Good evening. Welcome to the Rea City Council meeting on May 12th, 2025. Could you all please stand to salute the flag? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Madame clerk, roll call the members. Roll call club the members. Councelor Aenzio here. Here. Councelor Kaggleandro here. Here. Councelor Janino here. Here. Councelor Gino Sua here. Here. Councelor
H here. Here. Councelor Hermo here. Here. Councelor Kelly here. Here. Councelor McKenna here. Here. Council Noelski here. Here. Councelor Zamutoo here. Here. And council president Sylvester here. Here. Quorum is present. Approval of the journal.
No. That one's working. Oh, there it goes. So moved. We're back. Okay. So moved on the motion. Thank you. That was approval of the journal of April 28th. Calendar item number three. Motion
presented by councilors Garino Slaya, McKenna, and Harammo that the city council award a certificate of commendation to Justin Pia of Luigi's Pizza in Beachmont in recognition of his efforts in competing on CBS's reality show Survivor. City Council
Tonight we have the honor of recognizing one of our own, someone who has brought pride, admiration, and national attention to the city of River. We offer this commendation to Justin Popey who represented our community with
integrity and heart as a cast member of Survivor season 48. Justin's journey on the show was more was about more than just a competition. It was about character. He played with thoughtfulness, resilience, and quiet
strength that resonated with so many viewers. But here in River and far beyond, a graduate of Yield University, Justin returned home not for recognition, but for responsibility. When his mother fell
ill, he stepped up, taking over the family restaurant and continuing to serve our community in a deeply personal way. He reminds us all that true leadership isn't just about titles or accolades, accolades. It's about showing
up. showing up for your family, your neighbors, and your hometown. Justin follows in the footsteps of another proud Riviera native, Riviera police captain Amy O'Hara, who retired today, who was also on Survivor in
2005. She she was the first from our city to appear. And nearly 20 years later, Justin has carried the torch forward with character and class. On behalf of the Riviera City Council, Council McKenna Hermillio and myself, we
commend you, Justin. Where are you? For representing Riviera on national looking at him. Thank you. Thank you for showing the world. Thank you for showing the world the strength, hot, and grit of our city and
its people. We are proud to call you one of our own. Thank you. Beautiful. Thank you. You know, we have to have fun up here, too. It's not all about seriousness. Um, so I just want to say a little bit about Justin and his family.
I've known Justin's mother, Candy, all my life. We were kids. We grew up in Beachmont together. A little bit about her son. her son Justin quit his job as a leg legislative aid at at the state
house to help his to help run his family's business Luigi's which we all know after his mother was diagnosed with leukemia his ambition was to go to law school but he went down to Luigi's and he made pe he helped a family business
and made pizzas with his father I believe Justin is the fourth person from ree and Winthrop as a survivor contestant. If he won, he said he would give the check to his mother so she wouldn't have to work again. Justin, you made the city of
Riviera and Winthra very proud. First by being the wonderful young man that you are to step up and help your family and to be a contestant on Survivor. I'm very honored to have the privilege of knowing you. Thank you.
All right. Well, uh, it's not every day you get to give a recognition to your former boss. So, that's not true. Yes. No, that's not true. So when I interned for Speaker Deleo, uh Justin was a legislative aid there and um aside from
being incredibly kind to me, was a real mentor to me and his character behind the walls of power, right? Uh I think is something that we saw displayed uh watching Survivor. Um and he he's continued to stay we've continued to stay in touch even if it's just a light
touch here and there. And of course, I ate way too much of his pizza, but uh but uh it it's such an honor to be here to um not only recognize Justin, but his mom, his dad, um and and the entire pop family uh who is filled with public
servants. Um not just who is a public servant himself, having worked in the state house, but uh his brother who's a police officer, a firefighter. Firefighter. Yes. Sorry. uh and and a real honored and thank you Councilwoman Sai Guina SA for allowing me to jump
onto this um to this uh recognition and congratulations again. You made us all really proud uh and you know as a friend of yours at least I'd like to thank a friend of yours and your former mentee. Um you know really incredibly proud for for for how you represented us out
there. But I appreciate All right. Thank you. Okay, Justin. Um, in recognition of his remarkable achievement to be chosen and compete as a contestant in the CBS original series Survivor Series 48. And
whereas he has given the opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to compete not only for himself but for his family, especially his mother. And whereas he exemplified the very best of what it means to be communitydriven and
heartled, special recognition is hereby accorded to Justin Popey. This certificate of commendation is presented by the city council of the city of Rivier, Massachusetts on behalf of its citizens this 12th day of May in the year of our Lord 20125 and of the independence of the
United States of America the 248th. You're going to say a few words unfortunately and then I want you to talk. Yeah, you got to talk. Um, thank you all for coming tonight. Um, I know there's a lot of important things on the agenda tonight, but just to be included in this conversation is
just lovely. Um, I just want to thank uh my mom, um, my dad who's here, uh, several friends and family. My aunt Cindy is here too, who's the best photographer. I'm sorry, Al. She's She's a great photographer, too. And then, um, the person who actually helped prepare me for the show, Maria Botar, who was a
lifelong RE resident. Um, and a community advocate herself. So, it means a lot that that you are here. I had a team of very strong women prepare me for this show, and I would not have done nearly as well if uh if that weren't the case. Um but just thank
you to uh Mayor Keefe, um to the council president Sylvester, um Vice President McKenna, the entirety of the city council, um the clerk's office, clerk Melnik. Um just one last thing, u thank you all for commending the community efforts. Uh I wore this shirt on the island. It came back in one piece,
believe it or not, which is amazing. Um but it was so popular online that we got people calling Luigi's messaging me online. They said, "Where can we buy that shirt?" So, we wear these on Monday nights. Uh, we have a pizza special every Monday, 4 to 8, halfp price
pizzas. So, if you get out early in time, come join us for dinner, counselors. Um, but the money raised from the sales go to charity. There was just a recently a river family um that had a awful tragedy in BISE. Um the proceeds to these shirts
went to that family to cover any costs or help cover the cost for for those issues. Um and then my mother when she was and then when my mother was undergoing uh chemotherapy for leukemia at Mass General um caring for a cure at Mass General, the nurses fund, they did
remarkable work not only for her but for their whole unit and and these people are angels among us and I want to make sure that they are recognized and the money for these shirts going forward is going to go towards towards that. So people with leukemia, with cancer, they will be able to have the same
experience. So, um, if you want to, they're great shirts. I love them. If you want one, come, please come to Luigi's or they're on sale luig. And just know that you'll get a great shirt and it will go towards a great cause. So, thank you all again. I really appreciate it. Thank you. Thank
you. Calendar item number four, motion presented by councelor Gino Suam, that the city council award certificates of commendation to the women of the Jack Satter House who were featured in the viral calendar girls project. Council
Sua. Thank you, Mr. President. It is my great honor to stand before you today on behalf of the River City Council to recognize an extraordinary group of women, the senior residents of the Jack Satder House who have captured
the heart of our city and indeed the entire nation with their joy and creative spectacular senior's calendar girl project. Their vibrant energy, sense of humor, and bold spirit remind us all that it's never too late to
shine. Through their now viral calendar and their recent appearance on the Kelly Kelly Clarkson Show, they've brought pride to Rever and shown the world the incredible talent and community we have right here at home today.
Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and present each of you with an official commendation from the city council in recognition of your outstanding contribution. You have uplifted the spirit of the city and inspire people of all ages. Thank you
for representing REI with such grace, courage, and fun. Congratulations, ladies. You truly are stars. Okay. So, what I'm going to do is read the commendation just once and then I
will ask you to all come up here if you can. Unless you want me to come to you, I can do that as well. Um, we're going to go by month. The city of Riviera, Massachusetts certificate of commendation is in recognition of your outstanding
participation in the calendar girls project at the Jax House and in acknowledgement of your spirited involvement, artistic expression and bold presence by bringing joy and inspiration to our local community as well as capturing viral national
attention accumulating in welldeserved feature on the Kelly Clarkson show in New York City. We're improving that creativity and confidence no age. Special recognition is hereby accorded
to Donna Stall. January celebrates New Year's. This certificate of commendation is presented by the city council of the city of Rivia, Massachusetts on behalf of its citizen. The 12th day of May in the year of our Lord 2025 of the independence of the
United States. the 248. Congratulations, Don. Loretta Pakquette. February enjoys a game of bingo. She wants to win this. Do you want me to go there? That's what I said.
She wants to. Do you want me to come to them? Why don't we open up this and you can get them right here? Yep. Thank you. Okay. That's what uh Anony's doing. Anthony, all you got to do is
Right. Okay. Loretta Pquette. It doesn't slide. Surprise. Oh, there we go. Ciello, Miss June, Paula Weiner, Miner, Kathy Bennett, Janice Gilman,
Mary Koreah, Judy, Meanie, Judy, Judy Judy Yanosca, Lois Lavine, Leah Charmela. Thank you very much. Hi Julie. Thank you.
Bill Snider. It's okay. Shirley Sousy. And now you can put those down. And last but not least, the woman behind it all, we have Rabbi Neo Neo. representing Shirley. We got this
cat move down a little bit that way. You're perfectly representing Shirley. How about you want to get in there? Yeah. Good. Counselors, you want to stand behind them? We'll get everybody in.
Okay, are we going here? Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor, you want to come in? Okay. Like that? That's good. Hold on. All right, here we go. Like that. Once twice,
ma'am. Look over here. Thank you very much, Mr. President. One of our seniors would like to speak if that if that's okay with you. Okay. Well, we want to thank Oh, sorry.
Stand right here. Stand right here. That's right. Okay. From the stage. Over here is okay. Yeah. This is good. You sure? Yeah. Yeah. So, what can I say? You going to tell me if anything you want. Okay. Okay. Okay.
Okay. Well, first excuse me, on behalf of this house, we want to thank Angela so much for doing this for us. Means a lot to us. It was quite a
journey for all of us and um we all enjoyed it. We had a great time and the rabbi guided us the whole way. Um, I hate to do this, but since the other fellas had his little t-shirt, I'm going to show you our calendar. Okay.
Okay. So, I'll give you a quick look. All right. We do have some with us and they're for sale. What are you fundraising for, Rox? Excuse me. What are we fundraising for? Okay. Well, what we're fundraising for is for activities and trips and all kinds of goodies for
the residents at the SATA house. Okay. We plan a lot of uh outings, plays, uh in-house activities, concerts, uh discies, parties, uh and we need money to do all these things because we do not have a bus at our facility. And every
time we go out of town, I have to hire a bus. And the buses range anywhere from 1450 and up. Uh we're going to Newport, Rhode Island May 22nd and to see a play and a cabaret and lunchon and that bus is costing us
$18.50 and the association pays for that. We do not charge the residents at all for the bus trips. Um all our trips are at minimum prices so that a each and everyone can go and enjoy themselves. Uh because without a lot of these doings
that are going on in the building, a lot of people wouldn't be able to get out and see certain things. So uh we try our best. Uh I'm always looking for new places to go, new activities, and this money here uh is going towards our trips
and everything else. So, if anyone's interested, you can save shipping charges tonight. They're $15. Or or you can go online to sensational seniors. Spectacular seniors atgmail.com. Correct. Okay. And then you
have to pay U postage $150 I believe. Okay. Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure being here. Thank you. Thank you. calendar item number five, the short-term rental office will provide an update on short-term rentals throughout the city and to discuss the
effectiveness of the new software and recent changes to the ordinance. Okay, we're going to take five minutes. Madame Clerk, calendar item number five, the short-term rental office will provide an update on short-term rentals throughout the city and to discuss the
effectiveness of the new software and recent changes to the ordinance. Vin Vincent Argenzio from the short-term rental office at 249 Rear Broadway. Uh so in terms of the overall picture of short-term rentals in the city, there's
78 properties in total. Of that 78, there's 65 in a state of either being registered or compliant. So they're going through the re-registration process at the moment. And of those 65, there's currently 13 that are in a state of non-compliance or
unidentified, meaning that our software has identified that there is a short-term rental present within a certain area, but it may not actually be present within Revier. So, it actually may be in Chelsea, Winthrop, the surrounding city or town. Uh, usually that takes anywhere from a week or two
to confirm and identify. And once we do identify them, they either go on our mailing list uh to notify that they need to register with the city of Revier if it is a short-term rental operating within the city. Uh in terms of the new software, our original software that we
were using up to about 6 months ago uh would have cost the city $25,000 this upcoming year. Uh the price has been increasing exponentially. So we did change to a new software provider. That new software pro uh is
$9,950 now. So there is quite a bit of a cost savings and we do get the same service of identifying the properties, mailing properties, so reminders to register, reminders that they are in a non-compliant state or a cease and
desist if they continue to be in a state of non-compliance. Um, in terms of some of the changes to the ordinance that did happen last time that, uh, myself and the director of Nick Hatnazo were here, uh, we did ask for the fines to be
increased to 490 at a maximum, uh, the ability to post cease and desist at the property and then also having more stringent regulations for the registration process. So mainly focusing on confirming primary residents within
the city of Rivier. Uh so we have implemented those ordinance changes. We have issued fines. Uh up to this point it's about 30,000 in fines in total. We have posted cease and desist at properties when necessary if a property did continue to stay in a non-compliant
state for a period of time. That's not the first thing that we do go to, but we have used it. And we also have made more stringent regula uh regulations to registering uh which has brought the number of short-term rentals down in the
city. Not many uh when we first started this program in 2021, there were about,00 uh short-term rentals within the city. We're now down to 78. So once we did implement uh those more stringent regulations for the registration, we've probably lost, I believe, eight up up to
this point. So not many but it did take the number down on a few more of them. Uh so at the moment uh we are re-registering a lot of properties. Um and that process has been going well with the new software and I do believe at some point in the near future the CFO
of Mr. Visque will be presenting as part of a package a community impact fee that the city can adopt as well that the state allows for short-term rentals which is 3%. Uh, so I I believe that will be coming up in the near future as well from Mr. Visque.
Thank you, Vin. Um, councilors, Council Garino Sua. Thank you, Mr. President. Vinnie, thank you, Vincent. Thank you for everything you've done because I I'm constantly bothering you with the short-term rental questions and I I appreciate the help with enforcement as
well. Um, I have two questions. Will there still be mandatory inspections for from both short-term rental office and the fire prevention office? And if so, how often? So that is yearly. So every time
the property needs to go through the registration process to renew their permit. So we would be doing a re-registration of that uh a reinspection of that property. Uh mainly in that is for safety. So, make sure that the smoke detectors work, uh, that
there's hot water and that there's no other safety issues, that you know, means of egress aren't blocked, things of that nature. So, yearly. And my other question is, is there an occupancy limit? It is two persons per bedroom.
Thank you, councelor. Councelor Cabliano. Thank you, Mr. President. Vinn, thank you for being here tonight. Um, I want to thank you for the job you do in in your department because the calls I've gotten relating to short-term rentals and issues with parties and I think one time we had a complete film
crew outside filming in in the middle of the street. Uh, but so thank you for cracking down on that and keeping our neighborhoods quiet. Um, I just had a question in regards to the revenue. What kind of revenue are we seeing from our short short-term rentals? I know we've lost eight so far, but if you could just
elaborate. So we part of the ordinance change is we did go up to $300 for the registration fee which compared to other cities and towns that did seem what was comparable. So not the cheapest not the most expensive. Revier is a fast growing
city. So that $300 for registration every year basically equates to the average of a night in in the city of Ravier. Uh so that does turn out to we we do have 60 there. So roughly
18,000 in in registration fees which does co cover the cost of uh the software that we use. And then this is a new feature that we do have with this software is that we can estimate uh the tax that is brought in from short-term
rentals that's collected by the state. Uh it it is a new feature, so we haven't been able to compare to the estimate to the actuals yet, but it does appear as though on the conservative side, the city does collect around 100,000 in in
tax revenue from short-term rentals. Thank you very much. Thank you, councelor. Councelor McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. I have a few questions. First of all, um is it still owner occupied? Yes. And part of the new registration
requirements does make that more stringent for proving primary residence and that it is owner occupied. Now, um being um the one of the directors of of of this, do you ever identify rooming houses?
Yes, we have on occasion and I believe that one of them that we did identify was on Bellingham Avenue in the sense that the rooming house so that the property was renting bedrooms. Okay. Uh and the bathrooms, kitchens were considered shared spaces. Uh short-term
rental websites like Airbnb do allow that. The city ordinance does not. So we so we have identified three at this point three rooming houses throughout the city of River under the definition of that they are renting out bedrooms and then
sharing common spaces. So what do you do with this this information? Uh so there it's a finding mechanism. So the maximum's 490 a day. At at one point with one of those properties, we did reach the maximum of 490 a day because
the property owner does not live in the city and was in a non-compliant state for a considerable period of time and that did shut the operation down. Okay. So, does when you um identify these rooming houses, do you uh it it takes 30
days to get in there. You have to um you know um inform them that you're coming in. They can change everything. Is that what you have to do for the process of of these rooming houses? Yes. And and no, the benefit to having
this type of monitoring software is that it's advertised online. So, the proof is right there. It's not an alleged rooming house. So you are able to see online that a property owner is advertising a bedroom for rent in a two family house
and that the kitchen the bathroom would be shared spaces. So we do have proof from provided by the owner in that scenario. So, it yes, it could take 30 days to physically get into the property, but to start enforcement
action of posting a cease and desist and issuing a fine for not complying with the short-term rental ordinance, that's immediate. So, um I would um suggest that um a communication with the rea police uh go into effect, you know, from
maybe the chief on down to you. Um because uh my what I'm hearing from the police are they're very uh skeptical and afraid to go into rooming houses. Um there's one on Green Street or Pratt
Street. I don't know if you I you know have identified it, but I think there's more rooming houses in the city that you're not aware of. And I think just for the safety of the police because that's what they're saying when they get calls. They're afraid to go in these
houses because they, you know, uh there's multiple rooms and they don't know who's going to come out. So, um I would suggest that uh going forward that maybe you could have some sort of communication with the re police that um
and find out if you know if there's more rooming houses than you have identified, if that's possible. So, that is an interesting point. So, in terms of the rooming houses that I identify through the short-term rental office, that's because they're
advertising the rooms for rent of 30 days or less, making it a short-term rental. That's how I'm able to uh take enforcement action because it's considered a short-term rental and then the rental of a bedroom. So, that isn't allowed under my ordinance. In terms of
uh rooming houses throughout the city, if they're not being offered for rent for less than 30 days, I can't take specific enforcement action. I can uh refer it over to inspectional services. But in terms of having communication
with the police department, we have had communication on several instances for parties and things of that nature. But in terms of sharing data on alleged rooming houses, potential rooming houses, I would be more than happy to share any information that I may have
with the police and I'll follow up on that and vice versa, too. So, I hope they can give you that information, too. Thank you. Yeah, definitely. Thank you. Thank you, counselor. Any other counselors?
Great job, Vin. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Um before we go on to um chapter 402, I'd just like to share um the city of River lost two lifelong residents over
the past week. Um Rosemary Rogerio was a longtime employee of the city, lifelong city. She worifong city resident. She worked in the veterans department and the city's clerk's office under um John Henry and Ashley Melnik. Also, um
Theodora Teddy Mantia is our friends and family owner, a lifelong resident, also did many years in the water department for the veterans uh senior workoff and was a a longtime staple in the Ward 3 um polls as a pole volunteer. Um the city
lost two amazing women over the past week. And if you could all just join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. Thank you very much. If you are a Reier resident and want to speak under chapter 402, um please come before here. You have two
minutes to speak on any motion. Please give your name, your address, and the motion number you'd like to speak on. And you have two minutes. Riviera residence, please. Mr. President, may counselor. Uh, just a quick question. We, uh, have a motion on today. Uh, and
this would normally be the time that they would come up and speak, but because I asked them to appear in the motion, we have the River Teachers Association here. Would they speak during public comment or can they speak when we call the motion since they're part of the motion? Just kidding.
Thank you very much. Good evening ma'am. Thank you Mary Gondalfo 619 Washington every villa. So, um, one thing I wanted to mention is about the,
um, term limits. I was wondering if there's a way that we can vote separately on different term limits. In other words, we could vote on the mayor's term limit separate from city
councilor's wanting city council's term limit because the way it's written now, you're voting if you want term limits on each committee or you know and you may not want a long-term limit on the city
council, but you may want a shorter term limit for the mayor. So, I'm just saying if that can be changed because people have different um ideas on different on council, you know, the council helps
us as opposed to the mayor's office. So, that's my what I was wondering about that. Actually have a brand new sidewalk that's all cracked and I'm not getting any help with it. Any help with it. Brand new. You paid for it. I paid for it. We all paid for my sidewalk. It's
all cracking and I can't get help at all from the city or the mayor's office. Nothing. Okay. A very weak response back. And we paid a lot of money for the sidewalk. We paid a construction company that's known to do
this work. It's very, very disheartening for me and my husband who is a longtime veteran. He's a Vietnam veteran. And this is breaking his heart. It's very frustrating, let me tell you. So, that's one thing. And the other
thing that I do want to ask the vote um the benefits for the HYM tax break. I'm really not a fan of the HYM tax
break. Um because I understand, you know, we need money for the school. I do understand that. And it's just that, you know, everybody who has a
family are um themselves, seniors, retirees, everyone's having a hard time right now. We're all cutting back. We're not buying filet minan and going out to eat three times a week. So maybe HYM needs to cut back their budget, you
know, not ask us for so much. Really, it's a lot. And I think it's coming out of our pockets and I can't even get a sidewalk refix that was supposed to be 100% beautiful. Really? So, um, I'm not
really for this HYM giveaway. I feel like it is a giveaway. I'm sorry. and those things that they're saying they have additional community benefits concerts and um you know whatever I know the labor for the Suffach Downs I do agree with the labor
for the construction people okay but I don't go to concerts and I know a lot of people that don't I think they can do a little better on that part also for benefits to us um and the um yeah I was wondering if um
councelor McKenna If you could add Squire Road and Route One North and South to your motion for cleaning up the highway. It's a mess. Junk uh garbage everywhere. I feel like cleaning it myself. My husband sweeps the sidewalk three times a week. By the way, you'll
ask anybody who walks by, they always say, "Thank you so much. You're the only people who clean up. What do we get for it?" Nothing. Um and and just um I do agree with the reducing the cost for the high school as much as we possibly can.
I'm not saying make it weak. Um but we might not have all the bells and whistles because trust me, you guys have a second job. A lot of us don't. We can't do it. I take care of three family members who are elderly. I
don't have time for myself, never mind get a second job. So think about all that please. I appreciate it because you guys are the ones who help us. Thank you ma'am. Thank you. Name, address, and motion number please. Anthony Cutler 111 Breeders Lane. Motion
23. Um I understand that this motion is about uh securing a certain threshold of funding so that uh people in the school system uh teachers maintain jobs and students maintain education. And um I was just wondering um if we could um potentially make recommendations in
terms of uh budget allocation um you know in terms of um this the type of education students are receiving. I was just wondering if um we could emphasize vocational studies um just to allow kids to explore more options. The median age
for many of these trade jobs um is has been increasing for quite some time. Students are are not encouraged to uh partake in that type of work. So hope um that's something that the budget could um go towards potentially uh some some of it at least. Um I think that'd be a great idea for the students to uh
maximize their potential. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Cullen. Counselors, good afternoon. Uh my name is Martin Martin Sanchez and I'm here just to support the HYM suffix down project. I live in 103 War Street in the
city of Rivera for almost 15 years and I believe this project is going to create job opportunity for the families of the community which is in this administration is going down every day every day and every day. So that project
it will be great for this city and uh hopefully that you guys can understand that from the workingclass people. Thank you. Thank you sir. Name, address, and motion. Good evening. Stephen Damiano Jr. 172 Prospect Dav.
I'm here tonight to speak on behalf of U 25-148. Uh I'm in support of this motion because even though we're facing a tight budget with the schools and education, the ones on the front lines, the teachers, they deserve job security.
They're the ones out there every single day doing the job every single day. and they deserve to know that they're gonna have a job when they wake up tomorrow. Thank you. Hi, good evening council. Uh my name is Jane Chapen and I'm the co-president of the river teachers association and
tonight I'm here to I'm joined by educators in Ravier and we're here to talk on um motion 23 and uh so um we're here tonight because we are deeply concerned about budget cuts. We're deeply concerned about the behind-the-scenes emails and the
rubbings about um budget cuts for the next school year which have left many of us with more questions than answers. We're demanding transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to decisions that affect the working conditions of our educators and the learning conditions of our
students. The RTA is clear. Any decisions that are made about our jobs need to be made with rever teachers in the room. Educators must be part of this process. We must be part of the discussion. We need to be at the table and our voices need to be heard. Thank you.
Thank you. Good afternoon. Um, I'm Robert Wentworth. I live at 37 Street in River and um, I'm here in support of the HYM SuffK Downs project for the jobs that it'll bring to River. Thank you.
Thank you. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen from the council. My name is Marcel G. Lima. Um, I live in 38 Cambridge Street, graduated High 2008. um also serve in the military uh marine
and I'm here for the hymn in the suffuk town. I agreed with the we should like have more more jobs favoring us and you guys can do that for us. Okay, appreciate it. Thank you and thanks for your service. How you doing? My name is Jorge Opera
196 Mont Rier. Um, I fully support the uh HYM. Uh, it's going to benefit me and my family. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Uh, my name is Claudia Durango and 234 Lincoln Street and I'm
here for support uh suffer town and I like to work in my city. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, Madam Clerk. Unfinished business. Calendar
item number six, communication from the chief of planning and community development relative to a tax increment exemption agreement between the city of River and HYM Invest Investment Group LLC. Good evening, councilors. Good evening,
Tom. Uh Tom Skowski, 281 Broadway, joined here by Mayor Keefe, um to discuss the tax increment exemption agreement for between the city and HYM. Um I submitted a memo as well as a final and a redline version of the Thai
agreement to the council admittedly right before the council meeting. Apologies for my procrastination. And I hope you won't vote me off the island tonight, but I did my best waiting until the ink was dry on, you know, negotiations that we've really underwent since our last meeting um on April 28th
until hours before today um to make sure that we had an agreement in front of you that we felt like was in the best interests of the city, the best interests of the workers that just spoke tonight as well as HYM and our shared
goal of helping to build Portico. Um, so just to outline a few key elements of the agreement, um, the red line changes um, are pretty significant appearing, but in terms of the the actual terms of that 15-year TIA agreement, it's
unchanged. A lot of the, um, the verbiage that was was adjusted was really just legal um, maneuvering between various councils and HYM and our review from HLC. But it's still a 15-year agreement at 50%. It still
maintains a sunset clause by which if sub if construction does not commence by November of this year, the agreement will expire. The only real significant change was the abatement term where abatements could not be sought changed from 10 years to 15 years. Um so the
Thai agreement is relatively unchanged. I think what we have a lot more information to share with you and what was included in the memo that I um presented to you this evening was the the broader terms of a development agreement that we'll be signing handinhand with this tax increment
exemption agreement that the mayor will be signing I should say. Um so just to outline a few of the key details um we now have a $5.2 million um set of payments that will be coming back to the city. That's 1.2 2 million more than
what was originally discussed in April. So, appreciate the council's advocacy and working on behalf of the city and and our residents to make sure we're getting the maximum benefit for the city. Um it includes a $100,000 um signing bonus, for lack of a better
term, that will be provided to the city at commencement of construction or at um November 30th, 2025, whichever happens first. Um, and then another key change that was made here, and this was in response to your comments at the last
meeting about, well, great if we have shovels in the ground, but we actually need to get this project completed. Um, so we look to actually tie the last two years of the term to substantial completion of the project. So essentially if this project portico does
not uh get completed by November of 2028, years 14 and 15 of this agreement would would essentially go away. Um so those would be a pretty significant benefit that would be lost um to HYM if they don't move quick enough as as we'd
all like them to move. Um we are securing a similar commitment on the hotel which is another critical piece of the puzzle for this development. Um the tickets as discussed before um there'll be 20 per concert with the exception of Teddy Swims which there'll be 10 tickets. I don't know who that is but
that I guess means they're really popular. And so not only is it the first concert but it's the most popular and and I believe it's already sold out. So we'll have all those tickets distributed to the public health department um which can then utilize the proceeds to support
the public health uh emergency relief fund. there will be um a 10% commitment for work working hours um to go towards Revier workers on this project which actually is a significant difference from the original agreement which looked
at a 10% commitment for Rivere and Boston residents. So it's actually a sizable goal uh increase that we're working towards to ensure that all the folks that spoke tonight and many more like them will be working on this project. Um, then there also is a 1.5%
net proceeds clause that if this project is sold within the first 10 years of this agreement, 1.5% of the net proceeds will be given back to the city. Um, and then a few items related to reasonable efforts on on projects that we have began collaboration on. So, the first is
the idea of a commercial food incubator at Suffach Towns. As some of you might know, we received a $2 million earmark uh a few years back to pursue a a shared commercial kitchen incubator. We're currently looking at that in the basement of the McKinley, but through this discussion, we opened up the idea
of citing that at Suffach Downs. There's some important details to sort through. So, we can't make a firm commitment today, but what this would allow us to do is actually free up the basement of the McKinley school rehabilitation project for other uses like offices for our parking
department, offices uh for other departments in the city um that in which they're needed. But also, I think this could be a significant economic development driver at Suffach Downs that we're really excited about and HYM's really excited about. So, we're committed to working on that. As well as um and this is an area where I'm not
going to speak too technical, but um in pursuance of the city's consent decree, there is an opportunity to pursue a a shared um solution for regional pumping station that would benefit both the cities of Ravier and Boston, but also
HYM. And we'll be working handinhand with HYM to pursue that solution if it's viable. um which could help us accelerate our consent decree timeline. Um and then you know at the end of the day this is a significant uh agreement
and we all appreciate that but I think it's one that makes necessary concessions to get this project up and running but also gives us some really important front-loaded benefits to the city of Rivier um and ultimately gets shovels in the ground so we get folks working so we get tax revenue uh $18
million over the course of this 15-year agreement. So, it's a significant deal. We feel great about it. Um, I know we've got folks from HYM uh that are happy to take any questions if you have them, as are we. Mayor, do you have any other comments, Dan? Um, no. I just wanted to say thank you, Tom. Tom spent a lot of
time over the la since the last council meeting uh with our consultants and uh HYM's consultants working out the the the letter of this deal. U obviously through your advocacy we were able to go back to the uh partnership at HYM and um
bolster the uh financial incentives and the uh labor agreement that we wanted to make sure that we uh put more union bodies from reair on the project and uh we'll monitor and manage that as we did in the past but with even more strength this time. So the crux of the deal um
are very much as we said improved from 4 million to uh approximately 5.2 2 million uh with a couple other ancillary um incentives as well. And I'm not expecting the, you know, the body to follow themselves for uh concert tickets. But again, those are some ancillary items that we will uh you
know, put into the public health department. They will auction off as they have if they have in the past. Uh you know, the estimated value could be in the tune of and this is every year. So in the tune of you know between 25 $50,000 a year that will help that emergency relief fund that you know quite frankly one two um emergencies
it's it runs dry. Um so I know that and I'll just remind everyone this is not something that we planned on 5 years ago. This isn't something we planned on even two years ago. But the if if anyone uh isn't paying attention the state of the economy has very much been a very sluggish stall since late 2023. Um and
it hasn't gotten a lot better. We are looking to bolster that. We we have an obligation to everyone in the city to uh get the cranes back up and and get things moving. Uh and I'll just say that this isn't just a re issue. This is the the entire this is the entire country, but certainly the northeast has has seen
this this sluggish trend. Uh there are cities and towns that are unwilling to make these types of agreements and they're facing serious consequences. The city of Rivier has been uh certainly more forward thinking over the last number of years to put ourselves in a better position, but it's still not easy as as mentioned some of the rising costs
and inflation and and of course uh with some of the lack of growth uh in the region. But um again, I think that we're ahead of the curve and uh this is going to continue to make us competitive for this one parcel. And I say one parcel because it's one high-rise construction building that will be the domino to
catalyst uh to the remainder of the project which of course will be a large uh program over the next 15 to 20 years. And I hope to have your support this evening. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Councilors, Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President.
Um I've been sitting with this from with the city and with um HYM since 2017. We've gone through um probably a hundred meetings. Um I know that
um during this time it's bad for every construction developer because nothing's being not even a shovel is going into the ground. I remember sitting with Tom at meetings saying that this was would be built by 2025.
you know, we can't foresee the future and this is the future right now. So, any help I believe that the city can do and the council can do, I think, uh, would be beneficial because we do want to get boots on the ground. We do want
to get shovels in the ground and we want to build this. This is very important for Ree. So, I you have my support tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Council Council Kagglando. Thank you, Mr. President.
Uh, I'm in full support of this. I do have one question. Um, section 5A number four, lapse of construction start. It says sponsor has not commenced construction on the project by November 30th. Could you just again, we we kind
of alluded to this last meeting. Does this mean we're going to put a shovel on the ground or do they really have to start building this thing? So, could we just get a little bit more elaboration on that? So the the goal there would be the pulling of building permit. I think that would be the definition. We're we're
working out in that separate agreement what that shared definition is. I think our way to help assure this will happen is both this coupled with the the other clause which which effectively if if they don't
get started they're going to miss that November 28 timeline. If they miss that timeline, they're talking about significant revenue loss with years 14 and 15. So, you know, we're I think having a good faith agreement as to what constitute substantial or what constitutes commencing of construction,
but then that's our more effective clawback mechanism, if you will, later on to make sure that they hold true to that. Thank you. And voting this in tonight ensures that this building goes up and it's only for one building and it's going to ensure that this is going to be union built, correct?
That's correct. Thank you very much. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Goaya. Thank you, Mr. President. I feel it's important to give HYM a tax break on this next phase um of the building project because they're using 100% union
labor. That commitment matters. It means living wages, worker protections, and reinvestment into our local workforce. By supporting HYM with this tax incentive, we're not just
encouraging economic development, we are reinforcing our city's values, fair labor, quality construction, and long-term community benefits, such as helping the working families. So, I am in favor of this. Thank you.
Thank you, councelor. Council hero. Thank you, Mr. President. Through you to the mayor. Um, you know, rather disappointed by the timeline on how this played out. You know, we received these physical copies
for this agreement uh less than an hour ago. the council meeting had already started and the digital copy and I'm the only one who actually comes up here with a laptop but the digital copy for my colleagues by the way I got sent uh before just before the meeting started
so um I'm very disappointed in that uh and I am I am heartened by the fact that the admin the administration the mayor and the developer have uh come back to the
table, renegotiated some terms. Uh, and just because this was such at such an untimely manner. Uh, I'm going to go for the I I'm going to have I have a lot of questions. Um, and so we'll have to do a
kind of a little thing here. So, first on your cover letter, uh, the very first point, the payment to the city of, uh, 5.25 $25 million to be paid before a series of project milestones or by 2035, whichever happens first. This is an
additional 1.1 million that was proposed. Um, in your contract here, where do you make that amendment? And then if you can point me to your tracked changes document, which was emailed to us, where that amendment
was made. So the idea here is everything that's in that bulleted list will become effective in a separate agreement executed by the mayor. Um and reason being the tie is a very prescriptive process for this one development. This
is a more complicated legal mechanism that we're working with HYM to develop. So it's not in the Thai agreement. It's a commitment that you have from us, from HYM, that this agreement is not going to be executed by the mayor until we have
those same terms in front of us that we will be signing, but it's a separate agreement. So, I guess that prompts just another question. So, are we um are we giving you a blank check to finalize the agreement, which that is that what we
understand? Maybe not blank check, but there's a a structure here for the agreement, but there's no actual agreement. Am I understanding that incorrectly? So, counselor, uh the the tie, as mentioned from Tom's standpoint, the state um really doesn't regulate
what the separate terms are that we're negotiating. Uh they really just want the nuts and bolts of the agreement. uh and we are we are negotiating a side agreement that will be executed at the same time with our with our specific terms, hence the $5.2 million uh and the
other ancillary items. Uh but we very much will have it structured and uh have the city protected um where you know you're not giving us a blank check, but there is a little bit of a trust process here to know that you're giving me the agreement to sign given these broad
terms. Um, but not by by no means is it is it um you know I I have I have a I have an obligation to represent the city, represent you, but also my I'm my best interest is the cities um like you. What I will say is we were literally negotiating 5 minutes before the council
meeting up until 5 minutes before the council meeting to get to the fi uh finest points of the deal. Hence why you got it so late in the game. But this is as many of you have been probably talking to the group as well and other people other interested parties up until I would imagine this weekend or even
today. Uh we were we were just we just came to a finality about 5 minutes. Thank you Mr. Mayor. When did the negotiations start that it's Oh, they've been ongoing for well over a month. And when um when does HYM need to get this tie in order for them to receive
additional funding from the state? It's this month. So, it's it's already a week or so overdue. Um the the agreement the the TAI application the HD application needed to be submitted by the end of April. So, right now we're basically
working with HLC and who engaged who in the negotiations? Well, did we engage HYM or did they engage us for this HD? As soon as we had our HD district approved, we immediately engaged HYM in that discussion. Before
that, we wouldn't technically speaking be authorized to have this conversation. They came to the city to try to get the zoning. Is that right? That's correct. And what date was that? What date did they seek the the district in the first
place? Correct. This my memory doesn't serve me well here, but it was in winter at some point in time because now we're a day well maybe a week late on this agreement on for them to get their funding and uh you're asking us to vote
and is there a hard deadline for tomorrow? So, if the council votes on this tonight, the intent would be you're authorizing the mayor to sign this document in addition to yourselves, but the the agreement would not be fully
executed until the mayor signs it. He can sign it at his pleasure after this. It doesn't mean just because but to submit to the state, is there a hard deadline for tomorrow? There's not I mean, there's a hard deadline to submit by tomorrow. Yes, that that's how we've
communicated it with HLC. Okay. So now you're So Okay. So that just adds to the timeline problems. Okay. But notwithstanding, let's keep going here. Point two. So you you note $5.25 million in the first bullet point and then
$100,000 um to be distributed at commencement of construction by November 30th, 2025. So there's two things I have I want to address here. First, is this an additional $100,000 to the $5.25 million that's included in the 5.2. So,
this is not an additional payment of $100,000. This is just what's included in your first bullet point. Okay. Thank you. And then construction, commencement of construction. I really do, and thank you to my colleague, Councelor Kaggleandro. Um, I really do have uh
some questions that are cons uh we're talking building, pulling a building permit here, and we're talking about construction permits being pulled in November uh November 30th. So, two weeks before uh Christmas, three weeks before
Christmas, two weeks or three weeks before uh the winter solstice, which I don't know if folks know, the winter solstice actually tells us that it gets a lot colder and the construction is a lot harder to do. So, when are we actually
expecting them to build? Because building permits on November 30th means that they're building in March, maybe if we're lucky. Right. So the the commitment that we received from them was that we would have shovels in the
ground in July. I think what this allows for is a little bit of a buffer so this agreement doesn't sunset if shovels are in the ground August 15th. Yeah. But the buffer that you're asking us to approve
um Tom is is two months. Sorry, someone help me with the math here. 11 - 7 is four months. Actually 12 really because November 30th. So, so, so you're talking about 12 - 7. You're talking about five months after the quote commitment that's
not written in ink anywhere in any of the documentation that you just shared with us. Um, and then when the building permits are supposed to be pulled on November 30th, you're talking about possible construction. So let's see. December,
January, February, March at the at the soonest. You're talking about nine month leeway is what you're telling me. So it's not you have a verbal commitment with them. Great. But you actually don't have a written commitment with them and
for them for July. And we are talking about actual people. These folks that showed up to this meeting today working on a site potentially until March.
So So like you're telling them they're going to wait till March. Is that what I'm understanding? Potentially. You asking us that question? Yeah, I'm asking you a question. So the uh commitment is to pull the permits and uh before uh the end of the this fiscal
year June 30th uh and to start the building to actually start construction no later than November 30th. Of course that is as we all know the building uh season tends to wrap up shortly after that probably around December. Obviously, there's things that
can be done, but the the goal would be to get them activated as soon as possible, but giving them a little leeway if they decide to um again, if they have a certain period of time to complete this project, which as you know, high-rise construction seems like you know a little bit about construction
um is uh going to take a lot more than uh 16 or 18 months. So if they do not commence or finalize this building by that timeline of 28 then they will lose two large years of this deal. So the goal for them would be to start as soon as
possible risk losing two years of the deal. Tom just answered to my colleague uh councelor Kaggleandro that construction is actually pulling the permits not actual work. So this is where I'm asking for clarify Mr. President point of information. State
your point. Um, so I just just to clarify, um, construction is going up, but isn't there sewer pipes being laid down, water pipes being laid down, um, all this construction below the surface
before we get up to the top? Uh, isn't that going on now? Could you answer me that, please? So, I would I would defer to our our partners at HYM on the specifics of that question. I I'm not sure we would
qualify that as commencing construction under this measure. Um and and councelor, to answer your question about the answer I provided earlier about pulling building permits, we need to find an objective measure that classifies
when construction will commence. We could say a shovel in the ground, but then they could walk in and stick a shovel in the ground and call it a day. We could call it a certain number of working hours over a period of time, but you know, you could poke holes in that as well. I think ultimately this
is our best effort to apply an objective measure to what the start of construction means. And if you have other ideas, we're welcome to hear them. But I think this also is about a trust that we have built over a long-term relationship with HYM over the course of the project. and they have looked the
council in the eyes, looked us in the eyes and told us their aim is to start in July and we are acting in good faith in partnership with them and in doing so provided a bit of a buffer here. It is not I think anyone's intent as the mayor indicated to start construction in November because they will then not and
I'm just I'm asking these questions simply because I received this is still hot off the presses like my hands are burning with the heat of of this printer here. Okay. So, um, so but just for everyone that's listening out here,
there theoretically, best case scenario, we got their verbal agreement that they're going to be hammering down that site by July. But worst case scenario, we're looking at maybe 1, two, 3 weeks of construction and then they're coming back in March or maybe not building at
all and coming back in March. Is that correct? A worst case scenario is that nothing happens at all. No, that's the worst case scenario. That's not the question. The question is if we approve this, which you you and your administration have told us for three months that if we approve this, they
will construct. What I'm saying is when we approve this, worst case scenario is they start in March. Um, worst case scenario is they start in November for me. Okay. Well, that's not that's not how I read this, but they're pulling the
permits before before the uh June before on or before June 30th. Can we That's not how I read that, but Okay. Okay. So, um All right. Aside from that, I think that's all of my questions. Um Mr.
Mayor, and I and since I know that HYM is here, I'd actually like them to answer the same questions and want to make sure that they have the same answers. So, the first is uh this $5.25 million, Mr. Orion, uh this is the deal that
you've reached with the city, correct? Okay. And and for clarity, u this $100,000 million $100,000 that's in the mayor's office or the the city's office around additional payments is just a typo and it's already included in the
525. Is that right? I'm not sure it's a typo, but it it is a payment. Yeah, that's part of the 5.2, but it's not an additional payment as is stated here cuz it first says Yeah. Yeah. So, the additional Okay, just clarifying again and and look, I'm in favor of this. I'm
just asking all the questions because we got this 30 seconds ago. Uh, and then as it relates to construction, you they just told us that your aim is to start by July. Is that correct, Mr. O'Brien? Yeah, we want to start this project as soon as possible this summer if we can.
Um, so there's still a lot of work to do. Uh, we have a lot of people who are here depending on us and supporting us, but our intention is to begin it this summer. Okay. And you're understanding that construction kind of how Tom says is actually pulling the permits. If we pull the the building permit for this, it requires a $2 million fee to be paid
to the city. That's a big deal for us. If we're pulling the per permit, we're starting construction. Okay. But but that's your understanding that it's when you pull the permits that I agree that that what's needed is an objective measure. pulling the building permit is a complete commitment to the uh to the the project and that's what you kind of
negotiated with the mayor's office. Is that correct? It's the objective start. I mean, as the counselor pointed out, you know, there are times when I've sat on that side of this microphone when Sure. people have have promised to kind of do things and they put a shovel out there and they start to do things, but the permit is an objective measure and it's a $2 million item for us. So, it's
expensive item. Okay, I understand. Well, those are my qu my questions which are the same questions I asked the mayor. I appreciate you taking your time to come to us. Thank you, councelor. Council H. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I think you see a lot of Reier
residents here, a lot of union members. Um, I love the idea of the city's relief fund, which I um had a motion in when I first started trying to trying to boost up a little bit. Um and the public health department had their auction raised a lot of money but
as the mayor says that fund is depleted within two or three um travesty you know whether it's a fire or a flood that fund is depleted after a couple of uses so I look at things little small benefits um
you know we get the relief funds boosted up a bit we have a lot of rea workers here a lot of union workers Um, one question I did have is about the 10% commitment for REA workers. Um, I believe it was split between Boston and
REI before. I just want to make sure REA doesn't have to make that up anywhere else. Um, 10% commitment for Reier workers. It's just Rivier. It's not Reier and Boston. I think it was 10% shared between Reier and Boston. So, we're not going to have to give up anything elsewhere, right? To make that up.
That's correct. Thank you. I say councel council has thank you councel councel Kelly. Thank you Mr. President. Um so council harmo um actually spoke on a lot of the questions that I have. I do
also want to reiterate we just got this. It didn't give me a lot of time to go through this at all. Um, and this is something that I would have liked to have had more time to look at and ask questions and so I don't feel comfortable with that. With that being said, I am full in full support of union
work and I want to make sure that we're taking care of our EVR union members. Um, I'm in support of the project. I want to see it succeed. I want to put these guys to work. So my question is why the November 30th date? Why can't we give these guys a commitment that
shovels are going to get in the ground much sooner than that? Why can't we do it a June 15th or a June 30th or a July 15th date to ensure because I don't want them to be under the impression I don't want our union workers to be under the impression that we sign this tonight and
they're all going to be working in in in June or July because that may not be the case. If the per per if the if the requirement is that a permit needs to be pulled by November 30th, then I agree. We're not looking at any real work here
taking place until spring of 2026 hypothetically. And so I just don't want anyone to be misled. forgive me, but I feel as though I was misled with some facts and the progress of work at this uh project here a year or so ago when I
was asking questions and I really don't think I was given um forthright answers. So, I'm I'm a little skeptical. I think this contract should be doing more. It should be giving more of a guarantee uh for our union work and I would have liked to have had more time to go
through it. And I do have one another question. So, that's my first question. Why why why does it have to be November 30th? Why can't it be sooner? Um I don't like the um what who who the substantial completion something has something in
you know it says that what constitutes substantial completion and who's going to decide that for years 14 and 15 for that payment to go down to zero. So what what what percentage of that is going to be substantial? Is it 90% complete 80% complete? I don't see that defined anywhere. So I'll take the second
question first simplest. Um so substantial completion would be the re the receipt of a temporary occupancy permit for the site. So basically once folks are actually eligible to move into portico. And as to the first question, you know, I think
the economic uncertainty that we're sitting with today, the economic uncertainty we were sitting with months ago before the tariffs uh hit and then were taken away and then put back on again and all of the uncertainty that created this is a project, you know, has
high-rise construction. It has steel. Um it which, you know, is is a big cost item that there's a great deal of uncertainty behind it. the financial markets are somewhat in disarray. And so I think again this is understanding that we have a partnership with HYM, a
long-term partnership that we do have to maintain a level of trust and understanding with uh with our partners on this. We've received a commitment of prior to the end of the fiscal year pulling building permits and starting construction shortly thereafter. I
think, you know, we could pick apart the details as to the date of the start of construction, but I think what Mr. O'Brien mentioned is true. If you're pulling building permits for $2 million worth of work, and then you're not working for 6 months, that's not only bad for the city of River. That's not
right. I understand that, but that's not my question. In other words, that's $2 million that they're going to have to put out by November 30th and then start work in the spring. My question is, why can't that be sooner? Why can't that be in in June or July? Why does it have to be a a date out in November?
Thanks very much. If I could, I just want to correct a misimpression that was created earlier. Um the the the payment of a building permit fee would be a project level expense. So, uh the idea would be that the payment of the building payment fee comes out of uh the
lender and the equity and all the other folks. When we close on the project, we begin that day. In fact, we'll probably begin the project prior to the closing of it. It is not true. You're referring to public projects, you know, uh, water, sewer, those sorts of things. For our projects, we've begun plenty of projects
and worked through the winter. I I think if you ask the the folks who were in this room, there have been plenty of days in the winter when people have worked. The issue is doing site work, concrete pouring, things like that. Our intention is to begin this project this summer, but to the extent that it begins in the fall, we're still beginning that project right away that next day. That's
it is not true that we're going to close on the financing and sit around for three months or four months and just wait to start in the spring. That is not true. But but why a November date then if everything's going to start need until that period of time because we have to complete the documents with the lender. This this is an important vote for us to plug in for the financing to
make sure that we can close now with the lender, close with the equity providers. We have to complete the documents for that. There's a ton of work that needs to happen that will take all those months. It will take some weeks to get it done. Weeks, but we're talking nine months. We're trying to give ourselves room. The last thing we want to do is have this transaction blow up. And you
now you are going to be getting incentives from the state as well, correct? How much would that That's part of what we're we're struggling to try and make sure that we get and do you have a figure on that? Approximately $15 million was uh created in the housing. And so you've said on a number of occasions that you've already invested $600 million into this site, correct?
Yeah. Okay. So this is where I'm struggling with this. Number one, I don't think it's strong enough language in here to protect our union workers. I'd like to see the dates tightened up. I'd like to see definitions tightened up. I I it's just too too the language
is just too loose for me. Um and the other thing is that um right now I really have an obligation too to focus and protect taxpayers. Um we've got a lot going on in the city right now. We've got a lot going on with budget def. We're seeing school
departments. We just heard we're operating at a $7.3 million deficit. So it's difficult for me to look at this maybe 1011 million dollars that we're talking here $15 million from the state maybe we're talking a total of 20 to$26
million all told on a 600 on an investment a project that $600 million has already been invested into. To me that doesn't seem like a lot of money. It doesn't seem like it should be a makeorb breakak factor for this project. But that amount of money is a lot for us
considering that this we just heard the school department's operating a $7.3 million deficit. So it's a tough thing for me to grapple with. Um but I have an obligation to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers as well. So I don't know if I'm going to be able to support this
tonight. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Aenzio. Thank you, Mr. President. I think Mr. O'Brien answered my first question. Uh, I've seen a lot of projects over the last few years. I I haven't seen any construction stoppage during the winter.
There's large projects down the beach. I I I know years ago that used to be a thing you stopped in the winter, but from what I understand, and maybe the union uh members can clarify it. They seem like they do construction all the way through the winter. So, I I'm not
concerned that it's going to uh stop for 6 months. Maybe uh you can give us your when the Amaya was built uh what what happened. Was there a stoppage all winter or? No. No. I I mean I honestly I think the folks here in this room would say it's a point of pride to go to work every single day. And um you know we
built a ton of buildings. We built a uh an 800 foot tall tower in the midst of downtown Boston. It took us three years to build that. I have an amazing picture that I'll send to you of a member of local 7, the iron workers, at the top of that building on a day that was I forget what the actual temperature was, but believe me, it was way below freezing
and proudly laying the steel on that building. I I I'm in awe of the work that people do and they do not stop in the winter, period. Okay, thank you. Um, so I'm I'm in fully supportive of this. Uh, I know a lot of things were said over the last few years. Uh, but
basically for REIA, this project has to thrive. uh you know our financial future um depends on it. Uh I think HYM especially with their commu uh their commitment from day one for union labor. I think that's the it's the only project
in REA that has committed to union labor and I just like to see that it get started the project thrive. Um, I know things have been said over the last few years, but a lot a lot has happened in the economy and for this project to uh
continue on, I think is a testament to uh Mr. O'Brien and HYM and I'm in full support of it. Thank you, Councelor. Council Zambo. Uh, thank you, Mr. President.
Uh, I consider myself the fiscal conservative on this uh body. Now, that's, you know, maybe that's ego or whatever, but uh I've always uh found myself to be the protector of the
taxpayer, and I've found myself voting against some things that I felt were wrong for the taxpayer. Uh I've been involved in all any tiffs that were ever involved here in the city. We had the neco tiff. I fought for
the market basket tiff. That's probably goes down in history. One of the best tiffs ever given out anywhere, not just in the city of River. That turned a a hell hole into a beautiful active mall.
In fact, we wish we had more room so we could park more cars. But uh that that being said, being a fiscal conservative doesn't mean that I'm not uh that I'm cheap. I I I look at things uh and it
and I look at the needs and and and this project right now is is at a stage and it's not because of anything except where we are in the economy with the interest rates and you you just it's almost impossible to get funding
especially for a project like this. Uh, I've looked at the pros and cons of this and and this project needs to continue right now right away because if it doesn't, we're going to be deeper in in a in a
fiscal hole and and that's not what the taxpayers need. Now, I've had people say to me, you're going to give a tax break to Suffach Down. Are y'all crazy? You and I I have to look at everything. I have to look at what what happens if
this sits for another year and a half. What's the consequences of of that? And it's just it's not palatable and it's not good for the city and the taxpayer. Um it's a common sense approach at this
point to support this. Uh yeah, we we you know, we asked for some a little more give back and and I think that's good. Uh but the bottom line is this will jumpstart this project. That's what the city needs and so me as the fiscal
conservative is going to support this tiff agreement and uh that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you councelors. Any other counselors? Permission to speak from the chair. Thank you. Um so this has been a
a contentious debate now for for a month or so. And uh I first want to commend the mayor, Tom Tom O'Brien, and his team. They have sat with me several times over the past two weeks to to get this done. I've met with the carpenters.
I've met with the laborers. I've met with the mayor and all the unions are fully in support of this here. Um the the workers in the room. uh you know I understand that the the feet to the fire on working but when it starts it's 20
years of work no matter how we look at it and right now we're we're worried about the taxpayer and I can guarantee as council Zamutoo said if we do not jumpstart this project now we will be going to the taxpayer to help us we will
have to do that if we don't get our economy going our city has made tremendous strides over the past 8 10 years we have a brand new DPW. We're building a brand new high school. We have brand new fire stations. But all those come with cost. And the cost is to
work with a developer to make a a tall rise building structures go into the city of Riviera. First time ever, biggest project in mass history, I believe. And we have it coming to Rivier. So, if we have to give them a little bit of a break, I say we do it. And I'm fully in support of this
tonight. Thank you. Okay, Madame Clerk. Roll call the members, please. Shall the city council approve the tax increment exemption agreement between the city of River and SDR3 Owner LLC? Councelor Agenzio. Yes. Yes. Councelor
Kaggleandro. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor Jino, yes. Yes. Councelor Gino SA, yes. Yes. Councelor Hass, yes. Yes. Councelor Harmo, yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly, no. No. Councelor McKenna, yes. Yes. Council Noasellki,
yes. Yes. Councelor Zamudo, yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester, yes. Yes. The Thai agreement has been approved. Thank you. Thank you very much. Do we have a second vote on it? Back to the regular order.
Next up is the legislative affairs subcommittee report. Councelor Aenzio. Thank you, Mr. President. There were several uh motions before us tonight. The first one was an ordinance further amending the re revised ordinance relative to open
meeting rules. This pertains to the ways and means committee meeting the budget hearings. This these will be conducted during the day hours. We looked at this. We voted favorably on it and I asked for a roll call to look on this
favorably. Actually, councelor um before we move on to that um I actually I I missed uh spoke. We need to suspend the rules. Um can we get a roll call, Madam Clerk, under the suspension of rules in hopes that does not prevail? Mr.
President, did you want to inform the parties before they all leave? Uh no, just a roll call. This is a roll call to suspend rules. Councelor Aenzio. Yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes.
Councelor Gino SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass. Yes. Yes. Councelor Jammo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Council Novaski. Yes. Yes. Council Zamutoo is absent. And Council President
Sylvester. Yes. Yes. On a suspension of rules. All in favor? All opposed. Mr. President. Councelor. On the last item, reconsideration in hopes it does not prevail. Madame clerk, on immediate reconsideration.
On medium reconsideration. All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. Regular order business. Next up is the legislative affairs subcommittee report. Councelor Aenzio. Thank you, Mr. Mr. President, the first item before us was
a amending the rever revised ordinances relative open meetings. It pertains to the Ways and Means Committee budget hearings which will be conducted during the day. We uh voted favorably on that and I asked for a roll call to vote on this favorably.
Madame Cler. Yes. Yep. Uh ordered on a second reading. All in favor? All opposed? Ordered on a third and final reading. All in favor? All opposed?
Request for roll call for engross minute endoratement ordainment. Madam clerk, shall the city council approve an ordinance further amending open meeting rules? Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro, yes. Yes. Councelor Jino, yes. Yes.
Councelor Go SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass, no. No. Councelor Jerio, no. No. Councelor Kelly, no. No. Councelor McKenna, yes. Yes. Council Novaski, yes. Yes. Councelor Zamudo, yes. Yes. and Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes.
The ordinance is engrossed and ordained. The second item before us was an ordinance establishing rules and regulations for the veteran property tax workoff abatement program. We looked on this favorably and I'd like to call for a roll call uh to look on it favorably.
Mr. President, Councelor, Mr. President, uh thank you for the time. Um I did speak at the committee meeting and uh of course I don't have a problem with this. Um I was a little upset when the um policy writer mentioned that uh
reserve and national guard people are secondhand people and secondhand uh military people. the way she said DD214 people come first and then we'll think about doing the NGB22 form which
still shows that a veteran is a veteran is a veteran. A veteran's definition was established back with uh President Obama. Anybody with 20 years or more is considered a veteran.
The s commonwealth of Massachusetts just last year reaffirmed that and I don't know why we can't reaffirm it here by allowing someone to show their NGB 22 that they're a veteran other than their
DD214. So, I would like to make an amendment to this that the NGB 22 form be allowed as identification as a veteran and proof of being a veteran. I was very disturbed at
the way that was put forward to us and I didn't appreciate being put back on a secondhand position that we all wore the uniform. We all spent time doing our
duty protecting our country was very very upset the way she put that forward. So I would ask that a substitute motion be included that an NGB22 be included in that policy. Thank you. Point of
personal privilege, counselor, I I uh I agree with you. Anyone that dons the military uniform is is a true hero. where we have to disagree is um a National Guard member
who may not have earned the veteran status through um service, injury or deployment, would not qualify as a veteran in the state of Massachusetts. Now, you are correct. When Obama did
leave the office, he did change the law under any veteran that served in the National Guard with 20 years of service could use the title veteran that did not equate them to get the veterans benefits. They still don't qualify for
Vogue rehabilitation. They still don't qualify for a ton of VA benefits. And so I I although I honor and respect every National Guard member, I do understand where they're coming from. Now, as I stated last week, a National Guard member who has been severely disabled,
who presents a NGB22 showing he's been severely disabled because of his duty to the country and was a National Guard member, would absolutely be honored under this tax break. Mr. President Counselor, the way you put
it was if somebody had 20 years of service, they still should be entitled to veterans benefits. They get them now and I can't see why not why we can't give them here in the city of Riviera. Councelor, what what veterans benefits
do can you name me and I hate to do this publicly, but can you name me a veteran benefit that someone gets just because they're 20 years of service off? No, because it's the first time you're giving it to me. You're throwing it at me. Well, that's because it
doesn't exist, counselor. A veteran with 20 years of service can use the title veteran. They can use that title and we should respect them and we should honor them for their service. But I have to be honest, a veteran who did 20 years in the National Guard is not the same as a
guy who goes and does 13 months overseas. I'm sorry. I can't agree with you there. And that's why veterans benefits are for veterans benefits. And that's why someone with 22 years of service is a distinguished service member. They are honored. And that's why the president of the United States said
they could use the title veteran, but that does not qualify them while using that title for veterans benefits. I totally disagree with you, Mr. President. It's not our opinion, counselor. It's It's not our opinion, counselor. This is federal law. I let
you speak and I would hope that you let me finish. But you're using his opinion. You want your opinion to be mic on counselor. I let you speak and I would appreciate you allowing me to finish what I had to say. Okay. You said your
piece and I want to say mine. I think it's very disrespectful what was said. You know, it's still something we can still give to someone here in the city that wore the uniform for 20 years
or more whether we went overseas or not. And I think it's a small thing that we can give our veterans here in the city of Riviera by allowing them to get a small tax break. So I still put my motion in as a substitute motion that the
NGB22 form be included in this policy. Okay. Councelor. Madam, can you read the councelor's amendment to the motion, please? Councelor Novaski, just to qualify um just to clarify section 2.92.030
030 application process it is 2.920.030 section A section A for one two and three one or one and two I'm sorry just one just
number one thank you Mr. President point of inquiry. State your point. Councelor, thank you. Uh, this is out of my realm of expertise and I really don't know what you guys are talking about too much in regards to who's allowed and but you stated that this is federal law.
Yes. So, if if that's the case, how can we vote on this? Um, and it's not that I I don't I want to be respectful to both Council Sylvester and Council Novaski. just I don't want to make a mistake of voting on something we shouldn't be voting on. Uh if I don't know if this
needs a legal review or what, Mr. President, councelor threw you to through you to the counselor. Uh the word veteran is federal and it is state. It is our choice as a city if we
want to give a veteran with 20 years or more a tax break in a work in into the workoff program that you know is we're not I don't think I don't believe we're violating any law if we do it. It's just
something that we want to do internally that city review. Um, Mr. President, if I may, uh, have some leeway. So, you're you're you're sure that we're okay to do this and we can modify this at the city level
without essentially breaking the law because I I don't know that. That's that's my concern. And it's not that I I don't think people deserve or don't deserve this. I just want to be sure that none of us are getting jammed up. Mr. President, through you councelor.
Uh, this is a city ordinance that we're putting together. Ordinance is not statute though, counselor. No, I understand that. But it's it's a below it's a below statute and it's below federal. It's something that we could do locally. There's a lot of things we do locally
that I don't say counter or they don't overreact to the federal or state rules. And that's where I believe we are. Mr. President, councelor, can we table this? I think we should table it and get
an opinion to be honest before we vote on it, but I'm I'm not going to get into a back and forth. Motion to table. Madam clerk. Um motion to table. All in favor, all opposed.
So ordered. Mr. President, councelor, uh I was just hoping that we could suspend the rules to take uh uh item 15 out of order, which is relative to the CBA between the city and units A and B,
which I believe it's our DPW workers, uh and some of our clerical workers here at city hall. I think we have We didn't finish. We're just going to continue. Councelor, thank you. Uh, madame clerk, we got to finish
legislative affairs, I believe. Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. The third item, uh, before us was an ordinance further amending free cash distributions to the stabilization fund. Uh, Mr. Biske spoke before us when we voted in favor of this. And I'd like to call for a roll
call in favor. Roll call in favor. Thank you, councelor. Okay. Ordained on a second reading. Ordered on a second reading. Ordered on a third and final reading.
T. Roll call for engrossment and shall the city council approve an ordinance further amending free cash distributions to stabilization funds? Councelor Aenzio. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Councelor
Gino SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor H. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly, I mean, sorry, Councelor Jermo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Novasellski. Yes. Yes. Councelor Zambudo. Yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The
ordinance is engrossed and ordained. The fourth item before us was a motion by President Sylvester about term limits. uh he has chosen to withdraw that and we tabled it. So I'm excuse me placed on file. So I don't know if we need a roll
call for that or No. Placed on file. All in favor? All opposed? Great. Thank you. And the last item before us was a motion by councelor Kelly and coun and president Sylvestri to move term limits to a
nonbinding ballot question this November. Uh we had some discussion on this and we voted uh in favor of this. So I'd like to call for a u roll call to uh look at this favorably. Thank you.
Councelor on a second reading. Oh okay. So me motion. Yeah. Roll call the members. Madam clerk, shall the city council approve for placement on the November 25 municipal
election ballot a non-binding public advisory opinion question relative to term limits for elected officials? Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro, yes. Yes. Councelor Jino, no. No. Council Gino SA, no. No.
Councelor Hass, no. No. Councelor Hario, no. No. Councelor Kelly, yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna, yes. Yes. Council Noveski, no. No. Council Zamutoo, no.
No. And Council President Sylvester, yes. Yes. Motion fails. Next up is the appointment subcommittee report. Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. president. Um, so we had three appointments, two reappoints and one
appointment. And, uh, we only had one the, uh, appointment. Robert, um, Sulliv came up and spoke and he's, um, for, uh, constable. So, I want to take all three um, I want to vote in
favor of all three tonight because two of them are reappoints. Madam clerk, shall the city council confirm the appointments of Robert Sullivich as a constable, Brian Harkkins to the public art commission, and Dr. Drew Bunker to
the board of health. Shall the city council confirm those appointments? Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Jino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Gino SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass is absent. Councelor Hermo. Yes. Yes.
Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Nasellski. Yes. Yes. Councelor Zambudo. Yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The appointments have been confirmed. Next up is communications. Calendar item number 15. Communication from the CFO
relative to the unit A and Unit B memorandum of agreements covering the period of July 1st, 25 through June 30th, 28. Mr. Visque. Good evening and council. Richard Visqueke, city CFO 281 Broadway. Um, we
uh the city and uh representatives from uh unit A and unit B of local 22 have come to a memorandum of agreement for a three-year contract that would start July 1st, 2025 and extend three years. and um the terms of the MOAS are before
you and um I'm here to answer any questions on those um agreements and I urge you to vote in the favor. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Visque, Councelor Alenzi. Um Hario, thank you, Mr. President. I just like to first
thank the members of uh of our city, our workers of our city who have ratified this contract and um you know let them know that they have my support um and that I'm looking forward um to having
this contract uh approved by the council. Of course, the members of local 22 uh who live and work in our city uh do an incredible job and um and I I wish them well with this
new uh CBA and I think they're um here to speak. So, I don't really have any questions. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Aenzio. Uh thank you, Mr. President. I I fully support uh unit A and unit B. I just
have one question. I know uh a while ago you hired the former uh HR director to do a salary survey for the unit B members. How did that uh salary survey came out? What did that reflect in this
agreement? Yeah, through uh this we through the salary survey and um we also what we did throughout that process is rewrite all the job descriptions of the UNIP employees and um with that um again through negotiations we've uh adjusted
some of the classifications of jobs and otherwise but um yeah it was it was definitely a worthwhile event and u and helped us set the market for those particular positions. Okay, thank you very much. You're welcome. Council Club Meando. Thank you Mr. President. um fully supporting this tonight. I do have a couple of
questions. Um bear with me. So, uh so from what I'm seeing, there's a 20-year step built in to unit A, the unit A contract. Um section H of the appendix says that elected officials and folks in the legislative branch get ongoing raises based on whatever the unions
negotiate. Um since the city clerk is considered a department head within the legislative branch, uh she should be getting those same base salary in increases. Correct. Um that's been quite a question today. And um I think um what's unique about the two contracts that you'll vote
tonight is that um in at least since my uh tenure here in the city, unit A and unit B have been pretty uh consistently negotiated with the same codes and not many terms have changed. Uh this particular contract there are some um
variations between unit A and unit B which will certainly affect that language as well as the exempts. And um I think uh because that um new language was put in there and they referenced local 22, it didn't say unit A or unit B. So I think that might be something
that has to be vetted out through legislative affairs. But I I I tend to agree with the logic. I think there's um some clarification that's needed though before we execute anything like that. And that would include the 20-year step and I think it's the the onetime thousand bump and all that that Yeah.
Again, it's um you know, with with the legislative uh body, there's no steps for the mayor or council. It does indicate it for the um the clerk and and the assistant clerk and and some of that. And then, you know, there's the exempt employees, too, which if you look
at it, some would be considered, I'm sure, management, and some would be considered hourly. So, we got a little bit of homework to do once this is passed, but um I don't foresee a huge problem, but just want to kind of make it clear. We spent a lot of time last year revising that ordinance and I just want to make it crystal clear. So,
probably be some questions for the solicitor and such. All right. Uh, thank you. And how many employees or positions would be eligible this year for that 20-year step? Do you know off the top of your head? I think within um the first fiscal year, there's maybe one or two, but then there's a couple that may hit
that step in the years two and three of the contract, but there's not very many in unit A that would actually have that. There's actually probably more that within the exempt than the uh the legislative, but uh it was it wasn't a big uh wasn't a big hit. Most of the uh
department heads not new relatively, but not a lot of 20 plus years. There's at least one or two I can think of. All right. And when will the parody salary ordinance be submitted for consideration for for non-union employees and positions? Probably as soon as we figure out how to fix this language in the
ordinance. Thank you, Mr. Vis. You're welcome. Thank you, counselor. Any other councelor Jenzio? Just one follow-up question. The unit B uh employees weren't interested in a uh 20 year step or I mean they were interested in a lot of things council but we uh we
negotiated and they what they have is a a 1% raise on the last day of the contract which is unique to unit A and like I said there were some classifications that were moved around within that schedule. So, you know, they don't always have identical needs and uh through the negotiation process. Um,
again, there was one or two people that got a 20ear step in unit A, but there was probably a lot more and a lot more financial impact in unit B. So, some of that leads to where we end up when we ultimately agree to an MOA. Thank you very much. You're welcome.
Also, councelor, any other counselors? Councelor Zamudo. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, I know a lot of hard work goes into these negotiations and and everybody can't be pleased. Uh, but um, you know, I want to congratulate you for
getting this done. Uh, bottom line is that uh, we have some a little work to do to clean up some things that uh, didn't get in here and we can do that uh, in the near future. So, uh, again, congratulations to all the hard work that went into this. Thank you.
Thank you, councelor. Any other counselors? Madame clerk, for the first roll call, we have two. Shall the city council approve the appropriation necessary to fund the memorandum of agreement between the city of Reier Labor's Union Local 22, unit A,
covering the period of July 1 of 25 through June 30th of 28. Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro, yes. Yes. Councelor Janino, yes. Yes. Council go SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass is absent. Councelor Harammo. Yes.
Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Nobasellski. Yes. Yes. Councelor Zamudo. Yes. Yes. And council president Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The MOA for unit A is u the funding has been approved.
And shall the city council approve the appropriation necessary to fund the member? Excuse. I just like to say thank you to everybody for that. appreciate the council voting in favor of our contract. Thank you. Thank you. Shall the city council approve the appropriation necessary to fund the memorandum of agreement between the city
of Rivier Laborers Union Local 22 unit B covering the period of July 125 through June 30th of 2018. Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Kaggleandro, yes. Yes. Council Jino, yes. Yes. Councelor Gino SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor H is
absent. Councelor Harmo, yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly, yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna, yes. Yes. Councelor Novaski, yes. Yes. Councelor Zambudo, yes. Yes. And council president Sylvester, yes. Okay. Yes. The funding for the unit B
MOA has been approved. Calendar item number 16, communication from the CFO requesting an appropriation to fund the FY25 snow and ice deficit. Mr. Visque. Good evening, council. Richard Viske, 21
Broadway city CFO. Um, as we get closer to closing the uh fiscal year 2025, um, we have uh determined that all of our invoices for snow and ice removal for the winter of uh 25 have uh been submitted. all the overtime has been
paid and we are left with a deficit in the amount um just about what you're voting tonight and part of the balance in the budget for the 2026 is to uh make sure that we do not have to raise that deficit on the department of revenues tax rate recap which is a requirement
for any overspent snow and ice budget. So basically trying to uh clean that up before the fiscal year ends so that does not have to be contemplated as we adopt the 2026 budget and happy to answer any questions on that. Thank you Mr. Visqueke. Any counselors?
Madame clerk if we can roll call. Shall the city council approve an appropriation from free cash in the amount of $640,000 to fund the FY25 snow and ice deficit? Councelor Aenzio. Yes. Yes. Council Cogleandro. Yes. Yes.
Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Council Gino SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass is absent. Councelor Jammo. Is absent. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Council McKenna. Yes. Yes. Council Nobasellski. Yes. Yes. Council Zambudo. Yes. Yes. And council president
Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The appropriation has been approved. Calendar item number 17. Communication from the mayor relative to the appointment of Judith Goslin to the affordable housing trust fund board. Appointments. Appointments.
Calendar item number 18. Communication from the policy writer and analyst relative to amendments to an ordinance further amending chapter 8.05 of the REA revised ordinances regulation of vacant buildings. Order to a public hearing.
Calendar item number 19, communication from the policy writer and analyst in response to council order 25-131, submitting an ordinance to amend chapter 12.2 poles, wires, and cables of the river revised ordinances. Order to a public hearing.
Motions. Motions. Uh calendar item number 20, motion presented by councelor McKenna, that the mayor request mas dot to clean debris from all state highways in Reier, including but not limited to American Legion Highway, River Beach Parkway, Northshore Road, and Lee Burbank
Highway. Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. Um Madame Clerk, could we add um Squire Road North and South, please? Um, it just seems like Everett, Chelsea, Rever, it seems like the surrounding urban uh communities are filthy and uh
it just seems uh that we don't get the attention that the uh suburban areas are getting. So, I'm asking for the DOT to step it up. Thank you, Council. Council McKenna, can you add
the Linway as well? Sure, madame clerk. Thank you. Thank you. All in favor? All opposed? I. So ordered. Counter item number 21, motion presented by Council Novaski, that the mayor, with the assistance of our state delegation
and Governor Healey, request and direct the DCR to install pedestrian traffic control lights at the crosswalk located at 376 to 382 Ocean Avenue. in the interest of pedestrian safety. The same request was submitted in 2021 without a
response from DCR. Council Novasowski. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I'd like to add council chairlo to this and u this is a public safety issue and uh the folks down there crossing the street uh putting their lives on the
line having to depend on a a stansion saying yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. So, we're asking that ped buttons be installed with uh lights so people will have to stop when the uh button is pushed. Uh hopefully this uh
new commissioner will be able to listen to us. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Any other counselors? All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. And just noted for the record that councelor Zambuda was recused from the prior two motions um
25145 and 25146. Council item number 22, motion presented by councelor Kelly, that the mayor request Brian Don, left field project manager, to appear before the city council to discuss the elimination reconfiguration of building design features of the new high school to
reduce overall cost. Councelor, Mr. President, sorry about that. Um, I brought this motion because of everything going on in the economy right now and I think it's time to have a formal discussion about whether we can lower costs on the new high school in a smart way. There's a lot of uncertainty
in the construction world, prices for materials, talk of tariffs, um, and we've already seen this hitting close to home. Tonight, for example, earlier tonight, we discussed tax breaks for HYM at Suffach Downs, and now it's absolutely clear that work hasn't gone
as planned there over the past year or so. So, on top of that, we've got the school department announcing position cuts because they're running at a $7.3 million deficit. For me, these are all big red flags. So, I'm asking that the city council agree that we need to have this conversation, even though it may be
a tough one for us to have. We owe it to taxpayers to be fiscally responsible and act prudently with their money. I want to look at things like the number of sports fields, the kinds of materials we're using, and other design features to see if there's anything we can adjust to bring cost down without cutting
corners on what really matters. We need to provide our teachers with all of the resources they need so that they are able to give our children great educations and learning experience. So, I say let's bring in Paul Dacon from left field as soon as possible to help
us figure this out together. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh I've been asking for this for a whole uh year and a half now uh to downsize to bring a Cadillac down to a Camry. Um, it's
unfortunate that uh, Councelor Kelly beat me to it, but um, I just want to say it's not what's in the inside, the outside of a school, it's what's in the inside. It's the teachers that teach the kids. It doesn't matter what a school
looks like. if it has wavy corridors or a zen garden or it looks like a campus. Uh so Saras has a box uh brand new school a box that probably cost
um 10 times uh less than uh we we paid we are going to pay and uh it's what's inside. It's the teachers. And I know that for a fact because I was a teacher for 33 years and I saw what what happened inside the school, not what's
outside, inside. So it doesn't matter how beautiful the school looks. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Council Kleandro. Thank you, Mr. President. I agree with this 100% this motion. Great motion. Uh I do feel that we need to add
more people to the list. Uh Brian Dacon is not the sole decision maker for cost. I really believe that the superintendent of schools needs to come here as well to discuss this in the whole administration because they're the ones that are are
really leading this and and being on the the school building committee there's a lot of people on there that make decisions and you know as I said I support this 100% but would you be agreeable to amend it to put the superintendent? Absolutely. and maybe anybody else that would be a decision
maker or Absolutely. I'll leave it up to you, counselor, to decide on that with your motion. I I I agree with what you just said that we Yeah. Diane Kelly, the superintendent, anybody else who's in this decision-making process. So, I think we need to have a a a formal
discussion. Thank you. Thank you, counselor. Point of personal privilege. Um, so I I spoke with the mayor uh this afternoon right before the meeting and he's let me know, I'm sure you do know this, that the numbers have come back um on the first round and so far it is
under budget. So we can cut some more but just that's some good news at least that we're getting it's they came back under budget. So um all in favor all opposed. So ordered as amended. Great.
Calendar item number 23. Motion presented by councelor Cogleandro that the mayor, CFO, superintendent of Riviera public schools and any members of the Riviera Teachers Association appear before the city council to discuss the incoming budget cuts, their impacts on students and teachers, and
ways we can maneuver funding to ensure no one loses their jobs and children still have access to any and all educational needs. Council. Thank you, Mr. President. The motion kind of speaks for itself, but before I begin, I just would like to make an amendment instead of I don't
want it to be the CFO. I would like it to say the River Public Schools CFO, not not Rich Visque. I don't believe Rich tells them what to do with their funding. I think he says this is what you have and this is what you can, you know, how much you have to to use.
Um there's been a lot of confusion since that the the last ways and means school committee meeting and it was brought to my attention that there have been meetings at least in one school that I've heard of that they were told that
the deficit was $14 million and that there were going to be teachers losing their jobs and we'll let you know. This was an administrator, a school administrator telling teachers that they're going to lose their jobs. It is completely unacceptable to be followed up by an email that says, "Oh, that's
wrong." You know, don't worry about it. Oh, you some people are still going to lose their jobs, but we'll like it's it's just getting ridiculous. And it was stated earlier by the co-president of the RTA. They deserve to know what's going on. And and we need to have more public conversations about this. And as
a council, we control the budget. And if there's something we can do to to guide or to to help with this process and help maneuver funding or cut from somewhere to give to somewhere else, let's do it. Uh because we need to, you know, it the
the teachers and students are who we care about most. We the teachers educate our children and obviously the children are more important than anything, but we we owe it to have a conversation about this. there's a lot of lot of uh uh a lot of issues coming financially and you
know in the whole country. So I want to do my part to make sure that we keep everybody safe and we keep jobs to teachers in this city. Um that's pretty much it. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you councelor. All in favor? All opposed? So
ordered. Um point of personal privilege. So, um, councelor H had to leave, but, um, it's his daughter Annie's birthday today. So, happy birthday, Annie H. Lenny. Lenny,
I changed her name, but happy birthday, Lenny. Um, so have a great night this end this business for today and go Celtics.