[Fred Dello Russo]: Councilor Knight.
[Adam Knight]: Mr. President, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to present this resolution. I'm proposing that the city change the structure of the sign department. I really think that the sign department should be a standalone division within the DPW and not a subdivision of the highway department. Reason being is it is a public safety department, Mr. President, and they need to ensure that there is proper installation and maintenance of our roadway control signs as well as the striping on our streets. If anybody's been paying attention to the last five or six meetings of the Medford City Council, I think it's safe to say that the topic of our conversation has been signage and has been the striping of our streets and the public safety issues that are surrounding those matters here in our community, Mr. President. And I'm asking that the administration take a look at this issue and determine whether or not it's feasible to create a standalone sign shop. The sign shop is responsible for all of the signage that's put forth by the Traffic Commission, as well as the existing signs that are in place. They're in charge of all the signage at the schools as well, Mr. President. a large job, and what's happening is these individuals that are assigned to the sign shop being a subdivision of the highway division are being pulled away to handle other matters that are in the community, and then they're put back into the sign shop, pulled out of the sign shop, put back in the sign shop. And I think that it would make good sense to have a full-time, stand-alone sign and striping division within the DPW, Mr. President, so that these issues in our community can be addressed promptly and properly. I don't think we have had a meeting yet when the good weather rolls around and we don't talk about when our sidewalks are going to be, our crosswalks are going to be striped, Mr. President. And I think that this would be a perfect remedy for that type of issue. I'd ask that my council colleagues support the measure.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you, Councilor. On the motion of approval by Councilor Knight, the citizen wishes to speak. Good evening. Welcome. Please state your name and address for the record.
[Robert Penta]: My name is Robert Petter, a former member of this council. When I was reviewing the offering by Councilor Knight this evening, my question, I think, presents itself in a different direction. I mean, we've spent over $14.5 million for a brand new building. It's obvious that certain departments are understaffed. And this may be a good way to look at actually what is going on in the highway department as it relates to men, the equipment that they have, and everything that's going on. And the fact that if this is going to be, I think, is your intent to create another department? Is that what you said, Councilor Knight? stand alone. I don't know if that's a contractual obligation that has to be negotiated through the union. I mean, it presents itself with a whole bunch of issues, but the best part of the issue I think is this, that I think the council really needs to take a look and see as to what's going on over there, the highway department or the public works building. I mean, I don't really know if you have a director or not. He was on a three months on trial basis. It ended in March. I don't know if they're still advertising for a new director's position. But I think it would be beneficial if he was here tonight to discuss the matter.
[Adam Knight]: The commissioner has been appointed and is no longer wearing the interim tag, as far as I've been informed.
[Robert Penta]: Is that public knowledge that he's been? I mean, are you councillors aware of the fact that he's been appointed? Pardon me? Well, this is the problem of not getting information out there. I mean, some councillors know, some don't. I, as a public person, don't know. And I try to stay on top of what's going on here in the city. But more importantly, just getting back to this issue in particular, my suggestion would be, and if I was on your side of the rail, I would suggest that if we're going to be looking at this, maybe we should be looking at all the departments. And if this, in fact, is a union type of job, and this is contractual, I believe the membership themselves have to vote on this as well. So while it sounds good, I just think it needs to be researched, and I think it's the best time to look at the whole offering in the Department of Public Works.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you very much, citizen. You're welcome. Vice-President Longo-Curran. Chair recognizes Vice-President Longo-Curran.
[Breanna Lungo-Koehn]: Thank you, President Dello Russo. Just on that point, if we could just request from the Mayor's Office written notification if the Interim Director has been appointed as the full-time director, because I was unaware, so I know, I believe the Council's word, but if we could just get a report from the Mayor's Office to clarify that.
[Fred Dello Russo]: On the motion of approval as amended by Vice-President Longo-Curran, Chair recognizes Councilor Knightingale.
[Adam Knight]: Again, Mr. President, this is a resolution that asks that the administration examine the feasibility thereof, so there will certainly be issues that are going to surround this matter in terms of collective bargaining, contract negotiation, and whether or not it even is a feasible move or an option to make, and that's why I'm asking the administration to study it.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you for that clarification. Chair recognizes the person at the podium. Welcome, good evening. Please state your name and address for the record.
[Jeanne Martin]: Gene Martin, 10 Cumming Street. Thank you very much for listening. My question is, why would they be being pulled away? It is a public safety issue. All DPW issues are a public safety issue, whether it's snow removal, whether it's trash removal, whether it's manhole covers, whether it's those rain drain things. If they're not set right, somebody can get into a car or an accident or something like that. So the DPW is definitely interwoven with public safety. There is absolutely no question about it, that if you can't drive down the street safely, then it's a public safety issue. And it has to do with that whole overview that I stated and I implore the mayor to look at. The whole city needs to be evaluated for traffic flow, sidewalks, bicycles, buses, trucks, the whole nine yards, everything, including striping. And I think that striping, and I agree with Mr. Knight That it's absolutely, it's absolutely a basic function of the city that we have proper striping, proper signs so that everybody knows where they're going. But I wonder, the question that comes to my mind is, why are they being pulled away from the sign department in the first place? And that's because we are understaffed. So we need to look at that, but we can't look at staffing until we understand and assess the entire city. You have to look at it from the entire city's perspective. If you don't assess the whole city and all of its needs, then you're just playing a little game patch here and patch here. And why are they being pulled away? So they're going to be pulled away, and then some other part of DPW is going to go unresolved. So we have to look at it. I think it's a great idea, and I absolutely urge the city to hire more workers, especially for sections in the city, the squares. They can be the eyes and ears for the police in Haines Square, Medford Square, all the squares, South Medford. We can have section people all over the place cleaning them up and keeping them up, even if it's only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So you have to look at it from a whole perspective. And I think that that's, you know, I asked the mayor to look at it from a whole perspective. And if they get pulled away, then there's going to be a hole someplace else. There's going to be a lack someplace else. So, putting them in their own division helps the signage, but it's going to cause a problem someplace else. So, thank you.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you very much. On the motion for approval by Councilor Knight, seconded by Councilor Caraviello, as amended by Vice President Langley-Curran. All those in favor? All those opposed? Motion passes. 16-731, offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved the Medford City Council congratulate Medford High School, Mustang, Hall of Fame, Class of 2016 inductees, David Richard, Class of 2001, Football, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, Megan Richard, Class of 2005, Soccer, Basketball, Softball, Paul Cavallaro, Class of 2006, Soccer, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track. Colin Tracy, Class of 2007, Hockey and Lacrosse. Bridget Sousa, Class of 2007, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball. Arantha King, Class of 2007, Soccer, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track. Kayla Sharae, Class of 2008, Basketball, Volleyball, Outdoor Track. Philip Gashbach, Class of 2009, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track. Gregory Wilson, Class of 2010, Hockey and Baseball, to be inducted as a coach. Lou Ruggiero, Coach of Cross Country, to be inducted for Community Service. Martin Murphy Jr., Class of 2070, Alfred Luongo, Community Service, Andrew Pallotta, Class of 1979, Community Service. The 2016 Induction Ceremony and Banquet will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the Irish American Hall in Malden.
[Adam Knight]: Mr. President, thank you very much. I'd like the Council to join me in congratulating these individuals for the fine legacy that they've left behind them at Medford High School, Mr. President. And going through this list, we see a number of great student-athletes who have the blue and white running through their veins, who have done well in the classroom as well as on the athletic field, Mr. President. And as we go down the list, there is someone who I'd like to point out, and that's Martin Murphy Jr. Martin Murphy, for as long as I can remember, has been one of the most generous and giving individuals in our community, whether it's for Community Day, for I was going to second the motion. I know a number of the inductees and they are great athletes, Megan Richard, David Richard, and I also was coached by Lou Ruggiero as a
[Breanna Lungo-Koehn]: with cross-country and he is an amazing guy. I still keep in touch with him today. One of my two favorite coaches next to Mr. Scarpelli. So just wanted to congratulate all the inductees, the Murphy family, and it'll be a great day, I'm sure, on November 20th.
[Fred Dello Russo]: On the motion for approval by Councilor Knight, seconded by Vice President Lowell Kern. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? Motion carries. Petitions, presentations, and similar matters. 16-732. Petition for common fictional license by Michelle Lawler, 430 Salem Street, Metro Mass, for RMG Donuts, LLC, doing business as Dunkin' Donuts, 278 Middlesex Avenue. On file are all the necessary certificates and writs of compliance. Is the petitioner present? Please state your name and address for the record.
[Jeanne Martin]: Hi, Michelle Lawler, 5 Rose Lane, Boxford, Mass.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Welcome. Chair recognizes Vice-Councilor Caraviello, Chairman of the Licensing Subcommittee.
[Richard Caraviello]: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I have reviewed the paperwork for this, and they appear to be in order, and this is going to be inside of the BJ's store, correct?
[Jeanne Martin]: Yes, it has. Yes.
[Richard Caraviello]: I've seen it in one of the other stores already, so good luck. And talk about a family who's been more than generous to the city. The D'Alelo family have been there for everybody in this community, no matter what goes on. They're the first to step up. They sponsor the Veterans Day here, the lunch for the veterans. So, again, a motion for approval, Mr. President.
[Fred Dello Russo]: On the motion for approval, seconded by Councilor Scarpelli. Mr. President. Councilor Marks.
[Michael Marks]: This has nothing to do with the petitioner, but more to do with BJ's. And you may or may not be aware, but BJ's has been a good neighbor for a number of years in that particular neighborhood. And of recent, I've received a number of calls from area residents regarding the trash on the property at BJ's and how it is sneaking under the fence into surrounding neighborhoods. And I would just ask as part of this paper that we as a council send a paper to BJ's asking that they maintain the trash on both sides of the fence at BJ's and that they stay vigilant regarding that. very important neighborhood concern.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Regular maintenance of any debris on their property. That's added to the paper. So on the motion of approval by Councilor Cavill, seconded by Councilor Scarpelli. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? License is granted. Good brewing. Thank you. 16-733, communication from the Mayor to the Honorable President and members of Medford City Council, City Hall, Medford Mass, 02155. Dear Mr. President and City Councilors, whereas the Honorable City Council voted to appropriate certified free cash $1,200,000 for the purpose of awarding the contract to the lowest qualified bidder for the City Hall roof, parapet, and dome, whereas this office informed you that when a loan order for the same purpose, paper 16674, parenthetically, was approved via three readings, that the free cash appropriation would be rescinded. whereas the third reading was taken on October 18th, 2016. That would be last week. Therefore, I respectfully request that the original vote from free cash, paper 16-676 be rescinded. Sincerely yours, signature on file, Stephanie M. Burke, Mayor. Chair awaits motion. We spoke about this last week when we approved the papers. Motion for approval, Mr. President. On the motion for approval by Councilor Cavill, seconded by Councilor Good night. All those in favor? All those opposed? Motion carries. There was no roll call recorded. Madam? Well, we're under suspension. We're not under suspension. Motion for suspension, Madam Vice President. On the motion of Vice President Langer-Kern, for suspension of the rules for what purpose, Madam?
[Breanna Lungo-Koehn]: To request... Thank you, President Dello Russo. I thought we were under suspension. The agenda is pretty much done. I know there's some changes that have been proposed from the Rules Committee, and I, as well as the public, have got a few calls and emails on this. It's pretty lengthy, the copy that we got in our Friday's packet. I don't see the actual changes like highlighted anywhere. I know I've noticed a few myself after reviewing the documents. I just wanted to ask before tomorrow night's meeting if we could get the actual proposed changes highlighted on a version so that we can make sure we're not missing any of the important changes that are being proposed tomorrow night. So I just would like to ask that in a motion form. I think it's important and I know a lot of people are interested in these changes. Even for myself, it was hard when I was reading it. I noticed a number of changes, especially in section 10 and 10.2, 10.3. But I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. So it was a little difficult for me to review it, never mind the public who isn't here every Tuesday night.
[Fred Dello Russo]: On that motion, first, Councilor Adam Knight, who is the chairman of the Rules Committee.
[Adam Knight]: Mr. President, the subcommittee Membership will be prepared to make a presentation tomorrow, and we will go over the changes word by word and compare and contrast them with the current and existing rules. So there will be nothing left out tomorrow at the meeting. We will be absolutely 100% sure to go over every single word, period, comma, so on and so forth, so that everybody is well aware of what's going on. Hence the purpose of the meeting, Councilor. That is correct, sir. Thank you.
[Clerk]: Order of information, Mr. President.
[Michael Marks]: What is the information you have to share with us, Councilor? I'm going to share it right now. I agree with Councilor Long and Kern. I think it would be helpful to have that in advance of the meeting. So then I can go over it myself and come up with some questions that I may have. So I thank the gentleman, Councilor Knight, for all the due diligence on that committee. They've done a lot of work. But in order for me to make an educated decision, I'd like to have ample time to review it ahead of time rather than right at that meeting. It would be helpful to have a comparison. You know, this rule number one, we're adding the word the and changing it to the, you know, it is difficult to follow.
[Adam Knight]: So, um, that's Mr. President, that's why when the committee report this paper out on August 1st, 2016, um, we asked that the city clerk put the committee report together and gave it to the council probably five, six weeks in advance. Um, but you know, we'll do the best we can with what we got to get it together. I can't make any promises that it's going to happen, Mr. President, but the council, I think that the meeting should go forward, Mr. President. If individuals that have questions, raise them, we will answer them and do our best to answer them. And if it's not appropriate to call for a vote, are there further changes that need to be deliberated in subcommittee, which I anticipate would be the case, Mr. President. more or less a reform measure that would start a discussion. And I don't think that any of us on the subcommittee felt as though this was going to be a final product that came out of the committee of the whole. And we felt as though this is probably something that we're going to have to take a look at a couple of other things before it went forward and became operational. If in fact that was the will of the council as a whole, Mr. President. Thank you.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you. While we're on to suspension, please state your name and address for the record. Welcome.
[Jeanne Martin]: Thank you. Jean Martin, 10 Coming Street, and thank you very much for bringing this up, because I think that the one thing that I'm concerned about with any rule changes, and I will be at that meeting, and I encourage all to be at that meeting for method, because that could change the way that this body makes votes, does decisions. This is huge. This is the way our government is run. This is the basic core of how our government makes the decision-making process for the city. So what you do in this rules committee affects the entire city, and how we do business, which is huge. Secondly, our First Amendment right, I just want to remind everybody that this is the one chance that people get, and I remember being in some heated heated discussions in the city council hall, right here, this chamber, back in the days of Mr. Miyako and everything. And, you know, back in the old days. And as heated as they got, it was cathartic and it was helpful to hear from the public. And the one thing that I don't want to see is any kind of rule change that might alter the public's ability to have participation in the process. So I just want to make that perfectly clear. And I will be at the meeting tomorrow night. Thank you.
[Adam Knight]: Mr. President, this is something that didn't happen overnight, and this Rules Committee started meeting before I was a member of the Council, and then continued to meet when I became a Councilor, and then continued to meet after the composition of the subcommittee changed. When Councilor Camuso retired from public life and when you became the President, the composition of the subcommittee changed as well. So this is something that started well before I was the Chairman. It went through my first term and was deliberated and discussed and it's been going on for the past year. We've probably met. Oh, I think between the committee right now we've met seven or six times on these proposed rules. Prior to that, when Councilor Dello Russo and Camuso comprised the committee, I think we met another six times. So there's been at least 12 public meetings on the subject and topic of rules in the Medford City Council rules to date, Mr. President, that I can recall since I've been on this council and this proposal is the fruit of that labor.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you.
[Robert Penta]: Welcome. Good evening. Please state your name and address. My name is Bob Penta, Zero Summit Road, Method Mass. I'm a member of the cyclist body. You know, one of the things that I think is a concerning point is while the meeting might be held tomorrow night, it's not really being held where the public can actually see it and view it. There are a lot of people who might like to come. and just can't do it. That's number one. We don't have any public access, so that's another two points against us. But more importantly, I think some of these proposed changes and discussions that take place stand to be corrected, go back to 2004 and then 2008. And for them to be sitting in the committee for a long period of time such as that with no intent to either add or subtract to them or eliminate them, In the being brought up now you know is of a question. You have some concerns in here relative toward open public forums and public participation. And if you read it the way it's being written unless the words are going to be changed someone's going to have to come. at six o'clock at night if they want to talk on the subject matter before the council, and then if they want to talk... Point of clarification, Mr. President, and this is why I'd rather not have this conversation now, because the paper still hasn't been presented.
[Adam Knight]: It hasn't even been adopted by the council. It's on the council floor, but it hasn't been adopted by the council. It's still in subcommittee. The subcommittee reported a paper out. We're going to have a meeting on this tomorrow. There are going to be lots of questions. That's what the meeting tomorrow is for, Mr. President.
[Robert Penta]: Right, and that's why we're going to discuss this all tomorrow. But, Mr. President, with all due respect, If this is the report that came out, an eight-page report, okay, and it's Councilor Longo-Curran and it's Councilor Marksley's alluded to, it would have been nice to have it highlighted. It did take some time to go review it. Then why not discuss this right now? What's being, what's wrong with, we're talking about highlights. That's all we're talking about. And these are important points for people to maybe want to come tomorrow night and understand what's going on.
[Adam Knight]: Mr. President, pursuant to the present Councilor, I'm going to clarify this.
[Fred Dello Russo]: This was reported out of subcommittee to the council with the paper that we came in our packets on Friday. And then we've just called for the council meeting and announced it in the announcements that went out on Friday. So the matter was reported out of subcommittee to the council floor. The council voted to send it to committee of the whole for vote some months ago, I believe. And we have the committee meeting coming up, which will be held tomorrow, which is where we will begin the discussions of the matter.
[Robert Penta]: But I believe, Mr. President, this was came out of committee in August. This is now October. So there was a few months lag in between. And now you're asking your honorable body to review this in a matter of a few days. Eight pages, very small, minuscule print. But that's not the point. The fact of the matter is this involves the taxpayers of this community.
[Adam Knight]: Point of order, Mr. President. This is their floor. Point of order, Councilor Knight. Pursuant to the council rules, a paper that's in subcommittee cannot hit the council floor until a committee of the whole has met.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you.
[Adam Knight]: And the committee of the whole has not met.
[Fred Dello Russo]: The committee of the whole is scheduled to meet tomorrow.
[Robert Penta]: We're going to discuss this paper. No, that's not true. I don't think it's the Committee of the Whole. It's been referred to a Committee of the Whole. And since you're referring something to the Committee of the Whole, are you telling me that all seven of you? are going to be afraid to discuss it before tomorrow night, to let the taxpayers know some of the issues that are on the agenda, Mr. President, that they might want to come.
[Fred Dello Russo]: It's not on our agenda tonight, sir.
[Robert Penta]: It's on your agenda for tomorrow night.
[Adam Knight]: It's a committee of the whole. If it doesn't even get out of the committee of the whole, it doesn't become operational. It doesn't even hit the floor. It doesn't become operational. It's often not. All it is is a proposal.
[Robert Penta]: That's the issue at point, Mr. President. There are some very salient points here that operate against the taxpayer coming to this podium when they would like to speak on a subject matter more than once. Also suspension of the rules as an issue more than once. And we can go through this if you want to, page by page. That's not my intent. My intent is to talk about some highlights that directly affect any taxpayer in this audience to come up here and have an opportunity to speak like right now, which a new rules is promulgated. They will not, if it's voted upon by this body, you won't be able to do it.
[Adam Knight]: You have to send them- That's not true, Mr. President. Thank you. That's not true.
[Fred Dello Russo]: I understand. We're getting ahead of ourselves here, Councilors. And so again, so I'd like you to wrap up your remarks now so we can move on.
[Robert Penta]: Well, my remarks that I would like to wrap up, Mr. President, is the fact that on tomorrow night you're going to be discussing things that are going to restrict council. I mean, citizen participation at this podium on more than one occasion. It's done three deliberate If the council so votes, there's going to be three opportunities where a citizens will not be able to do what's taking place here right now, coming up and speaking on something, whether it's on the agenda or suspension of the rules. And then the craziness of saying that the craziness of saying that is not wrap it up, please. And the craziness of saying. that if one Councilor chastises another one, he has to be scolded by whoever the president is, and apologize, and he won't be able to speak until the apology takes place. What are we talking about here? This is child's play. This is going to be discussed in the Committee of the Whole, sir. Well, these are part of the rules that are being promulgated. Thank you very much.
[Fred Dello Russo]: It's ridiculous. And thank you for your presence here tonight. Thank you very much. Yes.
[Michael Marks]: The one thing I was asked actually by phone and by email today was if I can get a resident a copy of what the proposed rule changes are. And because I don't have it electronically, it's difficult for me to relay six pages of changes. So is there any way we can get this electronically so we can get it out to our constituency? I believe all our documents that we get are also posted on the city's webpage. Is this posted on the city webpage?
[Clerk]: No, no, no, no, no.
[Michael Marks]: I'm talking about the meeting notice.
[Adam Knight]: And it was also, it was attached to the meeting notes, but it was also attached to a previous council agenda when the subcommittee reported the matter out favorably and requested a committee of the whole, right? And it's been attached to the council agenda, the council agenda once, maybe twice. And it's been attached to the meeting notice now as well. So I believe it is electronically available online. Where?
[Michael Marks]: The City of Medford website. I couldn't find it, unless someone else is aware where it is. If you could give me a heads up where it is, just so I can point people in the right direction.
[Clerk]: When it was reported out of committee, and I don't have that particular date, onto the floor, that entire committee report was posted on the records that one of your councillors approved. So the entire thing is part of the committee report that are on the records, the entirety of that committee report.
[Michael Marks]: Right, and where would you find those records on the city website? On the council records. So the council records and we don't know what?
[Clerk]: I can't tell you what date that was.
[Michael Marks]: Can you find out and send us an email just so I can point people?
[Clerk]: I think it's the first meeting in September, Mr. President. It's the first meeting in September. September 20th, I think. So if they're posted there, yeah. But we can... We can... I believe I might... Do I have... I think I do have that on my files, my own files. You know, the committee report itself, yeah.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you. Madam Vice President.
[Breanna Lungo-Koehn]: I'm just going to respectfully ask that before we meet on this, and it's only going to, I truly appreciate the amount of time spent, but the committee members and I agree that rules need to be reviewed. But with such a controversial issue at this point, I mean, this came out on Friday and we've.
[Fred Dello Russo]: It didn't come out.
[Breanna Lungo-Koehn]: Well, we got we got these proposed changes in our packet on Friday. We received them and we received it in the summer. The public didn't know about it. I didn't read it until this weekend. And I can't tell the public there are five changes versus 20 changes. And for us not to be able to highlight the changes to the public and to even ourselves, I just think that's something that needs to be done before we sit and meet on it. Because if we're bombarded with, I don't know how many changes there are. If there are 25 changes, I mean, that's going to be a lot to go over tomorrow night. And I know you need a majority vote, but it might be only one or two that are hesitant and have concerns. continue as concerns and I just think it's a little fast to push it. You know expedited when we have you know we do have the public kind of concerned about it.
[Adam Knight]: Tonight if you want to clarify that I do believe the meeting is a public meeting open to the public tomorrow. It is anybody that has a concern is more than welcome to come. They'll have an opportunity to be heard at that meeting Mr. President. Like I said, I don't think it's very difficult. When the paper was first reported out, I believe I explained to the council is because it is a lengthy document. If you look at it and you'll see article 1.1, the swearing in and the oath of office, and then there's a number right next to that. That reflects the rule that's in the current rules that are adopted. And I made that point soundly clear when the paper was reported out of committee. Now, the paper was reported out of committee some four, five, six weeks ago on this council floor. Nobody's looked at it since then. That's not my problem. I'm sorry about that. If they haven't looked at it, Mr. President, but this committee met for three and a half years on this topic, and we're ready to move forward on the matter and to present it to the council as presented to the committee of the whole meeting. In the interim, in the interim, I'd be happy to work towards putting a document like that together, but I don't feel as though it's something that should hold up the progress of the committee.
[Robert Penta]: Thank you. Just a quick point of clarification. It's not on the city's website. And for the folks who have found out today, it was a citizen taxpayer who put it on a Facebook page, and that's how people became aware of it, because they couldn't get the gut of what this whole thing was about on the city's webpage. Thank you, sir.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Good evening. Welcome. Please state your name and address for the record.
[SPEAKER_07]: Hi. Betty Lowe, 34 Gibson Street. This is only my second time approaching the council. The first time was a couple of months ago, earlier this year, when I came up to speak about the proposed development at 61 Locust Street. And I've had a chance to review these rules. Again, it was through, not the city's website, but through a concerned citizen on Facebook posting this document, the meeting report from August 1st. I've had a chance to review it and I've come to the conclusion that if these rules had been in place when I first came up, when I first approached the council, I would not have been able to speak on that topic about 61 Lucas Street in my position of the development. Rule 10 in particular about open forum and public participation in conjunction with rule 4.2, papers requiring action, It would seem to require any citizen who would approach the council during public participation to have to file an application with the city clerk the week prior, either Friday or Thursday, depending on whether there's a holiday. By what time is it? By 9.30 a.m., the Friday preceding the city council meeting.
[Adam Knight]: And the public participation period seems to be limited just to whatever's on the council's agenda for that week, which... If you look at it, there's also an open forum section, and an open forum section was established by way of the subcommittee to allow for residents of the general public to come up and speak before the council on items that do not appear on the agenda. and anyone wishing to do so may do so by application in accord with rule 4.0, which is the way that everybody currently applies to speak before the city council. And if you read the sentence further, it would say, or with the city messenger on the evening of the meeting prior to that portion of the meeting.
[Fred Dello Russo]: And we're going to have the opportunity. in the meeting that was called for this purpose to begin the public deliberation of the proposed rules changes in the context of the meeting called for tomorrow night.
[SPEAKER_07]: I have two questions pertaining to Councilor Knight's points. The first one would be, with regards to the open forum, is that going to be televised?
[Fred Dello Russo]: And if you would, direct them towards the chair according to the rules that exist. Okay. Thank you.
[SPEAKER_07]: I would just like to know if that open forum that's supposed to be taking place at 6 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. roll call, prior to the 7 p.m. start of the city council meeting, will that part be televised? Will that portion be televised?
[Adam Knight]: Subject to the will of the council.
[SPEAKER_07]: Okay. And the other part I wanted to ask about was why is it that each member of the public gets to speak just once at each opportunity for members of the public to participate at the open forum before the meeting, at the public participation time slot, and then at the open forum after adjournment. These rules would seem pretty onerous between the speaking once at each opportunity for public participation and with having to by an application with the city clerk the week prior to speak at the public participation part of the city council meeting. These would seem to fly in the face of the stated goal where the committee has drafted the proposal below that will reorganize the existing rules into a more coherent and fluid structure, streamline the meeting structure, increase opportunities for public participation, and adopt best practices. It would seem to me to really put quite a burden on the public to figure out the rules om pertaining to approaching the council during the public participation part of the meeting and being able to share our thoughts and opinions.
[Adam Knight]: In response to that, Mr. President, the parliamentarian for the council is the president of the council at that period, at that point of time. He's in charge of enforcing and implementing and applying the rules. Presently, under the current rules that are in place right now, I believe they say that a citizen would be allowed to talk no more than three times for no more than 10 minutes. So this allows a person to speak still three times, for up to three minutes, which actually increases participation, because it gives you a full 30 minutes to speak, as opposed to three times in 10 minutes, it gives you 30 minutes to speak.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you.
[Adam Knight]: 10 minutes on any item that's on the agenda and 20 minutes on any items that aren't.
[Fred Dello Russo]: And again, we'll continue, we'll begin our deliberation on this tomorrow night in the Committee of the Whole.
[Adam Knight]: Whether or not the rules are adhered to, the current rules are adhered to in the 310 rules and story, Mr. President. Councilor Marks.
[Michael Marks]: I think the woman at the podium raises some great questions, and tomorrow will be a very fruitful meeting. However, I do agree that although Councilor Knight mentioned that this will allow ample opportunity to speak, the way I understand it is, other than the 6 p.m. prior meeting, that you would have to speak on something that's offered by the Council. And in the past, we have allowed residents to get up and speak on any issue. And that's always been the uniqueness of our body. Unlike the state legislature, unlike Congress, we invite public participation. And my discussion will be made tomorrow night, but I agree. I will not support anything that narrows any type of public participation or makes residents jump through hurdles in order to speak before this body, Mr. President. Thank you, Councilor.
[SPEAKER_07]: Yes, to Councilor Marks.
[Michael Marks]: If you just want to... Yes.
[Adam Knight]: Something that's said at the podium during the public participation portion that warrants further investigation. That's great. We've heard it from a citizen. Now we have a week to investigate it. We have a week to investigate it. We're going to go and look at this for a week. Okay, there's an issue over here. Let's make some phone calls. Let's investigate it. Let's see what's going on. Okay, this might be worthy of a resolution. You file a resolution, then next week the resolution's on. Thank you, Councilor.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Councilor, we have a citizen at the podium.
[Michael Marks]: Can I speak once or twice? Thank you. It'd be nice to get equal time. It's great to offer a public session prior to our meeting. We're opening it up at 6 o'clock. We assume that people don't have families. We assume that people aren't working. We're taking a lot of assumptions here that a 6 p.m. meeting, first of all, that's not televised, and that, secondly, just say 20 people do want to come up and speak under this open meeting. The first person comes up and speaks on sidewalks. The second person comes up and speaks on the roof. The third person comes up and speaks on sidewalks. How are we going to keep a quorum, Mr. President? Because I'm not sure what order things would be taken if people are here. Are they just going to rattle off what their concerns are and fall on deaf ears? I mean, to me, what better to have someone from the public speak while the debate is happening? I don't want someone speaking two hours before a debate, because that's no good. I want to hear what they have to say during the debate, Mr. President. And I think we all should be eager to listen to residents that are taking the time to come up here out of their schedule. We always say, I wish more residents would come up, and now we're making it more difficult for residents to come up and speak before this body. So that's the only point I want to make, and I appreciate you allowing me.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you very much, Councilor, and we're going to Wrap this all up, and we're going to discuss this tomorrow night. Madam Vice President.
[Breanna Lungo-Koehn]: I just want to agree with Councilor Marks. It almost makes me antsy not to know the exact proposed changes. I can't imagine not allowing the public to speak during every single issue. I mean, that's sometimes how we shape our votes. I mean, we have 100 people for the Locust Street development. We knew what the people wanted and what they were upset about. If we didn't have something like that, I think it would be just a terrible way to do business. I think a lot of the ways we do it now is the right way, and letting the people speak and have their First Amendment right. And people respect that, and people are scared enough to come in front of the podium, never mind having to be barred, you know, follow all these rules. So I have grave concern about that myself.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Well, why don't we wrap this all up now, since we're really not discussing this matter tonight. And we're going to welcome the citizen to the podium who's going to share his name and address for the record.
[Joe Viglione]: Joe Villione. 59 Garfield, where a tree was saved today from destruction. Thank you very much. I'll be very brief. I have a date with Dr. Strange tomorrow night, so I can't attend. I'm sure you're happy about that. But if someone would like to borrow my camera, I think we need to get this on videotape. And I would just like to recite a paragraph said here in this very council chambers in 2008. The one sentiment that I have heard that I take great exception to is that the city is trying to limit speech. The notion the city would censor or squelch free speech is baseless and a city solicitor. I would find any such effort repugnant according to the movie transporter city solicitor Romney. Now's your big chance. Thank you very much.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you. And Councilors, uh, I think the motion, what was your motion, madam vice president, that we have a colorized version of this, that the, on the motion that the changes be highlighted all those in favor.
[Michael Marks]: And an electronic copy is already available, but we'll add that as well, amend the motion.
[Fred Dello Russo]: On that motion, all those in favor? All those opposed? Motion carries. While we're on to suspension, a couple papers in the hands of the clerk. Offered by Councilor Scarpelli, be resolved that the City Council discuss the bus stop. On High and Main Street, Councilor Scarpelli. Where are you? Hold on. There you are.
[George Scarpelli]: Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. President. If I can, I know that a few weeks back we took a vote, we put a request into the Department of Transportation and we made a recommendation and requested that we eliminate the bus stop in front of High and Main Street until the construction on that side is complete. And from what I gather, I believe that the bus stop is still active. So if the city clerk can reach out to the Department of Transportation and I know Dan Fielding worked directly with him to make them aware of our decision and go from there. On that motion, all those in favor?
[Fred Dello Russo]: All those opposed? Offered by Council Mark, be it resolved that the administration update the council on the poor lighting in Medford Square and surrounding squares.
[Michael Marks]: Council Marks. Thank you, Mr. President. This is not new to the council, but I've received a number of complaints from not only area residents, but business owners that now that the daylight savings time is here, that at 5.30 it gets quite dark and square is pitch dark. And it's becoming a problem, Mr. President. I know roughly about 12 to 14 months ago, many of the lenses were changed within the lighting fixtures with the hopes that that would improve some of the lighting in the square that failed to yield any benefit, in my opinion. And there is a pilot program, if anyone's interested, that's being done in front of the old theater, Medford Theater on Salem Street. You'll notice that they enhanced the lights and two of the street lights. And in my opinion, they give off great light. And I'm hoping that we really don't need to spend much more time on this in the interest of public safety, in particular, when we have trick or treat coming in our square very shortly and in Haines Square and West Method, that these lights be changed over immediately, Mr. President, in the interest of public safety. There are many sections in the square. If business owners didn't leave their lights on overnight, it would be ultimately dark in the square. And that's not good for business, and it's not good for public safety. So I would ask for a response back from the mayor regarding when this new lighting is going to take place.
[Fred Dello Russo]: So that if you could just clarify that, Mr. Clerk, that the new lighting solutions that were implemented by the Office of Energy and environment be implemented immediately in the interest of public safety. Right. Councilor Caraviello. Thank you, Mr. President.
[Richard Caraviello]: Mr. President, not only in the squares, but all the streetlights that we have in our city, they're those orange low voltage lights. I think it's time that we change over to the LED lights like many other cities have on all our main streets, at least. That orange light isn't cutting it anymore. But I'd say the squares, I've been to many of the squares in other cities and towns. They all have bright LED lighting on all their decorative posts. So I think those should be done immediately, and I agree with Councilor Marks. Halloween's coming up. There's going to be kids out. And usually there's 8,000 to 10,000 kids that come out next week. So if we can get that done quickly, it would be a great help.
[Fred Dello Russo]: So, on the motion of Councilor Marks, seconded by Councilor Caraviello and amended by Councilor Caraviello, Councilor Falco.
[John Falco]: Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to mention really quick, since the issue of public safety came up, that the next Medford Police Community Meeting is coming up. It's at St. Francis Parish Center at 7 p.m. on November 2nd. Everyone is welcome. No matter what neighborhood you live in throughout the city, everyone is welcome to attend. San Francis Parish Center, 7 p.m. on November 2nd. December 7th, Andrews Middle School. January 4th, South Medford Fire Station. And we just added a date of February 1st is going to be, I think, at Breed Hall at Patuxent University. So we added another date to the list. But I just wanted to, public safety came up, and this is, a great venue to talk about public safety issues and questions that they may have the police station. So that is a list of updating, updated times and locations for those meetings.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Well, thank you very much. And on that motion as amended, all those in favor, all those opposed. Our last piece of suspension offered by Councilor Marks be resolved that the Riverside Avenue be discussed in the interest of public safety Councilor Marks.
[Michael Marks]: Mr. Press, I typically don't like to bring up one street or another because I know Many of our streets are in deplorable condition. But I must say Riverside have, in particular at the corner of Riverside and Park and going down Riverside towards the Felsway, there are a number of good-sized dips in the road. And they're unavoidable. You can't swerve to one side or another. And they really cause a public safety concern. And we've asked, I know I've put it on and other members of this council have put it on a number of times. Some of it's due to work done by the utilities, but really the city needs to step up, find who dug these particular trenches, and get them to repave the road in the condition it previously was. And I would ask once again, I know we received 400,000 in safe streets grant from the state. However, I don't think we can ignore the existing streets. It's great we have seven projects. that are coming to fruition, but we can't ignore the existing streets. So I would ask that Riverside Ave be looked at again by our engineer.
[Fred Dello Russo]: And if I remember correctly, Councilman, we were discussing that whole interchange down by the Felsway and the Plaza with the new restaurants that went in. I think it was our assumption, if not our explicit request, that that area be repaved before the grid, which they did paint in finally, was put into place to sort of allow for that grid to stand out, so there'd be less gridlock, and to smooth out that traffic area to make things work more efficiently. And unfortunately, it didn't happen, and that grid was painted on what one could only describe as some sort of moon surface. So on the motion of Councilor Marks, we invite the representative of East Medford to state his name and address for the record.
[Andrew Castagnetti]: Thank you, Council President. I want to thank Council March for bringing up a safety concern on the streets at Park and Riverside Avenue. I've been meaning to say this for many decades, and I've heard many people express concerns about the safety issue when they're driving a vehicle, also pedestrians, at that exact location. If you're on Park Street, coming from the north side, from the old Swan School, and you're entering onto Riverside Ave, you have to go left or right, or straight. However, there is, it seems like it's not a fair obstruction, that fence on the left-hand side, it's a white picket fence, Even if you're sitting in a high-rise vehicle versus, forget about it, if you're driving a Corvette, of course, it's hard to see over that fence. I'm sure everyone here is totally aware of the exact location. There's been numerous accidents without me checking the internet from the insurance companies, and therefore, if we could sort of, like, do a surgical eminent domain on the the top 18 inches, whatever it takes on the fence, I would gladly be out of my pocket to see less accidents, less injuries. Just let me know the number, I'll cut you the check.
[Fred Dello Russo]: Thank you. So the motion of approval by Councilor Marks. Councilor?
[Michael Marks]: Just if I could, actually the next street down and the street escapes, the name escapes me. There was some bushes that were eight to 10 feet tall. En a building department went out and kindly asked the owners to cut them down because it was blocking the view of people trying to get onto Riverside. And the residents were kind enough to get out there immediately and trim the bushes down. I've never had something of a fixed structure like a fence, but I think it's something we should ask the building department. You don't happen to have a number, do you? Of the home that you're talking about? Yeah. So if we can get that, I think we should offer for the building apartment, maybe just to go out there, take a look at the area, because that is a tough area to pull out of, let alone with an obstruction in the way, so. On that motion as amended. Can you provide that to the city clerk, the address?
[Fred Dello Russo]: Yes, sir. Thank you. All those in favor? All those opposed? The motion carries. The records. of the last meeting were passed to Councilor Marks.
[Michael Marks]: I review the records, Mr. President, and find them to be in order and move approval.
[Fred Dello Russo]: On the motion for approval of the previous meeting's records by Councilor Marks. All those in favor? All those opposed? Motion carries. And on the motion for adjournment by Vice President Lungo-Koehn. All those in favor? All those opposed? Meeting is adjourned.
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