark green area, which is currently reserved open space, would have house lots on it. Um, so you would have, you know, homes up against those rear lot line or building lots up
against those rear lot lines with a 30-foot setback um to the the current lot line. So more of the site for sure would be disturbed under um baseline zoning. >> Absolutely. Thank you. I appreciate it, Attorney Faul. And to me, it seems like we'd be close to almost clearcutting. I
mean, it seems like most of this green will be gone if we were to go a different option. Um, folks have heard me say before, I'm definitely uh had supported this project previously. Like I said, I'll save my comments for urban affairs, but appreciate you folks being here. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Councelor Fchillo. Any other questions from the counselors?
Questions from the counselors? Questions from the counselors? Councelor Roby? >> Not a question. Just kind of the last step for this is as soon as we get the special permit language, I'll set up an urban affairs meeting and we will begin discussion. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council Ro. Any other questions from the counselors? I got asked three times. Any other questions from the counselors? Any questions from the counselors? Hearing none, I close that portion of the public hearing in the entire public hearing and this item is in urban
affairs. Thank you for all those that came out this evening. >> Right. Thank you very much. >> Agenda item number four. Communication from the mayor regarding request for executive session to consider the purchase or value of real property. Council Irish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Move to the
end of the agenda, please. >> Motion made seconded to move this item to the end of our agenda. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? This item's going to the end of the agenda and the vote is 100. Agenda item number five, >> communication from the mayor regarding
gift acceptance in the amount of $6,200 from the police patrol and command unions awarded to the police department to be used for the K9 unit. Council Irish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Motion to approve the gift, please. >> Motion's made and seconded to approve the gift. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor?
Opposed? Gift is approved and the vote is 100. Agenda item number six, >> communication from the mayor regarding a transfer request in the amount of $565,811 from PEG funds to Malro Cable Trust to fund the operation of WMCT TV for fiscal year 2027 and capital items. In
addition, there is a disclosure on file from councelor Oing relative to this transfer. Councelor Irish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Moion to refer to the finance committee, please. >> Motion's made in second to refer to the finance committee. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, those in favor? Opposed? The items go into finance and
the vote is 100. Agenda item number seven, >> communication from the mayor regarding the reappoint of Diane Smith, the city auditor for a three-year term to expire from the date of council confirmation. >> Councelor Arm. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh my motion is to accept and place on file and
approve the request for Diane Smith to be re reappoint reappointed. Thank you. Motion's made in second to reappoint Diane Smith as the auditor. Any discussion on the motion? Councelor Ducet. >> Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Is Diane
here tonight? >> She is not. >> Okay. Um >> woman, I might add. >> Yeah. No. Um thank goodness she's coming back for more. So she is uh an asset to the community and uh I think that uh
having her commit for another three years is a good sign for the city. So thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Council Det. Any other comments on the motion? Hearing none. All those in favor? Opposed. The reappointment is approved and the vote is 100.
Agenda item number eight. Communication from the mayor guiding reappoints of the parks and recreation commission of Robert Kay's and William F. Derty for three-year terms to expire on February 28th, 2029. In addition to the reappoints of Michael Cabral, Melinda K. Gallagher, Chenisa R. Samson, and John
J. Welch Jr. for three-year terms respectively to expire as follows. Michael Cabral on Sep September 21st, 2028. Melinda Gallagher on March 23rd, 2029. Shanissa Chenisa Simpson Samson, excuse me, on March 8th, 2029. And John
J. Welch on October 28th, 2028. >> Council Orum. >> Thank you, Mr. President. As with the past um item, these are reappointments. And I forgot to thank Diane Smith. So my many thanks to her for her service and also the people being reappointed under
item number eight for the recreation and commission parks and recreation commission. So I'm going to ask that they be reappointed tonight and I would ask for approval of these reappointments. >> Motion is made and second to reappoint the members of the parks and rec commission. Any discussion on the
motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? >> Councelor Vital. >> Thank you, Mr. President uh as a member of the as a commissioner in the recreation commission for many many many many years um I have recruited some some
of these folks to come on to the commission I have worked with all of them and this is a commission second to none and I wholeheartedly support their reaffir >> Thank you Mr. Any other comments on the motion? On the motion to approve the council or
>> one more I forgot to note in the letter from the mayor. It notes I want to thank Mark Vital for being on the recreation commission since 2012 in this seat. Having him serve on the commission for all these years has brought value and
different perspective and insight into his work on the council. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Council Orum. On the motion to approve the reappoints, all those in favor opposed. The reappointments are approved and the vote is 100. Agenda item number nine.
>> Communication for the mayor regarding the appointment of Colleen F. Marinelli to the parks and recreation commission for a three-year term to expire on February 28th, 2029. >> Council Orum. >> Mr. President, I would ask that we refer this to the personnel committee. >> Motion made second. Refer to the personnel committee. Any discussion on
the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? is going to personnel and the vote is 100. Agenda item number 10, >> communication from the retirement board regarding a notice of a meeting to be held on May 26, 2026 to consider whether to grant an increase in the cost of living adjustment pursuant to Mass
General law, chapter 32, section 103 I. Councelor Irish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Motion to accept and place on file the communication, please. >> Motion's made and seconded to accept and place on file the communication. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? Communication is filed and the vote is
100. Agenda item number 11. >> Petition of Mass Electric and Verizon to install one joint own pole on Forest Street beginning at a point approximately 70 ft southwest of the center line of the intersection of Martin Angelo Drive and Aim Street. National Grid is proposing to install install a new pole on Forest Street
labeled P4150. >> Council Fillo. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Move to set a date for public hearing on March 23rd and to refer to the city engineer. Motion's made and seconded to set a date for the public hearing for March 23rd and send to the city engineer. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none,
all those in favor? Opposed? The motion carries. This is going to have a public hearing on March 23rd. Go to the DPW engineering department and the vote is 100. Agenda item 13 12 >> 12. petition of mass electric and Verizon to install one joint own pole on Highland Street beginning at a point
approximately 110 ft north of the center line of the intersection of Lincoln Street and Jefferson Street. National Grid is proposing to install a new 50t H1 midspan pole between P1 and P2 on Highland Street. The pole is to be located on city property and will be labeled P150. Council Fill.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Move to set a date for a public hearing on March 23rd and to send to the city engineer. >> Motion remain second to set a public hearing for March 23rd and send to the city engineer. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. We'll have a
public hearing on March 23rd and send to the city engineer. The vote is 100. Agenda item 13. Petition to Mass Electric and Verizon to install one joint own pole on Washington Street beginning at a point approximately 160 ft east of the center line of the intersection of Devon Street and Bolton Street. National Grid is proposing to
install a new 50-foot class H1 midspan pole between pole P15 and P16 on Washington Street. The poll is to be on city property and be labeled P1550. Council Vello. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Let's do this one more time. Uh move to set a date for public hearing on March 23rd and to send
to the city engineer. Set a public hearing for March 23rd and we'll send it to the city engineer. Motion's been made and seconded. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? There'll be a public hearing on March 23rd. Go to the city engineer and the vote is 100. Agenda item 14.
Communication from attorney Paul MNI on behalf of BH Group TCAM Owner LLC and BH Group TCAM owner 2 LLC affiliates of Greatland Realy Partners regarding proposed zoning amendment to chapter 650 zoning section 33 results way mixeduse overlay district along with a proposed
master concept plan for the development of the campus at Malbor. >> Councelor Roby. >> Thank you Mr. President. Move to refer this to urban affairs, set a public hearing for April 6th and advertise >> in the planning board >> and refer to the planning board. >> Motion made second to refer to the urban
affairs committee. The planning board will set a public hearing for April 6 and advertise. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? The motion carries. It's going to urban affairs the planning board with a public hearing April 6 and advertised
and the vote is 100. Agenda item 15, >> communication from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources regarding a notice of public hearing for ve for the vegetation management plan to be held on March 27th, 2026. >> Council Pillo. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh for those watching at home, the Department of
Agriculture Resources has sent us uh advis proposing to utilize herbicides to treat their right of way. And there will be a public hearing on March 27th, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. That meeting is on Zoom and the link to that is in our agenda. With that, move to accept and file.
>> Motion made second to accept and place on file the communication. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? Communication is filed and the vote is 100 16 minutes and committ. >> Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Motion to accept and place on file the minutes of the boards, commissions, and committees. Motion's made in second. Accept and place on file all the minutes. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, those in favor opposed. The minutes are filed and the vote is 100. Claims.
>> No. You do claims. >> What do you said? >> Claims. >> Claims. The president. >> Councelor Det. >> Motion to submit the claims to the legal department. >> Motion made second to send the claims to our legal department. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in
favor? Opposed? The claims are going to legal and the vote is 100. [clears throat] Reports of committees. Who would like to go first? Councelor Orum. Thank you, Mr. President. I just grabbed a sip of water because I got a little reading to do
here, but we have six appointments from uh February 9th, 2026 and March 2nd, 226 personnel committee. I'll read the February 9th. And Mr. President, councilors, I will be asking for suspensions on all these six
appointments. Okay. So, for February 9th, order number 2610009637, appointment of Judy McDonald to the Council of Aging for a 4-year term to expire on May 6, 2030. On a motion by
councelor Naven, second by chair Oram, the committee recommended approval approval of the appointment of Judy McDonald to the council on aging for a 4-year term to expire May 6th, 2030. The vote was 3 to zero. On the second order
number 2610009638, reappoint of Raymond McGee to the Council on Aging for a 4-year term to expire May 6, 2030 on a motion by councelor Naven, seconded by the chair, Chair Orum. The committee recommended
approval of the reappoint of Raymond McGee to the Council on Aging for a 4-year term to expire on May 6th, 2030. The vote was 3 to zero. And then on a motion from councelor Ducet, seconded by
the chair, the meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m. And as noted, I'll be asking for a suspension for those two positions as well as the next four that were heard on at the personnel committee on March 2nd, 2026.
Uh voting members present, chair Oram, councelor Naban and Ducet. Other council is present. Councelor Aing, Vital, Irish, and Fello. Order number 2610009653. Appointment of Pamela McNair to the commission on disabilities for a
three-year term effective from the date of the city council confirmation. On a motion by councelor Naven, seconded by chair Oram, the committee recommends approval of the appointment of Pamela McNair to the commission of on disabilities for a three-year term
affected the date of city council confirmation. Vote 3 to zero. Order number 26,1009654, appointment of Karen Thompson to the commission on disabilities for a three-year term effected from the date of city council confirmation. On a
motion by councelor Ducet, seconded by chair Oram, the committee recommended approval of the appointment of Karen Thompson to to the commission on disabilities for a three-year term effective date from the date of the city council confirmation. Vote was 3 to
nothing. Order number 2610009655, appointment of Karen Patty to the board of health for a three-year term to expire on February 28th, 2029. On a motion by councelor Naven Naven, seconded by Chair Oram, the committee
recommended approval of the appointment of Karen Patty to the board of health for a three-year term to expire on February 28th, 2029. The vote was three to zero. And the last one was order number 261000
9652x 26-109651. Appointment of Jeffrey F. Goan as fire chief for a 5-year term effective from the date of city council confirmation. On a motion by councelor Naven, seconded
by chair Oram, the committee recommends approval of the contract, job description, and the appointment of Jeffrey F. Goen as fire chief for a 5-year term effective from the date of the city council confirmation. Vote 3 to
zero. On a motion by councelor Ducet, seconded by chair or the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. And Mr. President, I will be asking for suspensions on all six positions. Motion made and seconded to suspend the rules for all six committee appointments.
Any discussion on the motion? All those in favor of the suspension? Mention carries. The vote is 10. Council uh Mr. Clerk, I'll ask you to read each one, please. >> Order number 26-1009637, the appointment of Judy McDonald to the council on aging for 4-year terms or
expire May 6, 2030. Recommendation of the personnel committee is to approve. >> Council Orum recommend motion to approve. Motion made and second to move the recommendation of the committee to approve. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Oppose. Motion carries. The appointment is
confirmed and the vote is 10-0. Order number 26-1009638. The reappoint of Raymond McGee to the Council on Aging for a 4-year term to expire on May 6th, 2030. Recommendation of the personnel committee is to approve. >> Council or >> move the recommendation of the personnel committee to approve.
>> Motion made and seconded to move the recommendation of the committee to approve. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. The appointment is approved and the vote is 100. Order number 26-100 9653. The appointment of Pamela McNair to the
commission on disabilities for a three-year term effective from the date of council confirmation. Recommendation of the personnel committee is to approve. >> Council recommend the vote of the personnel committee to approve. >> Motion made second to move the recommendation of the personnel committee which is to approve. Any
discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor opposed. The motion of the personnel committee to approve the appointment is approved and the vote is 100. >> Order number 26-100 9654 the appointment of Karen Thompson to the commission on disabilities for a three-year term
effective from the date of council confirmation. Recommendation of the personnel committee is to approve. >> Councilm >> recommending the personnel committee's vote of three to zero to approve. >> Motion's made and second to approve the personnel committee's motion to approve the appointment. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor
opposed. Appointment is approved. The vote is 100. Miss Karen, congratulations. Thank you. Not yet. >> The other number 26-1009655. Appointment of Karen Patty to the board of health for a three-year term to expire in February 28th, 2029. Recommendation of the personnel committee is to approve.
>> Now, I'll do that. I did the same thing in committee. So it's okay. I'm going to recommend approval of the personnel committee to approve >> and congratulations are in order. Thank you. >> Motion made and second to move the recommendation of the committee is to approve the appointment to the board of
health. Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor opposed. Motion carries. The vote is 100. It's Karen. Congratulations. Well done. Thank you very much. [applause] In order 26-1009652, the appointment of Jeffrey F. Goen Jr. as fire chief for a 5-year term from
effective from the date of council confirmation. Recommendation of the personnel committee is to approve the contract job description and the appointment of Jeffrey F. Goen Jr. >> Council. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh just so everyone knows, Fire Chief Goen is here.
I believe I hope your family members are here as well. Uh, but I'm going to recommend the vote of the personnel committee to approve. >> Motion made and seconded to move the recommendation of the personnel committee, which is to approve the appointment, the contract, and the job description. Any discussion on the
motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? The appointment, contract, and job description are approved, and the vote is 10. Congratulations, Chief. [applause] >> [applause] >> Best of luck, Chief. >> Thank you.
>> Uh, other reports of committees. Councilor Villo. >> Thank you, Mr. President. The public services committee met on March 2nd, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. We had three items on that evening's agenda. I will be asking for suspensions on all three. We started
with order number 26-1009665 application for renewal of a taxi livery license from Ketanori Tanaka doing business at Global Limousine in tour services 17 Eager Court. Mr. Tanaka was present for the discussion. The chair highlighted that police chief David
Georgie did receive Mr. Tanaka's Corey and was without objection to the license renewal. Councelor Irish thank Mr. Mr. Tanaka for doing business in the city and asked to ensure that all three vehicles were gared at Eager Court and are paying excise tax to the city to which Mr. Tanaka confirmed on a motion
by council vital seconded by the chair. The committee recommends approval of the taxi delivery license renewal. The vote was 320. Next up, order number 26-1009620A, a communication from city solicitor Jason Gfield regarding proposed order of
acceptance on Juul Road as a public way along with associated easements. The chair read the letter from the solicitor dated January 21st, 2026 detailing the proposal along with copies of the acceptance plan and deed which included the description of the easements. Council Irish stated that he was in
support of the city adding these parcels and on a motion by council vital, seconded by the chair, the committee recommended approval of the proposed order of acceptance of Jewel Road as a public way along with associated easements. The vote carried 3 to zero. Last up, we had order number 26-1009620A.
Communication from city solicitor Jason Grossfield regarding proposed order of acceptance of open space within the Boseman estates open space development special permit. Thank you council Orm for helping me pronounce that. The chair read the letter from the city solicitor dated January 21st 2026 explaining that
based on the subdivision plan master general law chapter 40 section 8C uh a little over 2 acres of land will be placed under management control of the conservation commission. The chair noted that the uh conservation officer Priscilla Ryder shared that one of the adjacent parcels has vernal pools
further highlighting the ecological impact in protecting this space. Council Orum mentioned that the planning board had previously reviewed the estate and the subdivision plan. Council Orum shared that some shared with some board members the concern about the size of the houses but is grateful for the open
space parcel. Not a motion by council vital, second by the chair. The committee recommended approval of the propo proposed order of acceptance of open space within the Boseman Estates open space development and that vote carried 3 to zero. We adjourned at 6:23 p.m. I'm asking for a suspension to take
up those three items. >> Motain second for request for suspension for all three items. All those in favor suspension opposed. Suspension carries and the vote is 10. Order number 26-1009665 the application for renewal of a taxi delivery license from Katsanora Tanaka
DBA Global Limousine and Tour Services at 17 Eager Court. Recommendation of the public services committee is to approve. Council Fill. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Move the recommendation of the committee to approve the license renewal. >> Motion remains seconded to approve the license renewal. Any discussion on the
motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Oppose. The license is renewed and the vote is 10-0. Order number 96 26 excuse me-100 9620A communication from solicitor Jason Gfield regarding proposed order of acceptance of Jewel Road as a public way along with
associated easements. Recommendation of the public services committee is to approve. Council Chillo. >> Thank you Mr. President. Move the recommendation of committee to approve. >> Motion made and seconded to approve the recommendation to accept Jewel Road as a public way. Councelor Sergeant.
>> Thank you Mr. President. I think it's uh important to highlight for the community that Malro has an ordinance. Everything named in the city should be named after a deceased Malro veteran. And so I'd like to uh present tonight a little bit about Joseph Juul, who the street is named for. Joseph Jules was born in Canada and was working as a shoemaker when he enlisted into the army the 11th
of August 1862. He was assigned to Company H of the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the PTOAC, taking part in the Battle of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg before being transferred to the Army of the Cumberland. Joseph was assigned as a teamster as part of an ammunition train.
And on the 28th of July, 1864 near Lookout Valley, Tennessee, the wagon he was driving exploded, resulting in burns to his face, hands, and feet from which he would ultimately die. He's buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and he was only 20 years old. So, I think it's uh
important that we highlight what our streets, squares, schools, everything is named for here in the city. Thank you, Mr. President. [applause] Well done, council sergeant. In all my years, I don't think we've had that level of uh insight. So that that's a great addition. So thank you very much.
Appreciate that. On the motion to accept Juel Road as a public way. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Juel Road is acceptance of public way and the vote is 100. >> Order number order number 26-1009620A.
Proposed order of acceptance of open space within the Boschman Estates open space development special permit. Recommendation of the public services committee is to approve. Council fill. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Move the recommendation of the committee to approve. >> Motion made in second to move the recommendation of the committee to
approve the open space easement. All those any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Opposed. The motion carries and the vote is 100. Any other reports of committees? Councelor Irish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, public
service announcement, finance committee will be meeting on March 16th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Thank you. >> Any other reports of committees? Hearing none. Uh, agenda item 18.
>> Resolution of the city council supporting the passage of House Bill H91 and Senate Bill S2556 to modernize funding for community media programming sponsor uh, submitted by councilors Vital and Fuchillo. In addition, we have a disclosure filed by councelor Oing relative to this resolution.
>> Council viter. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to approve the mot. I'd like to make a motion to approve the resolution. >> Motion's made, seconded to approve the resolution. Any discussion on the motion? >> Council Roby. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I wasn't sure
whether this was going to get referred or approved. Um either way, I am not in favor of supporting this resolution. Um, I have never had a television since 1982.
Um, my use of cable has obviously been not needed. And I understand that people who have had cable within the city have chosen to not have cable because they can get the programs that they use to
have to have cable for through other mechanisms, the streaming services. And so cable access across the state, their PEG funds have been reduced. So there's this desire now to figure out a way to
supplement because a lot of cable stations have increased what they're doing. It used to be simply having city council and school committee meetings so people could watch and and also the ability to have the programs that you couldn't get without cable. Um, you
don't need cable anymore to watch a lot of stuff, but cable stations still want to go bigger. Um, let them go bigger within the budget that they've got. And much like
everybody's complaining with the extra charges on our electric bills, I don't think it's fair for people who have Hulu and Netflix and Apple TV to have to pay an extra service charge to
fund something that they don't use. So, I will not be supporting this. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Roby. Councelor Fill. >> Thank you, Mr. President. And I appreciate uh councelor Roy's uh comments there. I know uh for myself, right, I am of the generation with I
grew up with streaming services. Hulu, Netflix, you can name it. I probably have it. Um but on that same note, this meeting tonight wouldn't be recorded if it wasn't for our local cable access. It wouldn't get picked up by somebody live streaming on Facebook or something like that. It is WMCTV who since 1982,
coincidentally, has brought this to households all across Malbor. And as we see every year when they come in for their budget or at least the last few years that I've seen them when they come in here they're worried about the trajectory that they're facing in terms of people unplugging from cable and people signing up largely people are
signing up for streaming service instead and they are losing revenue every single year. So as to the average cost of cable here in Massachusetts it's about $80 a month for folks. Cost of streaming nationally I couldn't find Massachusetts is about $47 to $55 a month. So, even if
these streaming services ended up imposing um that fee onto their consumers, it would have to be a 70% increase into what they're currently paying for it to match what it is for cable. So, I I don't think that this fee is going to end up hitting consumers in
some way that all of a sudden they're going to have this large charge that they're facing. Um, one thing that I do want to highlight and a big reason why I am supporting this and co-sponsoring this with councelor Vital is that folks on the state house need um they need some support in getting this passed.
They they they all members of our delegation um have supported this or co-signed it. So leader Gregoire, Rep. Gentiel, they have supported and co-signed H91 and Senator Eldridge has co-signed uh S2556. in order to get this passed, they need
resolutions like this one so they can go up to the hill and say, "I have my largest municipality in my district is saying, "Hey, we want to get this done." So, I've had many conversations with with Ryan Malar, the director over at WMCTV. He really believes this is the path forward. This is what's going to
change the funding framework that protects them for years to come. Um, and that's a big reason why I'm supporting this. I'm also happy to let it go to committee so we can have a larger conversation, but I'm in full support of approving it tonight with council vital. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, Council Vill. Councelor Irish. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I will be
supporting this resolution this evening. I know I'm thinking two, if not three, the last uh budget hearings we've had with WMCTV. This subject has come up at Nauseium. Um, so I do support this. Um, I know Council Fillo said this may get
the wheels going. I still have questions on will this get passed in the house and then there's even rumors and talking that if it gets to the Supreme Court the PEG funds could be removed completely. So we do have to have a safety net going forward of getting these funds. But
thank you Council Chill and Council B. I will support this resolution this evening. Thank you Mr. President. >> Thanks Councelor Irish. Council Ducet. >> Thank you very much Mr. President. Um, I see this more as um creating content locally. That how do
you fund creating content locally because there's news and information that happens in this community. WMC TV uh basically is here not only with us but traveling you know the sports games and all that stuff as well. you know, this is local content that otherwise
would not be covered and the, you know, it was based on a financial model which is deteriorating because technology changes. Okay, at the end of the day, you know, uh, the cable fees are going down. Yeah, people are cutting the cord, quote unquote, and going to streaming
and all that stuff, and it's more dynamic demand, but how do we leverage this so that there's still local content created that people can look at and see what's going on in their community and that's really what I see that an
important part of this uh proposal. So, thank you. >> Thank you, council. Council Piano. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I would like to congratulate Councelor Vital and and Trey for um presenting this to us. Um, I'm sure it was quite a bit of work.
Um, but I do support this. I believe it's going to it brings equitable local access to government programming. On top of that, it creates local jobs, spurs interest in media, journalism, and, you know, creates community connection. So, I'm fully in support of this. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Council Presiato. Council Orum. I'll make it quick. I'm one of the counselors and we'll be doing it again in finance and I'll be saying the PEG funds are going down each year and it's because subscribers are going down and I
always ask what can we do and I agree this is a good resolution. I hope it gets passed at the state level and I will be supporting it. Thank you to the councils who sponsored it. >> Thank you council Orum. Anyone else on the motion to approve the resolution?
All those in favor opposed. The resolution is approved and the vote is 9 to one. >> What's that? >> Executive session. >> Oh yeah. No, I was thinking about going away, but we can't do that. [laughter] >> Uh, this goes back to the executive
session. moved that the Bubber City Council will meet in executive session under purpose six of the open meeting law master journal law chapter 30A section 21A6 to consider the purchase exchange lease or value of real property as the chair hereby declares that discussion in an open session may have a
detrimental effect on the city and the city's council's negotiating position the city council will not reconvene in open session after the executive session council >> Irish Mr. Present a motion to approve and move into executive session. Please. >> Motion made second to approve the order. We will not be coming back after the
executive session. Uh any discussion on the motion hearing? None. It's a roll call vote to go into executive session. A yes vote is to go into executive session. I'll ask the clerk to please call the role. >> Councelor Vital, >> yes. Sergeant, >> yes. >> Councelor Orum, >> yes.
>> Councelor Gould is absent. Councelor Ducat, >> yes. >> Councelor Roby, >> yes. Yes. Council Presiato, >> yes. >> Councelor Irish, >> yes. >> Councilor Naven, >> yes. >> Council Fillo, >> yes. >> And councelor Oing, >> yes. >> Ken, sir, >> the motion to go into executive session
is passed. The vote is 100. We will go into executive session. We will adjourn. I'll ask for an adjournment of our regular meeting. Everybody good? We'll adjourn the regular meeting at 9:15. We'll clear that chamber and then we'll go into executive session. Vote is 100.
Are you