[Paul Camuso]: Unmute. Getting used to this Zoom stuff, Mr. President. Paul Camuso, 114 Lincoln Road, Medford, Mass. First of all, I want to thank Councilor Falco and Councilor Scarpelli for putting this on, you know, as, as a former athlete at Medford High School, I love to see that we're trying diverse to diversify the athletic programs and the recreational programs in our community. Just a few years ago we were very lucky to. get the recreation department into full swing, you know, and to expand it to include more diverse opportunities for Medford residents. It's just a win-win, Mr. President. I really think that this is going to take off, you know, you look at the Barchi court, the old Italian Americans love Barchi for the most part, and a lot of other people are now becoming part of that bocce league at not only the boat club, but also the new bocce courts here in our community. For many, many years, people would go over to the Italian club over in Malden to participate in bocce and to see bocce and now pickleball come to fruition, I think it's a great opportunity for our residents. Furthermore, just on a side note, we have a lot of snowbirds in our community. The biggest voting blocks and the biggest group in this community, when you look at the numbers, are the senior citizens. And to give them more opportunity to enjoy their golden years of retirement, I think you have to do it. And I really appreciate you making an effort to put this in place. On another side note, my mom is a snowbird, as most of you know. And down in Naples, they actually have a tournament that brings in thousands upon thousands of people that play. And they actually set up professional pickleball courts. It's a big facility. And three years ago when I visited my mom, I never even heard of pickleball, but it certainly is something that's taken off, not only here, but down in Florida where the retirees go down and enjoy the nice warm winters that we unfortunately don't have up here. So I just wanted to go on record. If I could too, as a former member of the council and a parent of a student in the Medford Public Schools, I think it's very important. I used to put this on yearly when I was a member of your honorable body. but I think the safety audit of all the parks to make sure, especially now, because once the parks are up and running, I think you're gonna have more people out there this year than ever due to the fact of the COVID-19 situation. So if you could, somebody think about putting on the agenda or making a paper to have the parks department do the safety audit, just to go through the entire facility structures and check all the nuts and bolts so that we can prevent injuries. I think it's a, no win, it's a win-win for the community and we can't go wrong when we're trying to provide safety to the senior citizens and in this particular case, the youth of our community. So once again, thank you to Councilor Falco and Councilor Scarpelli. I like when you guys think outside the box, you get down there on Tuesday night and you do the people's business. So I really appreciate that. And on another note, You guys are showing leadership. You're showing people that the country can still move forward under this devastating vaccine program that's before us now in the COVID situation by showing up on Tuesday nights and getting the people's business done. The continuity of government has to be paramount. And the people that are there tonight are doing that. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address of the record, please. Paul Camuso, 114 Lincoln Road, Medford Mass. Thanks again, Mr. President. Just I'd like to make a quick comment on the upcoming elections. We all know that with COVID and the last few election cycles, there's been some movement around the VFW is no longer a polling place, as well as some other minor moves. The temple, excuse me, not the temple, the American Legion. And I think it's important that you get the message out via all the communication that you can. Some people received ballots last election that didn't put in for a mail-in ballot like myself. I actually brought that to the attention of the city clerk at the time. I just think there has to be a very good PR push to let everybody know what's going on, just because there's so many moving parts with COVID and the secretary of state just filed a bill for mail-in voting to become permanent. So whatever direction it goes in, I just think the public needs to know, because not everybody picks up the Boston Globe and reads the papers and does all their research. So it's incumbent upon this city to do that aspect of notifications, I believe.
[Paul Camuso]: Unmute. Paul Camuso, 114 Lincoln Road, Medford Mass, here in our fine community. First of all, I want to thank the Honorable Vice President Knight for bringing this up tonight. You know, this is an issue that has been championed for a long time. I remember Councilor Marks bringing up this very particular issue when I was a member of the City Council. You know, this is an easy fix. This isn't something that has to be long debated like the issue that I appeared on last week, which has, you know, brought up several more issues. I've been called from community members regarding Oak Grove Cemetery, for instance, regarding that matter in cleaning up the leaves in the fall. But I'll be at the committee of the whole meeting to discuss that, because I know my loved ones are very concerned about the leaves at Oak Grove Cemetery. But this is something that can be done easy. You know, the rents down there at Fellsway Plaza are in the area of $30,000 plus a month. They have made several beautification projects on that facility. but I have to agree with Mr. Poli. The people of Wellington do not deserve to look at that albatross. And I remember last year there was a fire out there right behind that box. Someone threw a cigarette, the mulch went up and then half of the box. We need to do what we have to do to maintain our neighborhoods. The top job as a city councilor is meeting the needs of the constituents in all these neighborhoods throughout the community and the councilors that are sitting there doing just that. So I wanna commend you. Furthermore, on a few other upcoming agenda items. I think that it's important to keep doing the people's business. You know, we're showing a continuity in government. People are down there doing the people's business week after week, and it doesn't go unnoticed. I just wanna tell you, councilors, this pandemic is slowing a lot of things down, but the Medford City Council is still meeting at City Hall on Tuesday nights, getting the job done that you're voted in there to do. So I wanna commend all of you. And thank you very much for listening.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Paul Camuso, once again, 114 Lincoln Road here in our fine community. I want to thank Councilor Knight for bringing this up this evening. You know, this is a very unique opportunity for the city of Medford to bring in new non-tax revenue, which is very important. You know, this is the revenues that we should be going after, not trying to take more money out of people's pockets. that might be living on fixed incomes and other things throughout this community. I think this is a unique opportunity. We have to try to maximize and hold the people that wanna come in accountable to benefit this community. You know, I would have liked to seen this done over the last two or three years before other communities had this off the ground. For whatever reason, it stalled under the past city solicitor, but I'm glad you guys got it to this. point where we're at today, working with the administration, and I think you have to bring in value with this. It's going to be a good opportunity. It's overwhelmingly been supported by the voters in our community, so it's a good source of new non-tax revenue to bring in that can do many good things in this community under the leadership of the mayor's office and this honorable body by putting the money to good use where you see fit. Let's get going and get out there and bring home the bacon as they say. Thanks guys.
[Paul Camuso]: Hi, my name is Paul Canuso, 114 Lincoln Road, Medford, Mass. First of all, good evening to the Honorable City Council. I'd just like to go on record, you know.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. We hear a lot lately of looking for additional ways to raise revenues and whether it's going to be a proposition two and a half or a debt exclusion by certain members of the council. And I'm all for things to make our city better. But what I'm not for is You know, there's, this is a, this is, this as a proposed, as far as I'm concerned, Mr. President, it's going to be an additional tax. You know, I talked to my landscaper who does about 25 houses on our street, and they're talking about an extra a hundred dollars, a hundred dollars per household, because if they have to use rakes and not the proper equipment to do the job, then they're not going to be able to do it for the same price. You know, I'd rather see our money go towards the schools, go towards the fire department, the police department, and things of that nature. With all due respect, I think that this is an overshot of government. I think that this is going to put a burden on people that take their homes and their beautiful homes and try to make them better. You know, if the landscape prices keep going up, you're going to see people not getting it done because it's unaffordable. And I don't want to see that happen in my community that I love. I think this is an overstep of government. And I really believe that we should take a step back and really look at this. You know, you drive by homes in this community, people can't maintain the properties as they are in some occasions, and it's not fair to the neighbors. But with that being said, I just wanted to go on record in absolutely opposing this. I think you're gonna hear from a lot of the landscapers in the community, the DPW, and Michael Marks, you're right on target, Councilor. How can you say that the city can do them next to Morrison Park, Placestead Park, and other parks, but you can't have your home cleaned? It doesn't make sense, Mr. President, but I just wanted to go on record and be against this. And thank you for taking the time to listen to me.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, President Falco. I know it's been a long evening for all. Paul Camuso, 114 Lincoln Road here in Medford. But thank you for calling on me, Mr. President Falco. I speak from my experience as a member of the school committee and as a city councilor for about 16 years here in our community. First of all, the budget that we received, I want to thank the mayor. Read it online. It's got a lot of information, a total overhaul of budgets of years past. And I'm glad that it was presented in the format that it was. I think it's a great collaboration from all the department heads. The narratives were great and the charts and things of that nature. But as far as the discussion that's going on regarding meeting in Zoom and meeting in the council chambers, I absolutely understand that there is a lot of value in meeting at the council chambers. You know, yeah, when you have to look people in the eye on tough debates and things of that nature, and quite honestly, after watching this meeting, and some other meetings that are on Zoom, the decorum, the Robert's Rules of Order are in place for a reason. And it's a lot easier to keep an orderly meeting, I think, if you're at a public meeting rather than on Zoom, just because the technology is a little bit different. But like I said, I do not envy any of you guys during this COVID time. This city has stepped up amazingly, the city council, the mayor's office, the school department, everybody, to meet the needs of the people in our community with this COVID-19. It's unprecedented, as we all know. And I think that somewhere along the line, and I really got to credit the entire council tonight for the motion that was made. I believe it's basically for like a mediation with the mayor. I don't know if that's the correct word to use, but Marianne O'Connor, who I've had the privilege of knowing over the years, she is a consummate professional. and as well as the members of the school committee, the council, the mayor's office. If there's a way to do a hybrid model, I think it would be the best. Just because of the fact, like you said, people can have both, you can come down there if your health allows you to, and you can also participate on Zoom. The one good thing that I am encouraged by this evening is the participation, but The name calling and stuff that was allowed to happen tonight on all sides of this issue, it's not Medford that we can be proud of, to be quite frank. We should all be working together to move Medford forward in a way that we all love Medford. Whether you've been here for a hundred years or you've been here for a hundred days, it doesn't matter. You moved here because you like something in this community and it can always be better. It can always be better. I suggest, like I said, I hope tomorrow Vice President Caraviello, President Falco, with the mayor and other people can sit down and let cooler heads prevail. One thing that has been frustrating on Zoom, just when I've watched it, is sometimes they have to call the roll three, four, five times to find out how people are voting and stuff. The technology is iffy. I understand I understand that it's a good tool, but at the same token, it's something that can... whether it's a slow internet connection on a specific night or something. Um, it does, does can get challenging, you know, but, uh, for our community, for the Medford that we all love, let cooler heads prevail and, uh, let's get the budget and do it, uh, do it the right way. And I, and I just would like to, uh, hopefully it's a hybrid if we can do it in a safe manner. And, uh, as far as both sides of the issue, I understand, I understand both sides of the issue, but I cannot state loud enough the value of having a meeting with people once it's safe to do so. So I would encourage you, would strongly encourage you guys to try to do some sort of hybrid model, because this might be another year before we're out of the woods with COVID. The numbers are going up and down as we see all over the country right now. We don't know where we're gonna be. The city has done a tremendous job getting the, the PPE out there and things of that nature, working with the partners in federal and state government. But we don't know where we're going down the road. So people's individual needs can be met. And I've always been a big person for meeting the individual needs of constituents as we all are when we're elected officials. But if we have both, I think it would be the best because I think the decorum, most importantly, would be brought back to a place that we can all be proud of. in a setting less virtual, but also virtual for the people that do have health needs that may need it. So that's all I have tonight. And once again, just good luck with this budget. Budget time is never easy. Back in early 2000, I was around when there was a serious budget crisis when you were on the school committee council, Falco, and we worked together and we did some unique things to make sure that we mitigated some of the funds that weren't there. And we did that by working together. We didn't do that by the school committee and the council, not seeing eye to eye. We did that by working together. And we were able to put out a product that was good. And so that's all. I miss all you guys. And have a good night.
[Paul Camuso]: City.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address of the record, please. Good evening, Mr. President. My name is Paul Camuso of 114 Lincoln Road in Medford. And it sort of seems like deja vu. But, Mr. President, I just wanted to come down this evening. You know, the men and women of the police department, the fire department, this is public safety equipment that's before this honorable body this evening. You know, the Boston Marathon bombing, we didn't know it was going to happen that beautiful day in April. The fire where there was about five people that passed away down in South Medford, 25 yards from the firehouse, we didn't know that was going to happen that day. By laying this on the table one more week or two more weeks, I really believe it's an injustice to the men and women that protect our community. You know, week after week, we're talking about things down here that are needed in this community to better the quality of life. And this is a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned, Mr. President. You know, the former councilor just referred to the salaries that city councilors are paid. You guys do a tremendous job for the money that you make. The collections this year. I know you guys are working hard with collections to bring in money. There's a lot of money out there. There's over $9 million in certified free cash. This community is stable. This community is thriving, Mr. President. And I think it's about time that you take a hard vote. You spend the money to buy those 12 new cruisers. You spend the money. Give the fire department the gear that they need to protect themselves, property, and community standards. The NFPA, the NFPA says you need a second set of turnout gear. We only have about three or four people in the department right now that may have second and third turnout gear. And some of those are outdated. Correct, Chief? That's correct. So to wait any longer, to wait any longer, to let anybody get in the way of taking the vote for the men and women of the Medford Police Department, the Medford Fire Department, and the DPW. And I sort of single out the Medford Police and Fire Department this evening a little bit more than the other departments, because it is life or death when it comes to them, you know? And I often, I remember when I was sitting here as an honorable member of this council, and somebody questioned Medford's use of money to get the proper equipment for the police department. And it was shortly thereafter that down in Watertown, in Watertown on that cold April night when they had shootouts and the bombings that were getting thrown at police officers. And very easily that could have came north on Route 93. And Chief Gilberti could have got the phone call at his house at 1.30 in the morning and we could have had it going on here. You know, to wait is an injustice to the men and women and also to the taxpayers. And on top of that, the DPW does need the equipment. Go up the cemetery. We have a thriving cemetery. They're actually doing well up there because people want to stay in our cemetery, in our community, Mr. President. I know Councilor Marks has been fought for quite some time now for a mausoleum. I know that that's been on the plate up there, Councilor. So there's just a lot of good stuff going on in this community, Mr. President. And I think if you wait one week, I think it's definitely not in the best interests of the men and women. And here's the other thing, too. We heard the young lady over here and the Commissioner talking about, this isn't a fly-by-night thing like some people would want you to think. There has been price quotations that have been sent out. They're coming now with a responsible package with the dollar amount that's going to be needed for this. And furthermore, I find it kind of ironic because this city council as a whole, including myself over the years, have always said, let's do it with certified free cash and not bonding. Because the former mayor was a big fan of bonding and financing equipment. And he was very, very good at his job doing that. But here we are this evening. We're looking at spending certified free cash, which I can go back and watch millions of council tapes over the past 30 plus years that the council always preferred, the preferred method, as far as the council was doing that. So I just want to say, I respectfully ask all of the members of the council to support this unanimously and get behind the men and women of the police department and the fire department. You know, these are the simple things that they need to do their jobs. And it's great being down here this evening. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to address this body.
[Paul Camuso]: That's great.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mayor Burke. And it is a pleasure to be here today. You know, early on after the mayor was elected, she put together these teams. And right off the bat, she was adamant that we make sure that we include all different areas of this community, as well as the different demographics. And I think that based upon the meetings that we had, the survey that was put out and completed by over 300 residents, as well as the public meetings, I think we accomplished that task. The report that the mayor is going to highlight I think is inclusive of many areas where the city as well as the different department heads can improve as well as a focus on making sure that we're here to have the needs of each and every constituent met. I want to once again thank the mayor and look forward to working with her administration as we move this city forward. It's been an honor to serve with my fellow members here and once again thank you Mayor Burke.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Comcast Open Voice, that was actually—it wasn't public access. That was more a website initiative. that Comcast did, so we were one of either four or five, like Councilor Marks indicated, cities throughout the nation that did receive that grant or funding for it, but it was more towards webpage development and have the interaction through the web, not on public access. You know, I certainly think that the new administration going forward is going to, if anyone's going to get it up and running, it's going to be the new administration. They're going to come in here, I'm assuming, and they're going to want to get things done in this community. And public access hasn't been on the air for quite some time. This city council is well on record on trying to shut down public access over the years with the TV3 gang by a myriad of votes that took place. So I certainly am in support of Councilor Penta's motion to get a public access station up and running. And quite honestly, It was a few months ago that I joked with Councilor Penta. I plan on having you on my cooking show. And you actually said you'd come. So I'm going to have a show. When it's up and running, it's going to be a cooking show. And I'm going to have you on, and the two of us are going to break bread together, and we're going to make a nice Italian dish.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I just, I'd be remissed. We're talking about public access and the holiday season. You know, um, I just want to thank the individual out there that sent a real nice, um, obscene Christmas card to the Camuso family. It's someone that, uh, I believe based upon the investigation that's ongoing in handwriting that's been submitted to the Medford city council on petitions over the years that law enforcement, um, utilizing the federal mail service. Um, I think there's, um, I'm sure everyone will hear about it in the near future. So to that person that sent a card with threats in it, as well as swears, and when my six-year-old opened it up that's just learning how to read, I would just like to thank that individual, because when you screw around with the U.S. mail, it's not something that people take lightly. So to that person, I just want to wish them a very happy holiday season, and I'm sure we'll be seeing them very soon. in the proper place, so Merry Christmas.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I'd just like to send our very sorrowful condolences to the family of Joan Sacco-Sullivan, who passed away this morning after a short but a very aggressive battle with pancreatic cancer. I had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Sullivan since I was a little boy, growing up with her son, Greg, in West Medford, and just a real good family. She's got wonderful children, and she'll be missed. You know, she was a school secretary for probably over 35 years, still assigned to the Columbus School up until the time she got sick, you know. just want to send her family our condolences and Thank them for her years of service to the children of this community in her 30 plus years with the method public schools Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Motion for suspension of the rules?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to just say thank you. I'm not going to put in an official resolve, but a thank you to Teamsters Local 25 and President Sean O'Brien and Vice President Stephen Self. Just this last week, a Medford family that is less fortunate received an entire van full of toys by the Teamsters Local 25. So if we could just send them a thanks, it's one of the many charitable events that they run each year. So if we could send that to them on behalf of the Medford residents.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Chair recognizes Councilor Camuso. Thank you very much. First of all, I want to thank Councilor Tarviello for putting this on the agenda this evening. You know, this last week's debate, there was something that we haven't seen, the enthusiasm in that room for both candidates, all Medford residents. It was just something that we haven't seen in a long, long time in this community. You know, when I first got sworn in as a member of the Medford School Committee, that was the venue when Governor Salucci was out here and he swore all of us in, both school committee and city council and mayor. And, you know, it was just a wonderful place. And I remember, you look at some of the old photographs from the swearing in in 2000, and you can see just in the photographs the upgrades that have taken place. since the year 2000 or so at that very beautiful place that we call the Chevalier Theater in Medford Square. You know, as we left the debate and traversed Medford Square going to grab a bite to eat after, all the restaurants were packed. Carol's, Salvatore's, the overflow was down at Bocelli's and Razo's. It was just something that that the businesses can use. And think of the meals tax that was brought in just that evening by the influx of people that were out spending their money in the squares that not necessarily come out on a daily basis. But I mean, I'm speechless. You've got to just really think about what that place can be, especially the colonial theater. is owned by Emerson College now. They just took it offline for the next few years. They're not so sure where they're going to go with the theater. The BU owns a theater that Not really sure what they're going to do with their theatre right now. And as the premier real estate agent in our community just said, the money's not in the theatres. The money's in condominiums inside these theatres. And that's something certainly that we're not looking at here. But as that happens throughout New England and the greater Boston area, as the gentleman spoke earlier, there's going to be a need for theatres like ours that hold 1,200 people. And as I said, the investments that have been made there as a result of Representative Donato, who came through a few years ago and all the seats were done over, the acoustics, I believe, the organ was repaired, or is in the process of being repaired. It's a lot of good stuff. But the night of that mayoral debate, not only the dignity and the respect that was shown for the two candidates to one another on that stage, but the enthusiasm and the Medford pride that was exhumed through that whole area. The restaurants and everything else, it was something that I was actually very, very proud of. I went in there thinking we were just gonna see a debate and go home, but I saw a lot more. I saw a lot of Medford people that are excited that there's an election, are excited to participate, watching that debate. And last but not least, the first I'm hearing about it this evening is about the debate not being played. They made it loud and clear that that was going to be on the public access channel, I thought. So if we can get an update from the mayor, because certainly I think it's very important that the debates be played just as the Tufts University events are being broadcast on the local access channels. So if we could get an update from the mayor's office on that particular piece. And also, if we could send out a thank you to the Somerville Community Access TV for coming in that evening and providing quality camera work and everything else. I know the sound from what I heard was a little bit off at the beginning, but they tweaked it throughout the debate, and it was just a great production. So I want to commend my colleague, Councilor Penta, for participating that evening, as well as our former colleague, Stephanie Burke, participating, because it takes two candidates to have a debate. And both of them stepped up, did something that's not that easy, and brought a lot of Medford pride to the Medford community last week.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. Who is saying that this event's not being played? I mean, they've been publicizing it that it's going to be getting replayed and replayed the beginning and Mr. Veneziano, the whole group, that was the intent from Jump Street. Otherwise they wouldn't have brought in scat and everything else. Does anyone know who's saying this from the city or do you have an answer Rob? Do you know where this is being said?
[Paul Camuso]: Well, we can't govern on rulings.
[Paul Camuso]: Just waiting to take the vote, that's all.
[Paul Camuso]: So thank you. And, uh, appreciate you being here again, Mr. Zamparelli. Um, I don't have any specific questions at this point, but you guys are being very, very proactive, being here a couple times, holding the other community meetings. I'm very impressed, to be honest with you, because sometimes we get the calls after the fact to clean up. And you guys are being very proactive. And based upon that, I know that if I do get any questions, I'll be calling you at your office for specific residents. But thank you for being upfront, open, and Very accessible so far.
[Paul Camuso]: If I may, can we also send to the superintendent of Y is in the DPW commissioner on behalf of the resident to check the manhole covers currently at between Walcott and Woburn on high street, correct? If they can do something to tidy them up so that, especially now that the snow plowing and stuff is going to stop. I hate to even think about it, but within a few months, so.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Just for the record, because we're talking about an individual, there was no allegations of beating anyone up. No, no, but I'm just saying.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, I'd like to move suspension of the rules for item 15-616 and also the paper in relative to the Garden Club Commission.
[Paul Camuso]: Move approval on the appointment. And if we could do two papers after this that are relative to the Medford Housing Authority under suspension while the representative is here.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, congratulations on your appointment. This is the most important appointment, I think, on that board, because it brings a perspective from the tenants. We often hear complaints, but I've been getting a considerable amount of more complaints recently, just to name a few. Tempone Manor recently just had a pretty nasty assault down there. There's the ongoing drug problems in the building. There's people drinking out on the steps of Canal Street when people are traversing the neighborhood, and this is public housing. Willis Ave, all you have to do is pick up the police blotter each week. and see some of the problems that are ongoing down there and walk on court as well. These are quality of life issues, Mr. President. Quality of life issues that will affect the senior citizens down here at our high rises in Medford Square, as well as Bradley Road and all the other units that are under the authority and jurisdiction of the Medford Housing Authority. I think that the leadership, as far as the executive director and the board, have to really get involved with this. and get their hands around this. Not to get too much into specifics, but one of the situations with a recent assault, another assault took place with the same people a year or two ago, and they're still living there. These are our senior citizens and our residents that deserve a better quality of life. So if we could just ask the Executive Director to issue a report to us on what he's doing to clean up these housing developments, it would be greatly appreciated. Very good.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Um, the first thing is, um, if you'd allow me just to briefly discuss the $10,000, this is money that's coming in. That's going to be user fees slash money from the gardeners to cap it at $3,000. If they're putting their own money into this revolving account, which is not appropriated through the city budget process, I don't see why we should be capping it at $3,000. We should give them at least the $10,000, the same that the artists are allowed to spend at a bare minimum, the same that the parks and recreation has in a revolving account. But to limit it, I don't see that being proactive for this startup. I'd also like to make an amendment if the council is amenable to The amendment that the city solicitor made to have the Riverbend Park not part of this, I would think it would be prudent for this council to do it for three calendar years after the start-up. At some point, they should not be running their separate and distinct operation. It should encompass under the Garden Club, I'm sorry, the Garden Commission at some point. Mr. Lasky and that crew has done a phenomenal job down there, but I just have a hard time keeping one entity separate and distinct in the long term in the city where everything else is going to fall under this. It's similar to a school. We can't say, well, all the schools are going to fall under the school committee except one school. We're going to keep that under the council. It just doesn't make sense. Would the city administration be amenable to a three-year phase out? So your amendment to make it so that the Riverbend Park is not part of this, that it would not be part of this for the initial three years. After three years, which is 36 months from now, they will become part of this ordinance as of that effective date.
[Paul Camuso]: But we also could put the language that effective upon its passage that that particular portion expires on a specific date, 36 months from the date of passage. I just don't think it's fair, to be quite honest, and I think that the people that are already at Riverbend Park should have the opportunity to continue, but at some point, it should encompass all of the gardens in the city.
[Paul Camuso]: Unfortunately, it's, um, the paper before us is your amendment that you added. Um, unfortunately it's the vote of the council this evening, which will send it back to the mayor for enactment. And I, as one member of the council, uh, I just can't, um, I just have a hard time, segregate in one current garden. I appreciate everything that they've done. That's why I'm giving them, I think, reasonable as three years. And then they'll come under the auspices of this. I just look at all the parks in the community. If we take one park away from the park board and now call it a separate park, It just doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense. So I'm going to make that motion in whatever way it goes that we either suspend it or give them 36 months. I feel more comfortable doing it with the 36 months. And I disagree with the city solicitor in this particular matter, because language is written all the time. Matter of fact, we go back to the mills tax that was done here, and we put a date on it where the mills tax would be reviewed after several years and come back to this council. It happens all the time. At the state level, the MBTA now has a control board, and it expires certain regulations within the control board, expired at a certain date upon the effective passage of the legislation. So I respectfully disagree with the solicitor in this particular matter. I think that we can do it upon its passage. It's 36 months from the date of its passage. And I just think it's in the equity of fairness and just doing the right thing for the future gardeners that are out there.
[Paul Camuso]: But the city council has the right to either accept it, amend it. We've made other amendments this evening, uh, to the paper. So, uh, with all due respect, if the mayor's paper, um, I think there's a fairer way to do it. I'm going to make that amendment and whatever way my colleagues see fit. Uh, that's it. So an amendment that upon the effective passage of this paper, that the garden club at river Bend park, uh, stays separate and distinct for 36 months from the date of its passage. And then at that point, the 37th month, it would fall under the domain of the Garden Commission, which, and quite honestly, I hope Riverbend Park helps this commission, because they've done a fabulous job down there. This is an incentive to make the whole thing work by including them as well. So I make that amendment.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. What the candidate for office fails to recognize is this is still public property. And this was citizen-driven. This is public property that the mayor is responsible for. If someone falls in that garden, they're not going to the five members of the board. They're going to see Mark Rumley for a suit.
[Paul Camuso]: Without this commission, without this commission, There's no rules in place to make sure that there's fair and equitable access to the gardens. Now, the city has a stake at it. If someone doesn't feel they're being fairly treated, they can go down here and see Diane McLeod. This is fairly simple. This is something good for our community, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. Um, I want to thank Mr. Patience. Is it Patrick for coming up, but, uh, I'm going to keep the amendment there, I think 36 months. Uh, and quite honestly, if this doesn't work in 36 months, the audience is going to be out the window. So it's not going to, it will be moved and you guys will still operate your garden off to the side. So like I said, I just think it's the equity that has to be done. And like I said, I cannot appreciate Mr. Lasky and his group, what they've done up to this point, because it wouldn't be realistic. But I don't even remember starting a revolving account for Riverbend Park way back when, when it started. There's not even public records as far as how much money comes in and out and stuff. I just think that 36 months is enough. I'll even, for the gentleman's sake, I'll even go out 48 months. Give them four years. I think that's more than reasonable until it all becomes one.
[Paul Camuso]: If the council, 48 months. Yeah, I'll do that. I'll withdraw the 36 months and 48 months, which is four years from the date of its passage, It comes down to equity, I mean, and you can't have different organizations running different public properties when it all falls under similar data.
[Paul Camuso]: I respectfully disagree. I don't think this is a legal decision, as the city solicitor stated. In the past, this is more of a parliamentary procedure, which would fall under the domain of the president of the council.
[Paul Camuso]: The motion of Councilor Lungo-Koehn... No, you didn't answer that in the past. In the past, clearly because this is the mayor's paper you're answering.
[Paul Camuso]: Aye. Mr. President, if I may, I know my resolution failed, but at this point, I'm going to, in the interest of having a unanimous vote for something good in our community, I'm going to vote with the rest of my council colleagues to include the language amended by the city solicitor, presented before the body by Councilor Knight. If the record could reflect that. It will. So all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Just real quick. This program originally, I don't want to talk about the program, but the parking enforcement was initiated by the businesses and residents that couldn't get parking spots in the square. You drove through the square a year and a half ago. Every business owner was parked all day in front of their store. Matter of fact, some of them were so blatant, they had their vehicles leaded. You couldn't go in and get an ice cream, or you couldn't go in and get something to eat, or your nail's done, or this or that, because they were parked in front of their businesses. I think what we're losing sight of is a business permit is just that, it's a business permit. I can assure you, when the days of the Cambridge Courthouse was open, you could buy a permit, but if you weren't there by seven o'clock, the cone would be in front of the garage, and you'd be riding around, feeding the meter until midday, and then you'd come out and move your car during your breaks. So a permit is no way guaranteeing a spot. I understand you'd like to park in front of your place all day with a business permit on the window, and that sounds easy, but the consumers need these places to park. That's what we heard from the businesses in Medford Square, and throughout this community. Perhaps you misunderstood.
[Paul Camuso]: Not even close. You want to park on the street with a business permit for as long as you're going to be there. That's basically what you said.
[Paul Camuso]: But as I said, a business permit is a permit only. You can have all the permits in the world. You go to Davis Square and you park behind the Davis Square T Station. If you have a permit, you have to get there early, and you have to be there in time so there's a spot available. Otherwise, you wait outside the garage, you see a car pull out, and then you can pull in. I mean, I sympathize with you, but the fact of the matter is, this is where this was all generated. It was by the business community, it was by the people that wanted to utilize the squares that couldn't because of the business owners parking in front of their squares all day. If we do the simple solution that you're suggesting, Why don't we throw the parking out, you can park in front of your business all day, and then the consumers won't have a place to park. That's where we came from. I mean, that's where we came from.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay, well that's something we can take care of, and the Chief just heard that. But with all due respect, when you say I want to minimize it, that's not the case, because you're talking to someone that's father, owned a drugstore in Winchester Center for 25 plus years. And let me tell you, he had a business sticker, but if there wasn't a spot available, he took the gamble, and it was up to him to either pay a ticket or go home. He certainly wasn't going home and shutting the door on the drugstore. He certainly wasn't doing that. But the fact of the matter is, sometimes with his bad heart, he'd have to park up near Stop and Shop and walk a little bit, or he'd have to park on Church Street and walk a little bit. I mean, I understand your frustrations. But the easy solution of just parking in front of the businesses on the street, that's why we're into this over the years. Let's not sugarcoat it. That's why we are into parking enforcement.
[Paul Camuso]: No, you're asking to park on the street
[Paul Camuso]: and Councilor Robert M. Penta, you were afforded that opportunity, as well as you and you and you and you and you and me. And that is the lot behind St. Joseph's. The Chamber of Commerce worked diligently with this city council. If people don't want to walk across the bridge to get to their business, then I just, it's a catch-22. It's a catch-22. People, people now can get a spot when they go to the doctors in Governor's Ave and Bradley Road, but I mean, this was emanated when people were parking in front of their businesses year after year with names on their vehicles.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, if you see that, you should be calling the police. Or call me, and I'll call the police.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, you know what? That's unacceptable. And I know you were conversing with the chief out there, I'm sure. Did you tell the chief that?
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, because I understand you, in your business, you've got to carry probably briefs and things of that nature, boxes to court.
[Paul Camuso]: I wish I did, but I don't. And listen, I sympathize with you. But at the same token, it was the Chamber of Commerce and the businesses that pushed this. Believe me, this is what we all hear the calls about. There's a happy medium out there somewhere.
[Paul Camuso]: And I'm here to advocate for that. Yeah, absolutely. But with that being said, the mayor, as you know, is the contract negotiating authority. You should be speaking with him regarding this. We can bring the message.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, you being a former elected official should understand that the council is a legislative body and not the administrative authority. It's tough. We're not the executive in in January. I know at least one candidate has a plan for parking that was in the newspaper a few weeks ago. So we'll see what happens in January. But at least for now, I would suggest that you contact the mayor's office and to demand to see him. You pay enough in taxes.
[Paul Camuso]: The rules clearly state that commuter parking, now Councilor Marks brought up a very valid point that they may be selling them to out-of-towners, but according to the policy and the rules, 100% of commuter passes are Medford residents. And to take their parking privileges away, I don't support that at all. At all. It's a thought process.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And, uh, I'm sorry. Yes.
[Paul Camuso]: Um, thank you. And I got to agree with Councilor Caraviello. I'm looking at this realistically. I don't have to yell and scream about it because it's not a campaign year for me, unlike everyone else that's sitting in this room tonight, a lot of you. I look at it and try to look at it realistically. A year and a half ago, at four in the afternoon, if I wanted to go and take my son for an ice cream in Medford Square, I wouldn't have been able to get a spot. I would have drove around four or five times. I think that's realistic. I think most people agree with that. People are nodding their heads in the audience. I look now, a year later, with the inception of this program, I can't remember the last time I had to drive around to go get that same ice cream at four o'clock in today's parking program. Is it culture shock, having to pay to park in the city of Medford, which hasn't had meters since the 19, I'm not even sure what year, but you look at the old photos, they had them in Medford Square in front of Stagliano's liquor store, Sure Pharmacy at the time. They came out in 1982. They came out in 1982. So from 82 to 2014, it slowly built up. And there wasn't a need for it in the 90s because there wasn't as many cars on the road. There wasn't as much cars in each household. And the development has been more throughout the city too. Not particularly in the squares, but on the outer edges of some of the areas, there's been more development. Other than paying to park in the enforcement piece, I think the consumers are happy. I've got to be honest. Other councillors may get 200 calls about this issue. I haven't got it. At first, it was culture shock. I was getting the calls. I was getting the calls. Matter of fact, I'd like to see someone's call log. Someone's call log of all the calls they're getting. Black out the names, because I quite honestly don't believe it. I don't believe when people are saying they're getting 200 calls, 300 calls about it. It doesn't add up. It doesn't add up. With that being said, Mr. President, I understand people are still getting used to it. And I understand that wholeheartedly. But when some businesses say they're down 8% to 12%, I have other businesses So I have no reason to not tell the 100% truth, that say this is the best thing that ever happened to their numbers. Now we may shop in different places. Maybe some people tell me what I want to hear, tell another Councilor what they want to hear. But I'm telling you, I have been told this by businesses. I'm not making it up. I'm not making this up. The fact of the matter is, This is more consumer-friendly in one aspect. It's not consumer-friendly because you have to pay now. It's not business-friendly because you can't park your car in front of the business all day. But there's also businesses out there that are happy with this. They're happy with this. This chamber has not had over 50 people in it in one night regarding the parking. Hasn't. Hasn't. We have a city of 60,000 people. 60,000 people live in this city. If the councillors get the 300 calls that they say they do, if they actually get 300 calls, God bless them. It's still less than 1% of the community. It's still. So, like I said, I just, I don't hear the complaints. I hear the young, and it's funny too, because the same people, and I bring this up when the drive-throughs come up. The same people now are stopping at these businesses because there may be parking where before they'd drive an extra three miles, drive by two Dunkin' Donuts or two banks to go to the one with the drive-thru because they couldn't find a spot. They didn't want to get out of the car and stuff. I mean, so obviously there's some people that are happy with it. There's some people that are not happy with it. But that's just through my eyes. I mean, I'm given a fair synopsis of what I see out there. I haven't heard the I mean, I can give you probably 50 emails of people that have complained about it over the six or seven months, but I'm just going by what I've experienced. And like I said, I don't have to give a speech. I'm retired. I'm off into the sunset. Good luck to all of you. I'm just telling you what... I'm just... Well, with all due respect, Val, Val, we're cleaning. I'm not even going to get into the parking lot mess over there in West Medford. But with that being said, Mr. President, with that being said, Mr. President, I'm giving a brief synopsis of what I see. And it's just one city councilor out of seven. And I know there's other councilors here that have Got some of the same feedback because people have told them directly. And I'm not going to put them on the spot because it's not fair to do that if they don't want to talk about it. But there is people out there that are very happy with this program, as well as not happy with it. But more, I get positive feedback.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, rather than, and I can understand where the council is coming from, but I don't agree. I would rather have that million dollars in the bank collecting interest for the taxpayers, knowing that it's encumbered for a specific reason, which is the repayment of the loan, but at least have it in an interest-bearing account, which it is. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, move suspension of the rules to take three papers combined, 15-562, 15-563, and 15-568, and they all pertain to the Craddock Bridge construction project.
[Paul Camuso]: No, you're insulting.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Thank you. My first question is, is there going to be the temporary construction trailer up where people can actually take a look at the plans? And there's people at home now that couldn't be here this evening. Do you plan on doing that or not?
[Paul Camuso]: Okay.
[Paul Camuso]: Excellent.
[Paul Camuso]: Now, uh, I've taken upon myself to go to other communities that similar projects were done to see what the impact was on the downtown area. Uh, one in particular was the town of Winchester, uh, similar project. And it took about two and a half, three years. And it got cut down to one lane, most of the, um, project and, uh, the businesses, other than the fact that it was a pain in the neck to traverse the area, with police detail, stopping the traffic, that one. They said as far as the impact on their businesses, they really didn't see much. Just the ones that I happened to talk to. With that being said, are there any projects that you've done similar to this one in the general vicinity?
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. Um, the second thing, um, I have a question about is the, uh, the maritime conditions and the locks and things of that nature because, um, The boating community is concerned about the locks being opened and manipulated for this project. Do you know if there's going to be an impact on the riverway, as far as that goes?
[Paul Camuso]: No, not the locks here, but the Amelia Earhart Dam. Is the water level going to stay the same and everything, or are they going to?
[Paul Camuso]: And that leads up to my next question. The DCI vote can certainly help out your cause by slowing the flow up at the upper and mystic lakes because that's brand new. It was done over in the past few years. Members of the DOT that are here, I'm sure, are familiar with that project. So it's actually good that that was done. And interesting enough, the Winchester Bridge was a result of some of their downtown flooding problems as well. So there's a lot of moving parts to this whole project that we don't necessarily see. The other thing is I'm confident that the direct abutters will be appropriately represented given the fact that you're putting the monitoring systems in. And I would hope that they all take part in it and have an independent insurance person take a look at their conditions prior to this process starting. And last but not least, Councilor Pentland hit on it a little bit. but the environmental impact on the river. We have a lot of stuff. As you said, the city has water lines under there. Is there going to be any negative environmental impact during demolition? Is there going to be booms set up and everything that contain everything right there, or netting under the bridge that's going to catch stuff? What's in plans?
[Paul Camuso]: We're going to lift these large pieces right out and set them on a truck and take them away. Okay. And at any time does this job call for a barge under there as well to either rebuild or demo?
[Paul Camuso]: My last question is just to follow up on that. Actually, from the drawings and the research that I've done with this particular project, going under the bridge there, it actually looks like it's going to be a lot better. Naturally, it's going to be more aesthetically pleasing. but it's going to be more open and voluminous when you're on the west side of the bridge looking down river towards Medford Square. It's actually going to improve the image in the sites. And I know that's a very, that's a big area where a lot of people throughout the community utilize to take pictures, whether it's wedding pictures, this, this, this and that type thing. And it's, it's more open right now. People that haven't seen it or been up close. There's only a small area where boats go through and everything else. It's going to be like the Longfellow Bridge almost, but much smaller, naturally, the arches.
[Paul Camuso]: Correct.
[Paul Camuso]: OK. And last but not least, I know this is very nerve-wracking for residents. I mean, the traffic the last two days has been very bad, but that was because of the Winthrop Street project going on. That's because, um, this project that's, that's just getting underway. But, um, I, I tried to look back to some of the complaints, um, that the city received years ago when they did the route 16 bridge over down near metal Glen mall. And that was a bigger bridge and, um, it actually took, uh, took a substantial amount of time. But, uh, overall, It wasn't directly in the business community, but it was close enough that it could have an adverse effect on the Metal Glym Mall and Century at the time, and Mystic Valley Tower was north. But it was pretty good overall. And that was the Department of Transportation slash DCR joint venture at the time. So I'm confident that if we all work together that this can be done, and it has to be done. And that's the part that people are failing to realize throughout the square and throughout the community. If this doesn't happen now, the price is just going to go up. And inevitably, there could be someone resulting in injury or fatality down there. I mean, when they're putting up yellow caution tape for people not to walk over a bridge, something has to be done or cordoning off certain areas of a bridge. But this is being done for public safety and no other reason, quite honestly, because I know the state wouldn't want to be spending the money either. if it didn't need to be done. But I want to thank you for your presentation and look forward to working with you on this project.
[Paul Camuso]: Motion to take 15-460, the fiscal year 2016 budget, off of the table.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President, and I want to thank you as well as Mayor McGlynn as he presents his final budget to the Medford City Council. Once again, this is a budget that is going to provide city services at a level that I think is sufficient. I've been a member of this council when times were really, really tough and when times were really, really good. Right now, we're basically at a point or a juncture that Things in the city are moving forward. And I'm proud to say that that was a collaborative effort, Mayor McGlynn and the city council, the school committee, the superintendent, and all the magnificent department heads and employees that we have here in this very building. But as I get ready to vote on Mayor McGlynn's final budget favorably, and I'm only one of seven members, One thing that did stick out to me was the statistics on the parking program. And it looks roughly about there's about 34 to 33,000 transactions at the meters throughout our community a month. And that's a pretty impressive number. And when you go to look at the citations and the citations collected, the number seems to be going down in the last few months. And I think that's another interesting piece of data that we were presented from Mayor McGlynn and his staff. With that being said, this is a good solid budget. I'm very, very happy that the mayor agreed with this honorable body and funded the substance abuse prevention coordinator for the city of Medford. I think it's a position that is much needed. I think everyone on this council supported it when I first brought the idea forward and the mayor took it to one One step further, another level, and he made it a full-time position. So certainly, I'm proud of that, and I think that that's a legacy on this entire council, because we initiated it here, and hopefully it's going to be a position that turns out to be a lifesaver when people are ready to utilize the person that's awarded that job in the very near future. But with that being said, I think the school department budget is a very solid budget, too. The superintendent pointed out the money that's being spent in maintenance and in repairs. The superintendent also pointed out that the lump sum checks or the lump sum raises that some were saying were $60,000, a significant amount of money, were actually bonafide employment opportunities where people took new positions, is that correct, superintendent, that were publicly posted and things of that nature. So just to clear up some of the confusion on that, because I get some phone calls from people in the school department saying, where did these jobs that are referred to on TV, where are they? And so I'm thankful the superintendent gave us that in-depth report as well. But like I said, I think that this is a solid budget, Mr. President. I was prepared to vote on this budget last week. after the final budget deliberations. But, Louise, you did a fabulous job on your first budget, your first of many budgets, hopefully, here. Either that or you'll be doing purchasing, I guess, because you have your contract as our purchasing agent for the next several years. But, like I said, we're at a juncture in our community right now, Mr. President, where we're, in a very short period of time, the faces and names of A lot of elected officials in this community are going to be changing. That's factual at this point. And it's really a good opportunity to keep the city stagnant and moving backwards or forward or wherever the voters may see fit. And with that being said, I think that this is a solid, solid budget. And I support it. And hopefully it gets voted on favorably. And the personnel throughout the community can get back to work tomorrow knowing that the budget is in place. And I really don't have anything else to say about it. But I want to thank the department heads, and particularly Louise Miller, Superintendent Belson, and Mayor McGlynn. You know, he's been around, and this isn't a Mayor McGlynn, Ra-Ra speech at all, but he's been around when times were tough around here and when times were good. And the city services were always a priority. And the city services, where they are, 28 years ago and a lot added and not cut back. So for that, and it was really good to always support a budget too with no trash fee. Like our neighboring community of Malden, we were still able to get through another budget cycle without that. So there's a lot of positive stuff happened over the past couple of years under Mayor McGlynn's watchful eye. Thank you, Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: These are all proposals that were brought through the chain of command, and ultimately the decision was made with Mayor McGlynn. If he wanted him in the budget, he would have put him in the budget. This is, and just, I'm going to wrap up, but it's kind of ironic because the council wants to keep adding to the budget, adding to the budget, adding to the budget, but every time we have a paper before us to add something good, he votes against it. So it's, it's just, I'm finding it kind of ironic right now.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. I assume, as in years past, this will be funded out of the water and sewer account with a vote of the Council.
[Paul Camuso]: This is very much done. It's rudimentary. It's done all the time. It's been done in years past.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. One thing that anybody that's a good manager would look at at this point would be if there's been any changes in the system that we've used. And there's been a major change. as a result of this council advocating for a tiered rate system. The tiered rate system started how long ago?
[Paul Camuso]: So that's, I'm assuming where we don't know where we're going. Is that correct? That is correct. And that's a direct result. But this is Management 101. This is something that we have to learn from this because we don't know at this point. We don't know at this point. So I'm very comfortable knowing that we've funded this in the past out of the Water and Sewer Enterprise Accounts, which has certain regulations and standards that the money can be used for. And this is certainly an appropriate use when necessary. But to say that it's 117, I assumed right off the bat it was because of the tiered rate system, and that's why I wanted to pose the question to you. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: And we only have authorization to cut the budget, not line items.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, if I may, this particular line item, I don't feel comfortable reducing it at this point. That money that's in the budget, could be used at a later time for other accounts if the city council sees fit. Money from the water and sewer enterprise accounts could not. So let's say we have another real bad year, like we've had this last winter, where the snow and ice was outrageous, just based upon the climate that we had. Right now, when it's in the budget, it can be used to offset the snow and ice, correct? It cannot. It cannot, even if it's the budget line item.
[Paul Camuso]: OK. So I apologize. I had the wrong understanding on the budgeted side of things compared to the account that the money is in. Right. Exactly. It was, I apologize for misspeaking on that. But with that being said, I still, the tiered rate system, it's great. We've advocated strong for it, this council, and we may have to make up money on the water side because of the assessment with this new tiered system. I mean, we got the answer from Mr. Kamara, who gave us a very detailed response last week in our packets. So I'd just like to sever those votes, that's all.
[Paul Camuso]: He's going to cut the budget and then vote against the budget. It doesn't make sense. Couldn't run a lemonade stand.
[Paul Camuso]: A yes vote is to strike. A no vote is to leave it in. Correct? Correct. I just want to make sure. OK. Councilor Camuso? No. Councilor Caraviello?
[Paul Camuso]: What was the roll call on that, on the first item? 4-3. 4-3, and it failed?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you for all your hard work.
[Paul Camuso]: This is the outreach coordinator.
[Paul Camuso]: We just voted for the position. We got it earlier today.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, maybe you just didn't keep up to the times. I just got it tonight, Paul, all right? Well, we all got it earlier. You're the only one that always has problems.
[Paul Camuso]: Same as Ernest Lindsay.
[Paul Camuso]: The job is going to be filled very, very soon.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes.
[Paul Camuso]: It's already in the budget.
[Paul Camuso]: We've all been advocating for this, putting it off for longer. I mean, the overdoses just keep going up and up and up in the city.
[Paul Camuso]: Hey, I agree. But the fact of the matter is, it's a position that we all advocated for.
[Paul Camuso]: Council has been sitting on it. June 16th, we've been sitting on it, dishonorable bodies since June 16th.
[Paul Camuso]: But we don't approve job descriptions. We're overstepping our boundaries. Job description is administrative role. Whatever. If you guys don't want to support it, don't support it.
[Paul Camuso]: There's a motion for approval. Yeah, that's the only role we have is putting it in their classification personnel table. Take the vote if you don't want to support it.
[Paul Camuso]: Of course it can.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lungo-Koehn asked to this be tabled until we got the description. That's how we're at now.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. As we all know, the city- I have a point of order, Mr. President. Talk about it next week.
[Paul Camuso]: Sounds good. Mr. Villion won't have his TV station.
[Paul Camuso]: I don't know if the Councilor may have forgot, but didn't we as a council vote on a moratorium for this particular reason?
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, while we're under suspension. While we're under suspension, Councilor Camuso. I'd like to take 15-424 and talk about community access.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. As we all know, we're getting the new Medford TV station up at Medford High School. And it's going to be pretty exciting that the city is going to be moving forward finally over the next nine months or so with the project. And if we could just ask the school department to get an update, not on the building, because I'll speak about that. That was section 22 a few minutes ago. But I would like to ask the school department to see where they're at as far as getting the station up and running. I know it comes after the construction.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: And I certainly agree with Councilor Marks, because there's going to be people that can't go to this station because of their quarry, because it's in the school, where if it was in Medford Square or somewhere else, it might not eliminate them. But with that being said, if we could get an update from the school department on how's it going and who they plan on putting in charge of it, and just basically an update on the new station.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Mr. President? Point of information, Councilor Poulos. It's not on hold. The paper that was section 22'd a little bit earlier was to get an update on the moving forward, but we can't talk about it. So it's not on hold. That's incorrect.
[Paul Camuso]: A developer wants to go up there, you said? I'm confused.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President. Thank you very much, Councilor Penta. Councilor Camuso. I'd just like to remind the viewing public that it was Councilor Penta that fought the charge to shut the access station down. So it's kind of ironic, once again, There's many emotions he brought forward, and the record doesn't lie.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, if I may just conclude, as I stated, The Councilor wanted to get rid of public access and now he's a proponent.
[Paul Camuso]: We don't need personal tax. You're on your last leg here, councillor.
[Paul Camuso]: It's only begun.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Before you read the records, Mr. President. Yes, Councilor Camuso. I'd like to wish a very, very happy 40th anniversary to our council colleagues, Adam Knight's parents. excuse me, Dee and Jerry Knight, 40th years of wedding bliss and marriage and two great kids, grandchildren, and I just want to wish them well. Happy anniversary.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you very much for your presentation. Certainly, I think this is a very fair and equitable plan that gives much needed funds to the human service community that directly gives a positive impact on the families that utilize them on a daily basis. So I am in support of this. I'd like to move approval, Mr. President. And if I could just ask one question, just because there's a little, it's a little bit off topic, but I know Lauren's been handling it and it's not putting you on the spot. The anticipated completion of the Christopher Campbell Peace Guide. Is it this calendar year or next calendar year? Do you know?
[Paul Camuso]: And the reason I ask that is because I think it's a very good project. And I was under the impression that it was going to be this year. But as we approach May, construction-wise, I just wasn't sure that we could get it done.
[Paul Camuso]: And I'd like to recognize Council President for giving me the leeway to ask that question, because I know some people were asking, and as we got later in the year, didn't know if it was actually feasible to get it done by the end of the year. So, yes, thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. So a request for roll call on the motion for approval and sever the question of the 15 grand. The sever has to come first. Whatever. I just, I'm for it. And if I can state, I have the floor, Mr. President. This is for the Alfonso Caro Center. It's the common area of that development, and it's where most of the things take place down there. It's where election day is held. So this is definitely a common area, and this is where you're going to get the best impact for the best dollar, and I support it. The improvements that were made over the last few years were significant. There were squirrels and raccoons living in the building. prior to the last improvements. So I certainly do support this as a quality of life issue, and it's coming from the federal government. So rather than get rid of it, I'd rather see it funded here than in Milwaukee or Nevada or somewhere else that we'll be putting in for funds as well.
[Paul Camuso]: Present a question please to the council, and yes, vote is one 15,000 stated or?
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. The only other way, I see Councilor Pinter's point, but the only other way would be taking a yay or nay vote on the entire paper as approved. And from listening to the council, I don't think that the votes are there to take the $15,000 away from the Medford Housing Authority. So in essence, if we vote yes, as it, as it's on our agenda, it's approval for the whole paper. That's so I was doing the sever out of respect for you, Councilor, so that we could take a separate vote on that piece.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information Councilor Camuso. Um, in all due respect to Councilor Penta, that may be the druthers of one councilor, but there may be other councilors here that are in, in, favor of it as presented so that the $50,000 that's non-encumbered right now for a specific purpose can be utilized for the senior citizens within a development and not necessarily that development. If we fund this money, some of the federal money can be used at other developments in the city.
[Paul Camuso]: And if they do get money, and it's more than anticipated, they can do an additional project down there. And quite honestly, Walkland Court's a lovely community, but it's probably the building that needs the most upgrades out of them all. And that's from walking and traversing in all of them over quite a few years. So I understand where the council is coming from, but to have the OCD director do that, when it may not be the druthers of the entire council, if he wants to do something like that, then let's take a vote on it. That's basically all I'm saying.
[Paul Camuso]: If the members of the council, once again, support asking that question.
[Paul Camuso]: Because I know that over the years, that has been one development that has for lack of a better word, not receive some of the other upgrades that other developments have. You go down here to 121 Riverside Avenue, they spent a lot of money in the lobby over the years, they spent a lot of money in the grounds. Now I understand some of them are federal and some of them are state buildings, but the one you hear the most complaints about is Walkland Court.
[Paul Camuso]: That's a long-term plan. And very well possibly in the future, too. It could be something where, with the Green Line coming into that particular area, that there may be other housing options where they can build a new development somewhere else within our community or in a neighboring community that's state-funded. than possibly a whole new development. I mean, we don't know. That's going to be a hot area.
[Paul Camuso]: Precisely.
[Paul Camuso]: Absolutely. And that's what's keeping the units affordable.
[Paul Camuso]: The president administration is another six months.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Point of information, Councilor Camuso. I'd like to ask the council, where the post office in South Medford is. I'm not familiar.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. The hillside. All right. I was thinking more South Medford square.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And, um, you know, I, I certainly support this this evening, but, um, I think this council has been very supportive of the arts, uh, just within the last few years, the line item that was offered by Councilor Marks. for arts in our community was put into the budget. I believe it was $25,000 at the time. And it's something that we've made sure that it was put in year after year. Now, I look back a few years ago. OK. I look back a few years ago, and at the time, it was President Stephanie Muccini-Burke who was the chairperson of the council. And we did have a proposal for an art center here in our community. And the only three councilors at the time that supported it, for whatever reason, was Councilor Carr, Councilor Marks, and myself. Now, all the councilors have their own reasons why they didn't, and I respectfully understand their reasoning. But there's been proposals over the years that have come up, so to say. But with that being said, as Councilor Caraviello just stated, too, I think, and I brought this up in the past, I think the Chevalier Commission has to look in the direction, too, of allowing Councilor Lungo-Koehn mentioned a few minutes ago about having a nice movie with popcorn and sitting down with the kids. But unfortunately, unless you change your rule, popcorn's really not allowed in there during the show. Is that correct? Correct, yes or no? Yeah, right now. So right there is part of the problem. Concession stands is what's keeping Lowell alive a lot, as well as Lynn, because people are going up to the concession stands, and they're buying a 12-ounce beer for $5, and it's costing the place a nickel. So the city has been supportive over the years of putting some ideas and stuff out there. And the management company, and I understand, you're in a commission role. And that's certainly different than being an actual manager of a theater. And the city maybe should have taken a bigger investment on the management side of bringing in somebody that's paying and that's their whole entire job is getting behind the shows to come in and all that. But I think we have to change with the times as well. I think the marquee is a wonderful idea. Hesitant to the fact to have some advertising going on it other than the shows that are there Because I think that would essentially be another billboard type thing on Forest Street, and I wouldn't be totally for that to be honest with you But as long as we keep the integrity of the building as long as the Historical Commission signs off on it the Chevalier Commission of course who is in the custody in control of the building and as well as I believe it would be the city council for a signed denial permit. As long as it goes through the proper channels and gets vetted properly, I'm for this 100%. But I just think that this council, particularly the council that's here today and not ones of six, seven, eight years ago, have been very supportive of the arts, including the $15,000 that was, I believe, unanimously supported by myself and the other six members of this council. over the past few years. So, I'd just like to say I support your endeavor and move approval.
[Paul Camuso]: Hey, for the gentleman. Thank you. Do you say you were going to put your own money and funding behind the show and they turned you down?
[Paul Camuso]: Well, no, no, because normally a promoter comes in.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, well, I'm just a little confused, because if you brought it to them, As a conduit, what is your role in it?
[Paul Camuso]: OK, with that being said, you have your own private capital to put on a show.
[Paul Camuso]: Just to follow up with the gentleman again, first of all, his facts are wrong, as occasionally they are. The city did not put up $15,000 for John Danva. That was a private entity that went to the Chevalier, correct? A promoter?
[Paul Camuso]: Correct. And the gentleman said the city put up the money. I know that wasn't the case because otherwise you would have to come through here through the general fund and the budget.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay.
[Paul Camuso]: And I remember, too, it's very easy to get up here and say, I'll bring this guy in and that guy in. But if you don't have the funding to back it up, I'll give you a perfect example. A few years ago, Representative Donato put his own capital behind it, had an outstanding show, Michael Amante, right down here in Medford Square. The place was packed. The local limousine companies were busy, the livery services, the restaurants. But Representative Donato took a leadership role and put up his own private capital in order to do that. So Medford Kiwanis did it with Lou Rawls. Lou Rawls. Lou Rawls. So to say that they're just going to come, I mean, that's a fragment of people's imaginations.
[Paul Camuso]: I think we have to be clear, because it was a statement that was made that the city of Medford put up the money. And as much as we'd like to, that's not the case at this at this point.
[Paul Camuso]: It's a big difference being a groupie with the people that play at nightclubs and tavern-type things, and actually being a promoter that brings in shows, writes a check to the Chevalier Commission for $25,000, $30,000, and then works off commission and other things. It's a huge difference, and I've witnessed it firsthand through the likes of the Kiwanis and Representative Donato, so.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, no, I just thought that was important, because I didn't want the taxpayers to think that we were just fronting money for shows at the Chevalier Auditorium.
[Paul Camuso]: Like I said, the gentleman, I deal with facts. I'm certainly not going to go low and talk about the judge's order that was written and basically talked about the caliber of the individual that was here. That's for another day. But facts and figures are important when you're at the people's forum.
[Paul Camuso]: If we're going to have a gentleman that walks around here just screaming and yelling, I mean, you may want to do something as the presiding officer, because it's certainly disruptive to the entire group of people that are out here. If he has to be escorted off the grounds, then so be it. But I'm actually a little bit nervous with the behavior that's being shown by that gentleman right now.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I respectfully disagree with Councilor Penta. I have had the honor and the distinct pleasure to serve with the lady in question on this city council and have been through several budgets with her. She has the utmost integrity of high caliber. And I am sure that she's doing what is right according to the law. And if she feels that resigning on May 15th is the way to go, then I support it wholeheartedly. I just, like I said, I just, the utmost integrity this woman has. So I just respectfully disagree with my council colleague, and I'll leave it at that. Thank you, Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, as just a little quick follow-up, and I'm going to let it go, Mr. President. I'm sure, and I haven't had any conversations with her since she announced to be a candidate for mayor. And I am sure, knowing her and the input and just the way she goes about her every day doing her job, she is doing it within the confines of the law. And I have no question about anything as it relates to this matter. I'm not ready to take any type of vote on this other than to just say, I'm just letting my feelings be known. Madam Vice President.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, and I certainly agree with my colleague, Councilor Penta. The gentleman's just going about doing things on his own. We have a piece of property that abuts that, directly behind it, that is, we're going to be doing a multi-million dollar clean-up down there at some point, and there's been excavating equipment out there, moving the dirt around, and the dirt is touching buildings systems, at least they're monitoring for the chemicals that are out there. I mean, this isn't environmentally... If they're taking dirt out, where's the dirt going? We don't know. So I think we have to send this to the Board of Health as well, Councilor Penta, to find out what's going on with that. And the other thing is, too, you know, you have people in this community, city employees, that do their due diligence and take their jobs very serious. After city employees have done their jobs and inquire, what's the equipment for, and this and that, and asking where your permits are and all that, one of the gentlemen that's in this particular establishment is going in and basically threatening other businesses, saying they called the city on them. I mean, this guy's a vigilante running roughshod down there. And it's just totally unacceptable. And the business owners are basically looking at him like a deer in the headlights. Like, what are you talking about? It's in the West Medford Municipal lot. It's the West Medford Municipal lot. You're underneath the, you have 300, 400 cars pulling in and out of there during the days, I assume, between all the different venues down there. So with that being said, I think the city has to actually get a handle on what's going on down there. Interesting enough, I know the gentleman has the proper seating for the beer and wine license, and I quite honestly don't know what the definition of a cordial is. I know bigger restaurants in the community that have gone out and put the proper seating in to have full liquor licenses. and made an investment in the pay and higher insurance bills and everything else due to those licenses. I mean, are they at a disadvantage if they're serving stuff that doesn't conform with the particular license? I really don't know, to tell you the truth. So this is all things that our department heads have to get back to us on, I think. and then move forward in the appropriate manner. Because the biggest thing that disturbed me the most, though, like I said, with everything aside, going in and basically yelling at other business owners when there's a full store full of customers. You called the city on me and this and that. Well, you know what? If you do things right, you don't have to worry about anyone calling the city or a building inspector coming on your property and making sure you're doing things right. Just do it the right way. I mean, Councilor Penta just read an advertisement talking about the seating and this and that. It hasn't even been before this council yet. I have a serious public safety issue I'm going to be looking at. What if a car pulling out of a parking spot? puts the car in drive and goes right through this patio with 30 people eating on it down there. I mean, I don't know. Is there going to be bollards? Is there going to be some barrier in place? Is it the border health an issue where the diesel trains are going by and out there eating? I don't know. But this is where our department heads have to give us the answers. And as long as the gentleman's doing everything right, good luck to him. But as far as I can see right now, from what I hear, and I know early on, There was some questions with the way the liquor license was written up. Is that correct? Councilor? Um, and the way he was approaching his business, but serious, uh, disadvantage to businesses that are conforming to the rules and standards like counsel Penta stated. So, uh, I support having this sent to our department heads.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta. Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. And I've been a member of the school committee in the past and a member of this council. And I certainly respect the clear delineation of the roles of each particular body. The school committee puts together a budget. They come to the city council with that bottom line number, and we either say yay or nay on the overall funding package. A lot of good stuff has been going on in the schools, but there's also some questions, like Councilor Prentice said about the vocational school. That's the first I'm hearing of it. I know that they're going to be bringing some new programs into the vocational school. in the very near future, and I'm not so sure. I just haven't heard what you're saying, and I'm sure there is probably some truth to it. Somewhere in the middle, there's something going on. But I really believe that this is a school committee issue, Mr. President. We have school committee members that do a great job getting into that budget during the budget process, so I will not be supporting this. Just for the mere reason that this is a school committee issue, as far as I'm concerned, And I respect the budget that they put together. And in most of these positions, too, are subject to some sort of collective bargaining agreement, I would think. There's very few employees that are at will employees. I know there's some confidential secretaries, but most of the people are in the administrator's union or the teacher's association. So that's the majority of the staff. And then the rest is the nurses and the paraprofessionals, things like that. But most of them are under a collective bargaining agreement. So for those reasons, I wish the school committee well as they prepare their next budget.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, just real quick on the Narcan and just want to thank Councilor Lungo and Councilor Penta for bringing this up. As well as just send another thank you to Janelle Rocco, who was working hard to put this together. And also Councilor Penta. Councilor Penta was one of the main speakers today at the event out here. Many people didn't know what was going on when they seen Councilor Penta in front of City Hall with a bullhorn today. Many people were questioning whether it was your announcement for Mayor or not. So, with that being said, I want to congratulate the Councilor for partaking in it today.
[Paul Camuso]: Nope, I'm all set.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso? Thank you. And just to refresh everyone's memory, probably within the last month and a half, I had brought forward a proposal and it was, I believe, unanimously supported by the council, but I'm not 100% sure on that, for the mayor to go out and solicit input by using a poll or something like that for data so that we can make decisions based upon data and statistical driven decisions. So maybe if we can incorporate that into something like this, maybe, because basically you're reaching out to people in the community, but you want to get a good idea of what's important to them. And I believe Cambridge just did this. And the biggest thing, like you said, was they let the younger kids participate, whether it was a skate park or this. And this was within the last few months. I remember reading it in the Globe South, I believe it was. So it's a pretty interesting concept.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. We're in receipt of a paper this evening from the city solicitor who basically says that the mayor is the only, it happens to be on the parking question we asked. But it basically says that all contracts involved in the amount of $5,000 or more shall be in writing and no such contract shall be deemed to have been made or executed until the approval of the mayor under plan A. So clearly this is a function of the mayor and him being the issuing authority. With that being said, I think we have to find out where the city is going as far as the public access component. Because if it's going up at the high school, I think people have to, I would be very cognizant of the fact that we have to have people quarry cleared. So that to make sure if they're in the same areas and buildings as youngsters in our community, that we want to make sure that the proper People are vetted for that, for less of a better word. I really don't know much about this bill. This is something that was put on under suspension this evening. I don't even recognize any of the names of the people that signed on to this. If I saw a name like Donato or Garbally or some of the other reps or senators that I'm familiar with and are familiar with some of their policies, I would be a little bit easier to at least support it this evening in its infancy stages. But for those reasons, I don't think we should be taking a vote on this at this particular point, not knowing where it's going. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: That I put forward to find out about where we're going with access and the Corey piece. Want to make sure that everyone's Corey clear.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso? I'd like to move suspension of two papers, 15-307 and then another one in the hands of the clerk that Councilor Penta submitted regarding the parking kiosks.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, the revenues. Unfinished business.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And it was a few weeks ago when Councilor Penta brought the paper forward to get rid of the contract. And at that point, I had stated that I'm getting very close to supporting his resolution, but I wanted to see it take take a few more weeks and just to see if they could get things straightened out. Obviously, at this point, the mayor and his top officials have not held this company accountable, as far as I'm concerned. So, in light of that, I have a resolution I'd like to submit on behalf of Councilor Pinter and myself. basically that says that in light of the recent actions of Republic Parkins job performance and the failure of the city administration to hold them accountable Be it resolved that the mayor and his top administration officials remove the pay-to-park kiosks throughout this community It's to the point now where it's loud and clear. Mr. President. This is a complete failure of This is a complete failure. And I understand the mayor's very busy, but he had his top people put this thing together. This wasn't the new schools they built. This wasn't the DPW yard that looks so great. For whatever reason, this has been a complete and utter failure. And I just think it's time that we move forward with doing in-house parking enforcement. And I asked a question. I'm going to actually have it up a little later. A few weeks ago, I actually asked, and the council supported this unanimously, for a copy of all the transfers that have taken place from July 1st to now, because I wanted to see what money out there they're transferring around within the budget, because obviously that's overtaxing the people, and everyone talks about how fiscally stable this community is. It's only because they overbudgeted, and at the end of the year, it gets certified and put into the free cash accounts. It's obviously what they're doing. You don't get $6 million in a rainy day certified free cash account if you're not overtaxing the people during the year. And they're not too quick to give us that information. So once again, I'd ask Budget Director Burke to send us this information forthwith. And at that point, look and see if we have additional funding so that we can either purchase some of the equipment to do it in-house, whatever has to be done. But the public outcry from the citizens of this community, it's, I'm done. Yesterday, Mr. President, yesterday, people parked their cars on streets in the whole West Medford area. The whole West Medford area, they parked their cars so they could go down and watch Paul Revere ride. And they came back to tickets on their cars. And the signs clearly said, parking certain hours, excluding holidays, Saturday and Sunday. If Patriot's Day is not a considered holiday, the mayor doesn't have this building open to come down here and pay your water bill, or to come down here and get some information that you may need from the city. you're going to get a parking ticket the same day. The trash is put off by a day. And I just don't get it. I brought this to the attention of the budget director yesterday afternoon. She was gracious enough to take my call on a day off, and I explained to her the situation. But to have the city administration and The parking company, not on the same page as far as what consists of holiday. Are we going to go through this every Bunker Hill day, every evacuation day, everything else? It just, it doesn't make sense. And once again, I'm asking, I'm asking to support Councilors Penta's motion. from a few weeks ago and get rid of this evening. And like I said, if I can just read it again, and this is offered by Councilor Penter and myself.
[Paul Camuso]: No, I get another paper, I'm gonna discuss that later.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, it's going to be an amendment, excuse me, an amendment from myself and Councilor Penta that in light of the actions of Republic Parkings, recent job performance and the failure of the city administration to hold them accountable, be it resolved that the mayor and his administration remove the pay to park kiosks for it with. And, uh, I would request a roll call vote on this.
[Paul Camuso]: And, uh, as I said, I've been very, very patient, trying not to get to this point. But after yesterday, and just when you call the office too and ask them, they really didn't have any answers. I know Councilor Penta mentioned earlier, he called the office and they were rude. They weren't rude, they were very nice to me, but they just, well, I have to call another guy here and there. Somerville, Somerville, as Councilor Marks often says, they jump out of the trees to give you tickets. Somerville wasn't giving out tickets yesterday. And they bring in $8 million a year with their program. So something's wrong here. And at this point, let's get these kiosks out of here. Let's get the city back to some sort of sense of normalcy. And last but not least, as far as I'm concerned, I still think there should be strict parking enforcement. But do it in a manner that's not so disrupting to the community and with a company or a department here within City Hall that can actually get the job done.
[Paul Camuso]: Council President, if I can finish. Sorry, Councilor. If I could just finish.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penter alluded to the fact that we're having a meeting tomorrow night. I know I spoke with you earlier today, but I think this meeting should be postponed till when the carnival's out of here. There's no way to park. Based upon the last few meetings on this particular matter, based upon the public outcry with this particular issue, To have it on a Wednesday night where City Hall is open and we have this carnival out back here, I just think it's, I think it's doing an injustice. We got, we got seven of us here tonight, elected members of the City Council, and I think only two or three of us got parking spots on City Hall property. It's, I just don't think we should move forward with it tomorrow night, but that's my humble opinion and whatever the Council sees fit.
[Paul Camuso]: contract where they haven't you know, there's just so many unanswered questions and Just just another thought Thank you, and I thank councillor lungo current for her thoughts and like I said this this resolution didn't come easy but it's at a juncture where They just keep every week. It's something new. It's something new. It's something new Street sweeping has not started yet. We tick it in and toe, well, it has started, but like in full force, tick it in and towing. And just enough is enough. You know what? We're having a meeting tomorrow night. You're going to have to park at Representative Donato's office down on Salem Street to walk here because there's going to be no parking in the immediate area. Obviously, and that's why I still say that we should cancel this meeting. I'm only one of seven, but to give people the opportunity Councilor Caraviello this evening is parked up behind Tony Lucci's. I'm parked down in an adjacent parking lot. Other members of the council are parked far beyond the area of this building. I just think it's not fair. And we don't have City Hall open this evening. City Hall is closed for all intents and purposes tonight except the Medford City Council members, a few people from the administration that were here earlier, as well as the few guests that are here. But to do it tomorrow night, and I respectfully, I understand what Councilor Marks says, but we're not going to get the administration back at the table in two weeks or four weeks to discuss this. So I just, that's my thoughts and I would like to see it canceled and move forward to a date that, and you know what, if no one shows up at that point, then so be it. But it's incumbent upon us to get the community feedback. We're the people's forum and that's why If yesterday didn't happen, I would have been bringing this up tomorrow evening with Councilor Penta. But after yesterday, you know what? I'm done. I mean, I'm not going to be changing my mind on their performance. The mayor and his senior staff, they're holding this company accountable.
[Paul Camuso]: Just one more thing. If we also could get an update, I believe when the budget was put together by the budget director and the city administration, anticipated receipts from this anticipated program is in the budget. So that may be why they don't want to pull out of this as quick. So if we could ask that question, because they factored this year's budget, I'm assuming based upon the income from this program. We've asked for the data, and we still don't get it.
[Paul Camuso]: FY 2016 budget.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President? Thank you. If I may, as well, too, we have to send a loud, clear message to the mayor. He's done so many great things for this community. This thing has not been done the way it could have been done. But at this point, we have to move forward. So I agree with Councilor Penta. At this point, we have to make the statement that we think that this was a complete and utter failure, done under different circumstances. Maybe it would have worked. But obviously, it's not. I hear about this particular issue everywhere I go every single day. So I think that this vote, it's not long overdue. For me, it's about 24 hours overdue. Because as of yesterday, when the frosting on the cake was people going on a holiday and parking and getting citations, and it's time to just move forward. And I think, as I stated in the resolution, as a result of the breach of contract, remove the kiosks and have enforcement. And I, as one member of this council, and I believe all the councillors chimed in at the Committee of the Whole meeting when we were there, there were several meetings with the budget director, Stephanie Burke, as well as the mayor, who instituted the program. Loud and clear, we said we preferred meters. Single head or double head meters, where people would just throw a quarter in, No one could say they didn't know how to work them, didn't know how to use them. People, you look at some of the old pitches in Medford Square, they had the meters way back in the day. So with that being said, obviously, they didn't take our recommendations then. We have to just go upon the past precedents and the past practices of what happened around here. We send recommendations, very few of them get acted upon. There's gonna be no different with this one. Let's take a vote as a council. And if you feel that you're at the point where this is out of control and it should be terminated, vote yes. And otherwise, vote no. But to say that we're going to meet tomorrow night and we're going to get this all straightened out, it's not going to happen. We're four months into this. We've got a carnival going on here. We're not going to hear half of the stories. People are going to drive here not knowing there's a carnival. They're going to keep going because they can't get a parking spot. We had a lot of senior citizens that came to the last meetings from different parts of this community. They're not going to be able to find a spot. So I really believe I'm just one member. I'd also like to make another amendment to take a vote on holding the meeting tomorrow as a result with a roll call. Because if we get the mayor and the administrative team in here tomorrow, they're not coming back at a later date. They're not coming back at a later date if they decide that they are not going to agree with the council if we do vote to terminate this. And I want to thank Councilor Penta because, as we said, we are in unison with this. It took me a while to get here, but the fact of the matter is It's not going to be straightened out. It's not going to be straightened out.
[Paul Camuso]: The original paper that was brought forward, 15-307, by Councilor Penta that was on the table, If we withdraw that whole paper and approve the new one with the language that you just added to, in breach of contract, because I like that language, add Councilor Lungo Kearns to that, I think we all get what we're looking to do here. Which is, and here's the other piece too. Oh, leave the kiosk only? It's clear in the resolution I submitted. Remove, and Councilor Penta, remove the kiosks. We could have in-house enforcement tomorrow. People do not like the kiosk approach. They hate it. They absolutely hate being able to go to the kiosk and do it. They don't know how to do it. I'm pretty computer savvy and it was a hard time the other day when you use your credit card and you're trying to add time to it. How much time do you want to do max, this, that? It's overwhelming to people, these kiosks, the user side of things.
[Paul Camuso]: That's my recommendation.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And I just have a little problem with this where, and this is no disrespect to you, Matt, where Matt is uploading these and it's not an official city employee that's actually doing it. And the reason I say that, I've been very consistent with this. When other people wanted to put stuff on the webpage or on something, I think it has to be, should be done by a city official in some sort of a capacity that could be held accountable if indeed they went a little haywire and put something on there or the wrong link was, you know what I'm trying to say? Certainly I don't think you'd ever do anything malicious. But with that being said, I just think it's more of a city function. It seems like you got this all into a compact area where at least it's all the data and the videos are collected. But this is something that really the city IT department, not Mike Ferretti, but the website management, Alison Goldsberry and whoever else runs it. I know at one time the city webpage was done by Councilor Burke. She did a great job with it, getting it to this new platform. But at this point, At this point, I think what we need to see is this done by a city employee that, like I said, in no disrespect to yourself, and this is something the council called for of a Ponya recommendation, actually, but I definitely think this should be done by a city official and not an outside entity. If the city wanted to enter into a contract with the gentleman to do it, maybe for a small stipend or something, but where he's held accountable and it has to be done on time and everything else, I could see something like that, but that certainly up to the mayor's office, but I just, the next precedent would be what if someone else wants to upload something and they're not as credible as you. You follow me?
[Paul Camuso]: Well, they're the ones that are going to have to respond to put the links on the webpage, so.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. If we could also, um, once again, I brought it up, uh, about a month or so ago to send it to the mayor and the director of budget and personnel, the DPW commission position. Um, the personnel director posted the job on the webpage. Then it came down. Now I'm hearing they're not filling the job. So this is another example of us funding a position within a budget. for over $100,000 a year, and them not doing what the intent was. And this is why I asked for the transfer list.
[Paul Camuso]: The status of the DPW job.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And I said what I had to say regarding the noise a few weeks ago, that I was sure the Lawrence Memorial Hospital would do whatever they could under his leadership. But this evening, I would like to publicly thank, number one, and congratulate Mr. McDonald. You know, there's no one better, no one better, in my eyes, to run our local hospital. Someone that's volunteered there, has been a member of the board for 20-plus years. And he's committed to this community. And when we're on the bigger horizon of possibly merging with an international institute that's known for medicine throughout the world, I don't think there's anyone better that could be in charge than Mr. McDonald. So as a city, we're very lucky that we have this young gentleman here. So I want to wish you well in your new position. And very, very, very responsive. I've had a column three times in the last few months and gets back to the same day and meets the needs of this community every time that something within reasonableness is requested of them. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: I was just going to speak after this paper, if we could take a few other items on the suspension.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Councilor Camuso. If I may, in the past, my take on this whole merger has been I'm looking at a trend in the medical field in greater Boston, which is unique in its has the best teaching hospitals around. But the fact of the matter is, There is a major trend from the 1990s to today that hospitals... When's the last time we saw a new hospital opening? 1937, when Daniel Lawrence opened this up, or whatever the year was? Hospitals are tending to close now. New England Memorial, right here in Stoneham. It was sitting as a vacant building up until recently, a few years ago. The Malden Hospital. The Whitten Hospital was on its last breath, and Cambridge Health Alliance came in and bought it. In the Boston Globe yesterday, The Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care North Shore, 275 employees, 160 beds closing this September. This September. Now that's going to become a vacant building up in Salem. The last thing I want to see as a city councilor is a vacant building in the Lawrence Estates. That's the last thing I want to see. I am convinced, based upon statistical data that we've been watching in this greater Boston area, on the South Shore, on the North Shore, and throughout the nation, that without mergers of this nature, we're not going to have a hospital in a few years. Mrs. Casey, we don't know what she may look out the window and see up in her neighborhood, quite honestly. And that within itself is scary. It could change the whole character of an entire neighborhood. So as far as I'm concerned, I think that this is, I still think that this is definitely a step in the right direction. People are concerned as far as employees up there. It's a major employer of the Medford community. But I'd rather see people that are employed up there have an opportunity to go work for some entity on Lawrence Road that's a healthcare facility than get a pink slip, close its doors, and now they're collecting unemployment. I think it's the way lesser of two evils. So for all those reasons, plus I think we're in good hands with the leadership at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital right now, I think it's the premier time to move forward. Because with all due respect to people out there that may be against this, This might be the only thing that keeps that building alive, vibrant, and accessible. And let's not forget about another thing. Urgent cares. 1984, you didn't even hear of urgent care. 1995, you didn't even hear of urgent care. Urgent care is servicing just as many patients a day, if not more. Am I correct? Then the emergency rooms in this entire area. People don't want to have to wait three hours to get a quick two stitches on their finger because they cut a piece of meatloaf or something at their house. They want to go into urgent care. They're in and out within 45 minutes an hour. That's what most of them pride themselves on. We have one right up here at the Lawrence Memorial site that's open up until I believe seven o'clock at night.
[Paul Camuso]: Winchester Hospital is opening them up everywhere. You can go to Wilmington and get into Winchester Urgent Care. You can go You can go, I believe it's Redding, there's another urgent care.
[Paul Camuso]: Exactly. So the trends are changing. And for us to sit here and not obviously look at the statistical data, I'm not saying that we're doing that. But I think this is very unique because I think based upon the conversations that have been behind this rail over the past few years regarding this merger, as you said, since 2012, I think we're all cognizant of that fact for the Medford residents. Because I've already heard from people over on Sampson Road and on the backside of the hospital where the Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the nursing home agreed to grow bushes recently and bring in bushes to protect some of the integrity of the neighborhood? I know the original agreement.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm not sure why you would insinuate that.
[Paul Camuso]: It was a mutual agreement originally in the original plans with the city of Medford back when that nursing home was built, when you were on the Medford City Council. I understand that.
[Paul Camuso]: Council, we're on the same page here. We're on the same page here. So like I said, that's it. I think we have to continue to endorse this plan. I think the city council should go on record sending another letter to the new attorney general that the city council supports this merger with partners. And, uh, at some point, if the attorney general will not allow that to go through, I would personally recommend the board and, um, in the powers to be to start pursuing other relationships with other hospitals that may be smaller, that the attorney general will allow to pass, because that's the only future I think we have here. having a medical facility in the Lawrence Road area, so. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, if you notice in the, if you notice in the, in the, The paperwork that was filed by the judge, they didn't even talk about the North Shore. It was all about the South Shore. And I would say, given the relationship of the North Shore area with the folks in Boston, I would say they'd be more palatable to seeing this side of the merger go through. As a community, I think we owe it to the workers, and as you stated, the nurses and everyone else up there, to support. If we really believe, like I do, and I'm not saying we all do, but if we really believe the Lawrence Memorial Hospital is going to be closed within a few years if a merger doesn't take place, then I think it's our job and duty to ask them to continue the negotiations and the discussions. And that's it.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. I would like to make a motion to send that same exact letter that we sent out to the authorities at the past. I believe it was to the attorney general as well as the other agencies that were involved in the merger. The same letter to the new attorney general where the leadership has changed in the AG's office. And I'd like to have a roll call vote on that.
[Paul Camuso]: It was supporting the merger in its, um, not in the specifics of it, but in the principles, the principles that were being spoke about.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I am very happy that the mayor has brought forth the two names he has this evening, Mrs. Beatrice, as well as Mr. Jim Tarani, who have been serving in this capacity and doing a great job. And I move approval on the paper before us.
[Paul Camuso]: Please record me in opposition of the table. And I was ready to move on this this evening, but, uh, that's council motion to table as well.
[Paul Camuso]: First of all, I would like to go on record in support of this. These Medford residents that are employed through this, Medford taxpayers, That's number one. Number two, and I don't mean to say this inflammatory, but the gentleman that just spoke brings up issues about the federal government after week. Common Core we talked about, which we have no jurisdiction over. We talked about probably 27 times here at the Medford City Council. We've talked about oil coming from other countries. We've talked about many issues that we have no jurisdiction over. This is well within the right of any city councilor to bring forward. Just earlier, within the last hour, We talked about the nurses that may be losing their jobs at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and doctors. So to say that this is going on uncharted territory, as our fine city solicitor would say, that's fiction. So I do support you, Councilor Knight, and I support the working people that go to Tufts University every day. and they do a fine job, you know? Too many things around here are getting taken over by machines. You drive on the toll booths now, you drive through with your little fast pass, how many people lose their jobs? You go to the touch bank now, you go to the ATM instead of using people that actually work the counter. Technology is good. But at the end of the day, you need people to do the jobs. So as far as I'm concerned, I support these working men and women that are here this evening, Mr. President. I do not know the language of their contract, but in principle, as we talked about earlier, in principle, I support them wholeheartedly, and I support Councilor Knight. But to talk that we're going down uncharted territories, I mean, I'd like to just take an hour to go back and look at the records of just this calendar year and see how many things we've talked about that have no jurisdiction of the Medford City Council. So I do support the council that brought this forward this evening.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, point of information. Thank you for your point of information. Point of information, Councilor Camuso. Just a point, and then just real quick, but the city of Somerville is having the same type of resolution slash, not hearing, but the individuals as well as representatives from the city of Somerville, a meeting on April 9th on this very same matter.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And I do want to thank Councilor Lungo-Koehn, because a lot of this does start in the schools, and education is an important piece of this puzzle. Also, if, Mr. President, if we could ask the mayor for the update on where the ordinance is, because just in the past few weeks, individuals that attended our meetings, attended our meetings here because their loved ones were affected. We've had individuals that attended our meeting, and their loved ones have passed since our meeting. So this is a serious thing. It's so fluid. Every day you're picking up the newspaper, you're reading another name. So let's get this moving. I know the mayor is working on it, and it's floating around. But you know what? I think this is such an important issue, the mayor should put something out to all the department heads, give them a deadline. Here's an ordinance that you have. You have until the end of business on this day to sign off on it. and at least get it back to this council. I know they're working on it, but as I just demonstrated via the example that I gave, this is something that's affecting people on a daily basis. In the past two weeks or three weeks since our meeting, there's been several people that have died as a result of this disease. So thank you. And on a positive note, thank you, Councilor Lungo-Koehn, for bringing this forward, because it does all start in the very small ages in our schools.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And just an FYI, a gentleman that was at the podium just was speaking about right turn over in Arlington. And that's a great resource for youngsters throughout the communities around here. That's closing its doors in the very near future, moving to a faraway community. So that's another resource that people from Medford utilize and is moving on to a new facility outside of the immediate area. So just so as quick as we're adding resources, To combat the problem, resources for whatever reasons are getting depleted as well. So you take 10 steps forward, then it's five back. And it's only getting worse. So thank you again, Councilor Lungo.
[Paul Camuso]: week or so to see if we can get additional crosswalk signs down in the immediate area near the Two Sisters, in the Seafood, it's still called the Seafood Depot, what's the name of it now? The Seafood Grill, I think, but, Seafood Grill, thanks, Councilor Penta, and then down the street as well near Sunnyhurst, just the whole area. A lot of people traverse it, and additional signage definitely will be very helpful. And I know Councilor Marks put something on a few weeks ago, a B paper, regarding doing the crosswalks over. So if we can make that a priority as well, because as we all know, we're all got the same emails. Since this appeared on the agenda, people from the pedestrian committee have reached out to the entire council about improving crosswalks throughout the entire community. And the one recommendation that was made to me, as well as all the members of the council, and me personally, I think it was a good idea. We should be going with the new crosswalk signs, similar to the Winthrop Street Rotary. They're the fluorescent, real, real bright at night. So if we could send that to the DPW.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And I was corrected by my council colleague and the young woman from West Medford. I said Sunnyhurst Farms. As we all know, Sunnyhurst Farms is now Goulding School of Dance. I meant to say the West Medford Spa. Of course.
[Paul Camuso]: Exactly what are you saying they should be ticketed and towed for?
[Paul Camuso]: No, no, no. I just want to ask the councilor exactly what, I mean, if it's just a sign on the back, the police can't ticket or tow them. I mean, are they not inspected?
[Paul Camuso]: I understand that.
[Paul Camuso]: That's my question.
[Paul Camuso]: OK.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. If we could also get an update on the cable to find out when the new, it's not so new anymore, Verizon Fios contract is up for renewal as well. Because I thought that they were up around the same time. No, no, I know they came in after the fact, but I thought that they staggered it so that they would be renewed around the same time. I had thought that, but.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Madam President. We have a receipt tonight of a letter in response to resolution 15-061 from Barbara Rubel at Tufts University. It's talking about the runoff water regarding the snow that they were dumping from their campus into the fields. As the neighbor stated, I think it's just as big of a concern as the, as I know residents were concerned where Medford was dumping the snow. It's got contaminants in it. A lot of times oil and things of that nature. I don't see anywhere in this letter that addresses if at all there was looked at for environmental issues, other than just saying there was sand underneath the field, a big layer of sand which helps the water drain. I have a bigger concern with not the water draining and creating maybe a little moisture down there, but any contaminants, the salt, oil that may be picked up and other stuff that's that's on the street surfaces that were plowed and then the snow was dumped. So if we could just send this copy of this letter, Mr. Finn, up to our Board of Health, just to take a look at and see if in the future any other precautions should be taken. Because I know in the past, I don't see any difference with this, as Councilor Penta brought up a few years ago, Meadow Glen Mall, remember when they were dumping all the snow from all their other properties, the snow farms? And we were concerned about the environmental hazards of that. So just to make sure that, It was monitored properly.
[Paul Camuso]: And that too.
[Paul Camuso]: 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. Thank you, Mr. President. Move suspension of Rule 33 to take 15-311 and 15-312.
[Paul Camuso]: So on the motion of Councilor Camuso for non-objection,
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I think that Wendy's has to make a determination, and if they want to proceed with this, I agree with Councilor Marks 100%. If they want to proceed with this, I think we have to move reconsideration on the 3 a.m. license, or at least put six-month review on the 3 a.m. license, because we could eventually have a real albatross around our neck in the residential neighbourhood, as Councilor Marks stated. They have their 3 o'clock license and they get this. And we all know that Malden still has bar rooms that are open till 2 a.m. And traditionally, people get out of there and they'd always head to Wendy's, Kelly's and Burger King. So I definitely agree with Councilor Marks. This is a major concern. Could you speak on behalf of Wendy's and what's more important to the operation right now? Is it the seating or is it the 3 a.m. drive-thru license? Because I can't see I can't see doing both of them at this point, to be quite honest with you. Because we all know that that may be fenced off or a chain or something, but you're still going to have people, I mean, we have other establishments that their furniture gets stolen at 2, 3 in the morning from in front of their restaurants in this community. So I just don't feel comfortable, to be quite honest, doing both of these at the same time. I don't know how the rest of my council colleagues feel about it. I think if we're gonna do this, we should put a six-month review on the license that we just gave a few minutes ago. Would you, can you speak on behalf of?
[Paul Camuso]: On both?
[Paul Camuso]: No. Yeah, they do, but they're on the Revere Beach Parkway side. There's a couple metal tables.
[Paul Camuso]: The other thing I would... I agree with Councilor Marks if there's an aesthetically pleasing way where you can do higher wrought iron with a gate that they can actually lock. I mean, if you drive up Route 28, up near Kitty's and stuff, you have some of the smaller restaurants. McDonald's, for instance, has a nice wrought iron fence. It's black, but it prevents people from jumping over it and getting in there when they're not supposed to. But the current setup, I just think... I think you're actually asking for problems. Um, and I agree with Councilor Marks. It's a very, uh, condensed residential neighbourhood right on the other side of BJ's. And, uh, as you know, you get your air conditioner on on a, uh, nice summer night. I mean, uh, your window's open with the air conditioner off, you can hear things travel. So, um, I'd like to, if Councilor Marks is okay with it, I would, uh, I would like to see the six-month review, as the Councilor said. But also, right after this vote's taken, I'm gonna move reconsideration on the initial vote to put a six-month review on that as well.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, Mr. President?
[Paul Camuso]: That leads up to something right along the lines, and I think it would be something that Councilor Marks, and I'm not speaking for him, but maybe that would be satisfying to him and myself, because obviously there's some neighborhood concerns. What about one of those tops that you shut down the whole patio at night? It just, you roll it out from the wall, and it comes with the vinyl, so you actually can't walk in there. It goes around the four corners.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, but the table being covered is still gonna not prevent people from going in the patio at three in the morning. So you said cover the tarp? You know what I'm talking about, right? Like, pool yards and things like that would actually go, It's very aesthetically pleasing, and it comes out, and it just attaches to the four corners for lack of the scientific.
[Paul Camuso]: Make a motion to have it Covered up by virtue of connecting a vinyl something or something aesthetically pleasing to all four corners, so that at 11 o'clock at night, anything within the regular operating hours.
[Paul Camuso]: That's what you stated.
[Paul Camuso]: 11 o'clock, it closed. Unless someone else has better... I don't know. We're all on the same page. I guess it's my question. To protect the integrity of the neighbourhood.
[Paul Camuso]: Quick question.
[Paul Camuso]: Does anyone know what time Brewers Patio closes? Because that's directly across the street, and that's... In Malden. Correct. That's a good point. 2 o'clock. It's right on the line. It is 2 o'clock. The patio too? I've been out there. The question is, we haven't had any complaints about that, but I think the 8 o'clock is definitely a good start.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President? Mr. Councilor? While we're under suspension, I'd like to move reconsideration on 15-089.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to put a six-month review on this, at least present it to the council with a six-month review.
[Paul Camuso]: It'll take us two minutes to do it.
[Paul Camuso]: And it's not a different day, so it doesn't have to be re-advertised. It's past the notification time, which was 7 p.m., so we're all set just if we read it.
[Paul Camuso]: It's advertised for the same night that we're doing the recall. If I did it tomorrow, maybe it would be a different ball game.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to move approval with the approval of the Chairman of the Zoning Committee.
[Paul Camuso]: And I'd like to just put a six-month review. I apologize. I wish we did this a little earlier, but I do think it's needed. This is still a residential neighborhood and well-intentioned and well-needed, I think.
[Paul Camuso]: And this goes with the business, not with the land.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. I certainly see this as a whole different animal than the previous petitioner that was up here. This is a restaurant that you actually have to wait in line, get a seat. You have to show proper identification if you're going to have an alcoholic beverage. So I am totally in support of this. We already have establishments like Margarita's and many others throughout the community that have similar seating arrangements. Pizza Regina among Joe's American Bar and Grill. So not your average Joe's, not Joe's American Bar. But with that being said, Mr. President, I do support this. I just want to make sure that you realize my understanding is you have to go get an extension of your liquor license now if you're going to serve alcoholic beverages on the outside extension. Other restaurants in our community have had to do that when they set up patios and things like that. So you want to make sure that everything's in order for insurance purposes, as well as liability with the city and everything else. So I'm not 150% sure on that, but I know another restaurant had to do it, I'm being told by one of my council colleagues. So I think we have to be very cognizant of that. So I second the approval, if it hasn't been done yet. And then one question to the clerk. I know there's been some confusion based upon outdoor seating ordinance that this city council worked diligently upon that was put into effect maybe two or three fiscal years ago. We really didn't delineate in that ordinance whether it was public property or private property. So in the past, restaurants like Petucci's wouldn't even necessarily have to come in front of the council for outdoor seating because it was their own property and they owned it. I have pizza Regina and some of the others that I just mentioned. So I think we have to go back and revisit the ordinance because I was under the impression at the time it was strictly to protect the city's interests as far as slip and falls on sidewalks when people had the small little chairs out there in front of restaurants like Bocelli's restaurants like muffin shop and several others up on the hillside the Danish pastry house. I think the ordinance was more geared towards that, making sure there was a bond in place and that the city is protected. But this is a whole different animal. So I think we should send this maybe to a licensing subcommittee to look at with the city solicitor if we want to update the ordinance where it comes to private property. Because like I said, quite honestly, these are the first two vendors we've seen, as long as I can remember, looking for outdoor seating on property that they currently own. And the other thing is too, we want to make sure we have a mechanism in place that we don't get challenged. They're here under their own will this evening saying, we're here to apply for this because the building commissioner turned around and said, you need it, or the code enforcement officer said you need it. But that's his interpretation of the law. There's really nothing in the law that states that they need to be here this evening. There's an ordinance. The ordinance is for, this doesn't delineate, excuse me, it doesn't decipher whether it's public property or private property. So this is where, this is the first time, like I said, that you look at the other restaurants that have this currently within our community. They never had to come before the city council for outdoor seating. So there could be a challenge. And like I said, they're just doing what the building department has told them to come forward because it was denied. But quite honestly, if you get a vendor that's right in the middle of a neighborhood, that knows they're not gonna get the support of the council because it's in the middle of a neighborhood, they may say, hey, we're gonna take it to Superior Court And we're going to challenge it. There's nothing in writing that says private property, you can't have outdoor seating. So if we could at least send the question to the city solicitor on the alcohol and the extension of the license, as well as private property and outdoor seating. Because if you look at that ordinance, it was drafted for, there were certain little restaurants on Main Street, High Street, Riverside Ave that were looking for that.
[Paul Camuso]: Exactly. So if we could just get a thing, but I support this wholeheartedly, but I just don't want to be challenged at some point if a restaurant opens up, you know, directly abutting a neighborhood. Directly abutting a neighborhood and then next thing you know, we're in superior court with our city solicitor because there's really no legal mechanism to to fall back on.
[Paul Camuso]: Did that include the questions to the solicitor?
[Paul Camuso]: In general, not just to them, but the answer for all the businesses. We want to make sure there's consistency.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you for your guidance on this.
[Paul Camuso]: If the entire council will be amenable to, we started the process of drafting an ordinance for the part-time position. The mayor recently said he was going to actually make it a full-time department head. If we could amend it from the floor this evening for the word part-time put full-time, and that's just because the mayor actually said that at a recent event, and asked the city solicitor to start drafting the ordinance that this city council put forward. Because right now, there's nothing, no mechanism in place to actually make that happen. So... So, to amend that to be a full-time position... Based on what the mayor said, a full-time position in the ordinance, and at this point, too, I mean, we can even strike out some of the language with the qualifications and all that, because that's going to be up to the personnel director, but at least get the ordinance going, because it was initiated here at the city council via a resolution recently.
[Paul Camuso]: And as we know, the city council, our job is the budget, it's to create ordinances, is our two biggest functions. So if we could amend the word part-time to full-time, and that's based upon the mayor recently saying that he has the funds available somewhere to do this.
[Paul Camuso]: To send it to the city solicitor though, to start the ordinance drafted. Because up until now, there's no mechanism in place to put this. So when the mayor comes up with the money, at least the city council got an ordinance in place to fall back on.
[Paul Camuso]: And can we get a roll call vote on sending that as well?
[Paul Camuso]: Because this city council has been very unanimous throughout this whole process. And it's glad to see that there's some working relationship with the mayor's office on this very important position. Doesn't matter where it was initiated, as long as it's coming to fruition, because it's much needed in our community. And you can tell that by the turnout the other evening.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, the original intent of the ordinance was to have remedial action taken sooner than later, and we started with the part-time, and like I said, it was unanimously supported by this council. The mayor came out at a later date saying he's willing to do full-time, but as of right now, Besides the press conference and besides this council going on record in support of it, there's no mechanism in place to put the person in a job with the proper personnel classification. So as Councilor Knight stated, we're still going to have to assign a classification to it as we see CAF1, ME02, ME03. So it's our job as city councilors to initiate and approve or deny ordinances. So this city council has taken the ball, and we're running with it. And I'm glad to see the mayor agrees with us that it is needed, and he went as far as to say a full-time position. So for that, I am thankful.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. Just for the Councils, that was a homeroom petition, and the only way to get rid of it would be through another homeroom petition.
[Paul Camuso]: Were you referring to the franchise fee question, or the whole, when I just answered Home Rule petition, I wasn't sure if you were talking about. Franchise fee. All right, that, all right. So we're talking apples to apples, okay.
[Paul Camuso]: I didn't know if you were talking about the, Signing of the 10-year contract again, which we're still waiting for the administration to respond if it's a renewal. The question we asked, but I just wanted to make sure.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Thank you, and thank you, Councilor Penta, for bringing this up this evening again. So after last week's meeting, we asked several questions that were waiting for answers. One of them in particular was the franchise fee. And I think at this point, we're talking about all new technology. If no one bids on the public access station, and there's not the interest out there from non-profits to do it, I'd like to ask the city solicitor if he can do some research through the FEC or whoever it is, if we could use the franchise fee for other cable related rather than the public access station, like citywide Wi-Fi. A lot of communities now have citywide Wi-Fi. And since this discussion took place last week, there are some people that approached me, I'm sure, talked to other members of this council, that they feel that public access is good, but there is maybe a better need for the money in today's day and age, where everyone has devices that can hook up to Wi-Fi. So if we could at least just ask the question, because as of right now, The deadline for the bid has been extended and based upon what you hear out there, there's really not that much interest other than maybe Winchester. some other communities. But other than that, if legally it can be used for citywide Wi-Fi or updating technology into the new schools even more than we already have, somewhere where it will have a better impact on our community and maybe the youth, the seniors, or whatever. If we could just ask the question, I'd like to, I support your paper, but I'd like to make a B paper that we ask the solicitor to do research on where else it can be spent.
[Paul Camuso]: Amendment or be paid for?
[Paul Camuso]: And I definitely hear what you're saying, but I think we need to know what exactly, and you said it eloquently, Councilor Penta, I can be used for public access educational as well as governmental. So this could be used potentially. And this is the question I want to ask this evening. If we could use this, if there's not not the drive to get the public access done, but to improve the infrastructure for the children of our community, maybe the senior citizen centers throughout the community. We can bring technology maybe into their buildings legally, and we might not be able to, but if we could at least ask the city solicitor to look at all these avenues, because when this topic came up last week, I've had several people, and I'm sure other people have heard similar, if not the same thing, but public access is great, but we talked about last week where technology's going, and that's why we're all gonna support, hopefully support this this evening, the 10 years, but with today's technology, There's probably places we could spend that money, if legally we can, that will have a better impact on the citizens of this community, be it the youth, the senior citizens. So if we could just ask the question, we're not saying we want to do this, but if we could just ask the question so we have a better understanding on where it can be spent. So can I do that as an amendment or a B paper? As a B paper with a roll call vote on both, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. If we could also ask the city solicitor the question, what happens, because I don't have a copy of the contract in front of me as I don't know any of us that do.
[Paul Camuso]: What happens at the expiration date? We want to, I mean, we just want to make sure that they don't just turn the switch and now that everyone that subscribed to Comcast has a blackout and now You're waiting for Verizon to come into every house in the community that has Comcast that's going to take two years to get up and running. So, just want to find out what happens if it doesn't get signed.
[Paul Camuso]: If Councilor Penta doesn't mind.
[Paul Camuso]: Is that okay, Councilor?
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to get the answer because I did look into this because I was getting several people that were interested in putting in a bid if it was for profit. I'm not so sure you can have a public access channel that is for profit. Absolutely. I would call that channel 457. You have to give people equal time and things like that, but you do have their out there on the country.
[Paul Camuso]: We got to check the FCC regulations and see if, uh, if you can, because like I said, I know people that are interested in doing it, um, quite honestly for profit, but nonprofit is actually, which makes it a vibrant part of the community. And it's not for business, it's not to make money and everything else. So if we could ask that question as well.
[Paul Camuso]: And then the B paper is looking into where else the money can be spent in lieu of the public access, if the city needs it. Senior housing, internet accessibility citywide, Wi-Fi.
[Paul Camuso]: And our technology upgrades to the school system. And if it can be for-profit according to FCC regulations and all that. Because I'm not a lawyer, but I would think it has to be non-profit. I would think.
[Paul Camuso]: Comcast's website actually says on it that it has to be non-profit according to FCC regulations. For them. Comcast, I'm sure it's similar with Verizon, ICN.
[Paul Camuso]: One thing we have to be cognizant of the fact is if we pay the money to get out of this contract. We are still, as a community, going to own the vehicles. We're going to own the kiosks. And then at that point, we could bring in someone maybe from another community that has done this, like Cambridge or Boston, and then do it in-house. But I think we... I'm just not there quite yet, Mr. President. I'm not there quite yet. But in the right hands, with the city being in control of the whole program, with the state-of-the-art equipment, that's what they call it, not what I've seen firsthand. But if we did make the investment, like Councilor Marks said, whether it was on a portion of it or the whole thing, it's not like we're going to scrap the contract and just waste $800,000 of taxpayers' money. We're still gonna have some equity and we're gonna have some assets that come along with all the equipment. And I do believe that if the right person, if we had a department head here running this program, that that was their job, not the chief of police who's taxed upon too frequently to deal with this when we have real situations going on in the community that need to be dealt with. But to be honest, I'm just not there yet. I agree with what Councilor Lungo-Koehn said. This has been a winter that we haven't experienced in ever, ever. State of emergency over three days. We're trying to get money from Washington because of the amount of snow that we've got from back to back to back storms. The city hasn't been able to focus as much time on this as they should have. The mayor should have never started this program in January, whether it was snowing out, no snow, I don't care. Unless we were south of North Carolina, this program should not have started in the midst of a New England winter. This should have started when people were out in a short-sleeved shirt with a pair of Bermuda shorts on, and they could take their time at the kiosk, learn it, Not going over snow banks. You throw the snow into this mix, and it's been hectic. There's a car on Barner Ave that hasn't moved since the snowstorm. Hasn't moved. It's right around number 18, 14, right around there. You're still dealing with snow banks on all the side streets. The streets are not back to an acceptable width at no fault of the DPW. But with that being said, I'd like to give it a little bit further to see what they can change. But Councilor Marks is 100% right. He's 100% right when he says there's not any for-profit company that is not out to make the dollar. It's all about dollars and cents and bringing in the dollars. Let's not anyone fool you. And that's going to be the same thing if we go for a for-profit TV channel. for public access. It's gonna be the same thing. It's gonna be the biggest person that pays the most money to get their advertisement on. So, when you're dealing with for-profit companies, like Councilor Mark said, everything's out. Decisions are made in the boardroom when they're looking at graphs and data and pie charts, and what they wanna do is make those pie charts bigger and bigger and bigger under one of the categories, and that's income. They want to make the income go up and the expenses go down. That's any for-profit company in the United States, as far as I'm concerned. The only time that they want to start slowing down on the revenues is when their tax guy tells them, hey, you're at a point now, why don't you slow down on the revenues? And they're not doing it because they want to give the Medford person a break. It's because they're being advised by their business people to start slowing down for tax ramification reasons. But like I said, at this point, coming off this winter, starting a program that should not have been started in the midst of a winter, I think the mayor was 150% wrong on that decision. I don't know how he came to that decision. I think a lot of it was this council, as well as the business community and people looking for the enforcement. And quite honestly, Let's call it like it is. This isn't a program you wanted to start three months before the people are getting out to make a determination on who the leaders of this community should be. And I'm not saying that that had any bearing on this decision whatsoever. But the fact of the matter is, it started during a time that it should not have been started. I think we have to give it at least, at least, another month to see where we go now. I don't even want to say we're out of the We're out of the realm of snow because we are in New England. But now that the snow is thawing, I think we're going to have a better understanding on exactly where the program can be improved, where it cannot be improved. We've dealt with a lot of these same issues. You look back to some of the bigger issues throughout the community since I've been on the council. And we had the water meter situation where people weren't letting us in their houses to change the meters. And you had to take baby steps. And ultimately they figured out how to work together and have the person gain access to the house. Then it was the recycling bins. People were up in arms over the recycling bins. It was as if we were telling people, you can't throw any trash away and we're going to start charging you for trash. That was ultimately the way we perceived it, and that's how the people felt at first. But as you drive around this community on any given trash day now, Everyone said we're not going to have enough room for trash. We're definitely not going to have enough room, and I need seven barrels for my house. If you don't have a two-family, you see very few and far between people that have out two trash bins that they're paying an extra fee to have that extra barrel. Few and far between. I mean, I challenge anyone to say differently. I mean, that's a fact as you drive around our community. The other things, other major things over this community that I've been here for the past 16 years, the building of the new schools. There was a lot of animosity, a lot of pushback on it, but over time, over time, people got to like them, and now people are just thrilled. We were talking earlier tonight about possibly using money to put more technology in the schools if the city thinks that there's a better use of that money rather than the public access channel. So, but I'm just, I'm referring to some of the major, major stumbling blocks that were, you would have thought that the world was coming to an end during some of those issues here in our community because of the complaints and everything else we heard. But as a community, everyone worked together and got to the point where they may not have loved the trash program, the new schools, this or that, but at least it was acceptable and tolerated for lack of a better word. I think we have to be cognizant of the fact that we have to be open and fair to the community. And at the appropriate time, I have no problem whatsoever taking a vote when I feel the end all be all and they're just totally out of the contract. And let's be honest right now too, if we tried to go after them legally and say we want to suspend the contract and Mark Rumley has to go to Middlesex Superior Court. and say it's because they don't have magnets on the back of their truck that say stay back. Don't even spend the $250 filing fee, because we're going to get laughed right out of that courtroom, Mr. President. And when we hear, when the business owners and stuff, the judges are going to want to hear that, our jury or anything. They're going to want to know where the city was financially damaged by it and by the things, the citizens are financially damaged because of the enforcement. But as of right now, I just don't think that they're in breach of contract enough where it would stand up. I'm not an attorney. We have one of the finest city solicitors in the Commonwealth, if not the United States, that works within our building. That if and when it comes to that time, him and his assistant city solicitor would be going to bat for this community. But I just don't think we're there at this point. I'm starting to repeat myself. So I'm going to cease my comments. But I cannot support it this evening. But I am getting closer to be able to take a vote in good faith that the program may not be in the best interest. But I think people have to realize that it's not as Councilor Caraviello said, we're going to just shell away 800,000, 900,000. It would be more that we're acquiring equipment, we're acquiring assets, and then it would be something like Councilor Marks stated. You bring in someone for $75,000, $80,000 a year that knows parking management. I mean, Councilor Marks traversed this whole area with Ronnie DeFranco and the Chief and Gwendolyn Blackburn when they were going to surrounding communities. There's people that specialize in just this. Just this. Somerville can do it, Cambridge can do it, You know what the difference is? And I think... I can say this now because I'm not on the ballot in November. The fact of the matter is, Mr. President, you go to Cambridge, you're paying the park to go to work. Or you're paying the park to go into jury duty at the courthouse. You're paying the park to actually go to something that you have to attend. The problem right now we're having is people are paying to park. We have to do more as a community to bring in more quality businesses to help sustain these other smaller businesses that are having a hard time. It's not a result of the parking that bestsellers went out of business or Ward's Gift is closing their doors. This just started. It may be a convenient excuse for people to say that that's why the business is a We have to do more as a community to bring people in that are going to want to pay the quarter to park. We're starting that. We've got Carol's Diner in Medford Square. He's booming on the weekend. We have to do more as a community to bring people to these centers and towns and squares. All too often, there's too many storefronts that are vacant, and I haven't really heard much from the mayor on giving tax credits to bring in quality businesses and things like that. Malden, the one business that I think we've did that for was Hof's Bakery. Hof's Bakery got a break on their tax obligations because they were hiring X amount of people, they were staying here, and what did they just do? They're moving to Malden because Maldon's got an incentive for them to go there, I'm sure. Whether it's the landlord, whether it's the city, whatever it may be, they're moving. This is the stuff that we have to do. Medford Square, we've been talking about the Medford Square revitalization for as long as... I was at the Gleason School when they were talking about it. That was probably the first study. When I was at the Gleason School in 1989, 1990. This is where we have to get aggressive. We have to get aggressive and make people want to come here. And this is not being insultive to the businesses that we have. It's not. But I said it before. We have to do something with the liquor licenses. The liquor license, the 99s and the Texas Roadhouses and the rest of them, those are middle of the road places. They don't even look at Medford. They don't even look at Medford because you have to have a burger in order to have a beverage. And these are the things that we have to do as a community. And this council has been working towards that. This evening, we granted a few licenses that hopefully Help out the businesses. But this city has to be more forward thinking when it comes to bringing in quality businesses. You can only talk about station landing for so long. It's like the new schools. Stations landing was a great improvement to that area. But how many years ago was it? 10, 12 years ago. We have to start looking to do more things like that. You got Shaw's Supermarket down here, which is an eyesore. It was a snow pile for For the whole winter, you gotta dodge snowbanks to go to Eastern Bank. In the parking lot. But I'm sorry I'm getting off topic a little bit here. But that's where we got to go. We got to do more as a community on that. And that starts at the top. That starts with the city administration working with his OCD director. And let's not kid ourselves. I often feel bad for our OCD director. And I'm going to finish on this. I often feel bad on our OCD director when sometimes this council or members of this council or the council in general or people in the community may say they don't do a thing or this or that. That's not true. They're doing what the person in the corner office is giving them the green light to do. Whether it's fair or unfair. Our OCD director in this community is Michael McGlynn. He's our OCD director slash mayor slash traffic enforcement guy slash treasurer collector. So anyone that thinks any different, you're sadly mistaken. But that's enough on that. But as far as this, I cannot support it this evening. But I think in due time, if it continues this way, Mr. President, I'm sorry for being long-winded, but I think it's a bigger picture we have to focus on than rather just this parking.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, Councilor Caraviello's motion is calling to send this to the Committee of the Whole within 14 days. As a council, I think we're all on the same page. Rather than take the vote this evening, would you respectfully Put it aside for 14 days, it's totally your prerogative. Okay.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, I was referring to the snow emergency that was in effect.
[Paul Camuso]: It was a three-week emergency, unheard of, that's the leadership.
[Paul Camuso]: But you may have the votes for it at a later date. Well, maybe at a later date, we'll see. Councilor Knight?
[Paul Camuso]: I would ask you, is this in proper form to be voted on at this point, where it's not our jurisdiction? The mayor is the signatory authority. I just asked the question. Another paper of this nature was ruled out of order a few weeks ago, and then it was withdrawn by the petitioner. So I'm just asking for the consistency.
[Paul Camuso]: Motion a table then, until we have that meeting, which is undebatable.
[Paul Camuso]: What does that do to the D paper that we have for Councilor Caraviello? You can call a meeting at any time and hopefully you respect his wishes within 14 days. The President knows what we want to do. Fourteen days, have a meeting. Call the roll for the motion. Motion to table.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Thank you, and as we know, $143,000, really, with this stuff, like the Council has stated, isn't going to get us far. It's going to be very helpful for potholes and things of that nature, but look at Central Ave. When they actually ground it down and actually did the job, it's very limited what this is going to get us. I'm glad that this council I took a vote last week under the leadership of Councilor Penta, or two weeks ago, to appropriate, or at least ask the Mayor to appropriate a million dollars of the taxpayers' money that's in an account right now, unencumbered. Very, very important word. Not encumbered. It could be used for any purpose with a vote of this council. So the $143,000 is great. But if the mayor puts $1.143 million on the table to do this community, you're going to see that get us some places. So once again, this council is bringing forward good ideas as far as I'm concerned.
[Paul Camuso]: Move approval. They were going to do it themselves, but it's nasty, so they don't want to touch it.
[Paul Camuso]: One more thing. City Hall really is, if I may, falling apart. We had this beautiful event here Sunday with hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people. And when the gentlemen that were here walked into the second floor men's room, That bathroom has been covered with caution tape, the urinal, for about two and a half months. You know what? If it's beyond repair, if it's beyond repair, take it out, cap off the hole. This is a basic plumbing job.
[Paul Camuso]: Very basic. We can get someone at Minuteman, Volk could come up here and do that.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm speechless. I'm speechless for once. You would think that you'd want to get the building ready for those type of events. I mean, I understand not every office in this city hall has their own private bathroom in it, like the mayor's office, but for us little people that have to use the public restroom, it's disgusting. If we can get that fixed.
[Paul Camuso]: But my question is, I think it's fairly simple. I think I got a good understanding of what happened. Was there a roll call vote? If there wasn't a roll call vote, you could have... There was a roll call vote. There was a roll call vote. I know exactly what I said.
[Paul Camuso]: Does the MMA, on the particular issue you guys are talking about, whatever it is, does the MMA have an official position on it?
[Paul Camuso]: That's the language. Why is this hooky? It's not a big deal. I didn't make a big deal that he did.
[Paul Camuso]: There's a difference. How do you present the records? That's my question.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. The past couple of years, There has been an increase of substance abuse overdoses and other issues throughout our community. I'd like to have the city solicitor draft an ordinance, putting it into the personnel ordinance section of our local ordinances so that come budget time or come time to do the community development block grant funding, which is going to be in the next month or so, I'm sure we'll be having our portion, that there's an actual ordinance in place, and if the mayor doesn't see fit to sign off on this ordinance, as we all know, a two-thirds vote of this council would be able to override it anyway, if it's something that we all seem serious about, which I'm sure we are based upon the talk around here for the last few weeks. So I'd like to actually make this an ordinance, and if the mayor signs it, great. I'm sure he will take a hard look at it and if he sees it, that it's a good expenditure. The language that I got for this is based upon the language of all the different surrounding communities that do have a part-time coordinator in their area. Most of the cities I looked at had a minimum of 20 hours per week, but I figured where we have the long day Wednesday, if you could have someone here three days a week. And as far as the experience, that would be up to the administration. But I just think you need someone that really has experience in the field, and it has to be an appointment that's made with due diligence. But that's certainly up to the administration. So I'd like to do this by way of ordinance, so that if the mayor doesn't see fit to do it, he can leave it unfunded in his budget. But that will tell us where he really stands on the issue, if there is an ordinance change in the personnel charts. And this is a great starting point for our discussions tomorrow night. If we want to, I'd like to get the ball rolling with budgets coming up for the ordinance change. But if people want to talk about this further tomorrow night, I would refer this. But if people want to vote on this this evening, we can do it this evening too. But I would say time is of the essence, just where budget's starting to roll around and community development block grants. But certainly by putting it off one night for further discussion, I'm not opposed to that at all.
[Paul Camuso]: Boston's doing something right now. Bill Ricka has one in place, as well as Woburn is talking about it right now. And if you follow the Northwest Weekly, it's something in the Boston Globe on Sundays. It's something that most, I shouldn't say most, that would be speaking out of turn, but a lot of the cities and towns around here are doing similar things, but Billerica really is the leading one around here, and that's former Mayor John Curran out of Woburn, who's in the process, if not, they either just hired the person, or are in the process of hiring them right now.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much to all my council colleagues. I think it's great to send this to subcommittee. Just a couple of points that I'd just like to add to this. This isn't specific to the large opiate addiction that we currently have in our community. This is also for treatment, people that may be suffering from using other substances that may be drugs, So it's more of a substance abuse coordinator for all substances. That's the first thing. The second thing is, the mayor always saw fit that it was a very important position in our community when his friend Mr. Averbrook had the job of Medford Saving Lives director. Unfortunately, due to the untiming passing of Ben, who was very well respected in this community, that job has not been filled in some years. This may be an opportunity where the person that does this job can also encompass the Medford Saving Lives program, which has been left unfilled by the mayor for several years now. And then last but not least, one thing that I know that is a huge thing when it comes to substance abuse, it's the beds out there. It's for treatment. We all know Long Island just closed due to the bridge situation. Mayor Walsh had to take that out of service. But the biggest thing, I think, if this comes forward, Well, not the biggest thing, because it's a unified approach with all the different areas, treatment, education, prevention, and intervention services, but an open dialogue between the community and the area hospitals to find out what resources are available on a given day, because all too often, someone's ready to make that step to go into a detox center or a hospital, and unless they're dual diagnosis with a psychiatric problem as well as a substance abuse problem, they just aren't the beds out there. exact right time where they say, oh yes, come on over to McLean Hospital, come on over here, come to Whittier Pavilion, whatever hospital it may be. But an ongoing dialogue between the local hospitals and the city so that you know and you have a count of what resources are available at that time. The second thing is the continuum of care right now at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Hallmark Health. They're doing a pilot program right now under a grant. I'm sure most of us are aware of it. where they're actually, they're focusing on back pain. When someone comes in with back pain, and back pain is one of those things that you really can't diagnose, but when someone comes in and they're in severe pain, they're in severe pain. But Hallmark's approach in their continuum of care at this point, and they're studying it in a trial moving forward, they're given a maximum of three days worth of painkillers, and then they have to follow up with their primary care or a specialist. So Hallmark Health is definitely in the forefront. I think we're going to hear a little bit more from Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan soon on this issue. I can't speak for her, but I think that she's acknowledged that this is a huge problem in this area. And I think they'll be focused around here a little bit in the near future. And the other thing is too, and I'll discuss this tomorrow night, the Narcan, which we all know is the substance for, it's actually for opiates. But I think that's something that we should work. Whatever it may be, if it's through contract negotiations, whether it's through, whatever the avenues are, we should look to make sure that our professionals have access to that. And if it means contract negotiations and doing it, then so be it. But this is all stuff we can talk about tomorrow night. But I just want to reiterate, I thank my council colleagues for taking this very, very serious. I think we're all on the same page. We realize that alcohol and other substances is a part of this community, that we want to be there and help people out when they've surrendered to this awful disease.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President. Councilor Camuso. Can we also ask the same question if Councilor Penta's okay to ask the DA's office and the state police? Because we have a lot of areas in this community. that are patrolled by the state police, and I know we have had overdoses up at Mystic Lakes, up at the Sheepfold, and different areas. So that may be additional numbers that we're not necessarily looking at, because they don't necessarily all the time call EMS, as you know. People refuse it, then they get arrested. As amended by Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. The last few months, last weeks, we've been focused on other areas that we just discussed and other things that have been important in this community. I think long overdue, the city actually having a mentoring program where you can work with Rotary, Kiwanis, private business, city hall employees, city employees, just regular volunteers, people that are willing to spend some time and be a mentor. As we all know, there's a lot of broken families in our community. People coming from single parent families, kids. And if we can start with kids that are about seven, eight years old and mentor them right through. I know Boston has a program that Mayor Walsh just initiated. And I believe he's looking for 1,000 mentors with a big handful of them being Boston City employees. But if we can do it on a smaller scale in Medford, maybe start with 50 people, I think that that's a goal. But it's up to the mayor to put this in place. And I don't see any reason why we can't with the size of our city and the committed people we have throughout this community. The mayor made phone calls asking people for donations just last week. Maybe he can pick up the phone and call the same people and see if they're interested in getting a mentoring program off the ground. And I, as one member of the city council, and I'm sure all of us are, would be more than willing to help him any way we can.
[Paul Camuso]: No, not for now.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. I would just, as we're looking at this, I think we have to be very realistic. We heard it loud and clear over the past five years, people wanted Verizon, people wanted the opportunity to go out and choose which cable provider that they would like to subscribe to. And so, I actually support the renewal of the contract, just based upon giving people the opportunity to make a on what provider they would like. I don't see any reason why, though, they can't open this up at this point to other vendors that may be interested and not just exclusively Verizon and Comcast or Xfinity. But like I said, this is something this city council called for for years. Competition, competition, competition. And if this doesn't get renewed, I would think that competition is now by the wayside in the city of Medford. I don't know that to be 100% true, It sort of makes sense just based upon the contract not being renewed. At some point, Comcast would no longer be available to be subscribed to. So, I just think we've got to think about that because we were very adamant. Councilor Marks, do you remember how many years it was? Councilor Carr was on the Council when we were trying to get Verizon in here. It's been that long ago. So, competition is good for the consumer.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, I'd also like Director Burke, if I can make a motion, to provide us with the last four consecutive fiscal years of franchise fees that came into this community as a result of a 1987 vote or 88 vote of the Medford City Council. There's nothing that says we have to keep that in place. Members of this Medford City Council if we wanted to can do away with the franchise fee on the monthly bill. Now we have to be obvious, we obviously have to be aware that there are many good programs that are funded through it, teachers in the school system and things of that nature. But I'd like to see four years worth of franchise fees and then we can take a serious look at if it's something that we want to continue as a practice here in the city of Medford.
[Paul Camuso]: And I think this is this is playing into the whole picture. We asked for the transfers last week. We're actually holding in on the budget now to see where there could be some savings, where in the past we haven't asked for some of this empirical data. Thank you, Councilman. Sorry.
[Paul Camuso]: The peg access is what pays for the school committee and the city council as well. And we all know as we traverse this community, how many people watch these meetings. And a portion of it is funded. And so once again, I think Councilor Alango-Kern has a great idea, seeing exactly how much of it is paying for Monday nights and Tuesday nights and how much is getting paid elsewhere. But TV3 or whatever the public access station is one portion of it. The PEG stands for public education and government. We still have a government channel and we have an education component. Right now, the P for public access is missing, but there still is two other channels that are funded through that.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. I can see where this is going. I would anticipate that the mayor is going to say that where this is a renewal, he doesn't need the Medford City Council, as Councilor Caraviello pointed out in his wise wisdom. He doesn't need the City Council to give him the approval. So, I think at this point, we should go and temporarily, for the next 60 days, rescind the original vote that was taken under, I believe it had to be under City Manager Galoni at the time. Because this is technically a renewal, it's not a new contract. So, if we rescind the original vote where the council gave approval... No, no, but it's been a renewal, a renewal, a renewal. The original vote that gave the city administration the green light to move forward of a plus three year contract. I think this city council should take a vote to temporarily rescind it so that he cannot go and sign this tomorrow morning while we're waiting for the city clerk to do his due diligence and pull the original paper. Does it make sense? Because this is a renewal and the administration is going to come back and say, I don't need your consent. You gave it to me on the original contract. Do you see what I'm saying? Where if that vote's rescinded, he can only negotiate a maximum of three years. And it, it sounds to me by listening to the council colleague, my council colleagues, no one's really comfortable with a 10-year deal at this point. So then.
[Paul Camuso]: Are we authorized to rescind something that old? We can rescind anything. Cause he's, he, whatever vote he's banking on saying that he has the authority to do it, that should be rescinded by this council temporarily for 60 days. until we find out where it's going. So, is that in the form of a motion, Councilor? That is in the form of a motion.
[Paul Camuso]: So, on the motion... Well, at least until... At least rescind it until April 15th, is it?
[Paul Camuso]: The only thing we can rescind is the original vote giving him the authority to go over three-year contract. But I agree with that, but I'm afraid tomorrow morning he'll sign this contract knowing that the council's looking for that. Well, if he thinks he can't get his 10-year deal... Can we rescind it for seven days? Rescind it for seven days? Will you support rescinding it for seven days? the original authority for the mayor to negotiate over three years. But Ed Finn just told me it's still in effect.
[Paul Camuso]: The council council president, mr. Councilor Camuso has the floor. I'm going to, uh, I'm going to withdraw that original motion. I'm going to make a motion that the city solicitor advises this council on the original paper and respectfully ask the mayor not to sign the contract. until the city solicitor's opinion is back before the Medford City Council. And if he goes forward and signs it, full well knowing that the council at this point, just speaking, and I'm not so sure if I'm far against the 10-year contract, but it sounds like several members are, are not far going out, but at least if he signs it between now and then, where we had since December 18th to now, and we're asking for seven days, I think that would be unfair for him to do that at this point.
[Paul Camuso]: On, on the, to, um, and the city clerk to furnish this council with the original vote that gave the mayor the authority not to negotiate with Comcast. Well, it could be Comcast or the authority to negotiation with a cable service provider for over 10 years. And it has to be, broader for all cable companies, because the mayor did not need a vote of the city council to give a 10-year contract to Verizon.
[Paul Camuso]: With that, on the motion of council, Camuso has a seat paper. And also for him not to sign it, respectfully ask him not to sign it within the next seven days, because he knows there is concerns amongst the members of this city council.
[Paul Camuso]: And we're on a seat paper on this. Easy. This is your paper. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. I would ask Councilor Pente's resolutions, if we could send his papers to the Mayor too, because a few weeks ago at the Mayor's press conference, he publicly stated he hasn't got any phone calls on this. And I know that some of the businesses that he mentioned on TV, that were in favor of this, the best thing that's ever happened to Medford. It's got some people upset with those particular businesses for thinking that. So if we could ask the mayor to take a look at these complaints, because as of that press conference, his office has not received one complaint about it. The only things he heard was that this is great. And this, as the mayor said at his press conference, the record doesn't lie. That's exactly what he said at the press conference. And it was posted on medford.org. and several other things. This is when he, um, it was the same press conference that he talked about his new, um, ad hoc, um, substance abuse program. Um, as well as council Lungo-Koehn had a, had a request on the council resolution for the update on DPW equipment, uh, as sand and salt. And it's the press conference basically, basically talk to may have basically talked about everything that was on the council agenda. was the whole press conference. But, I mean, if he isn't getting any of these complaints, then I would ask people to call his office rather than Councilor Penter and the rest of the council, because we need to let him know what people are saying. There's obviously, his number must not be published or something, because all the calls seem to be coming to us.
[Paul Camuso]: Can we also ask that the city administration to provide with this data the amount of snow emergency days that were called since this program started? Yes. Because those particular days, there was no parking on the main streets, legally. But we have a snow emergency like no other community that I've ever seen where you just keep it on and on and on with no enforcement. But if we could just ask that question.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Councilor Penta, for bringing this up. Unfortunately, I'm a little bit saddened that the administration didn't pursue participating in the survey, which may have told the state what our needs were. And sometimes the state uses this type of data when it comes to funding purposes for cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. But with that being said, I'm not surprised that he just let it sit on a disc or go on a shredder or whatever. With that being said, I do support this this evening, and I'm not gonna tell Councilor Penta what to do, but I'd like to make that, if you make the motion, I'd support it, the million dollars out of certified free cash to repair the roadways throughout our community. So you're gonna bring that up? You wanna do that now? And I'd second that.
[Paul Camuso]: To repair the roadways. And last but not least, as I said earlier, I'd just like to commend the councilor as well as Councilor Lungo-Koehn for being forward thinking with the 311 system that she brought up a little while ago that this council supported because these are tools that the administration could use if they wanted to. But we're talking about an administration that doesn't have a fire department that has email throughout the entire department, picks and chooses who has it, as well as an administration that doesn't have voicemail. So, certainly, I'm not that surprised. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor Knight. Councilor Camuso. Thank you. The mayor has a wonderful asset, too, in his office. We all know Stephanie Muccini-Burke, who was a stalwart as a councilor, and she was all about accountability. And if the mayor can't figure this out, he can just reach across his office and maybe ask her to bring some of her leadership thoughts forward on this particular issue. Because as I said, we all know that she was all about holding people accountable when she was a city councillor, and she brings so much to that office. So if he can't figure it out, maybe he can get some of his staff to maybe look into the 311 or some type of similar product that may be out there. Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: This includes the million dollars
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. While we're under suspension, I'd like to, if my council colleagues don't mind, I think a report of all the transfers internally that have taken place from July 1st up to say February, the end of February, would give us a good idea on where the mayor's transferring money within the budget and will prepare us to start looking at next year's budget. But as we know, the only transfers that need to come before the council, if it's for a totally different line item. So there's so many transfers that take place on a daily if not weekly basis within the departments. I think we should have a good picture because we know that there's positions within the budget right now that have been funded that still have no one in the position. DPW director is one. It's over $100,000 a year job and the individual is being paid three days a week because it's a part-time so-called contract employee. It's a retiree. that's currently doing the job rather than the, um, so, so I'd like to see where that money for that salary has went. So, uh, if we could ask the administration by the way of a resolve to provide us with all transfers that have taken place amongst, um, all the departments internally, and most of this will be the DPW, we'll be doing it from one line item to another line item that may have went to the overtime line item. But I think it's incumbent upon us to look at that as we get ready to, uh, to come into budget time so we can actually have a realistic look on where the mayor is moving the money around. So I'd like to get a roll call vote on that.
[Paul Camuso]: And if we could also ask for the other report that we get, where exactly we are financially six months plus into the year. We used to get a report every month. We haven't been seeing that. So I just think we need a clear picture to realize how much money is being moved around. internally, because there may be areas that the mayor may want to add a line item. Hey, instead of moving the money around every year, maybe I want to do this or do that. And realistically, that's when we can look at it and see if we think there should be a reduction in the line item, an addition in the line item, because we're not seeing those transfers that take place during the year. The only transfers we technically usually see are the major ones that come to us June 20th, June 26th for moving major money around. But for instance, the police overtime budget. I'm sure that that's close to in the arrears, if not in the arrears, and they have to fund it some way. So there's another line item somewhere within the budget that they would allocate money from. So I think this would be a very good tool for all of us. And then we may want to ask for this again in like three months. But I'd like to put the last day of February as a date because those are transfers that have already taken place and we can actually see it. And then maybe at the end of this month we'll ask for another one and another one. because I'm sure there's areas within the budget that are underfunded or overfunded that funds are being allocated from different line items.
[Paul Camuso]: not on this after we dispose of this, just announcement.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. If I just may, I'd like to make a community announcement. Please. This Thursday, Mayor McGlynn, in conjunction with Senator Markey, as well as Representative Catherine Clark, will be holding a fundraiser for the Crystal Campbell Memorial Peace Garden. That's going to be this Thursday, March 12, 2015, And it's going to be from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at 200 Rivers Edge Drive. It's $50 per person. If anyone that can't make it that would like to participate financially can do so at medford.org. And the first 200 donors will get a copy of Bill Brett's, who's a famous photographer in the Boston area, new book, Boston Irish. So the mayor, I got to give him a compliment for this. He's doing a nice job in the Crystal Campbell Peace Garden. And this is for the upkeep of the garden after the construction has taken place.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to move suspension of the rules, Mr. President. Rule number 33, to take a petition from Amici, as well as Ms. McAbrek, who has a presentation.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Just before I make a few comments and just in the interest of full disclosure, not only the attorney representing the clients this evening is a friend, but also my former employer for about two and a half months, about four years ago in 2010. November to roughly January of 2015 in the interest of full disclosure. And if I may, I think this is a real good organization. It's going to add to the diversity of our community. The gentlemen that are on the board certainly have been very enthusiastic about this over the past few years leading up to this great endeavor. And it's before us this evening. And this is something that I support wholeheartedly. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And first of all, I want to applaud Janelle for really taking a leadership role on this. As we all look around this community, People are struggling out there. People are in pain. You know, this is coming from someone that's an alcoholic in recovery. I struggle every day not to pick up a drink so I can be a better father, a better husband, a better wife. And I know the pain people are in, Mr. President, because at the end of my drinking, the choice was the booze and not the family and everything else out there that an average person would realize and hit head on. These people are out there, and they're using because they're in pain and they're suffering. And this is a disease. You put it in your system, you put it in your system, and it calls for another. And this is in my particular matter of alcoholism. It's not a normal person just having a drink. It calls for another and another and another and another. And a few weeks ago, when I brought the task force commission forward, for the city of Medford to actually get behind this and take a leadership role. Many people ask me why I was so upset with Mayor McGlynn over calling a press conference just to stump the council and to put it ahead of the council. And I think you can all see why, why I was so upset. Knowing what I go through on a daily basis when I try to do a meeting every single day when I don't have stuff going on. I got people right now texting me that I consider my friends from my AA meetings right now. telling me this takes a lot of guts to do this right now. But you know what? I'm not proud of being an alcoholic. I'm proud of being someone in recovery. It's not what we chose. It's not what we chose. On any given day, too, I'm a firm believer this city does not want to look at the facts, like Mr. Garrity said. Go to any AA meeting around here, and it's full of Medford people, good Medford people, good Medford families. Evidently they watch the city council because there's people texting me, as I said, just right now. And I just think as a community, we really have to step up to the plate and be there. Because as these folks know, and as I know, and as my family knows, no one's gonna make you stop using your substance of choice until you are ready. And when you are ready and you surrender to this awful disease, we as a community have to be there with resources in place for the families, for the individuals that are looking to become part of recovery. This is something we have to take a serious look at. And you know, until I developed my problem with alcoholism over the past four or five years, I never thought that marijuana was a gateway drug. I used to hear that and laugh. But you know what? People are using just to numb their feelings. And that's why, in recovery, they say, if you're an alcoholic, don't pick up the marijuana, or pick up this, or do that, or do that. Or if you're an intravenous drug user and you stop doing that, don't pick up the Budweiser, because you're just substituting your problem. These are the things no one wants to talk about. But I got nine, 10 months left on this city council before I retire. And this is something that I'm going to follow through on and make it my mission to have the city step up, have the city put funding behind this, not just press conferences, but actual places that families and substance abuse users can go to when they're ready. Because no one's kidding anyone, until you are ready, until you are ready and surrender, You can have anything in front of you, and all these families out here can relate, anything at all in front of you, and you're gonna choose the booze, the heroin, the pills, whatever it may be, you're gonna choose that, because ultimately it takes control of your life, takes control of your life. And I wouldn't have believed this until I confronted my disease, because it's awful easy to look outside and throw glasses and use the word junkie or a drunk, I wrote my wife a nice letter. You know what I always thought the alcoholic was, the drunk? The guy at Harvard Square sitting there with a brown paper bag, with a brown paper bag, drinking and collecting cans to go and buy the next bottle of booze. I didn't think it was someone that was a city councilor for 16 years. I didn't think it was someone that worked for the Sheriff's Department for 18 years. You know what? It doesn't discriminate. does not discriminate. We have members of this community that are suffering so much that end up killing themselves. Killing themselves because they're in so much pain. Pick up the obituaries. Not everyone says alcoholism or drug abuse or this or that. But we know people that have committed suicide and were struggling with this very disease. And they took that route rather than letting everyone else down. Because when you're in a state and you feel like your disease got you by the grip, guess what? You'd rather be dead. You'd rather be dead. And I'm speaking from experience. So we have to do something as a community. We have to actually get out there and fund some programs. Because like I said, when the substance abuse users are ready, We have to be there to meet them with open arms and give them guidance. Right now, the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12th step is giving back. It's giving back. I'm working with other people, other people that are alcoholics, to try to give them hope, you know? And I just hope, I just hope that the city administration takes a long look at this and look that since 2003, 2003, in this community, people were overdosing, on heroin, overdosing. A baseball player for the Florida Marlins overdosed within the seven and a half miles of this community several times, several times. And that was in 2000, early 2000. And here we are today. So, uh, like I said, let's actually put our money where our mouths are and fund this something. And I know councilor Dello Russo called me today cause he knows I've been on his back about calling a committee of the whole meeting on this particular matter. And I don't know if you chose the date yet, but I thank you for being very active on this.
[Paul Camuso]: And that's what I hope.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta, Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And, uh, I do support the main resolution and then Councilor Knight's, uh, amendment as well as, um, Councilor Penta's. Yeah, I know we're getting to the point where it's, um, we're getting some time under our belt with this new program, but we still really don't have good data. As the councilor mentioned, we've been on a snow emergency now for a couple of months. You know, people aren't parking. Once the snow's away, we can really look into making major changes to this program. But at this point, I don't see anything wrong with revisiting the 15 and 30 minutes free parking or something in the middle. And if they have to do it at the end of the parking, if that's the only way that the system in place will work, then it's something they should look at. But I just don't know how you're going to enforce the 15 minutes. But you know what? This is what you get paid for here at City Hall to figure it out, and I support the council. And make it work for the people.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. As we all know, state rep Donato has done a great job delivering for the community here. And once again, he has been appointed a higher position. It seems like every two years, representative Donato has been moving through the ranks. So he just We've got one more promotion in the ranks of leadership, and for that I want to congratulate him. And hopefully this will allow him to bring more funding to Medford for all the projects that are so important to the quality of life here in our community.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Camuso. Yes. I think this is something we should also have Bill Timmons get involved with. This is actually a part of his job he should be doing. So if maybe we could get him there for, um, for this very important meeting, uh, I'd like to make sure he's part of this cause we all know, uh, he can issue fines as well as he's the person that certifies the meters every April. Uh, so he's a front and center and more importantly, he's had dealings with all these, companies and licenses, so we want to get some input from him on the way they're doing their business and if he feels that they're a reputable business to continue within the confines of our community. Thank you for a good council. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso, I'm glad you're feeling well. Thank you. I'd just like to say I'm glad I came down this evening with 101 temperature, but with the wisecrack that Councilor Penta wanted to say about me being sick. So I just wanted to come down. You weren't sure when I was coming back and all this. Yeah. Yes, there was. We'll put the paper on hold for Councilor Caraviello, but we don't know when Councilor Camuso's coming back. Thank you, Mr. President. You're just such a wonderful person. Thank you, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: I don't know about that. Thank you. I'd just like to congratulate the Lieutenant. You know, he's not only well respected in our community, like the Chief said, but throughout this whole area, whether it's the NMLAC unit, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, just very, very well respected. And I'm very, very happy to see him moving on, but at the same time, sad because he's such an instrumental part of our police department. I'd also just like to ask the Chief, I don't want to make it a B paper because this is all about Mike, But Chief, do you anticipate to fill the void with him? Because I know we're down to bare bones with patrol officers. I want to make sure that there is a corral ladder and that the job is filled.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, what the attorney didn't say is that this is not the Attorney General's office right now. This was a decision of the Suffolk Superior Court. The 48-page document that Councilor Penta refers to is a ruling of the court. So I think we should actually get that ruling first, have our city solicitor go over it. And quite honestly, in the press release from the Attorney General's office, it appeared that there might be some conversations going forward that Hallmark Health may be able to work out an arrangement, possibly, if it's set aside from the three hospitals. So I just think it's very, we have to be very clear. The Attorney General had made a comment, but her comments were prior to the decision of the Suffolk Superior Court Judge. So if we could get that and send it to our legal counsel to look over, because as Councilor Caraviello stated, This is something that's going to have a long-term detrimental effect on our community if that place was to shut down due to a merger not taking place. And that's jobs. That's a major piece of land in our community. So we have to be ahead of this, Mr. President. And if Hallmark Health, if Lawrence Memorial has to start negotiations with Beth Israel or someone else, then so be it. But we all know that the Leahy merged with Winchester most recently. So I think we have to worry about Lawrence Memorial Hospital and not so much the Hallmark Health on the South Shore, because the people in Melrose right now aren't concerned about Medford. So we have to urge Hallmark Health to look at any and all avenues to keep a hospital afloat here in our community. And as I said, whether it's Beth Israel, whether it's Tufts Medical Center, And the Brigham and Women's, as we know, has the affiliation with the South Shore Hospital. The Mass General, which is the other part of Partners, was doing the affiliation out here. And in their political structure, the Mass General is sort of the king, has a little bit more at the table, I would say, in the boardroom than the Brigham and Women's does. So we got to just make sure that Lawrence Memorial Hospital is looked at, excuse me, by Hallmark Health. for any and all options that are out there. I think, as a community, we can't just say that we back that merger. We have to see what other opportunities there are out there. So I'd like to get the city solicitor to look at the opinion and then ask Hallmark Health specifically if they have any plans for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Because quite honestly, I'm not concerned about Melrose. I'm not concerned about uh, South shore. And when you look at the elected officials that supported this merger and some that didn't, it appears it was all upon where programs were going within the hospital. The senators out of Lynn were against the merger because it would have affected the Lynn facility would have got programs that they may not have wanted that would have been moved from Melrose Wakefield and things of that nature. So I think we have to look at the piece of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital and not Hallmark Health as a whole.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. If I may, we like to move suspension of the rules before a gentleman that would like to address this honorable body.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. And, uh, Steven was also a great personal friend of mine. Uh, just a great guy. And, uh, as we all know, his family goes back, uh, 50 years of public service. whether it was his dad, Frank, working for the Sheriff's Department back as a superintendent in the 1980s and the 70s, his mom, Roberta, who still works here part-time and does a fabulous job, his brother, Frank. He's also with the MBTA. Just a great, great, great family. And Stephen will be sorely missed around the baseball field and just around the community in general. Just always had a smile on his face, outstanding personality, and just a great family man. want to send my condolences as well.
[Paul Camuso]: If I may, many of us that enjoyed the Park League when we were kids as Councilor Lungo was champion for it for many, many years, When we were kids, the director, well, I'm a couple years older than Counsel Lungo, but the director when I was a kid growing up was Mr. Salido. Just a great guy, and then I'd often spend time with him after, later in life, I'd be visiting my dad's grave up at Oak Grove Cemetery, and Mrs. Salido was right across the way in the little island there. And he was always, always up there, as we all know, just a great guy. and another dedicated public servant here in our community that will be sorely missed. Mrs. Irwin. We all know Honorable Justice Irwin that passed away a few years ago. Another outstanding family here in our community. Ann Marie Callahan is still here in Medford with her loving husband, Brian. And just a great family. And she passed away this past week as well. So if we could just keep them in our thoughts and prayers and send them a condolence on behalf of the Medford City Council. If we could all stand for a moment of silence for all these people near and dear to Medford.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta, Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. If I just very briefly on this, I'm actually glad to see this development taking place. And the reason I say that is we have to make sure that the Medford's neighborhood is protected, but that hospital has always concerned me of a not so good development or facility taking place up there because it's actually in a Medford residential neighborhood. practically more than Malden. And to echo some of my sentiments from earlier when we were talking about the Lawrence Memorial Hospital and potentially having a vacant piece of property and something not so nice for a neighbourhood to come in, and by speaking with this gentleman for the past six months or so, the developer, in meeting with neighbours, I really believe that they're committed to making sure that this is done in a way that it's respectful of the Medford neighbourhood I know Councilor Marks put a paper on before, I believe it was you Councilor Marks, correct me if I'm wrong, to install some sort of a structure up there so it will not be a cut through. So this council has been proactive on this since it first started, but I also very much respect the development and where they do have to go in front of Malden before coming to Medford. It would be similar to us doing a development and the developer goes to Somerville before he has has the time to come before the Medford City Council or the Medford Zoning Board. So if the zoning and stuff isn't approved over there, then this is going nowhere. And it's basically moot on the Medford portion. And just for the viewing public, I know the neighbors were very concerned, and there's a great group of neighbors right up there on Lund Road and that whole surrounding area, that they legally have to be notified of any zoning changes even if it's across city lines, if they're within the boundaries of what's called for by law. I specifically checked that out during a neighborhood meeting up there with our city solicitor. So anyone that thinks that the zoning laws don't apply because it's on the other side of the town or city border, that is incorrect. And so we will have a seat at the table at the appropriate time. And Council President Dello Russo, I know you've been working on this. very hot as well as I was when I was sitting in your seat. So, look forward to upcoming meetings. And thank you for keeping us abreast and getting the developer at the table. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President? Councilor Camuso. Thank you. I dealt with this, with the family that the tower's in front of, and this was several years ago when they bought the house. They moved out here from the north end of Boston to held circle in particular, and I don't believe that's a regular cell tower. I think it may have something to do with mass port communications in Logan Airport, but certainly that has been there for the last 20 or 30 years from when we originally looked into it. So I agree with Councilor Lungo-Koehn to at least get an update, but unfortunately, It was something that's been there. I think it might have been there prior to the development of some of the houses up there. Because I know there would have been huge public outcry at the time to put that inside a residential neighborhood. We dealt with it with some of the billboards getting switched out down on Mystic Avenue. And that's stuff that you have to be cognizant of the fact when you buy your home. And I actually said that to the person in the family that I was dealing with at the time that moved out here from Boston. You can't buy your house next to a park and then say, hey, get rid of the park. I know I used to have that argument with my grandmother at Century Street all the time. Now my cousin Joey loves having the park there. So if we could get those answers, though, it would at least alleviate some of the questions and concerns. And there's no reason, like Councilor Lungo-Koehn said, the building department should be issuing permits for when they're doing work on it, no matter who it is. And there also should be emergency contact information on the fence that goes around it. Similar to the National Grid, you drive through Burlington, And they have those huge towers that are delivering electricity. And they all say, in case of emergency, call this phone number, blah, blah, blah. That's important for after-hours emergencies and things of that nature. So I support this 100%.
[Paul Camuso]: If I remember correctly, that was what it was. One person was the owner, and maybe Massport had some equipment on it, and Verizon, and this and that. So that's a good question.
[Paul Camuso]: Next in queue is Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. And before we go any further, I think we have to urge the mayor that from now on, on Tuesday nights, at least until April, to turn the heat on in this building. Because I was afraid that it was because I'm under the weather, but I've talked to several people in here. It's absolutely freezing in here right now. Councilor Lungo-Koehn tells me it's 63 degrees in here. So next week, we're going to have to bring our scarves and our winter hat to do the people's business. But with that being said, two things that I'd be interested to get an update on the current situation is one, a usage report they gave us a few weeks ago, which was good data, told us people seem to be participating within the confines of the laws and restrictions that are put in place by the Traffic Commission. And the second thing is I'd like to get an update, Chief, on the tokens. Jimmy's Pizza here, great in the community, as he says. People come in, they have to wait because he has a line out the door because he's given a good product. And people go there. Look at all the names on the petitions he gives us. Every single one of those people have been in there buying a sandwich. So keep up the good work, Jim. With that being said, though, I would like to have the tokens in place where Jimmy, as a businessman, could purchase the tokens instead of a quarter, $0.15 maybe for the tokens. And these businesses. Um, I know you're working on it.
[Paul Camuso]: And it was a very doable plan. Excellent. And with that being said, um, that was my next question was, if and when this will be instituted. Because Jimmy right now, it would be a good tool for him. Like he said, it's embarrassing to say to someone, I'll give you a quarter so you can go pay the meter. But you know what? When the guy does come into Jimmy's shop or any other shop in the community and they say, hey, you're a good customer. Next time you come in here, the pocket's on me. And you give them one of these tokens. I mean, that goes far. Many businesses in this community I know are very, very much for that, whether it's a local barbershop, whether it's some of our bigger restaurants.
[Paul Camuso]: Some of these machines have been acting up to, to the point where it's been very customer friendly. You throw in a quarter, and you get two quarters back. It, uh, it happened to me today. And, uh, I know you put it right back though. Yes, of course I did. I put the quarter right back in. I drove to the, I drove to the office in South Medford and I gave it to them. Um, no, but, uh, um, I've been hearing that too, that some of them have been actually spitting quarters back out to the consumer. Somebody, um, somebody sent me an email joke and said, yeah, it's, it's probably wind casino that owns the, owns the things they're trying to get people in their casino. But with that being said, I'd just like to get an update on the tokens, because as Councilor Caraviello, we're all aware that they are coming, and they said it can be done. But deciding to do it and putting it into effect are two different things. And quite honestly, I think right now, this is a slow time of year anyway for all the businesses, especially restaurants. Right after Christmas, January, February, March, every restaurant I've talked to said this is typically their slow season. I think these would come in more handy now than in the end of the year, next year, November, when it's traditional busy time of year, Christmas season. So if we could just get an update on those two, the usage report, and when I say usage report, the same data that you provided us a few weeks ago with the amount of people that use the machine as well as the tickets that were issued. And last but not least on the tokens. Okay. Thanks chief.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. For those of the individuals that don't know, Father Kevin Toomey recently got notified of his reassignment. And this is a major, major blow to St. Raphael's Parish. St. Raphael's is a great parish community. Father Toomey has done an exemplary job down there, as we all know. He's been there for 15 or so years, and he is solely responsible for getting people to pledge support financially to build the new Paris Center, which cost around $6 million, Mr. President. And for that, the community and the parish is grateful. And we want to wish him well. And I think it's more than appropriate. He's around until June, until he goes to his new assignment. But I think we should get him down here just to acknowledge him. He was a stalwart supporter of putting up the crossing signs and the lights in front of St. Raphael's Parish for the children of the community, and just was always there for people. And I'm going to miss him, not only as my parish Pastor, but more importantly, as a friend. So if we can get him down here at a meeting to receive a congratulation note from the Medford City Council.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. I would be remiss if I didn't congratulate Uncle Bob, as people often refer to him as. Him and his wife Cheryl are the proud grandparents of Willow Skye. And Willow Skye now has the proud parents, Dr. Marty Marin and beautiful Alexandra Mayako Marin. The baby was born. And baby and mom are doing great. They just came home a few days ago. And I just want to congratulate them.
[Paul Camuso]: Absolutely. Yes. So congratulations to Mr. President, his wife, and the entire family. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, I know we did laugh about it a little earlier regarding the climate control in this building. I wouldn't expect any secretary, any public employee in this building or school or any municipal building to work in the temperatures that we've worked in the last two, a couple of council meetings. This is ridiculous. If there's a problem with the system in this room, then the mayor and or his designee can get it taken care of. In the summertime, it's stifling in here and it's freezing in here tonight. I think no one can argue with that. We have people that actually left the meeting because of the temperature in this room. It's... And you're ailing, but my feet are numb.
[Paul Camuso]: And just to follow up, a few weeks ago, Alicia Hunt was in here adjusting the temperature. And I believe they had it set to go off at like 9 o'clock. I don't remember a city council meeting in the history of the city of Medford for the past 30 years that hasn't gone till nine o'clock. So, uh, has gone, you know what I'm saying? Has gone, um, less than nine o'clock. It was about a, uh, six month range where some of the meetings were shorter. Um, but that was due just to the smaller agendas. This is, uh, this is absurd.
[Paul Camuso]: I say we don't, we, We shouldn't be meeting in this temperature. If it's again like this, really, we should postpone the meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President. Thank you, Councilor Cavill. Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. You make a motion for approval? I'd like to make a motion for approval on this, Mr. President. This is a long overdue thing in our community. We're proud to have many nursing facilities. But one thing that I like to see as an elected official is give people the opportunity to participate in programs and still maintain ownership and residence in their own homes. And this is going to be another particular case for Medford residents to be able to do that, similar to the Buddy Coholan Center that we have for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. as well as some other smaller establishments in our community. But I think this will be a great addition to the South Medford neighbourhood. And this will also spur some economic development. If you have, say, 30 clients and you have to feed 30 people, they're going to be doing grocery shopping in the area or utilising local businesses, whether it may be for prescriptions or first aid stuff or things of that nature. So I see this as a win-win to keep a building from being vacant in our community. And I'd like to move approval, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. I think it, um, The gentleman said it a little bit differently than I stated it earlier. All the votes in motions that were put before this Medford City Council, that were put before this Medford City Council, were unanimous votes. Now I understand what the council is talking about, the final vote that we asked for to come back to this council, but the mayor, under his authority, didn't need to do that. But we are unanimous. We were unanimous on the two votes that were taken. And the two that this council took were one given the mayor the authority, which was a seven to zero vote. And then the other vote was the night of the RFP or RFQ. I forget exactly what it was, but we went over the language of the contract for a couple hours over here back, and I believe it was March of 2014. And it was a seven zero vote to report it out of committee.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. So I just have one question for the councilor. So the request for proposal that originally went out that you voted on, you didn't know what was in that contract when you took that vote.
[Paul Camuso]: We had a vote back in March, I think it was March, when we sat at the committee of the whole and went over the request for proposal before Louise Miller put it out. Before she put it out. The records... Mr. Dello Russo, I'm council president. Yes, sir. I think you made a very good solution before. The city clerk is the official record keeper of the community. Please give us the votes, Mr. Clerk, on the meeting for the request for proposal that originally went out, and then for giving the mayor the 10 years authority.
[Paul Camuso]: That never, ever took place. There's two different meetings that took place. The council is trying to make it look, because he wants to make it look like he took one vote this way, that way, whatever. No he didn't, I'm not taking it. There was a seven to nothing vote, to send out the request for proposal to the vendors. Yeah, I'm not arguing with that. But if you now want to change the whole program, I'm not saying that.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilman, you knew it was in the contract. You know something? I didn't know it was in the contract. Neither did you.
[Paul Camuso]: No. Yes, you did. The request for proposal went out back in March. So like I said, you know something, Councilman? That's a request for proposal. That's not the contract. With all due respect. With all due respect, I've been watching this for longer than before I was on the council. You fought something, then you're against it. You just like to make steam. You never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Wait a minute, wait a minute. The only one making steam right now is you.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to get the, I'd like for the clerk for once and for all, because I know for a fact Councilor Penta has given misinformation out there.
[Paul Camuso]: I would like to allow the clerk to give clarification on the two votes that the Medford city council took. I would like to do that right now, and then we can put this to sleep, and you won't have to deal with counsel.
[Paul Camuso]: I don't want to use the word duped. The contract called that we put our vote behind. But at this point to say that we were totally against it and this and that up until the final plan that the mayor would... Who's saying that? Nobody's saying that, Paul.
[Paul Camuso]: Either you're for it or against it. I'm not talking about your resolution. For or against it. Councilor, it's so convoluted, what you're trying to do... And your mind is convoluted. What you're trying to do here is... And your mind is convoluted. Councilor... I go by fact. Mr. President, I go by fact. I'd just like to see the records of the original votes and... where it took us to this point. Because there is, Councilor Caraviello, in conversations with him, has been approached by what, four or five people? At least through this community. I know someone that was sitting next to the councilor when he's saying that you can blame certain councilors for this. Let's, let's- Well, bring that person forward. Councilor, they don't like you. They don't even want to talk to you.
[Paul Camuso]: But not in the final plan. I see what you're saying.
[Paul Camuso]: No, I just, um, I wanted to concur with, I think Dr. Stirella had a fair assessment of the entire process. If for any, At any point during this, if we felt we didn't like what was in that request for proposal, four members of the city council could have voted not to give the mayor the authority. At that point, the process would have stopped, like Councilor Mark said, until he'd come back with something that was palatable that would then give him the authority to go out for the 10 years. So. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, Councilor Camuso. Thank you. My apologies. And as I was stating, and Councilor Marks was 100% correct, this whole All the internal language of the final document was the mayor and the mayor only. We had several recommendations getting us up to that point. I, for one, wanted regular meters. You put a quarter in and that was it. This council supported that unanimously way back when at one of the early on meetings. So Councilor Marks is correct when he says that. But my point is, I just want everyone to know that, and I'm trying to say this the right way so that Councilor Marks because I understand what you're saying. People are getting confused. And as the young lady from West Medford stated, Ms. Blackburn, I don't know if she left, but as she stated, everyone is saying it's the Medford City Council. And then when certain members of the council are just trying to throw this off on other people and this and that, all the votes that were taken by this council, all the votes that were actually taken by the call of the yeas and nays regarding parking has been unanimous. Now, once the final,
[Paul Camuso]: Like I said, Mr. President, Councilor Penta can say whatever he wants. He can backpedal. But the bottom line is, we saw the request for proposal early in 2014, as Dr. Stirella stated. We gave the mayor the authority, knowing what was in that written proposal. So you know what, if we feel like maybe we made a mistake doing it, then let's say that we made a mistake and it's something different than we thought. But to throw the red herring out that three members of this council, or four members, or five members, or six members of this council voted one way and other members didn't, it was unanimous, all the votes. And the city clerk's gonna give it to us next week because I asked for that in the form of a resolution. So once it's apples to apples, I may take out a full page ad in the Medford transcript so that the people can see that Councilor Penta is not being forthcoming and truthful 100% on this.
[Paul Camuso]: And was there?
[Paul Camuso]: He can say it any way he wants. And as I stated, Mr. President, when the councillor wants to do coffee talk banter and blame certain members of this council, the vote. You're running around the town telling.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, councillor. So moved. Let the people speak. If I could just finish. I'm going to wrap up. Councilor Camuso is going to wrap up. I'm going to wrap it up. But when I have people that are telling me, when Councilor Caraviello is having people tell him directly, four or five people, and other councillors are hearing the same stuff, All these different groups are not making it up that this is what's being said out there. So I just want the truth. The truth will set everybody free. The truth will set us free. So the clerk next week will come back with the documents, and then we'll see in the local newspaper, come election time, if Councilor Penta's words come back to bite him.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Thank you to the chief. Hey, chief Sacco. I think, uh, I think one thing that I think we could look at, um, doing pretty quick and it's similar to what councilor Marks and councilor Lungo said, I'm not so sure the contract, if there's even room for negotiation for total 15 minutes or 30 minutes free, I would love to see it, but realistically, I'm not so sure the contract, that's something we'd be able to achieve through negotiations. I think we might be able to achieve something, though, where from the time of your expiration, you don't actually get a written ticket. You give a 10-minute leeway at the end of it before you get that violation. So similar to a speeding ticket, when you're out tagging and it's 25 miles an hour, I'm not going to say it out loud, but there's a traditional formula they use. If you go above certain thing over, you know what I'm saying. With that being said, I think that's something that could give some instant relief and help out, even if we do it for six months, just a 10 minute at the end of the, when it's about to expire. So if your thing expires 125, Republic doesn't write a ticket until 136. So you get a 10 minute leeway at the end of it. We're still going to be turning over the parking. I think that would have a good intent as far as turning over parking. not hammering people with tickets, but holding them accountable if they're over the limit by 11, uh, 10 minutes. And then once they hit that, um, next one, is that something that Republic, I mean, and not talking about contractual, but I think that's something that would make more sense. And listen, I have to preface it by, I think all of us here would love to see the first 15 minutes of the 30 minutes free, but there's really going to be no way to police that because it's actually, when you're putting the money in the kiosk, that's, what's actually initiating with all the data and the information technology that you got there at 1 o'clock. So they're not going to know when the 15 minutes started, when it didn't start. You know what I'm saying? I understand that. That's just the way information technology works. But on the other end, that's something fairly easy. That's just a training piece. I'd like to make a motion that we look for a 10-minute grace period at the end of each thing before a violation is given, at least for a few months. to get people knowledgeable and even, well actually, I was gonna say give those fake ones out like they were given out, not a fake one, but a zero dollar one. But I just think that achieves our goal of turning over spots, but it's also holding people accountable with a little breathing room. So I'd like to make that a motion, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Exactly. And to Republic, to follow up on that, has any cities and towns done something like that that you're aware of, where you guys would just instruct your people not to write the violation for the 10 minutes? Oh, that's not on.
[Paul Camuso]: So I'd like to make the motion for the 10 minutes. And I know now we can initiate, well, we want it 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes. 10 minutes, I think is reasonable when you when you're running in real quick, just to get the ball rolling, the conversation started between the mayor and the company.
[Paul Camuso]: So I just, I'll wrap up on this point. Um, I'd like to make it so that there's a 10 minute grace period at the end of each expired, um, session.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, it's in our contract though. I believe Councilor Penta, I don't know if he stated it, that they cannot use this information.
[Paul Camuso]: They can't.
[Paul Camuso]: They won't use it. Because no, you just said Mr. Nash, his company in Republic in New Hampshire. You said someone has their data.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, because I misunderstood it. I thought you knew something, and I was going to tell you to call the FBI if that was the case, with all the stuff going on in today's day and age.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm sorry, Anthony.
[Paul Camuso]: Motion to leave this open. Mr. President?
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Councilor Knight brought this up in the past too. If something's going to be under suspension, every member of this council should have the courtesy of at least seeing it and signing off on it. This wasn't under suspension, Paul. No, the other paper that you just handed to him.
[Paul Camuso]: I understand the amendment. Did he give you, I thought it was an original, he said it was 15-032.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. And that was my point, Mr. President, because when anything goes under suspension for many members of these council, any member of the council, we all see it, we initial it and then give it in. It wasn't a suspension. When it was given a number earlier, one would assume that it was under suspension and that we didn't sign off on it.
[Paul Camuso]: We've had many resolutions. Like I said, just moving forward. Anything under suspension, I think we should all see.
[Paul Camuso]: Amended on the floor, but not given to the city clerk with a number. I said, he read my resolution.
[Paul Camuso]: Um, this was already brought up earlier as a, Resolution as an amendment by myself. It was I said the ticket talking about it stop and shop in the second question following up people that actually get a violation. Now, these are the people we're getting up in mornings. Will they actually get an envelope to mail it in as well? Other communities get an envelope priests pre it's pre addressed.
[Paul Camuso]: Other communities do. Where are people going to be mailing them? To a lockbox out of state somewhere? Or right to Medford Main Street?
[Paul Camuso]: I just, I think it's a lot. I think they're.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, that's true, too. Use an orange envelope with a white ticket.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, if I may, just in wrapping this up, Chief Sackle, I would be remissed. And I think all of us, while we're not, we're not thoroughly happy the way things are been rolled out, But there's been one person that is a city employee that has been doing a great job with this, and that's the gentleman at the podium. I've met him on several occasions over the past two weeks. He actually got in his vehicle, come out, met this man right here, Mr. President. And I can appreciate when we say that we want him doing chief of police business, but for taking on the additional responsibility, Chief, We couldn't have had a better person in this city doing it. Your personality, your knowledge of the law, and just being responsive to people. For our police chief, and this came up earlier in the meeting, and I wasn't going to let him go home tonight without bringing this up. Last week, this man personally went down Did you pay the meter, though, when you went to every square?
[Paul Camuso]: Every square.
[Paul Camuso]: Every square. The chief went to every single square that have these kiosks, walked around all the businesses, answered questions. And he didn't need to do that. You know what?
[Paul Camuso]: Absolutely. And you know what? I haven't finished the square, Medford Square, yet.
[Paul Camuso]: There is some businesses. But like I said, I just. You know what, he's been the point person, and we couldn't have a better department head doing it. And thank you, Chief. And this will all quiet down. As far as the rollout, and it's way above your pay grade, it could have went a little bit more seamless. I think there could have been a lot of more information getting out there. But you're doing an outstanding job. And I'm speaking for all the councilors. Even Councilor Penter and I, I bet you're in agreement with this 180%. Right, Councilor? Hooray. He said he don't answer.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm sorry. Um, I can appreciate that. and I wish we did get notified, but I certainly understand from a homeowner's standpoint that the mayor probably would want to go on vacation and not have you running around the coffee shops yelling that he's out of town and so that someone can probably maybe go to his house and burglarize it because he's on vacation. I mean, it's just, like I said, I just find it quite amusing, Madam President. Councilor Marks. Like I said, I can understand, but... Is that a point of information? Yes. No, when you go to Florida with your friends, you don't tell people.
[Paul Camuso]: Nor should you.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like suspension of rule number 33 to take item 15-012.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. As we're all aware, the city has several accounts, the overlay surplus account, the linkage account, water and sewer enterprise, certified free cash account. I think it's about time that this city council asked the mayor to have an actual account in the budget. for long-term stabilization of this community. You know, the mayor's not going to be here forever, and we want to make sure that there is a stabilization fund in place so that in years to come, this city can be financially stabilized. In the past, I know Budget Director Burke, as a member of this council, often called for a capital improvement fund. And I just think this is a good way where, come budget time, we could actually ask the mayor, hey, we would like to see X amount of dollars put into this actual account. And I just think it's something that we have to do to think about the future of our children, that someday we'll be the leaders in this community, and to make sure that we set it up in a way that will be financially stable for years to come. So I'd like to make a motion for approval. on setting up an actual municipal city account for this purpose. On the motion of approval by Councilor Camuso, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: I can understand where you're coming from, and I do not oppose it. The intent of this at this point is to open the line item account so that it's an actual line item come budget time. And then at that point, I think that would be the appropriate opportunity as we're going through the budget line by line to say, as a council, we'd like to see X amount put in there. As we know, there's many accounts throughout the city budget right now that are funded for $1. But if you want to put a dollar amount, amend the paper to put a dollar amount in there, I would support it. But ultimately, if the mayor decides that he's not for that dollar amount, I think we have to be reasonable here and first set up the account. And moving forward, fund it in a manner that will stabilize our community for years to come. So if you want to put a dollar amount, I'll support it. But if he doesn't agree with that, I just would hate to have him say that this is the end of it, and at least a small dollar amount to get the ball rolling. Because if we do this every year, or if he appropriates the money throughout the year, too, at the end of the year, oftentimes, we're transferring money around. I would like to see it going to a stabilization fund rather than the free cash account. Because ultimately, big projects like the police station are going to be bonded. And if we can have money in an account for that specific purpose, and I have to be clear, This is not for the new police station and the new police station only. This is for the stabilization of our community for major projects like the police station, like other things that may come up. So I just don't want to be misleading to the community like you had mentioned, Councilor. So if you want to put a dollar amount, I'll support it.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, you know what? Uh, it's my motion at this point, I'll even strike out the police station, uh, wording and just set up the account. It takes four votes of the council to set up the account. And I think we have to just set up the account with the intent of big projects like the police station. Because you're right, council, I don't want to pit group against group and things of that nature. In order for the mayor to utilize the money, he's going to need the votes of this council anyway at some point. So if I can, Mr. President, strike out the word such as the police station in the near future and just set up for any major projects. And if you want to put a dollar amount, go ahead.
[Paul Camuso]: This would be an account, a line item in the budget, a municipal account. set up by the mayor's office. And going forward, naturally, if the mayor wanted to put any money from any of those other accounts into this account, he'd have to get votes of the council. So I'd be happy with it, setting the account up with the $1 amount and working with the mayor throughout the calendar year and years to come to fund it as we see fit.
[Paul Camuso]: That was not the intent. We can't tax any more until next December anyway. So I just want to be loud and clear. This is not to raise taxes or anything. It's taking the existing funds or and or come budget time to put funds in it.
[Paul Camuso]: If I can, I agree with Councilor Penta totally. Which cleanup? Making it an amendment or do you want to add your name to the original paper and we can do whatever you want to do. I know the two part prong approach. Establish the account and then do what Councilor Lungo and Councilor Marks said. After the dollar account is established, it's just a line item in the budget. It may not be funded for 10 years. We have things that are funded.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, I agree with Councilor Penta. I support your amendment wholeheartedly. I'd like to establish this and then send this to the Committee of the Whole. for discussion to fund it in the future, prior to the budget this year, but as far as getting the, this council has to be proactive by getting that account set up, even if he does it, he may tell us no, he's not doing it, but at least get the account set up. There's no harm in doing that, as Councilor Pence has stated, and I thank you for meeting me halfway, Councilor Penter, on this.
[Paul Camuso]: It's a stabilization fund for years to come. I put the police station in, but you were brought up a very good point. The library needed this 1.2 for the school. So just set up the account as a stabilization fund. And then the committee of the whole sort of keep it simple at this point.
[Paul Camuso]: As amended by Councilor Pence.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Mr. President? On this particular matter, I know it's, I want to choose my words carefully here. If the council wants to expand the program to bakeries and sub shops and other businesses, then bring the motion forward and I'm sure that people will support it. But just to start talking about this business, that business and stuff, I just think it's unfair because if you want to expand the program, bring it forward if you think there's some inequities out there. But just to throw generalities out there, no one knows what you're talking about.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. A couple of questions for the chief. And then, uh, I actually have a statement I want to make. We got in this pocket program, but first, um, the outcome of the handicap parking, did you get to the bottom of that?
[Paul Camuso]: Um, just to follow up, um, this was something that, uh, today I, I saw a child almost get hit by a vehicle today. at the corner of Playstead Road and High Street, there's a vehicle that parks there every day with a handicapped plate in an illegal spot. It's painted yellow. It's painted yellow as clear as day. And it's between two crosswalks. If I've ever seen a dangerous situation, that child came right out, and it was after the crossing guards were gone this afternoon. That vehicle should not be there. And I've often said it as I was driving by, I'm just surprised that it doesn't get tagged, doesn't get tagged, doesn't get tagged. But today there was almost an awful accident. I think you have to do something about that vehicle. They have a legitimate handicapped sticker, then park it legally. Don't park it illegally where someone's going to get injured because you're blocking the crosswalk. That is unacceptable as far as I'm concerned, Chief. And I think you have to deal with that situation because it's every day. It's every single day. And I almost saw a kid get hit today and I would have felt horrible. If someone got hurt, and I didn't bring this to your attention earlier, but today it stuck out like a sore thumb.
[Paul Camuso]: Listen, I don't care who parks there. You could be someone that I disagree in the community with 180%. If you're going to park illegally, and it's blatant disregard for two crosswalks, someone with a handicap sticker should understand and not park between a crosswalk where elderly and senior citizens and other handicapped people use. retaliation for the parking program. This is America. Anyone can speak up for or against any issue, but don't think you're untouchable because you may just, uh, you may just, uh, it's not, it's believe me, the police department is not treating them as untouchable.
[Paul Camuso]: No, I understand. But, and like I said, this was, and I have to preface this, many people have brought that vehicle to my attention before. And you know, you drive by and you see it, it's really not bothering anyone. But when a car came around from high street, taking the right on Playstead Road, and it was a child, and the child actually popped his head back, would you be in agreement that it's a major safety issue? Oh, absolutely. And as well, I've talked to other people that have drove engine two. That vehicle actually, and this was years ago when it was a different car that was parking there every day. I'm not even sure if it's the same owner. But Engine 2 sometimes has to make that swing when they're coming down High Street and making the swing to go down there. And it's gotten the way before they've actually had to do a three-point turn on the way to an emergency call. And last but not least, on that particular matter, the person can legally park in front of their store, from what you're saying. That's correct. Take a spot in front of your store that a customer may park in. Legally, you don't have to pay the meter like everyone else, because you have a legitimate handicap placket. But park it in a safe manner, as far as I'm concerned.
[Paul Camuso]: It's not about- please. Mr. President, Another thing that's come to my attention with this park, and we have to set the record straight on this, a senior member of the mayor's office that lives in this community, one of his longest serving members in that office, has been putting statements on social media outlets that the reason this pocket is in place is because the Medford City Council didn't support a garage. I want to make it loud and loud and loud and clear that the mayor of this community never brought a proposal to the Medford City Council for a garage because he did not have the votes. And if we remember, I, as one member of this council, urged him, urged him to take it to the council, take a vote up or down, and move forward on the issue, just like the Brooks estates and other issues that were before us. I think it was pretty common knowledge that four members of the city council at the time were for a garage, three members of the council were against it. But to throw the red herring out there that the Medford City Council is a direct result for this, that is not only a- Point of information, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. Just to be very clear, this council, the paper was before us for the parking program, and I'm not backpedaling at all. seven members of this council saw the request for proposal, seven members of this council knew what it was going to consist of, the meter slash kiosk, but for someone in the administrative wing of this building to blatantly throw that out there, that that's the result, just because they're probably filled in hundreds and hundreds of calls per day. It's just outright wrong. Put the facts out there, that the mayor didn't bring that garage to this council because he knew he didn't have the votes at the time. And I'll quite honestly tell you, I made my stance known at the time. I was for the garage, and I was upset that he did not bring it forward and just put it behind us. Take the vote, move on to the next issue, like we're supposed to do in the democratic process.
[Paul Camuso]: Built to grow after the program's already established. The point of information I have is some of these ones, they're not in. a major square, as long as the time limit is enforced. The whole purpose of this is to keep the turnover so that if there's a bunch of stores together, it's not just one business that's getting all the parking. It's for the turnover. That's what we heard loud and clear, at least from the Chamber of Commerce. If it's like Joe's Pizza, I don't want to use names, but down in the Arlington line, if they're parking cars out there all day, it's only affecting Joe. That one establishment, if you go down to Haines Square or West Medford or Medford Square, and you park a car out there all day, you're having a residual effect on all the businesses that can't have their customers parked there. So I think the rationale was to do the major ones first. Is that correct for that reason?
[Paul Camuso]: Because it was the turnover thing that the Chamber of Commerce was looking for.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Counsel Kamosa. Um, is it actually waived or was there an arrangement made with the city that the city would pick up that portion or was it just, In good faith, wave it. It's gone. No one's picking it up. No one's paying it. All right. So it wasn't in lieu of the fee now that the citizens don't see the city's paying it on some other end.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. But to be very clear, people that are using Park Mobile still will pay the fee. Yeah, that's, that's a third party. You just have to spell that out because people will be coming back here saying I got a fee and this and that.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President. Thank you. Councilor Knight. You're all set.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso and then the citizens. Real quick to the chief of police chief. Um, just two, two things on within the squares, uh, West side preschool in West Medford. Can you put that on the traffic commission to get drop off slash pickup for the business please at the next meeting? They're dealing with the same situation. High street people getting dropped off, picked up.
[Paul Camuso]: And then, last but not least, the T bus stops throughout the squares. I think this would be the appropriate time to look at moving some of them outside of the squares, maybe, just a little bit, to free up additional spaces. Can you, rather than making it The City Council bringing recommendations forward. I know that in the past, there's a restaurant establishment in the square. This may be the time where you look at things like that so that it frees up additional parking, like the liquor store in West Medford. There's a bus stop there now. Would it make more sense? I'm not familiar with that gentleman over there. He's acting strange, Chief. I don't. Oh, all right. We'll observe proper decorum in the chamber. Thank you. It's kind of just a little odd when I was looking at the Chief. So anyway, Chief, as I was saying, the bus stops though, to free up additional spaces for the businesses slash consumers, I think maybe just look at it as we're doing this program to see if it makes sense to move any of them to give additional spots in certain areas.
[Paul Camuso]: And then that's another thing. There are businesses throughout the community that are within the districts that have bus stops. And that's the reason why they don't have a kiosk because of the bus stops. And I think people have to be cognizant of that, because people have been saying, well, why isn't this business? That's why you can't get into that game. But it is, particularly in South Medford, some of the bus stops, the reason the kiosk didn't go in certain areas is because of bus stops and limited parking as it is. Yes. And Westside Preschool, if you can put that on there.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. And I'm very glad you brought this up. A few minutes ago, we had a young lady at the podium and discussing making her street, just the city with the wave of a lawn, make her street resident parking. This is exactly the reason why the city doesn't want to do it without community input. This is a perfect example and I feel, excuse me, I definitely understand your concerns and this is why if a certain neighbourhood wants to institute resident parking, the whole neighbourhood's notified Thank you very much. And the chief will address your concerns.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta referred to it as a revenue enforcement program. Can you just explain that one of years? You said revenue. He just called it a revenue enforcement program.
[Paul Camuso]: We can't monitor the entire city every two hours. Point of information, Councilor Camuso. Contractual question for you, following up on Councilor Penta. Limited to two in the contract? No.
[Paul Camuso]: But who makes the determination whether it's two hours a week? No, no. How many hours? 92 hours a week. Right. But there's the ability to expand that if the needs be.
[Paul Camuso]: The reason I, the reason I asked that if your revenues aren't what you like, now you put out 25 people doing tickets. No, we don't have the ability. I want to make sure you don't have the authority to, uh, you can't say, uh, you know what is hopefully people just play by the rules and you guys go bankrupt. That's what I'm hoping. But, Uh, yeah, no, I just want to make sure that, uh, and, and that would be our lawyer. I'd like to ask the question, what the max is to our legal department, because I don't want to see next week. Okay. We're now buying an extra seven vehicles and there's going to be nine cars out there now, ticket and everything. At least right now with two cars, it's a gamble. No, no, no. Right now it's a gamble. If the car's in Haines square, you might get away with it 20 times in West Medford, but that one time that the car's down in West Medford, you're getting a ticket. So it's not a guarantee. Every time you're taking a gamble, just like when you go to Winchester center, it's a gamble right now. You go to Davis Square, it's a gamble. But with that being said, the more people you put on the road, your odds are getting better that you're going to get a ticket. And I want to make sure that this isn't revenue-driven, the decision to put more cars on the road to ticket more people. So I'd like to ask that through our legal department. I think that's very important.
[Paul Camuso]: No, officers, because listen, if they want to make revenue, they may just take a 15-passenger van and start dropping these ambassadors in all the squares.
[Paul Camuso]: You ever see the Boston Transportation Department? They show up with a little orange light on the roof. Next thing you know, there's 15 people jumping out with their little handheld things. And that's not what this is about. I'm concerned. Let me ask you a question.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. If, if indeed the mayor, and I have to say up to this point, we have no reason to believe that this is a revenue enhancement. We haven't seen it yet, but listen, the mayor is hearing this loud and clear as much as we do. I'm sure he doesn't want, he'd rather not have any revenue and have no one getting tickets in his phone, not ringing. So as far as that said, I'd like to make a motion. that the mayor limits this to two, at least for the first year. They don't even negotiate to put more people on the road until an amendment to the contract or whatever it is until at least a year.
[Paul Camuso]: And here's the other one other thing to follow up on that. The chief of police still has the authority. The chief of police still has the authority to give out tickets, as we all know. In the off hours, I would rather see police officers given the opportunity to come in on overtime if they decide that they're going to whatever, because it's going to pay for itself. And my rationale with that is it puts an additional police officer on the road that can respond to a baby choking, can respond to a bank robbery, can respond to things. A meter ambassador isn't going to be able to respond to 911 calls and things of that nature if there's a serious emergency in the city. And it's going to pay for itself. So I think that that's important too, that the city looks at its own police force to do this on an overtime basis in regards to additional enforcement. Because I'm a firm believer, and I think all this council is, I can't speak for all the council, but I'm a firm believer, the more police officers we have on the street, whether it's a detail, whether it's overtime, whether it's parking enforcement, the city's in better hands because they got their radio on and they can respond to emergency needs as see fit. So I'd like to make that amendment too.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of clarification, Councilor Camuso. Is this staggering? You used the word staggering. So does that mean the person that will be out there driving around in this vehicle, one of them will come in, say, four in the afternoon, so in the morning will be down to one vehicle, or will it be two and then an additional person at night? The word staggering to me is...
[Paul Camuso]: Should we, um, would it be in the best interest of the city to outfit one of our police cruises or maybe small smart car or something, something environmentally friendly that has the same thing, but it's actually a patrol vehicle police.
[Paul Camuso]: I think then, and like I said, even if it's on an overtime basis, it's going to pay for itself. And, The police officers, I would rather see, because they're going to use their discretion a lot more than a private company, with all due respect. Private company, there's a violation.
[Paul Camuso]: The police officer. Well, the permit packing is what I'm looking at. Oh, the permit packing. So the permit packing, either you're registered or you're not. The police officer running out of Sunnyhurst in Haines Square or the convenience store may give you a break. With all due respect.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And I heard Councilor Prentis saying continue this next week for further discussion. But let's not discuss the same thing week after week after week. This is, I think, I'm just making my point known. There are legitimate concerns out there. We want to hear legitimate concerns. But for people to think that we can just make this program go away, now the mayor signed a contract. Call the mayor's office, voice your concerns with him if you have an issue. But the fact of the matter is, this council always is here to hear the citizens of this community. But week after week after week after week after week, bring the legitimate concerns to the members of the Medford City Council. We'll be here to meet your needs, hopefully. We'll put you in the right direction. Call us any day. You don't have to wait for Tuesday night to come down here because I can speak for all the members of my council, colleagues that sit around here. We respond to people and we try to get them the solutions that they may not like the solution, but it will at least put them in the right direction. So, but I just think at some point we have to stop crying that the program's here. We have to look to make the program better. and less.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. First of all, I'll call a point of information any time I want. You have no status in this community, a fine American once said. A fine American once said that. Mr. President. Your point of information, Councilor. The votes were unanimous on the parking program. So the gentleman makes up fiction. The facts of the record don't lie.
[Paul Camuso]: I would absolutely love to have him here. The fact of the matter is if we want to actually get answers and not yell and scream to get him here when we know he's not coming, Listen, the best predictor of the future is the past. And for the past 30 years, whether I believe it's right, wrong, or indifferent, the next mayor of this community, I'm sure, will be at this podium. But for the last 30 years, he has not been. With that being said, if we really want answers, if we really want to give the citizens an opportunity to ask him questions, Let's do it where the past the past is the best predictor of the future Those things have been answered and that was in the committee of the whole Now we can come out from that committee of the whole and discuss it here on the floor But if it's anything more than theatrics calling for him to come here He's been here once and it was the methadone clinic once you've been here in the city of Medford as a council longer than him as the mayor and he's been here once Once and why was he here? Tell us why because the methadone clinic And why? There was 300 people here. That's right. There was 300 people here. And he outspotted all of you. So on the way in, they're throwing rocks at him. They were carrying him out on their shoulders. What? So learn something from the guy. What are you talking about? There's 20 years ahead of you. Let's have him at the Committee of the Whole and get the answers that are important.
[Paul Camuso]: And furthermore, as I stated, people that are out there that have concerns like the mom and pop businesses, loading zones, things of that nature, call any member of this council. There's certain members on this council that called for these kiosks in 09. We want to get you the answers that are important to you. Believe me. So if we can just have the open dialogue and people don't have to wait till Tuesday if they don't want to, because as councilor Caraviello stated the last few weeks, there's ongoing dialogue every single day. The chief 90% of your day I'm sure is this now, right? So thank you. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, and I certainly do support this wholeheartedly. The evening, I think this came up in discussion recently when I put the name of Robert M. Penta forward for the reappointment to the Brooks Estates. It was actually discussed that evening, and Councilor Knight at the time said that a resolution would be forthcoming after the first of the year, and here it is. And certainly, I do support this. We want the best possible people in all these positions. I support it and I think it's being very proactive and thank you for bringing it forward. Thank you, Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Everyone was vetted and the majority of the council did put the person or people in the leadership positions. And same as it's been done always. And just because you may not have the votes, Cry over sour grapes. And I appreciate the unanimity of the voting.
[Paul Camuso]: For what? The votes to become the president and the vice president.
[Paul Camuso]: So don't tell me I didn't have the votes.
[Paul Camuso]: I didn't ask for it. Well, it doesn't matter.
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed?
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to make a motion to send a letter of congratulations to our Congresswoman, Catherine appointed an assistant minority whip, and she's moving up pretty quick, right away. And she did keep her office here in Medford Square, and she does a better job getting her trash out than the previous proprietor. A motion to Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Move the nomination to be closed.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso. Frederick N. Dello Russo. Councilor Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: I would like to put the name of Councilor Breanna Lungo-Koehn in nomination for vice president of the Medford City Council. Second.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lange.
[Paul Camuso]: We're going to split it up. We're going to do soccer first. So if the soccer team can come on up, please. We have two presentations this evening for members of the girls soccer team. First and foremost, we have one individual of our Lady Mustang soccer team that was selected as a Boston Herald All-Scholastic team and selected as the GBL League Girls Varsity Soccer Most Valuable Player and GBL All-Star for the 2014 fall season. And that is Corey O'Rourke. Please come on down. This is not Corey, but she looks so young. She's a farmer Mustang. This is Coach. And now we're going to have members of the girls team up here for being champions in the Greater Boston League of the Soccer League. So I'm gonna read one of these council commendations. The Medford City Council takes pleasure in awarding this council commendation to Olivia Allison, Medford High School Girls Varsity Soccer, in recognition of winning the GBL title with a regular season record of nine, seven, and two, GBL record of five and one, and a playoff berth in the MIAA State Division I Girls Soccer Tournament for the 2014 fall season. And the first one is Olivia Allison. Dora Barrett. Gigi Braga. Sarah Branley. Emma Dorosis. Mary Donnelly. Hannah Gallop. Clyde Gonsalves. Colleen Hardy. Patricia Helion. Haley Massa. Jada McNamee. Talia Madaracho. Julia Matrano. Corey O'Rourke. Come on back. Where is she? Oh, that's right. Thank you. Adrian Perazzo. Congratulations, and now Adrienne Perazzo, as we all remember, she has been a captain of the hockey team since her freshman year at Medford High School. Very good athlete, as well as all these young ladies. Daniela Ramirez. Veruna Silva. And now we're going to call on Coach Perry, who has been with us for many, many years, not only as an outstanding athlete herself at Medford High School, but also a great coach and recently married. Congratulations.
[Paul Camuso]: Motion to receive and place on file.
[Paul Camuso]: It's on motion of Councilor Camuso. Councilor? I agree with Councilor Penter to the point. If people are going to use the name Medford, the city seal or anything of that nature, then the city should be a watchdog. I think this has to be with websites that are out there, domain names and things of that nature too, because people do maliciously name Medford. for different entities, including the gentleman that just spoke. So maybe if we want to look at this, we'll look at anything that contains the name Medford and get ahold of it. And I look forward to doing that under Councilor Pinter's recommendation at the subcommittee.
[Paul Camuso]: Joe, good luck to you. I think there's a lot of people out here that want him on you. So good luck to you in your future endeavors, Mr. Viglione. With all due respect, I'm just referring to what my council colleague said. Nothing to do with the gentleman at the podium stated, but my council colleague actually said it eloquently, Councilor Penta, in any and all institutions and our endeavors that use the word Medford. And I think it's something that's wise, and I want to applaud Councilor Penta for expanding on the gentleman's views. So thank you very much, Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Quick question for the gentleman at the podium. Well, I'd just like to know, do you have press credentials? Because when other reporters come to this meeting, I notice they actually have credentials issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[Paul Camuso]: I apologize. I'm published in eight books, sir. I just finished another book. Do you have press credentials from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? Yes or no? It's very easy. I have my own press credentials, sir. From the Commonwealth?
[Paul Camuso]: I withdraw to receive and place on file.
[Paul Camuso]: Do I have a paper on that?
[Paul Camuso]: To hear from the Chief of Police as well as concerned citizens. On the motion of Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Chief. Councilor Camuso. To the Chief. Waited patiently. Thank you, Chief. And I'm just a little confused because I'm hearing some different things. Ms. Blackburn, well respected in our community, her years of service in the school department, Councilor Marks, yourself, Marguerite Lynch, Anthony Santoro sat on the original committee back in 2009. That's correct. Well, 2008 into 2009. And I went back to some of my old archive records. The recommendations were the agreement consensus that consistent parking enforcement is needed to provide efficient turnover. for pocket spaces to assist the local businesses. And one of the members actually was on there as a representative of the Chamber of Commerce at the time. It's like any other agency or group. turn over, so that's who was sitting there at the time. Number two was this particular group recommended parking controls are needed, meters slash kiosks, freestanding pay stations. That was number two for the recommendations. And it goes on to say that the parking rules must be fair and consistently enforced. Now this was back in 2009. Leading up to this, I know there was a first bid that went out that consisted of parking enforcement with a parking garage element at Medford Square. There wasn't the votes on the Medford City Council to support the garage at the time. We actually have members that don't even sit on the council anymore that were here for that particular. those particular discussions and I would have rather have seen the garage built with strict enforcement and then look at other areas but as far as all the recommendations it looks like a lot of them are with this plan. Now leading up to that, one thing that I disagree with totally on the mayor's plan is, and I said this at the Committee of the Whole meeting back in January, I would have rather seen the freestanding meters. I think senior citizens know how to use them. They're much more, they're much more user-friendly, but I also see the total other side of it where, up near Tufts University now, People that are living in our community and utilizing up there, everyone, they don't even go into a coffee shop without cash anymore. Everything is debit card, credit card driven. But there is the technology out there that could be standalone meters with kiosks. And I made that loud and clear known at the meeting in January. It was actually part of the committee report that was adopted. But as I said that evening, we're making recommendations to the mayor and ultimately this council gave him the authority to go out and up to a ten-year contract by a seven to nothing vote uh... and it leads us back to ultimately given the fact that he's the mayor duly elected by the majority of this community he is the signatory authority uh... at moving any contracts forward so uh... that was really the only piece that this city council had a hand in what i'd like to see them go the route with the quarter meters that you just throw in that people have been using. I remember the quarter meters over in Somerville or over in Charlestown when we were little kids going to get shoes. You'd throw a quarter in the meter back then. People knew how to use them. They're so user friendly. But I just think there could have been more public, leading up to this now, the rollout I think could have been publicized more. This piece of paper is very informative. I think it should have been in the hands a little bit sooner. The other recommendation I would have liked to have seen is started it not in the middle of the winter. Start it when it's nice out so that people could go up to a machine. And right now, I mean, I couldn't even carry my tea in tonight because it was so cold going from the car to here. If I had to run to a kiosk, I'd rather just get the ticket and pay it, I think, because it was so cold out there. But the fact of the matter is, I think the city has to continue doing outreach, utilizing the 911. We get phone calls to say they just put the chalk lines on the baseball field. This is something big that we should be getting three or four calls on. The outreach, the outreach, the outreach. The other thing that I'd like to bring up is just to say how we got here. This was an initial recommendation of several members of our community that had many recommendations. And after it went from here, the original commission, yourself, Councilor Marks, Ms. Blackburn, and other people, at that point, it was in the hands of the mayor. And it sat there. And then it came back to us at one portion just to give the authority to do the 10-year contract. I just wanna be clear to the people out there that, and you gotta remember too, the last time the halls were this, it was over the trash removal and the recycling bins. But given time, people did get in the groove. I'd like to think that the individual needs of areas like Jimmy's Pizza, areas like the senior center, I'm not singling out Jimmy's Pizza, but you know, the business communities in South Medford. Let's be cognizant when we're putting in those free spaces. If we have to add a couple more. so that people can run in and do their business and get out right away. But I'll be the first one to say, the person that takes that spot for 15 minutes, if it's a 15-minute spot to do a quick errand, and they're there 16 minutes, shame on them. They should get double the ticket, because the next person should have the 15 minutes and the 15 minutes. So I'd just like to get a commitment. Not a commitment, I understand you can't, but that things will be tweaked and looked at. Because there is stuff, like you said, the senior center, just last week, that was thought about. And there's going to be other areas that you think about. The other thing that's very, very important, places of worship in all the funeral parlors in our community. I actually did some research on this. Those meters, and correct me if I'm wrong, I think this is very important for the people in our community that practice their faith and their religious beliefs. venues that they will be bagged. There'll be an actual bag or something all over it on the weekends that says, uh, masks don't whatever the case may be. And the mayor has assured me that that will take place. Are you under that impression as well? They're bagged or they're just not enforced during that time.
[Paul Camuso]: Any of those things are more of a common sense way of doing the business. And the other thing that, um, that I'm glad the mayor listened to this council on, cause I actually made a recommendation, um, back when we had another piece of this whole puzzle, the other area where the city council was involved, it was the language. to combine two of the commissions and give the authority to one commission rather than an off-street parking commission and a traffic commission. You get too many hands in the soup, the soup gets spoiled. So we successfully, as a council, passed that, sent it to the state house, the governor signed it, and it came back. But one recommendation that I made, and it's in the official records, were to have resident parking only commuters. Because too many people from Winchester, not only some of them are coming down here and taking spots, they're leaving their trash in our trash barrels because they have to go to dump in Winchester. And that is totally unacceptable. And quite honestly, it's larceny, as far as I'm concerned, or illegal dumping, because it's our taxpayers that are footing the bill on that. But it is up to this point. I do see some tweaking getting done. which I think people have to understand that this is slow process, similar to the trash barrel situation where I had more phone calls on the trash barrel, similar to this situation, and how many people were going to need three, four, five barrels. And if you talk to the DPW, there's not many households that actually purchased the additional barrel at the time. But in Winchester, Winchester is totally expanding their program right now. as we speak. They just put their brand new kiosks in Winchester Center, and actually our kiosks are better. I haven't used one yet, but at least the numbers are bigger. In Winchester, the keypad is tiny. It's tiny. And I know this, this council wanted to make sure that everything was ADA compliant and the mayor is very serious when it comes to that stuff too, as, as yourself. But, um, that's, that's all I really have to say at this point. But, uh, I just, what I stated regarding the initial report, pretty fairly accurate because I'm hearing different things that, that that committee never wanted kiosk meters. But now when you look at it, it's actually one of the recommendations.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor, with all due respect, I took the same exact votes in this whole program as you and every other member of this council. So, Mr. President, just if I could finish.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso, if you'd like to complete your remarks. Thank you. I can conclude with two things. And just to follow up on what Councilor Mack said, and I did say that after the recommendations came by his committee for all these recommendations, it was in the mayor's hands. He's the signatory authority and the only one. And to say that I supported it and now I'm not, we all supported it. Seven members of this council gave, had our- I didn't support this language.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso has the floor, and then Councilor Caraviello. Just two last things. In the last few days, I had several members of our community reach out to me about the signs on the trees. I worked with the DPW today, as well as the Mayor's office, and all the signs have been removed from the trees, and Unfortunately, I know Councilor Marks over the years, this has been something he's been a stickler about. But some of the existing signs that were, they took down and put them over that. They were never removed in the first place. So shame on the city for allowing them to linger up there.
[Paul Camuso]: Further clarification.
[Paul Camuso]: last but not least we have business owners in this community that have consistently parked their vehicles in front of their stores year after year after year and you know what the only people that suffer are them and the consumers when they pull up and they have to park three miles away because you got an ice cream store or you have a vendor I mean, they don't even try to disguise it. The name of the companies on the side of the truck that sits out there all day long, or the car that sits out there all day long. I think, I think today driving through the squares, I think some of the business owners now are taking the appropriate steps to leave the spots for the consumers, like us, when we show up. I think they're already seeing an impact, because you got good business in the community, like the guys that are sitting out here. They'll go deliver some food and then park their car half a mile away so that somebody can park in front of their store. There's not many people that do that, I hate to say, throughout our squares. And it's obvious, because half the trucks are leaded that say the name of the business and everything else. So that's it for now.
[Paul Camuso]: Why are we discussing all this? Point of information, a loading zone. My understanding is for doing deliveries to the company or the company doing a quick pickup and heading out. Correct. It's not for customers, it's a loading zone. But the nature of a certain business, if it's one of those... No, but he's talking about getting paint shaken up. That's a customer going in and getting paint shaken up.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, I challenge you to go up there and buy some paint and see if you get a ticket when you come out, because that's not the purpose of a loading zone.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Point of information. Yes. And Mrs. B, thank you for, for your clarification or the report. I was just referring that I said after you guys made the original initial recommendations at that point, The only person that could do anything was the mayor, because he's the signatory authority.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, the committee that you were on, though, did make recommendations for kiosks and meters. So if you want the paper, I'll give it to you. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: This is technology today. The City of Medford actually charges a fee when you pay your tax bills online or a parking citation currently through the City of Medford. So I just want to let Councilor Penta know.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. This city council asked the mayor's office specifically to have a grace period on violations and enforcement. So I'm assuming this is the grace period.
[Paul Camuso]: We asked for at least a couple of weeks. We asked for a month.
[Paul Camuso]: But it's not us. We can't.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Councilor Camuso. Thank you. And, um, a portion of that too, set up by this council and the administration is earmarked to go right back into community development in the squares. So whether it's hiring a consultant to try to bring in more business, whatever the case, whether it's physical infrastructure improvements of a particular square. So this council, working with the solicitor's office and the mayor's office, we're adamant that a portion of this does go back to the business districts that are affected. Thank you, councillor. Councilor Penta, did you have a point of information?
[Paul Camuso]: I think he's referring to the ticket writers.
[Paul Camuso]: Good luck.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, sir. Councilor Camuso. If I may, this brings up a follow up question and this would be to the chief. There are some traditionally we know which streets right now in the community of resident permit parking only. I'm assuming there's going to be a residual effect on this because now people are going to be leaving place dead road to park and they're going to be parking up the side streets and all that. At this point, there's some scuttlebutt out there that there's other streets that were added as resident parking permit recently in anticipation of this program. Is that true or false?
[Paul Camuso]: That's false.
[Paul Camuso]: And that would be up to, because I know exactly what he's referring to, the Cottage Street that I talked to you about.
[Paul Camuso]: Exactly.
[Paul Camuso]: And then, um, my second follow up question is regarding the, uh, the streets and the permit streets for the viewing public, because there will be the residual effect like, um, some street that's not already residential. People may try to, beat the system, I'm not going to pay the $5 to park on Police Dead Road, so I'm going to go to one of those streets, Century Woods, Roberts, anything. If any streets see an influx of vehicles parking, they should get together and petition the community, the City of Medford, through the Chief and the Traffic Commission, to take a look at making it resident permit parking, because I know that you and the Traffic Commission, what's the official name now? Traffic Commission, right? Still Traffic Commission. With the merging of the off-street parking. But with that being said, I think people have to be cognizant of that. If you see an additional people park on your street, and traditionally you can tell when they're out of town is because they have stickers for the dump in Winchester or Lexington Boys and Girls Club or something like that. So, but if you see an influx of that, bring it to our attention as a city council, the mayor or the chief, and we'll get you before the traffic commission and the chief will do his due diligence.
[Paul Camuso]: Have a hearing.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, I'm glad I'm glad you updated the council miss because there was a lot of banter going back and forth that all half the city now is resident permit parking only that they Because of this and at this point there's only been one addition to the last one was Hamilton Hamilton Street And that was two months ago. Okay before this was even and for this because this is going live, can you work with the city administration to maybe get the the the traffic commission's agenda on the city webpage, so people can take a look at it and see what streets around them may be affected by it, and then you can have maximum input from the area. Thank you, Chief.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Mr. President. Point of information, Councilor Camuto. Either yes or no. Not to throw this gentleman under the bus, but normal person says you don't put the sign on the tree. I mean, the guy's acknowledging he made a mistake. You want to beat him up? Who didn't tell him? The chief, the police?
[Paul Camuso]: I understand, Councilor. But did you lock your car when you come in tonight? Yes, I did. Did you lock your car?
[Paul Camuso]: I mean, we're going volley here on ridiculous stuff now.
[Paul Camuso]: No, that's in your mind.
[Paul Camuso]: To follow up on that, Aggie Tudin was very, very helpful in straightening the situation out. So kudos to her. I'm not sure if she actually talked to you or someone in your office. She's our tree warden here and arborist. And she was very concerned. She took the bull by the horns on that. Thank you, Councilor Camuso.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. That area in particular is maintained by the Cemetery Department. And they actually do that whole area, as you probably know, Councilor, from your expertise in that particular area. It's done very early in the snowstorms. And I'm sure it will continue to be done. What expertise?
[Paul Camuso]: No, no, no. His expertise, he's up in that area a lot, given the nature of his business.
[Paul Camuso]: The $5 a day is for out-of-town residents that get on the commuter line or the bus.
[Paul Camuso]: And I want to applaud you, once again, for acknowledging my fine work in bringing forward the resolution to ban the out-of-towners from parking in Medford. And you actually supported it amongst all of us councillors. So I thank you for your fine support on that.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. That's the exact area that the esteemed young lady, retiree, was talking about. That's where the tough students park their vehicles all day long. They're out of state plates. Maine, Ohio, California.
[Paul Camuso]: We actually did not the walker study, but we actually got the overhead projection of every meter and the placement throughout the community at the committee of the whole meeting. It's on your disc. Yeah, it's on your disc.
[Paul Camuso]: Sacred Heart Church. Are you referring to the Old Sacred Heart Church on Boston Ave? Yes. Oh, okay. I'm confused because that's now Tufts University.
[Paul Camuso]: Why don't you listen to what I'm saying?
[Paul Camuso]: I said like the seniors, like he wants to give the seniors.
[Paul Camuso]: In Medford square, how many actual spots are there? Because the Councilor was on when they built the garage that actually fell apart and got destroyed. I don't know if it was shoddy construction back then or what the deal was. But how many spots are actually in Medford Square now?
[Paul Camuso]: Oh, you were on the council when you approved that garage.
[Paul Camuso]: No, it was built before he.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Camuso. I'll yield to the gentleman, but... His motion is redundant. Councilor Vice-President, I'm sorry, Councilor Caraviello already has that. 60 days.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm sorry.
[Paul Camuso]: As much as a council, I think we want to take it out of city hall. I'm not going to put it back in their hands where they're right on the ticket. If there's a conflict of interest on the city hall side, there's a conflict of interest on the vendor that's making money.
[Paul Camuso]: People will be saying you're only upholding the ticket because it's right.
[Paul Camuso]: The 38th regular meeting of the Medford City Council will be called to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. President Camuso. Present. Six members present, one absent. Please rise to salute to the flank. 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. Chair recognizes Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: All in the motion, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Paper 14-756 special permit zoning drive through Fellsway property LLC. It was in the city council on December 9th and it was tabled until this evening. The attorney is here with the client and Mr. Abbruzzese.
[Paul Camuso]: Any questions for Mr. Bruese? Chair awaits a motion. Councilor Lungo-Koehn. Chair would like to add that Councilor Penta is here. Please record that, clerk.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. Solicitor, the hearing was opened. given people the opportunity to speak. Then it was open for people in opposition and then the public hearing was closed. So it was a regular paper of the council that was tabled.
[Paul Camuso]: And the chair did his due diligence, as you know, before the meeting on this, knowing the attorney was sick.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Villaruso. The public hearing was not postponed to my understanding.
[Paul Camuso]: The public hearing was closed, and then the paper was laid on the table at the request of a Councilor, because the attorney wasn't present.
[Paul Camuso]: Go ahead.
[Paul Camuso]: Public hearings have been done the same way in the past.
[Paul Camuso]: It's the will of the council.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, you've been around a long time. You should know.
[Paul Camuso]: I'll do as I may, councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: And then vice president carry on.
[Paul Camuso]: And that was a motion for the charcoal filter, correct?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo, then Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much. Councilor Knight and Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Thank you. Come on. Name and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Councilor Dello Russo. Today is December 23rd.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. On the motion of approval. As amended by Councilor Lungo-Koehn for do not queue beyond this point sign. A motion by Councilor Penter that the permit goes with Panera and not the land. Councilor Marks' motion for a charcoal filter. And Councilor Penter, six month review from the date that the drive-thru opens. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On the B paper, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. On the main paper, as amended, the clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the paper passes. Mr. President. Thank you. I'm glad you're feeling better.
[Paul Camuso]: Petition from DJ Debonagno, 470 High Street, Medford Mass, to address the council about business parking in the city.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And on behalf of all the members of the council, we want to give you our condolences on your grandpa that passed away, DJ.
[Paul Camuso]: As of today, just so you know, commuter passes will only be sold to Medford residents, so people that are actually paying excise taxes in our community. As one member, I can't support that, but I hear your concern.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, John. Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Point of information. Councilor Dello Russo. Does this body have any authority over the parking management plan? We do not. We actually supported a resolution to combine the two commissions. They didn't give them the right to set the fee structure probably about a year ago, a year and a half ago through a homeroom petition. So thank you, Mr. President. Uh, councilor Penta. No, I'll let him speak. Councilor Lungo-Koehn. Councilor Lungo-Koehn. I'll run the meeting. Councilor Lungo-Koehn has the floor.
[Paul Camuso]: There's a lot of places. I'll take you to South Medford and I'll give you a block.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor, we voted on the map. The map we voted on had St. Joseph's and it was an inaccuracy in the chief work to get it taken out. We voted on the map. Don't mislead me. I'm not misleading anybody.
[Paul Camuso]: I saw them when I drove in.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm going to talk as much as I want. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Because we have many Councilors that want to participate. Councilor Lungo-Koehn, and then the gentleman behind you.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Lunko. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Chief. Thank you. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: We have three motions. First one is vice president care of yellow Councilor. Pet chief.
[Paul Camuso]: I didn't know if you wanted to raise it to $400.
[Paul Camuso]: Chief, you got all the answers tonight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Thank you, chief. Thank you. Gentleman behind you.
[Paul Camuso]: Good evening. Name and address.
[Paul Camuso]: Joseph, Merry Christmas.
[Paul Camuso]: John, the records will indicate the city solicitor's here. Council voted 7-0 to give the mayor the signatory authority to move forward with a 10-year contract.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. Solicitor.
[Paul Camuso]: Seven zero of this. The people that sit behind this rail. Yes. Of this council. Thank you for the clarification. Anyone want to give facts now? John point of further.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Father viewing public.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. Solicitor. 14-472. Mr. Councilor, Mr. Solicitor, we had a meeting of the committee of the whole where we were presented, members were here that are in the audience this evening were at that meeting and they participated in that meeting. It was packed and it was in the room right over here. That's correct. You had a point of information. Your point is over.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record. doing it for 30 years, maybe it's over. That's right, I have a half a brain like you don't. Name and address for the record. John Starrar, still. You might be right behind me, councillor, for all you know.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor, you just corrected yourself. Thank you. That we would have a meeting, nothing to do with another vote.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. Torello. Name and address for the record, sir.
[Paul Camuso]: It's something you'd have to bring up with the mayor, because we gave him the authority to sign the 10-year contract.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm just being upfront and telling you the truth.
[Paul Camuso]: And I'd like your point about the reverse 911 call. Just come up so the people at home can hear you.
[Paul Camuso]: DJ, just so you know, you are being heard. The Chamber of Commerce has worked very, very, very diligently, and I think we've seen results in that with the press release that went out today. So it's not going to be $400 come January 15th. It's $100. The business permit and the commuter permit is staying the same, which people already should be paying down. in the business lot, either that or they're parking illegally already.
[Paul Camuso]: But as far as the business permit, there is no change. As you know, a hundred dollars up until now.
[Paul Camuso]: The police, as the chief said, I've been very busy with other stuff, but technically if you don't have a sticker right now in that parking lot, you should be ticketed and towed. Sure.
[Paul Camuso]: 60 days, as the chief mentioned earlier, this is going to be a work in progress. This is probably very fluid, right? Chief. And uh, as needs come up,
[Paul Camuso]: But that's currently right now. No, I understand. If your people are parking in that lot without a permit on their vehicle right now, they're illegally parked. All right. As well as the businesses in Medford Square are doing the same thing as the Governor's Avalon. People are used to lax enforcement around here.
[Paul Camuso]: So just, just so everyone knows, including yourself, all the members of the council, I think we're asked a similar question when the city solicitor and the mayor presented this, everyone thinks it's an automatic 10 years. It's similar to the trash and recycling program that happened when this place was filled to the rafters. We still heard some complaints. We worked on it as we moved forward. But most importantly, there is a clause that we can get out of this by purchasing the equipment.
[Paul Camuso]: And our city solicitor, as you know, is top notch.
[Paul Camuso]: And if for some reason they want to overturn this at some point, there'll be a dollar value, but it can be done. But tell your employees they've been lucky they haven't got ticketed in that lot without their pocket permits up to this point.
[Paul Camuso]: Um, if I could just make one announcement from the chair to park Medford is up and running. You can actually get the application on your smartphones. Um, it's a pretty interesting website. I was fooling around with it tonight before the meeting. So, uh,
[Paul Camuso]: Somebody can go to 577 Main Street on Medford Chief. 575 Main Street. There'll be a fully operational business meeting place. And this was worked on in the contract. as well as the Chamber of Commerce and everyone else involved wanted to make sure that there was a place where people can go on a full-time basis. So people are actually going to be able to get the answers quicker now than currently coming to City Hall where the tax office and everyone else has been doing it. So hopefully that's helpful, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, we have one. On the motion for approval with the seasonal passes from Councilor Lungo-Koehn, Councilor Caraviello to look at the program 60 days after its inception, and Councilor Marks to get a listing of all the commuter, commuter residential, permit parking, if it goes into the general fund, and if not, what fund it goes to. Is that correct, Councilor Marks? All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: That's what the council is stating.
[Paul Camuso]: After the 30-day grace period.
[Paul Camuso]: Did I say that right?
[Paul Camuso]: Teja. All right. 76 4th Street, Medford, Mass. For the Lighthouse, 20 High Street, Medford, Mass. Chair recognizes Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Another Medford resident? Yes. Give him back to his city. Good luck. Thank you so much.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President. Have a nice holiday.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion for approval, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Good luck.
[Paul Camuso]: Also, while we're in the suspension, 14-788. This is the appropriate funds and authorize the mayor on the grant to preserve land for public park known as the Crystal Campbell Memorial Peace Guard.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Lauren. And if I may, from the chair, we have a paper before us that gave the annual, um, price for mulching and the fountain service, and it's $3,000 per year. Does the council ask for that? And then the electricity costs for the fountain to operate in the lighting is estimated at $1,500 per year. So thank you for answering these important questions before the council has voted on this. Thank you. Councilor Dello Russo. Move approval. Second. Seconded by Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you for your point.
[Paul Camuso]: Can we start talking about tragedies though?
[Paul Camuso]: Well, pick up the phone, and I'm sure you will.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight, point of, no, no, go with your clarification.
[Paul Camuso]: Your point of clarification. That's my point of clarification. Yes, it is. And I'm trying to give you as much leeway as I can, but Councilor Knight has been patiently waiting.
[Paul Camuso]: We have a motion for approval. And we have a second motion from Councilor Marks to deduct $250,000 from the petition that's before us for the Crystal Campbell Peace Garden. And that is the funding from Wynn Resorts. We're going to call that vote first. A yes vote is to eliminate the fountains. A yes vote will be to eliminate the fountains and the $250,000 for the Crystal Campbell Memorial Peace Garden. A no vote will then bring the final vote back to this council. So this is on Councilor Marks' first paper. A yes vote is to eliminate the fountain. All those in favor? Roll call. Roll call has been requested by Councilor Penta. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: No. By a vote of three in the affirmative, four in the negative, the motion fails. We now have the paper before us to fund the crystal Campbell memorial peace garden as presented by the mayor without cutting out the fountains at this site. And roll call has been requested, Councilor Penta. Would you want to speak? You want to speak or you want?
[Paul Camuso]: Can I just, I listen, I understand where you're coming from. It's a financial decision to you at this point. I think everyone made their points. In the interest of holiday spirit and this isn't tragic, I'm just trying to do right by the body and take a vote to move forward.
[Paul Camuso]: And before the roll is called, Councilor Lungo-Koehnan and Councilor Marks, but I'm glad they picked that location because it's not only going to be great for the seniors. This young woman lived about a hundred yards from the site. So there's some significance in my vote with that piece. Councilor Lengelkern and Councilor Larkin.
[Paul Camuso]: The 37th regular meeting of the Medford City Council will be called to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Seven members present, please rise to salute our flag.
[Paul Camuso]: Chair recognizes Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: 14-732 on the motion to take that paper under rule number 33 being suspended. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-732. It was the allocation of the property tax fiscal year 2015 in city council, December 9th, 2014. And it was tabled. It is back before the Medford city council. This is the tax rate that was tabled last week. Mr. O'Neill. And there are four separate votes that the city council has to take on this particular matter. And hopefully someone has a motion to sever all the votes than when they are taken. Mr. O'Neill.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much, Mr. O'Neill. Questions and or motions? Which item? We have four papers before us.
[Paul Camuso]: One paper, four different questions on number one.
[Paul Camuso]: We have to. So on the motion of approval to determine the residential factor to be used for fiscal year 2015. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174. Page 174.
[Paul Camuso]: You looking to do the levy? Reducing the tax levy. This is the budget that was passed by four members of this council in June. So there's going to be a million dollars in cuts or the mayor has to submit a certified letter stating that he wants to appropriate a million dollars or your amount under free cash.
[Paul Camuso]: So I completely disagree with you. Point of information.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of further information, Councilor De La Ruza.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lungo-Koehn, you have the floor.
[Paul Camuso]: Go ahead. Point of information. Councilor Lungo-Kerr.
[Paul Camuso]: There were four members of the council that approved the budget and I was not one of them, so I can't speak to that. Councilor Penta, I'm sorry, Councilor Knight, then Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks and then Councilor Caraviello, Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: One question for, and this is to move the conversation forward. Councilor Lungo-Koehn has an amendment to the original paper here. If the million dollar request is approved, where is the million dollars going to come to fund the budget that's currently in place? That would be certified free cash if the mayor submitted it, or would it be cuts?
[Paul Camuso]: If Councilor Lungo-Koehn's motion is approved to cut the levy by $1 million, where will that be made up from? It'll just come out of free cash. But that would have to be submitted by the mayor requesting us to take the free cash.
[Paul Camuso]: The request before us would basically be to cut the levy by $1 million and ask the mayor to submit a paper back to the council for certified free cash for that amount. Is that correct?
[Paul Camuso]: That's going to get voted on after the main paper. But if it goes through, the only way to fund that million dollars would be through either cuts or certified free cash.
[Paul Camuso]: We're sending the message. What happens if it's 2010, though, when we were negative $500,000? It's not going to be like 2010 with Director Burke. Well, with all due respect, we have a new governor that they're looking at 9C cuts right now. Point of clarification. Point of clarification. I'm sorry. Let me turn you on. And then, Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Caraviello, Vice President Caraviello was correct. The budget that was approved was not the mayor's original number.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, we're all asking for a police station too, which is on the horizon, hopefully.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of clarification, Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: That's Rep Donato and his colleagues.
[Paul Camuso]: Can't have your cake and eat it.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight. Thank you, Vice President.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. There's a motion for the first question before us. is to determine the residential factor to be used for fiscal year 2015 by selecting the minimum residential factor, which the council has historically chosen this before us. If this is, once again, the council's choice, the minimum residential factor is 0.899216 on the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for approval. The clerk will call the roll. He has a different paper that's going to come up. Your paper is item 14-784. Councilor, we'll run this meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: There's been a ruling of the chair requested. The clerk will call the roll on the ruling of the chair.
[Paul Camuso]: Let me turn this on so the people at home can see your behavior. I think you should hear it. The amendment precedes the main motion, Mr. President. Thank you. Know your rules of order. Thank you, councillor. Clerk will call the roll on the paper. It's been before us for a week. It's not, uh, it's not, it's not, section 22 is not available. The clerk will call the roll on this. Vice President Caraviello, before the motion is called.
[Paul Camuso]: So on the challenge of the chair, we have a gentleman that would like to speak on this. Name and address for the record, sir.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Now, if you're going to take our money... The raise is for all members of the council. Seven members of this council. Four members voted for it. The entire council voted for the raise. Check the record. It's absolutely true, councillor. We will take... We'll give you the minutes. Go ahead, sir. You have the floor.
[Paul Camuso]: We'll provide you with a copy of the minutes.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor Lungo-Koehn. All right. And for the record, for the gentleman that was just at the podium, paper 14-098, There was a motion by Councilor Marks on a roll call vote of three in the affirmative and four in the negative. The amendments failed. And then on the final motion regarding the increase to pay for the department heads and the city council was included. It was upon the motion by President Calamuso from the floor that all three readings be waived and to be ordained on a roll call vote of seven in the affirmative. That's all members of this council and zero in the negative. And it was ordained.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. The city auditor.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. On the motion of Councilor Lengelkorn, do you have a dollar amount? $1 million, I think. No, you said $980,000. And did you calculate what the minimum residential factor is going to be if indeed this passes? So when we get to that vote?
[Paul Camuso]: That will stay the same. No, it won't. That will change as well if we- No, it stays the same. It stays the same. It stays the same. All right.
[Paul Camuso]: This is similar to the paper she has later in the meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: We're going to vote on Council Lungo's motion. A motion to reduce the tax levy. Do you want to, Council Lungo-Koehn? Explain it. Can we make a motion to table it, take your other paper, and then whatever the results of your other paper is.
[Paul Camuso]: On the question where this is a money paper, this will be a roll call vote. Clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: $1,000,000 and insert the other number.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Carabello. One second, please. Vice President. One second, please. Oh, I couldn't hear you.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Martins. Yes. Councilor Paterson. Yes. No, three in the affirmative, four in the negative, the motion fails. The next paper before us is on a motion of approval by Councilor Dello Russo to accept the minimum residential factor of 0.899216. The council has traditionally voted yes on this. Roll call vote, Mr. Clerk.
[Paul Camuso]: Hold on one second. Councilor Lungo-Koehn, is that you? And this is to, for the residential factor. To accept the minimum residential factor.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Neill. Yes. Councilor Franklin.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the paper passes. Item number two, to adopt an open space discount. The City of Medford has traditionally voted no on this, but it does not apply in the City of Medford, according to the paper before us. On the motion, the clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: No.
[Paul Camuso]: And then after tonight, you have to wait until the free cash is certified, Division of Local Services sign off next year. The only other mechanism is the home rule petition. Mid-year, correct? No, your free cash has already been certified. No, no, no. I'm talking about if we go to the exemption, Division of Local Services will have to be involved to certify the numbers. You only have to go for a home rule petition if you're going to go above 20%. 20%, which we can do at any time. Other than that, we have to do it in December. Unless it's a homo. That's correct. Thank you. All right. So on the number three, the council has traditionally voted no on this. The clerk will call the roll. Oh, we have a gentleman that would like to speak. Yes, sir. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: The clerk will call the roll. Traditionally, the council has voted no on this number three.
[Paul Camuso]: Very well said, Councilor Lungo. Thank you. Do you want him to explain it again, or you explained it right on target?
[Paul Camuso]: So she was, she was right on target, right on. Yes, that's correct. Thank you. Councilor Lungo. Are you all set? Councilor Lungo? All set. Thank you. All right. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: The clerk works for you. He doesn't.
[Paul Camuso]: $560,000 in Medford right now is half the city.
[Paul Camuso]: Yep. Councilor Penta. Yep. If I may, from the chair, I will support your resolution if we wait until the re-evaluation is complete, because right now it doesn't make sense to do the exercise that's parliamentary until the re-evaluation is complete.
[Paul Camuso]: It's like high forties on both. So it's unfair to get the numbers for half of one evaluation and half the other.
[Paul Camuso]: He's got it. On the motion of Councilor Penta, Councilor Marksley.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. All in the motion. Clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Clerk, call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: By a vote of six in the affirmative, six in the negative, one in the affirmative, the motion fails. Item four, adopt a small commercial exemption. This has traditionally been not supported by Connecticut City Council. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Move reconsideration on the number three.
[Paul Camuso]: You were not on the prevailing side. On behalf of Council of Penta. On behalf of Council of Dello Russo. To move reconsideration. The paper is back before us. Council of Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: No, no, Councilor Dello Russo moved it for you because he's a gentleman. He is? All those in favor, aye. All those opposed, the paper's back before us. Item number three, to adopt the residential exemption, the clerk will call the roll. This is number three, back before us. Traditionally a no vote.
[Paul Camuso]: No. No. Zero in the affirmative, seven in the negative, the motion fails. Item number four, to adopt a small commercial exemption. I'm sorry.
[Paul Camuso]: Uh, on Councilor Penta's motion to have the clerk, um, the city assessor to provide us with the data sampling, uh, sampling chart that he asked for all those in favor. All those opposed. The ayes have it. That is the end of that paper.
[Paul Camuso]: While we're under suspension, council Lungo curd moves to take 14 seven 89, uh, out of order. All those in favor. All right. All those opposed. To the Honorable President and members of the Medford City Council. Claimant name, Adelina Palermo versus the City of Medford. Date of accident, March 7th, 2013. Date of settlement, December 8th, 2014. The claimant, Adelina Palermo, age 73, of 112 Sheridan Avenue in Medford, Mass, 02155, seeks compensation for injuries suffered as a result of a raised sidewalk located near 106 Sheridan Avenue, Medford, Mass. Her injury occurred on September 29, 2013. As a result of her fall, she sustained a rotator cuff tear in her right shoulder, which required arthroscopic surgery. She was treated at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, as well as Note Suburban Orthopedic Associates. Her medical bills were in excess of $10,000. The necessary releases have been obtained from the clients. Medical cost was $10,172. Lost wages, zero. Others, zero. The total settlement, $5,000. Is there a motion? On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo, clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the paper passes. Item 14-790, request for expenditures from the law department, claims over $1,000. To the President and honorable members of the Medford City Council, claimant name is Sharon Deioso versus the city of Medford. Date of accident, September 13th, 2013. The date of the settlement. Brief synopsis is the amount of the request is $4,200. The assistant city solicitor Scanlon has received all the appropriate documents signed off and there's a motion for approval from councilor Dello Russo. All those in favor of the clerk will call the roll. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the paper passes. While we're under suspension, 14-784 offered by Councilor Lungo-Koehn, be it resolved the Medford City Council vote to reduce the tax levy by the average of the last three years, a certified free cash amount, which is approximately $1 million. As stated to us on December 9th by multiple department heads, receive in place on file, Councilor Lungo-Koehn? We took a vote on this during the tax paper. Did you skip one? Well, I figured this one in case there was more questions before they left. 783, we're going to take up.
[Paul Camuso]: receiving place on file because we did act upon it during the tax hearing. Yeah. All right. While we're on the suspension, uh, item 14 dash seven, eight, seven. As my pen's falling apart here. Item 14 dash seven, eight, seven. From Mayor Michael J. McGlynn to the President and members of the Medford City Council regarding amendments to Division 2 Fair Housing Commission and Division 13 Human Rights Commission. Dear Mr. President and members of the Medford City Council, I respectfully request and recommend that your honorable body approve the following amendment to Division 2 and Division 13 of the Ordinance of the City of Medford. This amendment strikes the present provisions of our revised ordinances that set forth the Fair Housing Commission and the Human Rights Commission and blends the two commissions into one commission that will be called the Human Rights Commission. This effort originated with members of the Fair Housing Commission and the Human Rights Commission. They have been working with the city solicitor for the better portion of a year on this consolidation. This amendment takes into consideration the respective individual jurisdictions of each commission and joins them in a fashion that will allow the resulting commission to address the significant and ever-expanding issues of human rights and fair housing in a comprehensive and streamlined fashion. The following is a full text of the proposed amendment. If I may give a brief synopsis on the proposed ordinance. Is the council is okay with that? We're at seven and a half pages, I believe. Is that all right, ladies and gentlemen? All right, on the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for a synopsis of the paper. This is submitted by the mayor on behalf of the request of the commission to combine the Human Rights Commission and the Fair Housing Commission, which Diane McLeod is our diversity director overseas at the current time. It also, I believe, adds additional classes that are recognized today. And just to read a few. So I know it's gender identity, transgender and things of that nature that are part of today's, um, city. And we're proud to have everyone inclusive in this community. So, uh, anything else you want to add before we take a look at this?
[Paul Camuso]: And I may add that Melrose recently just updated their policy to be very inclusive as well. It was reported today in the Statehouse News. So I hate to be behind Melrose, but we're right behind them, hopefully. Ours is better. Is there a motion?
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval by Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor Marks. Councilor Dello Russo, then Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Sir? Chief Sacco.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: We have a motion for approval. Is there a motion to waive the three readings as amended? There's a motion by Councilor Dello Russo. You'll have plenty of motion to Councilor Dello Russo for approval of the ordinance, waiving the three readings, which speeds the process up, uh, as amended by Councilor Penta. The gentleman behind you, would you like to speak?
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: And that's how it has always been in Medford, and it will remain that way. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm going to let you briefly talk on this, but this is about the ordinance. I'm going to give you a little leeway, but I just want to say it's complex. I understand, but understand what we're trying to do with this ordinance.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Medford has always been and will remain very inclusive.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Knight for approval as amended by Councilor Penta and Councilor Dello Russo made a motion to waive the three readings on this ordinance. The clerk will call the roll. And thank you everyone for coming out this evening.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, this is passed unanimously by the Medford City Council.
[Paul Camuso]: Mine will be quick. No, no. Item 14-785. Please. Offered by Councilor Lungo-Koehn. Be it resolved that the chief of police look into the new program that many cities and towns are implementing, which is called Coffee with a Cup. Be it further... resolve that Medford look into implementing the program once per month after the new year. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval by Councilor Alango-Kern, Roll call, please. Roll call has been requested.
[Paul Camuso]: While we're under suspension, item number 14-788. To the President and members of the Medford City Council, I respectfully request that the City Council approve the following so that the city may accept a state grant to be used to fund a portion of the Crystal Campbell Peace Garden on the grounds of the Medford Senior Center. Number one, that the Medford City Council authorize the submission of an application for Parklands Acquisition and Renovation for Communities Program in the amount of $299,350, $299,350.14 to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services. Number two, that the mayor be authorized to execute a grant agreement and take such other actions as are necessary to carry out the terms, purposes, and conditions of this grant. Number three, that the city solicitor be authorized to prepare and the mayor executed deed restriction for land within the boundaries of the property at 101 Riverside Avenue as required by the E O E a preserving such land for the purpose of a public park under the provisions of mass general law chapter 45 section three and part two of the revised ordinances of the city of Medford section 62 dash 61 and all documents incidental thereto. Number four, that the following funds be appropriated and be available to fund the Peace Garden project and to up front the costs of the PARC grant, the sources of this appropriation are as follows. $100,000 from Cummings Foundation, $50,000 from Wynn Resorts, payment number one, $200,000 from Wynn Resorts, payment number two, $4,475 from Miscellaneous Contributions, a $475,000 section 125 federal transportation earmark will also be used to fund construction costs. The total estimated peace garden construction cost is $1,128,725,000. That the resolution takes effect upon its passage, and that is number five, that the resolution takes effect upon its passage. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Is there a motion? On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo, the clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: We'll call the roll. You didn't press your button until just now. Counsel, go ahead.
[Paul Camuso]: So motion to strike 1.1 and add $500,000, is that correct?
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. Vice President Caraviello and then Councilor De La Russa.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. And just one clarification, um, your motion to strike out the 1.1, that is, uh, you can make a resolution, but the motion before us is just to accept the paper and authorize submission by the city.
[Paul Camuso]: The paper isn't requesting us to amend it. It's authorizing the mayor to submit the application. I would ask the city solicitor for clarification. The bottom line where the mayor put 1.128. We're going to amend the paper, amend the dollar amount.
[Paul Camuso]: You can make a recommendation to scale down the project. You don't agree with the project as presented. But what we're voting on as the Medford City Council is to authorize the submission of the grant. for what the mayor deemed $299,350.14.
[Paul Camuso]: The $1.1 you want to amend, it's just informational. It's not declarative. It's not asking for anything. It's just informational. The total estimated Peace Guide and construction project cost is $1.128. If you want to amend that to read $500,000 when it's not realistic, you can do that, councillor. Councilor Knight and then Councilor Langel-Koenig.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Um, just to clarify, Councilor Lungo-Koehn, your motion you just asked for, Vice President Caraviello asked for that already, the maintenance program and costs.
[Paul Camuso]: So Councilor Lungo-Koehn, DPW be handling and what will be contracted out. And these are all resolutions and there's a main motion for approval right now by
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Caravino, like I just said. He asked for the maintenance program and the cost.
[Paul Camuso]: How does this happen?
[Paul Camuso]: You were all invited as a council.
[Paul Camuso]: The Community Development Block Grant contained funding for this project.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: That's your opinion. It is my opinion. Motion to table. Motion to table is undebatable. Until next week. Until next week. All those in favour?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? Aye. The clerk is in doubt. Roll call, please. Do you want to wait until your council colleague gets back? It's up to you.
[Paul Camuso]: It's going to fail anyway.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. President Caluso? No. By a vote in the affirmative, the motion is tabled, three in the negative. All right. Offered by, while we're under suspension, Offered by Vice President Carvey-Yellow. There's two papers. Be it resolved that the Medford City Council offer condolences to the family of Medford School teacher... Wait a minute, you have my resolution.
[Paul Camuso]: It was tabled. The whole paper was tabled, Councilor. What table? The whole agenda? No, there's more on the agenda.
[Paul Camuso]: You can have it your way. I guess you want your way all the time. Offer 14-783, which, oh, we'll go to Councilor Lungo-Kearns, who's the next one on the agenda. Item 14-783, offered by Councilor Lungo-Kearns. Be it resolved that the city council receive a copy of the last three years' certified free cash forms, which were signed off by the DOR. Be it further resolved that the council receive a breakdown showing which accounts the certified free cash came from for each of the last three years, each account and dollar figure.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Next item on the agenda offered by Councilor Penta. Be it resolved the Mayor's newly implemented water rate tiered program be discussed. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Council Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: All right.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, thank you for bringing us up to date on the 1989 meeting of the Medford City Council. But this city council, if I recall, time after time after time have been the driving force behind having the tiered water rate system. And now that we've paid a consultant, Hitchcock or Babcock, after the Water and Soil Woodcock, I'm sorry, after the Water and Soil Commission has done yeoman's work on this, to now ask to hold it in abeyance, based upon your article from 1989, and... Point of clarification, Councilor Fenton.
[Paul Camuso]: Where does it begin? Mr. President, I cannot sit here and logically support this. Don't. To hold it in obeyance. You never do. To hold it in obeyance. So I ask for a roll call vote on my esteemed council colleague Robert M. Penter's article and being a councilor back in 1989 for his insight, but I can't support him now in 2014.
[Paul Camuso]: What about you? What about me what? You personally requesting for a tiered rate system.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor, we asked for it, now it's not to implement it.
[Paul Camuso]: The best predictor of the future is the past, and I think your past has come as far as America.
[Paul Camuso]: You just said they won't use the water. The commercial rates, if you read the note, the note says... So the Lawrence Memorial Hospital's gonna not use the water? I mean, the big users should be paying for the system that they're taxing. The Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Budweiser, Tufts University. These are people that are doing millions of gallons of water a day.
[Paul Camuso]: Mrs. Jones on 3rd Street is using two cubic feet to take a shower and to boil some macaroni.
[Paul Camuso]: Because she's a young Italian woman. Like I said, we've asked for this, we've championed this under the leadership of all the members of this council. It came to fruition, and now we're asking for a year, holding it in abeyance. Roll call vote.
[Paul Camuso]: Residents are getting a break, too, in some of the parking.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, I don't recall that. I don't recall that.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: They're actually going to be set up, too, in certain areas to get this off the ground. This is a huge undertaking.
[Paul Camuso]: You know, there is a permanent plan that council asked this question a few weeks ago, maybe three or four weeks ago.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah. We missed you. Merry Christmas. All right. The records were passed too. I'm sorry. We have two papers in the hands of the clerk, and they are two condolences. They're both submitted by Vice President Caraviello. The first one, 14-791, offered by Vice President Caraviello, be it resolved that the Medford City Council extends its sincere condolences to Medford school teacher Bill Carter, who passed away last week after losing his battle with cancer. He'll be missed. On the motion of approval, all those in favor? All those opposed? And offered by Vice President Caraviello. Be it resolved, the city council offer a moment of silence for the recent passing of Marie, Mary Butler, long time resident of Medford. The chair recognizes Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor to adjourn? All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: Regular meeting of the Medford City Council will be called to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta. Present. President Camuso. Present. By a vote of six in the affirmative, one absent, please rise to salute our flag.
[Paul Camuso]: Just for the viewing public, Councilor Marks was here at a meeting, and he had to leave for a flooding emergency at his house. But he was here, and that is why he is not here right now. He's dealing with a serious flooding situation at his house. Chair recognizes Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-756, notice of a public hearing. A public hearing will be held at the Medford City Council in the Hallward F. Alden Memorial Chambers, City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, Massachusetts, on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2014, at 7 p.m., on a petition by Fellsway Property, LLC. For a special permit persuading to Chapter 94 Zoning Ordinances of the City of Medford, Section 94-192, Use No. 56A-2, Table of Use Regulation, to operate a drive-thru to take-out establishment at 499 Riverside Avenue, Medford, Mass., said site being located in the Commercial 1 Zoning District, Petition and plans may be seen in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Medford, Massachusetts. For further information, accommodations or aids, contact the City Clerk, 781-393-2425, TDD 781-393-2516. The City of Medford is an EEO-AA-504 employer. By order of the City Council, Edward P. Finn, City Clerk. This was advertised in the Medford Mercury on November 21st, in December 1st, 2014. At this time, I will declare the public hearing open. All those in favor of the project and of the drive-thru, all those in favor, please come forward. Name and address for the record. Why don't you just take it away, Larry? It's something else. It's giving us feedback. Stand by, please, while the people out back. There we go. Is that a little better? I apologize. They're working on this out back. All right. Name and address for the record, please. This is the public hearing for those in favor of the drive-thru.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. The public hearing is still open. Anyone else in favour?
[Paul Camuso]: Anyone else in favour? Hearing and seeing none, I now close that portion of the hearing and open it up to anybody in opposition.
[Paul Camuso]: So you are not in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much. Anybody else not in favor of this project? Not in favor of this project? Seeing and hearing none, I now close that portion of the public hearing. And are we waiting for the attorney or are you proceeding? I know your attorney wanted to wait until the 23rd.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President. Well, the attorney wants to be here to answer the questions. Mr. President. It's the will of the council, whatever the council wants. Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion for table, which is undebatable, All those in favor? Well, the attorney asked, and they have legal representation. There's a motion to table on the floor. The clerk will call the roll. And till end, the motion is till the 23rd. Is that correct or not?
[Paul Camuso]: There's a motion to table, so I don't want to cut you off, councilor, but there's a motion to table.
[Paul Camuso]: On Councilor Dello Russo's motion. Yes. Clerk, we'll call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By a motion of four in the affirmative, two in the negative and one absent. The motion is tabled in father viewing public in the neighbors. Uh, this will be back before the Medford city council on December 23rd to, uh, take action or, um, discuss it in depth at that point. And, uh, we wish that your attorney is feeling better.
[Paul Camuso]: In the motion, I revert back to the regular order of business. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? Item 14-732. Tax hearing. Legal notice. Notice of public hearing. City of Medford. A public hearing will be held by the Medford City Council in the Hawwood F. Alden Memorial Chambers City Hall Medford Mass on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 7 p.m. The purpose of the hearing is to hear the Board of Assessors on the following items for the purpose of allocation of the fiscal year 2015 property tax. To determine, number one, to determine the residential factor to be used for fiscal year 2015. Number two, select an open space discount. Number three, select a residential exemption. Number four, select a small commercial exemption. Call 781-393-2501 for any aids slash accommodations. TDD 781-393-2516. The city of Medford is an EEO AA504 employer. By order of the Medford City Council, signed Edward P. Finn, City Clerk, the public hearing is now open. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Chair recognizes Councilor Lungo-Koehn and then Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Do you want to wait, Councilor? Your light was on. Do you want to wait?
[Paul Camuso]: Can you step away from that, sir? Sorry to disturb, Councilor. Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Longo-Kerr, as everyone looks up for the sale of the book.
[Paul Camuso]: Can we just get your name and title?
[Paul Camuso]: That was the floods.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Any other councilors? Any questions?
[Paul Camuso]: Any other questions, motions? Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: This is a four part process. Name and address for the record on the motion of approval by Councilor Dello Russo. If you could step aside and let the gentleman up here please.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo. May I? Oh, sure. Name and address for the record, sir.
[Paul Camuso]: Motion for table has been request, which ends all debate. Would you withdraw it so we can at least read the two resolutions that we're asking for so we can take an official vote on it and then move it right again? All right, it's two resolutions we're asking for. Council Lungo-Koehn, 2011, 2012, and 2013, how much certified free cash was signed off on by the Department of Revenue and certified. And by Councilor Penta, 2011, 2012, and 2013, Comcast and Verizon paid to Channel 3.
[Paul Camuso]: They paid into the city. And then the other one is how much was paid to Channel 3 for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. On those two motions, one further motion.
[Paul Camuso]: That's why it gets certified.
[Paul Camuso]: That's what you asked for. Thank you, Councilor Penta. On the motion, these two resolutions, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed, the ayes have it. Once again, Councilor Lungo-Koehn, motion to table, which is undebatable. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed, the ayes have it. It is tabled until next week. Councilor Dello Russo. Councilor Dello Russo, your light was blinking.
[Paul Camuso]: Item 14-776. On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo, do you take this paper? All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-776. To the Honorable President and members of the Medford City Council, dear Mr. President and city councilors, I respectfully request and recommend that your honorable body approve the transfers from overlay surplus to revaluation account 0101415310 totaling $200,000 as outlined in the attached memo from the city assessor and the board of assessors. These amounts will fund two year, year two of the cyclical inspection program as required by the Bureau of Local Assessment of the Department of Revenue and to defend the pending appellate tax board cases. City Assessor Ed O'Neill and the City Auditor Anne Baker are present this evening to answer any questions you may have. On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for approval.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, Councilor Dello Russo. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it. Roll call on this paper.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, 16 affirmative, one absent. The paper passes. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Item 14-769, location of poles, attachments of fixtures, and underground conduits. You are hereby notified that by order of the city council, a public hearing will be given at the Howard F. Alder Memorial Auditorium, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, Massachusetts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 on a petition of National Grid and Verizon New England for permission to locate poles and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way. Winthrop Street, National Grid to install one J-O pole in relocating one J-O pole beginning at point approximately 275 feet southeast of the center line of the intersection of Burbank Road and Winthrop Street, National Grid to install mid-span pole 244-1, 60 feet north of pole 244. Wherefore it prays that under due notice and hearing as provided by law, it may be granted a location for and permission to erect and maintain poles and wires together, with sustaining and protecting fixtures as it may find necessary. Said poles to be erected substantially in accordance with the plan filed herewith, marked Winthrop Street, Medford, Massachusetts, number 17749481-October 2nd, 2014. Also for permission to lay and maintain underground laterals, cables, and wires in the above are interesting public ways for the purpose of making connections with such poles and buildings as each of said petitioners may desire for distributing purposes. The petitioner agrees to reserve space for one cross arm at suitable point on each of said poles for the fire police telephone and telegraph signal wires belonging to the municipality and used by it exclusively for municipal purposes. This has been approved by the Chief Engineer. No city-owned or private utilities or other structures are adversely impacted. National Grid shall ensure that all sewer, water, and drain lines are marked prior to any excavation. Concrete sidewalk panels damaged by the work must be immediately replaced or, if during the winter season, replaced the following spring. Before beginning work, the contractor shall notify DIGSAFE and shall obtain applicable permits from the Engineering Division. The contractor shall utilize city of Medford regulation and standards for restoration as well as remove all debris related to its work. This was also approved by the superintendent of wires. Call 7 8 1 3 9 3 2 4 2 5 for any accommodation slash aids signed Edward P Finn city clerk plans can be viewed in the city clerk's office 7 8 1 3 9 3 2 4 2 5. At this point, I'm going to open up the public hearing for those in favor of this proposal. in favor. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Anyone in favor? In favor? Seeing and hearing no one else, I now close that portion of the public hearing and open it up to anyone in opposition. Anyone in opposition? Seeing and hearing none, I now close that portion of the public hearing and call upon Vice President Caraviello, Chairperson of Licensing.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight and then Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo, then Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Henton.
[Paul Camuso]: You've been here.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of, oh, okay, I'm sorry.
[Paul Camuso]: You're the engineer, right? Yeah. From National Grid? Right. You want to send a separate resolution to the corporate office? You could do that. On the motion of Councilor Penta to send a resolution inquiring why the rates went up. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All right. So we'll send that. On the motion of Councilor Penta, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of the vice president. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? Aye. Ayes have it. Thank you very much. And on the motion to revert back to the regular order of business. All those in favour? All those opposed, the ayes have it. Item 14-774, offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved that the MBTA take the proper steps to ensure that the route 96 bus makes all scheduled stops persuadent to the established and publicized bus stop locations. Be it further resolved that the MBTA give specific attention to the stop located at Medford Square and City Hall parking lot. As recent reports allege that the weekdays 6 a.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. bus frequently bypass this established and publicized location. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: The chair recognizes Vice President Cara Villalo.
[Paul Camuso]: So on the motion to send that to the MBTA, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: Okay On the motion of on the motion of Councilor Knight and amended by vice president care of yellow all those in favor Guys have it Item 14-775, petition for a reversal of a sign denial by Bowler Engineering for Wendy's, 330 Middlesex Avenue, Medford Mass, OCD application 2014A, excessive number of primary signs. In 2014B, excessive number of primary signs. 2014C, excessive number of primary signs.
[Paul Camuso]: Chair recognizes Councilor Dello Russo who has the papers.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo. Are the present signs illuminated?
[Paul Camuso]: Nope second the approval The way it is on the motion of the council of Dela Rousseau seconded by council Lungo-Koehn all those in favor All those opposed the ayes have it On the motion of Vice President Caraviello to take the papers in the hands of the clerk under suspension. All those in favor? All those opposed? Offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved the Office of Disability looked into the National Grid sidewalk repairs between Smith Ave and Hicks Ave to ensure ADA compliance. Be it further resolved the findings of the Office of Disability to the council and the school department. Councilor Knight. Thank you very much, Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Uh, have the office of disability report back to the council and the school department. All those in favor, all those opposed, the ayes have it. offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved that the Medford City Council congratulate Medford High School standout girls soccer player, Corey O'Rourke, on being named Boston Herald All-Scholastic and GBL MVP. Be it further resolved, Corey O'Rourke be invited to appear before the Medford City Council to accept council commendation. On the motion of approval, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Absolutely. On the motion of Councilor Knight, all those in favor? All those opposed, the ayes have it. Offered by Councilor Knight and Councilor Camuso. Be it resolved that the Medford City Council congratulate the GBL Championship Team, Medford High School Girls Volleyball Team on their successful season. Be it further resolved the team be invited to appear before the Medford City Council to accept council commendation. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Offered by Councilor Knight and Councilor Camuso, be it resolved that the Medford City Council congratulate the GBL Champion MHS Girls Soccer Team on their successful season. Be it further resolved, the team be invited to appear before the Medford City Council to accept City Council commendations. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, all those in favor, those opposed, the ayes have it. Item 14 dash seven, seven, seven offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved that an audit be performed on all taxi cab companies licensed to operate in the city of Medford to verify and ensure compliance with the ordinances of the city of Medford that govern such operation. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion to withdraw, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-778, offered by Councilor Penta. Be it resolved that the mayor's new parking slash revenue meter slash kiosk program be discussed. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: This is over and above. It's a private entity.
[Paul Camuso]: That's a cheap shot saying... All of this.
[Paul Camuso]: No, some of them, some of them specifically said that they're happy about these meetings and they're glad.
[Paul Camuso]: And there's some of them that don't. All right.
[Paul Camuso]: This is, like Councilor Dello Russo said, and Vice President Caraviello, this is a meeting of a private entity known as the Chamber of Commerce, who is doing outreach for their members, and I applaud them. So, do you have a motion, Councilor?
[Paul Camuso]: And I know there's a lot of businesses out there that are not members of the chamber that were also invited. So this isn't chamber only specific. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm already working, I'm putting my own meetings together.
[Paul Camuso]: And the mayor, um, we'll be doing outreach in several different ways. once all the information is readily available. City hasn't started the process yet. Councilor Pentzer and the gentleman at the podium.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record, sir.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Councilor Penta's motion receive a place on file.
[Paul Camuso]: Relax, take it, it'll come.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. All in the motion receive and place on file. All those opposed? The ayes have it. We have two sets of records. Councilor... Suspension of the rules.
[Paul Camuso]: Excuse me. One second. Can you gentlemen take the conversation outside please so we can hear the The guy at the podium.
[Paul Camuso]: There'll be an announcement on the forthcoming.
[Paul Camuso]: The mayor will be appointing people that he feels fit.
[Paul Camuso]: He'll keep people that have... Mr. Baez, you'll always be allowed at the access station if you're a member in good standing. What? You will always be allowed at the Medford access station. If you are a member in good standing, no one's going to keep you out.
[Paul Camuso]: The records of November 25th were passed the council.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. The records of December 2nd were passed to Vice President Caraviello. How did you find them? On the motion of approval. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. On the motion of Council Appendix for adjournment. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. Six members present, one absent. Please rise to salute our flag.
[Paul Camuso]: Item 14-762, offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved that the Medford City Council congratulate Michael Ryan on his retirement from the position of Executive Director for the Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Be it further resolved the Medford City Council thank him for his many years of service toward protecting, preserving, and advocating for the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Counsel on the motion of council on night. All those in favor, all those opposed. The ayes have it. Item 14 dash seven 63 offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved. The Medford city council extends its deep and sincere condolences to the family of Irene platty on her recent passing. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Counsel, please rise for a moment of silence. On the motion, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-764. Petition for a secondhand article licensed by Nyan Group, Inc. Doing business as Cache Point, 32 Riverside Avenue, Medford, Mass. Marat Hananyan, President, 36 Owen Street, Hyannis, Mass. And the Chair recognizes Vice President Caraviello, Chair of Personal Licensing.
[Paul Camuso]: The Chief of Police will notify us through the city solicitor and the clerk when he is ready to proceed. It's still pending in the Middlesex court.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor. All those opposed.
[Paul Camuso]: The old TV3, it's one of the others.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it, good luck. And you will be meeting with Detective LeBert, it says, prior to opening, correct? Thank you very much. Item 14-765, petition for a taxi operator licensed by Albert T. Morenci, 92 Dever Street, Malden, Mass., driving for Citywide Taxi, 40 Canal Street. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Chair recognizes Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: As well as Councilor Penta, certainly will do. On the motion, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Good luck. Thank you. Item 14-766, petition by Joseph Villione, 59 Garfield Ave, Medford, to discuss West Medford Hillside Little League and non-profit finances.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Penner.
[Paul Camuso]: On the main motion, and amended by Councilor Marks for the itemized list, Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Penta, amended by Councilor Marks and Councilor Lungo-Koehn. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: Roll call has been requested by Councilor Penta. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much. Roll call has been requested by Councilor Penta. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: No. For the affirmative, two in the negative. The motion passes. Item 14-767, request for expenditure from the law department. Claims over $1,000. Date of November 24th, 2014. To the President and members of the Honorable Medford City Council, from Michael J. McGlynn, Mayor. Claimant name is Patricia DeJesus. And the date of the accident was May 8th, 2014. The date of the settlement, November 24th, 2014. Uh, the amount of the request is $3,246.59. The claimant, Patricia DeJesus, 49 Chetwin Road, Somerville Mass, 02144, seeks compensation for damage to DeJesus's vehicle, which was allegedly struck by Medford Fire Department Engine 7, as Engine 7 was in the process of pulling out of a parking space in Hill Hall parking lot at Tufts University. The accident occurred on May 8th, 2014. The case was settled prior to trial. Necessary releases have been obtained from the claimant, and the total settlement is $3,246.59. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Any questions for the city solicitor or a motion? Motion for approval by Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Correct, yes.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of vice president's Caraviello, the clerk called the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. Six in the affirmative. One absent. The claim has been approved. Merry Christmas. Thank you. Merry Christmas. All right. On the motion of Councilor Henta for papers in the hands of the clerk. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Offered by Councilor Marks, be it resolved that the shelter located at the corner of River Street and Riverside Ave next to the Harvard Van Guide Garage be discussed for potential community use. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion. All those in favor? All those opposed? Roll call has been requested by Councilor Marks. amended to include extra lighting to not have the behaviour that happens in the West Medford train depot lot, correct? Mr. Clerk.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, six in the affirmative, one absent. The motion passes. Also, while we're under suspension, offered by Councilor Penta, 14-768. Be it resolved that the Medford High football team be congratulated on their well-earned football victory over Malden High this Thanksgiving day.
[Paul Camuso]: I think you made your point very clear. Oh, it is clear. And the motion is to congratulate the Medford High Mustang team.
[Paul Camuso]: Nothing. We'll take a vote on your motion. On the motion. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Reckage, we're passed to Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: uh, records at, uh, the motion of Councilor Penta to table and he will bring a revisions to the clerk and there will be, there's just, there's just two minor revisions, two minor revisions and the records. We back before the council next week. All those in favor, all those opposed, the ayes have it on the motion of adjournment.
[Paul Camuso]: Lauren sent us the document in the mail, so.
[Paul Camuso]: Both. All right, to OCD and the engineer. Right. On the December 10th. I got it. Meeting at 6.30 PM. Here in the council chamber. Here in the council chamber. On the motion of Councilor Penta, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Councilor Monks.
[Paul Camuso]: The Office of Community Development requested a meeting, not next week, the week after, and next week we have the tax rate, but I think it's a very important issue and either myself or Vice President-elect Dello Russo will be scheduling something. The OCD meeting is something to do with the grant and forthcoming. We'll be on the agenda next week or the week after the 12th.
[Paul Camuso]: So no, no. Yes. For my information, the one the one that Lauren called myself on was something to do with the park grant. So it might be another different meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: Possibly? Yeah. At this point, the only request that has officially come from the OCD to have a meeting is regarding a park grant. And the city clerk was checking the schedule, and it will appear on our agenda. Mr. President. Is this park grant the one where. I'm not sure. All I know is. Oh, wait a minute.
[Paul Camuso]: The pot grant was before this honorable body earlier this year and she's looking for another meeting. Other than that, Councilor, no, we've, we voted for the pot grant earlier in the year for Webster street park. I believe it was one of them. Um, as Logan Park, exactly. There was several, we have voted on this previously.
[Paul Camuso]: Not to be confused, this is the P-A-R-C-C grant. Right. Not a park P-A-R-K.
[Paul Camuso]: That could be it, council. I hope you pick up the phone tomorrow and call Lauren because I plan on doing it as well. All those in favour of Councilor Marks's main motion for the Traffic Commission to give us an update on when the bollards are going to appear on the Traffic Commission meeting. All those in favour? Both. The traffic calming approach is on several different streets. Councilor Lungo-Kerr.
[Paul Camuso]: Can we take a vote on Councilor Marksley? Yes, yes. On the motion of Councilor Marksley, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Councilor Lungo-Koehn has the floor.
[Paul Camuso]: Do you want to ask for that or do you give us the numbers because he's not going to be clear on it? I think he's going to know what I'm talking about. No, that's why I'm asking you. Previous fiscal year tax rate sentence? We've got to vote on something. They're going to come back and say it's ambiguous. We've got the meeting next week. I'd rather put the percentages on it.
[Paul Camuso]: He brought us the breakdown of each one.
[Paul Camuso]: So why don't we go back, ask him for the same data that we asked at last year's tax hearing, we wanted ahead of time this year for this meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: It was the one too that affected like Cape Cod towns and not up here. There were several different issues going on. So why don't we ask for all the documents we asked for last year.
[Paul Camuso]: How many homes over a certain value? No, no, no.
[Paul Camuso]: And I'd like to add to that the breakdown of the break even point that last year, houses based at a certain value would have went up significantly. And, I mean, that's the data we asked for last year. So I think we're all on the same page.
[Paul Camuso]: No, there's a break-even point.
[Paul Camuso]: But there's a break-even point. It's a dollar amount.
[Paul Camuso]: New growth?
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. The records have been tabled on the motion of Vice President Caraviello for adjournment. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: The 34th regular meeting of the Medford City Council will be called to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. Seven members present, please rise to salute our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Item 14-753, offered by Councilor Penta. Be it resolved that in the interest of public and residential disclosure, the $25,000 earmarked for public street bicycle roadway use be publicly presented in order that the community has an opportunity to review it for any issues that it may concern. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Penta, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: Roll call has been requested. Before the roll is called, name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Penta, roll call has been requested. motion is to, uh, send this to the mayor to no, no, I think the original was to send it to the mayor, right? And then the traffic commission and the bicycle commission.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record, sir.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much. And on the motion of Councilor Penta, we're going to have a roll call vote. And I want to thank you all for your diligent work on this. And this is going to be a great project that's going to tie in with the transportation infrastructure improvements that are going on that we're all excited about, whether it's the Green Line or some of the other plans in Medford. So thank you very much. And the clerk will call the roll. Mr. President, could the clerk read the amendments back before we call the roll? The amendments refer to the Traffic Commission and the Bicycle Committee to get the exact addresses and locations of the proposals before they are instituted, and also to send it to the city administration to make sure that they're doing the same. Is that correct?
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The motion passes and have a great Thanksgiving. 14-754 offered by Councilor Marks. Be it resolved the most recent meeting regarding the reuse of the Malden hospital be discussed, whereas this will have a negative impact on the surrounding Medford neighborhood. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On the motion of Councilor Marks with two amendments, the first amendment and first resolution. First resolution, not amendment, I'm sorry. That the administration notify the direct of butters of any meeting that the City of Malden is going to have regarding this development and or Medford having a meeting regarding this development. And number two, the immediate erection of a barrier on the Medford side to protect the integrity of the neighborhood, as was stated by the councilors and the neighbor. All those in favor, roll call. Yeah. Breakaway gate. The fire department can drive right through if there's a fire. That's what they're made for.
[Paul Camuso]: On the three amendments, the Chair recognizes Councilor Lungo-Koehn. And just a brief announcement, we've been notified by Dr. Sheehan that the video feed is not going out on Comcast. We are aware of it and our video technicians in the back are working on it. I can only tell you what we're reporting. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. On the main motion and the three amendments, the administration notifies the direct abutters of any meeting in Medford or Malden, immediate erection of the barrier on the Medford side and that OCD and I'm jointing these two. Resolutions together from Council Lungo-Koehn in Council of Penta because they sound pretty much alike. We got in the OCD office Is that okay? Yep that the OCD office have gives us the city's position on the project and also notify the council of any upcoming meetings That's all night consulate.
[Paul Camuso]: Further amended. Great idea. All those in favor. All those opposed. The roll call has been requested by Councilor Marks. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The paper passes as amended. Thank you for coming out this evening. Uh, item 14 dash seven, five, five offered by Councilor mocks to be resolved. The lack of a cross of a traffic crossing God on Riverside Ave at the entrance to the McGlynn Andrews school be discussed in the interest of public safety. Councilor mocks.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Marks to receive in place on file. All those in favor. All those opposed. Thank you chief very much. Thank you. Item 14-757 has been withdrawn from the petitioner. Motion to receive in place on file. All those in favor. All those opposed. Chair recognizes Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item under suspension. Offered by President Camus. So be it resolved the city council appointment to M belt that has expired. Be discussed. If I may, from the chair, Councilor Penta has doing it, been doing a great job with this. And from the chair, if I may like to make the motion to reappoint him to that position, if there's a second.
[Paul Camuso]: There's a motion to table, which is undebatable. All those in favor of the table?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor motion to table. Although there's a motion to table, there's a motion to table. We're going to take a vote on the motion, a table, and then if it doesn't get table, we're going to have plenty of emotion. We draw the motion. Councilor Penter and then Councilor max.
[Paul Camuso]: If I may, just from the chair, very briefly, I did not know that that's what you were thinking. I think it's a very, very good piece, but at this point, I, as one member of the council, have vetted Councilor Penta on this particular matter, and the motion is before us for approval, but I do totally support your motion when it comes forward, sooner than later. I guess my question is, has the term expired? The term has been expired for several years now. And he's been a carryover, so especially with a lot of the stuff going on up there, that was my intent, to have an actual appointment of the council rather than a carryover with everything going on. Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: So there is a motion for approval. The motion to table was withdrawn. So there's a motion for approval and I would request someone to call a roll call vote where this is an appointment.
[Paul Camuso]: And you still want it. I assume I'm putting it forward. I'm talking to you. You want it, right? Okay. After all this discussion, you might not have wanted it.
[Paul Camuso]: So there is a motion before us for this reappointment.
[Paul Camuso]: Please note that, I'd like to propose it that way. The clerk will call the roll and please, yes vote is for Councilor Penta and a no vote is not against Councilor Penter and no vote is just like to do the vetting process with all of them. I assume, I'm not speaking for any council, I'm just, I think it's only fair that I say that to my colleague here, because we heard Councilor Knight loud and clear with direction you're going.
[Paul Camuso]: I'd like to be recorded in the negative.
[Paul Camuso]: Duly noted. Can the clerk please put that in the minutes to reflect that?
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of six in the affirmative, one in the negative because of the reasons that were stated by Councilor Knight. Councilor Penta, you are reaffirmed retroactively to the six year position as of the date of expiration. Congratulations. Would you like to say a few words or are you all set? I'm all set. All right. while we're under suspension. Offered by Vice President Caraviello. Be it resolved that the Medford City Council congratulate Father Toomey of St. Rayfield's Parish, who just celebrated 36 years in the priesthood last Tuesday.
[Paul Camuso]: Very, very big part of our community, to say the least. All those in favor. Aye. All those opposed. The ayes have it. Congratulations. Father to me. Item 14 dash seven 58 offered by council of Penta. We get resolved with the recent street sweeping in some parts of the West Medford area. Be discussed. Councilor Penta. Is the chief still here? Chief is gone.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight and Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion as amended, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, thank you. On the motion as amended.
[Paul Camuso]: Oh, the election Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: Penter as amended.
[Paul Camuso]: Roll call has been requested. Clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative. A motion passes and revert back to the regular order of business. The records.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Thank you for those two updates. On the motion, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President on the motion of council, a penta to get a report back from office community development.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Or the city might be petitioning MassDOT for an easement on their property, because this is a public hearing for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[Paul Camuso]: Also, for anyone out there, and including Councilor Penta, the email to ask any project inquiries are to dot.feedback.highwayatstate.ma.us. On the motion of Councilor Penta, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Roll call to send this to OCD. Roll call has been requested. Clerk, call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: No. Five in the affirmative, two in the negative. The motion passes. The records were passed to Councilor Marks. How do you find the records? Councilor Marks reviewed the records and find them to be in order on the motion for adjournment. And before we adjourn, um, I'm going to chair recognizes Councilor Lungo-Koehn. Oh, I just want to wish everybody happy Thanksgiving. Councilor Dello Russo. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you. I think all the members would like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. And last but not least, just an announcement for the community. This evening at 6.30, the Medford City Council met in a caucus to discuss the leadership roles for next calendar year, 2015. And the Council of Dello Russo was nominated. uh, voted in as the President-Elect of the Medford City Council for next year, and this was not an official vote, which will take place in January, and Councilor Lungo-Koehn was, uh, nominated and voted as the Vice-President of the Medford City Council for calendar year 2015, so congratulations to my colleagues. Thank you. Uh, on the motion of Vice-President Caraviello for adjournment. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Happy Thanksgiving.
[Paul Camuso]: The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. Six members present, one absent. Please rise to salute our flag. 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. Chair recognizes Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Knight to take paper 14-000. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. On the motion to take paper 14 dash 7 4 3 out of order. All those in favor. All those opposed. The ayes have it. And for the record, councilor Penta is present. Seven members of the Medford city council present and accounted for item 14 dash 7 43. To the Honorable President and members of the Medford City Council, City Hall, Medford Mass, 02155. Dear Mr. President and City Councilors, I respectfully request and recommend that Your Honor will broadly approve the appropriation of certified free cash in the amount of $1,386,000 for the following. City Hall parapet, wrapped for the winter, $20,000. Mausoleum study, $30,000. Equipment yard, year one of four payment lifts, lease plus $50,000 various, $91,000. Three retaining walls, Governor's Ave, Morgan and Gaston Street, $250,000. Stumps and sidewalks, $300,000. Bucket truck, year one of a four payment lease, $65,000. Victory Park Tennis and Basketball Courts, repair and sale $18,500. Morrison Basketball Court, Morrison Park Basketball Court, pulverize and redo $29,000. Playstead Park Tennis Courts, repair and sale $29,000. Morrison Park Tennis Courts, repair and sale $39,000. Duggar park, basketball court, pulverize and redo, $48,000. Duggar park, tennis courts, repair and seal, $77,000. Harris park, basketball and tennis courts, pulverize and redo, $80,000. City hall fire alarm, upgrade to the system, $12,000. Pads for fire alarm install citywide, $22,000. LED light conversion for Medford square, $30,000. Year one of a four payment lease, $10,500. Historical matching grant, $35,000. Upgrade to the city computers, $30,000. Bicycle lanes, $25,000. public arts, funds for the Medford Public School student projects, $25,000. Security cameras for commercial street, et cetera, $10,000. Plans for the police department headquarters renovation, $17,000. Portable speed humps, speed bumps, humps, bumps, whatever the mayor wants to call them, $23,000. uh, police cruises, $40,000 in new plaques for Veterans Memorial Park, $30,000 for a grand total of $1,386,000. The balance and certified free cash prior to this vote is $7,594,183. Sincerely, Michael J. McGlynn, mayor and the original signatures on file with the city clerk and On the motion of approval from Councilor Dello Russo, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Would you like me to read that? Please. Okay. Item number one was request funds to pay for two year, for year two of the lease on four trucks for water and sewer division. Year one payment previously approved in 2013, approved $26,000 from water slash sewer available linkage funds. Item two, request funds to pay for stumps and sidewalk repairs caused by pipes, leaks, shutoff repairs. That line was amended to read water and sewer um, water and saw repairs rather than pipe leaks and shut off repairs. Approve $100,000 from water and saw available linkage funds. Item three request funds to pay correct various flooding issues in the city. $250,000 from the water and saw available, available linkage funds. Item four request funds to pay for year two of lease on two trucks for the highway division. Year one payment previously approved in 2013. Approve $22,000 from the roads available linkage funds. Item five, request funds to pay for year one lease on Bobcat for the highway division. Approve $10,000 from roads available linkage funds. Request funds to pay for signage throughout the city for highway division. Approve $8,000 from the roads linkage funds. Item seven, request funds to pay for year one lease on two F-250 trucks with snowplow package for the highway division. Approved $26,000 from ROADS available linkage funds. The balance in the water slash sewer linkage fund prior to the vote is $675,815. The balance in the ROADS linkage fund prior to vote is $75,649. Mr. President, having had these items read, and I think it's important that the taxpayers know that we're talking well in excess of $1,700,000.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information? Councilor DelaRosa.
[Paul Camuso]: It's, uh, under the purview of the committee, according to the whole new petition that was established years ago.
[Paul Camuso]: or the mayor, um, council Burke is here. And just for the viewing public, it was an open meeting that was publicly posted. So any member of the community, as well as city council, a school committee or anyone else could have attended.
[Paul Camuso]: Baker is not here.
[Paul Camuso]: What was the reason agenda item? It's year two of the lease. These were already purchased by the city of Medford in previous years. And at this point they have to be paid for. for year two of the lease. It's pretty self-explanatory.
[Paul Camuso]: No, you didn't.
[Paul Camuso]: That's year one. Number seven. You also asked about number four.
[Paul Camuso]: Why aren't we buying? The city administration asked us to lease these two vehicles. If we recall during budget time, they talked about several trucks that were destroyed last year because of, uh, I don't know if it was actual fires or it was a very bad snow removal year. And, uh, as far as why they chose to go this route, you'll have to ask the city administration that.
[Paul Camuso]: So we're only going to use these trucks for one year at $26,000 each. No, this is the first year we're getting the two trucks for the first year payment of $26,000. I don't understand why we're leasing. This is payment for year one. When year two comes around, I'm sure there'll be another funding mechanism in place that will either be budgeted through the next fiscal year's budget or the mayor would be coming back to us for funding for year two of the lease, similar to what he did in item number four.
[Paul Camuso]: For the edification, Madam President, if I may interject, it's not for one truck, Councilor. As the agenda item says, it's for two trucks. So the $100,000 is divided by two. Correct. So I don't want to be misleading to the public. OK, so why aren't we buying them?
[Paul Camuso]: Can we get a copy of the official minutes forwarded to the Council once they are written up, please?
[Paul Camuso]: You all set Councilor Penta? Yep. Thank you. Councilor Lungo, Kern, and then Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Just to keep the upfront costs low.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Stumps and sidewalks has been amended to read 300 in the council paper.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of councilor Dello Russo for approval. For approval of what?
[Paul Camuso]: This is one paper submitted by the administration and it has items broken down and it's broken down. That's correct. Um, name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Can we take the items one at a time and just... If the council wishes, you can press us. You can ask for a severance. But the ruling of the chair is if the council can ask for a severance. But as far as this paper, it's not individually going into separate accounts. It's one paper from certified free cash for a specific purpose. It's not actually putting it into one account to another at this point. So that's the ruling of the chair. But if the council wishes to sever each one and there's a majority of members that want that, we certainly can do that.
[Paul Camuso]: You can make a motion to sever?
[Paul Camuso]: There is a motion to sever, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: If it passes, we'll sever it. If it doesn't, we won't sever it.
[Paul Camuso]: The parapet and the mausoleum.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, if it votes that way, we will. Is there a motion to SEVA? There is a motion to SEVA that's been submitted. Are you all set, council?
[Paul Camuso]: All right. At this point, there is a motion to sever. clerk will call the roll and this is to sever each item on this individually for a vote of approval. Yay or nay?
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. Clerk, we'll call the roll. Yes. Vote is to sever a no vote is to not sever and vote on the package as presented. 14 dash seven, four, three.
[Paul Camuso]: No, by three yeses for nose. The paper is going to be voted on as presented.
[Paul Camuso]: You can take a vote.
[Paul Camuso]: It's right there.
[Paul Camuso]: We had a meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: That's correct. Yes. To say the public couldn't see it is disingenuous and not truthful. There was members of the public there. But this is the public right here. There was members of the public at the meeting. You just said that members of the public couldn't be there. That is wrong. It's not true. And I'm correcting it.
[Paul Camuso]: All members of the public were able to attend the meeting. were able to attend the meeting. So let's not say that. I said some. You said, councillor. And I just corrected myself. And I corrected it for you.
[Paul Camuso]: So we do have rule number 20 that says any finance paper appearing on the council agenda for the first time shall be automatically laid on the table for one week when such action is requested by any councillor. The councillor has requested that. There's a motion to table. All those in favor? It's automatic, Paul.
[Paul Camuso]: It's automatic. You're asked to lay on the table. No, it's laid on the table. We'll see that next week. Madam president. Madam vice director.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, the motion of council Dello Russo to revert back to the regular order of business council Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: That paper has been tabled. There is another paper, which 14, 7-4-4. Mr. President, members of the City Council, I respectfully request and recommend that your honorable body approve the appropriation of certified free cash in the amount of $90,000 for structural repairs to the Carriage House, in addition to various roofing and sprinkler repairs at the Brooks Estates, a representative from M-Belt, will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.
[Paul Camuso]: Ayes have it. Thank you, Vice President Caraviello. Uh, I want to apologize as the chair, the last paper that we're just tabled. Uh, if there's a motion to bring them back before us, uh, we will entertain them this evening. Is that a motion council Dello Russo on the motion of council Dello Russo to take the papers back to us. All those in favor. Councilor Penta. We were under suspension of the rules. All rules were suspended at the time of the vote. The paper can be back before us. Yes, there was a vote of suspension of the rules by Councilor Knight. That is the chair's ruling. The paper is back before us if the council wants to see it. You can doubt the ruling of the chair. The ruling of the chair is in doubt. The ruling will be called if a yes vote will be to Um, a yes vote will be to say that we were not under suspension of the rules and a no vote on the challenge of the chair will acknowledge that we were indeed under suspension of the rules and therefore the rules were out. So a yes vote is for Councilor Pinter's motion. A no vote is the ruling of the chair to support the chair. The clerk will call the roll. You want a question before the roll is called? Well, we have to find out if it's back before us first. So we have to rule on the chair. All right, I'm going to explain this. When we first opened up the order of business, a member of the Medford City Council asked for suspension of the rules. All members of this council acknowledged that we would go under suspension of the rules. Therefore, rule number 20 in every other rule of the Medford City Council is suspended. It's clear as day when you think about it. This is, uh, we suspended our own rules. So I actually ruled wrong on the paper. Council Dello Russo asked for the paper to be back before us as a result of being under suspension of the rules. And we're here now. So a yes vote is to Uphold Councilor Penter's motion. A no vote is to stand by the chair that we were indeed under suspension of the rules originally when these papers were before us. Yes?
[Paul Camuso]: We did. We didn't. It was a mechanism of the rules.
[Paul Camuso]: Right. So ruling of the chair originally was wrong. We were under suspension of the rules council. We're going to take the vote.
[Paul Camuso]: It doesn't make any difference. Councilor. We're going to take a vote on your challenge. It's simple. If we were under suspension of the rules, your rule would be valid, would not be valid. If we were not under suspension of the rules, then we would be standing by your rule. The chair will call the roll. A yes vote is for Councilor Penta. A no vote is to uphold the chair. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: We're going to take a ruling on the chair, and then we're going to proceed. Because if your ruling is upheld by Councilor Penta, the clerk will call the roll on the chair. There's going to be no debate. The debate, the point is moved. If Councilor Penta prevails, you'll be the first one to speak after the call. Call the roll, Mr. Clerk. It's not before us. Can you call the roll?
[Paul Camuso]: There's a challenge to the chair. A challenge to the chair. A challenge of the chair. stops debate until we take that challenge and rule on it. We're taking the vote right now. Clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: That's the proper, listen, under suspension, just call the vote, a yes vote. I'm gonna move, you know something?
[Paul Camuso]: You're on your own, Mr. President. You're absolutely right.
[Paul Camuso]: It hasn't happened. I'll call it as I see it, Mr. President. Councilor, can we take a vote on the ruling of the chair, and then are we going to debate the paper, or it's going to be up before us next week?
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor, I don't know why you would... Well, I think we all know what took place, Mr. President. Let's take a vote. If we were under suspension of the rules... Can we just take a vote? Because we might... Oh, she had a comment. When you challenge the chair, you're supposed to take precedent over everything. Councilor, what are we going to do? Debate the whole issue and then take a ruling on your challenge? You can't do it.
[Paul Camuso]: I mean... Oh.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor, if you realize, um, if you realize lately, members of this council have been asking for a suspension of rule number 33, specifically to take agenda items out of order because of your exact point, you're an attorney. You should know that once you suspend the rules, it's all the rules. You're suspending the rules for the item that's on the agenda. You're suspending the council rules. It's clear as day. It's clear as day.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, let's take a vote in the majority of members of the council.
[Paul Camuso]: Could you read Rule 20 again, so everyone understands it? Rule 20 is a very straightforward rule. Councilor Pender read it, I will read it again. But as I stated, if all the rules are suspended, that includes number 20, number 33, and everything else in between. So Rule 20, would you like me to read it from the top? Well, I mean, if I understand it correctly, the tables have been weak. It certainly does, but if all the rules are suspended, then all the rules are up. Look, if we want to table it for a week, I have no problem doing that. We just did it. I understand that. Listen, you'd be the first one to jump down my throat if I made a mistake. I'm acknowledging that I made a mistake, and now you're still jumping down my throat.
[Paul Camuso]: Who told you? Because when I came back in and I noticed that Tom Lincoln's paper was being talked about, and I noticed that's at the end of the agenda, I said, we're still in the suspension of the rules. So that's the bottom line. So we're going to take a vote.
[Paul Camuso]: Then that's it. You can ask any question on the whole paper. The whole paper. Then let her come up and answer these questions. Absolutely. So let's take a vote on the chair first. Chair for what? Do you withdraw your challenge to the chair? No. Then we have to take a vote on that before we proceed. It's a ruling. So we're going to take a vote on the challenge of the chair. The question before the council is if we were under suspension of all the rules, or we were not? No. Was the paper taken up when the city council was under suspension of the rules? And we're going to take that vote now. A yes vote says that we were not under suspending all the rules. A no vote will be that we were under suspension of the rules. And we'll move forward either way.
[Paul Camuso]: It doesn't negate the rules of the council. Councilor, we're going to take a vote. If Councilor that made the motion said we're under suspension of the rules, it's all the rules. And if it was under rule 33 or any other rule, it would be that rule that was suspended. We're going to take a vote and we're going to move forward. and we'll do the people's business. So the vote is a yes vote is for the challenge of Councilor Penta. A no vote is to acknowledge that we were under suspension of the rules and that all the rules were suspended. And this is easy. We can all watch the tape tomorrow and find out exactly what happened. We have a tape with us. It does not matter. Councilor Knight moved suspension of the rules. The rules. Correct? Correct.
[Paul Camuso]: The rules of the Council are the rules of the Council.
[Paul Camuso]: Absolutely. Is that what I did? No, it is not. Exactly. And Councilor, I thank you for that. And I, as one member of the Council, I made a mistake, and I'm bringing the mistake back to the Council, which created this controversy. So we'll take a...
[Paul Camuso]: If you're willing to, listen, just so you know, the whole paper was before us, the whole paper, you asked for a vote on each individual item. That's what we took a vote on. So the paper, if, if, if you withdraw your motion, the paper back before us, you can ask any questions out of the $1.638 million, any of them that we talked about at the committee of the whole, I just, at this point, we're wasting too much time. We're not getting any business done for the last 20 minutes. So I, Point of information.
[Paul Camuso]: What I would ask is someone that was on the prevailing side of that, I would ask that someone on the prevailing side of the severance, which would be myself, yourself and the two gentlemen over here, I would ask that one of them move reconsideration so that the whole paper can be back before us, all the questions can be asked to the budget director, and we can either vote yay or nay, and if that motion is presented again, we'll take another vote. So, on the challenge of the chair, or do you withdraw it, Councilor? What do you want to do? We have to move forward one way or the other. Wait a minute, wait a minute.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, that's your opinion. It is. All right. We're going to take a vote on the chair. There's a challenge to the chair by Councilor Penta. A yes vote is for Councilor Penta. A no vote is that we were under suspension of all the rules and tomorrow morning I'm going to be the first one at the clerk's office grabbing the tape because, because this is pretty straightforward. Clerk will call the roll. Yes for Councilor Penta, a no vote opposed the chair.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. President Camuso? No. By a vote of four noes, three negatives, we were under suspension of the rules, the challenge of the chair fails, and I apologize as the president for making a mistake. on the interpretation on rule we're under. And the paper, now by Councilor Dello Russo, is still before us. And the budget director's here to answer any questions you want, any councilors. Who would like to go first? I'd like to ask Councilor Dello Russo a question.
[Paul Camuso]: You're here to talk about... I want to talk about this paper.
[Paul Camuso]: No, we're not going to, Councilor.
[Paul Camuso]: The questions have to be addressed through the chair. You've been around a long time. You understand the process more than I do. Yeah, you're right. I'm asking my colleague a question. Do you want to entertain this question? Let's hear the question, Mr. Chair.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta, you've got the floor. Can you ask any pertinent questions to the budget director on this paper, please? Yes. Stephanie, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. That's a very important issue that's been before this council.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta has it.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, I- Just if I can be clear, I've asked for some guidance from the city clerk. The paper is back before us, so the sever, And everything would have to be brought up again. So this is the first motion with this paper. OK? Second. This is the first motion. Second. I gave him another one. Well, the second. I'm sorry. I apologize. OK? So before we get into it. The motion is to ask the mayor what the council would like to see, some of the $250,000 that the city's getting from Wynn Management. Mr. President.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah, OK.
[Paul Camuso]: Yep, we got that. What the $250,000 would, and what the council would like to see.
[Paul Camuso]: The Peace Garden.
[Paul Camuso]: All right.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, so we got two amendments, public arts and where the superintendent is gonna go with the rules slash regulations and who's eligible for the funding. And then the second one is to get a breakdown of the wind money that is coming into the city of Medford based upon the recent agreements and the signing of the law that wind got their license, correct?
[Paul Camuso]: The bike lanes, was that a motion with the bike lanes? Councilor Karygiannis. You have the floor on the entire paper.
[Paul Camuso]: just point of clarification. Point of clarification, Councilor Penta. Did you just say there's only 10 years left?
[Paul Camuso]: Of the 10 year projection.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah. Half of them may already own a plot.
[Paul Camuso]: No, exactly. So we'll ask how they get to that. That's fourth amendment from Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Mandatory? We'll make a recommendation that one of them is mandatory, right?
[Paul Camuso]: One portable camera. Okay. You have the floor, Councilor. Anything else? Councilor Lungo-Kerr.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Is there a motion on the paper? on the motion as amended, and then Ms. Martin will give them the opportunity to speak. I'm going to read the form, actually, Ms. Martin, and then I'll read the amendments. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: And part of one of the amendments this evening by Councilor Penter on this paper is regarding that very item. All right, so I'm going to read the four amendments from Councilor Penter first. The first one is to get a report back on bike lanes, the location, the width and the signage. The second one is regarding the public arts funding and correct me if I'm wrong, rules and regulations and how the money is going to be dispersed by the superintendent of schools. Number three is the breakdown of the monies from the Wynn Casino development, encumbered money and unencumbered money, correct? And the locations and how they came up with the 10-year projection, the cemetery board, of saying there's 10 years left of burials at Oak Grove Cemetery, correct? And then we have, Councilor Lungo has an amendment, mandatory, one of the cameras is a portable camera, correct? Councilor Marx has three amendments. The first one, Harris Park Tot Lot rubberized due to the severe condition of it, correct Councilor? The second, to put the stump list on the city website. That's Councilor Marks as well. And then last but not least, Councilor Marks, to repair the lighting on Boston Avenue in front of the liquor store and that block of stores. And you'll furnish the clerk with the number, Councilor, of Boston Avenue, at least the number. Okay. From college down to the end of the stores. Okay.
[Paul Camuso]: On the main motion of approval by Councilor Dello Russo, as amended by several amendments of the Medford City Council, The clerk will call the roll on passage of paper 14-743. And once again, not to belabor the point, I apologize for making the wrong ruling earlier. I'm glad all our questions were answered and we can move this city forward. And I thank my council colleagues. And so on 14-743, the clerk will call the roll on approval as amended of the total amount 1.386, million dollars out of the certified free cash.
[Paul Camuso]: The other one that was? Yes. We can probably take that up next. Do you want to make a motion for that?
[Paul Camuso]: What account? The $90,000?
[Paul Camuso]: I wouldn't be able to. I support that and the administration, not support it, but I have a financial interest in the area. All right. So not me, I'm up. I'm sorry.
[Paul Camuso]: Second.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the paper is passed as amended.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Reviewed the papers and move forward.
[Paul Camuso]: Chief of police signed off.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. And I encourage all of Medford people to continue believing what they believe in, their spirituality, their religion. And quite honestly, that's what our community is built upon. It's the diversity of all the different faiths and all the different denominations throughout the community. You know, we have schools in this community that children are speaking 10, 15 different languages. I think we have to be inclusive and we have to continue sending a message that the city of Medford, We are proud of our heritage, but we are also very inclusive of all denominations and all religions. And quite honestly, I don't think it's our job as a city council to take a stance one way or another on this particular matter. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. This sign that's currently there is, um, very old and it's a popular neighborhood with a lot of children. So if they could replace the sign, um, even if it's after the first of the year, most of approval, send it on and have it replaced.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor? Roll call vote. Roll call has been requested.
[Paul Camuso]: No. Six in the affirmative, one in the negative. The motion passes. And on the motion, revert back to the regular order of business. All those in favor? All those opposed? Item 14-737, offered by Vice President Caraviello. Be it resolved that the city council discuss the upcoming tree planting by the city of Medford. Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Thank you for the announcement. What do you want to do with it? Receive and place on file?
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Vice President to receive and place on file, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. The records.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor.
[Paul Camuso]: It was referred to the superintendent schools from the mayor's office, I'm assuming.
[Paul Camuso]: Roll call has been requested as amended.
[Paul Camuso]: No. By a vote of four in the affirmative, three in the negative, the motion passes. Records were passed to Councilor Alonzo Kern. How'd you find the records? On the motion for adjournment. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: President Camuso? Six members present, one absent. Please rise to salute our flag.
[Paul Camuso]: Paper 14-692, City of Medford notice of a public hearing. A public hearing will be held by the Medford City Council in the Howard F. Alden Memorial Auditorium, City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, Mass., on Tuesday evening, October 28, 2014, at 7 p.m., on a petition from Kohl's Department Stores, Inc., for a special permit to amend its hours of operation in accordance with Medford Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 94, Section 94-145B, to operate extended hours at its business at the Middle Glen Mall, Locust Street, Medford, Mass., on said site being located in an industrial zoning district. The proposed hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., 24 hours per day on up to 10 days per year between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day to accommodate Black Friday and Christmas season shoppers. Petition and plan may be seen in the office of the city clerk, Medford City Hall, Medford Mass. Call 781-393-2501 for any accommodation slash aids. TDD 781-393-2516. The city of Medford is an EEO-AA-504 employer. For information, contact the city clerk, 781-393-2425 by order of the city council. Signed, Edward P. Finn, city clerk. Advertised in the Medford Daily Mercury, October 14th and October 21st, 2014. I will now open the part of the public hearing for people in favor of this petition. In favor.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Just the public hearing, in favor and against at this point.
[Paul Camuso]: All right? Anyone else in favor? Seeing and hearing none, I now open up this portion of the public hearing for those in opposition. Opposition, seeing and hearing. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Anyone else in opposition? Opposition? Seeing and hearing none. Attorney Abruzzese.
[Paul Camuso]: Chair recognizes Vice President Caraviello, and then Councilor Dello Russo, chairperson of licensing, for a recommendation. Zoning, I apologize. Councilor Knight. Councilor Knight. Zoning, and then Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval as amended, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion that this stays with that particular portion of the Meadow Glen Mall, known as Kohl's. Kohl's. Exactly, known as Kohl's. So if it changes eventually, this no longer goes with a new business that may be there. On the motion as amended, Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion as amended, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Can you address the microphone, sir? I just saw.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion as amended, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: So. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Are you withdrawing your original motion?
[Paul Camuso]: Your original motion, councillor, was for five days.
[Paul Camuso]: It was an amendment, so. Are you withdrawing that amendment for the new one?
[Paul Camuso]: It was, the clerk has it written down as an amendment. So on the... Councilor?
[Paul Camuso]: Total of eight with the notification for the chief two weeks before. Is that our veterans day? Veterans day. Sure. Okay. On the motion, as amended.
[Paul Camuso]: That is an amendment? Yes. The amendment is in direct contrast with the paper, so we're going to take a separate vote on Councilor Penta's amendment first, and then we'll take the paper as amended. On Councilor Penta's amendment, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed?
[Paul Camuso]: Roll call has been requested. A yes vote is for Councilor Penta's amendment. A no vote is to take a vote on the paper as amended prior to his proposal. Annual rather than perpetuity. Yes is to have it just this one year. A no vote will be the original intent of the paper. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor Marks. If I may, from the chair, I hear what both Councilors are saying. Would the attorney be amenable to, every year, a 90-day review, just in case there's not a mob rush three, four years from now? We'll just review it after 90 days as a council, and if there's no, basically put the 90-day review.
[Paul Camuso]: The first vote is on the amendment of Councilor Penta. A yes vote is for Councilor Penta's amendment. A no vote is... Well, the amendment... Tell them what the amendment is. The amendment is to have... The amendment... Councilor Penta's amendment is to have this as a trial this year and this year only. A yes vote. A no vote will be for the paper as presented, as amended by the Medford City Council up to this point. Before I call the roll, we have a gentleman in the audience that would like to speak, I guess.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. The clerk will call the roll. Yes vote is for Council Appendix Amendment as stated earlier. A no vote is for the original paper as amended. No. Six in the affirmative. Six no's. One in the affirmative. The paper fails on the main motion as amended for 90 day review for a police detail on Black Friday. That this goes along with the business only and not the property. That the chief be notified by Veterans Day of the days you anticipate to be open. No deliveries from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. And that we send a letter to the Meadow Glen Mall regarding all deliveries for the entire mall facility. And the petition stays with Kohl's. and not the facility itself. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. On that motion, but for the viewing public, this is not a licence. This is a special permit. Basically, it's a variance on the original licence.
[Paul Camuso]: You just corrected yourself. Thank you. This is a special permit on the original license. The clerk will call the roll. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: No, that's the 90... What Councilor Marks is stating, this is going to cover us years down the road. Right. The 90 days is for this current year.
[Paul Camuso]: So the special permit... Does that sound... I mean that's... That's a show cause hearing.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: And we'll notify Coles if there's a problem during that 90 days to be here representative, because there are some permits that we review without the petition.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. And this is not the only Black Friday shopping establishment that has a 24-hour permit. Ocean State Job Lot currently has a 24-hour license for the whole year. But they only utilize it during Black Friday and some holidays. And that was granted from the original stop and shop from councilors many years ago. And it went with the land, not the business. All right. On the motion, as amended. I'm going to read the amendments now. 90-day review, annually now. Councilor Knight? Councilor De La Russa, you withdrew your original one to now include annually? Councilor? Yes. OK. We got the police detail on Black Friday that it goes with the business and not the land, that the chief of police is notified by November, by Veterans Day of each year, which days they plan on.
[Paul Camuso]: No deliveries from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and that we also, Councilor Marks, excuse me, an amendment to send a letter on behalf of this council to the Meadow Glen Mall regarding overnight deliveries for the entire mall. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: And an immediate public safety threat that the chief deems a public safety threat. We don't have to wait for the 90 day review. We can have you in here the following Tuesday after it's duly publicly advertised. Point of further information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: and they'll hire a detail. If they're busy enough where they need it, they're going to do it. All right. On the motion, a yes vote is for the original paper as amended. A no vote is no. Clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of 7 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative, the paper is passed as amended. Thank you. Item 14-717. locations of poles, attachments of fixtures, and underground conduits. You are hereby notified that, by order of the Medford City Council, a public hearing will be held at the Howard F. Alden Memorial Auditorium, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, City Hall, Medford, Mass., at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, on a petition by Light Tower Fiber Networks, 80 Central Street, Boxborough, Massachusetts, 01719, permission to construct and install a fiber optic service to 101 Main Street, Medford, and that's for the Mass Iron Air. Description of access, Emerson Street at the intersection of Main Street at utility pole number 6088-1241 in the city of Medford by installing fiber optic service lateral from pole 6088-1241 on Emerson Street, crossing Emerson Street to service Mass. Eye and Ear at 101 Main Street. The underground utility work consists of to dig a service on Emerson Street 24 inches deep, from electric pole number 6088 slash 1241 westerly on Emerson Street, 20 feet, turning northerly 30 feet, crossing Emerson Street with an additional eight foot dig to the back edge of the sidewalk to enter the property at 101 Main Street, where we will dig an additional 40 feet to enter the building at 101 Main Street. Light tile will place one schedule 40 PVC conduit encased to 101 Main Street. Light tile will backfill with suitable fill free of large rock and debris, placing caution tape 12 inches above concrete encased conduit. Motions for the brief synopsis. Most of the paper is what I just read with all the specifics, which I just read. We're down towards the bottom of the paper. And any conditions that were put on this, this was approved by the chief engineer. This was approved also by the superintendent of wires with the normal conditions that the engineer puts on most papers as far as repairing the temporary trench. And it shall be asphalt, base coarse. It shall mask the existing thickness of the existing pavement, but not less than four inches in depth. uh... the concrete sidewalk panels that are disturbed shall be saw cut at the joints and new concrete replaced asphalt shall be replaced in kind and before beginning the work the vendor shall notify digsafe and shall obtain applicable permits from the engineering division the contractor shall utilize city of medford regulations and standards for restoration as well as remove all debris related to its work underground work will be done and there shall be no disturbance to the city of medford sidewalk or roadways Approved by the superintendent of wires. Call 781-393-2425 for any accommodations slash aids. TDD number 781-393-2516. Signed Edward P. Finn, city clerk. Plans can be viewed in the city clerk's office. 781-393-2425. And I'll open up the public hearing for those in favor of this paper. In favor. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Can you give a quick, brief synopsis, and then we're going to open up to people?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Anybody else in favor of this petition? In favor? Seeing and hearing none, I now close that portion of the hearing and open it up to people in opposition. Anyone in opposition to this? Opposition? Seeing and hearing none, I now close that portion of the public hearing and open it up to the city council. Councilor Knight and then Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Item 14-718.
[Paul Camuso]: Location of poles, attachments of fixtures, and underground conduits, Medford, Massachusetts, City Clerk's Office. You are hereby notified that by order of the City Council, a public hearing will be given at the Howard F. Alden Memorial Auditorium, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, City Hall, Medford, Mass., at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, on a petition of Teleport Communications America, LLC. Subsidiary of AT&T Corporation, Sienna Engineering Group, Inc., for permission to lay, maintain, and operate underground conduits with cables, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures under and across the public or ways hereinafter. Named Fulton Street from existing utility pole number 143 to P. Utility pole to the P. Property pole number 143 to the property of 59 Valley Street, one four inch PVC conduit, approximately 138 feet in length. The conduit shall be placed at an approximate depth of 48 inches and in accordance with the requirements of the city of Medford. Wherefore it prays that after due notice and hearing as provided by law, it may be granted permission to excavate the public highways and to run and maintain underground cables. Said underground conduits, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Brief synopsis is the petitions before us with the particulars that I just stated off of the original petition. This has been approved with the chief engineer, as well as signed off by the superintendent of wires with the natural language that they put in all of these papers to restore it to its original condition. This 393-2501, for any additional accommodations slash aids, TDD number 393-2516, signed Edward P. Finn, the city clerk. And also for the viewing public, these plans can be viewed in the city clerk's office. At this point, I open up the public hearing for people in favor. In favor. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Before?
[Paul Camuso]: Before beginning work, the contractor shall notify DIGSAFE and shall obtain applicable permits from the Engineering Division. The contractor shall utilize City of Medford regulations and standards for restoration, as well as remove all debris related to its work. Underground work will be done and there shall be no disturbance to the City of Medford sidewalk or roadways. The Chair opens up this portion of the hearing for those in favor. In favor. Name and address for the record with a brief synopsis, and then we'll bring you back up for additional questions if the council has them.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Anyone else in favor of the petition? In favor? Seeing and hearing none, I now declare that portion of the hearing closed. Anyone in opposition? Opposition to the hearing? Seeing and hearing none, I now close that portion of the hearing and open it up to members of the council for recommendation and or questions. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: It should read something as it should be returned to its original state.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion for approval and with the B paper going to the city engineer for that clarification, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you very much. Thank you for your time. Item 14-724 offered by Councilor Penta. Be it resolved that the Tufts Curtis School be discussed. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Yeah. On the motion of Councilor Penta to ask the school committee, the superintendent,
[Paul Camuso]: I know one councilor, you're just letting me know. So you're not alone councilor. On the motion to send this to the superintendent for a report, all those in favor. Make that a roll call vote.
[Paul Camuso]: Roll call has been requested by Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of four in the affirmative, five in the affirmative, two in the negative, the motion passes. Item 14-725, offered by Councilor Penta. Be it resolved, the city prepare a forward paying program starting with, in a clerical error here, this is to read, according to Councilor Penta, 500,000 rather than 5,000. No, 500 is written. 500 rather than 50. Is that correct, Councilor? It should be $500,000. Yes. OK. A year. I'm going to start again. Be it resolved the city prepare a forward paying program starting with a $500,000 a year payment from the free cash account to begin offsetting the city's unfunded pension liability. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information. Councilor Dello Russo, then Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo. I'm sorry, Vice President Caraviello and then Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Fenton.
[Paul Camuso]: As of which date?
[Paul Camuso]: Committee of the Whole. Sure. Committee of the Whole. All those? Councilor Marks, and then Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: And the updated actuarials, we should have it.
[Paul Camuso]: Is that it? Yep. All right. On the motion. Roll call vote and have that voted. Roll call has been requested for a meeting of the committee of the whole to discuss this with the retirement board. And Baker as her role as the retirement board member and the city auditor, as well as budget and personnel director, Stephanie Burke.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. But we want that information at the committee.
[Paul Camuso]: So we have some information to discuss.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, this paper has been referred to the Committee of the Whole. Item 14-726, petition by Jeannie M. Martin, 10 Cummings Street, Medford, to address the Council on Police and Fire Headquarters and Personnel.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of order, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: We certainly have. Is it similar in nature to your last few weeks' discussions?
[Paul Camuso]: Is there a motion? On the motion of Councilor Knight to receive and place on file. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-727, petition by Joseph Viglione, 59 Garfield Ave, Medford, to address the Council on Arts slash Media Center. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Alango-Kern.
[Paul Camuso]: You'd like to speak again? Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo, on the motion to receive. Would you like to speak on this again? I'd just like to add a little something. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: The motion of Councilor Dello Russo to receive and place it on file. All those in favor? On the motion, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion to send this to the mayor. Yes. All those in favor? Roll call vote, Mr. Mayor. Roll call has been requested. Can you read back from the board what exactly we asked for? The motion is to send this to the mayor on where he is going.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, the clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: No. By a vote of five in the affirmative, three in the negative, the motion passes. Four and three. I apologize. Jeannie was against it. All right. On the motion to go suspend rule number 33 to take the papers in the hands of the clerk. All those in favor? All those opposed, the ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: Do we have another paper there? I apologize. I was laughing at my miscalculation. 14-728, communications from the mayor, council president, and members of the Medford City Council. I respectfully request and recommend that your honorable body appropriate $173,400 from the sale of Lots and Graves account to the Cemetery Department salary account. This recommended appropriation is requested in accordance with page 40 of the fiscal 2015 budget. The Cemetery Department salary account is reduced each year in anticipation of an appropriation from sales of Lots and Graves. In addition, I respectfully request and recommend that your honorable body appropriate $159,759 from perpetual care to the cemetery department expense budget. This recommended appropriation is requested in accordance with page 41 of the fiscal 2015 budget. The cemetery expense budget is reduced each year in anticipation of an appropriation from perpetual care. Signed, Michael J. McGlynn, Mayor. Is there a motion? Motion for approval. Vice President Caraviello, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion to take papers in the hands of the clerk.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On that motion, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Why we're on this? We are under suspension of the rule. Okay, offered by Councilor Knight, in light of the upcoming celebration of Veterans Day, be it resolved that the Medford City Council adjourn this meeting on 10-28-2014 in honor of the men and women serving in our armed forces.
[Paul Camuso]: All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Thank you, Councilor. And just a reminder, there will be no council meeting next Tuesday evening because of election day. And the following Tuesday, there will not be a meeting either because it is Veterans Day. So therefore, we'll be meeting in three weeks from tonight. Offered by Councilor Knight and Councilor Camuso, be it resolved that the Medford City Council extends its sincere and deep condolences to the family of Martin Ford on his recent passing. If we could please rise for a moment of silence. And just one announcement. Last week, when the topic came up during our meeting regarding ballot questions, the chair was in doubt whether we could take a stance as a body or not. I got advised this week by the appropriate authorities that an elected body can take a stance on ballot questions, but they cannot take a stance on individual elected office, for governor, state rep, lieutenant governor example. So I did seek out that answer because I was Didn't know the answer last week, so that is where it is. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Respectfully, Mark Rumley. Thank you very much, Councilor Marks. And also, I'm glad you brought this up because the Attorney General's office is actually the oversight authority on this particular matter now. It used to be the District Attorney's office, but within the last four or five years, it changed under the jurisdiction of the AG's office. And the AG's office, if anyone wants to call them, if any deliberations or anything come up at a meeting, whether it's public body or not, it could be constitute a violation. So I know at your meeting there was no deliberations, but even talking about something that maybe the council has jurisdiction over, and I'm glad you asked the question to the city solicitor though. But any further questions, you can ask the Attorney General's office, who is the authority, and they will give guidance to any public body. On the motion of the records, the records were passed to Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval of the records, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. On the motion for adjournment, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: The 31st regular meeting of the Medford City Council will be called to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. Seven members present, zero in the absence. Please stand to salute our flag. Item 14-712, petition by Emily Stein, 177 High Street, Medford, Mass., to address the council about distracted driving. Your name and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much, Emily. The chair recognizes Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: The chair recognizes Councilor Pettis.
[Paul Camuso]: You're welcome. And also if you would reach out to the superintendent of schools, he has a public educational access channel. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to get your message out there.
[Paul Camuso]: So, uh, he's very, um, very amenable to doing that on important, uh, issues. The chair recognizes vice president Cara Viello.
[Paul Camuso]: The chair recognizes council night.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Knight to send this to the Traffic Commission, the Chair recognizes Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. Thank you very much. And I'm going to take a vote right now on the two motions. One is for Councilor Knight, from Councilor Knight to refer this to the traffic commission. And that was amended as well by Councilor Marks to ask the city solicitor if the city of Medford can put their own ban in to make it hands-free only while driving a vehicle. The clerk will call roll call vote. Please. The clerk will call the roll. Thank you. Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the motion passes as amended. And thank you very much for your presentation this evening. Just a quick announcement, if the council will indulge me. The DPW this evening dropped off a package to the members of the city council to notify the residents of this community about the upcoming street sweeping, which will take place between November 3rd and November 24th throughout the community. The following places, publicly notifications have went out So if you have any questions or concerns, you can check one of these media outlets. The Medford transcript, the Medford Mercury, the Medford page on the Boston Globe, the patch made in Medford. It's been posted in the library, the Council on Aging, City Hall. It's also on the city website at Medford.org. It's on the city of Medford's Facebook and Twitter page. Channel 15, which is the educational channel. Tufts University has been notified regarding all four of the students, the faculty, the graduates, and the staff. We'll be getting an email, as well as the Senior Sounds, that is the local newspaper. for our senior citizens. The flashing signs will be out as well as the A-frames. And Captain Clemente will be putting together a reverse 911 to notify different areas of their street sweeping. So all these different venues you can go to. If you have any questions, you can call the mayor's office at 781-393-2408. Item 14-713, petition by Jeanne M. Martin, 10 Cummings Street, Medford, Mass., to address the Council about parking enforcement. Ms. Martin.
[Paul Camuso]: The contract people and the police department. They remain the right to give out tickets.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you on the motion of council night to receive and place on file. All those in favor, all those opposed, the ayes have it. Item 14-714, petition by Matthew Page Lieberman. Suspension of the rules has been requested by Councilor Lungo-Koehn. For which paper? 14-715. 14-715. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. To the Honorable President and members of the Medford City Council, from Michael J. McGlynn-Meyer, paper 14-715. This is an expenditure from the law account request, and the description is as follows. The claimant, State Farm Insurance, as a sub-rookie for its... Motion to waive the reading and just give a brief synopsis, Mr. President. Motion to waive the reading by Councilor Marks. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. The claimant is State Farm Insurance, and they're representing Mrs. Knoffs. Her motor vehicle was struck while parked on Edison Avenue by a DPW sander. The city has received all releases. Our legal department, which is represented this evening by our assistant city solicitor. And the claim has been brought before this council for $4,498.94. The chair awaits a motion. On the motion of approval by Councilor Dello Russo, seconded by Councilor Lungo-Koehn and Vice President Caraviello, the clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. President Camuso? Yes. By a vote of seven in the affirmative, the paper passes. Thank you very much for coming this evening.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion to revert back to the regular order of business, all those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-714, petition by Matthew Page Lieberman, 15 Canal Street, number 15, Medford, Mass., to address the council about community access TV. Name and address for the record, sir.
[Paul Camuso]: Matt, can you just step back from the mic a little bit? It's coming over muffled. Sure, sure, sure.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you very much for your presentation.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks to look into uploading, I think is the proper word, our meetings onto the City of Medford's webpage. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? Before the roll is called, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks, as well as amended to send this to the Rules Committee to review by Councilor Knight. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. On the motion of Councilor Knight for suspension of Rule 33, all those in favor? All those opposed? For the items in the hands of the clerk. Item 14-711, offered by Vice President Caraviello. Please discuss the upcoming street sweeping program and the different types of announcements to the public. I did this earlier. I did not know we had a paper under suspensions. I apologize, vice president. Suspension of the rules. That one rule. Yeah, rule 33 is the rule to take different papers out of order. That's the specific rule.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On the motion of the Vice President Caraviello, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Offered by Councilor Marks, be it resolved that the administration provide the council with the details regarding handicapped parking under the new parking plan. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion as amended, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. So could we take, Okay, let's take a vote on this paper, and then we'll take that. On the motion as amended, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: Do you have that paper? 14701, City Council's official position on the pay-to-park contract. On the motion?
[Paul Camuso]: To take it off the table. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of clarification, Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo, point of information.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: So this was only... Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: We'll be back to you, Councilor. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: The vote that was taken is similar to the trash contract and other contracts that are beyond a three-year period that needs this council's approval to negotiate. And the only negotiating authority under this form of government is the current sitting mayor, who happens to be Michael McGlynn.
[Paul Camuso]: But I'm going to refresh your memory. You were sitting on this council when the city administration came to this council to do an extended contract. If it's over that threshold, you need to get the council's approval. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On that motion, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: OK, on the motion. Councilor Penta. Did you want to speak, Jeannie?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, and just as a reminder, Councilor Penta, earlier you brought up parking and who's gonna be shoveling. Designated snow emergencies, there's no on-street parking on any of these major arteries already, so that issue is moot. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: One at a time, please.
[Paul Camuso]: The question has been called. Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: All Council meetings are public meetings.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: This council calls Committee of the Wholes. The mayor doesn't call Committee of the Wholes. I understand that. You just sent him a request for the Committee of the Whole.
[Paul Camuso]: The paper either goes, if I may, Mr.- The paper's either going to the mayor or to the Committee of the Whole. Whatever the council wishes.
[Paul Camuso]: So the motion to send all papers and questions to the Committee of the Whole. Yes. And a roll call has been requested.
[Paul Camuso]: What is four recommendations?
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion to send the entire paper to the committee of the whole, roll call has been requested.
[Paul Camuso]: No, by a vote of six in the affirmative, one no, the paper passes. Next item, 14-719, offered by Councilor Marks, be it resolved that the South Medford Neighborhood Safety Walk be discussed. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Caraviello, and then the esteemed gentleman and young lady at the podium.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the records, please. One at a time.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of clarification, Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Vice President Caraviello and then Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, vice president.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, sending all these amendments. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: And then what other ones?
[Paul Camuso]: The bus stopped being moved. We do want to refer that to... It is, but we want to get public input from businesses and residents before we move it. I got to remind people too, not all members of the council could attend this meeting because it wasn't a public meeting. We would have been in violation of the open meeting law if more than four members were there talking about a specific issue. So in the future, I was advised that by an attorney. We all met on Saturday. Okay. No, it was where the council actually took action on some of these items. It could constitute an open meeting law if a quorum is there. So in the future, we may want to post this as a public safety meeting or a meeting, and then everyone can participate. Councilor, your next item.
[Paul Camuso]: It's always been on the council agenda, though, when people had the opportunity to come down and talk about it. We got a public outcry in Medford Square. You want to have a committee of the whole or transportation?
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: In certain instances, the construction particularly affected the move in Medford Square. We've moved other ones. Yeah. That was one particular circumstance. So we'll move that to the Committee of the Whole of Transportation, whenever the council sees fit.
[Paul Camuso]: And the particular location that's being proposed to, it's actually blocking an egress to a household which is set back behind Pallotta Oil. So we definitely want to make sure the MBTA is all right with that.
[Paul Camuso]: So Committee of the Whole or Transportation? Committee of the Whole would be fine. Committee of the Whole. The Loading Zone? Traffic Commission? They have to post it. They're the only authority that can do that, the Loading Zone.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, if I could mention
[Paul Camuso]: And we'll do it as an official council meeting so that it's publicly advertised and that all members can participate. Is that OK? So I'd like to set that up as a separate B paper, a vote to get that proposal.
[Paul Camuso]: So all the amendments, one second, I'm sorry. So, uh, all the amendments referred to the appropriate authorities that Councilor Marks just, um, uh, notated the B paper will be under the jurisdiction of the council to call these meetings in cooperation with the mayor in the pertinent department heads. That's the B paper, right?
[Paul Camuso]: Would you like to send it to a committee or a committee of the whole?
[Paul Camuso]: Can I make one recommendation? Absolutely. We have an intergovernmental affairs committee. I think this is a perfect one for that. That'd be fine with me. And then report back to the entire council. Is everyone okay with that? And that's a B paper.
[Paul Camuso]: Hold on one second. Why don't you take a seat, and we'll get back to you in one second while he looks it up. We're going to take these votes. OK. And then we'll. We'll let her speak.
[Paul Camuso]: She wants to speak on water and sewage.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay.
[Paul Camuso]: Water and salt. We'll bring it up if any counts. 14 dash salt. Any more on the South Medford neighborhood meeting? Ms. Senate, do you have anything else at this point for the South Medford meeting? And I have to say, Mr. Silva has done more public output on this particular meeting. I apologize. You weren't notified, but in the future it's going to be a public meeting of the city council. which will be publicly advertised, but they're very welcoming if you give them your contact information.
[Paul Camuso]: I did. We exchange information. All right. I'll tell you, I get more emails from him than everyone in the community.
[Paul Camuso]: Keep it up. Thank you, Jim. OK. And we're going to get back to you on the 14-599 in a minute. On the motion, as amended, on the A paper with the amendments. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it unanimously. On the B paper, for the Council Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to gather at a public meeting as a subcommittee. Before the roll is called, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay, so Mystic and Barna. Okay. On the B paper, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. The next item on the agenda.
[Paul Camuso]: City clerk is grabbing the paper right now. Item 14 dash five nine nine. This was a transfer request by the mayor for 159,340, which was passed. Uh, section B $62,500 was tabled section C, $55,500 was tabled. And just to refresh the council's memory, this was a negotiated contract with the DPW Union. Everyone has received the increase, but this was the funding portion that was out of the Water and Soil Enterprise account to fund the employees that are currently assigned to the Water Department and the Soil Department. On the motion of approval, this is Water and Soil. Would you like to speak before we call the roll? On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for approval, name and address for the record again.
[Paul Camuso]: I'm sorry, on the motion of Councilor Dello Russo to take this off the table. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. The paper is now before us officially. In a motion for approval once again by Councilor Dello Russo, name and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: It's money that is currently in the water and sewer account. So it's a profit, correct?
[Paul Camuso]: And the only thing this can be used for is something that is directly related to the water and the sewer in the community, whether it's improvements, infrastructure improvements, as well as paying the employees that are assigned to that division.
[Paul Camuso]: It is the money that is brought in. The MWRA assesses the city of Medford. City of Medford then in turn sets the water rates through the Water and Sewer Commission. Any money that comes in after bills are paid, it goes into this account, and right now it's in a positive.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lungo currently is the chairwoman.
[Paul Camuso]: The original one was a public meeting, too.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Go ahead. Continue.
[Paul Camuso]: These meetings are publicized on Verizon and Comcast weekly.
[Paul Camuso]: Like I used to watch it. With all due respect, Ms. Sennett, it was never on Channel 3. If it was on Channel 3, it was a replay of a member of Channel 3 that may have played it during their time. So they still show these on TV? That's correct. And what channel is that? It's Channel 16 on Comcast, 22 rather, it used to be 16, and 42 or 43 on Verizon. It's either 42 or 43 on Verizon. Comcast is channel 22.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Give us one second, Murray. On the motion.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, there's a motion to lay this on the table. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? Aye. The chair is in doubt, please call the roll. Motion to lay this on the table. A no vote is to keep it in front of this body this evening. A yes vote will be to table it. And this was for the salaries, Mr. President? For the salaries. For the salaries.
[Paul Camuso]: No. By a vote of six nos, one yes. The paper remains before us. On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for approval. All those in favor? Aye. On the motion. Councilor Penta?
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for approval. This does, this does require a roll call vote. The clerk will call the roll. John is dead.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By a vote of six in the affirmative, one in the negative. The motion passes on the motion of Councilor Marks for suspension. Rule number 33 to hear the young lady at the podium. All those in favor. All those opposed. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: That is correct. Council Chairwoman Lungo-Koehn has a meeting scheduled that we just notified that it was requested.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: The best way to avoid this is to pay the bill. if you can afford it when it comes.
[Paul Camuso]: So why do I vote?
[Paul Camuso]: Marie.
[Paul Camuso]: Miss Senate, part of the new DPW yard is being funded through this.
[Paul Camuso]: We haven't yet, but we were told all along, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: It's just existing. Existing. Yes. No, no, no, no, exactly. I'm not talking about the rates, but we did all along know that the DPW yard was in part being funded by the water and sewer accounts. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: You get that, Councilor Penta?
[Paul Camuso]: I don't know where to go. I think you should go back and watch the tape. You were talking about the mathematician.
[Paul Camuso]: No, no, no. You can have the floor, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: The next meeting will be?
[Paul Camuso]: And what time is that, 6? 6 PM. 6 PM.
[Paul Camuso]: So it makes no sense.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Knight, you all set? Yes, thank you, Mr. President. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Being fresh, I'm asking a serious question, because we've had this problem in the city before. Do you get along with your tenants? Because some tenants... I'm a great landlord.
[Paul Camuso]: The reason I ask you, and the Jeannie Martin behind you, I know people that have ran that water and have got the alerts. Oh, I know. Just because they're fighting with the tenants.
[Paul Camuso]: In Massachusetts, I don't think you can charge for water a tenant. You can't physically call it for the water. They can raise your rent, but you cannot charge a tenant for water in the state of Massachusetts.
[Paul Camuso]: You're welcome. Thank you. Motion for approval.
[Paul Camuso]: Water Department, 9092 Bow Street. All those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Offered by Councilor Lungo-Koehn, be it resolved that the casino issue be discussed to update Medford voters on the harm that a casino in Everett would do to Medford. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Belarusso.
[Paul Camuso]: And to do- If I may, just real quick, as the Chair, I think this is going down a slippery slope where it's a political question, so I would just ask Councilors not to because this body has sometimes went down this in the past, and... I'm just asking the councilors to... It's a political question.
[Paul Camuso]: Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: Gene, Gene, we're not taking stances on this issue. You can talk about... Oh, I can't do that? No, no one can. This is a government forum, it's not a political forum.
[Paul Camuso]: Wait a minute for me. Council, if you want, we could put this off for a week and ask the Ethics Commission for guidance.
[Paul Camuso]: For the issue, not on a ballot question.
[Paul Camuso]: I would ask that we table this for one week and get guidance. This is a political question.
[Paul Camuso]: We're worried about following the mass general law.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Marks, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. The tabled records of October 7th were passed to Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval of those records, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item, the records of October 14th were passed to Councilor Dello Russo. How do you find those records?
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of approval, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed?
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Council Appendix for adjournment, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed?
[Paul Camuso]: The 29th regular meeting of the Medford City Council will be called to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Present.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. Seven members present, zero absent. Please rise to salute our flag. Item number, we're having technical difficulties again this evening with the microphone, so please just bear with us. The chair recognizes Councilor Dello Russo. Suspension. 14-685 offered by Councilor Marks, whereas graffiti is a significant public nuisance that leads to blight and criminal activity contributing to a decrease in property values and overall quality of life. Then be it resolved that a graffiti vandalism revolving account be established within the Medford Police Department to provide for graffiti removal on public and private properties. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Knight, and then Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor. Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Council vice-president Caraviello and then councilor Lungo. Kern.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Vice President. On the main motion, amended by Councilor Marks, Councilor Knight, and Vice President Caraviello, Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion amended by Vice President Caraviello, Councilor Marks, Councilor Lungo-Koehn and Councilor Knight. All those in favour? All those opposed? The roll call has been requested by Councilor Marks. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the motion passes as amended. Item 14-686, offered by Councilor Penta. Be it resolved that a comparison of public safety issues compared to the mayor's pay to park proposal be discussed. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Is there a motion?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Name and address for the record. And if you are here on behalf of an organization, your title and the organization, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Block?
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: If I may, from the chair, we're not going to do the people's business based upon a newspaper article. If you have specific questions for the chamber, all right. Then ask your questions, and we're not going to go doing our business based upon it.
[Paul Camuso]: I have the, the council is going to have the floor and I'm just going to ask that we keep this civil for the purpose of moving the city forward.
[Paul Camuso]: It was a public meeting that was advertised for more than 48 hours, according to state law.
[Paul Camuso]: I specifically asked that question, but I know you're not going to want to hear it from me, so I'll support you asking those questions to the mayor. But it will be part of the binding contract of what the mayor said to me today. But I have no problem asking him that in writing. And thank you for carrying on your mom's legacy with our business community.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On the motion of Councilor Penta that we get a, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, as amended by Councilor Penter, to ask the four questions if their recommendations are if they will be binding in the contract. And the second amendment is from Councilor Dello Russo to furnish each member of the council a copy of the contract. And in the interest of being environmentally friendly, do we prefer a certain way? Because the last paperwork they sent us was on a CD, which was about over 100 pages long.
[Paul Camuso]: Paper. Okay. So why don't we let the city clerk know how we'd like it, because I'm sure certainly some of us would like it on electronic format. Name and address for the record.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, as amended, all those in favor? Roll call has been requested. The clerk will call the roll. We'll have a second polling of the membership to find out if they want it in electronic format. The first question will be called to support the resolution as amended. Call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, by a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the motion passes. The second B paper now, we will simply ask if you want the copy of the contract in electronic format or on paper. That's what the councilor asked. We'll let the clerk know. Yeah, we'll let the clerk know. Right item 14-6 88 offered by Vice President Caraviello City of Medford call for state election November 4th 2014 be it ordered that the city clerk be and he is hereby authorized and directed to notify and warn such are the inhabitants of the city of Medford as Were qualified by law to vote for candidates at the state election on Tuesday, November 4th 2014 to assemble at the polling places in their respective wards and precincts then and there to give in their votes for a senator in Congress a governor a Lieutenant Governor, an Attorney General, a Secretary of State, a Treasurer, an Auditor, a Representative of Congress, a Councilor, a Senator in the General Court, a Representative in General Court, a District Attorney, a Register of Probate, and such other vacancies and questions as may exist or occur in the polls of said state primary shall open at 7 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. be it further ordered that the following named polling places be, and they are hereby designed for use at the state election on November 4th, 2014. Voting precincts, Ward 1, Precinct 1, Andrews Middle School. Ward 1, Precinct 2, Firefighters Club on Salem Street. Ward 2, Precinct 1, St. Francis. Church, Parish Center, Fellsway and Fulton Street. Ward 2, Precinct 2, Roberts Elementary School, 35 Court Street. Ward 3, Precinct 1, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 170 Governor's Ave. Ward 3, Precinct 2, Temple Shalom, 475 Winthrop Street. Ward 4, Precinct 1, Tufts University, Gantcher-Santa Ria, located at 161 College Avenue. Ward 4, Precinct 2, Walkland Court, slash Auburn and North Street, and that is known as the Fondacaro Center. Ward 5, Precinct 1 and Ward 5, Precinct 2 will both be located at the Columbus Elementary School at 37 Hicks Avenue. Ward 6, Precinct 1, West Medford Fire Station, 26 Harvard Ave. Ward 6, Precinct 2, Brooks School, 388 High Street. Ward 7, Precinct 1, Mystic Valley Towers, North Building Entrance. Ward 7, Precinct 2, McGlynn School, K-8 Public School, 3004 Mystic Valley Parkway. Ward 8, Precinct 1, Senior Center, 101 Riverside Avenue. Ward 8, Precinct 2, Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 114 Mystic Ave. I await a motion. On the motion of approval by Councilor Dello Russo, seconded by Vice President Caraviello, Question, Councilor Prenta.
[Paul Camuso]: Physically unable to attend.
[Paul Camuso]: All set, councillor? Yeah. On the motion. All those in favour? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Chair recognizes Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: We got one paper that has to do with the election, actually. Take it now. Right under suspension of rule number 33 offered by councillor Camuso be it resolved the Medford City Council cancer cancels the November 4th 2014 City Council meeting and that is for the state election in November 11th 2014 in observance of Veterans Day, which is on Tuesday this year, which usually is on a Monday All those in favor All those opposed the ayes have it offered by councillor Penta Be it resolved that a congratulatory message be sent to our Assistant City Clerk, Dorothy Donahue, on the wonderful occasion of her son Jim Donahue's first child, Annabelle, and Dorothy's newest grandchild. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor. All those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it. Offered by Councilor Marks. Be it resolved that the mayor provide the council a complete itemized list of money set aside for Dog Park, including who donated the money and when. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Marks, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, and thank you, Councilor Marks. Councilor Marks, on your recognition.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lungo-Koehn and then Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Penta. And then Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. Vice President. And thank you for your dogged work on this, Councilor Marks. Move on the motion of approval by Councilor Dello Russo, seconded by Councilor Marks. A roll call vote has been requested. Further amended that the petitions be available in the clerk's office for anyone that would like to sign them. copies of them, to grab a copy.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: President Camuso. Yes. By a vote of seven in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the motion passes. offered by Councilor Penta, item 14-690. Be it resolved that the newly imposed water rate increases be discussed. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilman Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of clarification.
[Paul Camuso]: But the way this letter is written... Councilor, your point has been made. You'll have plenty of time to speak on this. Councilor Knight has the floor.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of further what? Clarification.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Chairperson Camara is very responsive.
[Paul Camuso]: Aim and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: It's just... You want to take one for the dog pack?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Ms. Martin. On the motion, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay, well, the chair has a question. We have two motions that somewhat are contradictory. One is to send it to the entire council. One is to send it to the subcommittee and have the Water and Sewer Commissioners there. So, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Penter, are you amenable to have it at budget?
[Paul Camuso]: So as I said, you're amenable to the subcommittee on budgeting, auditing, and finance. Is that your recommendation, Councilor Layton?
[Paul Camuso]: All right. On the motion to send this to auditing, budget, and finance, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Invite the city solicitor to that meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. On the motion.
[Paul Camuso]: Interesting enough, Councilor Penta, you sit on that committee with Councilor Chairperson, Councilor Lungo-Koehn and Councilor Marks. So all those in favour on a roll call vote. Councilor Knight, are you all set?
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Lungo turns the chair with yourself and Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: And if I may, from the chair, do you want to invite Mr. Hedgecock, I believe it is, the consultant, Woodcock. Do you want to invite him too, or just? And the DPW director.
[Paul Camuso]: Whatever you guys decide. We're in great hands with Council Chairperson Lungo-Koehn. Roll call has been requested by Councilor Penta. Yes.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. By vote of seven in the affirmative, none in the negative, the motion passes as amended. Offered by Councilor Marks, be it resolved due to the two trip and fall accidents that resulted in personal injury at number 26 and number 53 Carolina Street that the sidewalks be replaced in the interest of public safety. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: In the interest of public safety, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? Before the vote is taken, Vice President Caraviello.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay, as amended by Vice President Caraviello, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Badger Road and Winthrop Street. On the motion of Council of Mocks, as amended, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-689, offered by Council and Knight. Be it resolved, whereas October is National Disability Awareness Month, the Medford City Council invite Diane McLeod, Director of the Office on Disability and Human Rights Commission to appear before the body to provide an update on the services, programming, and progress that the city has made in regard to accessibility and equal opportunity. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion, all those in favor? All those opposed, the ayes have it. Item 14-691, offered by Councilor Knight. Be it resolved that the Medford City Council extend a sincere congratulations to Joan Gatto and Jean and Topper on the birth of their newest grandchild, Benjamin David and Topper. Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: Congratulations on behalf of the entire council, submitted by Councilor Knight. Thank you, Councilor Knight. All those in favor? All those opposed? The ayes have it. Item 14-687, petition by Jeanne M. Martin, 10 Cummings Street, Medford, Mass., to address the council on police personnel. Ms. Martin.
[Paul Camuso]: Continue.
[Paul Camuso]: Martin, can I just remind you that you're here to talk about the police personnel?
[Paul Camuso]: Martin, I don't want to cut you off, but some of these things you're talking about, the police department does deal with these very specific on very limited occasions when it does happen. To make the inception that the police don't deal with any... Oh, no, no, no.
[Paul Camuso]: I just think we're going down a slippery road where we're painting a pigeon. You're entitled to your opinion.
[Paul Camuso]: You have a right to address the city council when what the council president deems in people's business.
[Paul Camuso]: And they also have an EAP program that's sponsored by the city of Medford, which is open to all employees.
[Paul Camuso]: If they feel the need for it.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Knight.
[Paul Camuso]: We all do.
[Paul Camuso]: And if I may, just one point from the chair on the details. Any details that are in the West Medford area, when something happens at Medford High School that's a serious situation, it will be additional bodies that were not working in the city of Medford responding to a catastrophic event. So the details provide a tremendous value to the people in this community, not monetary, but public safety-wise, as far as I'm concerned. Councilor Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: More than today.
[Paul Camuso]: Just to play the devil's advocate?
[Paul Camuso]: Maybe there's not a lot of people here because there are many people in this community out of that 57,000 that think we have one of the best police departments around. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: If I may, on housekeeping, same as last week. That's right. Receive and place on file the paper before us on the police station. All those in favor? All those opposed? Motion is received and placed on file. The chair recognizes Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Would you like to give your number out or not at this time?
[Paul Camuso]: No, I'm 7946. I have the same phone number almost.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Ms. Martin. On the motion to receive and place on file, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The records were passed to Councilor Penta. Councilor Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you for your due diligence. Councilor Pentland, the records. Councilor Penta, signs of the record's in order. On the motion of approval, all those in favor?
[Paul Camuso]: All those opposed? The ayes have it. On the motion of Councilor Dello Russo for adjournment, all those in favor? Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it.
[Paul Camuso]: You on? The 19th regular meeting of the Medford City Council will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Present. Six members present, one absent. Kindly please rise to salute the flag. 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. On page one, motions, orders, and resolutions. 2013-500, offered by Councilor Camuso. Be it resolved that the Department of Public Work repaint the crosswalks at Method Street and Albion Street in the interest of public safety. Mr. Del Russo. Thank you, Mr. President. As the weather gets nicer, the DPW is embarking upon the repainting of the crosswalks, specifically Medford Street and Albion Street. Very busy intersection, and a lot of the children in the South Medford neighborhood use that to get to the Columbus School. So if they can get that on the top of the list when they're out there. Vice President Del Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: So it's amended by vice president Dello Russo. On that motion, Councilor Penta?
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of Councilor Camuso, as amended by Vice President Dello Russo and Councilor Penta, speak on this.
[Paul Camuso]: Absolutely. And that's a wonderful question. Um, but when citizens of Medford that walk that area every day, reach out to any of their elected officials in the community, it's our job to respond in a favorable manner to get it done. So as long as people continue to call me regarding city issues, I'm going to keep bringing them up, John. And we don't pick and choose issues. As I stated in my brief speech, as they're embarking on painting all the crosswalks, but this is one is particular public safety concern. where all the kids that are on the other side of Medford Street have to cross a main street to go to an elementary school, the Columbus School.
[Paul Camuso]: Can the record reflect these ones as well? Yeah. In front of the pool and also on Medford Street.
[Paul Camuso]: First week in July.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, point of information, Vice President de la Rousseau.
[Paul Camuso]: That's right.
[Paul Camuso]: They are now in the process of repainting.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President information. Council marks.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, Councilor Camuso. Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. Another one that I got over the weekend was for Dartmouth and Yale. I sent it under suspension, but it's not in our packet to the clerk, so if we could just add it to this resolution. It can be amended. crosswalk.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. Sorello, go ahead.
[Paul Camuso]: We're going to talk about that with the committee.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion to Councilor Camuso as amended by vice-president Dello Russo, Councilor Penta. and Council Marks. All those in favor? Roll call. Roll call has been requested. Call the roll, Mr. Clark. And before you call the roll, record Council Member Lungo-Koehn present. Before we call the roll, Council Member Lungo-Koehn.
[Paul Camuso]: Call the roll. Mr. Clark on that. Uh, Motion, Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. And about a 70 affirmative. No, the negative papers approved as amended 2013 5 0 1 offered by council Caraviello. Be a resolve that the city council discussed the status in locations of dog parks in the city of Medford council care of yellow.
[Paul Camuso]: On that motion, Councilor Caraviello? Further? Councilor Penta?
[Paul Camuso]: I'd just like to get the proper termination. On the motion of Councilor Caraviello, it was amended by Councilor Penta. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: It's amended by Councilor Caraviello. Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Councilor Caraviello, for bringing this up. It is something that we need to have answers to. I know that some of the locations that were suggested got a little pushback from some of the neighbors because The dog park is great, but when you look at an area like the Sheepfold, it's very secluded, it's out of the way, people don't have to hear the dogs barking at 6 a.m. and the feces on the ground. So, with that being said, I think there has to be some sort of a committee with neighborhood input from any area that the mayor may be proposing this. On the motion of the Council of Caraviello, as amended by Councilor Caraviello and Councilor Penta, Vice President Dello Russo,
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. I'm gonna vote a seven affirmative, none of the negative papers approved as amended. On page one, 2013 502 offered by Councilor Penta, be resolved that the misleading information at last Tuesday's council meeting that channel three can broadcast from their newly rented location on Riverside Avenue be discussed in the interest and at the expense, uh, and at the expense of cable TV subscribers, uh, council Peta.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Name and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: It doesn't make any difference. It's Council Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of information, Councilor Pentham.
[Paul Camuso]: Calm down. We're not talking about KISS 103. He's ignorant. He's not ignorant. Listen, there's not going to be any- Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me. Keep the invectives to yourself. Stay in your subject matter, please.
[Paul Camuso]: Point of further point of further information.
[Paul Camuso]: City of Medford. Thank you. City of Medford.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Time's up. Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Do you have a motion? One quick. Unless you move suspension. All right.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, on the motion of Council Penta, it's his resolution.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay, thank you. All right, on the motion of Councilor Panta, there's no point of information for you.
[Paul Camuso]: Counsel is that point of information, okay?
[Paul Camuso]: All right, on the motion to Council Penta. Call the roll, Mr. Clerk.
[Paul Camuso]: Equipment's in this annex here. Call the roll. Pardon me? It's an amendment to the main motion. Well, you vote on the amendment. You vote on the amendment. On the amendment. Good. Call the roll. It's an amendment. It's an amendment. There's only one. No, he read the main motion. That's on the calendar. You offer an amendment. You vote on the amendment if the amendment fails and the other one is just academic, unless they change parliamentary procedure. Call the roll.
[Paul Camuso]: Vice Mayor Mayorkas? Yes. And a vote of three in the affirmative, four in the negative. Motion fails. On the motion to council, that's on the main motion.
[Paul Camuso]: I would suggest in the budget time it must be discussed. There must be a cost in there somewhere. Okay. It's gotta be. We'll get that done. All right. Thank you. All right. On page two, 2013 5 0 3 offered by Councilor Penta, uh, be it resolved that the council president call for an immediate meeting, uh, with the city's chosen contractor to discuss the proposed new city, uh, the lease agreement on commercial street and the updating of the police station, with a cost analysis and timetable for all. Why don't you move suspension to take Councilman O'Rourke? Councilman Lungo-Koehn's resolution with this. I think it's germane. All right, on the motion to Council Penta, a suspension to take Councilman Lungo-Koehn's resolution, which is germane to this resolution, along with the Committee of the Whole report. 2013-5, a weight off by Councilman Lungo-Koehn. Be it resolved the council be provided with an updated bond breakdown to include all current bond on the books, which is owed, what is owed per year and the date each will be paid off via further resolve that a second spreadsheet be produced to include the estimated bond that will have to be taken out to build the DPW building, the updates, expansion of the police station building and the school pool.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you.
[Paul Camuso]: Another paper that's germane to this is the mention of the pool that this evening at 5.30, the Medford City Council met in Committee of the Whole at Medford High School in the reconstruction area of the Medford High School pool. At that meeting was Mayor McGlynn, John Buckley, owner's project manager, Stephanie Muccini-Burke, budget director, Roy Belson, superintendent of schools, Roger Wendt was there, director of buildings and grounds, the architects and the consultants were there along with members of the school committee and the interest public. Uh, it was a very informative meeting to be on site to see the, uh, uh, the witness firsthand the condition and, uh, the necessary repairs are going to be needed for that particular, uh, project. And as council Lungo-Koehn is included in her suspension, her resolution, the school pool costs be included. Um, Mr. Clark, uh, read the committee report, please.
[Paul Camuso]: All right. Council one go current.
[Paul Camuso]: Okay. I am going to like talk with the other Councilors before the meeting. And this is a matter that is going to take some time to discuss. So June 12th, I call a committee of the whole meeting, that's a Wednesday evening, to go all over these projects and give them the time that's necessary. And the responses that the council requires and has asked for. Councilor Penta?
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. Rubens or Jeff? Mr. Messon, what happened to Larry? All right, is this what you're talking about? Yeah.
[Paul Camuso]: This is it. This is all I have. OK. Well, actually, it's three pages. OK? You get a copy of that. We'll put it in the boxes.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Vice President de la Rusa?
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Name and address for the record, please.
[Paul Camuso]: That's for sure.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. You're welcome. On the motion of Council Penta, the committee report be adopted. All those in favor? All those opposed? Committee report is adopted. That's along with the two resolutions, Mr. Clerk, that are going to go with that paper. On the motion of Council Penta, revert back to regular business. All those in favor? All those opposed? Page two, petitions, presentations, and similar papers. 2013-505, petition for a taxi owner license, licenses for two taxis by Joseph O. Pierre, Citywide Taxi, Inc. body canal street method mass on file business certificate number 81 taxi owner application for a report from the police department, copy of cab registration, seal of weights and measures, compliance, workers compensation, insurance, copy of driver's license, petition, uh, name and address for the record. We had lost two weeks.
[Paul Camuso]: He mentioned two weeks ago, uh, to recognize councilor, uh, Moose up. Thank you, Mr. President. The papers are all in order and signed off by all the department heads. Move approval. These are owners that he was here two weeks ago on the motion of approval. Yes. Councilor Marks.
[Paul Camuso]: He petitioned several months ago for these.
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion for approval, Councilor Penta. I'm looking at,
[Paul Camuso]: This is Joseph O. Well, there's a Joseph F. Then there's a Joseph F. Who's Joseph F?
[Paul Camuso]: That's not him.
[Paul Camuso]: They've been approved?
[Paul Camuso]: Talk to Mr. Pierre after the meeting.
[Paul Camuso]: That's a determination made by the marketplace.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, I can't support this without a certificate of insurance. I can't support it either.
[Paul Camuso]: All right, on the motion for approval. Roll call. Roll call has been requested. Call the roll, Mr. Clerk.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes, and a vote of five in the affirmative, two in the negative. The paper is approved. 2013-506, this is a petition for taxi operator license by Joseph F. Pierre. 268 Pot House Road, Boulevard, Somerville, Mass. 02144, driving yellow cab. On files of court report, Mr. Joseph F. Pierre, here. On the motion to Councilor Camuso, the table. Not here. That's not you. That's not him. He's Joseph O. On the motion, the paper table, all those in favor, all those opposed, that paper is tabled. Communications from the mayor, 2013, 5 0 7. Uh, mayor writes to Mr. President, councilors, I respectfully request and recommend that your honorable body confirmed the reappointment of W Warren Ramirez of 15 Pinkham street, Pinkham street as commissioner of trust funds for truly as Michael Jacob, the mayor, On the motion to approve, Vice President Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, there's a motion for approval, isn't it? And ask him to come down? Yeah. On a motion for approval and requesting Mr. Ramirez to come to the council meeting and give us his wonderful resume. On that motion. Mr. President, all those in favor.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. Motion for approval. All those in favor. All those opposed. Warren Ramirez is reappointed. Records. Wait a minute, Mr. President. Two papers. Hold on. Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: It's on the table.
[Paul Camuso]: I think it was councilor Camuso. Yeah, that was, you want to take it from the table?
[Paul Camuso]: On the motion of councilor Camuso, the maker of the motion paper, you take him to the table. This is 2013 four 49, uh, on the motion of the paper, you take him to the table. All those in favor, all those opposed papers before the, Council, what is this regarding? Thank you, Mr. President. As we're all aware, Hormel Stadium was recently updated with the track facility. And the senior citizens that do the walking club in the morning at the Meadow Glen Mall, they want to have the track opened up so that they can do it outdoors now that the weather's getting better. And with the staffing levels at the DPW, they should be able to accommodate this, at least during the working business hours. Isn't it open for walking? It's open, only set a couple of hours a day. But there's no reason why it can't be.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, at least during the business day. The DPW works until 4 o'clock.
[Paul Camuso]: I think it should be open all the time.
[Paul Camuso]: On that motion that the Hormel track for walking be open 24 hours. Well, not 24 hours, because you have to worry about vandalism and stuff, but.
[Paul Camuso]: Well, they can open at 7 o'clock in the morning, can't they? Yeah. On that motion, all those in favor? All those opposed? The paper's approved.
[Paul Camuso]: Who's that?
[Paul Camuso]: That was a resolution that went to the mayor. On a trash collection report. Did you send that? Yeah.
[Paul Camuso]: Huh? Just put a reminder with an asterisk on it, Mr. Clark.
[Paul Camuso]: He sent it. All right, records. The table records of May 14th were passed to Councilor Penta. May 14th, Councilor Penta.
[Paul Camuso]: How'd you find those records? Found them, yes. On the motion of Councilor Penta, those records be approved. All those in favor. All those opposed. Those records are approved. On the records of May 21st were passed to Councilor Camuso. How'd you find those records on the 21st? In order, move approved. On the motion of Councilor Camuso, those records be approved. And before we adjourn, we have to wish a happy birthday to one of our colleagues. And it is Council Member Curran, and we're not going to say how old he is. Happy birthday, belated, but happy birthday. On the motion, this meeting be adjourned by Vice President Dello Russo. All those in favor? All those opposed? Meeting adjourned.
[Paul Camuso]: Councilor Camuso or Penta? My light went on.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you. Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President, and I applaud Councilor Marks for bringing this forward. I think now more than ever, Mr. President, this is something that would be a good addition to the boards and commissions that we have that look at some of these issues. As we know, statutorily, under mass general laws, certain boards and commissions have the statutory obligation to act or not act on these because it falls under their jurisdiction. With that being said, though, having more citizen input, other than just having them attend the regular business meetings of the boards that are tasked with putting some of these into place, I think is great. And now more than ever, Mr. President, there's more vehicles on the road. And quite frankly, I think this may be a good time for the mayor to look at all the boards and commissions. throughout the entire city. Maybe some of them are not needed anymore. Maybe new ones are needed, maybe more in technology area or other areas. So at the same time, if Councilor Marks wouldn't mind, actually make it a B paper because I certainly, I understand the importance of his proposal before us to maybe take a look at all the boards and commissions and see if it's an appropriate time, Mr. President, to either add combine or delete some of the commissions or boards based upon, um, uh, just today's day and age. And we have many fine members that are on these boards. And, uh, if the, uh, board is no longer needed, maybe they're willing to serve in another capacity, uh, where their professionalism will be recognized and, uh, help this community move forward. But, uh, thank you, councilor marks for bringing this forward. Thank you. Vice president Dello Russo.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. And I certainly agree with Councilor Arena, but I think that this is something that the people that live in this community put the school committee into office to discuss these very important issues, Mr. President. And the voters spoke a few weeks ago. on the school committee, and I think that they are the people that are tasked, excuse me, with setting the educational standards and curriculum for our children. And quite frankly, this issue is way over my head at this point, and Agenda 21, Area 51, I'm not about to take a vote on any of this this evening, because quite frankly, I just, I don't have enough grasp, and it's something that I don't feel comfortable, I don't think it's fair for any councilor to take a vote on anything they don't feel comfortable with at this point.
[Paul Camuso]: Thank you, Mr. President. In the heart of Medford Square, one of the cross signals that indicate for the elderly and seniors and anyone traversing the square is out and should be fixed, especially where it's the heart of our community. So, move approval.
[Paul Camuso]: Yes. Councilor Camuso. Thank you, Mr. President. And I want to just echo the sentiments of Councilor Penta. I had the opportunity a couple days before Thanksgiving, I was invited to speak to the team, myself and some former players. And it really was just a privilege, Mr. President, because it's not just the winning and losing. And as I said to the young men that evening, When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to play in hockey and football. In hockey, we were actually one of the better teams in the GBL and made the tournament every year. And in football, we lost just about every game, minus maybe one or two. But the camaraderie and the brotherhood and the teamwork, it just developed more on the football field for whatever reason than it did during the winning hockey season, Mr. President. And like I said to those young men, the city of Medford is proud of them. The city of Medford is proud of the hard work and dedication that they've put into it. This city is moving forward on a new turf field for them. It reminded them that this is the last time they're gonna play a Thanksgiving Day game on grass and moving forward in that basically, Mr. President, they went out there, they left everything they had on the field. The 16 seniors are moving on and they have nothing to be ashamed of, Mr. President. They worked hard. They worked hard. As far as the band, that was something I didn't even pick up on, but, uh, Mr, uh, Mr. Councilor is a hundred percent correct. The band is just as big as part of that day as everything else. So, uh, in the future, I would hope that this doesn't happen.
[Paul Camuso]: I would just, I certainly wouldn't be opposed to that, but I would like to see the paper that the school committee approved come before us so that we know what they're at least.
[Paul Camuso]: But we don't have the official request for a funding mechanism at this point.
[Paul Camuso]: At this point, at least I'm just one member of this council, I am going to my stance is waiting for the school committee to get it. At that point, we can go as citizens, if we'd like, put our input in there, and then we'll officially see the request for funding at some point. But to try to dictate to the school committee what we feel should be cut out and this and that at this juncture, I just think is going backwards. But like I said, I'm just one member, and I look forward to the proposal. By the same token, Any project that ever came, a bond proposal before, Mr. President, whether it was the new schools, whether it was the roof for the schools, whether it was the improvement to the lockers a few years ago, it's always the school committee requesting it from the council what their priorities are. And at that point we can say, hey, we think that the money could be better spent somewhere else.
[Paul Camuso]: If that was the case. On the motion.
[Paul Camuso]: Mr. President, are we going to be talking about the, I believe it's an $8 million proposal or the $2 million proposal that the mayor talked about phase one? I mean, this is where we're getting, we don't want to give the children of Medford false hopes that we're looking at doing 8 million if the school committee is only going to give us a request for two or three. So the, as Councilor Penter very eloquently alluded to the press release in the mayor's own words. It was going to be public input, which I believe was done or is about to be done. There was a meeting either scheduled or scheduled to be done. And then the mayor went on to say it still needs the approval of the school committee, according to what the councilor just read, and the approval of the city council.
[Paul Camuso]: And Mr. President, I just have always been a big advocate of the citizens. It has spoken. They elect the school committee that are ready, willing, and able to serve. They're the people that are put in the role to make decisions.