--------- Good evening. Welcome to the February 9th Ways and Means Subcommittee. Please rise to salute the flag. >> I pledge algiance 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 of the ways and mean subcommittee. Councelor Arenzio >> here >> here. Council McKenna >> here. >> Here. Council Mccario >> here. >> Here. Councelki >> here.
>> Here. And Chairman Kaggleandro >> here. >> Here. Qu is present. There's one item on tonight's agenda and that's the bond authorization in the amount of $37 million for the McKinley school renovations. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um, Mr. Scaroski.
>> Good evening, councilors. Tom Skarowski, chief of planning and community development, 281 Broadway. Um, I'm joined here by Mr. Visque, our CFO, and Karina Penn from our OPM PMA. Um, who's been working with us on this project for
the better part of a year and a half. Um, we're also joined by our public safety team, um, Chief Lvida, as well as the folks from the state 911, um, who would be happy to speak to the the commitment that the state will be making
to the Metro North regional emergency communications, um, MRE, uh, at this facility. But, uh, beyond that, happy to take any particular questions you had. I know you heard a lot from me and Rich at the last meeting. And I I know Rich had
handed out a packet of information, whether it's what he just shared or what we talked about last um meeting. Happy to talk about anything in further detail with questions you might have. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else coming up to speak on the bond
authorization? Mayor Keefe. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I I wanted to uh thank you for taking this up again tonight. Uh and I know that there'll be some as we mentioned, we put out a pretty good presentation last uh meeting, but we do have uh all the stakeholders in the room. Um to point
out the some of the members from the state 911. Uh some some have come from all the way down the Southshore. Uh they'd be happy to answer any questions. But I thought it was pretty u symbolic that a little over a year ago, we did a tour of the McKinley space with the the fellows from State 91, the team. there
was seven or eight of them. And to look at the the old building um in real in real disrepair as we all know, it's been um vacant for almost 10 years with the exception of some small uh pro projects that we've done inside of there. And they looked at me and they said, "Do you
think that this is something that the city will take on?" Because as we know, it's not easy uh um moving large projects like this. Uh and I felt that um with your help and the rest of the body's help uh planning it together, we felt very confident that you would want
to invest in the public safety departments not just of Rivier but also uh joining forces with Winthre and Chelsea. So I I was pretty confident my answer because I I think we we work with a really rational uh group of individuals that being the council. So
I'm happy to have them here tonight to uh to see it hopefully come to fruition. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, anyone else? Mr. CFO. >> Good afternoon. Uh, Rich Visque, CFO, 21 Broadway. Um, handed you all a couple of
documents. Um, at the request of Council McKenna. She asked for a complete debt service schedule. So, I've given you both the general fund long-term debt schedule as well as water and so just to complete the package. I did highlight all the debt that's going to fall off over the next several years. So the the
things that you see highlighted indicate that you'll see where some of the debt will be falling off that um will help pay for some of this debt service. But the uh the the one page the the regular um 8 and 1 half by 11 sheet shows a proform of debt schedule for the
McKinley on the city's aortion debt service. We're estimating that after all of um the grant dollars and and some of the other money we have on hand, we'd have to bond about $18 million. And I just wanted to give you a a schedule of what that debt service would look like over the life of that debt. Um where it
would be ramping up in the beginning with some interestonly debt payments. And then right around 2030, we'd start paying for principal and interest on on the $18 million note. I'm assuming an interest rate of 4% and I'm assuming a debt schedule for 30 years. and it's broken down by principal and interest
with total debt service on the right um along to the fiscal year that it represents. So happy to talk about any of those debt numbers if you have any questions. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh there's nobody else. I'll open it up to city councilors who have questions. Councelor Arenzio.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I I asked the majority of my questions last time and I got the answers. Um, and I'm fully support this project and excited to see it happening. And I just like to take the opportunity to thank Mayor Keefe and the community development office. Uh, I
had asked for a study to be done to see if the 145 ft tower could be uh, lowered a little bit and they did the study and I have the information was handed to me here tonight. and it could be lowered 20 to 25 ft, but that would necessitate the
installation of a secondary tire tower at 50 Walnut A. And by the time the figures are done here, it would cost over $400,000 to do that. So, obviously, uh I don't want the city to absorb that amount of money. I thank you for doing
the study and for 20 ft. I I don't think that this amount of money being spent would is is is prudent. So, but thank you for doing the study and I'm in full support of the project. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor McKenna. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um I last
meeting I asked if you could do the tower in an artsy form. Uh if you could consider that. Um I don't know if and you said you'd come back with an answer. So, um Mayor Keith's shaking his head yes. So must be a good thing.
>> So um we we talked with uh Introba which is the radio tower design team and and they had sort of differentiated from there kind of the monopole you know cell tower designs that you often see that are often camouflaged as something looking like a tree or a cactus or or
something a little bit more um decorative. And in this case, because it's not a monopole design, it's a more wide-based lattice design. And in addition to that, where the cellular towers, you have um you have the cellular receivers at the top basically.
So everything that happens below it is not as um critical to the design. So you can cover it in whatever. Um in our case there will be um antennas throughout the the vast majority of them will be below
the height of the building so you can't see them. Um but because of those antennas being in place additional like materials or anything covering it would make it difficult to receive the signals to send and receive them. Um, and then talking with our architects, they said
basically what they often find when we're talking about heights, whether of a building or a tower in this case, if you can make a really strong impact on the street level experience of the user, that can often help offset other sort of mitigating factors in height. And I think between the walkway and the
landscaping and obviously a brand new building that's been an eyesore for over a decade, we feel like we can accomplish a really good street level experience for the user that will hopefully compensate for some of that. >> That works for me. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, councelor Councelor Mccurio. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um Mr. Fiske, just a couple of questions, please. First of all, I'd like to thank you for uh giving us this uh um u debt schedule and uh all the other debt schedules that
you enclose. So now we can get a clear picture of the the city's bond debt uh from this point on. Um it's re I thought we were authorizing 37 million. What? >> Well, yes, correct. The uh the total
project uh like we presented at the last council meeting is actually about $43 million. We had $6 million of our own um money that we put towards that. And um representatives from the state 911 are here to talk about the grant program that hopefully will reimburse us dollar
for dollar for all of the cost associated with the u 91 911 call center. So when you take those grants out, what we're obligated to bond ultimately be about $18 million. However, we do have to authorize the whole 37 million in order for us to
execute the contract because, god forbid, uh, some of these grants don't come in the way is planned. We can't fund a a project by only um bonding for half of that money. So, I'd love to just be asking for $18 million, but the way the the language is written in the bond
authorization that every dollar received through a grant program will actually reduce the amount of the authorization. So ultimately when we bond this project, we bonding about $18 million. >> $18 million total. >> Yes. >> Okay. And that that including the $6 million that we're getting from the
school department. >> Yes. That's uh that's the gross 43 million less the six less approximately 20 million from the state gives us the $18 million net debt service. >> Um so we're going to get going approximately 22 million from the state.
Is that that the figure we're looking at? Somewhere in there 18 to 22 million you're hoping? >> Um I'd probably prefer to let the the state people speak of their program, but that's we're hoping is that all eligible costs for the emergency call center will be covered um in whole with their grant
program, but again, they're here to speak to that uh portion of it. >> Okay. Um barn reading anticipated interest rate. You answered all these questions for me that I had and I I greatly appreciated that. Um risk and
contingency. Uh are there construction and cost escalation risk covered by the authorization? >> I believe the budget itself has a uh 3% the contingency here for construction and and approximately a 1% for the owner's contingency. >> 3% >> I believe
>> construction cost >> I believe it's 3% on the budget for the construction was a little over a million dollars and I believe about a 1% on owner contingency >> and 1% for owner's contingency. Okay, great. uh and the estim uh the estimated bond on
this uh and how's it going to impact our operating budget? Uh there's going to be no tax levy increase or it's going to be absorbed within the current job uh debt uh capacity. >> Yeah, we we we um anticipate that the cost of debt
service will be covered within the existing tax levy of the city. And part of the reason why I gave you those debt schedules to show you over the next several years, we do have some debt falling off which creates some capacity and then just the natural growth of the the city's um uh tax levy will allow for
the payments to come in without asking for any kind of debt exclusion or override or anything of that sort. >> Okay. I'm just uh you know, we have to keep our dollars and cents in line. We got a couple of big ones coming up with the new uh high school project coming up. So uh I think we need to be very
careful in uh um u with our approach on on bond debt in in the future. >> Absolutely. >> You know um I think that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you councelor councelor Novaski. >> Thank you Mr. President Mr. Chairman. Um
Rich on on this debt schedule sheet that you gave us you have the 18 million then you have 9 million above it. That's a total of 27 million. >> Yeah. The um the strategy would be council is that the project's going to take multiple years to finish. So we
believe after year one we'll be about halfway through. So I would have to borrow $9 million temporarily pay interest only on that. And then by the second year when it's complete would have 18 million interest only on that. And then once all the uh documents come back and we have the asbuilt and
everything else, we'll do a permanent debt service which is more represented on those righth hand columns. So the two lefth hand columns really talking about the temporary debt we take while it's being constructed and then you shift over to 2030 and you'll see the debt principal and interest being paid. So
that's why so it's not 9 and 18, it's nine and then 18, not an additional 18 but nine plus another nine. >> Make sense? >> No. No. If it's going to cost us net 18 million, we'll spend probably 9 million the first year and then by the time we're done, we'll spend the whole 18
million. So, I'd borrow 9 million the I don't want to borrow 18 million and pay interest on 18 million if it's just sitting there not being uh used for construction. So, I only borrow what we need to cover the cost in that particular fiscal year. >> Okay.
>> And um now you said we are going to provide $6 million. That's not coming out of our budget. >> That was money that came from the school department's um funding that they got over CO. >> Okay. And they they transferred it to our
side. >> Yes, they did. >> Okay. Other than that, uh thank you. Appreciate you >> about it. Anytime. >> Thank you, counselor. Any other counselors? Permission to speak from the chair.
>> Thank you. So you had mentioned the grant funding and the small possibility that we wouldn't be granted the the funds. I want to know more about that because this is a big number. It's doable to me because of the
amount of grant funding you say we're going to get. Um I don't know if these gentlemen could speak to the grant process and what the likelihood is that we will get. >> That's a probably a great segue to introduce them and um have them speak on their program through the states 911. Um the $6 million is already in hand. So
that's that's not a uh wonder if we're getting the kind of deal. We already have that $6 million. So it's the money from the state that they'd probably speak better to. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, sir. Uh name and address for the record, please.
>> Uh my name is Frank Posniac, executive director of the state 911 Department. Um, we're located at 151 Campanelli Drive in Middleboro, Massachusetts 02346. Um, I'm the executive director. Pete Guinness is also here today. He's the
director of special project and he's um been instrumental in a lot of our or many of our our regional projects. This is this is one of them. So just to give you an idea of of what we do um you know we run an extensive grant program um to
uh promote and encourage regionalization and this is the uh genesis of all this is chapter 223 of the acts of 2008 which set out this uh grant program uh with um two grants in particular that uh are
instrumental for regionalization. One is the development grant and the other is the incentive grant. The incentive grant is a little bit different than a development grant because it's bas it's an allocation that all the uh public safety answering points across the Commonwealth. The acronym is PAPS um are
allocated a certain amount including the uh incentive grant portion but the development grant portion uh grant is is really to uh to um get uh projects off the ground uh with uh different uh
funding categories including construction and equipment. Those are the two biggest ones. So today, um what we've uh funded this project is to the tune of about six $6 million. And um we're we have a state and Iowa
commission meeting uh on March 4th of this uh year and that they're going to take up the FY27 uh grant application and um uh I'm pretty certain they'll approve that. And then uh the applications for FY27 would
be due sometime in April. So at that point uh that this project would be submitting uh uh funding that they need uh going forward. What that amount is, I'm I'm not sure yet. I mean, uh, we told all the applicants to be working on
it cuz, um, in the past, we usually had our, uh, commission, statement commission approved those guidelines and had, uh, in November with a, um, a March application deadline. So, it's been pushed back a little bit because, you know, we we decided to have a study done
to look at our regionalization program, but that is the main funding source. Um so in in past two years uh the um the allocation for the grant has been set at $50 million and we're assuming uh or
planning on having uh that amount of money available in um for the FY277 cycle. Um it is a competitive grant just to let you know and uh last year for example we had I think 21 or 22
applicants apply total of 134 million. So you know we have our work cut out for us. Uh you know we asked all applicants to list out their priorities and we try to fund uh top priorities of of of all the applicants. So that's generally how
how the process works. So, you know, we are committed to this project. Like I said, we we committed already $6 million that's been funded over the past two fiscal years. You know, we're we're here to stay and we want to we want to see the project go forward. It's a good project. It's probably going to be one
of our bigger ones as far as population and call volume goes. Even though it's it's only three communities, it is a big one. So, we're looking forward to um you know, working with uh the applicant to see this to fruition. You know, as the
mayor mentioned, we did we did go to the school. I think it was last year. We toured the school. Um so, you know, we want to see it happen. I mean, we're in into the regionalization process. We when we started this in 2008, we had 264 911 centers. We have 194 now. And it's
it's cut across three different administrations, Republican, Democrats, that they want it to happen and so do we. So, you know, we we're committed to it. Like I said, we put 6 million in and but I have to wait and see. We have to wait and see what um what what the what
the uh what's applied for in the FY27 grant. >> Thank you so much. And I mean, so I I guess it's unfair of us to ask you if this is a guarantee for us um because you don't know yet. Well, you know, I can't say that because I always have to qualify. It's a
competitive grant. >> But once we, you know, put our toes in the water, so to speak, you know, we 6 million already. So, you know, we want to see this happen. I I I can't say like 100%, but you know what? It's pretty close to that. I think, you know, I I
don't know what the you know, >> um, I don't know what the ask is. We got to see what the ask is, but that's all I can say. We're committed and we want this to happen. >> Thank you. Does anyone have any questions? Councelor Mccuria. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh, and thank you for coming up here this
evening. Uh, you said you've done projects on a smaller scale like this, correct? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. And do you know the operational costs of those smaller facilities? uh the the budgets I I do, but I don't have it off the top of my head because the all regionals are are as part of
their support and incentive grant application give us their budgets. >> Okay. >> So, we we have that information. I can get it to you. I don't know off the top of my head. >> We need to know what this operational, you know, we we love the idea. We love the building. We're all in support of that, but we we I've been asking for an
operational cost to run this facility. And uh you know that's it could be a million a year, could be a million five a year in operational cost. >> Well, I I'm pretty sure right now that the the regional has uh an operational budget. Now, I know that doesn't include
Chelsea and what it would look like at at the new facility, but there there is that operational budget. >> Okay, maybe Mr. Visque can answer this a little bit better. I just um asked the same question you asked last week and um I did get
presented a pro for budget with the assumption that Chelsea would be part of the operation. So I can get you those numbers offline. I just got them. I didn't know you were asking for them but um I happen to want them just for my own forecasting. So I do have some numbers I can share with you for sure. >> Okay. I think that would be important
part of this whole package if we look down the future. Uh >> yeah, a lot of those operational costs are also going to be covered through this grant. So there are some uh efficiencies in the operating not just the capital budget but the operating budget will actually come down the first few years due to some of the uh details
of the grant and some of the uh salary being picked up of the executive director and such. So but I I have to work those numbers out. Happy to get them to you. >> Okay. Thank you Mr. Visque. >> Thank you councelor Mr. Chairman. just um in uh just as far as the assess city's assessment, as you
know, the state assesses what we what it costs us to run the 911 center and then it spreads it out by the communities that are in use. So, currently it's spread out between Re and Winrip, it's about an 8020 mix. It's based on call volume for the most part. Um and then
when that shifts to RA Winthre and Chelsea uh the estimated savings uh in the first year is estimated at $250,000 at to our assessment. So roughly and and again I know Rich can provide what the operating budget for NRECC
men uh is um will it goes up every year as you know costs go up every year. So, let's just say, for instance, if we were going to pay $1 million next year to run a 91 call center, um it it would be a $250,000 delta uh in savings by by
sharing the load with another community. Uh and then that that continues to perpetuate. Um but as you know, it it all depends on the amount of calls. We have we have a it's it's a separate entity as as you're aware. It's its own body. Um, but if they were running heavy
on overtime or things like that, those are things that we have, we serve on the board, I serve on the board, and it rotates between uh the chairs, but uh Chief Cullen's on the board, Chief Levit's on the board, the chief of uh Winthrop Police and Fire on the board, of course, CFO Visos Visqueke is on the
board, the city managers are on the board. So every month we meet, we have budgetary uh uh updates so to make sure that the costs are in line and that we're not uh spending more or the the the department is not spending more than they should. And they're very good good
management team. They run a tight ship. Um and and ultimately what's reimbured by the state is is a big portion of how we're able to um manage manage a good call center. And we and is a reimbursement on a
yearly subsidy basically. Yes. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So there just like the so whether you know this or not we pay the MBTA to have service in our city. >> So it's a it's on a state assessment. Okay. >> Uh they basically they have a formula and we pay we don't we don't really have
much bargaining rates. Um but the the jumping from tier. So some of the this the cost benefit of the center of of course regionalizing this has been a big incentive by the state. They don't want to have 351 call centers. They want to have probably somewhere in the hundred,
right? >> Because as it's a very difficult business. It's they see a lot of um efficiencies in creating, you know, you want to have if you have one really good quarterback, >> rather have them play for a big team than play for, you know, you're not going to get a lot of really good quarterbacks. So, they know that if
there's a problem, they can kind of uh triage problems in larger regions rather than all the one-offs. Uh that's where this incentive grant comes into play and that's where uh working with the best of Chelsea, the best of re uh Revier, the best of Winthre and then the opportunities to grow even further.
We're building this so that we could expand to another community and and and really bringing the best and the brightest. But there's there's operational efficiencies, there's assessment efficiencies, and of course um just just the the grant that that's going to be provided. And I know that he
he can't say he's 100% certain. Um what I will say to you is, you know, they've given us their asurances. They they know if they don't if they can't provide, then the project dies. So it's not like we're halfway through building a school, we have to build a school. We would just
have to abandon that project. We don't intend on doing that. I don't believe that the state's going to leave us hanging. Uh and and as mentioned, this has been a project and initiative for the last uh decade. Um, so I'm I'm pretty confident in in in in the in the relationship we've created. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you.
>> Did you have to make a football analogy today? >> You know, it could have been a bad bug one, so I stayed away from >> Mr. Mayor, >> Council President Zanuto. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank the executive director and his uh development director for coming here
tonight. I was one of the uh few people in favor of uh regional back in 2008 when we built our police station. Uh it was quite a fight. people thought it was a uh a body count and it was a you were
stealing from fire or stealing from you know so uh it was a I I'm thrilled to where we've come to where you've come to where the state has come to u and this is I'm certainly in favor of this project this was uh one of my dreams
many years ago I've been here for a few years in case you didn't notice but uh uh that it was controversial at one time to go regional. People were uh people were worried that their turf was being infringed upon. It's obviously proven to
be the safe thing that it is and financially the best thing for all the communities involved and of course public safety. So, uh I want to thank you for what you do. uh we're grateful that you've dipped your toes in the water on this project and we know that
uh you'll dive in uh the full extent. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, councelor. Um we're going to take a a roll call on this. I just do I do want to say one thing. I do believe that this is a responsible project. Um
we are doubling the size of our early childhood education. We're building a new 911 call center, a regional call center that has three communities with the uh ability to host four. Um, and I also think it's responsible of us to put
our retirement office and our parking department in there. We're going to save $1 to $150,000 a year between rent and utilities there. Um, I'm in favor of this and uh, Madame Clerk, if we could take a role. Shall the Ways and Means subcommittee
offer a favorable recommendation to approve the bond authorization for the McKinley school? Councelor Aenzio, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor McKenna, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Mccario, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Noelski. >> Yes. >> Yes. And Chairman Kaggleandro. >> Yes. >> Yes. The bond authorization has received
a favorable recommendation. We'll be forward to the council this evening. No further business. >> No further business. Thank you. Part: 2
We can roll call the members. >> Roll call of the members. Councelor Arenzio. >> Yes. >> Here. Council Kleandro >> here. >> Here. Councelor Gino SA >> here. >> Here. Councelor Kelly >> here. >> Here. And chairman Sylvester >> here. >> Here. A quorum is present.
First item on tonight's agenda is the special permit application for Capri LLC 1559 Northshore Road requesting a special permit to reconstruct, alter, and extend the pre-existing non-conforming singlestory structure by constructing a two-floor addition
consisting of eight residential one-bedroom units at 1559 Northshore Road. >> Petitioner Uh, good evening, uh, Chairman Sylvestri and city councilors. My name is Nancy O'Neal. I am an attorney located at 14
Proctor Avenue. I'm here tonight on behalf of the applicant, Miss Claudia Ggo of Capri LLC, owner and operator of the Capri Capri Beastro at 1559 Northshore Road. As the city council heard on January 29th, Miss Ggo proposes
a two-story addition over her small business. Uh the existing building can be seen here. This addition would comprise of 3,000 square feet uh and contain eight small transit oriented apartments.
Um so this addition would not alter uh the building footprint. As I explained previously, the proposal is simply to use up using the same uh base dimensions as the existing restaurant building and the existing restaurant uh will be maintained and continue to be operated
uh by Miss Diego who is a W 6 resident. So this proposal is by a Rivera resident and small business owner to improve an aging property dating from 1900. Uh so the proposed building is exactly the type of building that you want to see in this neighborhood. Uh this is a mixeduse
building with River resident small business on the first floor. The top two floors would contain transit oriented apartments. The property is located about 800 ft or 3minut walk from the River Beach uh MBTA station. So residents here will be utilizing uh the
train and there will not be a parking impact. And as discussed on January 29th, we were happy to place a condition on the building that residents would not be able to receive resident parking stickers. So overall, this property is extremely accessible for public transit.
It's a threeminut walk from a ver beach station. And if you walk up Northshore Road and around to Shirley Avenue, you have food shops, restaurants, healthc care. So this is truly a walkable neighborhood. And this property is the perfect location uh for transit oriented apartments.
Um so projects like this are bringing foot traffic into the Shirley Avenue neighborhood and they are sustaining the numerous uh small businesses along Shirley Avenue. So this proposal is consistent with the mixeduse character of the neighborhood and aligns with city planning goals for denser transit
oriented development in Shirley Avenue. And this building also fits with the size and scale of the neighborhood. Uh, as proposed, I think we have a picture of the proposed building here. Thank you, Attorney O Sullivan. So, as
proposed, this building would be three stories in 28 ft, smaller than many of the adjacent structures. So, this is a building that is designed in response to the heightened density of neighboring properties and will really improve and blend in with the neighborhood. Uh, so
this is an ideal uh project for this area. Uh and as you heard on January 29th, the city of River is also in support of the project. Uh so for these reasons, we would respectfully request uh that this honorable subcommittee look favorably upon the special pyramid and
we are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else here want to speak in behalf? >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Iron Novveski, 53 Dehon Street, who are two counselor.
Actually, this location is about 30 seconds from my house. So, uh I know the location very well. I know the history of the building and the height will not exceed the neighborhood. The adjacent neighbors will be the same height and uh
just think it's a good it'll be a good fit for the neighborhood. And uh I haven't heard uh anything against it individually. I did hear some people from three or four streets away were against it because of the
traffic, potential traffic, but with no cars. And this person that uh did issue some statements to me lives three blocks away. So um you he's not an adjacent neighbor, but he just uh anti-development in general. you know,
he just doesn't want it. So, uh, I would say I'm for this. I want to see it happen. And I've been talking to Claudia and she is even considering, uh, using this for affordable housing. So, um, yeah. So, we'll we'll look into
that and keep working on it with the appropriate departments. So, thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Anyone else here in favor? >> Okay. Uh Jim Mccurio, 193 Chrisav, Ward One City Councelor. Uh this is a nice
project. Uh fits well into the uh neighborhood and I'm in full support of it. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Anyone else? [clears throat] >> Do we have anyone here against? >> I believe so. We're going to open it up.
City councilors, zoning board, >> councelor, councelor Kelly. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, Mr. Chairman, [laughter] um, I'm probably going to be in the minority on this, but I don't think this
is a project that I can support. Um, the problem for me isn't the eight units, so to speak. It's it's modest. I understand that eight units is modest, but I still the biggest concern I hear from residents still is no more
apartments. They don't want any more apartments in the city. They feel like we've had enough. Um, so for me, this is a cumulative impact on the city in that neighborhood in particular with congestion. I just want to point out in the last couple of months alone, um,
we've, the ZBA has approved 12 units on Northshore Road, 80 units on Riviera Beach Boulevard, 62 units at 329 Reier Street, and 112 units at 500 Revier Street. This
doesn't even take into consideration the units at Beachmont, the units at Overlook Ridge. Um, so we're talking just in the last couple of months over 260 units that have been approved in the city. So for me, it's it's it's
just being about we're at a point where enough is enough in terms of apartments and um for reasonable development. um town houses, single families, I believe put people on a path to home ownership and therefore a path to building wealth. So I think that's smart and reasonable
and responsible development. And also just to speak to congestion, um I understand the proximity to the train station and maybe these residents will not have cars, but there's still deliveries, there's still Ubers, there's still Amazon, there's still guests. Um,
so there is still an [clears throat] impact on traffic even though the residents there may not own vehicles themselves. So I'm sorry. I'm I'm sure the restaurant's lovely. I've never been there. I I you know, I'm sure it's great, but um I'm sorry. I think this is going to be a no for me for those reasons. Thank you. Thank you,
councelor. Councelor Aenzio. Okay. Thank [snorts] you. I just want to say I'm in full support of the project. It's a nice small modest uh development. the um owner is is has has been a a a good uh Rivier resident, a beautiful
restaurant. Uh the parking, it's right around the corner from the train station. No permits will be issued for parking. Um it has the support of the ward counselor, and I'm I'm always uh looking to support ward counselors when they have uh developments coming to
their ward. It has the support of the ward counselor that that borders ward, too. So, I I think it's a great project and I look forward to voting pardon. >> Thank you, council. Council Kiano. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, the affordable housing was brought up and it
was I believe council Novaski said there was talks of it. Is are we going to are any of these units going to be affordable? And if so, what is the percentage of AMI that we're looking at? >> So, I can I can speak to that. Uh so we're working with the city to see if
there are any programs that would be suitable for this building. But uh these units, they're uh they're going to be very small units, micro units, so they're a form of naturally occurring affordable housing. They're going to be smaller units, so the rents are not going to be astronomical here. So
they're really a good um type of uh living space for a smaller household, um someone looking to downsize, a senior household. So, these are not going to be um very extravagant units with a high rent. They're going to be designed uh
for relatively affordable uh living. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Any other counselors? Okay, >> Council Zoro. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I'm in full
support of this project. Um, my guide has always been less detrimental to the neighborhood. I I see I see this as an as a a plus to the neighborhood and obviously the ward
council sees it that way and he lives almost on top of this building. So, I mean it I think it's this is how we help businesses, good businesses stay in the city and and I don't think this is a a
big ask and I I it certainly is going to is going to fit perfectly in the neighborhood. So, that's why I will be supporting it even though I don't have a vote in this committee of course. Thank you, Mr. President. Um permission to speak from the chair. Um, I also uh
approve and and I think this is is a fit to the neighborhood. Um, I I don't think it it stands out exuberantly in any way from any other building, not even the housing and structure and as um my fellow counselor stated that uh
councelor Novasowski who's actually pretty much in a butter to the project is in support. So um I will be supporting this uh this evening. Madam clerk, can we have a call? Roll call. >> Would you like to read the conditions? >> Uh, please. And if we could add the
condition of the um parking stickers, please. I don't think it was added in there. >> Thank you. >> City planner Frank Stringy has submitted the following conditions. If the special permit is awarded, the property shall be not shall not be eligible for participation in the city of Riviera's
on street permit parking program or visitor permit parking program. 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 sore service and water surface plan as well as storm
water management plan. [snorts] Hydrant flow test 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 River Fire Department. The project proponent must pay a sore
mitigation fee which is based on 10 times 110 gallons per bedroom times $1.30 per gallon. Based on the proposed eight bedrooms, the sore mitigation fee shall be $11,440. The sore mitig 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 installments, 50% prior to the issuance of a building permit and 50% prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. Concrete sidewalks with granite curbing shall be installed along the full frontage of the property,
including planting of four street trees along Northshore Road frontage and Don Street frontage. An exterior grease shall be installed for the existing restaurant used to be approved by the plumbing inspector. The building design and materials plan as well as the landscaping and streetscape plan shall
be approved by the S plan review committee. And lastly, all I'm sorry, not lastly, all rooftop mechanical units shall be set back from the building's perimeter in a manner that limits visibility from the street level and include acoustical mitigation and/or noise baffle devices. And lastly, in
accordance with chapter 1747, the capital improve the community improvement trust fund is applicable to this project. Under the community improvement trust fund, the developer must 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 community improvement projects within the impacted area. For the purpose of the special permit, 3% of the construction cost shall be based on the increased density of the project as a result of the FAR of 2.3. Shall the zoning subcommittee offer a favorable recommendation to grant the
relief requested subject to those conditions? Councelor Aenzio, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Kogleandro, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Gino SA. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Kelly, >> no. >> No. Council and Chairman Sylvestri. >> Yes. >> Yes. The special permit has received a favorable recommendation. It will be
forwarded to the city council this evening. >> Thank you. Next [clears throat] special permit application is for the applicant Ardit Kraa of 500 Governor's Drive, Winthre, Mass. requesting a special permit to reconstruct Altter and extend the pre-existing non-conforming
structure, which is a garage, by constructing a two and a half story, two family dwelling on lot a Elwood Street. >> Petitioner. >> Uh, good evening, uh, Chairman, Sylvester, and city councilors. My name is Nancy O'Neal. I am an attorney located at 14 Proctor Avenue and I
represent the applicant in this matter, Mr. Kraa of Mil Street, a resident of Ward 1. As set out in the city council hearing of January 29th, the builder has proposed to replace the dilapitated commercial structure on the Elwood Street property uh with a new residential structure uh that is in line
with the surrounding neighborhood. This project readily meets the standard for the granting of a special permit, which is that the proposed structure shall not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing structure. Here, instead of being more detrimental to the neighborhood, the proposed structure will improve the
neighborhood. Uh so, the large majority of homes in this neighborhood feature similar lot size and density uh to the proposed structure. The size of the subject lot was a standard when the neighborhood was created. Uh so what is being proposed here is a standard type of residential structure in the
neighborhood in terms of lot size and coverage. Massachusetts courts have generally supported the granting of special permits where the proposed structures are consistent in size and scale to the neighborhood uh and the proposed structure would upgrade the property. Massachusetts courts have also
supported the granting of special permits where the proposed structure would upgrade an aging property and eliminate a commercial use from a residential neighborhood. So, we are doing all of those things here. The current structure is a commercial structure that has been put to various uses over the years. Uh, the old
structure is in congrent with the neighborhood which is otherwise residential in character. And furthermore, the structure has become dilapitated and stands out as a dalect singlestory commercial building. So, the new residential building uh that is proposed will form a great improvement
over these current conditions. Uh so this will be a new attractive structure that will improve property values. It will be built to modern building code, be energy efficient and safe. So again we are proposing to get rid of an old commercial garage and replace it with a
standard residential structure built at 2026 standards. So this will ensure that the commercial use does not return to the neighborhood. And this structure would also feature sufficient parking. For parking spaces are planned uh at a lot about 30 ft away. Uh so that lot
would also remain open remain as an open lot, excuse me, to serve the parking needs of neighboring structures. >> And in conjunction uh with the recommendations of the city, the applicant is proposing a new sidewalk along the stretch of Elmwood Street, new street trees uh and landscaping uh for
the parking area. So, we are going from a dilapitated commercial building in the middle of a residential neighborhood to an attractive standardsiz residence with sufficient parking, new trees, new landscaping and sidewalks. So, this is a definite improvement in terms of safety,
aesthetics, neighborhood character, and property values over the dilapitated commercial building. And finally, based on the feedback of the council and neighbors, we actually intend to redesign our plans for this proposed structure. Uh, one of the changes that we would like to make specifically is to
increase the side guard setback to the abuter at 47 Elmwood Street. Uh, the current garage does not have a setback at that property line. There was a zero foot setback there. We had previously proposed a setback of 3 feet, which would be an improvement over the existing, but we would like to uh
increase that. So, we would respectfully request that this matter is continued so that new plans can be drawn up and submitted to the council. And we are thankful for any uh further input uh from this honorable subcommittee. Uh and I believe we also have uh a neighbor here in attendance who would like uh to
speak on the project as well. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> Name and address for the record, please. >> Sure. >> My name is Danielle. I live at 71 Elmwood Street in River. I've been a
resident of Elmwood Street all of my life. The garage located two lots away from my home has been dilapitated on kept for more than 15 years. I'm in support of this project as I would prefer a two family home over a large development. The main reason I personally support this is the parking
plan. The current lot on my fence line would no longer be builtable and therefore I will maintain privacy in my yard and pool area. The project will not only improve the appearance of the neighborhood but will always also raise the property values of the surrounding homes. Thank you all for your time.
>> Thank you, ma'am. Anyone else? Anyone here against? Not in favor. >> Uh Jim Mccurial 193 Crescent A W1 One City Council.
Now, I went I'm not in favor of this uh project for a couple of reasons. um she talked about public safety and the building that they're proposing is only going to be 3 ft away from either side of [snorts] both buildings. Um we do
have a zoning law uh dimensional regulations uh 17.24.025 025. Um, and it states, "All principal buildings on the lot shall be serviced by access ways suitable for fire,
police, and emergency vehicles." There's no way that a firefighter could get down a three-foot alley carrying a fire hose. God forbid if there was a structure fire there, um, it would it would be pretty bad. Another point that
I'm missing on this on this design is they have an overhang on this building right here that attaches to the garage. Uh I'd like to know what's going to happen with that overhang. >> Uh thank you. Uh so there will be an
easement uh for that encroachment. Um so that would remain as it is. Thank you. So, they would have to file an easement for an overhang that's presently attached to that structure. I'm going to see how that works. When you build a
building on there, uh is it's going to be not even 3 ft away. It's going to be probably touching the new structure. I have a couple of more things I want to just read over, please. I need the leeway.
Uh the required off- streetet parking spaces for single family, two family, duplexes, town houses uses shall be provided on the actual developed lot and there no there are no such easements provided on other lots
that meet the parking requirements. So by rights or by what this zoning book says is they can't get an easement on that lot. I'd like the attorney to explain that please. >> Thank you. So, we've been discussing uh
the parking easement with the city planner and we understand that the special permit would uh authorize a non-conformity as to parking. Uh so, again, we are planning uh to have an easement uh for the parking spaces at the uh adjacent lot. So, there would be
sufficient parking for the residents. Thank you. Once again, according to the zoning that they're not allowed to have parking or an easement on other lots. She speaks about improve Thank you for
the le leeway, Mr. Chairman, by the way. Increasing the housing stock. Yes, we do need single and two families. This would be a perfect example for an ADU unit to be built in this space. Small 900 ft ADU
unit would work perfectly in this space and we wouldn't have to go in front of the zoning board or the or the or the the council here. >> I think that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, councelor. Anyone else want to speak further?
Okay, open it up to the city council. Council Garino Sua. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, Council Mccur, I just wanted to let you know that all three of those lots are owned by the same person, just so you know. Um, and right now the garage is on top
of the other building. It's literally touching. It's actually on top and they they wanted to do 3 ft away. But anyways, um when this project was first presented, I was inclined to support it. At the initial community meeting, residents who did attend were genuinely
excited about replacing the dilapitated commercial structure with a two family owner occupied home. The removal of a commercial use, the addition of the off- streetet parking, and the improvement to the streetscape
all felt like a positive change for this neighborhood. Since that meeting, however, additional residents, especially those who were unable to attend, have come forward with serious and valued concerns. I took the time to listen carefully to
those residents and to visit that site myself. And after doing so, I felt it was important to reconsider my position because firstly, I went there at night and there was a ton of cars already parked in that parking lot. So, you're
going to put more people in there wherever you're going to put the cars where they they're not going to be able to get parking permits. So, where are you going to put them? On top of already full parking lot. While the lot side may be may be consistent with the nearby one
and two family homes, it they're the same size. So, there's two family homes that are 2200 square feet and and uh even less actually. Um the setbacks and proximity between the structures are not. The existing garage already
encroaches on the neighboring property and the proposed building would sit roughly 3 ft away from the adjacent home. It's just not feasible. Um that level of closeness is not typical for that area and would have a real impact
on the privacy and the quality of life of the next door neighbor. It also sets a concerning precedent for how tightly homes could be built moving forward. So as the counselor, my responsibility is to balance the development with the
neighbor with the neighborhood character and um when ra residents na raise these concerns in good faith. I believe it's my responsibility to listen to them and um I have to stand with them in this case and I'm siding with the residents
and I support one and two family um homes in this neighborhood but I can't support a project in this current form. So, what I'm asking is if you can return with a revised plan such as a smaller footprint, reduced height, or
pulling that structure 10 ft away from that neighboring property, then I would be inclined to support it then. But until then, I cannot support it as the word counselor. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Kelly. >> Thank you, [clears throat] Mr. Chairman.
Um, I'll wait for Rivia TV. No. Okay, there I am. Um, so again, I I think I raised some concerns the last meeting. I can't support this project. It's simple for me. The lot is just too small. So, we're in an RB district for a
two family. According to our zoning, we need a minimum of 6,000 square feet of land with a 60 foot um amount of frontage. So, we're wildly away from that. Um 2200 square feet of land is approximately onethird of what would be
required in this area. I understand that you're saying it's in the character of the neighborhood, but our zoning code was developed to prevent this exact type of building. It's because this building was, you know, this type of building was taking place
back in the 1880s or whatever you quoted last time. um was the whole reason why we have a zoning code to prevent building like this from going forward from taking from taking taking from taking place in the future. So to replace the small what I consider an accessory garage with this large
multi-story building on a 2200 foot lot just doesn't make any sense. I know that you mentioned some case law um but Massachusetts law only allows reasonable modifications to an existing non-conforming use, not gross exaggerations. And this would be a gross
exaggeration in my opinion. Um since you mentioned some case law, there is um Borland versus EBA of Norwell 2008 where scale and proportion was definitely part of that decision and um it was found you
you you can't significantly enlarge homes on non enlarge homes on non-conforming lots. um in this one is wildly out of proportion to what is already there. In addition to all of that, um we just don't build just because it can fit. Just because
something can fit on a lot structurally doesn't give us the that's not the reason why we should build it. And also the neighbors in this neighborhood, um I did hear from them. They're against it. They're opposed to it. So I'm a no on this one. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor. Council uh Jenzio, >> Council Kando, >> thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think the reasonable thing would [clears throat] be to, and I agree with just about everything that was set up here. I think the reasonable thing would be to allow them to go back to the drawing board,
try to bring a new project before us, and see if we can come to an agreement, and if not, you know, we can't at least give them an opportunity to do that. This isn't a giant uh, you know, 100 unit building developer. This is a, you know, a regular person who own I think
think they own an HVAC company. So, um, this just a regular person trying to build a house. So, let's see what they come back with. I I would, if anyone else wants to speak, I would motion to table this. >> Thank you, councelor. Just permission to speak from the chair. >> I uh I totally I totally agree,
counselor, and and I appreciate you saying that you're going to take it and and bring it back before us. And um because of that, this will be placed on file. Thank you. Oh, it will actually be remaining committee. Sorry. >> And there'll be no further business for
this evening. Thank you. Okay, we're ready. Everybody all set here. 2026 meeting of the Riviera City Council. All rise and salute the flag, please. >> I pledge algiance 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, Roll call of the members. Councelor Aenzio
>> here. >> Here. Councelor Cogleandro >> here. >> Here. Councelor Jino >> here. >> Here. Councelor Gino SA >> here. >> Here. Councelor H >> here. >> Here. Councelor Kelly >> here. >> Here. Council McKenna >> here. >> Here. Council Murio >> here. >> Here. Council Naselski >> here. >> Here. Council Sylvester >> here.
>> Here and council president Zambbo >> here. >> Here. Quorum is present. Approval of the journal of the regular meeting of January 29th. >> All in favor? All opposed. So it >> calendar item number three motion presented by councilors Janino and Gino
SA that the city council formally recognize and commend various public safety officials for their extraordinary life-saving actions on October 10th of 25 which uh in that time during a medical emergency involving a nine-year-old child in cardiac arrest members of River Fire, Reataldo
uh saved the life of this child. Council Janeo, >> thank you. Um, back in the night of October 10th, we had in this scenario where a young girl wasn't breathing.
Luckily for the family, we had Ref Police respond to the resident first. Girl was um not breathing, no pulse. They got a pulse back. Re fire shows up on scene. Care was transferred over to
fire department. They maintained her uh kept the girl alive at which time the EMT showed up. They continued the care, kept the child alive. Next step, paramedics showed up,
transported to the hospital, the end girl survived. Here's an example where all the training and teamwork all worked out. all the hours these officers spend with the CPR, the medical, the stuff we don't see, we
don't see and hear about. And it all lined up one night to save a life. And I think it's it's um you know, only proper to to acknowledge the actions of that night.
We have the fire department here, please. Our medics are here. ENTs are here. And it was a job well done. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> Thank you, Councelor Councel Gorino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Tonight is a
powerful reminder of what can happen when people put egos aside and work together with one shared purpose. In moments of crisis, teamwork, trust, and training come together. And that's when
miracles happen. What we are recognizing tonight is not just individual heroism, but the strength of collaboration and commitment to our community. Because of that unity, a family was
given hope and a child was given another chance. This is public service at its very best and I commend each and every one of you. City of Riviera, Massachusetts, Certificate of Merit. In acknowledgement of extraordinary, distinguished, and
meritorious achievement and accomplishment, special recognition is hereby accorded to Nolan Stimson, Cataldo EMT. in formal recognition of the extraordinary life-saving actions taken on October 10th, 2025 during a
critical medical emergency involving a 9-year-old child in cardiac arrest. The city council hereby commends your swift, skilled, and coordinated response. You worked seamlessly under intense pressure to deliver immediately high immediate
high quality care that resulted in a child regaining cardiac function in achieving a positive neurological recovery. The professionalism, leadership, teamwork, and unwavering dedication demonstrated by you reflects
the highest standards of emergency response service. The city council extend its deepest gratitude and recognition for their heroic [snorts] efforts and their shared commitment to protecting and preserving life. This
certificate of merit is gratefully bestowed by the city council and the mayor of the city of Riviera, Massachusetts on behalf of its citizens this ninth day of February in the year of our Lord 2026 and of the independence of the United States of America 249th.
Nolan Stimson, [applause] patrol officer Jagger Desenza. [applause] >> Firefighter Lieutenant Michael. [applause] Firefighter George Lavasur, [applause] Firefighter Garrett McMahon, [applause]
Patrol Officer Daniel Reading, [applause] Katalo EMS Parame Medic Kaitton Ramnet. >> You got it. >> Catalo EM paramedic. Joseph Holmes. [applause] >> Kato EMT. Rose Morgan.
[applause] >> Congratulations to everyone. >> Thank you. calendar item number four, motion presented by councilors Jino and Gino Suaya, that the city council present a certificate of commendation to firefighter Frank Barry in recognition of his retirement after 29 years of
dedicated service to the city of River. Councelor [applause] Janino. >> Thank you, Frank. Congratulations. 29 years. This is um this acknowledgement is long overdue. Frank's been around a long time. I
started off central fire agent four ladder two moved over to five became a mechanic. There isn't a piece of equipment in the city Frank hasn't touched fixed or handled. There isn't an event in the last 10 or
15 20 years Frank hasn't been at not only as a firefighter as a mechanic. I know we do a sand castle and stuff like that. Frank's there. We have lights. We have generators running. We have Frank. Something goes
wrong, Frank takes care of it. Took care of it. If there was a medical aid, Frank was there. If a cat caught on fire, Frank was there. If the lights broke, Frank was there.
You didn't see him all the time, but I tell you, Frank was there. I saw him. I worked with him. And and this is Congratulations, Frank. Thank you. >> Councelor Gino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. For 29 years,
Frank Barry showed up for the people of the city of Rivera on their best days and their worst days. His service went beyond the job. He served with heart, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to his community. We are grateful for your sacrifice,
your leadership, and the example you set for those who follow you. Thank you. City of River, Massachusetts certificate of commendation in recognition of his retirement from the city from the River Fire Department after 29 years of
dedicated service to the city of Rivier. Special recognition is hereby accorded to firefighter Frank Barry, Rivier Fire Department. Firefighter Barry is commended for his courageous professionalism and steadfast commitment to protecting the lives and property of
all Riviera residents. His leadership, teamwork, and compassion in times of emergency have strengthened the safety and spirit of this community and city council extend the sincerest gratitude and best wishes for a happy, healthy,
and well-earned retirement. This certificate of commendation is presented by the city council of the city of River, Massachusetts on behalf of its citizens this 9th day of February in the year of our lord 2026 and of the independence of the United States the
249th. Congratulations firefighter Frank. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Calendar item number five, motion presented by council Kaggleandro, that the city council award a certificate of merit to Asani Anderson, a second grader
at the Whan School in recognition of his quick life-saving actions on January 13th to save a classmate who was choking during lunch. >> Councelor Cleandro. >> Thank you, Mr. President. It's not every day that we are
presenting certificates of merit to second grade uh second graders. Usually, it's a certificate of condemnation or appreciation. But in this case, this young man saved his classmates's life. And I think I speak for all of us when I
say I would be remiss if we did not recognize his actions that day. And I would like to invite him and his family and anybody else that's here with you up here today so we can present you with your certificate. Young man, come on up.
Asani, can you tell us who's here with you today? >> I got my dad, my mom, >> my brother, >> my little brother, and my mom. And when I was approached with with what
happened and [clears throat] I was told a story about how you learned, could you tell us a little bit about about what you did and how you learned what to do? So my So in lunch in lunch my friend my
friend I was telling jokes to my friend and then then he suddenly his face got red and then I noticed that when his face got
red he was coughing a lot. So I patted him on the back and then I patted him some more. He was about to he he didn't spit out the food but he swallowed it. I
told the teachers and nurse they everyone came to the lunchroom and then and then William left leaving me sad. But I was but I was
still afraid. I was afraid to but I was still I was afraid at the same time. [applause] >> And Asani, can you tell us how you knew Yeah. >> how to pat him on the back?
>> Okay. So sometimes my dad [snorts] my dad uh sees me coughing, he pats me on the back. >> So that's where I get him from. [laughter] [applause] >> So Asani, I'm gonna I'm gonna read this
certificate to you. You You too. You can you can be part of the [laughter] >> you want to say something too. >> Should we let him [laughter] go all day? >> In acknowledgement of extraordinary, distinguished, and meous actions, special recognition is hereby accorded
to Asani Anderson. The city of River is extremely grateful for Asani's quick thinking and brave actions on January 13, 2026 when he jumped into action. >> That's right. to help a classmate who
was choking during lunch. Demonstrating remarkable courage, awareness, and compassion beyond his years. Asani sought help without hesitation and played an important role in ensuring his classmate received the assistance
needed. His actions reflect outstanding character and serve as an inspiring example of looking out for others. This certificate of merit is hereby accorded to Asani Anderson. Young man, you are a hero.
[applause] [applause] We got to take [laughter] Public comment pursuant to chapter 402 of the acts of 1965. Anybody any any rea
issue? This is your chance. Hearing and seeing none, we'll move on. Ways and Means Subcommittee report. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh the Ways and Means Subcommittee met earlier on a bond authorization for the renovation of the McKinley School in the amount of $37
million. Uh it did receive a favorable recommendation and pending any further questioning from the council, I would like to take a roll call. >> Anybody want to say anything before we call the role? No. Okay, Madame Clerk.
>> Shall the city council approve a bond authorization in the amount of $37 million for renovations to the McKinley school? Councelor Aenzio, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Cogleandro, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Janino, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Gino SA. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Hass. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Kelly. >> Yes.
>> Yes. Councelor McKenna. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Mccario. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council Novaski. >> Yes. >> Yes. Councelor Sylvestri. >> Yes. >> Yes. And council president Sambbo? >> Yes. >> Yes. The bond authorization has been approved. >> Next up is the zoning subcommittee report.
>> Council Sylvestri. >> Thank you, Mr. President. U Mr. President, this earlier this evening, the zoning subcommittee met. Uh we had two items on the agenda. The first was uh 19 uh 1559 Northshore Road in Rivier requesting a special permit to
reconstruct and alter and extend pre-existing non-conforming single sommy structure. Uh the restaurant Capri will be adding um eight micro units um non-residential and they had we had a
fabal um uh we voted that favorably. Mr. Chairman uh President, sorry. Madame Clerk, >> shall the city council grant the relief requested for 1559 Northshore Road subject to the findings and conditions of site plan review as reported by the
zoning subcommittee? Councelor Arenzio, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Kogleandro, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Gino, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Gino Slaya, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Hass, >> yes. >> Yes. Councelor Kelly, >> no. >> No. Council McKenna, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Mccario, >> yes.
>> Yes. Council Novaski, >> yes. >> Yes. Council Sylvestri. >> Yes. >> Yes. And Council President Zambudo. >> Yes. >> Yes. The special permit has been granted. >> And uh Mr. President, we also had on the agenda a uh a resident requesting a
special permit to reconstruct and alter and extend a pre-existing non-conforming structure. It was actually a commercial garage into a two family uh two family dwelling on Elwood. And um the petitioner actually removed it. It's going to be placed on file. Uh I'm
sorry. It's going to re remain in committee um and they're going to be coming back with another plan. >> Thank you, Mr. President. >> Thank you, councelor. >> Challenge item number nine, communication from the mayor relative to the reappoint of Matthew Woler to the
affordable housing trust fund board. >> Appointments. Calendar item number 10, communication from the city auditor relative to a bond authorization in the amount of $1,250,000 for mass DP CWSRF planning project
number 19200. >> Mr. CFO. >> Good evening, Councelor Rich Visque, 281 Broadway CFO. Um the next um two orders are bond orders that um have to do with
maintaining our good uh standing with the state and federal government on the consent decree. I'm sure you'll put this into committee and public hearing, but happy to answer any questions on the bond. Otherwise, uh hoping that uh we can get this approved for the spring.
Thank you. This will this will go to a public hearing on the 23rd of February. Calendar item number 11, communication from the city auditor relative to a bond authorization in the amount of $500,000
for mass D CWSRF planning project number 19201. >> Same story council. Um this is u part of our capital plan for the water and sewer and um happy to speak more on it at the public hearing. Thank you. >> Okay, this this is going to a public
hearing on the 23rd. >> Calendar item number 12, communication from the city auditor requesting approval of a resolution relative to design of Wonderland area sore improvements mass D for calendar year 2025 CWSRF project number 19185.
>> Thank you uh council. This is um meant for acceptance by the council so that we can apply for a grant to to do this work and uh at no cost to the taxpayer and I recommend approval. Thank you. >> Anybody got anything to say about this?
Okay. And I won't have anything to say about it either. All in favor? All opposed? >> Motions. Calendar item number 13. Motion presented by councilors Garino SA Novaski and McKenna that the city council award a certificate of commendation to Linda Deo on the
occasion of her retirement and in recognition of her years of service to the city of Rivier. >> Councelor Gino SA >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to hold my comments for the presentation. Thank you. >> Council Novaski, >> yes. >> McKenna, >> same.
>> Okay. All in favor? All opposed? So voted. >> Calendar item >> calendar item number 14. Motion presented by councelor Kelly that the city council amend the city council rules of order by inserting new rule number 47 community meetings as follows
for the purpose of requiring internal notification among counselors regarding community meetings held by private applicants or other non- city entities in order to ensure transparency among all counselors. promote equal access to information for both ward and atlarge counselors and avoid open meeting law
concerns. Rule 47, community meetings. Any counselor who schedules, hosts, or becomes aware of a community meeting held by a private applicant or other non- city entity concerning matters that may come before the city council shall provide notice to all city councilors
via email through the clerk at least 72 hours in advance of such meeting when practicable. Such notice shall be forformational purposes only and shall include the date, time, location, and subject matter of the meeting if known. Counselors who attend who intend to
attend such meeting shall reply to the noticed email indicating their intent to attend in order to promote coordination and to avoid quorum related concerns. Attendance at any such community meeting shall be limited so as not to constitute a quorum of the city council or quorum
of any subcommittee of the city council in order to avoid any violation of the open meeting law. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to require, regulate or impose notice obligations upon private applicants or non- city entities, nor shall it convert any private community meeting into a public
meeting subject to the open meeting law. >> Councelor Kelly. >> Thank you, Mr. President. This was just um done from the standpoint of a professional courtesy, so to speak. Um I think it would just be a nice courtesy to allow everyone on the council to
know, give them notice about any community meetings that are going to be taking place. Um just to avoid any unintentional imbalances of information and that we can have some internal transparency. Um we should be okay with
the um open meeting law if we um make sure that these are going through Madame Clerk so that we can keep track of who in plans to attend and it's really just giving everyone an opportunity to know about a community meeting. Thank you.
>> Thank you councelor. Any other counselors? >> Councelor Gino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I have some serious concerns with this motion. First, it is completely uninforceable. It imposes rules on
counselors for meetings that are private, informal, and outside the body's authority. This body's authority. There is no enforcement mechanism, penalty or legal obligation. We cannot regulate what we do not control.
Secondly, community meetings are not legally required. They are usually a courtesy arranged by private applicants and their attorneys. Counselors may be invited or not.
The city council has no authority to dictate how, when, or with whom these meetings occur. Thirdly, the motion risks confusion in potential open meeting law issues.
Attempting to track participants or limit attendance, blurs private discussions in public meetings, and creates unintended legal consequences. For example, if council
president would like to come, he can't come because I have three other people coming as well. So, it's absolutely absurd. Fourthly, it undermines the ward counselor. We meet residents in good faith to answer questions and explain processes.
Suggesting we need monitoring or policing is inappropriate and diminishes the responsibility voters entrust on us. Council Kelly, you can laugh all you want, but this is this is my floor now.
Transparency occurs. It comes from public notices, hearings, and votes, not controlling private conversations. For these reasons, I will not support this motion. I will make it clear that no one
in this body has the authority to control how a ward counselor serves the residents in their own ward. Thank you. Any other counselors? >> Can I respond to that? >> By by rule, you have uh you have another
minute. So, go ahead, Councelor Kelly. >> Again, um I think that was almost to the to a personal attack on me, those comments. But again, not surprising um considering who they came from. Um this was just really coming from the
standpoint of a professional courtesy. I thought that it would be nice for us to all know when a community meeting is taking place just so that in case we want to attend the meeting, we have the opportunity to do so. It had nothing to do with policing or um trying to govern
or say how w counselors should I don't know where that all came from. It's absurd. It has no it has no bearing. It's ridiculous to be honest with you. But you know, people like to do this. So, um, but again, it was just a professional courtesy. Let people know,
hey, we're having a meeting if you want to come. The the clerk can send out an email. We can respond. If we think we're going to have too many people, bow out, say, you know what, too many people are going to be showing up. We don't want to violate the open meeting law, but at least we know that a meeting took place. We can call the counselors afterwards
and say, "Hey, how'd go? What happened?" But just not letting everyone know about a meeting. Um, you know, I just thought it would be better for business in terms of transparency. >> Thank you, Council. That's your That's your one minute. Um, >> thank you, Mr. President. >> Council,
>> thank you, Mr. President. Um, councelor Kelly, I think I understand now why you filed this. Um, but I just want to say publicly that I've only had a couple of community meetings, two or three in my time. Um, and if there's a request for
uh better information on them, more transparency between the counselors, I'm willing to do that. I I just don't I can't support this motion as it sits because I do agree that I don't think this is enforceable at all. But uh I can tell you say publicly to you right now
that I'll invite you to all of mine. >> Thank you. >> That's it. Thank you. >> Anybody else? on the motion. >> What? >> That's right. Okay. I apologize. All
right. This will be tabled. Calendar item number 15, motion presented by councelor Gino SA, that the mayor through the appropriate departments include a dedicated line item in the parking enforcement budget to fund the purchase and implementation of bodywn cameras for 12 parking enforcement officers as well as
dashboard cameras for six parking enforcement vehicles to enhance transparency, accountability, and trust between parking enforcement and the residents they serve. Further that the chief financial officer Rich Viske provide information on potential funding sources including revenues generated
from parking meters and that input be requested from Reier police chief Levita to ensure the program follows best practices and prioritizes resident safety, clear policies and the protection of both public and city employees.
>> Councelor Garino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I wanted to briefly explain why this motion is important. Um, over the past few weeks, we've seen an increase of confrontations involving parking enforcement officers.
Um, these situations have escalated, sometimes beyond verbal dispute um, disputes. Officers have been confronted, threatened, even followed um, and in some case physically assaulted um, simply for doing their jobs. It's
unacceptable and it highlights a real safety concern that we can't ignore. Um, bodywn cameras and dashboard cameras are not about penalizing anybody. They're about deescalating um, safety and accountability. So, I think it would be
the simplest way to put tools in everyone's hands that could protect the residents, protect the the people, the the uh parking clerks and everyone involved. Um they prevent situations from escalating and provide a clear
unbiased record when incidents do occur. Um, so this is basically just a study to see how much it would cost to to see if we can enforce it and implement them. And if we can, I would appreciate the the
city coming up with an idea and we can actually use parking meter money for some of this. Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Anybody else? >> On a motion. All in favor? All opposed? So voted.
>> Calendar item number 16, motion presented by council SA that the mayor request the River Police Department in coordate in coordination with traffic parking enforcement and the traffic advisory committee to increase targeted traffic enforcement on Pomona Street and the surrounding area during peak hours.
Such enforcement shall focus on one vehicles using Pomona Street as a cutthrough to bypass highway traffic controls and traffic signals. two, traveling at excessive speeds on Pomona Street in an effort to reach River Street. And three, vehicles exiting Blanchett's parking lot and making
illegal left turns in violation of posted no left turn signage, which is routinely ignored and contributing to traffic congestion and safety concerns. This request is made due to ongoing gridlock, unsafe driving behavior, and quality of life and safety impacts on residents, including residents being
unable to safely exit their driveways. Further that the traffic advisory committee be requested to review and report on the feasibility of installing a speed table or other appropriate trafficcoming measures on Pomona Street to slow vehicle speeds and discourage
cut through traffic. >> Councelor Garino SA. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, this motion isn't a new one. I filed this request before along with a separate motion specifically asking for the replacement and update updating the no
uh left turn signage that's across the street from the Blanchard's parking lot. The signage still hasn't been replaced and the problem still continues. Pomona Street is being used as a cutthrough to bypass the highway traffic and the traffic signals. Vehicles are now speeding down uh Pomona Street to reach
Riviera Street and D um drivers exiting BL Blanch's parking lot routinely ignore the existing in inadequate no left turn signage which directly contributes to the congestion that is in that area and its safety concerns especially when the
kids are coming crossing the street to get to and for um getting dropped off at the bus. Um, residents are dealing with this daily gridlock and residents have called me and it's unsafe. So, something needs to be done and it needs to be done today. Um,
they can't drive out of their own driveways in peak hours because of this. This has been going on for years now and they shouldn't have to keep living with these same conditions while this motion just sits there. So please, I am requesting immediate immediateely
targeted enforcement by the River Police Department and parking enforcement replacing the updated signage and review by the traffic advisory commission on trafficcoming measures such as a speed table maybe on that street to deter the people from actually going down there. Thank you.
>> Thank you, councelor. Councelor Hash. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Totally agree with the motion, especially the no left turn out of Blanchards, which has been a an issue for years now and um people disregarding that cause major backup in both the parking lot and people trying to get to Read Street and Broadway.
Thank you. >> Thank you, councelor. Anybody else? Permission to speak from the chair. >> I I believe that this is a great motion. However, it needs more than enforcement. We need
to there needs to be we need to get blanches to to pay for putting a right turn arrow coming out of there on the ground. And we may have to and and I've threatened to do this for years
uh demand they have a detailed officer especially on Fridays and Saturdays. It's impossible to get by there. It's a it's a half hour at least at that light. So, um, that's that's if you wouldn't mind that amendment and that's
make that as an amendment to that. Thank you. >> Pavement markings. Uh, right right turn arrow only. And uh there should be a sign on their property too. I believe that says right turn
only. Yeah. Okay. On the motion as amended. All in favor? All opposed. So audited. Calendar item number 17. Motion presented by councelor Sylvestri that the mayor be requested to send a communication to masdot advising the
department that state maintained roadways and sidewalks have not been cleared of snow. Additionally that the communication request masdot to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowstorm. Councelor Zambuda is recused from this motion. >> Council Sylvestri. >> Thank you Mr. President. Uh Mr.
President, I know we discuss this often about um state entities and and Masdot and MBTA and and whatnot not not handling their properties on on state roads. But uh after this past storm, I think we we have several locations in
the city that are are staterun uh both on the north side of the city in North Revier and in the parkway where student buses that that pick up students to go to vocational schools and uh and and take our students to and from MBTA stops
are still buried in snow. and and I don't think it's fair to the residents who are put to to public transportation to not have those uh in a safe waiting for kids in schools. Thank you. >> Anybody else?
>> Council mccurio. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh I'm in full support of this motion. Uh I think it's important that we get some type of a snow removal plan in place and submit it to the DOT uh and show them the areas uh
that need to be removed. Uh because I I think it's our duty to do that and inform them of the uh traffic areas uh walking areas handicap areas that need uh accessible. And uh I'm strongly in favor of this motion and I'll be happy
to work with Mark on this motion. Thank you. Anyone else? Councelor Jenzio. Uh >> it is a very good motion and we're constantly up here as we're building these apartment buildings and say that they're transitoriented development. Uh so if you can't get to the uh train
station or the or the bus stop, uh you know, it's it's not so much transit oriented. So I think it's a great uh a great motion. Thank you. >> Thank you, counselor. Anyone else on the motion? All in favor? All opposed? So
audited. Calendar item number 18, motion presented by councelor Sylvestri that the mayor request the city solicitor and policy writer and analyst to provide the city council with an update on a proposed ordinance amendment banning cryptocurrency ATMs in the city of River. A motion was approved in October
of 25 requesting the same. >> Council Salvestry. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I received an email from um Claire Zinderella of the policy writer in the city and she kept me updated and uh I'm
satisfied with that. Thank you. >> Thank you on the motion. All in favor, all opposed. So audited. No further business. The city council now stands adjourned until February 23rd. Thank you.
>> Thank you.