[Michael McGlynn]: We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
[Michael McGlynn]: Welcome, everyone, and thank you. I'm excited, as I see the faces in the crowd, of those who worked, volunteered, and donated to fulfill the vision for this space, which was a combination of ideas, but with a single goal of celebrating the lives of Martin Richards, Sean Foyer, Lise Lu, and Crystal Campbell. to celebrate the survivors who have overcome devastating challenges, to lead the healing process with grace and strength and compassion, and to celebrate our first responders, public safety officials, citizen volunteers, the National Guard, fellow runners, BAA staff and hospital personnel, for their immediate and selfless heroic actions, and who are responsible for saving many additional lives. I want to thank Mayor Stephanie Muccini-Burke for her leadership in shepherding this project through to fruition, and Secretary Stephanie Pollack for making this day a reality. Thank you to those who helped kick off the fundraising drive. President Anthony Monaco from Tufts University, Bill Cummings from the Cummings Foundation, Bob DiSalvio of Winn-Boston, the state and federal government, along with hundreds who generously gave nearly $1.5 million to build and maintain the Crystal Campbell Peace Guard. People have been supportive and determined not to let Crystal's passion and energy for life that would be forgotten. The celebration of her life continues. On April 15, 2013, was a devastating and tragic day, but also a time when people came together to support one another with a renewed commitment for a better quality of life for all. Their spirit is what this Peace Garden represents. People came together to redesign and reconstruct this land as not only a part of the healing process, but also as a memorial to the four people who reached out in their own way to spread peace upon the earth. Sean Collier was a police officer, providing a safe environment for faculty and staff. Martin Richard, who at a young age, ministered to us all, preaching a message of stop hurting people. Lingzi Lu, through education and music, sought a better quality of life for many. and Crystal Campbell, a leader who nurtured her friends and guided and supported her co-workers. We have all heard the loving stories of their actions. There was a hymn entitled, Go Make a Difference. One line states, we are the salt of the earth. All that the people see is the love of God in you and me. They went forth and made a difference. And every time their story is told, here or elsewhere, they will continue to make a difference. When you walk down Clippership Drive, and read the marathon mile markers, and continue to the fountain, and see the flack of Sean's police badge, baseball gloves, glitzy loose books, or crystal sunflowers, you cannot help but be inspired and comforted by their message. For generations to come, this message will be spread over and over again. Thank you to Pam Shadley and Skylar Chick of Shadley Associates for all of their hard work on the design. Thank you to President Maureen for her thanks to the electric field for the construction and reconstruction of this site. When the finished product looks exactly like the design picture, you know it's a job well done. And I must thank the crew who work daily with me on this magnificent site. Laura DiLorenzo, Mark Rumley, Clodagh Stoker-Long, Lisa Evangelista, Medford's own Frankie DePaola, Tom Tidland, Paul Stedman, and Paul Malloy. Two and a half years ago, our nation was once again challenged by the forces of evil in our world. We have all shared a profound sense of grief for those we lost and for those who loved them. But when we think of the lives of Lindsey, Crystal, Martin, and Sean, we think of what they accomplished. Our response to the forces of evil is to celebrate their lives in a unified voice and let it be known that the American spirit is unbroken. We energetically embrace our future, our freedom, and our way of life. We celebrate Crystal's life. She was a Medford Mustang class of 2001, an alumnus of UMass Boston. Crystal was a member of the Medford High School band and the girls' softball team. We celebrate her ongoing, fun-loving, deeply passionate, and energetic life. Crystal lived life to the fullest. She touched the hearts and souls of not only family and friends, but hearts and souls throughout the world. She loved people. I'm sure she is watching us now displaying that million-dollar smile and thinking about all the new friendships that have resulted from everyone working together on the Peace Guard. We can only imagine how many more will develop over the years as people come to this site to relax, to view, and to listen to the fountains. When this project began, Bill Campbell, Bristol's dad, said he could not wait until it was finished so he could bring his grandson, Billy III, and enjoy his company in the beauty of this park. The word is out. You're going to have a lot of company. Let there be peace on Earth. And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be. May God bless us and provide us the strength to persevere, to heal, and to love. Thank you very much.
[Michael McGlynn]: The meeting will be in order. Please rise and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Secretary will call the roll.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mayor McGlynn? Present. Five present, two are absent, but both calls said that we get very sharp. We can proceed with business. Item number one, approval of the minutes of November 16th, 2015. On the motion approved by Mr. Skerry. All those in favor say aye. Aye. The ayes have it. The minutes are approved. Approval of the bills and the transfer of the funds. Move approval. On the motion approved by Mr. Skerry. The secretary will call the roll. Mrs. Cuno.
[Michael McGlynn]: Ma'am McGlynn. Yes, by a vote of five in the affirmative, two absent, the bills are approved. Approval of the payrolls. On the motion of approval by Mr. DiBenedetto, Secretary will call the roll. Mr. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Falco.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Scarri. Yes. Mrs. Van de Kloop. Ma'am McGlynn. Yes, by a vote of five in the affirmative, two absent, the payrolls are approved. Report of the secretary. There is none. There's no report of committees, community participation. Seven report of the superintendent recommendation to approve MHS and VTHS graduation date, June 8th, 2016 approval.
[Michael McGlynn]: On that motion, let the record reflect that Mrs. Van der Kloot is here. She's present. On that recommendation, all in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it. Recommendation is approved.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion of approval by Mrs. Van der Kloot, I wish you all a very good time there. On that motion, all in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it. The recommendation is approved. Recommendation to approve Oral Hygiene Dental Health Program, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Mayor.
[Michael McGlynn]: On that motion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The motion is approved. On the motion, Mr. Skerry, that the rules be suspended and I take a number of papers out of order. On that motion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. On a motion of Mr. Skerry, that number 10, negotiations and legal matters be moved to the end of the calendar. On that motion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. Under all business communications and new business, there is none. On a motion, Mr. Skerry?
[Michael McGlynn]: Give us a moment of silence.
[Michael McGlynn]: I'll just say, I suppose now the ICF recommendation is approved.
[Michael McGlynn]: Recommendation to approve Girls Hockey Merge-Up. Move approval, Mr. Chairman. On the motion of approval.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: We did. We did.
[Michael McGlynn]: On that motion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The recommendation is approved. Report on the status of the federal ESEA renewal.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you. On the motion. All those in favor say aye. Aye. The ayes have it. The report is accepted and placed on file. I mean, excuse me, is accepted. Mr. Superintendent. Report on desi board assessment decision and recommendation for spring 2016 Medford Public Schools test selection.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Recommendation is approved.
[Michael McGlynn]: This is Jim Benedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: I was in there today. I mean, through that early incentive retirement program. They get killed. And they're not allowed to put anyone back. So it's not only with the crossing guards, but it's in a number of different areas. It's difficult. And now there's rumblings talking about maybe doing another incentive because they didn't get enough the last time, which will only make the situation worse.
[Michael McGlynn]: We're presently working with a company by the name of blue wave. We are coming in to do an evaluation. signed an agreement, I'm going to say two or three weeks ago. An evaluation on everything they can provide, what the cost will be. I don't think we'll have that firm until sometime after the first of the year. And then they actually, they will fund it. They'll put the capital up. We'll buy the electricity back from them at a cheaper rate. They'll make money themselves. Thank you. That's great. But it's a few steps away. We're going to have all the players together to work it to make sure that we're going.
[Michael McGlynn]: There's discussions that come up periodically about rentals. We should rent, we shouldn't rent the schools. I think the superintendent's done a great job in the agreements that he has with people, but you can't place the burden of our increases all on, But when you have a number of them, as we do, then if it gets to accumulate, it can offset a lot of those costs.
[Michael McGlynn]: You have questions? This is a lot of information.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, Mr. Skerry. All in favor say aye. Opposed no. The ayes have it. Mr. Chairman, before we go to the last item. Before we go to the last item, are we going to suspension of the rules?
[Michael McGlynn]: 9, report on the snow and climate weather emergency school cancellation protocol. Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: I appreciate the superintendent's comments and hopefully we can do a better job of educating our parents to stop all of this. I want to just give you one update because obviously I'm down to less than a month, but I'm still working hard to get everything done that is an issue or has been an issue in the area. So as you go around the city, you'll see at the Brooks School, if they have not already gone in, they'd be flashing lights with radars. Are they in?
[Michael McGlynn]: Okay. And also on Elm Street by Wright's Pawn, because where the entrance of Wright's is very dangerous as people come. around the corner, so we're trying to alert drivers in both of those areas that have been an issue for a while. The second speed bump, first one went down in Central Ave, second one should be on Harvard Street sometime either this week or next week. Crosswalks, which are a big concern. There's a A group of residents that have put together a list of, I think it is 70, 80, 90 crosswalks. We've got all the signage that will point to the crosswalk and advise people that there is a crosswalk coming. Where's the speed bumps? And justice today, a welcome to Medford signs. Something I've been trying to do for about 15 years, but we finally got a grant from Tufts. Four of them went up today near the borders of the community, and another four are going up. That's why I was in DCR today, trying to get permission to put signs on their property. If they don't allow it, then we'll have to find other locations to do it, just so people know it's a very welcoming community. And we enjoy their business here, and we enjoy them visiting here. It's just a little update.
[Michael McGlynn]: And it came from money from Tufts, money from Chapter 90, money from another sources that we're able to. I put it all together. On the motion, Mr. Scarpelli, we go to executive session. Yeah, we'll probably return after the executive session for the updates and reports, recommendations for collective bargaining units with all units updates, reports and recommendations on non-union personnel and their negotiations too. On that motion, the secretary will call the roll. The first item before us is to negotiate a salary with John McLaughlin, the director of the buildings named Brown. Move approval, Mr. Chairman. Second.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: He didn't say you.
[Michael McGlynn]: The second item is the non-human management team. Pat Vealey, Beverly Nelson, Diane Caldwell, Kathy Bedelio, and the principals.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. Cugno.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes. Negotiate a settlement with the lunch attendants on the motion of approval.
[Michael McGlynn]: Second by Mr. Skerry.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes. I vote in favor of the affirmative and on the negative, the act is approved. on the new position of public information officer.
[Michael McGlynn]: Move approval of Mr. Skerry. Second. Second by Mr. Scarpelli. Secretary will call the roll.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes. By vote of seven in the affirmative and on the negative, the recommendation of the superintendent that the position is approved. All in motion, Mr. President, I'll have the meeting now be adjourned. All in favor say aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: I have to tell you, I won't miss this. The music, the flag, and good friends. Doesn't get much better than that. Good afternoon. I love hearing the stories from parents whose children have told them, when passing City Hall, that's where Mayim McGlynn lives. And if you ask Sheila, she will probably tell you that that is true. But on January 9th, 1961, I met President John F. Kennedy with my father. It was a day filled with excitement, and the adrenaline was flowing. We arrived home at about 10 p.m., and my father said it was time to go to bed. And I said, Dad, I want to be the barometric. And he said, go to bed, and we'll talk about it tomorrow night. And we did talk every day until January 4th, 1988, when I was sworn in as your mayor. It was a time when the economic conditions in the Commonwealth challenged the well-being of our city. People questioned if their elected officials could maintain the delivery of public services. I believe it is evident that together we have established a responsive government during times of continued economic stress. I have never been paralyzed by conflicting views, nor have I avoided the responsibility of making hard choices. The financial stability of this community is paramount to its future success. My experience has been earned because of the commitment and the support you have shown towards my tenure in public office. For this, Sheila and I are truly grateful. Your friendship guidance, shall never be forgotten. The road has been a very enjoyable one, steeped in hard work, tough decisions, and on occasion, a bit of controversy. But the results have always been rewarding. We have forged partnerships with employees, volunteers, nonprofits, elected officials, the business community, and the residents of our great city. As we look back on what we have accomplished, It seems so simple, yet every program, every bit of construction or reconstruction was met with some type of opposition. However, we continue to forge ahead as a team for the public good. Three examples of this team effort include Rivers Edge, Station Landing, and the Old Mosque site. The Rivers Edge development in Wellington was a Bronzeville site. in dire need of rehabilitation. The area had been the site where trash would be placed on a barge on the Malden River, floated to Boston Harbor, torched, and dumped in the water. It was a place where the orange-blue-red water, full of toxins, flowed. It was a site where businesses freely dumped their waste into the ground or the river, Because until the early 70s, there was no Environmental Protection Agency. The stench when the earth was moved would make you nauseous. Working together, We remediated it into a site and a parcel that now offers luxury housing with an affordable component. Created hundreds of construction and permanent jobs. Companies that moved in include the Marriott Corporation, Cogenica from Spain, Lab Think from China. It quadrupled the amount of tax dollars that we were previously getting. A boathouse was built here with college and high school teams hosting regattas, and spectators lining the river to cheer on their favorite teams. Medford Heights crew teams have excelled in many competitions. Station Landing is the site where the backside of the property had been seized up. We worked with National Development to remediate the waste and create a transit-oriented development. The revenues from the building permits and linkage payments helped to offset lost revenues during the recession. We created jobs, housing opportunities, and increased tax revenues dramatically. Today, Station Landing is our number one employer in the city of Medford. The Old Marsh site, adjacent to Hormel Stadium, was also a bronze field. We worked with the Building the Future Committee, the Racial Balance Committee, the Reuse Committee, and many more to look at the possibility of a new configuration for schools on that site. It was controversial, and it had many moving parts. After 150 public meetings and hearings, we reached a consensus to build. We worked with the state to remediate the area. secured our approval of a 90% reimbursement for the construction costs, and purchased the 47.9 acres from the state for $1. We secured a million dollar grant to build Mr. Grimm and Ben Pocky, including a canoe launch, seeding areas, pathways, and many plantings. We added an outdoor stream harking rink, new soccer fields, little league fields, community gardens, and two new awesome schools, a wind turbine, a stadium seating, a track, and a turf field. We took over the management of La Conte Rink and resurfaced the stadium's parking lot. When we finished building all of the new schools and selling the old ones, we actually made money. Together, we remediated and recycled all three sites. They now offer us economic, environmental, recreation, and educational opportunities. In recent years, articles in the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, and Menford Real Estate website have shown Menford to be among the best places to live, starting out. They describe it as Menford, a Mecca for young urban buyers, offering open space, a happening restaurant scene, plus two new waterfront Redfin Center of Medford, a highly desirable neighborhood with an easy commute to Boston. It has a very suburban atmosphere with great parks. The third phase of Bird's Edge development includes a mixed-use structure with apartments, commercial, and restaurant space, as well as an affordable housing component to accommodate all of those new millennials. Five Cabin Road is a project that will complete the final build-out of the Wellington Business Center, a residential development connections to the Malden River, a canoe lodge, and easy access to the Wellington Orange Line and affordable units. The city is working with Black Cross Development on the construction of a transit-oriented mixed-use, mixed-housing development adjacent to the proposed Greenline Station at Ball Square. A 152-room A.C. Marion Hotel completes the final phase of the station landing buildup, the first transit-oriented development in the Commonwealth. The A.C. Hotel in Medford is the first to be built on the East Coast. Criterion development has completed. 163-unit leisure apartment dwelling, the Lumiere, has begun the transformation of the riverside industrial area into a transit-oriented use area. The Meadow Glen Mall has been permanent for renovations of 60,000 square feet. Marshals and coals will continue, and they will welcome new tenants, including waiters. Discussions have begun with the city for hire and better use of shore. Dutch University has undertaken considerable amount of development. In addition to Anderson Hall, an energy plant, and a multi-million dollar renovation of 574 Boston Avenue for classrooms, lab space, and yet another restaurant. In the last few weeks, Medford Square has witnessed Gusto Italia, and the Chicken and Rice Guys. And a former law office is currently being renovated into medical space. Other restaurants opening this past week include Tasty on the Hill, Panera, Noodles, and Company. And next week, Smashburger. Permanent and linkage fees collected over the last 24 months. totaled over $6 million, and over the next 24 months had the potential of an additional $6 million. Our public safety sector remained strong. March 9th of 2014, six new police officers were appointed and six new officers in 2015. Over the past 18 months, nine new cruisers and five new Holley Davidson motorcycles have been purchased. We are in the process of hiring eight new firefighters. we have purchased two new Pierce fire pumpers, turnout gear, and boots, and completed the $2.3 million renovation to our fire stations. To help us in the battle against substance use disorder, we created and funded a new position. The director will work on prevention, intervention, and support with individuals, families, school, and the community at large. In 2014 and 2015, We completed handicap accessibility improvements to Barry Hickey and Morrison Parks. At Columbus, we rebuilt the girls' softball field with all of the amenities. McNally and Lagoon Parks received major upgrades as well. All parks totaled $2.2 million in state, federal, and municipal funds. The Crystal Campbell Peace Garden will be completed in June of 2016. A total cost of $1,268,000. grants, goodwill, and compassion. We negotiated an agreement with Tufts to create a neighborhood improvement fund in the amount of $525,000 and a yearly payment in lieu of taxes for a future building above the new T Station at College and Boston Avenue. Medford High School and Medford Vocational School were awarded a 10-year reaccreditation They were also designated as level one schools under the Department of Secondary Education Accountability System, the highest rating attainable. We worked together to produce $3.3 million of a technology upgrade. We renovated the Olympic-sized pool and worked with the state, who paid 59% of the $12 million cost to build and renovate 17 new science laboratories at Medford High School. Our class sizes are excellent. Our athletes have some of the best facilities in the region. We offer extensive after-school programs, all while maintaining a comprehensive curriculum, which includes arts, music, and advanced placement programs. This year, we opened our new Department of Public Works building, replacing the 1930s WPA project. which now offers a safer work environment and better opportunities for the DPW employees to do their job. We have held golf tournaments, state dinners, built public and private partnerships, and accepted donations to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to build the finest veteran monuments in the commonwealth to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans. We have bonded for nearly $30 million in the last couple of years. Our rating is still strong and our indebtedness is still low. To answer the question, what is the state of our city? I'm here to tell you it is excellent. At the start of the recession, Richard Lee and I made a commitment to raise our reserves in order to fight the ills of recessionary times off in the future. I am excited to announce that our reserves continue to grow. And as of June 30, the sale of real estate hit $400,000 in the account. The water and sewer retained earnings, $7.7 million. Linkage funds, $1.827 million. free cash, $9.873 million. Our negotiated agreement with the casinos brings in $1 million yearly. This represents over $20 million in reserve. In addition, the Community Preservation Act could provide up to $6 million over five years. And we did it together during tough fiscal times. I have often stated that there will be no retreat from excellence, no acceptance of mediocrity, and no compromise of the public good. Now is the time to move the equivalent dollar amount of 5% of our operating budget from our reserves into the stabilization account. and we will become an even stronger community fiscally, yet still have significant reserves and a strong forecast for future growth. I've always said that the two things that I have enjoyed most while serving as mayor are traveling to the schools to speak to the students about their ideas for the city's future. Topics have ranged from designing products to discussing government itself. The other is having the opportunity to worship in every church and temple in this community. Methodist clergy are a tight-knit group. They minister and worship together. That is healthy because it allows congregants and parishioners the opportunity to worship with members of other churches, to better understand one another, in our community. Diversity grows every day when people from different countries and different faiths come together, and this only makes us stronger as a community. I love this job as much today as I did the first day that I was sworn in. I love the veterans' ceremonies, the parades, the community days, the carnivals, the senior picnics, the Boston Pops, the Mount Rushmore flag, the Black Hawk helicopter, the 105-millimeter howitzers, and even the fireworks. But not as much as I love each and every one of you.
[Michael McGlynn]: All right, I have an opportunity to do a few introductions now. The first group I want to introduce is a group who has been so loyal and faithful, not only to me, but to the entire city. And they're a group who, on occasion, are picked on by others. And they have never paid any attention to it, they've just gone forward and they've done their job. And that's the staff in the office. So, look around here. You think I had a shot in the office? All women. First of all, I will start with Richie Lee, who was the last city manager during the city. And Richie was a person who was low-key, had a dry sense of humor, but was very funny. And he was very bright. And he did a great job on the buddies and the personal matters for a long time before his passing. And he's represented here by his wife, Sherry Sherry. And the other writers were Fran and Marilyn Cronin, and Marilyn was a very hard-working individual, a good friend of all of us, and she is no longer with us. But Fran Ginetti is, and she was accompanied by Maureen Shea. Here's what happened with the two anemones. I was there, it was probably around March 15th, we were at the IFA March, and Frank came in the office one day and she said to me, I'll give you a little bit of that song, Mr. Big Shot, Who Do You Think You Are? And she said, who do you think you are? And I said, what do you mean? And she said, These people, they don't even know you. You haven't taken the time to go out and to meet them. I said, I've got a job to do. I'm straightening the city out. And she said, well, go straighten it out by signing to get to know the people who work for you, what their abilities are, and move forward. Then, I don't know this, but I think she must have gone and talked to Bob O'Brien, who was the Commissioner of Public Works at the time. Because he walked in 10 minutes later, and he looked at me and he said, man, you have to earn that respect in the job you do as a man. So friends... I always tell people the best advice I got in all those years in the office. Now, one day Maureen comes in and she said, you're not going to believe this, Matt Masterson is outside. Now, I know my calories. So I said, Bat Masterson, this is a big deal. So I looked up and I said, that's not Bat Masterson, that's Wyatt Earp. So it wasn't Gene Barry, it was Jewel Bryant, but Wyatt Earp was there. You can't ask him to speak at a conference up at Tufts. And you had kids who were probably 16, 17, 18 years of age. So I went up there, and I've got to tell you, Wyatt was one of my guys from the time I was a little guy. The first thing I did was I sang the wider up song. There's 400 kids in this auditorium. When I finished, they're all staring at me with a blank face.
[Michael McGlynn]: And I can tell you why she had the job. And I told this story one day. I said, because you're the only person when Richie and I try to trick you on the budgets, you look and you balance every account. No one else does that. They say, cut a million out. Cut a million out of me. She looked at every line item, and she knew where we were hiding the money. So we happened to do a bottle project. And I always turned to Richie and said, Richie, did you make a mistake? Richie said, I guess I did. Stephanie, thank you for your honor. And Luis Cowan, who is now the new budget director, has done a great job with all the personnel matters and the budgets, as you can see, because between the both of them, we're in great shape. Then there was Adeline, this is a couple of the problem. And Addie, this is an out of the office story. One day I'm over at her house and we're gonna have a pasta dinner and she forgot one of the ingredients. And this is how she is in the office too. Very pushy, tells you what to do. So she said to me, come over here to the stove, just come over here. I said, what? She said, keep stirring the sauce. I said, how long should I stir it? Stir it. She said, don't stop until I get back. She was gone for 25 minutes. I was gone for a couple of ton or whatever that is. Very loyal, great person. Lisa Vangelista, I'm a state representative here. She was my secretary back then when we were in the statehouse. And this young student from the Northeast pushed her way into the office and said, I want to be your intern. I want to work here. And so we hired her. And she did a great job as an intern. but the job she's done here for the city of Medford is unbelievable. I'm the person who walks in, gets the credit for everything that happens. She's the person who sweats here all night and all week to make sure all the details are together. She does yell at me in private because of some of the things that I get her into, but she does an excellent job and I thank her for it. And then we have Linda Colletti. And Linda Colletti used to work upstairs. She was in Public Works. And here's my summation of Linda Colletti. I asked her for an hour one day, and I said, Linda, would you like to work in this office? And she said, yes, I think I would. I said, but the problem is, you're never going to get rich in public service, and it doesn't pay a lot of money. Any other employees out there listening, pay attention to this. He said, I don't care about the money, but I know I can help more people by working in this office, in our community. Linda, thank you very much. The Commander in Chief. For 39 years. I can probably say this publicly, right? Mary's referred to in City Hall as my work wife. And I have my home wife. And there are a lot of similarities between the two. They both have this thing that when you, they say, would you do something? You say, yes, let me go over and I'll start on it. And as you're trying to do that, they give you four other things to do. But Mary has been with me for 39 years, and she's the person who would, and I know you won't believe this, but sometimes when people come into the office and they're upset, and maybe they use a language that they shouldn't, and they're yelling and screaming, Mary would say, are you having a bad date, dear? But she would sit them down, and the next thing you know, I had this very quiet, relaxed person come in. Plus, the other thing she always said was, I said, stop saying that. She said, don't worry, he'll fix it for you. I'd like to take a minute to introduce my family. I'm the son of a man, and obviously I have my own children, so I know a little of what they've gone through. None of them ever remember me not being in elective office. And for those of us in elective office, the pressures on your children are immense. Everybody always has something to say. Everybody always knows that they can get something done if they just go and pressure the kids to talk to the father to make sure that it happens. Those type of people really don't understand anything about it. But I am so very proud of the way and the manner in which they've always conducted themselves, what they have achieved in life. Kathleen, Jennifer, and Amanda. I've heard people say that you're lucky if you have a good son-in-law. Well, I'm fortunate. I have two. Aaron and Bill have always been there for the family, for my daughters, for my grandchildren. And they're great people, too. I mean, you get to know them. It took me a little while to get to know Aaron. I may have trouble here, but, and I'm working on a good son-in-law.
[Michael McGlynn]: And Pat's a great guy. Knows a lot about sports. And for the first, I don't know, for the first two years, I was only allowed to call him PMC. They wouldn't even tell me his name. So one night, I thought I'd take a shot. We were at dinner, everyone was sitting around the table, and I said, show them Paul and Michael. Amanda says, Dad, his name is Pat. And you heard my brother referring to the five grandchildren. Cameron, Cameron, give me a wave, brother. And Bambi Nora is asleep in the mayor's office. And just one other person that I would like to recognize, and that's our city solicitor, Mike Brumley, for the great friendship that we have had over the years. I don't want to ruin his image, but I want to tell you a secret. He acts like a tough guy, but he's a cream puff. He's one of the most caring, compassionate people you'll ever meet, and he'll always reach out to do whatever he can for you. Think about it. He's not only a solicitor, but he's a deacon of the church, too. Thank you to the whole night band. Thank you to Manish King.
[Michael McGlynn]: Okay, I think I did this on January 4th, 1988. Well, more things change the more you're in the same. Okay, so I have one more thing I'd like to do. How about Sheila? I think some of you know the story that Shel and I grew up next door to each other. We dated for a decade. They kept sending me further away to school after school, so we couldn't get married. We were in high school to college. My senior year was when I graduated. We were married and had a beautiful family. And one day I went to her and I said, Shel, I think I'd like to run for mayor. And she said, well, how long do you think you'd like to do that? And I said, I don't know, two years. In my legislative time, in my mayoral time, never once has she ever complained. She is my sister. Honey, watch how mature I become over the years. I love you, honey. And my brothers and sisters, Jackie, Dickie, Karen, Bernadette, and Kevin. Thank you for being here, all my aunts and uncles.
[Michael McGlynn]: Give me an honor, please rise, join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
[Michael McGlynn]: Secretary will call the roll. Present. Present. Present. Present by a vote of seven in the affirmative, none absent. There's a quorum present to conduct business. Approval of the minutes of October 19th, 2015 on the motion of approval by Mr. Skerry. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, none. The ayes have it. The minutes are approved. Approval of the bills, transfer of funds on the motion approved by Mr. Skerry. Secretary will call the roll.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes, by vote of seven in the affirmative, none in the negative. The bills are approved. Approval of the payrolls. A motion approved by Mrs. DiBenedetto. Secretary will call the roll. Mrs. Cugno. Yes. Mr. Benedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Scarpelli. Yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes. By vote of seven in the affirmative, none in the negative. The payrolls are approved. Report of the secretary, none. Report of committees, none. Committee participation, none. Report of the superintendent. Before we do that, the members of the school committee have invited a school committee woman, elect Cathy Kreatz to sit with us behind the rail. We welcome her in this evening. Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: On a motion of Mr. Van Duke that the rules be suspended, all in favor say aye. Aye. Rules are suspended. Melanie? I'm sorry. I, on the agenda, there was nothing on the committee community participation, but yes, I'm sorry.
[Michael McGlynn]: That's it.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: I move that we cancel the trip until further notice. On the motion, all in favor say aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mister Scudero.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, all in favor say aye. Aye. The motion is approved. The trip is canceled. Report of the MIAA Sportsmanship Award, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: We all want to congratulate all the students for the fine job that they have done. And especially these Three young ladies that we've had an opportunity to work with in many different aspects of community life in the Medford High Educational Experience. And they are always standouts in everything they do. And I had the opportunity to look at the video with Gigi and Mr. Dempsey, and they really did a great job. And when you think of all the content that goes into it and what they have done, And all the money that they have raised for scholarships to provide opportunities for other students. You should be very proud of what the three young ladies have accomplished and we all congratulate you. I'm going to ask if everybody would please rise for a moment of silence in memory of and out of respect to those who lost their lives. and those who survived them in Paris over the weekend. On that report, the motion has been approved that the report be accepted and placed on file. On that motion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The report is accepted and placed on file. Report on foreign language scholarship award. Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: And we all send our best wishes to Rachel and congratulate her for the great job that that she's done. And the new Consul General, Nicolo DeSantis, is quite a guy. He spends a lot of time either with our students or here in the city of Medford. He was just here helping cut the ribbon for the new restaurant in the square.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, Mr. Falco, if the report is accepted and placed on file. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The report is accepted and placed on file. Recommendation to approve trip to Puerto Rico, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: Sounds like a great trip. By the way, I have a lot of free time in April, if you need anything.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, all those in favor, say aye. Aye. Aye. Thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: Report on the Metro Vocational School open house, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: In addition to that, we also want to thank Lowe's. We made a $25,000 donation to help a lot of this happen. And also the furniture. Oh, Vertex. Pharmaceuticals.
[Michael McGlynn]: Furniture from the Furniture Trust. The Furniture Trust. A lot of free furniture.
[Michael McGlynn]: Second. On the motion, all in favor say aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: The motion is approved. On the motion of Mr. Scarpelli that the report be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye. Aye. The members of the committee would also like to congratulate two of our members. Mr. Falco and Mr. Scarpelli on their recent election to the Medford City Council. Thank you. Whether you know it or not, you've already been dubbed as the protectors of education. As we put our budgets together.
[Michael McGlynn]: Don't worry about it. It's a great opportunity that members from the school committee are now going to serve on the city council. And I think it broadens the whole debate on a lot of council issues dealing with educational issues. Thank you. So good luck. Thank you very much. While we're under suspension, all business, there is none. Communications, none. New business, school committee resolution being resolved, the Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Daniel Casullo. Dr. Casullo is a highly regarded dentist, was a graduate of Medford High School and former captain of the varsity basketball team. Resolution submitted by the Medford School Committee to express a sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Horrigan. Mrs. Horrigan was the mother-in-law of Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco, Jr. Be resolved that Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Alfred Palladino, Jr. Mr. Palladino was the father-in-law of school committee member, John Falco. Be resolved that Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Ann Marie Sanford. Mrs. Sanford was the mother of Medford school teachers Laurie Ann and Nicole Sanford. Be it resolved the Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Barbara Steele Cassidy. Barbara was a Medford School special education supervisor and a long time teacher. She was an outstanding professional who was well respected by her peers and was a caring friend to many. Be it resolved the Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Elaine M. Donahue. Mrs. Donahue was the mother of vocational director Heidi Riccio. Be resolved, the Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Michael Gieselman. Mr. Gieselman was a veteran who recently participated in the Veterans Day program at Medford High School. Be resolved, the Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Don Ferrara. Ms. Ferrara was a former custodian for the Medford Public Schools. I would ask that we would all rise in a moment of silence. for all those who have recently passed. On those resolutions, all those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. Report on the Veterans Day program, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you. On the motion, Mr. Cugno, that the report be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye. Opposed no. The ayes have it. The report is accepted and placed on file. Item number nine, negotiations and legal matters. There are no. Item number six, report on national assessment of educational programs.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion of Mr. Scott, probably the report be accepted in place on file. All in favor signify in the ayes have it was accepted in place on file update report. on park results and status, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: On that motion, Mr. Skerry? Second.
[Michael McGlynn]: Seconded. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Good way to go. Superintendent, and we have had professional advice in the past. If you go back a few years, you remember all the cameras that were installed in strategic locations. The plan that said that certain doors would not be used, but there are still those who violate that from inside the building. And sometimes those doors are left open. I look at the report, nobody wanted the incident to happen, but as I look at the report, The report is put together very well and they're looking at all aspects of how you take a situation that shouldn't happen and how you eliminate it. It was just a couple of years ago that we were all beating our chest because the news media was trying to break into, not break into, but gain entry into school systems around this whole area. The only school system they couldn't get into a school was the city of Medford. We were all very proud of that. I know just in the last couple of weeks, I have been at the Columbus. I have been at the McGlynn. I have been at the Roberts. I couldn't get into any of them because there is a good system in place. Around the time that this incident happened, if you remember on the news, there was one individual in a different community who had been terminated, but still kept one of the uniform shirts and just walked in with everybody else. There was another person who did the exact same thing that this person did. And maybe this person saw this on the news as to how you do it, but you go to another area and you try and float in with the kids. Now it's a situation nobody wanted to happen, but it's a situation that everyone's working to address. I don't care if it's a fire, a break-in or a criminal activity in the community. The first report that you hear about what happened in that particular incident is never the factual report. that is the same three or four days later. That's why an investigation takes some time to look into all aspects of it. So everybody has all of the facts correct. As I'm listening to the administrators talk and the superintendent and everybody else, um, talked about the fact that, you know, we do have protocols in place, but This person could have been a student, maybe not. The people do need some more training, do need some more direction. They should be signed in the report. And then you move forward to make sure that you have a secure school system. We have a secure school system, but we want to make sure that situations like that do not continue to happen. And I think if you look at the past records, you will see how well it is. We even had people in here one night from Massport who were talking about a competition between the Americans and the Israelis as to who could penetrate each other's airports quicker. Because at that time, we were talking about putting the airport security in as you go in and out of the high school. And then the wands, and everybody wanted them at the time. They said they can do that. The same thing will happen to you as it happened to us is when at Logan Airport, they spent $5 million on a new secure system, and the Israelis said, we can penetrate that in less than 30 seconds. So you never know when someone's coming on a plane or how they're going to attempt to do that. But the person simply walked through the area where they had all of the, what do you call that? Detectors. Whatever they call it, detectors. They walked right through, he put down his cup of coffee, went through the detector, nothing went off, picked up the cup of coffee, said, hey, here's a hand grenade, everyone's dead. And he said, the point of telling you that is, even though we go above and beyond trying to make sure that no one can get in those schools without any circumstances, he said, if somebody wants to do something, they don't have to do it in the school. They can do something outside the school. And that was the point of it, but we have still, since that time, still gone above and beyond to make secure facilities that are up to this point almost impossible to get into. But you had, as you said, I don't know if we call it a fluke, but a situation that everybody's working together to make sure it doesn't happen and move forward.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Any further discussion? On that motion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, Mr. Skerry, the report be accepted and placed on file. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. The AICF report is accepted and placed on file. The motion is now adjourned.
[Michael McGlynn]: I want to be here to recognize the great achievements Ashley has been involved in in her career here at the high school. She's certainly been a leader that has pulled a lot of people together. She has helped to blaze trails for kids who will come after and people who see what a great team that we've had for the last few years up here would want to get involved.
[Michael McGlynn]: A big part of Crystal's life was Medford High School and the activities that she participated in with the band and softball at Medford High. She loved the team and the girls have been loyal to her from day one. They have spent a lot of time raising money for scholarships so that children can continue after high school on to their college career. They have put together this tournament in memory of Crystal.
[Michael McGlynn]: The runners were through. The first bomb explodes just a few yards from the finish line. A big part of Crystal's life was Medford High School and the activities that she participated in with the band and softball at Medford High. She loved the team and the girls have been loyal to her from day one. They have spent a lot of time raising money for scholarships so that children can continue after high school on to their college career. They have put together this tournament in memory of Crystal.
[Michael McGlynn]: to all of our students. The next item on the agenda under suspension is one of a motion to look for the initial approval to move forward to apply for a grant to build a dog park in the city of Medford. And over the course of the last two years, there's been a lot of attention. There's been an advisory committee that's been established. And there's been a search throughout the city to look at the appropriate locations. That field of locations was narrowed down to four. They were studied by Andrew Leonard of Leonard associates to make a recommendation as to which would be the best in our community. The spot that they have chosen is one at the site down by the river in back of the Andrew and school. Presently, if anybody walks there during the day, you will see that there are a number of dogs that are down there, some leashed and some unleashed. This would be a facility that would actually be enclosed, and through the hard work of the members of the committee, they identified a source that we could apply to for funding from anywhere from $250,000 to $400,000 to build this. We put out a press release. We put it on the website, newspapers. We let everybody know the site that we were looking at. And then we took comments online from anybody who cared to comment on the site. And overwhelmingly, people liked the site. They thought it was a positive thing to do here in the community. So at this point, I'm going to call upon Mr. Leonard to just take us through the park. So we have an idea of what we're looking at. Some people have been confused as to whether or not it's right behind the playground at the McGlynn school. And that's not the case. That was a site that was initially looked at, but as you go closer to the river behind a barrier of trees, there is a, an even more suitable location that has been chosen as the number one So I'd ask Mr. Leonard if he would come forward and take us through.
[Michael McGlynn]: Could you get the lights?
[Michael McGlynn]: And we already have the 10 to 15%. which dates back to the Fast Lane 14 project here in the city. One of the lay down areas when they built all the bridges was the stadium at the parking lot at Horn Mountain. In terms of mitigation, we received $60,000 for that. That was set aside for a dog park, so it's being used for the initial design and schematics and things.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Okay, great. Thank you very much. Good luck on the motion. Mr. Skerry. Second by Mr. Benedetto. All those famous say aye. All the ayes have it. Motion is approved. Thank you very much, Mr. Len. Thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: Next item is a report on not can protocol for public schools. Mr. Superintendent,
[Michael McGlynn]: If I could, I'd like to say a few words. Obviously, we all know that we're dealing with an epidemic. as it relates to this issue, and that is known throughout not only this community in the Commonwealth, but throughout this nation. And many people who suffer from substance use disorder suffer sometimes not because of their own doing, but because of injuries that they have received during high school athletics, because of a bad choice that may have been made at one time, and end up in a battle for their life. And we have to be there to do everything that we can to try and support, and to educate, and to prevent, and to intervene, and to support in this whole terrible crisis. Because we've seen too many of our younger population, not only in this community, but in so many surrounding communities who have been taken for one reason or another, related to a substance use disorder. Now can we know, save their lives and give us an opportunity with all of the good work that's being done by the Attorney General's Office, by the Governor's Office, in starting to try and put in new regulations so that people take a stronger look at how they can help and that we take stronger action to help. For a long time, people who had this use disorder were referred to as the junkie down the street. or somebody who is a troubled person. So we stay away from that family. But what we found out in this community is that people are better educated about what's happening around this issue and packed this auditorium one night to talk about friends that they had lost, what the resources that are needed, how there has to be changes with the insurances and the coverages, how they have to be more beds to support and to help a lot of the people who suffer from substance use disorder. Now, for the medical personnel, the nurses at the school, I just want to go on record. I believe they should administer E-Carry Narcan because for many. It's a life saving drug and it's a way for us to help them and try and save them and give them the support to carry on. Yes, thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: Oh, second. Seconded by Mr. Falco on that motion. All the babes say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you, Tony. We're going to get to those groups in two seconds. Approval of the amendments to the meeting of October 5th, 2015, and the motion of Mr. Skerry, all those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendments are approved. Approval of the bills and the transfer of funds on the motion approved by Mr. Benedetto. The secretary will call the roll. Ms. Cuno.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Benedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Falco. Yes. Mr. Scarpelli. Yes. Mr. Skerry, yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes. By vote of six in the affirmative, one absent, the bill is approved. Approval of the payrolls and the motion approved by Mr. Falco. The secretary will call the roll. Mrs. Cuno.
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes, by vote 6 in the affirmative, I want to ask that the payrolls be approved. Report of the secretary, there's none. Report of committees, none. Community participation, none. Report, the update report on the substance abuse- Mr. Mann. And education program, Mr- May I move for suspension of the rules?
[Michael McGlynn]: It was very successful. Thank you. A lot of volunteers did a great job in putting together a great ceremony. On that motion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Mr. Mayor.
[Michael McGlynn]: On that motion, we're all very excited. Nora was Sheila's great-grandmother from Ireland. And Cushing, middle name, is where Nora's grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents, along with all of their aunts and great-aunts grew up on Cushing Street in Medford. Oh, wow. That's where Cushing comes from. That's awesome. On that motion, all those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. Mr. Mayor, no more for me.
[Michael McGlynn]: All of this. I have it. The motion is approved.
[Michael McGlynn]: That's his choice. I know for a fact, I was on Beacon Hill when he started. He has recovered a lot of money for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. So we all congratulate you, Bob, on 33 great years. All of the favors say aye. All the ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. There are a couple of them.
[Michael McGlynn]: Under, excuse me one second, under communications there's none, negotiations there are none. On the back, resolution submitted by the Medford School Committee that is expressed with sincere condolences to the family of Aldo Scarpelli, Mr. Scarpelli was the father, a school committee member, George Scarpelli, and the Medford public school teacher, Lisa Seary. And be it resolved the Medford School Committee expresses sincere condolences to the family of Sally Zampel, Mrs. Zampel was a secretary to the superintendent for over 20 years, and also the mother of retired athletic director Ron Zampel. And on behalf of all the members of the community, we extend our condolences to both families. Because if you knew Aldo, Aldo was just a great guy. Had a lot of energy, very friendly, very welcoming, and he was a great part of the history of this city. during the time that he moved here from Italy. And Sally Ziempell, I think everybody knew Sally, a very pleasant lady, who did a good job. It's not easy working for any superintendent, with the daily pressures and everything that goes on up there. But again, a great family. And it is so nice to see that the children also have given back so much to the community, and that starts from the parents. So I'd ask that we all rise for a moment of silence. On those motions, I'll close on those, yeah? Yeah, the I7 resolutions, we're done.
[Michael McGlynn]: And best to your mom, because she's a doll, and everybody loves your mom. She does. Thank you. Update report on substance abuse prevention and education programs, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: And I also want to recognize Rich Raymond is here from Armstrong Ambulance too, who's been very involved with many of the health issues here in our community. And I also want to introduce Penny as the new director of the program that we have established in the community. A special office that will work on prevention, intervention, and support from beginning to end. And it was, when the job was advertised, there were about 30 odd people who applied for the job. And I have to tell you. At least the last ten that we looked at in an interview had tremendous experience and insight. And if we had more money, that office would have three or four people in it right now, because everybody had a specialty that they dealt in. But it was the picture of the whole problem. But Penny has a lot of background in the area, has done a lot of research, and we wish her well in what is a very tough assignment.
[Michael McGlynn]: Secretary will call the roll. President, by a vote of five in the affirmative, two absent, there is a quorum present to conduct business. Approval of the minutes of June 1st, 2015. On the motion approved by Mr. Scariello, is it a favor to say aye? Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The minutes are approved. Approval of the minutes of the budget hearing meeting. On the motion of Mr. Falquah, is it a favor to say aye? Opposed, no. The ayes have it. Minutes are approved. Approval of bills and transfer of funds on the motion of Mr. Benedetto. Secretary will call the roll. Yes, by vote of five in the affirmative, two absent. Bills are approved. Approval of the payrolls on the motion approved by Mr. Crenshaw. Secretary will call the roll. Yes, by vote of five in the affirmative, two absent. The payrolls are approved. Report of the secretary, there's none. Report of committees, none. Committee participation, none. Report of the superintendent, one.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Falcomo, suspension of the rules and other, we may take a paper out of order. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended. Is Mr. Rocco? Cieri is, okay. Very exciting day today, we're going to get a report.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Native clerks.
[Michael McGlynn]: On behalf of all the members of the school committee, yeah. We know this, we listened to Rocco the other night at the budget hearing. Okay? On the motion of the report be accepted and placed on file. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye the former director of social studies, will you all please rise and join us in a moment of silence. On that motion, all in favor say aye. Opposed, none. The resolution is adopted. Update report on the capital improvements to school facilities, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you. The motion of Mr. Schapelle be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye. Aye. The motion of Mr. Schapelle be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: The motion of Mr. Schapelle be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye. Aye. The motion of Mr. Schapelle be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye. Aye. The motion of Mr. Schapelle be accepted and placed on file. All in favor say aye. Aye.
[Michael McGlynn]: Ms. De Benedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you ladies. Thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you. On the motion, Mr. Chair, the report be accepted and placed on file. All those in favor signify by closing all the ayes. Have it. Report is accepted and placed on file. Report on the food service program, Mr. Superintendent.
[Michael McGlynn]: Can you slow down while we look at the food service price surveys from the different communities? There's a lot of communities here. So when you look at these, we're not on the high side of anything, correct?
[Michael McGlynn]: Pardon me?
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. Crenshaw.
[Michael McGlynn]: Is this a self-supporting program?
[Michael McGlynn]: Yes.
[Michael McGlynn]: What about equipment in this program?
[Michael McGlynn]: It said that there's a need for upgrades. So will the price increase affect what type of equipment we have in there?
[Michael McGlynn]: The question is, will the price increase affect what equipment we have in there? Does some of that money, does it go towards upkeep or purchase of new equipment?
[Michael McGlynn]: I'm sorry, what?
[Michael McGlynn]: All right, so as I also read through this, it said that there are people who are looking for an upgrade. what the kids have an interest in eating that is going to be nutritious for them. Is that reflective in the cost?
[Michael McGlynn]: So nobody wants to make a price increase. No. But we have fairly moderate pricing right now. And if we do not have a price increase, what's going to happen to the quality of the food, the equipment, and the food service program that is a self-sustaining program? And non-compliant. Be non-compliant. And then we'll lose funding. So the bottom line is, we have to have an increase. And people have always been reluctant to do it in the past, and that's part of the reason that we're in this situation. But we probably should have been building reserve all the way along so you can prepare for these things. So what are you recommending in terms of the increases? We know there's a wide range from a nickel to 50 cents, but what is reasonable? That provides a good program for the kids, so they continue to get food. We'll have the equipment, the labor, and everything else involved in it to make sure that the program runs properly.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Schapela.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mr. Mayor. Just to clear this up, what's the actual record? What percentage are on throughout the school system, free and reduced?
[Michael McGlynn]: It's important we don't round off. We look at what the percentage is. Mr. Mayor? Mrs. DiBenedetto.
[Michael McGlynn]: So I think what everyone is asking is, nobody wants to go number one. It's probably the best option. But the question is, can it be molded better fit what everybody's talking about here, to make sure that we are meeting the standards, we're providing the very best to the kids, but we're not croaking the families.
[Michael McGlynn]: Mrs. Cunha.
[Michael McGlynn]: Or within the program itself, if equipment does go down, then you'll be talking about a much larger increase. No kidding. Because it'll be a rushed situation.
[Michael McGlynn]: I mean, you can come back every year and do it, but what it means is you're hanging on by a thread every year. You should always try and build some reserves. I mean, that's why the city as a whole has done extremely well in recent years, because we've built those reserves.
[Michael McGlynn]: I don't know if we can. It's a self-sustaining program. If we start paying for self-sustaining programs through budgetary items, then you're going to have to take it away from something else. And if you get into, which I've been through three recessions during my tenure, if you get into a recession, Now you're starting to eliminate jobs in different programs. The stole instead of generating the revenue through a self-sustaining program that is supposed to be self-sustaining. So it's dangerous to go in that direction.
[Michael McGlynn]: Motion is seconded.
[Michael McGlynn]: On the motion, Secretary will call the roll.
[Michael McGlynn]: No. By a vote of five in the affirmative, one in the negative, the item passes.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you very much.
[Michael McGlynn]: Recommendation to adopt the revised policy on head lice in public schools. Motion approved by Mr. Skerry.
[Michael McGlynn]: Thank you. Tony, so you just said reduce the spread. So it reduces the spread, but are you saying if we're encouraging kids to stay in school, over what it would have been if they weren't in school, it is going to continue to spread.
[Michael McGlynn]: Is there a motion? Second. Motion to approve. All in favor say aye. Opposed, none. The item is approved. Thank you.
[Michael McGlynn]: Recommendation to approve summer rules. On the motion approved by Mr. Skerry. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. Item is approved. Negotiations and legal matters. On the motion of Mrs. Cugno, we'll go to executive session. Secretary will call the roll. Mr. Cugno? To discuss. Yes. Update the status of bargaining. For union, non-union groups, custodial agreements, and MTA agreements.
[Michael McGlynn]: Good morning, everybody. Good morning. If I could, I'd just like to welcome everybody here. And before we move on, I'd like to introduce a few of the elected officials or their representatives who are here. I saw City Councilor Rick Caraviello is with us. Here I am. City Councilor, former Budget Director Stephanie Ucchini-Burke is here with us. representing, oh, Congresswoman Catherine Clark. We have Wade Blackman and Kelsey Perkins here with us. Thank you for being here. And representing District Attorney Marion Ryan, Denise Duren is right behind everybody here. So thank you all for being here. This is a very exciting day for all of us. And it's taken a little time for four parties. Cummings Property, Tufts University, MBTA, the City of Medford, to look at the number of details involved in this proposed project. And we've all come together on a proposal. This is the beginning step where we will unveil that proposal, but then begin a public process for review by the community as we move forward. But as we look at the project, we had an interest in it because it does a number of things here in the community, not the least of which are improvements to pedestrian safety, financial packages for the community, better walkways and access to the neighborhoods, the opportunity to have a brand new beautiful educational building that'll have access to community groups, and also, hopefully, by having the educational building right on the top of that station, it'll be another attraction to just take the train to school and get off and go up to the second and third floor and take your classes. So we have come to agreement And at this time, we're going to go through two or three speakers, and then I'll sum up the community benefits at the end. And hopefully by the end, you'll have a full understanding of the entire program. So our first speaker is the president of Tufts, Tony Monaco. Now, Tony and I have worked together since 2011. And over that four-year period of time, we have built a great relationship. I have served with four presidents of Tufts University. And I think when it comes to negotiations, Tony and I are most alike. We look at each other. I tell him what the needs are in the community. He tells me what the needs are in the university. And then in a very short period of time, we are able to work out an agreement that maybe we're not both very happy with, but we know that we got a good agreement on both sides. One that's good for the university, one that's good for the city, one that's good for the quality of life. So I'd like to present my dear friend, President Tony Monaco.
[Michael McGlynn]: Our next speaker is Frank Capalla, who is the interim director of the MBTA, general manager. I suggest, if anyone in this room has a problem, You call Frank. Because I think of the one public servant that I've called the most over my 28 years, and it's Frank DiPaolo. whether he was at the MWRA working with us on environmental issues, whether he was the highway administrator who we worked on numerous issues with, whether he was the interim director of Secretary of Transportation, where I found myself in his office on many occasions, and now he has just taken on the chore of straightening out one of the most difficult issues to straighten out in the history of public transportation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that is getting the MBTA back on track. He is a gentleman who is very reasonable to work with. It's always, tell me the problem, and we'll figure out what his solution is. He's good for the Commonwealth. He's good for our city. He's good for this project. I thank him for his leadership. Thank you, Paul.
[Michael McGlynn]: What do you say about this next guy? I like to say he was a mentor kid. Grew up on Salem Street, Cherry Street, down in the neighborhood where he had a good friend who was someone else who had success, great success in life, and he's known as the father of Festival Sound, Mr. Hanley, who you may know or may not know, but he was a gentleman who actually laid out Woodstock, and he had a dream about If someone was sitting in the front row of a concert or someone was sitting way back, that they would have the same sound, they would hear the same music that came out. And I've seen the two of you together and I say it's amazing. Out of that neighborhood, two icons that have just achieved so much. Bill has never forgotten where he has come from. With the Cummings Foundation over the years, there are a number of recipients here the last few years for the Crystal Campbell Peace Garden, we needed a final $100,000 towards the $1.1 million to build it, and the foundation was there. The Kathy Granara Scary Pancreatic Walk Run for research is closing in on a mark of raising a million dollars, a commitment that siblings made to their dying sister. And as of the other day, Mr. Cummings, with your generosity too, I want to tell you that they're now at $860,000. So after this year's run, they're probably going to hit their million. And again, you've done a tremendous amount to make that happen. And the preservation of the Brooks Estates, a piece of real history in the community where Funding has been shot over the course of the last seven, eight years. We're serving in the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression. But this man has been there. And now he's looking to education and to providing greater opportunities for those who will benefit from this building and go on locally to greater heights in life. He's a good man. Joyce, we're so happy that you're here too. I've never seen Bill without Joyce at his side at a number of events. And we thank you for everything that you have done. Ladies and gentlemen, Bill Cummings.
[Michael McGlynn]: And thank you for your generosity, Mr. Cummings. 196 Boston Ave set a new tone in the community when Mr. Cummings did that building over. And we had many of the people from the biopharmaceuticals in different areas that were now coming to the community. And one company from Italy came and relocated here. And as soon as that happened, then in other parts, a company came from Spain, and then a company came from China. And it opened up new doors here in terms of employment and opportunities for people in our community. So we thank you for everything and all of your leadership. Let's look at some of the community benefits, just so people have an understanding. Some of them have been mentioned, but one of the first things is going to be enhanced public spaces and plazas around the station, which will be maintained by Tufts. I've always said, if Tufts builds something, they build it right, and they maintain it. They've always made sure that anything they've done in terms of development is A number one, and I don't think anyone will ever question that. And this is going to be a big public benefit. They have tufts right in there, not only with maintenance, but also with their police department. Improved access to the station. will include more accessible walkways and enhanced pathway to the adjacent Burrigan and Sunset neighborhood, which was long in discussion of the neighbors and residents of that area. It would be a great improvement. And I know it hasn't been mentioned, I know it may not be part of the plan, but there is, you have it here, this one, there is a plan for a bridge over Lawsonette where you can walk out of the building right onto the campus. And that will be another part of a public hearing. But that would certainly enhance pedestrian safety. Sidewalks and crossings, obviously, will be improved. Community-oriented retail space adjacent to the new station. And community space in the new building. Significant community benefits will include a payment of $500,000 to the city of Medford spread in the following way. Some $150,000 on April 15, 2016. $150,000 on April 15, 2017. A sum of $200,000 on April 15, 2018. That half a million dollars will be used for improvements in neighborhoods throughout the community. I won't be here to determine how those funds will be spent, but I am creating the fund to make sure that it's being spent for that reason. In addition to that, we will also receive, this August 1st, $25,000 that will be used for an issue that has been before the Council in the past, and the Council has suggested that I go and generate the money myself and do this. but it's to help make Medford, which is a very welcoming community, a little more welcome. When we go through the different parts of the community, and we put up the Welcome to Medford signs, and the goal is to have, like, if you're in North Medford, you say, Welcome to Medford, Fulton Heights. If you're around Tufts, Welcome to Medford, Stearns Village. If you're in West Medford, Welcome to Medford, Village of Brooks, and break down the different areas and the neighborhoods of the city so people become familiar with them. There will be another payment of $25,000 in the month of December that will go towards the fund, the maintenance fund for the Crystal Campbell Peace Guide. That $25,000 will be added to a trust fund that we're establishing from an event we ran on March 12th, which we had a goal of raising $15,000 at that event. And as many of you who look around the room who were there are involved in it, You know that $15,000 in a matter of two hours grew to $145,000. And Tufts was also a very big part of that event. The goal would be to put all of that money into a trust fund that's not used for seven years, and then hopefully in all perpetuity, it would help to maintain that garden for future years. I think that's about... That's about it on the public improvements, which obviously are very significant. Now the next step will be to move forward on starting the public process so that people can have public input on what they want to see in their community. We look forward and hope everything goes well. Any questions for anybody from up here? Thank you very much.
[Michael McGlynn]: On April 15, 2013 was a devastating and tragic day. but also a time when people came together to support one another with a renewed commitment for a better quality of life for all. That spirit is what this Peace Garden represents. We celebrate Crystal's life. She was a Medford Mustang class of 2001, an alumnus of UMass Boston. Crystal was a member of the Medford High School band and the girls' softball team. We celebrate her ongoing, fun-loving, deeply passionate and energetic life. Crystal lived life to the fullest. She touched the hearts and souls of not only family and friends, but hearts and souls throughout the world. When this project began, Bill Campbell, Fiskel's dad, said he could not wait until it was finished, so he could bring his grandson, Billy III, and enjoy his company in the beauty of this park. Bill, the word is out. You are going to have a lot of company.