--------- Good evening and welcome to the July 28th meeting of uh the zoning subcommittee of the River City Council. All rise and salute the flag, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Madame clerk, >> roll call of the members. Councelor Arenzio >> here. >> Here. Councelor Gino SA >> here.
>> Here. Councelor Hermo >> here. >> Here. Councelor Novaski >> here. >> Here. And chairman Zambudo >> here. >> Here. Quorum is present. We have one special permit on tonight's agenda and that's for 114 Shirley A requesting a special permit to raise the existing
non-conforming structures and construct a five-story mixeduse development consisting of 78 residential units and two commercial units at 114 Charlie Avenue. >> Mr. Chairman, members of the subcommittee, Joseph Kgio, one Sprag Street Review, representing the
petitioner at 114 Shirley Avenue. subcommittee will recall we were here a short while back with a similar project uh that was approved by uh the subcommittee and by the city council. Uh since that time the applicant has uh
obtained uh a joining additional land and has returned with an enhanced project uh that's being presented here tonight. Uh we have initiated uh site plan review. Uh we've also met with the ward counselor and various counselors uh
for the project and uh uh had a uh neighborhood meeting uh that uh was very positive. Um the additional uh or the new project uh now consists of two retail and 78 uh residential units. The
78 units consist of nine studio, 57 one-bedroom uh and 72-bedroom units. Uh there is uh no parking for the uh units. They will all be uh lease restricted as far as parking goes. There is parking space available for the
retail units. Um through negotiations with the ward counselor, city councilors, uh and the community, uh the applicant is committed to uh four of those units to be veterans units and two additional units to be affordable units.
Um we uh uh uh would expect uh similar conditions from uh site plan review to be added to the um uh approval. subject to the approval. We have our full team here uh architect, engineers um and have
uh presented displays um showing the units and hopefully can answer all questions that you have. Uh we have also uh just as an addition um had discussions with an existing tenant uh in the uh retail to uh come back and uh
continue on once the project is done. Um and we will uh continue to update the council on that as that progresses as well. >> Thank you. Anybody else want to uh chime in here?
>> Name and address, please. Lou McCarthy, City of Lynn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh just briefly, I just want to review. We had two community meetings. Uh this was a culmination of about 15 months worth of work. Uh started back in April
of 24 with the first building on Shirley Avenue. Uh from there the Melo family who is here this evening were gracious enough to entertain our offer and work with us uh giving us the time we need to get this accomplished. So we appreciate
them being here and I appreciate your consideration and support. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Thank you, Mr. from the caucus. Anybody else want uh did you say you had a presentation? Name and address for the record, please.
>> Hi, my name is Carol Melo and I'm at 12 Kie's Way in Plastau, New Hampshire. And um I just am here to say on behalf of the Melo family, um their daughter-in-law, um that this is a really great opportunity for them and we're really looking forward to, you
know, them being able to retire and move on from the property that they've been at for about 40 years. They've not only lived in River, but they've also rented their two additional units and where they're currently being built, you know, around. This is just a great opportunity
for them to be able to move on with the other two projects. Thank you for your consideration. >> Thank you for your input. >> Name and address for the record, please. >> Jan Dumis, 51land Avenue. Um, this developer has worked with us unlike any
pretty much any other developer in the W 2 Shirley Avenue neighborhood. He's granted us six affordable units. Um, excited about that. That's more than he has been asked to do because no one has been asked to grant affordable units
before. I feel really good about this development. It's going to work with the community and I'm excited. I want this to happen and I want him to develop more units in the city. Thank you. >> Well, thank you. I'm pleasantly
surprised to see you in support of this. But that's that's a testament to the team that >> that is a testament to his willingness to work with community. >> Uh it's it's very nice and and don't take that as that's a compliment.
>> That doesn't mean I'm going to do it for everybody. That means that it's a really high bar. >> Great. Thank you. Name and address for the record. Hi, thank you. My name is Travis Alpert, business owner, Centennial Lockout Services. We operate in River. Um, I do
a lot of work with the River Community Committee on Shirley A, Sandler Square, all that. And, uh, I just again want to echo what Jan said, um, about this team and these developers. They have been extremely invested in educating the
community and also educating themselves on the community needs. They've gone far above and beyond. um what the what the community needs and have honored the community in the process. Um and so I just Yeah, I can't speak highly enough
about uh Mario and Lou and the team. >> Well, yeah. Thank you very much. This is a pleasant surprise. Um anybody else? >> Is this for opponents, too? >> What's that? Of course. >> Um
>> no, any anytime is fine. We don't we don't we don't this is not a public hearing. They've already had a public hearing. This is >> Hello, Corey O'Hara, 270B Street. Um I'm just just wanted to bring up just a couple like oversight things. Um I'm glad to hear that they're working with
the community. I didn't know about this project in the beginning. Um it just kind of hopped on my radar. But um aside from providing affordable units, um is this project it was uh placed as a like
a overlay standard growth overlay project or was it just a general business district project? I'm just curious how that was set. >> You want to address that >> because that's that area Shirley A is the the uh
>> I don't believe I don't believe this was proposed as as that. >> Yeah. Because so it's just under the general >> and you guys are offering the affordable units, >> correct? >> Okay. So you're not falling under like the 20% requirement or anything like that? >> No.
>> Okay. And so aside from that, if we look at the project, just aside from working with the community and offering those affordable housing, the project in general, um, outside of the immediate
neighborhood, it does not fit in that parcel. So, if this was not going to go as a special permit, it would go to the zoning board because it would have multiple variance issues. And that's my concern is the lack of oversight with those variances because
when you have a project of this size that doesn't fit doesn't belong in this size lot you know then that's why we have these issues with the parking the setback and the density issues. So that's where my concern is and it it you
know we're trying to squeeze these large buildings into these small prop small parcels. Um so obviously you know the traffic is an issue. The traffic's an issue in that area. The parking is an issue. And then, you know, the new thing now that we have to be concerned about
as a city is a lot of people aren't using cars anymore. I I can agree with that. But they're instead using Ubers. They're getting deliveries. Um, and that, you know, takes up a lot of instead of parking, it takes a lot of
sidewalk, uh, drop offs, deliveries. So, you know, all that needs to be taken in consideration. Um, you know, my general concern would be, you know, why are we kind of pushing this into a special permit
without kind of getting these variances approved first? It's kind of like a a two-prong situation where yes, it's a non-conforming structure, but when it comes to that, it's not supposed to cause more detriment to the neighborhood. So, first it should go in
front of the zoning board, get those variances looked at to make sure that these types of projects fit into these small parcels. And if it doesn't, then it should be reconsidered and downsized and then looked at as as a special
permit um and be considered that way. Um because what we're doing is we're cramming and you know yes six affordable units is great but amongst all the other large projects on Shirley have that don't have the affordable units you know these are causing rent increases in the
area before these projects are even being built. So that's my other concern. So I do still have concerns. I'm glad that the developers are working. I' I haven't heard that feedback either. a lot. It's It's tough to uh get the developers to sometimes
meet with you before and that's awesome. I'm glad to hear that. But um there's still a lot of concern behind these big projects that they're trying to squeeze into the small lots. So that's my concern. >> Well, thank you for your input. I I like to think that the city council uh looks
at these things with a discerning eye and we put as much or more effort as anybody else. So, uh, >> yeah, like I when I hear like there's negotiations on how to how to make these projects work, >> that's fine when it comes to like social
issues like affordable housing, but that doesn't protect the city for what we have in place in these areas, what they're zoned for. >> That's what we're here for, >> right? Exactly. So, I, you know, >> the oversight, I think, needs to be >> Thank you. stepped up. Thank you.
>> Anybody else? Seeing nobody. >> Yeah, please read the conditions. >> The conditions for the project as submitted by Frank Stringy from site plan reviewer as follows. One, a sore connection and water connection permit must be obtained from the DPW for all new construction. The city engineer and
DPW superintendent must review and approve the proposed source service and water service plan as well as storm water management plan and erosion control plan. Two, the plans must be reviewed and approved by the fire department. Three, hydrant flow tests shall be conducted to determine the
adequacy of both domestic and fire flow and for the proper sizing of domestic and fireflow service lines to the proposed project. Plans for the location of additional hydrants shall be approved by the Rivier Fire Department. Four, the project proponent must pay a sore mitigation fee which is based on 10
times 110 gallons per bedroom times $130 per gallon. Based on the proposed 86 bedrooms, the sore mitigation fee shall be $122,980. This fee shall be adjusted to subtract the existing sore discharge from the existing structures to be demolished.
The sore mitigation fee shall be utilized to remove inflow and infiltration from entering the sore system and shall be paid to the city of Rivier in two two installments 50% prior to the issuance of a building permit and 50% prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. Five, concrete
sidewalks with granite curbing shall be installed along the full frontage of the property, including the planting of three additional street trees along Shirley Avenue frontage of the building. Six, all existing drains, water lines, and sewer lines within this in the site shall be abandoned and shall be kept at
the main and removed. Seven, the building design and materials plan as well as the landscaping and streetscape plan shall be approved by the site plan review committee. All open parking areas shall maintain a six-foot landscaped buffer between the parking area and the lot line. Eight, all rooftop mechanical
units shall be set back from the building's perimeter in a manner that limits visibility from the street level. include acoustical mitigation and or noise baffle devices. Nine, the developer shall establish a transportation demand management plan for the proposed project to be approved
by the site plan review committee. The elements of the TDM shall include A, off- streetet parking shall be limited by leaseold agreements with tenants to the number of off- streetet parking spaces approved with the project. B. Prior to leasing, building management will commit to exploring available TPASS
programs for residents without vehicles. C. The leaseold agreements with tenants shall state that the parking charge will be included in the apartment lease. D. The project shall provide for bicycle parking in the garage at no additional charge to the tenants. E. Pursuant to
section 10342G of the revised ordinances, this residential building shall not be eligible for participation in the city of Rier residential parking program. 10. In accordance with chapter 1747, the capital improvement trust fund the
revised ordinances is applicable applicable to this project. Under the community improvement trust fund, the developer must con contribute 3% of the cost of construction above and beyond what is allowed as of right towards the fund, which must be spent exclusively towards capital improvement projects
within the impacted area. For the purpose of this special permit, 3% of the construction cost shall be based on the increased density of the project as a result of the proposed FAR of 3.72. Therefore, the CIT fee is established at $97,11.
and 11. Finally, the grading of the lot shall be such that no runoff is diverted to abudding properties and a demolition permit must be obtained in compliance with the board of health, DPW and fire department regulations for the demolition of the existing structures on the site.
>> Thank you. Uh I should have called on the counselors before we read the conditions. Council Novaski. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, uh I've been working with this uh developer uh since he purchased the uh the
property from the prior developer that was going to build the uh the 30 38 units. And uh I was a little disappointed that we have to go through this second round, but you know things
happen and we depend a lot on site plan review with the uh city engineer and Frank Shringi as was noted as to what's necessary and what we can give up to a
point. uh there will be fi at least five feet on either side of the building for adjacent buildings um for various reasons and uh you know I wanted that anyway so we can get some access to those points so it's not totally lot
line to lot line so and with that um you know everything was kind of explained in the conditions and the only thing I would ask is and we did talk about at the neighborhood meeting that we include two trees on H Avenue uh because it does it shows on the plans
but uh it wasn't noted in the site plan review but I would want to include two more trees on the Nant Avenue side and other than that you know sidewalks you know in good shape if there's any damage to them they'd have to repair them and
um they are looking for access points for electricity uh probably in the front of the building on the Shirley A side going underground and there will not be any telephone polls on Shirley Avenue. I can tell you that right now. That's not
going to happen. So, with that, um I'm for it. It showed that the neighbors were at the meeting that I uh I I ran the neighborhood meeting, which again was the second one. And um there were no opposition. There was a lot of input
which the developer uh related to and conceded to and we look forward to uh having a nice new building there and you know it it's it's five stories which is allowed in that district. So it's not that it's uh totally out of out of
shape. So um and that's about it. So, I look forward to uh the committee voting it to move forward and that the council uh vote it up tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor Councelor Aenzio.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. I'm fully in support of this uh project. I know that the developer and his team uh Mr. Zapage, Mr. uh Macakis um have an excellent reputation. They worked with the neighborhood, worked with the U ward
counselor. Um I surely a has been transformed in the last few years and this will continue its transformation. Um I'm especially happy with the um affordable housing piece. Um we've been struggling with that uh over the last
few years. I'm glad to see a developer uh you know coming forth and and proposing that. So I'm in full support and I look forward to voting for it. >> Thank you. Uh coun council council. Okay.
>> Uh Mr. Chairman, I um just want to say all the things that we could do when we come together. I want to um commend the work of the river community uh group that fought really hard to get these affordable units. when this thing first
came to our desk a few months ago, you heard an earful from me about the lack of affordability here. Um, and uh, nothing is is one in community that's not b done by community. So, I really want to highlight the work of uh, these
volunteer group in the Shirley neighborhood. uh that opened the door for us on the council to be able to talk to the developer uh who was receptive um to getting these affordable units. So that's my two cents.
>> Thank you, uh Council President Sylvester. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I just want to thank uh Mario and his team. Mr. Zapage has really stepped up to the plate with the six units. It's the the first real push for affordability that
we've seen a developer make and promise. And hopefully we continue to build off this in the future. And if he has Miss Dumis' stamp of approval, that means he's doing something right. So keep going. Good job. Maria, >> I agree with you.
>> Councelor Gino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Mr. president took over what I wanted to say about Miss Dumis. If if this developer has her stamp of approval, he's doing the right thing for the neighborhood. I'm happy to vote in
favor for this um special request because I'm amazed with this developer's ability to work with the community and to complete projects in such a timely manner. I have never seen a developer
work as quickly as he does. Um he's keeping the existing stores downstairs which is beneficial to the neighborhood. The community knows what's there. The community goes to them and frequence them often. So it's really important to keep the aesthetics for for that
particular part of it. Um Shirley is close to transit so new residents can rely less on cars and more on the blue line which will reduce the congestion and the admissions. Also, this building replaces a deteriorating piece of
property with a modern, cold, compliant, accessible building, which is a clear upgrade, improving safety, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. I believe it will fit into the character of Shirley A while still delivering
meaningful benefits. Furthermore, it's helping with our housing crisis and it's giving housing to veterans, which we look for every development that we requ um that comes up in front of us. So, to me, it's a win-win and I think the developer is going to do amazing with
this um with this building. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. So, uh I uh I'm almost left there's been so many bouquets thrown here. I'm almost left speechless. So, uh, uh, but I do want to
congratulate the team on on, uh, and we're, uh, I'm certainly excited about the veterans housing and the affordable. >> So, u, I hear something. >> Page of blue for her is is where they
drew the line. Oh, okay. Well, anyways, congratulations to everybody for a cooperative e effort and I think it's going to be a great project and uh I think we'll call for the role >> and chairman uh believe council noki had
an amendment to the conditions to include and two additional street trees along the nant avenue side of the building. Okay. So, as amended, >> as amended, shall the zoning subcommittee offer a favorable recommendation to grant the relief requested subject to the conditions of
the zoning subcommittee and site claim review? Councelor Aenzio, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Goaya, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Herio, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Nobasellski. >> Yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Zambudo, >> yes. >> Yes. The special perman has received a favorable recommendation for to be
granted. No further business. >> This meeting is adjourned. Thank you all. Part: 2
We ready? Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the June July 28th, 2025 city council meeting. Please join salute the flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Madam clerk, if you call the roles. [Music] Roll call of the members. Councelor Aenzio here. Here. Councelor Cognandro here. Here. Council Judino
here. Here. Councelor Gino SA here. Here. Councelor Hass here. Here. Councelor Haramio here. Here. Councelor Kelly here. Here. Councelor McKenna here. Here. Councelor Vasilski here. Here. Council Zamutoo here. Here. And council president Sylvester here.
Here. Forum is present. Approval of the journal of the regular meeting of June 23rd. All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. Uh madame clerk, if we could suspend the rules and take up the appointment of uh Chief Levita, please.
Motion to suspend the rules. Under suspension rules. Calendar item number nine, communication from the mayor relative to the appointment of interim chief Maria Levita as chief of the River Police Department. Good evening, Mr. President, honorable
body. Patrick Kee, I'm here to present to you the appointment of our next public safety police chief for the city of Rivier. I provided with everyone um Captain Levita's resume as well as I know that a number of counselors have reached out to
ask pointed questions and get feedback. Of course, I know the feedback has also been uh sourced from the the department as a as a whole. I want to explain to you that the city of Riviera went through a rigorous uh interview panel process bringing in uh people from the outside of course my trusted uh body uh
inside with with some members from our cabinet. We also had the colonel from the Providence Police Department uh come and spend a day to do the interview process. We had four highly qualified candidates. Each of them uh offered us
knowledge and institutional um awareness of what's going on in the environment and each of them u made us feel extremely com confident not only the decisions that I'm making today but in the aptitude and abilities of the entire police department and how well it's
being run. We know that uh Chief Callahan resigned early this year and uh he finished up on June 30th. He did leave a little bit early uh to allow himself some time and uh Captain Levita stepped in as the in the interim role. I'm exceptionally honored to present
Captain Levita to you uh for your formal appointment. Uh she has done an excellent job in just her last uh 30 45 days as interim chief. She has done an exceptional job over the last 30 years as a member of our community in the public safety in the police department.
And uh I couldn't be more proud and honored to present her to you. So without further ado, I'd like to uh offer Captain Levita, interim chief Levita up to you for any of your questions. Thank you. Mr. President, Council McKenna,
thank you. Congratulations, acting chief Maria Levita. Um, you have made history tonight. You are the first female in in the city of Riviera that is has become chief of the Riviera uh
police department. Congratulations. Thank you. I have two questions for you. Um the first question is what have you brought to the Revier Police Department since you were appointed acting chief in the last couple of months?
Sure. So I have shared my vision moving forward with the department particularly um with staffing. Um it's one of my biggest priorities at this point and um I've relayed that to the officers here um with the department that we need to
everyone take ownership, do some recruiting, get some people um interested in sitting for the exam that are River residents um and just move the department forward with that. Um, we've also implemented a brand new uh four and
four patrol shift uh with an eye toward officer wellness and a balance of work life. So, that was uh it's a little challenging to do, but we had meetings and sat down and everybody pitched in and I'm happy to say, you know, we're a
couple of weeks in and and we're moving forward with it. Thank you. One more question. Um, now that you are the chief of the Revier Police Department, uh, what would you bring as a chief moving forward to this
department? I know the morale's been low. Um, we would like to see the morale, um, you know, flare. So, uh, what would you bring as the new chief? Sure. I bring open communication. U, my phone's always on. I, we communicate by
email. I try and give um explanations to directives and get feedback from the people that it matters to. So I think that will go a long way to the officers. Thank you very much. Um I'm going to move this forward. I'm going to ask the city council to affirm the appointment
of the acting chief Maria Lvida. Oh, he's going to he's going to um uh President Sylvester will open the discussion. Yes. So, Councelor Janino, I love this. Um I have no questions for
you. It's been 20 years working with you and I love the um direction the department's taking right now. I love the new leadership we have moving up and it's all good. This is what we need right now. It's just the right time. It's what we need. I wish you all the
luck in the world and thank you. Thank you all. Thank you. I appreciate that. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. Maria, congratulations. Huge night for you and also a huge night for our city. Um, you've done a fantastic job the last the
last 27 28 years. And I know you and I have had some great conversations about the city we grew up in and you know, our families go way back. But I think you'll do a fantastic job and if the council can offer any support in any way, please reach out. Thank you.
I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Kelly. Thank you, Mr. President. I don't have any questions for you, but I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you. Congratulate you. I know you're going to be a wonderful, wonderful chief. Um I
have no doubt about it. and I can attest to the fact that you expeditiously um I've interacted with you on a few things already and um very happy the way everything was handled and um I'm just I feel great that you're going to be our new chief.
Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you councel council. Thank you Mr. President Maria. Over the past couple of months I had the opportunity to get to know you. I didn't know you before that. We worked alongside each other for the
blood drive for little Paul Baglio, which was amazing and you did such a fantastic job with that. In the short time that I've come to know you, I've realized what an incredible woman you are, but also what a great leader you really are.
With 21 29 years of dedicated service to the River Police Department, you've earned the respect of your fellow officers, as you can see right here, through your steady leadership and your ability to listen. And I saw that
firsthand. You listen to what everyone has to say before you come to judgment right away. Other other chiefs that we've had before have just rushed to judgment. That's it. It's they don't
think. You think and you listen to everything. And that is such a plus for a department and for a chief of a department. Um as captain, you led the criminal investigation division for eight years, overseeing complex and
sensitive cases with professionalism and care. your strong background which includes a degree in psych um psychology, a master's in criminal justice administration and a law degree where where you graduated magna laad
come on that's amazing this respect this reflects on your deep commitment to justice and public service and tonight we celebrate not only your well-earned promotion but
has a historic milestone. You are the first woman for the first time in the city of Riviera's history, we have a woman chief of police. Hello. That's major. I'm so proud to call Riviera
home. I'm so proud of you, Maria. Keep listening and thinking and leading with intention. And you have my deepest respect. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Arenzian. Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to
say congratulations. Uh, in all my years working for the city and all yours, our paths never really crossed, but uh, since I've met you, I'm struck at how composed you are, intelligent, how you speak, and and just how professional you are. And I wish you all the best best of
luck. And I think it's a great choice. And congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, counselor. Councelor Zambo, thank you, Mr. President. Congratulations. Thank you. Full disclosure, you were not my first
choice. However, you have my 100% support. Now, uh you are the police chief and and I'll be behind you and everything you do. What I would ask is that you would consider some of the top uh candidates for your leadership
positions. There are a few positions that I think some would fit greatly in and that's obviously your choice. But uh all that being said, congratulations and I I'm here for you completely. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that.
Thank you councelor Councelor Herio. Thank you Mr. President through you too. Uh interim soon to be Chief Levita. Um I'll start with questions then I'll throw you the flowers at the end if that's okay. Sure. Um just want to talk a little bit about
the gravity of the chief of PC chief of police position and of course the ongoing mental health crisis that was spurred during the co pandemic. So I I want to hear from you a little bit about what your vision is uh because
historically of course we've criminalized particularly her mental health and substance use uh disorders. Um and that has created a chain and a cycle of incarceration for a lot of folks in communities much like ours
which was ravaged by the substance use um epidemic or pandemic I guess as well. Uh what what's your vision for how we address this from a policing standpoint? Sure. So I know that you're aware already of the behavioral health unit
and what they have done um within the past couple of years. With my background in psychology, I think I I come at that um issue a little bit more differently than most law enforcement people. I have a great understanding of it. Uh I have a
degree and I actually did some work um a long time ago before I was a sworn police officer in that field. So um with these issues, partnerships are first and foremost the most important. I'm not sure if you're aware, but
Chelsea District Court is beginning a a mental health court to try and divert u some people that probably shouldn't be criminally charged um depending on on the crimes. So, we're all in with those types of things, whatever we can do to
help. Our officers are all trained um in in CIT, which is crisis intervention training. We've gotten really good at deescalation and, you know, searching out alternatives prior to putting people in the criminal justice system that
don't need to be. And you mentioned the the behavioral health unit. Is there uh what like is there any particular emphasis you're going to place on that or like what is what is the mission for that? I know they do great work now. I know we have great partnerships with the
city of Chelsea and uh I believe it's uh North Suffach Community Health. Um is that something that you plan on continuing and potentially expanding? How do you do that in a climate where funding for these particular issues is not at at the ready? Right.
Right. No, it's a great question. So, we we have to um we have to be creative in the grants that we are applying for and do the best we can to use, you know, supplement with with city funds when we can and keep the program going. Um once our staffing levels increase, my vision
for the unit is to expand it um and expand options and partnerships with different options of the community in North Suffach and those types of organizations. Thank you. And as as it relates to
public safety, of course, I I think you would agree that it's uh something that uh it goes beyond of course the police on the streets, which I know are strained because we we need more staffing and it's hard to recruit for the police department. Now, is there anything that uh from your expertise
either from your schooling or anything or just life experience or work experience you would recommend for the city of River to uh invest in more that would make your public safety uh uh enforcement easier on the streets for you and for your for the men and women
on the force? Sure. Yeah. Like I said, um, open communications, meeting with, you know, the departments already in existence here within the city, you know, maybe expanding those outside as well. And I'm all about collaboration. So, you know,
the more we can sit down then um, and discuss, then the better off we'll be to put it in a in an even better direction than we already have it. Great. And then uh of course there's been quite I think we all watch the news and there's been quite an uproar around
uh due process. Uh can you tell me about your philosophy around due process? How we ensure that in the US that's being respected in our city that's being respected and that folks are are granted their due process.
Sure. Yes. I mean democracy doesn't work without it. That's my view. So, um, and right now we're having an issue with, uh, public defenders. I'm sure you've seen it. Um, and that's that's the way the courts look at it and and I support
that. Everybody deserves a due process. With that said, um, in the case that some of our cases may get dismissed, um, we will always circle back and for the cases that need to be recharged, we'll
be able to do that working with the, uh, DA's office. Okay. Uh, and would you said that that's something that you're going to impart on your officers and making sure that that's top priority of the of the of the police department is preserving the due process of Rivier
residents. Yes. Great. Uh, and then for the fun part, I mean, we've all read your resume. I think really appreciate that. Uh, to the mayor for making this very wise choice. uh and and I I really look forward to partnering with you to make sure that
we're supporting you from the city council, giving you the resources, giving your uh women and men in uniform all the resources necessary to be able to do the job um do the job holistically and of course with the expertise that they bring and that you bring to the force and I I really do uh I think we
it's this appointment, Mr. Mayor, is is something that we all should be proud of. uh and and I look forward to voting uh yes on on this appointment once it comes through. Thank you, Mr. President, for the leisure. Thank you, Council Council Novasowski. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh Mr. Mayor,
first of all, congratulations for your choice. Agree with it 100%. And uh I'm I'm not going to give kudos yet, but I just want to say just working with you over the last few weeks when you we first found out that you were going to
be appointed some of the things that have happened and you know mentioned July 4th down in Shirley a you know the gang did a great job clearing things up and no one got seriously hurt. Thank God. Uh, and I know you and I have spoken about it and there are already
plans for next year to make sure things like that don't happen again. And I also want to congratulate you and your staff and uh, Captain Malone for the way they handled sat this past Saturday night for the fight fireworks and the traffic
after the fact. Things work great. I know there's still some more tweaking we can do, but I can just congratulate you for those two particular items. I know things have been pretty good down. Surely have. I can say that and nothing super major other than those one thing,
but I want to just congratulate you. I've known you for many, many years. you know, I I think I remember when you first came on and uh you know, we always got together and we worked together and we we talked things out to make sure everything got done correctly and
legally. So, I want to congratulate you. I wish you a lot a lot of luck and congratulate the rest of your staff for those who are getting promoted uh because of the opening, you know, and moving up of positions. But just congratulations and good luck for the
future. Thank you. Thank you, Council Council Kogano. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, the first thing I would be very careful about telling the city council, your phone's always on. Um, just just be careful there. Um, uh, like councelor Oenzio,
I've lived in the city my whole life. I just had the pleasure of meeting you. Um, one of the pieces of feedback that I've gotten since you became acting interim chief, uh, is that you delegate responsibility and I really love to hear that. So, looking forward to voting yes tonight. Congratulations.
Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Permission to speak from the chair. Thank you, Chief. Congratulations, Mr. Mayor. Congratulations. Um, I I say congratulations because the conversations I'm having with the the men and women on the force, they are
very excited about you taking the the responsibility of the department. Um, you have a great opportunity to build out your leadership team with many of the our leadership team stepping down and retiring. So, best of luck, Chief. You made history tonight. Keep going uh
from here on out and whatever we can do to support you, please let us know. Thank you. Congratulations, Madam Clerk. Can we roll call the vote? Shall the city council confirm the appointment of Maria Levita as chief of the River Police Department? Councelor Aenzio, yes.
Yes. Councelor Kaggleandro, yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Gino Slaya. Yes. Yes. Councelor H. Yes. Yes. Councelor Jerio. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Vasilski. Absolutely.
Yes. Councelor Zamudo. Yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes, the appointment has been confirmed, Mr. President. Okay. Thank you.
If I may, just a a quick thank to the mayor and his team, to each um city councelor tonight. Um and to the men and women of the department who every day work day in and day out. Um thank you to them. I'm so proud to lead them. Uh also
to the nonsworn support staff who make the make the police department run behind the scenes. So thank you and I look forward to continuing to work with each one of you. Thank you. Mr. President, Council McKenna.
Thank you. Uh, could I recons reconsideration with the hope that it does not prevail? Um, Madame Clerk, under reconsider. Under reconsideration with the hopes it does not prevail. All in favor? All opposed? I
I so ordered. And back to the regular order of business. Public hearings. Calendar item number three. Hearing called is ordered on the application of 529 Broadway LLC, 529 Broadway Reier, Mass. requesting a special permit from the River City
Council to raise the existing non-conforming structure and construct a five-story mixeduse development at 529 Broadway. Councelor Okay, sorry. Good evening, Mr. President, members of the city council. My name is attorney Larry Simeone with
law offices 300 Broadway Suite 4. I represent this evening um 529 Broadway LLC, 529 Broadway, Massachusetts. The um property owner is also 529 Broadway LLC.
The regent agent is Anna Sigera. It's our intention um as we look at the land. The land is also owned by the same entities. The land is described in applications and is recorded in the Suffach County Registry
of Deeds at certificate 138840 and um lots through five. lot size is 0.556 according to the assessor's records as established in exhibit one in my op in
my application. The map describing the uses of the area are also in exhibit two and in exhibit three we have the uh USGA maps exhibit for the council to look at. As far as the, you know, wetlands, but
there's no wetlands in the site. Specifically, what we're looking at here is the property is in accordance with the records of the river assessor's office and the general district general business district and the RB district. The property is serviced by existing
infrastructure at this time and has sewer water access. The parcel uh land basically has an auto body garage that was built prior to zoning in 1910 and
having also a concrete block with 1,500 square ft of space. Basically, we look tonight to ask this council to allow my client to seek a special permit to raise a non-conforming structure, taking all
those existing buildings and removing them and to put a new four five-story uh multifamily structure. The city council may award a special permit only if it determines that the reconstruction um exists in the non-conforming
structure in the neighborhood. the reconstruction neighbor negotiations as set forth herein shall include the increase in existing nonconformities or a creation of new nonconformities to allow for this project to begin. So
we're looking for five mixeduse five uh units. I have Mr. Bossi the architect here and he'd like to make a presentation on the that part of the program. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you members. Thank you councelor
Good evening everyone. David Barcie, architect of record for 529 chair uh 529 Broadway in River. Um just wanted to go over a couple of quick things about this building to familiarize you if I may. Uh would we be able to get that on the screen by any chance? That'd be great.
So this is a first pass on this building. Um right now as as was mentioned by uh Mr. Simeone. It is a uh combination of an auto body shop, auto body and repair of a restaurant and a
liquor store. Now um the plan is to create this mixeduse project um which is designed really uh among other things to try to uh um amilarate the streetscape of Broadway. Um there's 116 units proposed at the moment all on four
stories above a podium uh under which will be uh the uh the new liquor store, the new restaurant or the newly renovated existing restaurant and then another fairly substantial restaurant that the owner would like to open some kind of Brazilian uh uh ethnic
restaurant. Um, if you could go to uh the uh let's let's scroll through next page if you would. Keep going. Keep going. There we go. Oh, one one back. There we go. So, that's the grade level
plan. Um, you can see the retail is at the bottom of the page and then we have 61 parking spaces. um some mostly which would be um directed towards the servicing the retail as opposed to the
um the tenants. Uh like so many buildings that we've done in in and around this area um we have found that um very limited car ownership especially when you're dealing with uh one-bedroom units as this project is primarily uh uh
consisting of. If you go to the next uh next page, this uh explains a little bit the footprint of the building on the lot. Those green spaces that you see there are rooftop uh gardens that would um that would help the bring light and and
uh into the uh into the units that surround them. It's a very deep and wide site. So, uh, I had to do something to, uh, be able to utilize the site and at the same time provide light and windows for bedrooms and living spaces. Um, you
could continue to scroll. This, uh, a couple of, uh, views. Uh, the one on the top is the the proposed streetscape along Broadway. Uh and um the building is purposely uh designed to create a facade along the street, a kind of urban
corridor of which is already in progress along that street and and elsewhere. It's been pretty successful uh on streets like Shirley Avenue. Um and then if you go to the next slide. Now this is um uh the rear of the
building which faces school street and um there was uh there is an existing access to this site from that street which having gone through site plan review and gotten some recommendations from that group that we eliminated
access and focused on creating um a a meaningful landscaping uh strategy along that street. uh and um also for the neighboring properties as well. The idea of taking the fence that is screening
the parking which does not go all the way to the lot line and having the landscaping on the outside of that fence um so that it's so that the the abutters there are two residential abuters on this particular street. You'll be
hearing from them shortly. Uh and um we want to try to create a strategy where that where the borderline between this building project and their property is something that gives gives back to them. And that the idea of the landscaping on the outside of the fence is something
we're sort of toying with at the moment. Um there's one more slide I believe if you go do excuse me. Do you have a the the um there's a shadow study? Um
there we go. Okay. So, this is a little bit hard to to read. I'm going to try to walk you through it. The reason that we did this was we had a neighborhood meeting and there was uh considerable concern about what this building would do in terms of shedding light on neighboring properties. So the shadow
study that you're looking at here uh the the the rows are vertical and they are different times of the year. So uh and different times of the day. You have 9:00, you have midday uh later in the afternoon and then early evening. And
you can see how um the the building uh does cast shadows, but um what this uh illustrates is that the only time that this building is actually going to cast shadows, meaningful shadows on the neighboring uh property. The only the one to the right to the one to the left
is virtually unaffected by any shadows being cast by this building by virtue of its orientation. uh but on the right hand side at the extreme right you'll see when the sun is very low in in December uh that the shadows are very long but otherwise for basically 3/4 of
the year this building will not um cast shadows on the actual uh uh uh neighbor to the right. So that was something that was a a big concern in the uh neighbor neighborhood meeting and we wanted to sort of see um exactly what the effect
of of the sun uh movement uh would be and that's uh and I'm happy to to respond to any uh queries or questions that you may have about this. Thank you, Dave. Do we have any other
proponents? Anyone else here in favor? You're here in favor, ma'am. Proponent in favor of the project. Thank you. So, I'd like to get up and talk. Yep. We're going to get there.
Any proponents? Okay. Hearing none. Closing that side. Any opponents? Ma'am, not you. Unfortunately. Oh, you just got to step up. State your name and address, please. My name is Marie Shand, and I've lived
in this city my whole life, over 80 years. My family has lived here over a hundred years and I've built my house 35 years ago. Um, it's my dream house. I designed it and had it customuilt.
Um, I love my city. I love the beach and I really don't want to leave my home. Unfortunately, I know the architect was just up and he used saying it about the shadows. It's not the shadows I'm worried about. It's this giant
monster. When I look out my windows, that's all I'm going to see is the giant building. It's not little. It's not like now whatever's there is low. I can see the blue sky. I don't want to not see the blue sky anymore. I I And I I don't
want my sunshine gone. I don't want my my um peace of mind taken away from me. I custom built this house. It was my dream house and I want to stay in my dream house. Um
I don't feel that um that uh this giant monster should be in the middle of our city. Our city is a a suburb city. It's not the inner city. If I chose to live in the inner city, I'd be in the inner city. I'd be in Boston. I would. But I
live in River and I love my city. I have all my conveniences. Um, uh, I also, uh, the architect talked a lot about it. We had a meeting on the site, uh, last week, and he talked a lot about having this building be very
high-end. High-end is wonderful, but our city is blue collar. It's not a high-end city. Our beach now is high-end. Anyone who wants to live high-end, they're going to go to the beach and they'll get an apartment there. They're not going to
want to live on Broadway reveier. He's not going to command the prices that he wants. And what I fear most is the fact is they're going to build this building and then can't rent it because who's going to afford it? Our economy isn't that great. We see all kinds of problems
occurring. A lot of our big companies, CocaCola, um Visa, they're all they're leaving our uh their buildings. They're building new buildings in Canada. There's about 10 or 12 c countries uh companies that have
left silently. They're all putting their stuff in Canada because whatever's going on in the governments, they're not too thrilled with it. So, our economy is a bad economy. It's not great. Um I don't feel that um he he might be Mr. Sellia
might get caught in the thing with oh build build then not be able to rent. And what I foresee, if you can't rent it, you're going to put section 8 people in there. I don't want to live next door to 116 units. I think he said 116 units
of section 8 people. I wouldn't like that. A mixture is fine. We can't even get them to give us six apartments of section 8, let alone 116. Well, that's what I'm saying. I mean, I I don't see a great outcome to this um
this pro this to me it's a problem. It's a big problem. And also, what about the traffic? Uh just when they're going to uh drop off um you see the big smile on um the um
Amazon truck dropping off all these things. They're going to be dropping off. How many visits they're going to make to that building all day long? I mean, if the traffic is bad enough, I can't see that the traffic is um going to be wonderful
if you have all those units right in the middle of Broadway. And besides that, I I don't like the idea of um we already have a school with traffic problems at times and we live with that and we can live with it. And right now we're we're
coping with the fact that Broadway is busy at certain hours, very busy. But we don't need to make it worse. I I I really don't think it's going to be a plus. Now, the lawyer for Mr. Salia mentioned that in the letter that he sent to all the abutters
that they were going to do things that would make the neighbors happy. But when I went to that meeting, there wasn't one thing that he told me that would make any of us happy. Not one thing. Now, the only good thing about it is Ree was making more tax money. And I
understand that more tax money is important to run our city. I do understand that. But how about the neighbors? We don't want this. We we we coping bad enough with our traffic. We have the school. That's
enough. We don't need more misery. And um Mr. Selia has a wonderful business there. He has an auto body. He has um a mechanical uh fixes cars. and he sells and buys trucks and cars. So that's
three businesses in one. He's doing very well. I was here beh 15 to 30 things that he still hasn't gotten to. He did put up a beautiful fence and the fence is gorgeous. It makes the property look a hund times
better than it ever did before. And the next thing I want I want the weeds taken off completely under that fence. And I would love for him to continue with all the the precise things that he's supposed to do because this is what he promised the city council and the
planning board. These are the things he promised to do and I want to see them all take place, please. because I have the list um right here. I gave it to his lawyer so his his lawyer would see that the things are promised that are supposed to be done. It took him three
years to put the fence up and I've been patient. But now I want to see the abites growing up tall so I don't have to see anything. All I see is a beautiful fence, some greenery and I don't have to see what's going on in his business. But I don't want to see a
giant monstrous building there. So I have to look at that all the time and see it's ruining my property values and also anyone else's in the general area. So um I really am against it as
you see and um I guess that's all I have to say. Thank you so much. Thank you Michelle. Any other opponents? Is this your phone ma'am? Ma'am your phone. No. name and address.
Hi, Cory Har, 270 Beach Street. Um, I just have general concerns about this project. Um, so 529 Broadway. Um, you know, trying again trying to fit a large scale
project in a small parcel. Um, it would require in general it would require several variances, but it's coming in front of you um as a non-conforming structure. So, it would require a special permit. Otherwise, it would require variances because it's too
large. Um, it doesn't have enough setback. It doesn't it's uh trying to fit too much onto a small parcel. Um, but we have these um the smart growth overlay down Shirley Avenue and Green Street. Like, these are the places that
the uh planning department and the city agreed to that this is what we're going to build. this is satisfies um you know the growth uh that the state's requiring. It satisfies the MBTA uh uh requirements. So, I don't know why we're
trying to make like the corridor of Broadway to have these monstrosities um that, you know, are going to put more strain on the infrastructure, the neighborhood, um you know, traffic, especially when we have these areas of River that we've already agreed to where
we can build these large uh dense projects. So, to start spreading them out all over the city, um it just it doesn't make sense to me. Um, I'm not sure, you know, like this. It just seems like a poor precedent that we're starting to set. Um, we have already the
monstrosity down at I think 781 or 791 Broadway that went up. Um, that's already an eyesore. Uh, I think that people are going to start seeing the traffic issues from that. Um, this project's not promising any parking for
the residents. I mean, like I said, yes, people aren't driving, but you know, my house alone, I have a three family. We have Amazon out there constantly. We have, you know, we take Ubers a lot. I mean, it's those are issues. Um those
are issues. It's it's, you know, just just expecting to have these monstrosities. Uh it it ruins the character. It creates safety issues. and you know these projects uh where these developers are starting
to find these loopholes where they're saying like okay well we're just going to skip all these variants and go bypass the zoning board that really these issues belong with the zoning board and not in front of you as a special permit.
You know the the they're kind of finding these loopholes to get around these things and it's concerning. Um, I think there needs to be more oversight and I think we just need to slow down these processes because for some reason it's starting to feel like uh we're a little
bit of a free-for-all here. These developers are coming in, they're they're putting these monstrosities in front of us. It's not like they're giving us these reasonable projects at first. They're giving us these unreasonable, unsafe, you know, let's pack these in. And it's
almost like starting to feel like they don't have much respect for the residents because it's it's too much. It's just too much. And so I just kind of am asking put a little break on some of the stuff and start
looking at the safety and the character of the city again because it it's getting a little bit much. That's that's all that's my concern. Thank you. Thank you, Miss O'Hara. Any other opponents? Anyone else here against? Opponents
hearing no more. Closing that side. City councilors. Council Kogandro. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, this is my ward. We had a community meeting on July 19th. Um, I'm going to save my comments for
zoning. This is going to zoning. Um, but I just want to plainly state if my constituents aren't pleased then neither am I. So, we got some work to do on that. It seems like that's it. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Council has
Thank you, Mr. President. We've heard from a few residents regarding this property here. Um, you know, the last two years the city held a Broadway master plan meeting um where people from the city would go and say what they'd like to see
on Broadway. They'd like to see more green spaces. They'd like to see more parks. Um, a parking garage was mentioned. I can't think of one person that said they'd like to see a 16 unit project along Broadway.
when you factor in traffic, you factor in the strain on emergency services and you know, we haven't even talked about the schools nearby. The Lincoln school would be impacted. I know a number of these are onebedrooms, but um they'll there will
still be kids in the um the apartments, I think. And I think it was Miss Chans who made a very good point. She touched on something that I wanted to speak about and this this project looks exactly like something that you'd see down the beach.
Um the architect had mentioned Shirley A. I just don't know if the the scope of this project is a a good fit for the Broadway area. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. I was at the
community meeting uh a week ago and I asked the developer um I asked him I asked uh Dave if he could tear the building um and he said yes and and we were supposed to I I think he was
supposed to redesign something with a tear in it so it wouldn't be smack dab in in a backyard of of residents and I don't see that. You know what? I like if if George Ratunda was still the counselor, he pushed for rooftop
gardens. Pushed. And I that's something I really like. But I think that we really need to you you guys need to come to the table more so uh with the residents and uh see if you can work this out. But we did talk about tearing
the building. Put tears so it wouldn't be smack in the deck and I don't see that. So, I'm kind of a little disappointed in that. So, um that's it. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Janino, I think it's a beautiful building, but better location for it. I'd like to see
some more work being done on the building itself, the size of it, for that neighborhood. I don't see this in downtown Rivier. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Kelly. Thank you, Mr. President. So the the biggest issue I have with projects this
project and projects like this is that I understand it's a non nonconforming use non-conforming structure. However, I'm a firm believer that it a built a a redevelopment of that nonconformity should just stay within
the existing footprint of what is there. The fact that you're increasing the size of the nonconformity so substantially, so significantly is what I can't get behind. Um I'm not I'll
never be in favor of these buildings that are on the sidewalks, no setbacks, um just on top of each other. And I think we're too dense. There is a strain on our infrastructure. There's concern
about our uh wastewater under the 2010 consent decree. I don't know if projections were um thought about in that consent decree to handle the types of increases that we're putting on our
infrastructure in terms of capacity to our sewer and things like that. um what's there now and the wastewater that it's producing in terms of what it would produce with 116 units is going to be vastly different. So I don't know if all those things are being taken into
consideration. Um and I think it's too much of a strain also on our public service, our traffic, police, fire, ambulatory, everything. So projects of this size and scope are the biggest thing that I hear from residents that they do not want any more of. So, it's
very difficult for me to sit here and and approve or support something that I know my constituents are against. So, that's all. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Council Zambo. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Uh, just briefly, obviously, this is going to my
zoning committee. Uh, but I will state that I have heard from a lot of people on this and not favorably, but uh, we'll we'll let this work out in zoning and, uh, That's it. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Any other
counselors? Hearing none. Permission to speak from the chair. Thank you. Um I I love the design. Uh I wish in a different location. This is um actually this not this project, Broadway
is something I can't get in favor of. I don't think the building should go there. I'm not in favor of it. I'm not in favor of any projects coming to Broadway. So maybe save your time for the future. Um, but that's where I stand. Um, and best of luck. Thank you.
This will be referred to zoning. Calendar item number four. Hearing call is ordered on a petition submitted by National Grid to relocate pole number 556 approximately 10 ft northwest out of the driveway of the property located at 3 True Street. Petitioner.
Hello. Uh Petra Jeka appeared to represent National Grid 170 Metford Street in Malden. Thank you. So National Grid is petitioning to be relocating the pole 556 on located on True Street about approximately 10 ft
away uh from the driveway that it is currently in uh so that it's no longer affecting the customer. Thank you. Any other proponents? Do we have any proponents? Anyone here in favor?
Hearing none. Closing that side. Any opponents. Do we have anyone here against? Hearing none. Closing that side. Council call. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for being here today. Thank you for the phone call the other day with the heads
up. I just have a question about the uh the impact of the neighborhood during the work. Are we looking at road closures? What are we looking at there? That is something that I am not sure of unfortunately. I know that it is something it is a small it is a small road unfortunately. Uh uh we will
probably be there probably some call with the police that they will have to uh make uh but other than that I am not uh certain exactly if they're going to be closing that street. Seems like a simple pole change. So it is it is yeah it was a an unfortunate
thing that the driveway is right there. So, we had to locate it and that was the only location. All right. Thank you very much. Yep. Thank you, council. Council has Thank you, Mr. President. I just had one question. I know this is a a relocation for a residents. Um I had put a motion
in for 321 Charger Street. Also, regarding a moving a um pole relocation, is this something that National Grid pays for? something that is typically something that the
customer would have to pay for because the pole is already there. If the if the pole has been there for a while and the customer built around it that the pole has a right to be there we so the customer has to pay for it because he's the one who built there.
Okay. So that usually follows on the on the usually follows on the customer. Yes. Thank you. Thank you councelor. Any other counselors? Okay, madame clerk, can we call the role? Shall the city council approve the petition of National Grid for three True Street in accordance with the plan on
file? Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Kaggleandro, yes. Yes. Councelor Gino, yes. Yes. Councelor Gino Slayo, yes. Yes. Councelor Hass, yes. Yes. Councelor Jerome, yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly, yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Noasilski.
Yes. Yes. Councelor Zamudo. Yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes, the petition has been granted. Thank you. Challenge item number five. Hearing called is ordered on an ordinance further amending the zoning ordinances
relative to mining corrections to the accessory dwelling unit zoning ordinance. Proponents. Mr. Sigowski. Evening councilors. Tom Skowski 81 Broadway. Um what you have in front of
you are some basically administrative tweaks that we had to make to the ordinance after it was um approved. We've been seeing a lot of applications coming through site plan and there were just two main items that we noted as corrections. One come in conformance with the state law. I think was just an
oversight on our part and then the other one is we were amending the ordinance on the fly the night of we we got a number wrong and a citation. Um so to to go over both of those in um short detail. So first was the off- streetet parking
requirements 172530. Um we all talked about within a half mile of a radius of a t-top or a bus stop you're not allowed to require parking. Um which you know I think we all agreed to that fact in over much
debate. Um what we forgot to do was leave off the second clause which was left over from the previous ordinance which stated and the existing principal dwelling complies with off- streetet park parking requirements because basically if we leave that in it um in
essence runs a follow that state law that says we can't require under any circumstances parking within a half mile. So that's the first one. The second one 172540 um letter A um that was just an incorrect reference. So councelor Harmo
had proposed an amendment about um rear and sideyard percentages of occupied land um if a property is within the flood plane and can't build in the basement essentially. And and we just got the number wrong on the citation that we all referenced. So, I think what
we all agreed to um that evening was 172520 section C. Um and I think it read as 17520. Um so, we're just correcting the record there more or less, but happy to take any questions on those if you have them.
Thank you, Tom. Do we have any other proponents? Anyone else here in favor? Proponents. Okay, closing that side. Opponents. Any opponents? Anyone here against? Hearing none. Closing that side. City
councilors. Councelor Greenosa. Thank you, Mr. President. Tom, I'm going to ask I want I have one little request. When you come in front of the council with these, it says chapter 17. 25 of
the revised ordinance of the city of River hereby amended by deleting the following SE 760 CRM. Can you please write what it is about instead of me having to look it up because I have a very short time in order to review the packet and and get
myself ready for this meeting? And if it's not written exactly what you want to change from this to this, then it takes a long time for us to go there and try to figure out what each ordinance is. Understood. I thought that was in the packet in between this.
It's not in the packet. It's No, no, I think you're right. I I thought it was. It wasn't. I have it in front of me. What I can also just commit to after the public hearing is closed, I'll run up to my office before the the next time I'll be speaking in front of the council, make some copies, distribute it uh them all to you
tonight. So, you have that for I just want to make sure it's done for the future. No, understood. Thank you. Got you. Thank you, President. Any other city councilors? Okay. This will be referred to zoning calendar item number six. Hearing called is ordered on an ordinance further amending appendix A, table of fees of
the revised ordinances of the city of River. Proponents, Mr. Visque. Good evening, council. Richard Visque. I am here to speak in favor of the changes to the ordinance with regard to fees. Um
we will come forward at the public meeting with some recommended changes. I know that uh Claire and the uh solicitor's office did clean up some of the older language that is obsolete now. But for the public here uh for the for the uh subcommittee we will bring forward some amendments on on the fees
themselves. But uh a lot of the changes you see before you right now are just cleaning up some of the old uh antiquated uh fees that don't exist anymore. But I am in favor of cleaning this ordinance up. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Visque. Any other proponents? Anyone else here in favor?
Hearing none in closing that side. Any opponents? Anyone here against? Hearing none. Closing that side. City councilors. Councelor Arenzio. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh Mr. Visque
uh you had stated previously that when this uh fee structure was going to be changed, you'd also uh consider doing the 3% community impact for short-term rental. Will that uh be part of the discussion? Yeah, that'll be that'll be part of all the amendments that we put forward with
regard to some of these fees that have um I mean some of them haven't been changed in 20 30 years. So, we've uh we did a fee survey. We've got a bunch of data that I'm going to try to summarize and then have clear kind of insert those into an amended um um language that would fit in with that. But yes, we are
considering that as well. Thank you. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Any other city councilors? This will be referred to legislative affairs. [Music] Calendar item number seven. Hearing called is ordered on the revocation of
chapter 148 license number 651 22 Naples Road granted January 24th of 22 for cause proponents councelor Mr. President good evening honorable members of the city council James
Cipleta 385 Broadway and 5 Fremont Street Winthre on behalf of Mr. Morangi, exc are you you're an opponent. I would assume you're opposing this the revocation, right? Yes.
So, this is for proponents. I just wanted to be clear. Please don't touch the air conditioning. No, I'm just That's okay. So, do we have any proponents? Anyone here in favor?
Okay. Closing that side here. on opponents. Thank you. Apologies, Mr. President. Um, again, James s a letter on behalf of Mr. Moreni. So, uh, we're here um to answer any questions that the council may have
and I understand it's public hearing and that um there are two issues on on the agenda. One is uh with regard to a chapter 148 license for storage of flammables. Um the enforcement authority of that is the is the uh fire department
under um chapter 148 section 13 and the CMRS. Um I have not seen any um report from from the fire department. Uh the other is with regard to the special permit that was issued in uh in March of
2021 and I think that might be the more um the broader uh issue. Uh I understand that uh when the city council saw fit to issue the city issue Mr. Morangi the special permit under chapter 48 and
section 17 of the review revised ordinances after the license holder had been through the site plan review uh committee and came out with a positive recommendation had to get a special permit for the operation
of the garage. Um and the council did in fact on 9 March of 2021 issue that special permit. There were some conditions and um I believe there are six or seven conditions. Most of them
are uh standard conditions. Um but it seems that um there was there's some confusion as to whether or not Mr. Morangi has complied with or violated uh one or two of the conditions. And if I might point out from what I know and
having not heard the evidence against him, um there was some concern whether or not he had uh installed the fire lane uh that goes around the building. Yes, he did. It's marked. It's painted. It's yellow. We had photos for that. Um there was also a condition that says that he
was to put planters in flower uh pots out in front of the building. Well, he did that originally. Um some drivers are better than others, some are worse than others. And uh on two occasions, those got taken out. Uh when it was brought to our attention, and I did have a conversation with a couple of people
here um in the hall, um we did put those um flower pots back out uh in the front of the building. And we have photos of those as well. There were there were two other conditions regarding to striping of uh parking spaces. Uh parking spaces
in the rear who should be designated and striped. They are. We have photos. They're yellow and uh we'd like to make those part of the record as well. Additionally, there is a condition for designated and striped parking spaces in the front of the building. We have those. Those are yellow. They're
striped. We have photos and they are in place today. There is one of them. And I I must admit that um I understand that there was to be a gate uh to be fenced along the side in the rear of the property and and and
so on and so forth. Um there was some discussion whether or not that gates those gates to be locked. The the condition that's part of the special permit is not clear. Um but in having conversations um over the last week or
so um what we thought would be the best thing to do and we'll go by the guidance of the council because you are the special permit granting authority. Um with regard to this condition um I I guess the analogy would be
why have a front door if you can't close it and lock it. So I think this is a security measure. It's to take care of all of the cars other people um have left there, their property of third parties and the owner has the
opportunity, I'm sorry, the obligation to take care of those and make those safe and secure. Also, there are flammables and other things inside the building that could be used as part of uh explosive or inflammatory devices which would not want people to get their
hands on. So, what we've done, uh, and we have photos of this as well, there was a a lock box, and there is a a term the fire department and the security people refer to. There's a key in there for the for the, uh, for the lock on the gate. If the council wants a different
method, we're happy to do it. But um a lot of times when special permits are written and conditions are imposed and site plan review says, "We think this is a good idea, but you may want to consider all of these things." What you get is sort of a general uh description
of of the condition without, you know, some of the other things that that might be sort of ancillary to that. and it doesn't become an issue until it's an issue. And so I I hope that uh the council recognizes uh that Mr. Mingi did not do
any of this intentionally. He's done everything that he's anytime somebody's asked him to do something, he's done it. Um we've withdrawn. There was a building permit that was in uh contention that we
withdrew um when one of the neighbors had filed an application for um uh before the um zoning board of appeals uh appealing the issuance of the building permit and the certificate of occupancy. We surrendered that building
permit. Uh so he's been nothing but cooperative. He doesn't want to fight with anybody. That business has been there for probably half a half a century and now it's generational. Uh Mario is is operating that. I mean the these are people who get up in the morning, they
go out to work early, they get their hands dirty, they go home late and they're a service to the public. So I think we can do something and come uh hopefully to a point we've satisfied any concerns that any of the counselors had.
and uh he's more than willing to do that. We just we just want to be in compliance. Thank you, councelor. Any other opponents? Do we have anyone here against? Anyone else? Closing that side. City councilors.
Council Kleandro. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh Mr. Cipoleta, Mr. Moren, thank you for being here tonight. When did you paint the lines for the fire lane? Uh originally we painted them when we
first did the property, we painted them in the back. We put the flower pots out front and then when this allows uh we refreshen up the back and when the gentleman was here uh they were not required in the front but we added the front parking spots so people have a
better uh place to know where to park and the file pots would get hit. the file pots on the on the special permit says that that's the parking um indicators. So, what we did is we we made the spots and we put the parking
the pots at each corner of the parking spots. So, you painted the fire lane back when this special permit was approved. The fire lane the fire you you from pictures I've seen recently, you put a fire lane sign and the old lines. So, you you that's new.
We've been all freshened this all up. Okay. But that's been there. This markings here, uh, does it is that required to put those fire lane markings? No. What I'm asking you is when did you originally put markings down for the fire lane?
Was it back when the permit was approved with the conditions or did you just do it recently? We just did these recently. These were not on that that I read this permit. I read it with with my lawyer. These I don't see anywhere in the per these have to be here. No, I ag Well, I don't I I
I added these because people on that street that go to the businesses on that property, they pull their cars onto my property. So, so we put those there recently just so people would say, "Okay, as a fire lane, I should not park here in front of these gates." Okay. I'm glad you just said that. So,
we all agree that it's a fire lane and you should not park there. We do not. uh that listen for the last just I can speak for the last three weeks you've had semi-tractor trailers in that in that both sides you still you moved it today and on the opposite side
you have another truck sitting in what's supposed to be a fire lane I would like an explanation because there's no way that you guys didn't know about this and I'm furious with the fire inspector I'm furious with the building inspector because frankly I don't know how you were issued a certificate of occupancy
when you never made good on the conditions of the special permit in the first place. So, I want to know now that you've said that this is a fire lane, why you think it's okay to park there and perform work in that fire lane. And further, you guys at the ZBA meeting,
you testified that they were going to build the canopy, which was originally a metal carport. Okay. and you testified that they weren't going to do anything with it, but at site plan, it was said that you were going to use it for
insurance inspections. So, please forgive me. I'm I'm sorry. I want understanding as to why parking giant trucks in a fire lane is okay and why you waited until today to move one of them. That's what I want to know. and
further why the fire inspector hasn't been out finding them because this is a clear as day fire lane. Right? This is everybody agrees there's supposed to be fire lanes on both sides and in the back. So that's what I want to know.
When a customer does drop off a vehicle, a truck, he parks it there. I immediately move that vehicle out of that parking spot. If it sits there longer than I would belonged, if I'm not there at that moment or I'm tied up with the gentleman talking to him, we do move
it right away. Sir, it's a fire lane. If you park in front of Market Basket on the fire lane, you get ticketed and if you keep it there, you get towed. Well, that's why that's why we put those markings there is so a customer if they pull up or any customer it's not for my
business, a different business, they see that's a fire and they should not park there. So, you haven't answered my question. and you have a locked gate with now we know there's a Nox box there which I'm pleased with that why are there trucks parked in there at all and they're parked overnight they're parked there for hours how unless unless
you've done 30 FedEx trucks in the last month I want an explanation as to why you parked there I want an explanation why there hasn't been ticketing done to you guys this is such a blatant disregard and I just want to say I want you guys to comply not here to hurt you
but I want answers as to why you guys have disregarded the rules the entire time. That's what I want to know. I think counselor, if I may, Mr. president through you. Um, it's recognized to be a fire lane if
somebody's with the vehicle and and I understand the the uh market basket analogy because I had this uh this issue with Hampton in with the fire lanes and uh when I had to come up here and talk to the council about that as well. Um, I
agree and I will uh counsel my client that if if it's unattended and it's parked, it's wrong. You can't do that. If it's attended, it should be moved, right? If it's attended, it should be moved. It's a fire lane. That's the whole point of this.
Well, there's no parking in a fire lane. It doesn't say you can't drive in. Section four of the special permit, unobstructed 20 foot fire lane. There is no re rhyme or reason why you should have a vehicle in there at all or a steel canopy. Nothing. That is for a
fire apparatus to go through in case of a fire. You cannot park vehicles in there legally. Right? They should be fined according to ordinance. They should be fined. So why are you guys parking vehicles in there? We're supposed to give you leniency. We're supposed to help you, but I feel like we're beating around the bush with this
one issue. in and I'm I'm sorry, but you guys should This has been four years ago these conditions were were put into play. Why has it taken so long to comply? I I don't understand. Okay, I'm I'm sorry to go in on you guys like this, but what's gone on over the last
nine months is I did everything I could to not bring this here. This was not done the right way. There's something fishy going on. I'm convinced. If it walks like a duck and it sounds like a duck, it's a duck. So, please explain to me why it's okay that they leave trucks
in there unattended or attended. Either one is unacceptable. Well, it's it it's definitely not um appropriate to leave and park a truck there. I I would say, however, that in the ordinary course when and I don't know what the enforcement protocol was
or whether or not it was carried out. Um but generally if there's a violation the enforcement officer whether it be the building commissioner or the fire safety inspector whom or whomever will come and give them a warning and say hey stop
doing it. Um we kind of find ourselves sort of before the appeals court without actually being at the lower court if if you know so I mean generally there would there would be a notice uh in a in order to correct. I've asked fire inspector
Chver to go enforce it and I I want to keep I'm I'm just letting the council know my intention tonight is to table this and I want a full inspection done with a report by the building inspector to make sure they
comply with all the special permit conditions because I don't think that was done. I think mistakes were made and I don't think anyone wants to talk about it. I think this is one giant big mistake that was made. So that's my ask. I'm I'm not trying to move this along. I
don't know if anyone else has anything to say, but I would like to table this and ensure that all of these conditions are being followed. These aren't the only conditions. You have conditions from site plan review as well. Um I'm not going to talk about those talking
about these ones. So I I really have I think I've made my point. Um Mr. President, thank you. councelor. Um, this will either be referred to public safety or zoning. Do you want that time to meet with council and the the business owner?
This this time, sorry, Mr. President, the the time that I would like to table this to make sure that you guys do the right thing. That's it. That's all I want. I want compliance. I don't want to hurt a business. I don't want to shut you down. I don't want to
revoke your license. And believe me, we have cause to do that tonight. But I don't want to. Any other city councilors? Sorry, councelor. Any other city councilors? Councelor Samuro. I think that uh it's pretty clear that
there are some conditions of the special permit that are not being followed. I I agree with my colleague table in this. He's not looking to hurt anybody, but he wants compliance and and and and I really believe uh this is doable. Just
follow the follow the special permit and get get the inspections you need and we move on. It's all it's simple. Thank you. Thank you, counselor. Uh council lettera is uh we'll table this for this evening. if you have time to get with your client
and then meet with this counselor, the ward counselor, get this going forward and then we'll bring it into zoning or public safety. More than happy to do it, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Public comment pursuant to chapter 402 of the acts of 1965.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. If you are here to speak on a motion, you will have two minutes. Rivier residents, please step up, give your name and the item number you'll be speaking on. Anyone here to speak
once, twice? Okay, Miss Dumis, name and address, please. Boom. So, I am here to speak on item 25172.
uh the um permitting for 114 Shirley Avenue LCC. Um and those of you who weren't here for the zoning subcommittee, I want you all to hold on to your seats. Uh this is the
um rare event that I am in favor of a property getting a permit to build. I have been working with the developer and with the architect for a while now. Um, they have been acclimating to the
community's needs. They have been willing to give me affordable six affordable units. This is the first time a developer in the Shirley Avenue neighborhood has given anyone affordable units. Uh, they've been really
comforting to the community and I'm very happy with what they're doing and what the building looks like. They did everything except give me the color I wanted. Fingers crossed. I wanted blue. Um, so I am going to say that I'm asking you guys
to give them their fivestory mixed juice building when it comes up. And I know that some of you still have some issues with our aging um, sewage system and our water system.
Hopefully they'll work on it. I know that's why you turned down the property in Broadway. And I know some of you guys think Broadway is sacred, but Shirley Avenue is not. And we'll be talking about that later on. Thank you.
Anyone else? Okay, let me be closing that back to the regular order of business. Madam Clerk, next up is the zoning subcommittee report. Council Zambo. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Obviously,
the zoning committee met this evening and uh C-25-1025-172114 Shirley LLC 78 Middleton Street, Mil Street, Middleton, etc., etc. Uh we had a
lengthy discussion and uh the committee voted uh unanimously in favor as amended and I'd ask for a roll call. Madame clerk, roll call to vote. Shall the city council grant the special permit for 114 Shirley Avenue subject to
the conditions of site plan review and the zoning subcommittee? Councelor Aenzio. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kaggleandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Go SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass, yes. Yes. Councelor Jammo, yes.
Yes. Councelor Kelly, no. No. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Basilski? Yes. Yes. Councelor Zambudo? Yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester? Yes. Yes. The special permit has been granted. Mr. President. Councelor.
Hi. Could we have a suspension of the rules? We have a department head here. That's And that's the item is like the last thing on the agenda. Yes, it's about the primary election there. Is it the actual last item?
Uh, it's second to last. Oh, sorry. 28. No, it's I'm wrong. I'm wrong. 27. Okay. Madam clerk, can we suspend the rules to take up 27 on the suspension of rules? Calendar item number 27, motion
presented by council Nobasellski that the city council approve the following special legislation. An act eliminating the preliminary election in the city of River in 2025. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives and general court assembled and by the authority of the same as follows.
Section one, notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall not be a preliminary election in the city of Rivier as otherwise required on September 16, 25 for the office of school committee for a two-year term or for the office of city council for a two-year term. The candidates for those
offices whose nomination papers have been dually certified shall be deemed to have been nominated and their name shall appear on the general election ballot. Section two, this act shall take effect upon its passage. Thank you, city council. Council
Novasowski. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, um we've done this before and last time we did it was 2017. And granted, you know, you're supposed to do a certain way. It's two uh double plus
one in any uh position. And but right now there's only one as far as legally there's only one uh person in council at large and one person in school committee at large
uh over and we don't even know if tomorrow there still will be. But I brought it up today so we can be one step ahead in case it does come up. It's not worth it for us to hold a
special election to get rid of one or two people and spend 50 $60,000 and have the whole city going. It's we we're saving money to do this and we're putting those extra people on the final
ballot and they'll all have a chance to get their votes. So, I'm proposing this for today just in case, you know, if it comes tomorrow that we don't need it anyway, so be it. But at least now we're on record that we may have to go to the
legislature for our approval on it. So, that's my play right now. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Councelor Samuto. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. As you know, I've run in many elections and a long time ago and uh you know, I always
found it a benefit to be forwarded to the final ballot if you you know, if you're running for a seat, you could be knocked out in a primary. and and and I've noticed in some of the
primaries I were in, the people that were most vocal about wanting a primary when they could have been on the ballot got knocked out. So, I think it's a benefit to if there's only one or two people to put them on the final ballot
and then you take your chances to win that instead of taking your chances to get on the ballot, you're on the ballot. So, I you know, it it makes a lot of sense. I don't even think we're going to get to this point, but just those are my two cents. Thanks. Thank you, councelor. Any other city
councilors? Council Kleandro. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, right now there would be, if everybody turned their papers in, there would be three primaries. One for a school committee at large, one for Ward One school committee, and one for Ward One city uh
city councelor if everyone turns their papers in tomorrow. Um, that's it. Atlarge only has eight. Um, I don't want to get too into it and encourage somebody to start pulling their papers, but uh, I just, um, I I
have all the respect for Council Novaski in the world, but I feel like this is circumventing our democracy and, uh, I think it's an important part of of what we do. So, I I can't support this tonight. Thank you.
Any other city councils? Councelor Aenzio. Thank you. Uh could you come up to the mic and I just have a question for you. Hello Danielle Petrantonio, election commissioner. Um yes, as of right now there isn't any races that would be eligible for a primary. There's a
possibility for three, but as you know, the deadline to pass in and have everything certified is um tomorrow. And one of those the school committee at large um is actually dependent on we had one candidate pull papers for two races. They can only be on the ballot for one. So they have until August 14th to
decide. So that would be dependent um on that as well. So even if everyone did pass in their papers, it still wouldn't be a guarantee um that we would have the atlarge race. But um yeah, as of now there isn't any races that would require a primary.
Okay. Thank you. And you said something interesting. So you can put your papers in for two different seats and then you have till August 14th to decide which one you want to run for. So you can only be on the ballot for one. You can pull papers for two. August 14th is the um last day for objections
or withdrawals. So they have to um submit a notorized letter withdrawing for one of the races. Um if they don't, then they're off the ballot for both, disqualified for both. So that's interesting. Thank you. Thank you. Any other city councilors
permission to speak from the chair? Are you in favor of this motion? Listen, I'll whichever way I I am I'm okay with. Okay. Yeah. Listen, she's the boss. Any other city councils?
Madame clerk, shall the city council approve an act eliminating the preliminary election in the city of River in 2025? Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Cogandro, no. No. Council Janino, yes. Yes. Councelor Go Slaya. Yes.
Yes. Councelor H. Yes. Yes. Councelor Harammo. But uh yes, no. Voting yes. No. Maybe. Yes. Maybe. Whatever. Yeah. Whatever. Yes. Voting yes. Sure. Councelor Kelly.
Yes. Voting yes. Council McKenna. No. No. Council Novaski. Yes. Yes. Council Zambo. Yes. Yes. And council president Sylvester. No. No. The special legislation has been approved. U. Mr. President. Point of personal I
guess like Mr. President. Counselor. Which one? Well, we're still in which are the two counselors? Sorry. He asked the question first. One question. It's okay. So, uh is this this is just the sended to the legislature. So, that we may
change it or does this actually cancel the prelim? This just can the prelim. This still needs to go to the state. Oh. So, this is just to send it to the state. Yes. Okay. Perfect. Thank you, Mr. President. Council Novaski.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, uh, since we're still under suspension of rules, can we take up number 10? We have, uh, a candidate here with the mayor and, uh, like to get that moving one way or the other. C, could I just ask one question?
Yes. Let's, let's finish this one, counselor, and then we'll continue on to that. Council Jenzio, what we just did goes to the legis. It only applies to this year, correct? Okay. Yes. Yes, Mr. President. So, is it going to make it in time through the house? Maybe not.
How I'm just I'm not trying to be a jerk. I know I voted no. Please. Um is this going to make it through the mayor, the reps, the senate, and the governor by the time the election comes? Because if we do that, does then does
this then apply to the mayoral race in two years? 25. No, I'm just making sure. Just making sure. 25. Yes, but it says 2025, but is it going to be done by then? So I can't speak to the current legislature but this
particular legislation has passed before. Okay. So the state legislature has got to it in the past and hopefully they will get to it this time. So I just if it if it doesn't does it just dissipate goes away?
I believe so. Okay. Madam clerk. I'm not the city attorney. However, if it's approved after preliminary be required. I don't understand. Yeah, she's not the attorney, but she plays one often on TV.
I'll allow it. Thank you guys. Okay. Under suspension of rules, can we take up motion 10, please? Uh, yeah. No, we're going to 10 now for that last.
Okay. Yes. Yes. Back to the regular order business, madam cler. calendar item number 10, communication from the mayor relative to the appointment of Danny Hernandez as director of veteran services. Mr. President, honorable council, uh I'm here before you again this evening for
an appointment. Uh I appreciate you taking us out of order. Uh couldn't hear anything back there either for the record. Um uh I want to welcome up uh Danny Hernandez. uh if appointed our new veteran service uh agent officer. Uh Danny uh is a resident of Revier. You
may see him. Uh I've gotten to know Danny over the last few years as one of the chaplain at the Beachmont Post, but also as a parent at a few um parent teacher and um uh engagement nights at the Rumy Marsh Academy. got to know
Danny as a very involved and engaged parent uh and as a very good person, but also as a veteran in our community who happens to come from a family that serves in the armed forces. Uh so far as the interim BSO, Danny has done uh doing
a great job and working really well with the team down there. I'm looking uh forward to seeing what he does over the next many years serving this role and I'm excited to uh present his appointment. So without further ado, I'll ask Danny to come up and speak for himself. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you. This is Danny Hernandez 295 question. Any questions for me? Okay. Thank you, Madam Cong. Yeah, one more time. Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. Um Congressman, um I I would like to wave
this tonight. We're not we're appointing him tonight. I would really like to wave this and appoint him tonight. um not just have it as a communications because he's here, you're here and everybody's here. So um Dan, what what are you going to bring to the table uh for the
veterans and could you just speak a little bit about your background? I did re read. Sure enough. Um thanks. So I originally from East Boston. I joined the military in 1997 and I served six years. Got out because I wanted to
go to college and I got the infamous phone call. They say, "Sergeant Hernandez." I go, "No, no, you mean Danny Hernandez." And they said, they gave me a date and time and I reported and I went served o overseas in Iraq, um, where I met my wife who's currently in the military. So, we're a strong, not
just a previous military, but we're currently still actively do um, serving. Um, got my two college degrees. I got three daughters. Um, they're all in high school. Well, they're a rising senior, a rising junior, and a rising freshman. We call them deployment babies, but that's
for another time and place. Um, you get the you get it, right? Yeah. So, but that's that's a little gist of my background. Um, as far as what have I done or what can I do is I've always volunteered. Um, my big big on volunteering not just for the city of River, but also for the city of Sagas,
sometimes Lynn and um other other um cities throughout throughout the region. Um, I've always been the person that's been behind the scenes. I'd never like to be in the spotlight, but someone gave me an offer and gave me a directive and here I am.
Thank you very much. Um, I'm going to ask the council to confirm this appointment tonight. Um, and I'm going to hand it over to uh, President Sylvester to open it up for discussions for the councils. Thank you, Council McKenna. Thank you.
Thank you, Council McKenna. Councelor Coleandro. Thank you, Mr. President. Danny, you've done a wonderful do job as uh chaplain and I I just on a personal level, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your work at the Veteran Food Bank uh in the Veteran Service Office and uh I'm
excited to have you, man. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Councelor Goa. Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to offer a few words of support to Danny Hernandez. Um I recently had the opportunity to meet him. I went in
his office last week and I honestly I was truly impressed. I could actually see his clear sense of organization in that office whether it was stemming from his military background or
just his OCD. But Danny's work ethic was with his strong organizational skills are exactly what that department needs. Uh but more importantly through our conversation it became clear that Danny puts veterans
and their families above all else. I have full confidence in under um that under his leadership that the veterans will have top priority for the city of River. Correct. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you councelor Councel Hass.
Thank you Mr. President. Danny, it's been a pleasure getting to know you the last few years. I know how much you care for the the city. I know how much you care for the veterans. Um you guys have done a fantastic job at the Beachmont BFW. Um Jerry Dena, it's just just a fantastic group over there and I wish
you nothing but luck. Like I said before, if the council can support in any way, please reach out. Congratulations. Thank you. Well, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, council. Council Heio, thank you, Mr. President. Danny, really excited, Mr. Mayor. Um congratulations
on another great appointment. Two for two today. Um, uh, of course, uh, particularly excited to hear that you're the chaplain. I mean, I knew you were the chaplain, but excited that we're appointing a chaplain, uh, to lead our city. Um, because I know
that folks join the military off to doing it as as the sense of duty for our country. Um, but, you know, the faith teaches about ensuring that we're caring for the most needy. And oftentimes we're very good about sending our young uh
women and men into war. Um but not as good about taking care of them when they come home, offering them housing and healthcare uh in a good dignified life. Um, and I know that that's going to be something that you'll embody in your new
uh role here in the city of Rivera. And not just for veterans, but I I trust that you'll do it for uh as a city official with um a cabinet level position within the city that you'll do for all of our community. um to bring
that faith and and that um philosophy um to government is is something that I look forward to seeing more of around here and I really appreciate. Um so congratulations. Thank you. Thank you, Council Council Novaselki.
Thank you, Mr. President. U Dan, welcome aboard. I know you've been, you know, kind of filling in some slots since uh our last VSO left and uh I want to congratulate you and thank you for what you've done so far. And just to give
everybody a little briefing, um Danny Danny, these are uh bottle caps from your water bottles. And Danny collects these. This is one of the things that he does. He collects these for another organization. They make prosthetics for wounded soldiers.
So if anybody out there has bottle caps, white, has to be the white ones, okay? No other color, just white. And uh get them down to Danny at the VFW, bring them down to the uh veterans office. And that's one thing. And then everybody knows about the flag boxes
that we have for the used flags. We have three of them around the city. one in Squire Road, one at the VFW and Beachmont, and one up on Broadway in front of the Legion building. And these boxes are like mailboxes where you put
old, used, and unusable flags that are in deplorable condition and we properly dispose of them. And this past week, Danny went around to the three boxes and I don't know how many of them. I had to get a thousand flags out of all these
boxes and he brought them over to uh Resco Win and they destroy them for us the proper way. Correct. So I thank him for that and uh what you're doing downstairs uh working on
the office and you got a great staff down there. You know, the food bank is outstanding and just keep up the good work and take care of our veterans. Good luck. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Council Zambo. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Andy,
congratulations. But you you're a veteran, a man of faith, a family man. I got to congratulate the mayor on picking you. So, uh, we we don't know each other, but this is, uh, a wonderful
appointment, and I look forward to working with you. Thank you. Thank you. Councelor Kelly. Hi. I, we haven't met yet either, but um, I just wanted to congratulate you. Your background is outstanding, and I think you're going to be perfect, and I'm excited to know that you're going to
be in that position. So, best of luck. Thank you. Thank you, counselor. Permission to speak from the chair. Danny, congratulations. We've known each other for a while now. Um, that office really needs some some life like yourself. You and Donna together will do
some amazing work. So, anything we can do to support you, please let us know. Congratulations and do a great job, man. Thank you. Thank you. No, thank you, Mr. President. Councelor, uh, reconsideration with the hope that it doesn't prevail.
We have to vote first. Oh, I'm sorry. That's okay. Yes, she she she wants you, Danny. She wants you in that position. Madame clerk, if we could roll call the vote. Sure. Shall the city council confirm the appointment of Danny Hernandez as
director of veteran services? Councelor Aenzio. Yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Go SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass. Yes. Yes. Councelor Jammo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor Mckenno. Yes.
Yes. Yes. Council Vasilski. Yes. Yes. Council Zambudo. Yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The appointment has been confirmed. [Applause] Mr. President. Madame Counselor. Thank you. Reconsideration with the hope
that it does not prevail. Uh under recus the rules. Motion to suspend the rules. Sorry. Sorry about that. We are We were already Okay, this we're on item 10. So,
okay. Under suspension of rules in hopes that it does not prevail. Um, madame clerk, well, well, we're under the suspension of rules now. Can we take up motion number 22 while we have the VSO in front of us?
Calendar item number 22. Motion presented by councelors Garino SA, council president Sylvestri, councel Aenzio, and councelor Nasellki that the mayor request the veteran service office to install a memorial pole on Cambridge Street in honor of
Warren Francis Meyers, first lieutenant 4021st quartermaster truck company, United States Army, World War II. Council go. Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to say I took an unconventional approach to this, so please bear with me. I
apologize for not jumping in it the right way, but this started back in April when I'll just get into my story. Um, Warren Francis Myers was a lifetime lifelong resident of River and a dedicated member of the River Police
Department. He served the country honorably as first lieutenant with the 4,021st quartermaster truck company during World War II, seeing excellent action in Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. Lieutenant Meyers was wounded
on April 18th, 1945 when his convoy was attacked by German aircraft over Saber, Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart and received honorable discharge on June 25th, 1946.
Officer Mayo was fully recover never fully recovered from his injuries and passed away on November 12th, 1950. His service and sacrifice exemplify the courage and dedication of Rivier's veterans and public servants. The
placement of a memorial pole will stand as a permanent reminder of Warren Francis Meyer's devotion to his country, his community, and the city of River. This was brought to my attention by Seth Weisanski, a River police officer who
also serves in the military and is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in August. He asked if this memorial pole could be installed on Cambridge Street and for it to come in to fruition prior
to his departure. I'm proud to share along with my colleagues that everything is in place including the location and the creation of the sign. The location will be at the corner of Mountain and Cambridge Street.
Councelor Aenzio went down there today to make sure that it was a good spot. God willing and if all continues to go smoothly, the memorial pole will be installed on August 10th at 10:00 a.m. This is this will be a meaningful and
lasting tribute, and I'm deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. I would especially like to thank Mayor Patrick Keefe, Veterans Service Officer Danny Hernandez and Veteran Services, Council President Mark
Sylvestri, Councelor Paul Agenziel, and Councelor Iva Novaski for all their help in making this h happen. And I really appreciate everyone voting for this tonight so we can make sure that the poll gets put up on August 10th prior to
Officer Weisansky's um being deployed. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Councelor Arenzio. Okay, Danny. So my vote is yes if that's what you're looking for. Um so absolutely. But just
to be clear, I'm very structured. I like rules, policies, and procedures. um we had the discussion. So on our website um veteran services um I I uploaded a memo that basically um spells out what the expectations are moving forward with me.
Um after Memorial Day, I'll give myself six months to collect information for any applications. I don't see a influx of applications but if we ever do I spelled it out that I want six months to go through the vetting process and then
January by the end of January have some sort of like bring it to the board if I have to present it and then on Memorial Day that calendar year we'll have the actual ceremony with the families with the poll and then dictate what day and time we'll have it. um at a minimum
maybe max six um ceremonies because we have six wards um but I don't really foresee and hopefully we don't have more than many if you know what I mean clear awesome excellent thank you and um just so you
know the next time you come up and do one of these you'll be the person reading the the thing about the veteran and giving all the information and and confirming that you checked their DD214 and all that. Councelor Garino Sua did jump the gun, but in in recognition of a
veteran, we'll let it slide. Understood. Um, madame clerk, if we could roll call the vote, please. Shall the city council approve the installation of a memorial pole on Cambridge Street in honor of Warren Francis Myers? Councelor Agenzio. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kaggleandro.
Yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Gino Slaya. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass. Yes. Yes. Council Hario, yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly, yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna, yes. Yes. Councelor Vellski, yes. Yes. Councelor Zamudo, yes. Yes. And Council President Sylvester,
yes. Yes. The motion has been approved. Thank you, Danny. Congratulations. Good luck. Thank you. Back to the regular order business. Calendar item number 11, communication from the mayor. relative to the appointment of Victor Peliter to the
Human Rights Commission. This will be referred to appointments. Calendar item number 12, communication from the mayor relative to the appointment of Albert Teshi to the Human Rights Commission. Referred to appointments. Calendar item number 13, communication
from the chief of planning and community development relative to zoning amendments for battery energy storage systems. Anyone public hearing? This will go to a public hearing. Calendar item number 14, communication
from the city auditor relative to the FY25 year end free cash appropriations. Mr. Visque. Good evening, councilors. Uh Rich Fiske, 281 Broadway, CFO. Um what we have before you tonight is uh our final free
cash appropriations for fiscal year 2025. These appropriations are meant for us to uh fill any deficits uh within the operating budget for 25 and um close the books without any deficits that would reflect poorly on our free cash
certification and our audit. So, um I'm here to answer any questions on the three free cash um proposals before you. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Any city councils have any questions? Councelor Aenzio.
Hi, Mr. Visque. the uh 270,000 for the street lighting. That seems like a staggering figure. Is was that much in the uh in the red? The short answer is yes. Um however, we are um reviewing uh we we did turn all
our street lights to LED lights several years back and we were supposed to realize a bunch of savings there and and we haven't really seen that come to fruition. So, we are actually reviewing all of our um bills and trying to get some answers on where these savings are.
But, you know, we we did look and this is 12 months worth of bills and and um you know, the the energy costs, they kind of go up and down. We we do have a cost um set in for our suppliers, but uh some of the national grid uh charges are beyond our control, but um yeah, we we
looked into it. There is a deficit there. If there's reimbursements due to us, we will bring it back into the budget for fiscal year 2026 into the, you know, either through uh free cash or as a offset to our 26 budget. But right now, without uh without enough time to
research it and have it squared away before the fiscal year end, I just wanted to ensure that we wouldn't take a $270,000 penalty on our free cash for an appropriation deficit. Um energy costs, we we have to pay them no matter what. So, uh, got to keep the lights on, no pun intended, but there's definitely
some research that we're doing with regard to where these savings were when we did all these LED light transfers over a few years back. Yeah, I I I was superintendent when that happened. And I asked that question of National Grid and they said, you know, where's the big savings? And
they said, well, the rate for street lights has skyrocketed. So, if if uh we're drilling if you didn't go to LED, you really would have been in the red. Yeah, that's the answer I got when I asked. I think there's I think there's some uh
the u refunds that we're due with regard to this and we are actively pursuing those right now. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you, Council Council Novaski. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, one thing on the street lighting, uh, I
know we had several years ago all the LEDs put in and a lot of us weren't happy with the size of the lights that were put in. Now, I've asked for lights to be increased in certain areas for
public safety, and I seem to be getting push back from DPW of allowing National Grid to do it. And they're saying that they're working on whatever they're working on to try and straighten out their different accounts. But I don't, you know, I know we probably have to pay
for that, but it's a public safety issue. And I think that we should be doing things and not holding things up and potentially having someone get hurt because there's not enough light at a intersection where there's a crosswalk.
So, you know, I I I hope that you can bring this to the mayor and to, you know, sup the superintendent that, you know, I'm not happy having to wait. have been waiting in some cases over a year, you know, between National Grid and DPW
to get this thing straightened out. So, I'm not going to hold this up because you I know we probably do need the money and I know we like I said, we probably do have to pay for things, but things are asked for for a reason, not for stop gapping.
So, I'd ask that you bring it back to the proper authorities to push those through. Yeah, I don't really have much knowledge of that, counselor, but I'll I'll bring it back and talk to the superintendent and try to get a little more information, but uh these are just kind of year-end transfers. We're trying to close the books, but I I hear I hear
what you're saying and I'll bring it back to the right people. Thank you, councelor. Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. I too um has have asked for different wattages on lights, certain lights. uh National Grid
when we transferred to LED, they had uh they made the decision of what wattage should go in what um street light. And there are some uh major intersections and uh crosswalks that need more
lighting down there and they have 25 watts instead of 100. So, it's some places are really dark and they made that decision. I thought I thought the city should make that decision on uh like I have a gigantic um walkway. It's
a crosswalk um and it's double the size and there's 25 watts on you know the corners. So, I just don't know who makes that decision, but uh some places should be really looked at and as ward
counselors, we can make that um we can identify that and um maybe we can put the proper wattage in um these places that need them. Yeah, it's certainly not in my wheelhouse, but we'll we'll we'll we'll relay the message for sure.
Thank you, councelor. Any other councils? Madame clerk, shall the city council approve the following appropriations from free cash? $300,000 to police details account,
$270,000 to street lighting, and $431,74 to workers compensation trust. Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Cogandro, yes. Yes. Councelor Janino, yes. Yes. Councelor Gino Slaya, yes. Yes. Councelor Hass, yes. Yes. Councelor Jammo,
yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly, yes. Yes. Council McKenna. Yes. Yes. Council Noelski. Yes. Yes. Council Zambo. Oh, absent. And council president Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The uh that communication has been
approved. Calendar item number 15. Communication from the city auditor relative to the FY25 year end water and source stabilization fund transfer. Mr. Visque. Thank you. Good evening again. Um, this is a transfer that we held off on
throughout the year because we anticipated in the fiscal year 2025 uh rate setting that we would have approximately a $2 million shortfall due to the fact that we had a three-year rate structure at uh 4.25%. Um, didn't want to go ahead and transfer
that money too early. We do have that actively invested in in uh in the trust account that um we expect to get our return on investment. But um preliminarily when we uh looked at closing the fiscal year 2025 books um
our fears were confirmed that we're about $1,850,000 short in our revenues uh to cover all the costs of the enterprise fund. So I I guess the good news is that the the math seemed like it was accurate that we would have this shortfall. So, uh,
wanted to hold off till the last, uh, day of the fiscal year to actually make that transfer from our stabilization account of water and sort to our, um, water and so enterprise fund so that we can close the books without a $1.85 million revenue shortfall. So, um, this
was somewhat anticipated, but again, waited till the last day to make this transfer so we could uh, keep that money in invested actively until the last very minute. So, um, I'll try to answer any questions on that if anyone has any questions. Thank you, councelor. Uh, any city
councilors? Okay, madame clerk. Shall the city council approve an appropriation from the water and sore stabilization fund to the water and sore enterprise fund in the amount of $2 million? Councelor Argenzio. Yes. Yes. Council Cogleandro.
Yes. Yes. Council Janino. Yes. Yes. Council Gino Slaya. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass. Yes. Yes. Councelor Haramo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Noveski. Yes. Yes. And Council Zamutoo is absent. And
Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The transfer has been approved. Calendar item number 16, communication from the city auditor relative to the FY25 year end transfers. Mr. Visque. Thank you again. Um again uh the the the
theme of tonight is year end transfers. Um uh this is the last meeting that we can fulfill any transfers uh of funds with regard to fiscal year 2025. So um before we go and ask for supplemental funding from free cash or otherwise we try to look from within the budget to
see which accounts may have had some surpluses and uh use those dollars to fill the um the deficits in other accounts. So, um, this has been something we've done routinely every year. So, what you see before you is a a bunch of, uh, uh, transfers from and
transfers to that foot out to, uh, approximately 1.44 million, uh, from various accounts to various accounts. And if anyone has any particular questions on the nature of any of those transfers, I'm happy to answer those questions. Thank you. Do we have any city councils?
Council Novasowski. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. uh through you to uh Mr. Besque. Um how come there was $275,000 in veterans left over? Well um we appropriate typically every
year $75,000 for veterans benefits and um certainly I would never want to come before this council and and and think cutting those. But we do over the last several years find that we do not spend all that. There hasn't been any active wars in a while. we, you know, we fulfill all the obligations of the
veterans, but simply put, if there's not enough claims against that veteran service, it becomes surplus that would otherwise go to free cash. But in this case, we're using that surplus just to fill some of the other holes in the budget. So, not from anything other than the fact that um uh we've been under
budget on claims for the veterans in in the in the city for one reason or another, but I think it's it's probably the the fact that we haven't had a lot of active uh military service. So we take care of those that get the benefits, but we don't have any new people that are uh to drawing down on
those. So just a surplus from an appropriation, Mr. President. And also on the U MNR, the CC $423,400. Yeah, they they received uh a really large amount of um reimbursements from
the 911 calls that we get. We do get grants from the state from the volume of calls we get and those reimbursements, those grant dollars we like to spend before we spend our appropriations. So this is basically a result of um us uh having our uh appropriate uh offset of
the uh aortionment of our cost to the to the 911 call center. So uh we budget the gross amount. If they get grants in that exceed what their expectations are, it brings down our respective cost from the cities of uh River and Winter. One more thing, Miss President. Um, on the
transfer to the solicitor on the settlement. What was the $154,000 settlement? That's a various settlements that we get through the year that um we're required by law to pay settlements whether the cash is there or not. If we don't provide for that um deficit, the Department of Revenue makes us raise it
on our tax rate. So, as opposed to burden us with the 26 tax rate raising that, we would we're just looking to clean that up with with some of these surplus dollars. So, it wasn't one particular settlement. Sometimes it's 20,000 here, 50,000 here. I can provide you probably with that list, but I don't have it before me.
That's okay. I appreciate it. Thank you very much. Sure. Thank you, councelor. Any other city council? Councelor Arenzio, I just have one question. Just getting back to the water rate. When the 4.25% rate was set, we were aware that that
was going to cause a deficit. I don't know that I was aware it was going to cause a deficit on the third year of the three-year rate structure, but um what had happened is we were using one-time revenue from the OPA funds and and we had had stabilization
and free um well retained during the transfer as free cash otherwise to stabilize those rates. So, um the the prior uh prior mayor had very strong feelings about trying to keep these water rates very um stable and and as low as possible the increases, but um it
really wasn't sustainable without using one time monies and and we've kind of come to the end of the rope on that and that's why we had that kind of large increase for 26 because we you know I it kind of hurts me to appropriate $2 million from our reserve funds to stabilize these rates. I mean, it's
that's what it's there for in some respects, but you know, with this appropriation, we're down to about 3.5 million in an account that had 7 or 8 million in a few years back. So, we really got to start to build that reserve again. So, that's why we really got to kind of get our rates in line with actual cost so we can start to um
build up those reserves again. So, the rate we just set, you don't feel as though that will cause a a deficit. We're fairly confident that that's I put a half a million dollar placeholder in there just because I think it's prudent and you just never know because it could be a dry spring, a
wet spring. You got new buildings that are coming on using water and those assessments sometimes are trailing average. So, you know, we do our best to look at the history of the the usage and, you know, we really try to set the rates accordingly. I I'd love to be able to say that everything's going to be great 12 months from now, but uh you
know, we have a pretty good handle on it. I think we do pretty well at estimating these. So, um I'm hoping that the the 9.7% brings us back to par, but I just put something in there as a placeholder. Much like we did here, if if we get to the end of 12 months next year and it looks like we don't need to transfer the money, I certainly wouldn't
do it. Okay. Thank you very much. Sure. Thank you, councelor. Any other city councilors? Point of personal privilege. Um just as uh CFO said as the former VSO the the the budget is usually set with a
lofty balance over um and we never even came close to that uh while I was there. So that's sufficient just so everyone knows. And then uh madame clerk if we can take three roll calls please.
Shall the city council approve general fund transfers in the amount of1,437,91 as reported by the CFO to close fiscal year 25 with no appropriation deficits? Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Kogleandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Gino.
Yes. Yes. Councelor Go Slaya. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass. Yes. Yes. Councelor Harmo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Council Noelski. Yes. Yes. Council Zambudo is absent and council president Sylvester. Yes.
Yes. The transfer has been approved. Shall the city council approved water and soore enterprise fund transfers in the amount of $15,22 as reported by the CFO to close fiscal year 25 with no appropriation deficits. Councelor Aenzio.
Yes. Yes. Councelor Cogleandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Janino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Gino Slaya. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councelor Hass. Yes. Yes. Councelor Harammo. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Councelor McKenna. Yes. Yes. Councelor Noasilski.
Yes. Yes. Councelor Zamudo is absent. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes. The transfer has been approved. And lastly, shall the city council approve a transfer from the DPW solid waste recycling disposable account to
permanent salaries account in the amount of $9,000 to close fiscal year 25 with no appropriation deficits. Councelor Aenzio, yes. Yes. Councelor Kogandro. Yes. Yes. Councelor Jino. Yes. Yes. Councelor Gino SA. Yes. Yes. Councelor H.
Yes. Yes. Councelor Hario. Yes. Yes. Councelor Kelly. Yes. Yes. Council McKenna. Yes. Yes. Council Novaski. Yes. Yes. Council Zamutoo is absent. And Council President Sylvester. Yes. Yes. That transfer has been approved.
Thank you, Council. Thank you. Um, I was uh I was I No, I was excited to get out of here. Um, I have with me um we got a fellow from
the Massachusetts Department of Revenue that's working with the finance department. Um, uh, she went through a month-long boot camp with the Department of Revenue to learn all about municipal finance. This is the Department of Revenues efforts to try to find people
up and coming to do the jobs that some of us municipal finance people do. It's kind of a a unique job that we do. I I didn't go to college thinking I was going to be a CFO in a municipality. Kind of stumbled into this job, but what we're seeing at the uh this the uh
Commonwealth statewide is something they call the silver tsunami. You're seeing a lot of us people that uh been doing this job for a long time starting to age out and retire. there's not really a lot of people coming up in the ranks to take our jobs. So, uh this is May long. She's
here. Uh she's uh did a monthlong uh like I said, she did a month-long boot camp with the Department of Revenue. We have her here for the summer. And what we're trying to do is expose her to all the different uh types of things we do. She sat with the collector's office. She's been to our bid opening and the
person office. We have her working on budget stuff. Um what we've been doing is she's been loading stuff into the tax rate recap and showing her how we do some department of revenue stuff and um thought it would be a good idea to bring her here tonight. I didn't realize we were going to have such a robust and lively meeting but uh at the end of the
day I wanted her to see the process of the council appropriating these dollars and how that comes back to us and how we record all the votes. So uh her name is May Long. I'm happy to have her come up and introduce herself and uh thank you for that counselor. Thank you. Thank you. Want to say hello? May Long.
Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Welcome and good luck. Yeah. Thank you. Congrats. Thank you for that. Appreciate it. Have a good night everyone. Thank you. motions. Calendar item number 17. Motion provided, I'm sorry, presented by the
entire city council that the city council send the attached letter expressing support of Republic Service Services Workers Teamsters Local 25 to John Vander, CEO of Republic Services relative to the failure of Republic Services to settle a contract with
Teamsters Local 25. Council Hario. Thank you, Mr. President. And um I first of all, I want to thank all my colleagues on the council who signed on to this letter. I know that you all have been following the strike that started at midnight on uh what is
July 1st, which is now a month ago. uh the workers at Republic Service who do uh actually they used to contract we used to contract the city used to contract with Republic Service but they do waste management pickup um in most in a lot of communities in Eastern
Massachusetts went on strike for what they so rightly deserve. Republic Services is one of Forb's 500 top country uh companies in the in the nation. John Vanderarch, who is named in
the letter that's attached, uh makes 13 million dollars a year. That's 150 million uh 150 times the amount that his average Massachusetts employee and worker makes. Um and they have a site right here in the city of
River. And I know we're proud to be a working-class community. Um it is truly a shame that they won't come and negotiate with the workers. um that they're walking away uh and that what's on offer just doesn't quite meet our morals and our values here. Uh because
what's on offer is health care that is hellbent on putting their workers into deeper poverty uh lower than industry standard wages. uh and quite a proposal that astonished me and as folks know I
work in the labor movement um which would essentially create a surveillance state for their workers and make them liable uh based on this surveillance state to lose their jobs for even the most insignificant offenses. Um and
starting last week, John Vanderarch, who got 100% employee paid health care, shut off the health insurance on these workers. Many of them live right here in River. Many of you have joined uh these
workers at these strike line uh can see that there's a resident particularly from W three. I won't use his name. Um but but uh his healthc care was shut off and his
mass health was denied. And so what's happening to hundreds of workers in eastern Massachusetts is that uh cancer treatments are getting shut off, insulin payments, uh reimbursements for prescription
medicine, pre-natal and parinatal care no longer accessible because John Vander Arc and Republic Services, a multi-million dollar corporation, is trying to squeeze these workers for a little bit more than what they And um so
I really appreciate the solidarity in the chamber today. Uh and I hope we'll hear from more of our colleagues about um about the injustices that these workers are facing. And most importantly, we hope that John Van Dark directs his negotiators to come back to
the table and give these workers a fair wage, good health care, and to do away with this dystopian idea of surveilling his employees. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, [Applause]
Council Goa. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Councelor Klan. Um, Council Harrio for coming, for calling all of us and putting us on this amazing motion. Um, I stand in full support with the
Teamsters workers on strike against Republic Services. I was proud to stand shouldertosh shoulder with you and with all the men and women on the picket line at the republic site in River. These workers are simply asking for fair wages
and basic health care benefits. Nothing more than what everybody else in the industry always already gets. It's not fair. It's not right. Republic's refusal to negotiate in good faith isn't just wrong. It's putting our
communities at risk across Massachusetts and right here in River. Dumpsters are overflowing behind restaurants, apartment buildings, and it's creating a serious public health hazard and worsening and our
already growing rodent crisis. They need to wake up. Wake up. It's not right. This council is united in support of these essential workers and we are calling on Republic to return to the table immediately.
Rever stands for labor always has and always will. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Any other counselors? Okay. Oh, councelor Kelly. Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to thank councelor Haramio for including us
on all on this motion. Um I think the behavior by republic has been disgraceful. Absolutely disgraceful. They have a responsibility to go back to the bargaining table and give these workers what they deserve. In addition, they are causing a public health crisis
in some communities that are having to deal with this. Um I stood with them at their on the uh picket line at their location in Rivier. They're not asking for anything out of the ordinary. They're asking for fair, respectable
wages, in health insurance. Um, and it it's disgraceful that Republic has shut down negotiations and we are urging them to get back to the table immediately. Thank you. Thank you, Councelor Councelor Cogleandro. Thank you, Mr. President. Council Hario,
thank you for getting us all involved on this. Uh, and I echo what councelor Harmo, councelor Kelly, and councelor Garino SA said. I just want to bring one idea. Boston is sending the fines to
these properties right to republic because they're not picking up trash because they're not treating their workers fairly. So maybe River can get on board with that. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Permission to speak from the chair. Granted.
Um, thank you. And, um, councelor hero, thank you. Uh, city councilors, colleagues, thank you for standing with uh, the teamsters local 25. Uh I think we've all made ourselves clear um moving forward that Republic does need to come
back to the table and as many of the council said here tonight um we've stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women um that are picketing that that line and and as councelor Kelly and others said they're not looking for anything more or anything less than
their competitors are getting. They're looking for equal wages and equal health benefits that everyone else in the industry is getting except in this one company. So, Republic get back to the table and I want to thank my colleagues for standing in solidarity with this. Thank you. All in favor? All opposed?
So ordered. Calendar item number 18. Motion presented by councilors McKenna and Gino SA that the mayor request the fire department to install a dedication plaque at the new Alden A. Mills fire station in the point of pines. Council McKenna.
Thank you. Uh Mr. President. So, uh, the plaque would be all the former counselors and the, um, current counselors that voted for the, uh, fire station. That's the pl that would be the plaque. The plaque is in. Uh, it just
has to be hung. Um, a nice gesture would would would be to invite all the former and current uh counselors that voted for this new fire station um and have like a little g get together and have um them
meet at the fire station and um you know to watch the hanging of the plaque. So, um I would like to suggest that um I don't know a date, but maybe we could work it out so uh we could all meet there. So, thank you.
Thank you, councelor. Any other city councilors? All in favor? All opposed? So, ordered. Calendar item number 19, motion presented by councelor McKenna and councelor Gino SA that the mayor request the DCR to direct all construction
workers who are working on projects along Reier Beach Boulevard to park at the Wonderland garage. Construction companies shall facilitate pickup and drop off of its workers from the garage to their respective project sites. Workers are using valuable parking spaces limiting availability for
residents and beach visitors. Conso McKenna. Thank you. Um, I spoke to a bunch of residents living on River Beach, uh, Boulevard, and all of them said that they are frustrated and unhappy with allowing construction workers coming
into the construction site at 6:00 a.m. And I think they're doing this on purpose to get the parking space. Uh, and they're taking up parking until 5:00 p.m. with no help from the city or DCR. Uh these parking spaces in front of
residential houses and also for beachgoers are being used by construction workers daily for more than a year now. Uh I believe a great solution to this problem is to bust the workers into the construction site from Wonderland and let the developers pay
for the buses. Uh, this would free up the parking spaces for residents and beachgoers and resolve an ongoing daily problem. Thank you. Thank you, councelor Council Green.
I want to thank councelor McKenna for for adding me to this motion. Um, this has been a major problem especially in Ward 5. Um, residents and beachgoers along Rivera Beach Boulevard are already dealing with limited parking,
especially during the summer months when the area is at peak activity. Construction workers tied to DCR projects are currently occupying valuable on street parking that should be available to the people who live here and to visitors who support our local
recreational spaces and businesses. That's why Council McKenna and I are presenting this motion. We are trying to direct them to do the right thing on these construction sites and bus the
workers to Wonderland instead of having them park outside. The construction company should be responsible for coordinating the pickup and drop off to and from the sites. And just like other just like other large-scale product uh projects
throughout the city, this simple solution helps alleviate the unnecessary burden on residents and ensures the beach remains accessible to the public. In addition, I'd like to add to this motion, if that's possible, Council McKenna, um to address the ongoing issue of delivery trucks parking in front of
residents driveways, especially with that Mills Creek project along Riviera Beach Boulevard. This is this is not only frustr uh frustrating, but it's a public safety concern. Drivers need to
be held accountable. No construction vehicle should be allowed to obstruct a resident's access to their own property. It's not right. The residents should not have to wait in their car for them to move or for them to come out of the job site to move their vehicle because they
shut it off. It's not right. we need to hold someone responsible for it. So, if we could just add onto this motion to um to also eliminate delivery trucks from
parking in front of residents driveways and blocking them in. Um I would really appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Any other city councils? All in favor? All opposed? I
as amended. All in favor? All opposed? I. So ordered. Calendar item number 20. Motion presented by councelor Argenzio that the mayor be requested to allocate funding from chapter 90 funds or another funding source to pave Warren Street. The street has a has had a large amount of
infrastructure work done over the over the last 5 years and is in very poor condition. Councelor Aenzio. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh just very quickly, it is in deplorable condition. A lot of infrastructure work has been done there. It's full of sunken trenches. So um if if some money can be
allocated this year or next year, I would appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. All in favor, all opposed. So ordered. Calendar item number 21. A motion presented by councilors Argenzio, McKenna, and Gino SA that the mayor request a representative from
inspectional services to appear before the city council to discuss the rooming house ordinance and the methods used to identify illegal rooming houses and enforcement procedures. Councelor Aenzio. Thank you, Mr. President. This more or less is to have a representative come up
explain the uh process of identifying these rooming houses and what the enforcement is. I know residents call up uh say they suspect this uh at a at a house on their street and the inspectional services department is then
tasked with trying to prove it and I know that's frustrating sometimes. Maybe the council can do something to help them in that effort. I know they have to send a series of letters. Uh they when they finally uh notify a um home that
they're going to be coming in for inspection uh the night before they're running down the street with mattresses or something to emptying out the house and uh you know maybe something the city council can do to help them with their enforcement because it is uh becoming a problem. Thank you.
Thank you councel council McKenna. Thank you Mr. President. Um, this is a really sad situation going on in our city. Uh, landlords are getting away with running illegal rooming houses. I know I have one next door to me that have at least 13 to 15 people with about
seven cars. I know the city can do I know the city can only do so much. It takes 30 days to go enter an illegal rooming house and by then the landlord has cleaned it up. So, the evidence is hard to prove. When asked an a rever
police officer what was his biggest fear in the job, he said walking into an illegal roaming house. By adding illegal roaming houses to the Airbnb software, we will be able to track people who are advertising these rooms and eliminate
houses being used for this purpose. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Garino Sua. Thank you, Mr. President. I have this issue a lot in the point of pines and luckily I have um someone who I call
upon all the time to help me and and they're really good with the city but there should be other ways to try to track them. Um it's important for us to understand how they they're currently identified
and and the enforcement measures that are in place. Sometimes they're a little bit too difficult to follow and what happens is it's like a lengthy process and by the time you get to where you're supposed to be. They're already cleaned up everything. Like council me just
said, they've cleaned up everything and you don't see you don't see what's actually happening in there, but the residents are complaining. Now, um I think we should explore another maybe proactive inspection based on complaints. um or maybe check their
utility rates if they spike. That would probably be another way or absentee ownership may be another indicator. But I it's really important that we we we should discuss with all these maybe department heads that will be able to
help us with these illegal rooming houses. um and maybe find another way of residents to feel comfortable reporting it as well because I know a lot of the residents are having a difficult time reporting it when they suspect violations because they think their
their reports are not being heard. So maybe we can figure out a different way and and help this process along. Thank you. Thank you counselor. Any other counselors? All in favor? All opposed? I so ordered. Calendar item number 23,
motion presented by council McKenna, that the mayor request masdot to install skip lines from the intersection of Thomas Way and Winthrop Avenue crossing onto River Beach Parkway in the interest of public safety. There are three lanes at this intersection without any guidance as to where which lane
motorists should drive in when traversing this location. Thank you. Uh, this kind of speaks for itself, but I'm asking Mayor Keefe to contact the M DOT to put skip lines from Thomas Cello Drive coming out of Stop and Shop crossing the intersection on
River Beach Parkway heading towards Broadway. There is no guidance for cars to stay in their in in the three lanes that are designated. Cars are crossing over and cutting off drivers. This is definitely a safety issue and eventually
if nothing is done it will cause a major accident. Thank you. Thank you councelor. All in favor all opposed. So ordered. [Music] Calendar item number 24, motion presented by council president Sylvestri, that the mayor be requested
to allocate $40,000 from an appropriate funding source for the purpose of providing funding for the home for little wanderers 202526 contract. Contracted programming at this organization provides mental health support and counseling services to students during school I mean sorry
during and after school hours. This contract aims to serve students who may not have access to a provider or whose parents work long hours into the evening, ensuring they receive vital mental health services to support their well-being and academic success.
Permission to speak from the chair. So, uh, this me motion speaks for itself. Uh, I think we voted we did vote in favor of it last year. Um somehow it was either misunderstood on the school
side um or the the city side but uh the mayor has promised they will allocate these funds. So um all in favor all opposed. So ordered. Calendar item number 25, motion presented by council president
Sylvestri, that the mayor request the chief of police to increase enforcement efforts for a dirt bike, scooters, and unregistered motorbikes in the interest of public safety. Motion speaks for itself. All in favor? Oh, Council McKenna.
Thank you. Um, Mr. President, uh, in ward one, we have, uh, scooters going down a one the wrong way on a one-way street. uh two people on a scooter. There's uh when school was in session,
we had a mother with a little kid on taking her kid to uh the Beachmont school um and um riding on the sidewalk. So, those should be added to this motion. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Can we amend those
to add motorbike motorcycles on off of sidewalks? Sidewalk in sidewalk enforcement. Yes. Thank you. All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. Calendar item number 26, motion
presented by council McKenna, that the mayor contact Verizon, National Grid, Comcast, and RCN relative to downed wires in the city. Representative from these companies are advising residents. They are required to call in, wait on hold for an hour or more, and create a ticket to address these issues.
Council McKenna. Thank you, Mr. President. I've been a counselor for 10 and a half years, and I've never had a problem where I had a call in to put a ticket in to get a wire fixed. Um, I have wires down in Beachmont now for about a month with no
company that will take responsibility to clear them out. In the past, I had a representative Stan from Verizon that I could call and he would send someone down to remove them. Since Stan retired, I've been dealing with a new representative and I'm going to call her
out because she's the one who told me to call the 18800 number. Her name is Stephanie Magnen. For a month, for a few months, she was helping me. I was identifying the wires down in ward one and she was and addressing them and having them cut. Now
all of a sudden I email her for the latest with the latest information and she says it's out of her jurisdiction or residents can call the 1-800 number and put a ticket in or I can call the 1-800
number which I did and waited an hour to get them to put a ticket in. This is totally ridiculous. What happened to serving our community? It's gone. I'm looking for the council and mayor Keefe to come up with the plan
and hold these comp companies accountable. I need ideas. Uh it's National Grid, Verizon, uh Comcast is is good. I have to say RCN, you call them, they never call you back. I mean, she sent me an email, but she told me to
call the 1-800 number. So now the wise is still down. And I mean, so what if a kid goes up and he wants to climb the wire or what if the wire is live and the kid touches it? What's going to happen then? So we need
to do something as a council. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Councelor Novasowski. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. doesn't, you know, this is an ongoing issue that we've been dealing with, believe it or not, since RCN came on board because what they what they're doing is they're
cutting wires from Comcast at the house and let them fall on the street or they're wrapping around the telephone pole. I've called us in numerous times, get nothing. And now we talk about us calling in. I got it from Tammy from
Spirido. Espirido from Natural Grid. Oh, if you want something, you have to call in the repair line. Duh. Hello. We're not supposed to be doing it. You're supposed to be serving us, not telling us to call in for repairs. It's
like telling us to call their 311. I know that's a no-go. As far as I'm concerned, they they should be coming back to us and talking to us and talking to us. That's why I'm I'm against that motion that's about putting the uh engineer in
charge of them. Totally against that. I don't want to lose control of it. I want them up here in front of us. Thank you. Thank you, counselor. Any other counselors? All in favor? All opposed? So ordered.
Calendar item number 28. Motion presented by councilors Jermo, Arenzio, Sylvestri, Kagandro, and Gino SA. that the city council moved to congratulate the River Youth Baseball program, specifically the U10 all-star team players, coaches, and players for the
proudly and honor honorably representing our city in an intermunicipal all-star tournament against cities across the greater Boston region and further for winning all five of the games in the tournament, crowning themselves the champions of the tournament on July 22nd, 25 by beating the Cambridge U10
baseball all-star team to complete their undefeated streak and win the championship for our city. The city council further moves to invite the River Youth Baseball U10 coaching staff and players to the city council chamber to receive a citation in recognition of their success and the hometown pride
they represent by their strength, sportsmanship, determination, hard work, and for bringing the glory home. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um, councelor Jame's absent. And uh madame clerk, if
we could add council McKenna and the entire city council to this to this motion. Yeah, the entire Thank you, Madame Clerk. Council Green. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I want to join in in congratulating the U10 uh,
River All-Star team. The players, coaches Zack Babau and Al Giorgio and their families for an incredible undefeated tournament run. Five straight wins including the final over Cambridge is something the city should be really proud of. Um, one thing that wasn't
mentioned is I want to recognize President Sha Viri who had the vision to bring the cities together and create this all-star tournament. His leadership gave these kids a chance to shine beyond our city limits and they made the most
of it by bringing home the championship and a whole lot of pride to our home of the city of River. Thank you. Thank you councelor. Any other counselors? All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. Calendar item number 29. Motion
presented by councelor Hass that the mayor request the city solicitor in conjunction with municipal inspections to investigate the feasibility of creating a finding system and schedule aimed at any utility company that leaves boxes or wires hanging down to the street and sidewalks for longer than 48 hours in the interest of public safety.
The city-wide issue is also an eyesore. Thank you, Councelor Hass. Thank you, Mr. President. This goes kind of handinhands with uh councelor McKenna's motion. I believe we probably got the same amounts of calls and probably just from over the years what
we've seen in this city. Um near the lighthouse nursing home, there was a huge box that was just dangling for what seemed like a good six months on my street, Fenley Street, we've had two wires hanging, one still hanging on the
top of North AB/Fenley. It's probably been there for two weeks now all the way down to the sidewalk. I just think our residents the they don't deserve to walk over a wire not knowing what it is. A kid doesn't shouldn't have the chance to climb a
wire, jump up and touch a a box that he has no idea what it is. You have people walking dogs pushing strollers over them if they're not going over the wires. They're going into the middle of the street. And then that that poses a health risk, a safety risk with the
oncoming cars. you know, these these utility companies, they make a lot of money off our residents. I just don't see how these things are allowed to to stay there for a week, a month, six months. You know, maybe the city needs to look into hiring a utility
inspector that goes around. He has all contacts with these companies and he can just go up on a ladder or a truck and cut the wire down. You know, maybe that's something we have to look at because we're clearly not making any headway with what we have now with these
companies. Thank you. Thank you, councelor. Any other counselors? All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. Calendar item number 30. Motion presented by councelor Kelly that the mayor request Brian Dacon, project
manager of Lefield, to appear before the city council at the August 25th, 25 meeting to provide an update on the construction of the new River High School. Councelor Kelly. Thank you, Mr. President. Uh the motion speaks for itself. Thank you, councelor. Um just a point of
personal privilege. I did speak to um Mr. Dacon and he will be here on the 25th. All in favor? All opposed? So ordered. And that concludes the tonight's business. We'll see you at our next city council meeting. Have a great night.