Welcome to the Reier City Council meeting of January 12th, 2026. 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. >> Roll call of the members. Councelor Arenzio >> here. >> Here. Councelor Kogandro >> here. >> Here. Council Jino >> here. >> Here. Councelor Go Sua
>> here. >> Here. Councelor H >> here. >> Here. Councelor Kelly here. Here. Councelor McKenna >> here. Here. Councelor Mccurio >> here. >> Here. Councelor Basilski >> here. >> Here. Councelor Sylvestri >> here. >> Here. And council president Zambudo >> here. >> Here. Quorum is present.
>> Approval of the journal of the regular meeting of December 15th, 25. >> So move. >> All in favor, all opposed. Voted. >> Approval of the journal of the organizational meeting of January 5th, 26. >> So move. >> All in favor, all opposed.
2026 city council subcommittee list. >> A body received and placed on file. >> Public comment pursuant to chapter 402 of the acts of 1965. >> Anybody uh here want to share? We don't have a big audience here
tonight, so doesn't looks like uh we're all set with that. Thank you. unfinished business. Introduction of the >> one uh points of personal privilege, Mr. President. Counc. >> Thank you very much. I just want to take
a minute to recognize Brendan O'Brien who recently announced that he'd be stepping down as the president of the River Society for Cultural and Historical Preservation over at the historical society and museum. I just wanted to thank him. Um the building
looks great. The board does great work over there. He's done a fantastic job in his time as president there and [snorts] um the it's one of the one of the jewels of the city for sure. If you've ever been inside the building, you know how how great it is with the artifacts and just the the history of the of the city.
But I just wanted to thank him and recognize him for all he's done. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Hass. And uh we certainly miss him. He has done a wonderful job and uh a lot of good stuff is happening there and I hope it continues.
Okay. Madam Cler, >> calendar item number five, introduction of the city council rules of order. >> Motion to accept. >> Mr. President, >> I' I'd like to make an amendment. >> Councelor Cogleandro,
>> if I may. So looking through the rules of order um coming across rule number eight debate limitations my suggestion is either we begin abiding by this or we get rid of it because we have violated at every single meeting.
Uh no counselor shall speak for more than three minutes and no more than once on the same matter without leave of the council. Uh the maker of the motion will be allowed a one minute rebuttal. No counsel shall speak on more than three motions which he or she introduces at the meeting. The three motions shall
include those motions submitted as late or late late motions. So I would just I would suggest repealing or getting rid of it because we never >> Well, I'd like to enforce it, but uh you know >> if you either way is fine with me. It's kind of all or nothing. So >> well I I kind of like the rules of order
and I'd like to enforce it and I I will as president enforce that rule. So if you want to amend it, just to amend it. But I I think that we should live by it. It's it's a good rule. >> Fine with me, Mr. President. >> Everybody agree with that?
>> Yes. >> Okay. So we can pre place the rules on file. >> All in favor? All opposed? >> So voted. Now we can place them on file. >> Good. >> Communications. Calendar item number six. Communication from the city auditor
relative to the quarterly appropriation for Reier TV. >> Mr. CFO, >> good evening, Mr. President and Council. Happy New Year. Um, before you is um uh the quarterly uh
appropriation to the uh account that allows us to fund the uh River TV station. and um it's pretty uh it's a common appropriation and happy to answer any questions if anyone has any questions on it. Thank you.
>> We don't we don't foresee any fraud in this account, do we? >> There's no fraud. We just get the money in and it goes out. >> Okay, great. I was I was making a joke there. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So the the
money that comes in uh is that adequate or enough to maintain the whole rea TV system >> a couple years back I tried to get a little more info on Revier TV's finances and I didn't get far. So >> okay,
>> we sent it to them and and they kind of do their accounting and have their own audits and stuff. So I would um I would defer to Mr. Dumbar on any questions about the adequacy. But that's every every dollar that we get from local access cable like Comcast and [snorts] Astound that those little fees on the
bottom create that money that goes to Rivia TV. But as far as how their budgets run and what they do with that money, you'd have to ask him. It's really not a city. >> So all that money from those agencies come in and we give it directly. >> Yeah. It's basically we get it in the account, we get it and then we send it out. So it's basically zero balance
account. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Any other councils? >> Motion to accept, Mr. President. >> All in favor, all opposed. I >> calendar item number seven, communication from the city auditor
requesting the establishment of a gift account for the River Public Library, pursuant to Mass General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53A. >> Good evening. Yeah, just um the library has recently been awarded a a pretty nice gift from the river
beautifification committee and we came to find out that they really don't have a gift account established through uh this body for mass general law. So by adopting uh chapter 4453A, it allowed me to establish a library gift account so that any future gifts to the library
could be deposited there and they can use it for the betterment of the library. So, um, if you have any questions on the law or how that works, that'd be great. >> Councelor Hash, thank you, Mr. President. Rich, thanks for being here. Um, I know in my time at the senior
center, I also saw, you know, donations here and there, whether it's $20, you know, $50, but nothing like the amounts that the library has seen. And, um, is that something that other departments should look into establishing establishing a a gift account? We we we
do have some set [snorts] up and as a matter of fact I believe we have one for health services and we we have um a donation account for fire stuff but um you know as the need comes up to create a gift account then uh we can certainly do so but I don't know how many departments actually uh get gifts I can
probably do a little um investigating to give you a summary of who does and who doesn't but um we know that the library did not they have revolving funds they have grant accounts etc but I didn't find a gift gift fund established that also this will just allow um for that money to be deposited in there and then
hopefully they can, you know, do some fundraising or or get some other ways to get some gifts to the library and they'll have a way to account for it and spend it. >> Great. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Councelor Jenzio. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Viske, once uh when gift money comes in and the
city receives it, is it then under municipal finance laws the same criteria applies to that money? >> Um yes and no. So, I mean, we follow the laws with regard to making sure nothing's excessive, illegal, or fraudulent. But the gift account does
not have to come before the council for appropriations from it. >> It's essentially like a revolving fund. We establish the gift account. And my job is the audit to make sure that the funds spent out of that account are indeed for the betterment of the library. >> Okay. And the uh department head chooses where to spend that money.
>> In this case, it may be the board of trustees for the library, but I um but yes, typically the department head would do so. Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you, Council. Counselor Gorino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, the money that's in there, is that accessible to
anybody to to view what is available or is it just within the library itself? >> Well, just to be clear, we haven't established the fund yet, so there's no money in there, but once we get this fund established, we'll deposit the money in there, and it sits on our general ledger, so it's available. It's
not like it's we don't have it published on the on the city's website or anything, but it's public information and anyone who ever needs any information on how much is in any account could just uh forward a request to me. So, >> what could they use the money for? Anything >> with exactly what you're going to adopt it for? For the I don't have the
language in front of me, but basically for the anything that that has to do with the enrichment of the library. >> So, if they if we want to make it handicap accessible, they can do that if they have the money in in the >> if it's for the betterment of the library. for sure. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> You're welcome. >> Council Nasowski. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Just as an FYI, regarding the handicap accessibility, that's a capital improvement. So, that would have to come out of a different different account, I believe, because I don't think you're going to get anything that cheap for handicap accessibility.
>> Yeah. I mean, I don't know if we can do any capital projects with the the money, but you know, that it it is, you know, if a study needs to be had or something needs to be done, as long as it's for the betterment of the library, then we'll approve the expenditure. Thank you. >> Anybody else?
>> Motion approved. M >> permission. Permission to speak from the chair for a minute. >> Thank you. Um Mr. Fiske, uh who will be able to spend this money in this account? Is it is it completely
dictated by the board of directors or whatever? I would say probably the library director through the board of trustees I would imagine would be the the mechanism of spending that money >> because you know we had a problem years ago before you came here. >> I'm well aware I still have the file in my office. [laughter]
We we don't want a repeat of that. Uh we want to make sure this money is spent on library benefits and doesn't go in any personal accounts anywhere. Okay. Uh, I'm I'm half joking, but I'm not joking because I want language in there that
dictates who's going to have access to this and city council approval and all the other good stuff that goes along with that. >> Yeah, typically it's the department head that handles gift accounts, but in this case, since the trustees kind of has a unique relationship, it would be through them to the library director. >> I think there should be plenty of protection, but
>> sounds sounds like we will. >> And we still use purchase orders and requisitions and we check it at the audit office as well. >> Okay. All in favor, all opposed. So >> calendar item number eight, communication from the city auditor relative to a bond authorization for the
renovation of the McKinley school in the amount of $37 million. >> This is all all about the CFO tonight and his request. So uh >> thank you. Um, so before you tonight is the bond authorization that the city would have to approve in order to
execute the contract that um we have for that we would have for construction at the McKinley school. We have our um OPM on on uh under contract and we have our um architects on contract with existing money, but the the the building project
itself requires um a bond authorization for me to authorize signing the contract. So, the funds are there. The $37 million is the estimated gross amount needed. We do anticipate upwards of $20 million back from the uh state 911, but they don't allow me to bond for
the net amount. Um, [clears throat] I was planning on giving a little more detailed presentation, but I believe this is going to go to a public hearing. I'll prepare something a little more detailed for that, and I believe Tom Scorski will come in and do a presentation on the project itself, but I will give you some, [snorts] um, uh,
information on the financing on how that would work on behalf of the city. So, um, we just want to get this queued up because we have 30 days to execute the contract with the construction company that won the bid. And if we put this on the 26th agenda and and it gets voted,
then we'll be able to sign the contract and get going on that project. So happy to answer any questions on it, but I believe we'll do a little more detail on it on the on the following council meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Aenzio. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh Mr. Viske,
this uh bond, just like any other bond, you you borrow the 37 million and maybe you don't spend all 37 million. Now does that money it's authorized and then in the future I think we did this with the city ad that could be used on a
different project once McKinley school is all said and done and there's some money left over um we could choose or the mayor could choose to spend that elsewhere. >> That's correct. the but the way the language is written, it's similar to the high school um bond authorization where
it says it's the amount 37 million less any grant dollars that come in. So, if there's money left over after the project after all the grants have been awarded and such that balance, we can either resend the bonds, which means basically close them out, or we could
repurpose the uh the the bond authorization for another project that would be similar in length. So, we can't use a 30-year debt to buy vehicles, right, >> equipment, but we can use it for another infrastructure type project for But yes, we could.
>> And then the um the money that we get from the other cities that will go towards paying the paying it off, lack of [clears throat] Yeah, the the grant will actually come to the MN RECCC, the Metro North Rec, whatever we call it 9 911 where the emergency call center. So,
they're actually going to be the ones working with the state, but those grant dollars will come directly to us to reimburse us for the cost of their portion of the construction. >> Thank you. >> And it's expected to be 100% paid for. I mean, we have a meeting Wednesday to
start to hash this out, but we've already got $6 million awarded this year for this project. And uh now we got a timeline and we'll get a cash flow and then we'll start preparing for the 27 amount of the grant. But we're hoping that every dollar that's invested in there for the 911 call center will be grant funded.
>> Oh, that's great. I'm looking forward to the seeing it to its completion. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Council McKenna. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um Rich, how many um projects do we have bonded in the city? Um I know is there still a couple of
schools um we haven't paid completely for? I have the entire debt schedule over there, but I can forward I can get you that info. I don't have it off the top of my head, but there's uh there's plenty of bond authorizations out there still from, you know, some of these are 30-year bonds, so anything upwards 25 30
years ago could still be on the schedule, but [snorts] I have the complete schedule. Happy to share with you if you like. >> Okay, this is a joke, but it would it be easier uh cheaper to just tear down the building and just build a new building? >> Um I'm not I'm not qualified to answer that question, but >> $7 million. That's a lot of money. It's
uh I I wonder the same sometimes, but um I can't answer that. >> Okay. Thanks. >> You're welcome. >> Council uh Novasowski and >> Sorry. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Visque,
>> they mentioned uh the retirement board in the uh Metro North. Is any of this going to be used for any of the school departments? >> Yeah. Well, that be early childhood center is is basically almost the anchor
tenant in that building. >> And how much does that include? Is any of that coming from the school department? >> Oh, >> um well, like I say, the school department is just the department of the city. So, uh but they did >> that doesn't fly by me because, you know, we still we still have to approve their money.
>> They did they did >> I have a problem with that. >> They did um put $6.5 million of uh money towards this project out of their own fund. So there is some out of their fund but the bond we won't bifocate the bond and say they have a portion school portion and city portion that all ends
up being cities. >> Was that 6.5 included in the 37 million that's needed? >> No. >> So now you're talking 43 million. >> Correct. >> Mr. President, if I may, you know,
I have a problem with going to a public hearing on the 26th of this month and then having to vote on this right away. I think we ought to have a meeting with Ways and Means to discuss this. >> Well, now that you've asked, my intention was to have a public meeting,
then send it to Ways and Means for approval. So, that's what's going to happen. Uh I I didn't want to get ahead of anything. Let this go forward the way it is, get a public hearing, then we'll go from there. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Uh Council Mccurial.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Richard, for being here tonight. uh just for pe the people of Riviera, the uh constituents to uh understand this a little bit. So, we're going to bond $37 million of this project. >> No, we're going to we we're going to authorize 37 million and we'll bond the
delta between the 37 million and the amount we get through the uh grants from the state 911. >> Okay. >> We're estimating to be about 18 to 20 million. >> 18 to 20 million. So, we still have to bond about $17 million of that. >> We have to authorize it. We don't we don't we don't bond it until the project's complete, but we have to
authorize it because my signature is required on all contracts to say the funding is there to proceed. And without a bond authorization, the funding is not there to proceed. >> Okay. And that's going to be a 30-year bond, too. You think >> it's either going to be a 20 or 30 years? We we look at both. Sometimes the
longer you get a little bit of a slighter interest rate, but you're also paying a lot more in interest. So, we I work with the financial adviserss of the city to make sure. >> Okay. When do you think the uh you're going to issue the bond? In two years from now after the construction. >> Yeah, usually about probably about a year after the construction. We do
temporary bond anticipation notes which are interest only notes during construction and then when the project's finally complete then we'll go and we'll sell the bonds. >> Okay. >> So probably about a maybe six to 12 months after the project's complete. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Visque. >> You're welcome.
>> Councelor Cleandro. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Rich, thanks for being here. uh when we do the public hearing and you guys give your presentation when we also get an opportunity to meet the the people that are running the project, the construction company. >> Um I think that can certainly be arranged for sure.
>> That would be great. And I don't know if you can answer this now, but how much of this money is for contingencies and cost escalation? >> I can answer it. >> Okay, give me one second. The owners contingency is um 315,000
which is about 1% of the construction budget and the construction contingency is estimated at 1.1 million which is 3 and a half% of the construction budget. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, council. That's why you're the chairman of ways and means. Uh, so
to clear this up a little bit, I I wanted you to tell us that we were we were authorizing 37 million. Was it 27? >> 37 >> 37 million. And I wanted to let everybody know that that number was
going to be reduced by almost almost 20 million with grants. And uh now that all the talking went back and forth here, it seems that we're looking to spend the money we don't use.
And that wasn't the message I wanted to send out tonight to the to our constituents, that we're not we're not putting this pool of $37 million out there and we're going to get 20 million and then we're going to have a slush
fund of 17 million. because it kind of sounded like that when we were talking back and forth. I know it wasn't meant that way, but I think if I was in the audience and I was watching this, I'd be confused. So, I want you to make this perfectly clear and let everybody know
>> what exactly is going on here. >> Yeah, for sure. And I I figured the 26th I forget which day is it? The 25th to 26th, the next council meeting, I was going to give a detailed presentation. I know that, but since we we went this far out some information, we got to put out
a little more. >> So essentially the the $6.5 million brings the project up to about $43.5 million. So we're not going to we're not going to authorize money we already have. So that's why we're going to only authorize the 37 million. About 18 to 20 million of that we expect to come back
in the form of grants. And then when we finally go out and do long-term borrowing, it should be somewhere between 18 and $20 million. Great. >> I hope that I hope that clarifies it a little bit. >> That's good enough until we have the uh >> And if anyone has any questions uh
before the meeting or would like me to try to articulate something a little differently or better, I'm happy to try to do that for you all. >> Great. I think I think that clears it up and I appreciate that. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> This will go to a public hearing on the
26th. Motions. Calendar item number nine. Motion presented by councilors Kelly and Coglandro that the mayor request Brian Dacon of left field to appear before the city council to provide an update on the construction of the new high school. >> Councelor Kelly.
>> Thank you, Mr. President. Um Mr. Mr. Dacon was coming in quite frequently before we voted on the bond for the high school and I would like to have him continue that so that we can be kept up to date regarding issues and progress
regarding the build of the high school. Um, but what prompted me in particular to submit this motion was the Reier High School building committee meeting that took place on December 3rd. I got a couple of calls from constituents that were a little confused about things that
were stated in the meeting. particularly regarding a six-month delay in the opening of the school. Um, so right now I and I couldn't answer the question. I watched the meeting. I was confused myself. So I think it's would be in good
measure to have Mr. Din come in and give us some concrete details regarding the delay and the um reason for it so that there's not just speculation out there. Um, and I think um, the way I feel is that we should as an elected body have
more involvement regarding the build. I know that that may not be a popular opinion. I know it's not the mayor's opinion. Um, and I know, and this is nothing against the people that are on the River High School building committee. I know they're wonderful people, but we are elected officials.
We're responsible for the bonding for that high school. And I think we should have a little more involvement and be kept up to date. And I have been informed that I think Mr. Dacon has already agreed to come in on the February 9th at the February 9th meeting. So I would urge that the mayor
um add him to the agenda for the February 9th meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Kleandro. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um councelor [clears throat] Kelly said it all. Thank you, >> Council Novasowski. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President.
Um, I thank Councelor Kelly for putting this in because I think it is important for us to know what's going on, especially um about two weeks ago, we had a problem at the site affecting some of the businesses on Lower Northshore
Road where the drain line was blocked was actually blocked by the contractor for whatever reason. I don't know. and it backed up, flooded. It actually flooded the old caravan club and those poor people. And there's a church in there and they couldn't go to church
because of the flood and it was at least six inches deep in that parking lot. And the owner of the parking lot has uh commuter parking there during the day and she lost several thousands of dollars because her customers couldn't park
there. So, I want to bring this up to Mr. taken which he already knows on about it but I just want to bring it up and get an update on it. So thank you. >> Absolutely. Thank you. And uh I'm sure that the the contractor is responsible for any damages and I hope somebody's
going after them. Anybody else? All in favor? All opposed. >> Calendar item number 10. Motion presented by councelor Kaggleandro that the may request the chief of planning and community development to appear before the city council to present and
discuss all data related to the Harris Street traffic changes and to provide information on when the community meeting will take place. Councelor Zamudo is recused from this motion. >> Councelor Kagleandro. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um yes, this
this was discussed initially uh the last time u Mr. Skrosski was here. There is going to be a community meeting and in in talks uh the data collection for Harris Street will come in on January 20th and 21st. He would
like to wait for that to happen and has uh is happy to schedule a community meeting after that. But um that's where we're at right now. So we can actually >> Thank you, >> Council Councelor Novaski. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President,
I'm glad the council Kaggle Leandrew has uh brought this up and I know there have been several head-on collisions at that intersection uh because one of the lights that they did uh the uh nor north lane goes
straight through while the other westbound lanes have to stop. So there's continuous traffic going for about a minute, minute and a half at a time. and also the traffic coming from uh Broadway on Winthrop a can still
take their lefthand turn on to going to Bell Circle and there have been several serious accidents there already and I know someone that actually saw one happen. So, I think this is something that has to come up and maybe a lighting adjustment still has to has to happen
there because the light going westbound is I thought was a good idea, but the alternate traffic coming uh eastbound on the Winter Bav is uh causes a dangerous situation. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor. Councelor McKenna. >> Thank you. U Mr. President. So, uh this was addressed uh with um Chief um Levita um myself and uh Mayor Keefe. Uh I brought this to Mayor Keith's attention.
Um I called Maria Levita and Maria Levita said she tried to talk to Mass DOT and they wouldn't listen. They said that they had to do a traffic study. But um I had talked to I forgot who I talked to from Mass DOT. I had uh written them
an email saying that uh it was brought to my attention that the clerk almost got side sideswiped and that's that's how I got to know this was happening. So they did put a sign there that said that there is a traffic patent change and I
just went through that light tonight and I'll tell you it's really dangerous because I slowed down. Someone was taking a left to go to Bell Circle and I was going straight. And as the clerk pointed out, people try to make that
light, the green light, and they come over, there's a little hill and they come over that hill and if they come over that hill and they don't see someone taking a left, forget about it. So, I don't think it's a great idea that they have this light that's green. I
think the lights should be changed uh, you know, um, like in sequence. And uh so but they did put the sign there the day after and they they said you know there's a traffic change uh patent change. So that's it.
>> Thank you [clears throat] councelor councelor Kaggleandra. >> Thank you for the one minute rebuttal [snorts] Mr. President. Rule rule number eight. Thank you. [laughter] >> Um >> I'm glad they put a sign up. We all know how well signs work in this city. >> Yep.
>> Thank you. Um, I just wanted to uh I I apologize when I filed this uh I was doing a hundred things, but I want to add counselor McKenna to this and if councelor Mccurio would like to be on this motion as well. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Councelor Kelly. >> I just wanted to say that I have
received calls from residents who are opposed to this, who are um bringing up safety issues. So, I just want to thank council councelor Cogander for putting this motion in. Thank you. on the motion. All in favor, all oppose.
>> Calendar item number 11. Motion presented by councilors McKenna and Mccario that the mayor request the department of conservation and recreation to repair the street lights on Winthro Parkway along Short Beach. The lights have been destroyed by motor vehicle accidents and have not been repaired since September. >> Council McKenna.
>> Thank you. Uh Mr. president. So, um since everybody started driving fast after, um what um I don't know, the last four or five years, um the street lights have never been taken out and there have been
more uh street lights in Winthrop Parkway uh that have been taken out in the last four years. I've asked I put a motion in four months ago that the state police go down there and slow the traffic down because they're speeding. Uh, two lights are totally missing out
of uh, Short Beach. Three lights are out on Winthrop Parkway and one of those lights is crucial because it's on a crosswalk and you have to cross three lanes and it's really dark down there. So, I I really do think that we should I
would like to make an amendment that um because I know National Grid has to do some of this work, but I would really like to have National Grid come up. uh someone important that can address um the the lights that are out in the whole
city. Um maybe we could have uh Tammy Separito come up and uh uh and maybe all our all the counselors can uh give a list of all the lights that are out in their ward. >> I'd ask you to put a separate motion.
>> Thank you, >> Council Muriel. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, as Julian uh, Council McKenna has uh, said, uh, it it it's a very dangerous road right now. There's, uh, like five lights that are out. Uh, as soon as you go around the
curve, there's two lights that are out uh, on the beach. So, uh, we need to get this fixed. This is a public safety issue. Uh, it's gone on too long. This is her second time uh, on this motion, and we really need to put some fire under someone's uh, butt to get this
done because this is this is just getting ridiculous now. So, uh, I'd like to thank Joan, uh, Council McKenna for this motion and, uh, I'll be behind her 100%. Thank you, Mr. President. >> And the reason why he's calling me Joanne is because he's known me all. >> Thank you. We, we know that. Uh, have we
have we received Have we received any response from DCR on this? >> Nothing. >> Okay. >> Nothing. I Excuse me. Could I have >> um Mr. President, I know we're supposed to follow a law here, but uh I reached
out to Jeff Turo uh about two months ago and gave him a list and nothing. >> Okay, thank you. >> Uh anybody else on the motion? All in favor, oppose. So audit >> calendar item number 12 motion presented
by councilors McKenna and Mccurio that the mayor request mastoot to repair potholes on the westerly side of river beach parkway especially in the righth hand lane from the police station to the intersection of Route 16. This is the second request. Council President Zamudo is recused from this motion. >> Council McKenna.
>> Thank you Mr. President. I put this uh motion in about a month ago and it's still not fixed. And now the potholes got even bigger and it's like 6 in of they're totally gone. Whatever they put in there, it's it's totally gone. So,
it's really really bad. Um and this is a very heavy uh traveled road. So, I just can't understand why they just can't go out there, especially now that it's pretty warm. Uh we we're having a thought and um they're not doing it. So
I don't know. I don't know what to do. I mean DCR Massdot, I just don't know what to do with them. Uh National Grid I I mean it's just terrible. Thank you, >> Council Murio. >> Uh thank you, Mrs. uh Council McKenna for putting me on this motion. Also, I
just don't understand why they can't go down and fix some potholes. this it's it's another public safety issue and uh we need once again we need to put some fire under these people's butt and get get this rectified and uh you know it's the the the potholes are getting worse
all around rea right now all the trenches are starting to sink um but that's uh for another day but uh right behind Jo um councelor Mannar on this motion also thank you >> thank you councelor councelor Novasowski >> thank you Mr. President Mr. President.
Um, again, I want to thank councelor uh McKenna for putting this in. I was on her last motion and u I did contact DCR down the maintenance yard and they said they were going to fix it and some of them were fixed but they've uh since the
weather's been so lousy they've popped up again. So, uh I will I will call them myself tomorrow and um see if we can get this and I hope the council can put me on this motion also. on the motion. All in favor, all
opposed. So on it. >> Calendar item number 13. Motion presented by councilors Gino and Gino SA that the city council formally recognize and commend the following public safety officials for their extraordinary life-saving actions. On October 10th, 25
during a medical emergency involving a 9-year-old child in cardiac arrest, members of the River Fire Department, Rea Police Department, and Catalo EMS responded in the early morning hours and provided immediate, coordinated, and highquality life-saving care. Due to their rapid actions and teamwork, the
child regained cardiac function and has reportedly made a positive neurological recovery. We had further resolved that the city council commend Lieutenant Michael Ford, firefighter George Lavasier and firefighter Garrett McMahon of the River Engine 5 for their professionalism, leadership and
exemplary performance under pressure actions which are a true credit to the River Fire Department and the city of River. He had further resolved that the city council al also recognize rever police officers Daniel reading and Jagger Denzo Kato EMS paramedics
Kathan Remnath and Joseph Holmes and EMTs Rose Morgan and Nolan Stimson for their outstanding inter agency collaboration and shared commitment to public safety. [clears throat] >> Councelor Janino. >> Thank you, Mr. President. This this is a
call that nobody first responders want to get. They they responded to a call with a young lady that wasn't breathing. Police responded first, started CPR, passed off to fire department, passed off to the parame the EMTs and the paramedics. I'd like to say my comments
for the meeting and um it was just a an incredible scenario took place that night. They saved the life of a 9-year-old girl. You councelor Counselor Gorino SA >> I'm going to save my comments for the ninth. Thank you. >> Okay.
On the motion, all in favor, all opposed. So a ordered. >> Calendar item number 14. Motion presented by councilors Arenzio and Kaggleandro. That the may request the department of public works to replace two stop signs with two solar powered flashing stop signs on Mountain Avenue
at the corner of Adam Street. Mountain Avenue is a long straight road that creates a situation where cars travel at high speeds. There have been numerous high-speed accidents that have occurred at this intersection recently. If funds are not available for the purchase of these signs that the mayor be requested
to submit a community improvement trust fund board for expenditure request to the city council for this purpose. >> Councelor Aensio. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So, um I think this would be a great place uh to try out a couple of flashing stop signs. I
know we've had some success now with flashing uh pedestrian crossing signs and I see these in other cities and towns. Mountain Avenue, as you know, is a long straight road and and cars are coming 20, 30, 40 miles an hour, and there've been some high-speed accidents.
Um, and and I think this would be a great place to uh to give these a try. I know these signs uh probably go about $1,500 a piece. So, if funding isn't available, um you know, the welcome to use the CTI money uh award for. We don't
have much, but certainly enough to cover this. And um I I think in the interest of public safety, this would this would be a good uh a good measure. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Council Carandro. >> Thank you, Mr. President. This intersection is interesting because it's
so busy and dangerous, but it shouldn't be. Uh Adam Street is incredibly thin. It's two ways. Uh and then you have stop signs on both sides. And these these stop signs haven't been there for a while. But I couldn't agree more. We got to do something to to keep this this
intersection safe. We even have a a traffic camera there. That's how busy this intersection is. So, um and I would also be happy to um take money out of the CIT for this as well. Thank you, >> Council McKenna. >> Um thank you, Mr. President. I we've
been asking for these flashing lights for a long time for the stop signs and for pedestrian walk. Um I think it would be great if we start to introduce this to the city. So, I think this is a great motion. Thank you. Thank you, council.
Council Sylvestri, uh, I just want to commend and and say it's a great motion. Uh, Mountain A's a great location to try these out. Furthermore, I want to commend both uh, Council Cogando and Jenzio for offering to to use CIT funds
because I think that's a lot of the times a lot we could use those and we forget they're there sometimes. Thank you, council. Councelor Novaski, >> we need to change that. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, uh again, this is a great idea and and
as council Kenna said, we have been asking for this all over the city already, but the problem I'm having is the group that go this type of information goes in front of the traffic calming departments coming out of community
development is very slow. and they're not coming up with solutions or actions very quickly. You know, we've asked for many things and I could tell you we probably been waiting a year for
some things. So, I would uh ask once this goes through that we ask the mayor to put a rush on this through that department. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. >> Oh, councelor. >> Yeah. Well, as uh councelor Novaski said, I I don't think this needs to go
through any uh tribunal or anything. We can just uh get them installed and there's certainly no harm in it. Thank you. >> I think a flashing stop sign should be pretty easy. If we're we got to go through a tribunal for that one, we're in big trouble up here.
>> On the motion, all in favor, all opposed. So audited. >> Calendar item number 15. Motion presented by councilors Garino SA and Cogleandro that the may request the traffic commission to consider establishing a traffic commission regulation limiting the number of
residential parking permits issued per address or unit to four with the stipulation that residents may apply for additional parking permits through an appeal process administered by the parking department. >> Councelor Gino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I
originally brought this motion forward last year, but I think it fell through the cracks. Um, I was happy with council callandro wanted to revisit it and with the parking still being a major issue, it's important that we act now. Um,
right now single two families and three families can receive multiple residential parking permits, sometimes up to 10 per unit. This creates a real strain on the neighborhood and on street parking. But I do want to stress that
the apartment buildings do not contribute to this with the with because they receive no parking permits. Um, we're asking that the traffic commission consider capping the permits I I believe to at least um to four per unit [snorts]
and with an appeal process for households that may need more. Um, residents have a difficult time finding a parking spot and sometimes from what I understand residents have called me and said they have to park two and three streets over from their house which that
shouldn't be happening. They should be able to find parking on their street. And if one one household has like 10 parking spots for for just one household, that's crazy that other people have to go to a different street. It's it's just not right. Um it's about
fairness, balance, and responsibility uh responsibly managing our shared streets in the city. So, um, whatever we can do to try to bring it down, scale it down to maybe four per unit, um, I think
that would be best. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Kleandro. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, yes, I had a good conversation with Director Babau of parking and we have to hit the reset button on this. We have cars that are automatically
registered every year of people who no longer live in the city that don't change their address. Um, Everett has a program where they allow four. That's one of the reasons we did four and it's not autorenew. You have to reapply every year and I think we need to do that for
a couple two three years because like I said, we have to hit this reset button. um the number of calls that we all get about vehicles that people don't recognize [snorts] uh on you know in front of our house things of that nature. Um and also to touch on the uh
the further applying for more than four vehicles, we have a parking advisory committee. And I think that if somebody does apply, you know, say you have a family, a husband and a wife, they have three children who drive and they live in a single family home, that's a no-brainer.
Um if somebody applies for four more vehicles, maybe they approve them for one. So, this is a good way to control the number of cars that are allowed to park on our streets. And I think um if we don't feel comfortable passing this tonight to send it to traffic that we
could put it into one of our subcommittees for more conversation. Thank you. Anybody else? I don't see any problem with passing it. All in favor? All opposed? >> So, audited.
>> Calendar item number 16. Motion presented by counselors Hass and Garino SA that the mayor in conjunction with the youth works department and school department revisit the idea of implementing a teen shoveling program which would pair students with city seniors and disabled residents who are unable to maintain their properties
during winter months and especially following storms and inclement weather. The program would provide students monetary compensation andor community service hours. >> Councelor Hash. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I know this is an issue that we brought up a few years back. Um we seem to be making some good
headway with it at the time. It kind of fell under the radar and um there were some changes within the city. Someone I was working with on the disability commission on this has left um for another employment opportunity. But I'm
thankful for councelor Garino SA for wanting to team up again on this one. And this is probably one of the major issues, one of the main topics I hear from seniors. In fact, I got a call just this afternoon regarding the um the
shoveling program. But, you know, I'm there are some nights when I'm walking my dog after a storm, a day after a storm, and you'll see two or three houses completely shoveled, stairs, everything. And then you'll get to one house where an elderly woman lives by herself, no family, and you'll see, you
know, it's iced over, the stairs look icy, and um that's a common theme I've noticed in a few of the few of the neighborhoods. But it's a program that the city has had before with the JOTC and that kind of fell fell apart a few
years back due to the lack of huge storms, I guess, and a few other reasons. But I guess the key to it is finding a point person that we can work with, whether it's in the school department, whether it's in youth works, but definitely something that myself and
councelor Gino SA are willing to to work with and try and get off the ground to help our seniors. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Gino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, so I think it was either last year or the year before, council H and I introduced the
idea of the a teen shoveling program and by us revisiting it now maybe hopefully this year we can finally bring it into fruition. I did speak with the mayor today regarding it and um I think if if possible I would like to see Jerry
Viscanti come up here next week and discuss a a program that the city is already sort of working on. Um they do have the ROA kids that that were doing it as far as the snow angels initiative
that was completely dismantled. So now ROA sometimes does not want to work on on certain I say decide they don't want to do it. So our suggestion was maybe getting a school guidance counselor involved and have a rolling list of kids
that do want to participate in this program and the city does have a little bit of money put aside that they do for for pox and wreck that they can pay them. It won't be big money, but they will get a stipen. Um, and if not, then
if if the city can no longer afford it, maybe the seniors themselves can pay $20 here, $10 to shovel, but at least we'll have a list of students. And the program, it it actually enriches the lives of everyone involved. For seniors
and those with mobility ch um challenges, it provides safety and peace of mind. And for the students, it offers a meaningful community service and like actual real world experiences and even the opportunity to to earn some money.
And if pos if possible, we would also give them their community service that they would need to graduate. So, I would really like to have the the school guidance counselors maybe become involved and have Jerry Viscante come up here at our next meeting and perhaps
discuss a way to get this program up and running because it needs to get done. The seniors need the help. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor Councelor McKenna. >> Thank you, Mr. President. being a class advisor for 16 years in River High School. It's um the class advisors that
take care of the uh community service hours for the kids and they start as freshmen and they go all the way to seniors and they have to have a certain amount of uh community service hours to graduate. So I if I was I don't think
the guidance counselors have anything to do with it. they just get the the um at when they're seniors, they just get the community hours and say, "Okay, you can graduate." So, uh I would uh get in touch with the class advisors. Thanks.
>> Thanks for that information. Anybody else? >> Um if I can uh if I can speak from the chair for a minute, >> permission. Thank you. Um, this is all well intended and and I
think it it the bottom line is money >> and and uh we got to have the funding if we're going to put this in place. We got to come up with the funding. Now, you spoke to the mayor. >> Uh we need the funding. We So, we need something in writing that we got the funding and then you can run with this.
And I think you know um the youth works program or whatever that's called that um um our former friend and counselor uh runs now. Um but I know this I happen to know there's no money in that right now.
So we've we've we've got to get the money before we're going anywhere with this. And I'm I'm certainly in favor of it obviously. and I'm glad that you're ready to run with this uh both of you. Thank you. No further business. The city council
will stand adjourned until Monday, January 26th. Thank you all.